Episode 152: As a Baron, As a Brother
In Spain, Leonid steps back.
Man: I tune level 1 Darklon, level 2 Dark Tinker, and level 5 Endless Decay.
Tinker becomes 2 rings that Darklon and Decay fly through, becoming 6 stars [2 + 1 + 5 = 8].
Man: Synchro Summon! Crimson Mefist [ATK 2800/DEF 1300 LV 8]. Strike down Heroic Champion- Excalibur!
It spits blood over it and it blows up. Leonid steps back and gasps in pain [Leonid LP = 700].
Leonid: I can't go much longer. I'm sorry your highness…looks like I won't survive this battle.
Alphonse: I Overlay my level 8 Crimson Blader and Montage Dragon.
Both turn into lights and fly into a spiral.
Alphonse: Exceed Summon. Thunder- End Dragon [ATK 3000/DEF 2600 RANK 8]. Now I remove an Overlay Unit and destroy all monsters.
Lightning rains down from the sky and burns away all the monsters on the field. Leonid looks in shock as Alphonse walks up.
Alphonse: Never give up Leonid. After all, my son and daughter will be coming home for a warm dinner and a cozy place to sleep.
Leonid: …Of course your highness. As you wish.
Opening
In Spain to begins to snow.
Charlotte: Home was never a good place for me. Mother died in childbirth and I grew up only learning about her from everyone else. Father never showed me any kind words and the Conquistos only respected me for being the baron's son. Big brother, you were the only one to show me real kindness. Even though everyone else didn't like it, you played with me every day no matter what.
Baron: That's right, I remember. Those were the days weren't they? The summer days felt like they would go on forever.
Charlotte: It was in winter when it happened. Father ordered us not to go outside due to temperature and snow. But we didn't listen to him and went outside anyway.
The two play and laugh until Charlotte trips and falls into the water. Baron's eyes widen and he quickly runs in after her, pulling her out of the water. Rika and Ren run over as she coughs and they wrap her in a blanket.
Baron: That's right…you almost died that day. We only got you to a doctor just in time.
Charlotte: And even then father never visited me? Once again, you were the only one who came to visit every day for a visit. I was happy then, knowing we stood together against father. And then…
A younger Charlotte walks down a hallway rubbing her eyes. She hears voices and hides behind a wall as Baron is talking to Alphonse.
Alphonse: You went to visit her again today. That isn't good for you.
Baron: Shouldn't it be my choice to do what I please father? Just because you don't love her doesn't mean I have to hate her.
Alphonse: You are still a fool behind any meaning of the word. I do not despise the girl. But a baron must understand his priorities. You will become baron of this country one day. Charlotte is frail and fragile. She'll be a burden to you.
Baron: You're her father! How can you say such things about your own child!?
Alphonse: I say those things because those things are true. Surely you feel the same way? Come now, no one is perfect. Don't you have some dark feelings?
Baron: …Yes, I do. She can be a pain sometimes. Sometimes…I wish she would not exist.
Charlotte's eyes open and she walks off, slamming her door and begins to cry. As she sobs, someone stands there.
Charlotte: Who…?
Vergil: The darkness in your soul cried out to me. I am here to alleviate your suffering. All you need to do is take my hand be welcomed into absolution.
The flashback ends as Charlotte begins to cry again.
Charlotte: I thought we were friends brother…but now I see that was a lie. You never cared for me…no one ever did.
Baron: Charlotte, that's crazy! Please, just listen to me for one minute!
Charlotte: Quiet! Quiet and just finish up the duel! The sooner we end the duel, the sooner I will be content [Charlotte LP = 2000] [Baron LP = 2600]
Baron snarls and holds his Duel Disk up. He has only a set card while Charlotte grins with Bickuribox equipped with Axe of Despair [ATK 3300/DEF 2000 LV 7].
Baron: Here goes, draw! Charlotte, I can understand why you feel that way. But please, give me one more chance to explain. You are not unloved. I'll show you that fact. I summon Lycan de Oruga [ATK 1000/DEF 1000 LV 4]. During my turn, this monster can wage a direct attack.
It lunges and paws Charlotte. She gasps and steps back, glaring ahead [Charlotte LP = 1000].
Baron: If that's the only way to knock some sense into you Charlotte, then so be it. Think! Why wouldn't I care for you after all the time we spent together and all the things we did?
Charlotte: How should I know? All I need to know is that everyone you're doing is a trick. The past means nothing to me anymore. This is my future! A future that you are standing in the way of. If those memories are in the way….then I'll shatter those worthless memories! I draw! I set a card. Time to end this! Bickuribox attacks.
Baron: Trap card, Lunar Rite! Now you get a choice Charlotte, lucky you. You can both choose to continue your attack and raise your monster's power by 1000 and give me 500 life points or negate your attack and gain 1000 life points.
Rika: What are you doing?! You're going to give her the pieces to victory!
Charlotte: Ha ha ha! This is a no-brainer! You've given me all the pieces for to win! Even with that life point boost you're still going to lose.
Baron: Well? What are you waiting for then? Go ahead and choose.
Charlotte: If you were so desperate to lose, then you should have just surrendered! I…no. If I finish you off like this, that won't mean anything. You…you won't be losing, you'd just have tossed away victory! I…I choose effect #2! [Charlotte LP = 2000].
Rika: But why? Had she designed the first effect she would have won.
Charlotte: If you aren't going to come at me, it is not a genuine win. Fight me like you mean it or else! Turn end.
Baron: Not bad. Here goes, draw! What do I do now? I was right in thinking she won't finish me yet. But how long can I hold on for?
Rika: Lord Baron, you can't give up! If you lose here, how else will you win and bring Charlotte home!?
Baron: Yes…that is true Rika. I set a monster and then change Oruga to defense mode [ATK 1000/DEF 1000 LV 4]. It is your turn now.
Charlotte: Big brother…why aren't you fighting like you used to?! You used to plan your duels out to every last detail and fight. But playing defense and putting yourself in positions where you can lose…that is nothing like the way you fight!
Baron: You're right, it isn't. But you claim the past means nothing. So why exactly is it haunting you?
Charlotte: I…don't get too over confident now! It is only natural to want a real fight. Otherwise, it won't seem like a victory. Either way, I suppose the Inferno needs fresh souls. Why not feed you to it. I draw! I set a monster. So I won't be attacked, I destroy Lycan de Oruga!
It slashes and chops it in two as Baron watches.
Charlotte: Now you won't be able to attack me directly anymore. Turn end.
Baron: Back to me, draw! I Flip Summon Lycan Parent [ATK 1000/DEF 1200 LV 4]. I release this card when summoned, including by flips, and summon two Tokens [ATK 1000/DEF 1200 LV 4 x2]. Now I release both in order to Advance Summon Lycan Cabecilla- Fiero Diente [ATK 2500/DEF 1700 LV 8].
Charlotte: No! Well…at least now you're fighting like the brother I know. Even so, it is far too weak.
Baron:. I equip my monster with Cursed Gem of Lycanthropy. This gives one Lycan monster 1500 attack points during my turn only [ATK 4000/DEF 1700 LV 8].
Charlotte: 4000 attack points?!
Baron: Strike down Bickuribox!
It roars and rushes forward, smashing through the monster as it blows up. Charlotte cries out as she is sent flying back [Charlotte LP = 1300].
Rika: He took down her strong monster. But she still has a set monster.
Baron: Getting closer one step at a time. All I can do is keep fighting like I am now. Turn end [ATK 2500/DEF 1700 LV 8].
Charlotte: This is just what I was hoping for. Time to put this baby to bed! I use the Spell card Foolish Burial. I send one monster from the deck to the graveyard. I then Flip Summon my Barrel of Monkeys [ATK 1500/DEF 1300 LV 4]. When flipped, I summon another Barrel of Monkeys [ATK 1500/DEF 1300 LV 4].
Baron: It's coming….
Charlotte: I remove monsters on my field whose levels equal 8. I remove two Barrel of Monkeys and summon Slinky Dragon [ATK 2800/DEF 2500 LV 8].
Rika: That's it. One of the legendary cards of the Alejandro family.
Baron: I had a feeling that was coming.
Charlotte: It's my win now! I attack your monster. Reverberation Ray.
It fires a beam of energy that destroys Lycan. Baron cries out [Baron LP = 2300].
Charlotte: And now its power.
Baron opens his eyes as the monster roars and extends its body, ramming him into the wall, smashing the table on the way. He hits the wall hard and vomits blood, cracking the wall behind him. Charlotte watches with a grin but then gasps.
Charlotte: B…Brother?
Baron slumps and lies on his hands and knees, coughing blood and spits out a tooth.
Baron: Nice…you really got me [Baron LP = 1500].
Rika: Lord Baron, this is getting out of hand! This battle is too dangerous to continue! You'll die if this goes on!
Baron: That doesn't matter to me. I'll keep fighting…no matter the outcome. That's my obligation to you Charlotte…as your brother!
Charlotte: No…that doesn't matter to me anymore! I don't need a family that doesn't love me! I don't want any more of your fake compassion! I'll wipe it all away…and then I'll finally have a family…
Baron: Charlotte…I promise at the end of this duel you will. Here I go, draw! I use the Spell card Cannibalism. This lets me draw 2 cards. I then discard a monster card. I set a monster and end my turn.
Charlotte: Still trying to hide behind your puny monsters? Fine, die like a coward then! Here I go, draw! Soak Soldier! When this monster attacks, he destroys a monster in defense mode! I'll attack with this and then Slinky for the game! Big brother, you lose! I summon Soak Soldier [ATK 1300/DEF 300 LV 3]. Take this big brother! I attack with…
She stops when she sees Baron staring at her with wet eyes.
Charlotte: He's…crying? But why is he crying? Is he scared of death? Or…is there some other reason? Stop it…stop crying! If you don't stop crying I'll…attack with Slinky Dragon!
Rika: She'll what?!
Dragon roars and fires an attack, destroying the set monster [Baron LP = 700].
Charlotte: It's fine like this right? I'll still be able to win even with a situation like this. Soak Soldier attacks directly! Hyper Water Blast!
Baron: When Lycan Ayudante is destroyed, all damage this turn is halved. 650 instead of 1300.
He is sent flying back and slides on the ground [Baron LP = 50].
Rika: He's alive. He only has a few life points but he's alive.
Charlotte: What's wrong with me? Why couldn't I finish him? He was right there! I could have won and I stopped anyway!?
Baron: Use any explanation you want Charlotte, but you know the reason why you delayed. It is quite simple. Your heart refuses to send you to evil! Please Charlotte, let's end all of this! Come back to being my sister again!
Charlotte: No…I can't. I'm too forgone down this path. I can never return to the life I once had. I…I am sorry brother but I can't go back to that man. I can't go back to a home where I'm not wanted. And why should I?! Father doesn't care…
Baron: That's not true! Father cares for you more than anything else! But that's why he couldn't get close to you! Charlotte…he never told you this, but you resemble mother. That's why he shunned you. A baron puts his family in danger by being close to them. Don't you see? He couldn't lose you like he lost mother!
Charlotte: Stop it, stop it! I can't think straight! My thoughts are smashing together in my head! Make it go away, make my thoughts clear! I have to get rid of you! That's the only way I'll be able to think straight again!
Baron: Charlotte…as you wish! I'll make you think rationally again! I draw. Spell card, Lunar Ceremony! I remove 2 Lycan monsters from play and draw 2. I set a monster and a card to end my turn.
Charlotte: Then this is my win! Draw! Jack in the Bomb! When he attacks, I'll trigger this Trap! It'll destroy both of our monsters and end the duel in my win! Brother, you'll finally pay! I set a card. Slinky Dragon attacks. Slinky Fire!
Baron: Trap card, Waboku. Now all damage taken this turn is negated.
The attack hits and stops as the monster is flipped [ATK 1200/DEF 600 LV 4].
Charlotte: Stop avoiding me! Why is the world always avoiding me?! Look at me and fight! Why won't you at least give me that! Please…
Baron: Charlotte…sorry I had to wait so long. But I had to gather the pieces for my victory equation. Here I go, draw! I see…thank you deck. You and I must share the same desire to save Charlotte. Very well then. Let's do it together! I use the power of Lycan Clonar. Once per turn, during my turn, I can Special Summon a Lycan Clonar from my deck [ATK 1200/DEF 600 LV 4]. Now by removing two monsters whose total levels equal 8, I can summon my best monster! Come on, Lycan Supremo Rey de Las Noches [ATK 2800/DEF 2000 LV 8].
Rika: He's summoned the second regal monster that represents the Spanish royal family.
Charlotte: Interesting, so this battle will decide the outcome! Since Lycan was summoned like that, you can use its power and raise strength. And once you do.
Baron: No. I'm perfectly content doing it like this. I attack.
Charlotte: What?! But if you attack, even if the battle results in a draw, you'll be finished due to the effect of your own monster and my monster using their powers. Are you saying…you don't mind this ending in a tie?! Even if you lose your soul in the process?
Baron: That doesn't matter to me Charlotte. Defeat bothers many people…but it does not bother me. As long as we are together Charlotte, that doesn't matter. I made my decision a long time ago.
He closes his eyes and remembers.
Baron: She may be a burden to me….but she is also my sister. To me, it doesn't matter if she is dead weight. Family stands by each other no matter what. That is what mother always told me!
Alphonse: …Do as you wish. And then…take care of her as I would also.
Charlotte listens to this and falls to her knees, beginning to cry.
Charlotte: I…I was wrong. Huh?! No, don't sacrifice yourself big brother! Trap card, Jack in the Bomb! Now I can destroy one monster and deal its power as damage to controller. And the monster I'll destroy is…my own monster, Slinky Dragon!
Rika: What?!
Baron: Charlotte…no! I'm fine ending it in a draw! Don't do this, Charlotte!
She grins and shakes her head as her monster blows up. She screams as she flies back, all the holograms vanishing as Baron runs forward, grabbing her before she hits the ground [Charlotte LP = 0].
Baron: Charlotte! Charlotte, you need to stay with me!
Charlotte: Big…brother….I'm sorry. I couldn't do it. I couldn't hate you. I wanted so very badly to be strong…but I couldn't get strong…
Baron: Don't say things like that! You're strong Charlotte! Stronger than anyone I know. To deal with as much as you have…I'm jealous.
Charlotte: Big brother…stop Vergil please. And then come….save us.
Baron: No! I'm taking you home Charlotte! Come on, let's go together!
She smiles and cries as a door appears, chains wrapping around her.
Baron: No! You won't take her away again! I won't let you!
Rika watches in sorrow as he fights the chains only for Charlotte to be pulled inside the doors as they slam shut. He falls to his knees as it vanishes. Baron begins to tear up as he pounds the ground.
Rika: Lord Baron….come on, let's go. Charlotte's sacrifice will not be in vain.
Baron: You're damn straight it won't. Come on, get a move on. We're going to retrieve Charlotte. After all, I'll be baron of this country one day. If I can't save one little girl, how can I lead a country.
He turns and grins. Rika smiles and nods, following him. He looks down, but keeps walking ahead. In a dark place.
Vergil: Yes….struggle away duelists. Every duel…every fight…every drop of power feeds the Yomishin. Guide us Yomishin…guide us to the new world.
To be continued
Baron: Today we'll be going over Jack in the Bomb. Destroy one monster and deal its attack points as damage.
Axel: Hey, you're called Alphonse. Why does everyone call you Baron?
Baron: You want to know. It's because I'll be called baron one day soon anyway. I want to be called it now to get used to the title.
Axel: That's a stupid reason…
Baron: Security!
Axel: H-Hey, I was just kidding! Come on, get a sense of humor!
He runs off as many suited goons run after him. Baron sighs and rubs his forehead.