The Age of Twilight (Now at Chapter 7: Playing with Fire)

[Phantom Roxas]

The Age of Twilight - Volume 1: A New Hero

 

Prologue: A Tale of Long Ago

 

Long ago, there was a great treasure known as the Jewel of Twilight. The Jewel was very sacred and held unimaginable power, so it always had many guards to insure it would never fall into evil hands. However, three demons surfaced in search of the Jewel. The Guardians of the Jewel fought the demons, but in the end, only seven had remained.

 

The Jewel, seeing them as the greatest of the its Guardians, transformed them into beasts, sealed them within crystals, and finally scattered across the world, in hopes that a new hero would use their power to defeat the demons. However, the demons took the Jewel and wrought chaos where they went.

 

When all hope had seemed lost, a warrior, thought to have been sent from the heavens, had gathered the crystals the held the spirits of the seven guardians, and used their power to summon a mighty dragon to combat the demons. A raging battle ensued, during which the Jewel shattered, and the great demons fell.

 

His job done, the hero left some words before disappearing, "I am sure that those demons will surface again, but not for several centuries to come". After the warrior left, the dragon disappeared as well, reviving the warriors from whom it was born. Indeed, no one in the world had ever seen the demons since, but the tale of the hero slowly faded from history.

[Umbra]

Nice start, and several references. However, there's something that I don't like. Something's missing. I see that this will resolve about the Crystal Beasts. (First I thought it would be about the Guardians) It's a little short.

[Phantom Roxas]

Yeah, after looking at your Legacy of the Tormentor, which is very good by the way, I realized that you had a much longer prologue. However, this is my first fanfic, so I knew I would make a mistake very early

[Phantom Roxas]

Right now, I'm looking for duelists. I'm not really the creative person, but I want people to read what they want. Tell the name of a duelist (First and Last name), their deck, and favorite card. I'll promise I'll use some or most of what you say.

[Phantom Roxas]

Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

 

It was the finals in the National Championship. One duelist, with short blue hair, wearing a dark blue shirt, black vest, and gray jeans, had an Elemental Hero Clayman in Defense Position, a face-down card, and 1500 Life Points. The other duelist, with short, red hair wearing a red jacket, tan shirt, and black jeans, had a Satellite Cannon in Attack Position with 3000 Attack, Spirit Barrier face-up and 2500 Life Points.

Red Haired Duelist: Now I activate Big Bang Shot! (Satellite Cannon 3000->3400) Now, destroy his Clayman!

Clayman is destroyed

RHD: Now you take damage equal to the difference between my monster's Attack and your monster's Defense! (Blue Haired Duelist takes 1400 damage, 1500->100)

BHD: Thanks, now I can activate my face-down card: Hero Signal! Now I can summon my Elemental Hero Neos Alius in Attack Position! (1900/1300)

RHD: It doesn't matter, by Spirit Barrier protects me from damage, but in case you're thinking about destroying my Satellite Cannon, it can't be destroyed by any monster that's Level 7 or above! Now I activate Swords of Revealing Light! Now you can't attack for three turns! Now I'll end my turn.

BHD: Pretty good strategy, but now it's my turn! Draws. I'll Second Summon my Neos Alius! Now he's treated as Elemental Hero Neos! Now I'll activate Common Soul, and equip it to Neos Alius. Now I can Special Summon Neo-Spacian Glow Moss! (300/900) And since Neos Alius is treated as Neos, I can return him and my Glow Moss back to my deck to summon Elemental Hero Glow Neos! (2500/200) Now I'll activate R-Righteous Justice so I can destroy your Spirit Barrier! Now I activate Glow Neos' special effect, and I'll destroy your Swords of Revealing Light, so now he can attack you directly! (Glow Neos attacks directly. RHD drops to 0 exactly).

 

Announcer: A splendid victory from Blake Ligonis! Give him a hand everyone, he's going to the World Championship!

Blake turned to his former opponent

Blake: Good job, Nick.

Nick: You too. That was an impressive combo! My younger sister made it into the finals as well.

Blake: Really, what's her name?

Nick: Her name's Lily Schaffer. Trust me, she's pretty good, I've never been able to beat her. But hey, you beat me, maybe you'll beat her too.

Blake: I dont know, you were really good, I might have trouble with her.

Nick: Probably, see you later.

 

As they left the arena, a girl with mid-length green hair, wearing a pink shirt, a green jacket, and green pants, called to him.

Girl: So you're Blake?

Blake: Y-Yeah, that's me.

The girl was kind of cute, and Blake was a bit shy talking to her

Girl: My name's Lily. You did good against my bro.

Blake: Yeah, he told me about you. You sound like a great duelist. He said you made it to the finals also.

Lily: That's right. I love Duel Monsters, and I want to see how mant great duelists are out there.

Blake: Wow, that's really cool. I always play for fun, I enjoy challenges.

Lily: Hm. You seem nice. I was congratulate Nick on getting to the finals, but it looks like he didn't make it, maybe you'd like to come with us?

Blake: O-Okay, my parents dont expect me home for a while anyway.

Lily: Okay, meet me at the cafe by the mall in an hour, you need to get your prize.

Blake: Oh, right. See you in a bit.

 

As Lily left, the announcer from the duel approached Blake. The announcer wore a black tuxedo with gold trimmings. He had glasses and a blonde ponytail.

Announcer: Blake Ligonis, right?

Blake: That's me.

Announcer: My name's James, I'm here to give you you're prize.

James led Blake into a room where a tin was placed on a stand.

Blake: What's this?

James: This is a tin that holds a special card. The finalists are allowed create a card and send it straight to Industrial Illusions. If you send a card within reason, it will be made into a card for you to use in the finals. But remember, it must be a card that you know will help you win, is not too overpowered, and only contains support from cards that exist.

Blake: I can create my own card!? Awesome!

James: Yes, but you should send it before the finals. Don't worry, you have two months.

Blake: Alright, thanks. See you later.

James: Wait, take this. You need to send it with your card to prove that it you were a finalist.

Blake: Alright, now I'm going.

As he left the arena, Blake checked his watch.

Blake: Oh no! I have to meet Lily and Nick in a half hour!

Making sure he wasn't late, Blake ran as quick as he could.

 

Meanwhile, as he ran, a robed figure watched the shadows, but Blake had no knowledge that the person was watching him, awaiting the moment when history would repeat itself, assured that Blake would be involved in events far beyond his understanding.

[Umbra]

I'm getting a strange déja-vú feeling here... ^^

 

Anyways, good for a first fan-fic. One thing I don't like is the speech format. You use Blake: instead of - or "" when the characters speak. It's ok in duels, but I'd rather not see it on the rest.

 

I'd give it a 6/10.

[Phantom Roxas]

Well, the guidelines suggest that. Also it makes it easier for people to know who's talking. However, I will use "" in the next ones

[Phantom Roxas]

When you said Deja vu, did you feel like I'm copying you?

[Umbra]

It just felt a little similar, no copying or anything.

[Phantom Roxas]

Okay then, here's chapter two

 

Chapter 2: A Vine Duel

 

Blake finally got to the cafe, almost out of breath. He say Lily and Nick and walked up to them.

Blake: "Sorry guys, am I late?"

Lily: "No, you just made it"

Blake: "Phew"

Lily: "So you got the prize to create a card, right?"

Blake: "Yep, you too?"

Lily: "That's right"

Nick: "Ah, man! You guys get to make your very own cards? That's so unfair!"

Lily: "Oh, stop whining! Anyway, Blake, what card a you gonna make?"

Blake: "Well, I don't really have that much thought out yet"

Lily: "I have an idea. What do you say to a duel?"

Blake: "Are you sure?"

Lily: "It'll help us know what kind of card we would need to help us out"

Nick: "Don't do it, Blake. I told you, she's really good!"

Blake: "I don't know what you're worried about, I mean, I beat you, so I should do good against your sister as well"

Lily: "Don't underestimate be just because I'm a girl! Anyway, let's go somewhere where we have more room to duel"

 

Then three of them walked to an area that was big enough for the duel. As Blake reached to grab his deck box, he revealed another one.

Blake: "I always use a different deck when I duel, but since I was in a tournament, I only used the same deck. However, I'm a nice guy, so I'll let you choose."

Lily: "I saw your warrior deck, but I wanna see your other deck"

Blake: "Fine by me" Blake looked at his decks at equal power, so he was confident in the duel no matter what. After Blake put his other deck away, he and Lily readied their decks into their Duel Disks and began their duel.

Lily: "Ladies first" Lily drew a card. "I summon Vampire Orchis!" (1700/1000) "Now I'll activate my Orchis' Special Effect, allowing me to immdiately summon Des Dendle from my hand." (300/2000) "Now I use my Des Dendle's Special Ability, equipping it to Orchis. Finally, I"ll set one card face-down"

 

Blake: (So, she's running a plant deck? This should be easy, I don't know what Nick was all worried about) "My turn" Blake draws "Since you have a monster out, I can Special Summon my Cyber Dragon" (2100/1500) "Now I'll summon my Proto Cyber Dragon" (1100/600) "And since my Proto Cyber Dragon is considered a regular Cyber Dragon when he's on the field, I can activate Polymerization, so I fuse my two Cyber Dragons to summon the Cyber Twin Dragon!" (2800/2100) "And thanks to his Special Ability, he can attack twice in one turn! So first, I'll attack your Vampire Orchis"

Lily: Impressive, but you forgot one thing! When Des Dendle is equipped to Vampire Orchis, it's destroyed instead of my Orchis"

Blake: "But you still have to take the damage" (Lily drops to 2900) "Now my Dragon attacks again!" (Vampire Orchis is destroyed, Lily drops to 1800)

Nick: "Whoa, nice job Blake! You got her in a corner on your first move"

Lily: "Not quite. I activate my face-down card, Demon Balsam Seed!" Now, for every multiple of 500 points of damage I took when my Vampire Orchis was destroyed, I gain a Demon Balsam Token, and since I took over 1000 points of damage, I gain two tokens!" (100/100) "But since they're weak, I'll put in defense mode"

Blake: You're pretty good, so I'll end my turn

Lily: "Alright then" Draws " I'll tribute one of my tokens to summon Fairy King Truesdale" (2200/1500) "And thanks to my King's special ability, the ATK and DEF of all Plant monsters increase by 500" (Fairy King Truesdale -> 2700/2000, Demon Balsam Token -> 600/600)

 

Blake: "Sorry, but my Cyber Twin Dragon's still stronger"

Lily: "Not for long, because I'm activating my Venom Flytrap, and I'll equip to my Fairy King. Now, attack his Cyber Twin Dragon"

Blake: "I warned you, my Dragon's stronger"

Nick: "No, Blake, watch out! This is really bad!"

Suddenly, a large Flytrap emerged from the ground and trapped Cyber Twin Dragon, dropign its ATK to 2200. CTD is destroyed, Blake drops to 3400

Lily: "Right, I forgot to mention. Since my King is equipped with Venom Flytrap, any non-Plant monster that it battles with loses 300 Attack for each Plant monster on the field"

Blake was now in a tough spot. However, after drawing a card, he had the perfect hand.

Blake: "I'll activate Vehicroid Connection Zone! Now I'll fuse Drillroid, Steamroid, and Submarineroid, to create the Super Vehicroid Jumbo Drill!" (3000/2000) "And was worse is that he can inflict Piercing Damage! Now, attack her Demon Balsam Token!"

Lily: "Oh no!" (Demon Balsam Token is destroyed, Lily drops to 0)

Blake: "That was a fun game!"

Lily: "Congratulations, Blake. I look forward to seeing you in the Finals. Maybe we can have a rematch there"

Blake: "Sure thing"

Lily: "I really enjoyed playing against you"

Blake: "Y-yeah, me too" Nick stared at Blake, apparently not happy

Lily: "Well I see you later, Blake" Lily started to walk away, but Nick stayed behind, and walked to Blake

Nick: "Don't get any ideas. I got my eye on you" With these words, Nick left to follow his sister. Confused by these words, Blake started to walk home. As soon as he got home, he had dinner with his parents and told them about the prize and how he met Lily and Nick

Blake's Mom: "Aw, it's so cute that our little boy has a little girlfriend"

Blake: "Ugh, it's nothing like that mom"

Blake's Mom: "But she sure sounds like a sweet girl. You should bring he over one day"

Blake's Dad: "Honey, I think that if Blake doesn't want to bring a girl over here, he doesn't have to"

Blake: "Thank you, dad"

Blake's Dad: "Even if he's too embarassed to"

Blake: "Oh, just forget it. Anyway, I'm tired, I'm going to go to bed"

 

Blake crawled up the stairs to his room, put his card aside, and crawled into bed. (Today was fun. But I gotta think of what card I should make). As soon as he fell a sleep, five figures stood outside his house.

RF1: "Are you sure he is the One?"

RF2: "Yes, based upon the information from Solomon and Ezekiel, it is him. But first, we must test him" This was the man who saw Blake before

RF3: "What if he is to fail the tests?"

RF2: "I am sure that he will pass them all"

RF4: "I hope so, I sense that They are returning"

RF5: "But how? I know they were not to come for several centuries, but still"

RF4: "I do not know"

RF5, turning to the second robed figure: "Siegfried, you must inform him of what is to come. You are the strongest of us"

Siegfried: "Yes, but only if you are to be the one to test him first, Nephilis"

Nephilis: "I undertand. Tell the boy of his destiny and return to the hideout immediately"

 

All the figures vanished except for Siegfried

Siegfried: "So, history is to repeat itself. I pray that it truly his Him

[Umbra]

Somewhat good chapter. The plot is developed a little, and some of the new characters come in, but there are also some bad things. You still use the Name: format, (which I don't like) and there are some punctuation errors. (Translation: You sometimes forget to write . at the end of a sentence.)

 

Score: 7/10.

[Phantom Roxas]

Okay, I'll do that next chapter

[Phantom Roxas]

Well, here it is, Chapter three

 

Chapter 3: The True Destiny

 

As Blake slept peacefully, he heard a voice

- Good evening, Blake.

Blake woke up, startled as this mysterious figure who had appeared in his room

- Who are you and what do you want?

- Speak softerer, I do not wish your family to know of my presence. My name is Siegfried. As for what I want, I simply wish to... inform you.

- Inform me? Of what

- Of your destiny. You are the reincarnation of an ancient hero.

- Pfft, yeah right.

- I figured it would come to this. Neos, come

- Neos?

Suddenly, Blake noticed a card in his Warrior Deck glow. The glow shot out a beam of light which formed the transparent figure of Elemental Hero Neos himself.

- Siegfried. So, the time is near?

- Indeed it is, Neos.

Blake was now even more confused. First this man appears out of nowhere and seems to know him, and now the spirit of Neos had appeared. This must be a dream, but I don't feel like I'm in a dream.

- Okay, what is going on?

Neos turned to Blake

- Blake, I have been with you as you dueled, and I knew that you were the one who I was reborn in, but up till now, I found no reason to tell you.

- Wait, so you're saying that I'm you?

- Yes, I battled with three great demons, and wished for Siegfried and his teammates to separate my soul from my body. I soul was reborn many times, and my body drifted to the form of the card you use.

- Is this for real?

Siegfried nodded.

- Indeed it is. Blake, tomorrow, you will take one of several trials to test your potential. If you are to pass them all, you will be given a great gift. Use it with your two decks. From them, you must create a strong deck and use it in the tournament.

- What if I fail one of them?

Neos turned his head, with a grim look on his face. However, it was Siegfried who responded.

- The world will fall into desolation. Although, I know you will pass them all.

In your first trial, you will face a man name Nephilis. He works with me, so you can trust him. Do you understand?

- I think so.

- Good. Neos, I leave the boy in your care.

- I understand.

- Then I will take my leave.

Indeed, Siegfried disappeared into the shadows.

- So, Neos. I guess I gotta save the world, huh?

- Do not worry, I will protect you.

- Thanks. Anyway, I'm gonna go back to sleep now.

- Sleep well, young hero.

- Good night, Neos. Hmm, hero? I just hope I can prove I deserve that title.

 

Outside, Nephilis appeared to Siegfried.

- He knows of his destiny?

- Yes. I simply wish that he can handle It's power.

- Indeed. The Rainbow Dragon-

- You must not speak it's name! Have you just forgotten the Code after all this time.

- I have not forgotten! It's just that if we are to be wrong, the Code might not matter anymore.

- Hold your tongue! You are the first one to test him, so you will be the first to know of his strength.

- Fine. But remember, I will not hold back. He must be ready to fight head on.

- I don't expect him to lose. I have faith in him.

- If you think so.

- Hmph. You should get some rest, you must be ready for the trial.

- I plan to be far more prepared than you!

- Just a cocky as ever, little brother.

- Don't call me that. Just because Father-

As he spoke, Siegfried jumped at Nephilis grabbing his throat.

- Do... not... mention him... EVER!

Siegfried loosened his grip and left.

- He still bears his grudge. I should watch myself, now that They will reawaken soon.

Nephilis left as well, heading in the same direction as Siegfried, so not too be late when returning to the hideout.

[JerryFreelance]

I hate the speech format in chapter 3

 

You can't even tell who's talking...

 

Do it like the first few chapters, only like this:

 

Blake: Yo homie I love you babe

 

Sexy chick: Hey sexayssss you're a hottie

 

[blake and Sexy chick made out for an hour and a half.]

 

Blake: [panting] Yeah baby yeah!

 

Sexy chick: [runs away] YOU FREAK!!!

 

[blake cried for an hour. His friend Jonny came up to him]

 

Jonny: LET"S DUEL!

 

etc. etc. etc.

 

Just double space it.

 

It's lame if you don't.

[Phantom Roxas]

Well, Umbra wanted me to do it like that in Chapter 3. Also, I think you might be able to figure out who's talking

[JerryFreelance]

I can kinda figure out who is talking, but it's a much worse way of writing than the way I posted.

[DMGirl44]

this is pretty cool dude! -^_^-

[Phantom Roxas]

Okay, I'll hold a poll. You guys say which format you like: Format 1 (Chapter 1 & 2), or Format 2 (Chapter 3).

[JerryFreelance]

Neither.

 

The format that I said.

[Phantom Roxas]

I might've used your format if your example was more...proper

[JerryFreelance]

I might've used your format if your example was more...proper

 

Meaning what?

[Phantom Roxas]

Eh, forget it. I'm gonna put up Chapter four anyway

 

Chapter Four: The Meeting

 

Siegfried and Nephilis entered a golden room. There was a strange symbol in the center. The symbol had seven symbols surrounding it. Standing on top of the symbol were the three figures Siegfried and Nephilis spoke with earlier. Nephilis shook his head.

- Solomon and Ezekiel are still not back? You would think that for us, it would

take a day to gather information, not a whole week.

As soon as Nephilis finished speaking, two more figures entered the room. One

of the figures turned to Nephilis.

- If you were to have handled the task, we would have to wait a month.

- Be quiet, Solomon.

The only female figure turned to Solomon and Nephilis.

- Quiet, you too. Siegfried, does Blake know of his destiny.

- Yes, Elizabeth.

- Good. Solomon, Ezekiel, what information did you gather?

Ezekiel nodded and took out a sheet of paper from his robe. Suddenly, a round table emerged out of the ground, and chairs appeared for each of them. Ezekiel laid thhe sheet on the table, revealing the face of many duelists. Among them were Blake and Lily. Ezekiel explained the document, pointing to the different faces as he spoke their names.

- As we know, Blake Ligonis is the Chosen One. He dueled with this girl Lily Schaffer. She is as kind a woman as you, sister. Elizabeth nodded.

- Thank you, but this is no time for the obvious, continue.

- Yes. After studying all the different finalists dueling tactics, we found several duelists that duel with the aggression and ingenuity of what we may expect from the enemy.

 

One of the other figures nodded.

- Good, now we know who might be involved. Solomon, I understand you are in the finals, but how do exactly intend to weed them out?

- I do not. Chances are that Blake will not oppose them at first, so we must be sure that they are to be eliminated as soon as possible. (Turning to the figure that had just spoke to him) Nemo, I think we should recruit those who know Blake.

The seventh and last figure shook his head.

- They are not directly involved in the matter. Recruiting them would put them in danger.

Now Siegfried shook his head.

- No, Septus I am sure that their connection with Blake would influence their power. Perhaps we should discuss it after the first trial. We must get rest, it is late.

The figures stood out their chairs and disappeared in different directions. As Nephilis approached his chamber, he thought to himself.

- This Blake kid better be good. I haven't had a challenge in a while.

[JerryFreelance]

Eh' date=' forget it. I'm gonna put up Chapter four anyway

 

Chapter Four: The Meeting

 

Siegfried and Nephilis entered a golden room. There was a strange symbol in the center. The symbol had seven symbols surrounding it. Standing on top of the symbol were the three figures Siegfried and Nephilis spoke with earlier. Nephilis shook his head.

- Solomon and Ezekiel are still not back? You would think that for us, it would

take a day to gather information, not a whole week.

As soon as Nephilis finished speaking, two more figures entered the room. One

of the figures turned to Nephilis.

- If you were to have handled the task, we would have to wait a month.

- Be quiet, Solomon.

The only female figure turned to Solomon and Nephilis.

- Quiet, you too. Siegfried, does Blake know of his destiny.

- Yes, Elizabeth.

- Good. Solomon, Ezekiel, what information did you gather?

Ezekiel nodded and took out a sheet of paper from his robe. Suddenly, a round table emerged out of the ground, and chairs appeared for each of them. Ezekiel laid thhe sheet on the table, revealing the face of many duelists. Among them were Blake and Lily. Ezekiel explained the document, pointing to the different faces as he spoke their names.

- As we know, Blake Ligonis is the Chosen One. He dueled with this girl Lily Schaffer. She is as kind a woman as you, sister. Elizabeth nodded.

- Thank you, but this is no time for the obvious, continue.

- Yes. After studying all the different finalists dueling tactics, we found several duelists that duel with the aggression and ingenuity of what we may expect from the enemy.

 

One of the other figures nodded.

- Good, now we know who might be involved. Solomon, I understand you are in the finals, but how do exactly intend to weed them out?

- I do not. Chances are that Blake will not oppose them at first, so we must be sure that they are to be eliminated as soon as possible. (Turning to the figure that had just spoke to him) Nemo, I think we should recruit those who know Blake.

The seventh and last figure shook his head.

- They are not directly involved in the matter. Recruiting them would put them in danger.

Now Siegfried shook his head.

- No, Septus I am sure that their connection with Blake would influence their power. Perhaps we should discuss it after the first trial. We must get rest, it is late.

The figures stood out their chairs and disappeared in different directions. As Nephilis approached his chamber, he thought to himself.

- [i']This Blake kid better be good. I haven't had a challenge in a while.

 

I can't understand ANYTHING that's going on.

 

Seriously, something needs be happen about that... =/

[Phantom Roxas]

Okay, fine. I'll use your format next chapter if that'll make you happy

[Phantom Roxas]

Okay, sorry for the wait, I was on a trip. Anyway, this time, I'll use bhim xD's format, but I'll lhave cleaner material than him. Anyway, without further ado, here's chapter four.

 

Chapter 5: The Trials Begin

 

Blake had just woke up. The time was 9:35 It was Saturday morning, but he was home alone. His mom had to go to work at the salon and his dad had a meeting at the firm. After getting ready, Blake watched some T.V. before the doorbell rang. When he opened the door, it was his friend Derek. Derek wore a black T-Shirt and an orange vest on top. He had short, black hair. Blake and Derek were the best of friends, and they usually hung out.

 

"Hey man, mind if I come in?", Derek asked.

"Okay, sure." Blake replied. Inside Blake's room, Blake and Derek were playing Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The two were far in battle, but it looked like Derek was winning.

"Booyah! Super Dragon!" Derek yelled.

"Dude, when are you gonna learn? I can just fly away!" Blake shot back.

"Your angel wings aren't gonna help you!" Derek said. Derek tilted his control from side to side, and shot down Blake's character. Derek had won.

"Man, your so good at video games." Blake acknowledged.

"Yeah, but you own at duels!" Derek agreed. The two laughed, but Blake calmed down and asked, "Can you keep a secret?"

"Is it bad?" Derek wondered.

"No, but you'll probably think I'm crazy." Blake replied. As Blake told Derek about Siegfried, Neos, and his destiny, Nephilis watched from a tree, out of sight. When Blake had finished, Derek held in a chuckle, but later broke out laughing.

"Ah, man, that is funny! You sure you haven't played Kingdom Hearts too much lately?"

 

"You should listen to his words." a voice answered. Blake and Derek turned around and saw a man standing at the window in a robe.

"Okay, so you weren't joking." Derek told Blake. The man spoke again.

"Greetings, Blake. My name is Nephilis. I work with Siegfried." Blake, understanding that this is the man Siegfried mentioned, replied, "He told me I would meet you. So I guess we I'm supposed to duel you now?"

 

Outside, in the garden, Blake and Nephilis stood facing each other, ready to duel. Derek was watching the duel. Blake and Nephilis shouted, "Let's duel!"

"Since you're the chosen one, you can go first." Nephilis said.

"Alright then!" Blake answered as he drew his card. "I summon Elemental Hero Bubbleman." (800/1200) "Now I equip him with Bubble Blaster, giving him 800 more points!" (Bubbleman, 800->1600) "Now, I'll place one card face-down."

 

"Is that all? Oh well." Nephilis started as he drew. "First, I'll activate Harpie's Hunting Ground." Suddenly, the area turned into a wasteland-like area. Nephilis looked confident that he already had the advantage. "As long as this card is in play, all Winged-Beasts gain 200 Attack. Now I'll summon Harpie Lady 1." (1300/1400) "Now, thanks to my Harpie's effect, all Wind monsters gain 300 Attack, even itself. And thanks to my Hunting Ground, it gives 200 more Attack." (Harpie Lady 1, 1300->1800) "And since I summoned a Harpie, my Hunting Ground lets me destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card on the field, and I choose your Bubble Blaster." (Bubble Blaster is destroyed. Bubbleman, 1600-> 800) "Now I'll activate Elegant Egotist, so now I can summon my Harpie Lady Sisters." (1950/2100) "And thanks to my other cards, my Sisters gain 500 more Attack." (Harpie Lady Sisters, 1950-> 2450) "And now my Hunting Grounds actviate again, so now your face-down card is destroyed." Blake's face-down Hero Barrier is destroyed. "Now your wide open! First, my Harpie Lady 1 attacks you Bubbleman." (Bubbleman is destroyed, Blake drops to 3000) "Now, my Sisters, attack him directly!" (Blake drops to 550)

"You, you're really good." Blake said.

"Too good." Nephilis replied. "I was expecting a challenge."

"Oh, you're gonna get a challenge." Blake called back.

 

Blake looked at his hand. Perfect.

"Here I go. I activate Fake Hero, so now I can summon Elemental Hero Neos. Then I'll summon Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird."

Nephilis shrugged. "Is that all? If that's all, I'll end this."

"Not so fast. I'll use Contact Fusion with my monsters, so now I'll summon Elemental Hero Air Neos!" (2500/2000) "Sure it may not be much, but thanks to Air Neos' effect, if you have more points than me, the difference in our points is added to Air Neos' Attack." (Air Neos, 2500 -> 5950)

"What? That's enough-"

"To take you out. Air Neos, finish him off!" (Harpie Lady 1 is destroyed. Nephilis takes 4150 damage. Drops to 0. Loses. Blake wins.)

"Congratulations. Siegfried was right to have faith in you." Nephilis removed his hood, revealing the face of a 20- to 30-year old man. "I was told this give this to you if you won." Nephilis took a shard from his cloak and gave it to Blake. Blake looked at it, confused. "What's this?"

"If you beat the rest of us, you will be able to obtain to the greatest power of light to save the world."

Derek, who had been watching the duel ran over to them. "Whoa, save the world? I don't think Blake can handle that."

Nephilis turned to Derek, "You, you're in the finals as well, right?"

"Yeah, but how did you know?"

"I have more sources. Now I must take my leave." As Nephilis finished his words, Nephilis vanished. Derek turned to Blake, "Okay, so maybe you weren't crazy. Just make sure you don't fail."

"Don't worry, I won't."

 

Meanwhile, back at the hideout of the seven guardians, six of them were sitting at the table when Nephilis arrived. Siegfried spoke to Nephilis.

"So Blake won?"

"Yes, as you expected. I guess my purpose is served." Nephilis walked to the table and light suddenly shined beneath his feet until Nephilis vanished in to the light. In the center of the table, where a Crystal was placed, part of it glowed. Siegfried turned to the others, "May our brother rest in peace. Now that Blake has passed the first trial, I am sure that the Sacred Beasts will come soon."

 

In a dark area completely surrounded in shadows, three torches stood in a triangular formation. The fire in the torches were red in one, yellow in another, a blue in the third. It seemed that the blue one had "eyes" that glew pure red. The blue fire "spoke", "So, you have awaken us." A voice surrounding the area spoke to the blue flame.

"Indeed Raviel. Now the guardians have begun their trials, they think that they will rest in peace when the boy defeats them." Suddenly, the "eyes" of the other flames appeared. The yellow one spoke first. "I can tell. You fed that fool Nephilis to us. He didn't really have much taste to him." Now it was the red flame's turn. "How do you intend to gather enough souls to rejuvinate us before the dueling championship? It took 100 souls just to even contact us in our exile." The voice in the shadows spoke. "Do not worry, I have found several duelists to gather more followers to bring you back. In fact, a few of them are in the World Championship Tournament Finals. As we speak, they are in the midst of gathering some souls for you to feast on." The blue flame, Raviel, spoke, "Why not our heirs? Their souls would further our resurrection."

The voice spoke, "You think I have not considered them? It has been several centuries since your defeat. By now, there should be thousands of heirs throughout the world. They are my primary targets, as we must gather a strong army to conquer the Chosen one. But first, his current strength must be tested. I have already dispatched one of my soldiers. He has the weakest soul, so their is no risk."

Raviel chuckled, "Soon, the Age of Twilight shall spread to the world once more."