Yu-Gi-Oh! DE, Book One; The Paths You Choose. TEMPORARY HIATUS

[legendhiro]

now that's more like it.

[legendhiro]

[spoiler=Chapter Ten]

 

A Distress Call, Part Two

 

 

Greg

 

 

“Emperor I presume,” I said as I stood up and faced my assailant

 

“The rumors are true,” said Emperor, his voice deep and harsh, “you really are very smart. Too bad for you that I’m much smarter than you. My plan went off without a hitch.”

 

I’d been trying since I sensed Emperor and his four Duelists that I currently sensed outside to try and piece together how they had managed to get past my defenses. With Emperor’s statement in mind, my suspicions were validated.

 

“The attack against my brother and Team One,” I said. “It served a duel purpose. You were able to seize a Shadow Millennium Item from us, and you created a reason for me to lower my defenses. You knew that the only reason that I would ever risk lowering my defensive spells would be to rescue my own brother. You waited for my spell to come down, and then you and your men teleported in. I’m not sure how you managed to find this compound in the first place, but by the time I’m finished with you, it won’t matter, because it won’t matter how you did anything ever again. I actually have to thank you for all of this. You coming here saved me the trouble of having to hunt you down. Now I can destroy you right now.”

 

“I came here to destroy you, Gregory Hendriks,” said Emperor, “and I plan to do just that.”

 

“You can try to kill me all you like,” I replied, “but first, tell me, did my brother at least manage to get the Shadow Key away from you before he died?”

 

Emperor answered me by spreading his cloak and revealing the Shadow Millennium Key and the Shadow Millennium Pendant hanging around his neck. I made a quick note that the blade that he had attacked me with was actually the lower section of the handle of the Shadow Millennium Rod tucked into his belt.

 

“I see,” I said. “My brother failed.”

 

“True,” Emperor said, “but don’t feel bad. Your Team One put up quite a fight. But even they were simply a part of my plan. We left one of them largely unharmed and used some simple misdirection to convince him that your brother managed to send the item away, and that he is still alive, being held captive for interrogation.”

 

Emperor actually chuckled, marveling at his own scheme.

 

“We gave him a message for you Team Two that Timothy would be returned if the Key is found and handed over to us. A simple distraction that should keep them away from home long enough for us to finish up here. Not that they would be any threat to our power.”

 

I nodded, “You’re smart, but that won’t save you from my wrath.” I raised my Duel Disk and switched it on, “You’ll pay for ending my brother’s life.”

 

Emperor sheathed his blade in the handle of the Shadow Rod and switched on his Duel Disk as well, “We’ll see.”

 

 

Marcus

 

 

“My turn first,” said the taller of my opponents. “I, Spark, will vanquish you with my light.”

 

I smiled and glanced down at my deck, Not as long as I have my Gaia deck you won’t.

 

“I summon the ‘Royal Knight’,” Spark began, “and equip him with the Spell card ‘Unstable Evolution’. Now, if my Life Points drop below yours, the attack of my monster will rise to twenty-four hundred.”

 

A white, mechanical, ceramic knight with crystalline joints appeared, sword in hand (ATK: 1300).

 

“I set a card and pass the baton to my fearless leader, Zero.”

 

“Draw,” the leader, Zero, continued, “and I summon ‘Blizzard Dragon’ and set three cards.”

 

A blue-gray dragon appeared at Zero’s side (ATK: 1800).

 

“Your move.”

 

Serious guy, I thought. I drew and examined my hand. It was perfect.

 

“I play ‘Hand Destruction’,” I said, “forcing each player to discard two cards and then draw two cards.”

 

I discarded two monster cards and then drew again.

 

“Next up, I play ‘Graceful Charity’ to draw three cards and then discard two cards.”

 

I drew one monster and two non-monsters, and discarded that monster as well as another monster, leaving only one monster in my hand.

 

“I set four cards,” I said, “leaving one card in my hand. That allows me to summon that card; ‘Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight’!”

 

An armored, dual-lance-wielding knight appeared at my side aback an armored purple-haired steed (ATK: 2300).

 

“I attack your ‘Royal Knight’, Spark,” I declared. I have to take these guys out quick. That means dealing as much damage as I can as early as I can.

 

“Reveal,” said Zero, “the Trap ‘Ultimate Offering’.”

 

“It won’t help you,” I said.

 

“It will once I play this,” said Spark. “I reveal ‘Seven Tools of the Bandit’ and pay one-thousand Life Points, negating my allies Trap and decreasing my Life Points below yours, boosting my monster’s Attack (LP: 8000-1000=7000/ATK: 1300 -> 2400).”

 

My ‘Gaia’ struck with his lance, but the ‘Royal Knight’ was able to avoid the attack and strike back with his sword, cleaving my knight in half (8000+2300-2400=7900).

 

“And because my ‘Royal Knight’ destroyed a monster,” Spark explained, “I gain Life Points equal to your monster’s Defense (7000+2100=9100).”

 

“Increasing your Life Points only makes your monster weaker,” I said (2400 -> 1300), “and I was prepared for your counterattack. I reveal ‘Pot of Greed’ and ‘Monster Reborn’ to draw two cards and to revive ‘Swift Gaia’.”

 

A flash of red light shone throughout the corridor and my ‘Gaia’ reappeared.

 

“Finally,” I reveal ‘Metamorphosis’, transforming my ‘Gaia’ into his most powerful form,” ‘Gaia’’s horse transformed into a yellow-tan-colored legless dragon with curved spikes protruding from its chest, head, jaw, and wings, “’Gaia the Dragon Champion’ (ATK: 2600)!”

 

“My dragon is stronger,” said Spark, beginning his second turn. “I’ll prove it to you that I’m superior. I set a card and tribute my ‘Royal Knight’ for the ‘Majestic Mech – Goryu’!”

 

‘Royal Knight’ was replaced by a massive, winged, serpentine dragon made of segments of white ceramic disks connected by golden-yellow crystal. The dragon roared (ATK: 2900).

 

“Attack!” Spark cried. The dragon breathed a wave of light, which was swallowed up by a swirl of wind and light before it could hit my monster.

 

“I cancel your attack with ‘Negate Attack’, and because you summoned your monster with a single tribute, he’s destroyed during the End Phase.”

 

‘Goryu’ shattered.

 

“You might have defeated Spark’s monster,” said Zero, “but you still have to deal with me. I’m the leader for a reason. I begin with the Spell card ‘Card of Sanctity’.”

 

We each refilled our hands.

 

“Next,” Zero continued, “I play ‘Polymerization’, fusing ‘Elemental Hero Ice Edge’ in my hand with the ‘Blizzard Dragon’ on the field,” the two monsters merged into a tall, cape-wearing warrior in crystal-like white armor, “’Elemental Hero Absolute Zero’ (ATK: 2500)!”

 

 

Raphael

 

 

Ever since I made the mistake of succumbing to evil and hate years ago, I’ve been repenting for my crimes by fighting to do good. I would fight again today.

 

“I know what you’re thinking,” said the muscular man who was one of my opponents. “But as strong as you are and as hard as you fight, you can never beat us.”

 

“You seem very proud of your power,” I replied.

 

“Brock has reason to be proud,” said the smaller opponent, “as do I, the Great C.D., manipulator of time itself. Let me show you our power. I begin with the Spell card ‘Final Countdown’ (8000-2000=6000)! Now, in twenty turns, we win! I set two cards and a monster, and I end my turn.”

 

“Making it my move,” said Brock. He drew, and a small flame appeared hovering above us in the air, the final countdown beginning.

 

“I summon ‘Abaki’,” Brock commanded, a red-skinned, spiked-club-wielding demon appearing at his side (ATK: 1700), “set a card, and pass.”

 

“It’s already apparent that your monsters don’t have the power to stand up against my cards,” I declared, a second flame appearing above me. “I place ‘Celestial Sword - Eatos’ on the field,

allowing me to Special Summon the ‘Guardian Eatos’ and equip her with her blade.”

 

A winged woman wearing a brown dress and eagle headdress appeared, picking up the silver sword

(ATK: 2500+300=2800).

 

I play ‘Graceful Charity’,” I said, drawing three cards and discarding two.

 

“Next, ‘Eatos’ attacks ‘Abaki’,” I commanded.

 

“And,” Brock countered, “’Abaki’ overcomes your attack with the Trap card ‘Prideful Roar’. I pay Life Points equal to the difference in our monsters’ attacks (8000-1100=6900) in order to increase the Attack of my monster by that amount plus three hundred (1700 -> 3100).

 

‘Abaki’’s club almost doubled in size and he swung it with all his might, hitting the oncoming, attacking monster and destroying her (8000+2800-3100=7700). But I didn’t skip a beat.

 

“When ‘Eatos’ is destroyed, I can summon a new monster.”

 

Darkness erupted from the ground near my feet. From that darkness emerged a new monster. She was a hulking, demonic version of my fallen ‘Guardian Eatos’.

 

“When my ‘Guardian Dreadscythe’ is summoned,”

I explained, "I equip her with her weapon automatically. Behold,” an immense long-handled sickle appeared in my monster’s hands, “the ‘Reaper Scythe – Dreadscythe’

(ATK: 2500).

 

“Next I activate ‘Hand Destruction’,” I declared, sending two monsters from my hand to the Graveyard and drawing two cards. My opponents discarded two cards apiece and drew two cards apiece as well.

 

“Now,” I explained, “because I have three monsters in my Graveyard, my monster gains fifteen hundred Attack due to the effect of her scythe (ATK: 2500+1500=4000). I attack ‘Abaki’!”

 

With a single sweep of her scythe, ‘Dreadscythe’ cleaved the red-skinned demon in half (6900+3100-4000=6000). Less than a second later, the two halves exploded.

 

“When ‘Abaki’ is destroyed,” Brock explained, “each player receives eight hundred points of damage (6000-800=5200/6000-800=5200/7700-800=6900).”

 

“It doesn’t matter,” I said. “My monster outclasses almost every monster in the game, and I have plenty of other powerful cards at my disposal.”

 

“You won’t get a chance to use any of them,” said C.D., “because I’m gonna finish you off right now, and you can’t do anything about it.”

 

 

Greg

 

 

I drew a sixth card. I was angry, and I was determined to end this war and make Emperor pay all at once.

 

“I summon,” I said, “the shield monster ‘Gladiator Beast Hiplomus’ in defense mode.”

 

A rhinoceros-like monster with a massive, strong-looking humanoid torso and arms appeared between me and my opponent. He wore armor and a ring of hexagonal plates hung in the air, surrounding him protectively (DEF: 2000).

 

“I place a card face-down,” I concluded, “and I equip my monster with ‘Gladiator Beast’s Archfiend Shield’.”

 

A broad, wicked-looking shield appeared floating just outside of the monster’s protective ring.

 

“A Gladiator Beast deck,” said Emperor. “No wonder you are so feared. With a deck like that, you probably don’t lose very often. But my deck contains many powerful cards as well. Allow me to demonstrate. I play ‘Double Summon’, a Spell which allows me to make two Normal Summons per turn instead of one. Next I summon ‘Samsara Kaiser’,” a humanoid warrior appeared, wearing a cape, his entire body protected by a suite of armor that included a flat-topped dome helmet with two small eye holes cut into it, “and I tribute my monster to summon ‘Granmarg the Rock Monarch’!”

 

A stone warrior with massive arms appeared, flexing those arms, his armor grinding (ATK: 2400).

 

“When ‘Granmarg’ is Normal Summoned,” Emperor continued, “he summons a seismic wave with earth-shaking force to destroy one face-down card.”

 

‘Granmarg’ punched the ground, sending an energy wave through it, crushing my face-down ‘Defensive Formation’ trap card. I stifled a smile. My face-down card had been nothing more than a decoy to direct attention away from my monster.

 

“Additionally,” said Emperor, “because ‘Samsara Kaiser’ was sent to the Graveyard as a result of a Tribute Summon, he returns to my hand.”

 

‘Samsara Kaiser’ ejected from Emperor’s Graveyard, and I realized what type of deck he had.

 

“You use an easy Tribute Summon deck,” I said, “a deck designed with the power to summon high level monsters instantly.”

 

“I’m afraid that you’re much worse off than that,” said Emperor. “My deck isn’t just a Tribute Summon deck. It’s a Monarch monster Tribute Summon deck. I can summon most any one of the feared Monarch monsters that I want as often as I want. That means that I have access to every one of their powerful effects!”

 

This time I did smile, if only for a second. I know how I’m going to beat you, Emperor. And the best part is, you handed me the answer.

 

“Now,” Emperor commanded, “’Granmarg’, attack ‘Hiplomus’!”

 

‘Granmarg’ raised his massive right hand and made a fist, and he took a swing at my monster. But his attack was interrupted when the ‘Gladiator Beast’s Archfiend Shield’ rose up and absorbed the attack. The shield shattered, but my monster remained unharmed.

 

“Because my monster was involved in a battle,” I declared, “I have the option of activating his effect. I have him “tap out” and return to my deck. This allows me to “tag in” a new ‘Gladiator Beast’ monster, like my ‘Gladiator Beast Murmillo’!”

 

‘Hiplomus’ disappeared, and in his place appeared an amphibious creature with blue skin, wearing armor and carrying twin shell-cannons on his shoulders.

 

“When ‘Murmillo’ is tapped in,” I explained “his special attack is activated. Go, Murmillo Cannon!”

 

‘Murmillos’’s shell-cannons charged with energy, discharging bursts of red light that blasted the much larger and stronger ‘Granmarg’ apart with ease.

 

“Now it’s my turn, Emperor,” I said. “I begin by playing ‘Pot of Greed’ to draw two cards. Now, it’s time for me to display the true power of my deck. I summon the ‘Gladiator Beast Laquari’.”

 

A tiger warrior, armored, with a metal ring burning with fire floating in the air above him appeared (ATK: 1800).

 

“I follow up with ‘Quick Summon’, allowing me to play a second monster. Like my ‘Gladiator Beast Andul’!”

 

An armored bear with huge claws appeared at my side, standing on his hind legs (ATK: 1900).

 

“I initiate a Contact Fusion,” I declared, “returning my monster cards to my deck to combine my monsters into the ultimate Gladiator Beast!”

 

My three monsters merged in a flash of light. They became a vaguely humanoid amalgamation of beasts with a feline head and the body of a dinosaur from the waist down. His armor was made up of various different types of armor layered together. He carried a shield of honeycombed plates, like those that had made up ‘Hiplomus’’ defensive ring. Two small cannons were visible, fixed to the of his shield. He carried an axe made of various blades joined together, and a pair of transparent green wings extended from his back.

 

“Introducing the most powerful of the ‘Gladiator Beasts’, the ‘Gladiator Beast Heraklinos’!”

 

My monster roared at the utterance of his name (ATK: 3000).

 

“My monster can negate a Spell or Trap at the cost of a card in my hand. Of course, this does nothing to protect him from your Monarch effects, so I play ‘Roar of Heraklinos’,

a Continuous Spell that cannot be destroyed while ‘Heraklinos’ is in play, and allows me to discard a card to negate the effect of any card that specifically targets a monster. While I control this, my monster is invincible!

 

“Now, ‘Heraklinos’, attack!”

 

My monster swung his axe-like blade. Emperor avoided the blade expertly, but his Life Points still suffered (8000-3000=5000).

 

“I finish my turn with the Spell card ‘Card of Demise’,” I concluded, “allowing me to draw until I hold five cards, giving me fuel for my effects.”

 

 

Marcus

 

 

“Reveal,” said Zero, “the Trap card ‘Shock Wave’! I destroy my own ‘Absolute Zero’, dealing each player damage equal to his Attack and activating his effect (Spark: 6400-2500=3900/Marcus: 8000-2500=5500/Zero: 7000-2500=4500).”

 

As ‘Absolute Zero’ exploded, a gust of icy wind poured from him, freezing everything on my field until my monster turned brittle. ‘Gaia’ shattered before my eyes.

 

“Next,” said Zero, “I play ‘Monster Reborn’ to revive my ‘Absolute Zero’.”

 

“And I,” said Spark, “reveal ‘Call of the Haunted’ to revive the ‘Majestic Mech – Goryu’.”

 

“I equip ‘Scroll of Bewitchment’ to ‘Goryu’,” Zero continued, “changing its Attribute to Water. And for each other Water monster on the field, the Attack of ‘Absolute Zero’ rises by five hundred points (2500+500=3000). I equip my monster with the Spell card ‘Megamorph’,” Zero declared, and I knew then that I’d lost. “This double’s my monster’s original Attack.”

 

A glowing ring appeared below his monster, and its size and power rose (ATK: 3000 -> 5500).

 

“Raph,” I said to my friend, “don’t let them through!”

 

“I attack directly,” Zero commanded, “with ‘Elemental Hero Absolute Zero’.”

 

‘Absolute Zero’ spread his cape and summoned an icy wind that struck me with incredible force. Everything faded away.

 

 

Raphael

 

 

C.D. drew, and a third flame appeared overhead.

 

“Reveal,” said C.D., “the Trap cards ‘Pyro Clock of Destiny’ and ‘Pyro Clock of the Future’.

I discard two cards for the effect of ‘Pyro Clock of the Future’; ‘Clock Magician’ and ‘Magician’s Valkyria’. This moves the turn count forward by a total of three.”

 

Three more flames appeared.

 

“Next,” C.D. declared, wearing a wicked smile, “I remove two copies of ‘Clock Magician’ in my Graveyard from play,

advancing the turn count forward another four.”

 

Four more flames appeared.

 

“And I finish,” said C.D., “with the Spell card ‘Turn Jump’, advancing the Turn Count forward three for each player.”

 

And I was struck with realization as nine more flames appeared, for a grand total of nineteen.

 

No, I thought, I’ve failed!

 

“I end my turn,” C.D. concluded.

 

“I draw,” said Brock, “and you lose.”

 

A twentieth flame appeared, and all twenty flames fell on me at once.

 

[spoiler=Card of the Day]

This card rocks. It just does. End of Story.

 

 

 

 

 

Next Chapter Action

 

Greg fights for his life against Emperor. Charlie finds HQ in danger. When Team Two discovers Emperor's handiwork, they finally go on the offensive.

 

 

New chapter of my other fic tomorrow.

[Brinolovania]

Oh my-this is just epic. By the way, what does C.D. stand for? I'm guessing Count Down.

[legendhiro]

Charles something (his name is never actually mentioned so i haven't settled on a last name yet), but he shortens it to C.D. because final countdown is his favorite card, so you are mostly right.

[legendhiro]

bumpitty. new chapter tomorrow (hopefully).

[legendhiro]

and here's another one! whoooo!

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter Eleven]

 

Action

 

 

Greg

 

 

“I’m sorry to disappoint you,” said Emperor, “but you lose right now. I begin with ‘Pot of Greed’, allowing me to draw two cards.” He looked over his newest acquisitions, and continued, “Next I reveal the Continuous Trap card ‘By Order of the Emperor’. Now whenever I summon a monster whose effect activates when it’s summoned, I can negate its effect and draw a card. I also reveal ‘Ultimate Offering’. Now I can make as many summons per turn as I want for the cost of five hundred Life Points per summon.

 

“I activate ‘Fiend Sanctuary’,” Emperor continued, “to summon a ‘Metal Fiend Token’.” A small creature made of stacked metal spheres appeared, “And I tribute the Token for ‘Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch’.”

 

A tall warrior in fiery red armor appeared (ATK: 2400).

 

“I negate ‘Thestalos’’ effect to draw a card,” said Emperor, and he drew.

 

“I pay one thousand Life Points,” Emperor continued (5000-1000=4000), “to summon ‘Samsara Kaiser’ and tribute him for ‘Raiza the Storm Monarch’.”

 

A warrior in green armor molded to resemble a bird appeared as well (ATK: 2400).

 

“I negate ‘Raiza’’s effect as well to draw again,” Emperor declared, “and because ‘Samsara Kaiser’ was sent to the Grave due to a Tribute Summon, he returns to my hand.”

 

It was in that moment that I saw the true extent of Emperor’s power, and I began to understand how much danger I might be in.

 

“I play ‘Graceful Charity’,” said Emperor, “to draw another three cards and then discard two cards.”

 

He carried out the effect.

 

“Now I pay another one thousand Life Points (4000-1000=3000) to summon ‘Samsara Kaiser’ and tribute him yet again for ‘Zaborg the Thunder Monarch’.”

 

‘Samsara Kaiser’ was sacrificed again, and a giant warrior in silver armor appeared. His pastel green hair sat in an afro atop his head. Lightning spread across his body.

 

“I negate my monster’s effect to draw again, and I pay yet another one thousand Life Points (3000-1000=2000) to summon ‘Mobius the Frost Monarch’.”

 

Another sacrifice later, and another Monarch joined the ranks of my opponent’s cards. This one, the blue-armored warrior with the penguin-head helm, had the power to destroy Spell and Trap cards. Of course he couldn’t destroy my Spell card.

 

What is he doing? Is he trying to draw into something important?

 

“I negate ‘Mobius’’ effect as well,” said Emperor. He drew again.

 

“Finally,” said Emperor, “I pay a final one thousand Life Points (2000-1000=1000) to summon my Spirit Monster and my final Monarch, ‘Caius the Shadow Monarch’!”

 

Shadows crept up around Emperor, taking form, becoming a wicked warrior in black armor. Shadows billowed around him like dark fire (ATK: 2400).

 

“I could use my monster’s effect,” said Emperor, “to remove your Spell card from play, but at this point it wouldn’t matter, so I’ll draw another card instead. And I equip ‘Caius’ with the Spell card ‘United We Stand’, raising the Attack of my monster by eight hundred per monster that I control.”

 

I watched with barely controlled fear as ‘Caius’’ power climbed (2400+(800x5)=6400).

 

“My monsters attack,” Emperor commanded, triumph in his voice. ‘Caius’ blew my ultimate monster away like it was nothing, and I found myself under attack from fire-, ice-, lightning- and wind-based attacks. I fell to my knees under the assault (8000+3000-6400-(2400x4)=0).

 

“Take my Shadow Millennium Ring,” I said defiantly as he approached me slowly, savoring his victory, “but you won’t succeed.”

 

“Oh,” said Emperor as he unsheathed his Shadow Rod and separated its blade, “I think I will.”

 

And Emperor thrust the blade into my heart.

 

 

Charlie

 

 

After I arrived back at HQ I helped Jeff make his way to medical. From there, once I was sure Jeff was okay, I headed for Greg’s office at the end of his secluded corridor. The first thing I noticed was Raphael and Marcus unconscious on the floor. Next I noticed the five figures huddled outside of Greg’s office, deep in conversation.

 

“Who are you?” I demanded, and all five figures turned to face me. One of them, a figure wearing a more ornate cloak than the others, raised his hand and aimed his palm at me. I suddenly found myself surrounded by shadows, facing five Duelists all alone.

 

 

Rocky

 

 

“We’ve been over this whole place twice,” said Rachel solemnly. “There’s no clue here.” She sounded defeated.

 

“It’s possible that Emperor has contacted Greg with further information by now,” said Prof.

 

“Yeah,” I agreed. “We should head back. I’m sure Greg will have some information for us.”

 

“If Greg had new information,” said Marco, “wouldn’t he have gotten in touch with us?”

 

“Who knows,” Prof answered. “That guy makes less sense than I do. Now huddle up. We’re going back.”

 

So we did. We placed our hands on each others’ shoulders and pooled our strength. In a flash we were gone from the ruins that had caused us so much frustration, and we were back at HQ. I took a deep breath, allowing the heavy activity of the Arena Room to sink in. But before I even had two minutes to feel relaxed, Prof was off running.

 

“Duel Disks out and follow me,” he commanded, and Rachel, Marco and I were on his heels. He led us toward Greg’s office. We rounded the corner, and I felt like I’d been slapped. Lying on the floor in the corridor, staring lifelessly at the ceiling above them, were Raphael, Marcus and-.

 

“Charlie!”

 

Rachel pushed past Prof and fell to her knees at her brother’s side, her face fearful.

 

“He’s gone,” she declared, her voice cracking, “his soul isn’t here!”

 

I watched Prof move to look into Greg’s office, which was still out of sight, and his face grew dark.

 

“Rocky. Rachel. Get Raph, Marcus and Charlie into Greg’s office out of sight. Marco, make sure no one comes back here. No one can see this.”

 

Prof stepped into the office. I grabbed Raphael by the arms and pulled him through the doorway, where I saw Prof bent over Greg’s lifeless body, feeling for a pulse. His face told me that there was none, and I suddenly felt like I could collapse right there. Greg was untouchable! If he could fall to Emperor, what could we possibly do?

 

“When we teleported in,” said Prof, straightening up, “I knew something was wrong. Even though it’s possible for us who know how to transport into the compound through Greg’s defenses, there is always a certain amount of resistance. This time, there was none.”

 

“Did Emperor do this?” I asked. “Are we sure it was him?”

 

“Yeah,” said Prof. “Greg’s Shadow Item is gone, but Raph’s, Marcus’ and Charlie’s Items aren’t.

 

I swallowed nervously.

 

“Now go,” said Prof, “Get Marcus and Charlie.”

 

I stepped out and drug Marcus inside. I stepped out again. By now Marco and Rachel were outside looking in. Marco looked shocked, and Rachel looked angry, and, of course, shocked. I walked over to Charlie and pulled him across the threshold as well. Rachel and Marco followed me inside. Prof was standing behind Greg’s desk, manipulating the keys that controlled Greg’s powerful network of computer, trying with great conviction to get something to happen, though I didn’t know what. I’m sure that knowing that Greg’s computer net was gone made Prof feel blind. As much as he and Greg didn’t get along, I know he relied on Greg’s powers just as much as the rest of us.

 

“How could this happen?” I asked. “I mean, Greg was-.”

 

“Quiet,” said Prof. “I’ve found what I was looking for.”

 

He looked up, and Greg’s screens, lifeless until a moment ago, flickered to life. On every screen appeared the same image of a man in an ornate cloak. He spoke: “I’m Emperor. As you can see, I’ve overcome the Elite’s greatest warrior and sharpest mind. I’ve defeated your strongest Duelists, and predicted your every move, even the arrival of the boy, Charlie, though I didn't really need to. His arrival was of no consequence.”

 

I looked over at Rachel. She looked like she wanted to reach through the screens and break Emperor’s neck. But she restrained herself.

 

“In fact,” Emperor continued, I’ve predicted the movements of your side so completely that I know that I’m talking only to Prof and his team of selective misfits; the only remaining threat to my power. I challenge the four of you to find me and my Emperor’s Four and fight us for the souls of the bodyguards and the boy.”

 

“We tried that,” Rachel exclaimed, frustrated.

 

“You may be wondering how to find me,” the recording of Emperor continued. “Well, it’s simple really. I allowed Gregory Hendriks to believe that his brother was no longer alive. It filled him with a delectable sense of hopelessness. Anyway, what I allowed your leader to believe was a lie. His brother is alive and well, a guest at our compound. I hear that one of you is very close to Timothy Hendriks. She should be able to sense his location, if she really cares about him. We’ll be waiting.”

 

Emperor’s image disappeared.

 

“Rachel,” Prof asked, “can you sense him?”

 

Rachel’s eyes were closed. Her Shadow Necklace was out, glowing faintly. “I’m trying,” she snapped, “but I just can’t. I’m not strong enough.”

 

This is too much for one person, I thought. I walked over to her and put my hand on her shoulder, lending her my strength. Rachel looked up at me, momentarily confused, and then smiled. She closed her eyes again and said nothing for several seconds. Finally she opened her eyes, looking determined.

 

“I know where he is. Let’s go.”

 

We gathered together, and in a flash, we were gone.

 

 

We arrived in an open chamber, the sandstone walls lined with gold. Four openings stood before us, each leading into its own corridor. Behind us was a single corridor.

 

“We’re underground,” I said, knowing instantly.

 

“This must be Emperor’s headquarters,” said Prof. “Rachel?”

 

She closed her eyes and her necklace glowed faintly. She opened her eyes again a moment later, “He’s somewhere on the other side of these corridors, but I can’t tell which one.”

 

“Maybe I can,” I said. I placed my hand on the wall between the two central corridors, and I felt a strange sensation. My sonar kicking in. I concentrated, but it was no use. I shook my head and looked back at the others, “Something’s interfering with the Soul of Earth’s sonar. I can’t tell where the corridors lead.”

 

“Well,” said Prof, “that leaves only one option left.”

 

“What’s that?” Marco asked.

 

“We split up,” Prof answered. And just like that, he stepped into the center right corridor and walked briskly away. Rachel was next, taking the corridor center left.

 

Marco sighed, “Well it looks like we’re splitting up, because that always works out so well in the movies. Great.” He rested the back of his head in his hands and stepped into the corridor to the left.

 

Well, I thought, here goes

 

I turned toward the corridor to the right and stepped inside.

 

[spoiler=Card of the Day]

This card, being Emperor's Spirit Monster deserves this slot. A close second, though, is the arguably key card in Emperor's combo, By Order of the Emperor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Chapter The Emperor's Four, Part One

 

the massive duel between Team Two and the Emperor's Four begins!

[legendhiro]

bump. i'm gonna try to get a new chapter up tonight or tomorrow.

[legendhiro]

HOLY CRAP!!! LEGENDHIRO POSTED A CHAPTER!!!!!

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter Twelve]

 

 

 

The Emperor’s Four; Part One

 

 

 

Marco

 

 

This is my first time ever writing anything, so bare with me.

 

Anyway, I walked through the corridor. Don’t ask me which corridor. I picked at random and can’t remember. But the number from the right of the corridor I chose doesn’t matter. What does matter is that after walking for only a few minutes I encountered a member of Emperor’s Four.

 

“I was wondering when I’d see a member of the illustrious Team Two,” the figure before me stated.

 

“Who are you?” I asked simply, trying to look determined.

 

That’s so cute, the other me said from within my mind, you’re trying to sound like me.

 

Shut up

 

I’m just sayin’.

 

“I’m Spark,” said the cloaked figure, and even in the dim light of the corridor, I could see a grin flash behind the hood of his cloak.

 

Ego much I thought.

 

“If you’re Order,” I said, “it doesn’t matter to me who you are. I’m gonna beat you. I’m gonna beat every Order member that gets in my way until I and the other me get to Emperor, and then we’ll beat him too.”

 

“You won’t beat Emperor,” said Spark, “because you won’t even beat me. I’m a superior Duelist presented by destiny with the task of acquiring great power and using it to reshape the world. I cannot be defeated, because my task is not yet complete!”

 

And that’s when he started in with the maniacal laughter. No joke.

 

Ego much is right, the other me agreed.

 

“If you’re so strong,” I said, “then prove it.” I felt the other me’s power flow through me, sealing my opponent and I into a Shadow Game, and I activated my Duel Disk.

 

“If that’s really what you want,” said Spark, “then let’s begin the last duel of your life.”

 

 

Prof

 

 

I walked for awhile in silence. There was nothing remarkable about the corridor. It was seemingly Egyptian, though I couldn’t be completely sure of its origins since it was devoid of any kind of writing or otherwise distinguishing marks. In fact, Emperor could do well in investing in an interior designer.

 

I sighed. I was bored. Them again, I think long, dull corridors bore most people. Plus the dim lighting made me have to squint. I don't like to squint. It gives me a headache.

 

Luckily, things got much more exciting relatively quickly when I came across a man of very large stature wearing a dark cloak.

 

"You're one of Emperor's men," I said. It was a statement. Not a question. But like so many stupid people, the large man didn't realize that, and he answered anyway.

 

"I am," the man said. "My name's Brock. I crush anyone I meet using my superior power!"

 

"I don't have time for posturing," I said. I florished my hand and Brock and I were locked in by the Shadows. "Let's get this over with."

 

 

Rocky

 

 

I walked through my chosen corridor in silence. As I walked I reached out with my Soul. I wasn't all too experienced with using my Earth Sense, but it still bothered me that I couldn't "see" the end of the corridors and beyond. It was a sign of powerful magic, targeted at keeping my specific powers, or ones like them, at bay. It was unsettling. As far as I could tell, though, my Earth Sense was the only one of my powers being disrupted, which meant that maybe whatever magic was at play was geared toward disrupting any extrasensory perception, instead of mine alone.

 

After a few minutes of twisting and turning I came across my opponent. When I saw exactly four corridors, I immediately knew that there would be a member of Emperor's Four waiting in each one. Still, I didn't like it.

 

"So, you're my opponent then?" I asked.

 

"Yep," my opponent answered, an edge of anticipation in his voice. "I'm C.D., and your time's up."

 

 

Rachel

 

 

I was angry. As I walked, that was all that kept churning through my head. I was angry at a lot of things, but mostly, without a doubt, I was angry at Emperor. I was as angry at Emperor as I'd been at the men who'd killed my parents all those years ago because Emperor too had taken my loved ones from me.

 

But I wasn't just angry. I don't tell people this often, so listen up: when I'm mad, I'm usually just trying to hide from myself the fact that I'm hurt, or sad, or lonely. Or even scared. But today I was feeling something that I wasn't used to feeling. I felt confused, which is odd since I'm usually very sure of everything. No matter how hard I racked my brain, I couldn't figure out why Rocky and the others were so willing to help me. I'm a jerk. I know it. Still, as much as I didn't know why they were helping, I was glad that they were. I'd only ever been so detached from those around me because it was the only true way to protect them. And maybe myself. I'd always been sure that it was the best way to prevent any emotional pain. But almost miraculously since Rocky had shown up, I'd been wondering if maybe I was wrong.

 

Anyway, to say that I was conflicted at the time would be an understatement. And on the rare occasion that I am conflicted, I like to hit things (or people, whatever) until I forget that I'm conflicted. And of course, If hitting isn't really an option, dueling usually works about as well.

 

And that's when I saw him. He was a few inches shorter than me, with blue hair peeking from under his hood.

 

"I'm Zero," he said, "the leader of the Emperor's Four. If you want to advance, you'll have to defeat me first."

 

"Does this mean that I'm going the right way?" I asked. "Is Timothy at the end of this corridor?"

 

"Sorry," said Zero in a monotone that I took as a sign of boredom, "but I can't tell you that."

 

I thought for a second. "He must be," I said. "Emperor will be watching over Tim personally, and there's no way that he'd allow himself to be left open. He'd place his strongest lackey in a position to defend him, and no one else. That means he's just ahead. Once I beat you, I'll be practically at his doorstep."

 

"You won't get past me," said Zero. "Nothing can beat my Subzero Army deck."

 

"An ice deck, huh," I replied. "Let's see which shatters first: your ice or my spear." I activated my Duel Disk and channeled all of my anger and conviction into my Necklace. It shone brightly, and a ring of shadows surrounded, locking us into a Shadow Duel of deadly consequences. A Shadow Game that neither of us could break.

 

"I start," I said, pulling six cards from my deck at once, "with the Spell card 'Fusion Sage'. This allows me to search my deck for a copy of the Spell card 'Polymerization'."

 

I fanned out my deck, chose a card, showed it, shuffled, and replaced my deck.

 

"Next I place two cards face-down and summon my 'Phantom Beast Cross-Wing'."

 

My six-winged bird appeared at my side, hovering in the air, his upper and lower wings beating in an alternating pattern (ATK: 1300).

 

"Since 'Cross-Wing' increases the Attack of other Phantom Beasts while in the Graveyard," Zero said calmly, "destroying it could be a mistake. However, it is far more likely that your face-down cards are the more serious threat. In fact, I'd be willing to wager that at least one of your cards is in place to cleverly discard a second 'Cross-Wing' from your hand or deck when I attack, increasing the Attack of your monster unexpectedly. So I'll play 'Cold Wave'."

 

I scowled as my face-down cards froze over, This guy already understands my deck. He knows cards, and well. I have to tread carefully.

 

"Next," Zero continued, "I summon 'Blizzard Warrior'."

 

A man in icy blue armor appeared, carrying a dual-bladed sword (ATK:1400).

 

"Attack," my opponent commanded, and Zero's monster slashed my 'Cross-Wing' to pieces (8000+1300-1400=7900).

 

"When my 'Blizzard Warrior' deals damage," Zero explained, "I get to see the top card of your deck and choose to either replace it on the top or the bottom of your deck."

 

I scowled again and showed him my card: 'Monster Reborn'.

 

"Place your card on the bottom of your deck," Zero said, and I did as he said. Zero concluded with a single, simple word, "End."

 

 

Marco

 

 

"I start things off," I said quickly. I was anxious. I wanted to finish the duel fast. "I summon 'Troop Dragon'," I declared, and a small group of relatively short green dragons appeared, wearing armor and carrying an assortment of weapons (DEF: 900).

 

"I place three cards face-down," I concluded, "and I end my turn."

 

"No problem," said Spark. "Prepare to be defeated through divine intervention! I summon 'Light Effigy'!"

 

A swirling cloud of light appeared at Spark's side, hovering at shoulder height (ATK: 1500).

 

"I attack 'Troop Dragon'," Spark declared, and the light bore down on my monster, burning him up.

 

"When my 'Troop Dragon' is destroyed," I said, "I get to summon another 'Troop Dragon' in attack mode (ATK: 700)."

 

"What a coincidence," said Spark mockingly. "I'm not done summoning either. I play 'Quick Summon' and tribute 'Light Effigy' to summon," 'Light Effigy' split into two clouds of light, which disappeared, their essence sacrificed to create a massive ceramic dragon with amber-yellow-crystals for joints and a white, segmented body, "my 'Majestic Mech - Goryu' (ATK: 2900)! My 'Mech' attacks, wave of light!"

 

"Reveal," I countered, "the Spell card 'Dragonic Phalanx',

allowing me to summon one 'Troop Dragon' from each my deck and Graveyard."

 

Two more groups of the small dragons appeared (DEF: 900).

 

"Then I'll target the 'Troop Dragon' in attack mode!" Spark commanded. His monster struck (8000+700-2900=5800).

 

"I activate 'Sanctuary in the Sky'," Spark continued, and suddenly we were (seemingly) outside, standing on a floating cloud in front of a roman-style temple, "and I set a card. I end my turn."

 

 

Prof

 

 

"I set two cards," I said, "and summon 'Gagagigo'."

 

A humanoid lizard in padded armor with long claws and spikes appeared standing tall at my side (ATK: 1850).

 

"Now hurry up and 'overpower' me big guy," I mocked.

 

"Don't mind if I do!" Brock picked a card from his hand, "I play 'Double Summon', allowing me to summon two 'Abaki' cards."

 

Two of the red-skinned, spiked-club-wielding demons appeared (ATK: 1700).

 

"I play 'Yami' to surround us in darkness," said Brock. Suddenly we were surrounded by a rolling black fog, and the 'Abakis' powered up (1700+200=1900).

 

"Chain," I called, "the Trap card 'Level Conversion Lab'. I show you a monster from my hand, and my Trap generates a level from one to six. The revealed monster gains that level until the end of the turn."

 

I showed Brock my 'Gogiga Gagagigo', and a pedestal appeared with a screen on top. Numbers flashed quickly on the screen, finally slowing and settling on five, "My monster becomes a level five for this turn."

 

"It won't help you," said Brock. "'Abaki' demons, attack!"

 

"Reveal," I countered, "the 'Ultimate Offering' Trap, paying five hundred Life (8000-500=7500) and tributing my monster for 'Gogiga Gagagigo'!"

 

'Gagagigo' grew larger, becoming clad in metalic armor. His skin turned red, and his claws and spikes grew longer and sharper. The monster roared (ATK: 2950).

 

Brock scowled, "I end my attack."

 

The charging demons stopped cold.

 

"Two face-downs. End."

 

 

Rocky

 

 

"No, C.D.," I said, "my time isn't up. Yours is." I brandished my Shield Disk, sealing the Shadow Game between me and my opponent. "I play the Spell card 'Miracle Rupture', allowing me to discard a Rock-Type monster, like my 'Heiracoshinx', from my deck in order to draw a card."

 

A card ejected from my deck, and I discarded it. Then I drew a card.

 

"I remove my 'Sphinx' from play to summon 'Gigantes'."

 

The earth ahead of me rose up and formed a giant savage man (ATK: 1900).

 

"I'll also summon 'Giant Soldier of Stone'."

 

A second giant sculpted from stone appeared, his massive arms crossed across his chest (DEF: 2000).

 

"I set a card," the hologram of my face-down card appeared, "and end my turn."

 

"Then the countdown to your death begins!" C.D. nearly sang. "I start with 'Hand Destruction'. We each discard two cards and then draw two cards. I discard 'Dimensioncaster' and 'Clock Magician'."

 

He fed his cards into his Graveyard and drew. I discarded 'Destruction Punch' and 'Crioshinx', and I drew as well.

 

"Now I play 'Monster Reborn'," said C.D., "and combo with 'Inferno Reckless Summon' to summon 'three 'Dimensioncasters'."

 

 

Three robed, staff-wielding sorcerers appeared in a flash of red light, each taking up a defensive stance around C.D. (DEF: 300).

 

"I set a card of my own, and pass."

 

 

Rachel

 

 

"Since I still can't play Spell or Trap cards," I said, "I simply summon my 'Phantom Beast Thunder-Pegasus' in defense mode."

 

A two-headed, two-colored horse with a mane and wings of lightning appeared (DEF: 2000).

 

"I'm assuming you're finished," said Zero. He drew, and my cards thawed out. "I tribute 'Blizzard Warrior' to activate the effect of 'Ice Summoner', Special Summoning her."

 

An attractive young woman in a blue dress appeared, surrounded by lingering frost and carrying a curling horn made of ice in her right hand (ATK: 300) .

 

"One per turn 'Ice Summoner' creates an 'Ice Spirit Token'." Some of the frost, lingering around the monster condensed into a ghostly ice beast no larger than a house cat (ATK: 100).

 

"Now I tribute both of my monsters to summon 'Medium of the Ice Barrier'!" A woman in a long, silky blue dress, with long silky blue hair appeared. She wore a golden pendant and had golden markings on her face (ATK: 2200).

 

"My sorceress attacks your 'Pegasus'," Zero commanded, and something caught my ear. The sorceress summoned up an icy breeze that threatened to blow my monster away.

 

"Reveal," I declared, "the Trap card 'Next to be Lost' to discard a second copy of 'Thunder-Pegasus' from my deck, which I remove from play to block your attack."

 

A wall of lightning formed, holding the attack back until it ended. Then it took the form of a second 'Thunder-Pegasus', which faded away.

 

"I end my turn," my opponent said simply, but I'd heard his voice crack, and his tone was solemn. I was sure now.

 

My opponent didn't really want to fight.

 

[spoiler=Card of the Day]

not much happened this chapter, but i had to pick one, so meh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Chapter The Emperor's Four; Part Two of Four

 

more sh*t happens. what can i say?

[legendhiro]

bump. come on, i need some feedback here...

[legendhiro]

bump again i guess :/

[Cthonian]

I've spent the last couple of days reading your fanfic and like your others I am enjoying it thoroughly... can't wait to see what happens next.

[legendhiro]

thanks, as always. glad to know someone is still reading it!

[legendhiro]

bump bumpitty bump bump

[legendhiro]

wanted to bump again to assure my readers that new chapters are on the way. my schedule has just been very full lately.

[Cthonian]

Can't wait or those new chapters.

[legendhiro]

Good news for any of my random readers who were also random readers of Yu-Gi-Oh! DF (my first series)! One of the excruciatingly numerous factors preventing me from concentrating on this fic and my other current fic (aside from shiny objects and ADHD) is the fact that i recently hit inspiration for the last Yu-Gi-Oh! DF Special, the Dark Elite, and i have found myself obsessed with writing it (add obsessive-compulsive disorder to the list).

 

The good news, everyone, is that i have decided to revive DF long enough to finish that special. Maybe once its done i can get a chapter posted here like i promised a month ago...

 

if you like DF (or even if you don't/haven't read it) stop back soon for the final chapter!

[Stigma_Horrizone]

sweetness

[legendhiro]

temporary hiatus

[Aviv: D's Knight]

i pant just pant finished pant reading pant your pant 3 pant series pant...it pant took pant about pant 3 pant months pant.

[legendhiro]

cool. glad ya like 'em! hey, does anyone know how to modify thread titles in the new format?

[Aviv: D's Knight]

no

[legendhiro]

so obviously its been awhile since i posted here. there aren't many chapters left, but i honestly think this is the best fic i've made (the final twist ending should leave most of you in agreement), so i want to focus all of my limited attention on these final chapters. therefore, once i've completed my other fic, Yu-Gi-Oh! DA, i will return here and finish up this one as well.

[legendhiro]

notice to my readers: i had planned to take a break from DE and work on this fic a little, since its at kinda a climactic point, but in my recent move i seem to have (hopefully only temporarily) lost the notebook containing all of the roughs for the rest of DE. until i find it, or re-write the whole d*mn thing, it will have to remain on the back burner. sorry. at least i'll keep posting here in the interim

[legendhiro]

notice to my readers: i had planned to take a break from DE and work on this fic a little, since its at kinda a climactic point, but in my recent move i seem to have (hopefully only temporarily) lost the notebook containing all of the roughs for the rest of DE. until i find it, or re-write the whole d*mn thing, it will have to remain on the back burner. sorry. at least i'll keep posting here in the interim ;)

 

EDIT: sorry for the double post. not sure what happened there...

[legendhiro]

the first of many (hopefully) new chapters is up! only seven remaining!

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter Thirteen]

 

The Emperor’s Four, Part Two of Four

 

 

Marco

 

 

The location of our battle had changed to that of the floating ‘Sky Sanctuary’. As a former member of the Order, I know cards. I knew the impact of my opponent’s Field Spell card. I knew how much harder it would be now for me to deal my opponent any substantial damage. Most Duelists would have been worried, but I’m not most Duelists.

 

I smiled.

 

“I’ve seen way scarier cards than ‘Sanctuary in the Sky’ and ‘Majestic Mech – Goryu’, and I’ve beaten them all. This won’t be any different. Just watch. I tribute my two ‘Troop Dragon’ cards to summon my ‘Dragonic Knight’!”

 

All members of the two platoons of dragon warriors disappeared at once, swallowed up in a swirl of wind that erupted out in a massive blaze. From the flames emerged the armored dragon knight, his sword held high (ATK: 2800).

 

“Your dragon is no match for mine,” Spark asserted, his dragon roaring its agreement.

 

“It will be once I equip it with ‘Dragon’s Treasure’.”

 

A round crystal appeared, embedded in the armor over my dragon’s chest, and he found himself surrounded by a powerful light (2800+300=3100).

 

“’Dragonic Knight’,” I commanded, “attack!”

 

My dragon charged, preparing to strike the enemy dragon down. But Spark was prepared.

 

“Reveal,” Spark declared, “the Trap card ‘Light of Judgment’.” He smiled the same condescending smile that he’d smiled earlier in the duel, and he continued, “I discard a Light monster to erase your monster and send it to the Graveyard!”

 

An orb of light formed above the ‘Sky Sanctuary’. A stream of light poured from the orb, sweeping across my monster.

 

“Looks like I win this little skirmish as well.”

 

“Not quite,” I countered. The light faded, and my monster emerged, carrying a reflective shield decorated with carvings of dragon heads in place of his original shield. The reflective shield shattered, revealing his regular shield beneath it. The ‘Dragonic Knight’ finished its attack, jumping up and severing ‘Goryu’’s head with a single swing of his blade.

 

“How?” Spark asked, a poorly disguised look of shock playing across his partially shrouded face.

 

“With the Trap card ‘Dragon Shield’,” I answered. “It protects any one Dragon from all card effects for the duration of one turn.”

 

 

Spark steeled up his face, “Not like it matters. I’m destined for greater things. I’ve always known it. That’s why I know I won’t lose to the likes of you. I’m destined to win!

 

"I summon ‘Gelen Duo’ in defense mode,” twin fairies, their bodies made of an indestructible jelly-like substance appeared (DEF: 0). “My monsters can’t be destroyed by battle. They’ll be destroyed if I ever take damage, but because I control ‘Sanctuary in the Sky’, that’s impossible. There’s nothing you can do against me! I end my turn.”

 

 

Rachel

 

 

“Thanks to the effect of the ‘Thunder-Pegasus’ in my Graveyard,” I explained, “the ‘Thunder-Pegasus’ on my field is protected from harm. That means I can do this! I tribute ‘Thunder-Pegasus’ to summon one of the most power Phantom Beast monsters, the ‘Phantom Beast Rock-Lizard’!”

 

The two-headed ‘Thunder-Pegasus’ made way for what could only be called a lizard centaur. Instead of a horse body, the monster had the lower body of a massive brown lizard. Its mostly humanoid body was covered in scales, as was its face, which had lizard features in mostly humanoid proportions.

 

“Because ‘Cross-Wing’ is in the Graveyard,” I said, “my monster gains a boost to his Attack (2200+300=2500).”

 

‘Medium of the Ice Barrier’ stood strong, facing her opponent. Zero showed no emotion whatsoever in the face of my powerful card.

 

“My ‘Rock-Lizard’ attacks,” I commanded. The reptilian creature slink-charged strait at the sorceress and slashed her to ribbons with his long, powerful claws (8000+2200-2500=7700).

 

“When ‘Rock-Lizard’ destroys a monster, he deals you an additional five hundred damage.”

 

‘Rock-Lizard’ let out a forceful, bellowing roar that struck Zero like a punch to the gut (7700-500=7200).

 

“Go,” I said, “make your next move. Not that it’ll make any difference.”

 

“You’d be surprised,” said Zero matter-of-factly. “I play ‘Pot of Greed’.”

 

Zero drew an additional two cards.

 

“I play ‘Umiiruka’,” Zero declared, “changing the field to one of water.”

 

The corridor brightened and opened up to a holographic sky. Suddenly we found ourselves standing on the surface of an ocean, gentle waves rolling across its surface in the distance behind my opponent.

 

“While we remain at ‘Umiiruka’,” Zero explained, “all Water monsters gain five hundred Attack. I play ‘Polymerization’, fusing two monsters on hand; ‘Cryomancer of the ice Barrier’ and ‘Elemental Hero Ice Edge’,”

 

A small warrior wearing armor seemingly made of ice appeared alongside another Ice Barrier warrior. The two monsters merged, becoming a taller, more mature version of the ‘Elemental Hero Ice Edge’, wearing icy white armor and a flowing white cape, “This is my ultimate card, ‘Elemental Hero Absolute Zero’ (2500+500=3000)!

 

“My monster attacks!”

 

I barely had time to notice the uncharacteristic enthusiasm in my opponent’s voice before his monster was on mine, meaning to cut the reptile into pieces with the sharp edges of his armor. By then I was too busy with my defense.

 

“Not today,” I declared with a smirk. “I remove the remaining ‘Thunder-Pegasus’ from play!”

 

The ‘Thunder-Pegasus’ appeared, forming a wall of lightning that held the icy warrior back.

 

“Then,” said Zero, his momentary enthusiasm gone as quickly as it had come, “I end my turn.”

 

 

Prof

 

 

“I think it’s about time to move this duel forward,” I said. “I draw and summon ‘Kozaky’.”

 

I straightened my jacket as my favorite monster, a hunch-backed demon in glasses and a white lab coat, sharp spikes protruding from his back, appeared at my side. I looked over and smiled at my wicked-looking colleague, who, like Brock’s monsters, received the field power bonus from the ‘Yami’ Field (DEF: 500+200=700).

 

“I equip ‘Heart of Clear Water’,” I continued, an energy bubble appearing around the demon scientist, “protecting the monster from not only battle damage, but from any Spell effects that target. And I attack ‘Abaki’ with ‘Gogiga Gagagigo’.”

 

The fierce, armored, lizard warrior raised his metal-reinforced claws and charged at ‘Abaki’, slashing him apart viciously (8000+1900-2950=6950).

 

“When ‘Abaki’ is destroyed,” said Brock, once again explaining things that he didn’t need to explain, “we each take eight hundred damage.”

 

The remains of the dying ‘Abaki’ exploded, spread fire across the battle field damaging us both (6950-800=6150/7500-800=6700).

 

“Reveal,” Brock declared, “the Continuous Trap ‘Backfire’. Each time one of my Fire monsters is destroyed, you take five hundred damage.”

 

A pocket of air near my head exploded (6700-500=6200).

 

“Clever,” I said. “Now if I intend to deal you damage, I have to be prepared to take damage in return.”

 

I said clever, but I didn’t really mean it.

 

“I set a card,” I concluded, “and end my turn.”

 

“Then here it comes!” said Brock. “I’m going to crush you with my ultimate Power Combo!” He drew, “I reveal ‘Call of the Haunted’ to revive the ‘Abaki’ you just destroyed, and I tribute it and the ‘Abaki’ still in play to summon,” the red-skinned demons burned up in a wicked flame, from which emerged a massive, muscular, red-skinned demon man, “my ‘Flame Ogre’ (ATK 2400+200=2600)! When the ‘Flame Ogre’ is Tribute Summoned, I draw one card, and I equip my monster with ‘Big Bang Shot’.”

 

The ‘Flame Ogre’’s fist was wreathed in an intense fire.

 

“’Big Bang Shot’ gives my ‘Ogre’ four hundred Attack and a Piercing effect (2600+400=3000). I attack ‘Gogiga Gagagigo’!”

 

‘Flame Ogre’ swung his powerful fist, striking down the armored reptile with a single, decisive blow (6200+2950-3000=6150).

 

“That’s all for now,” Brock declared, obviously pleased with himself.

 

“Well then,” I said, still very confident, “I draw a card, and I pass.”

 

 

Rocky

 

 

“I’m not really sure where all of your confidence is coming from, C.D.,” I said. “At least when I defend, I do it well.”

 

I sounded sure of myself, but all the while I was trying hard to remember what the ‘Dimension Caster’ monster could do. I’m a good Duelists, but even the best Duelists forget card effects from time to time.

 

I know it doesn’t destroy cards or anything, I thought, so attacking his three-pack of magicians can’t be too bad. I’ve got to attack. Tim’s life is on the line. I have no choice but to act.

 

“I summon,” I declared, “my ‘Destroyer Golem’.” Stones tore loose from the walls and floor, coming together and forming a towering stone man with a huge, destructive-looking right fist (ATK: 1500).

 

“I switch ‘Giant Soldier of Stone’ to attack mode,” I continued, the stone warrior rising to his full, impressive height and drawing his twin stone swords (ATK: 1300). “’Stone Soldier’, ‘Gigantes’, and ‘Destroyer Golem’ attack your trio of mediocre defenders.”

 

‘Giant Soldier of Stone’ cut one of the magic-users down with his swords, and ‘Gigantes’ and ‘Destroyer Golem’ swung their powerful fists, and the other two magicians crumpled under their power.

 

“Excellent!” said C.D.

 

“Wait,” I asked, “why excellent?” And that’s when I remembered what ‘Dimension Caster’ did.

 

 

“Because you destroyed my three ‘Dimension Casters’,” C.D. explained needlessly, “I can remove any three Spellcasters in my deck from play.”

 

He smiled, fanning out his deck. He picked three cards from his deck and placed them in a pocket within his cloak.

 

This is bad, I realized. If those monsters are what I think they are, his defense is about to get much much stronger. If he’s planning on putting together a defense that strong, then he has to have a reason. I have to press forward, and I might have just the way to do it.

 

“Reveal, the Trap card ‘Rock Bombardment’, since I didn’t damage you with my last attack. I discard a rock monster from my deck to deal you five hundred damage.”

 

I chose my card and fed it into the Graveyard slot of my Duel Disk. A cloud of broken, jagged stones appeared, floating above my head. I brandished my hand full of cards, gesturing toward my opponent, and called, “Rock Bombardment!”

 

The floating stones fired at my opponent, pelting him from head to toe, shredding his cloak and slashing at his arms and legs (8000-500=7500). His hood fell away, and for the first time I got a good look at his face. He was a little pale, with gray eyes with little bags under them and short, spiky red-brown hair. He had a look in his eyes that was somewhere between rage and frustration.

 

“I place one card face-down,” I concluded.

 

“It doesn’t matter,” said C.D. defiantly, “because everything’s in place now.”

 

He drew, “In fact, I just drew my key card. But before I play it, I activate ‘Dimension Fusion’, paying two thousand Life Points to summon the monsters I removed from play (7500-2000=5500). Introducing the ultimate wall of monsters,” three identical sorceresses appeared, each with red hair, each carrying a decorated wand, and each wearing a slightly extravagant, slightly too revealing dress, “my three ‘Magician’s Valkyria’! While I control ‘Magician’s Valkyria’, no other Spellcasters can be attacked. So while I control two or more copies of her, if I only control Spellcasters, you can’t attack me at all. Not until you reduce her numbers to one.

 

“Next I pay another two thousand Life to activate my key card (5500-2000=3500), the Spell card ‘Final Countdown’. In twenty turns, you die!”

 

Oh no…

 

“And I reveal ‘Pyro Clock of Destiny’,” C.D. continued, a fireball appearing, hovering over our heads as the turn count moved forward by one.

 

“I remove from play ‘Clock Magician’ in my Graveyard to move the turn count forward by another two.”

 

 

Two more flames appeared.

 

“But I’m not done,” C.D. continued, still going strong. “I play ‘Card of Sanctity’. We each draw until we hold six cards.”

 

Needless to say, we did, and I wasn’t very happy about it, even after seeing the great new cards that were added to my hand.

 

“I finish off the turn with ‘Pyro Clock of Fate’,” C.D. announced, the turn count moving forward again, another flame appearing over head,

 

 

“and I place three cards face-down. I end my turn.”

 

It was about then that I realized just how much trouble I was in.

 

 

Rachel

 

 

“Good card,” I said. “But I’m not one to back down from a powerful opponent. I activate ‘Graceful Charity’ to draw three cards,” I drew, “and discard two cards. I discard a second copy of ‘Cross-Wing’ and the Monster card ‘Chiron the Mage’.

 

“Because I have another copy of ‘Cross-Wing’ in my Graveyard, my ‘Rock-Lizard’’s Attack gets even higher (2500+300=2800). I set one card, and that’s all for now.”

 

“Then let’s get this over with,” said Zero, and I heard it again: a spike in emotion that didn’t seem to belong. This time it clicked, and I realized something that had the potential to change everything. Zero was fighting me, and he was fighting well, but deep down he didn’t want to be fighting me at all.

 

The old me would have ignored this revelation and kept on fighting without hesitation, but something had changed. Something that I was just beginning to notice. Ever since Rocky and the others had volunteered to fight by my side, despite the kind of person I’ve been to them in the past, I wasn’t as angry anymore.

 

So I asked him, “So, Zero, why do you fight anyway?”

 

“I fight,” Zero answered, “because my master, Emperor, commands it.” But he didn’t seem very enthusiastic about it. In fact, when he spoke about Emperor, he didn’t seem to feel anything at all. Not excitement, like when he’d summoned ‘Absolute Zero’, and not dissatisfaction, like when he'd begun his most recent turn, when I’d realized that he didn’t really want the duel to continue. He seemed to feel absolutely nothing. I was sure now. Zero didn’t follow Emperor willingly. He was a puppet, being manipulated by the Shadow Millennium Rod.

 

I was lost in thought as Zero continued. “I attack ‘Rock-Lizard’ with ‘Absolute Zero’,” he declared. His monster moved to attack. I was lost in thought, but not so much so that I missed my chance to defend myself.

 

“Reveal,” I declared, “the Instant Spell card ‘Burial from a Different Dimension’. I return my two ‘Thunder-Pegasus’ cards to my Graveyard, and remove one from play to save my monster from harm yet again.”

 

‘Absolute Zero’ was blocked once again by a wall of lightning. I watched Zero. His expression didn’t change, even as he spoke, “I set a card, and end my turn.”

 

Zero, I thought, I’ve lived so much of my life alone, bottled up within my own heart. But now I know that that’s no way to live.

 

Zero, I’ll wake you up with this duel, and free you from the prison of your heart, like Rocky freed me. I’ll show you my real power, and I’ll bring out the real you, once and for all!

 

“I draw,” I declared, “and I activate ‘Polymerization’,” ‘Berfomet’ and ‘Gazelle’ appeared and merged, “summoning ‘Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast’, defense mode! I set a card, and I pass.”

 

I’ll save you, I promise.

 

Zero.

 

Tim.

 

I’ll save you.

 

I’ll save you both.

 

[spoiler=Card of the Day]

Frequent readers of my fan fiction know that i enjoy writing ice decks. Zero's deck, featured in these four chapters, The Emperor's Four, Parts One Through Four, is no exception. Zero is a tricky character. He's not a real villain like his team mates. So I gave him a heroic deck, featuring bold swordsmen, strong magicians, and a heroic warrior reminiscent of Jaden Yuki, as well as Yugi Muto, whose finisher was also a monster with twenty-five hundred ATK. This makes Zero's fate even more tragic...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Chapter The Emperor's Four, Part Three of Four

 

Prof continues poking his idiot opponent with a proverbial stick, Marco struggles against two "Goryus" at once, Rachel fights to awaken the true persona trapped within her opponent by the Shadow Rod, and Rocky fights a battle against time itself.