Yugioh: Fusion of Worlds: Rise of the Emperors [starting] [accepting in ooc thread]

[Merci]

Servant had just walked out of the area where he could have heard Alexander. But even if he had heard, he probably wouldn't have actually went to the source.
[i]"Servant"[/i], Shadow Tamer said. [i]"I sense-"[/i]
[color=darkred]"You don't need to tell me."[/color] Servant interrupted. He had caught onto a Signer's presence. [color=darkred]"A Signer. But that presence is something unique. Just another product of this universe, I guess."[/color] He turned towards his own dorm, which he hadn't visited yet. [color=darkred]"There's nothing wrong with a visit to my own dorm, is there now?"[/color] And he walked.

[Aesirson]

"The Machine Emperors are outerdimensional beings." Xer said calmly, not really expecting Teslarc to understand. He quickly explained in case she didn't. "There's only a certain number of them in the entire multiverse. They were created by someone, or something, between dimensions." He looked at Teslarc, then continued. "Do you understand? Since they were created outside any universe there is no counterpart of them in any universe, but they possess the ability to travel between dimensions."

He looked away, seemingly considering saying something. He opened his mouth, but no words came out of it. He then stood up and started to walk away.

"I'll leave now, and I'll disappar until I feel the presence of an Emperor"

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=blue]Mark's eyes stopped glowing and his breathing became more and more ragged, "I'm so sorry..." He told Luisa and the others, his Spirits vanishing as silently as they came, though Jenis and Wildheart got the sense that they were still there, in case either one of them tried to enact their vengeance, "I don't expect your forgiveness, Hell, I'm surprised you even believe me. If you so choose, you can have your justice here and now, but you have my word that, as soon as whatever's happening is through, I will turn myself over to you for judgment."[/color]

[color=silver]Bryce turned around and looked at Alexander, bone dry despite the soaking rain, "Run along, Mr. Lombax." He told the teacher, "There's nothing to see here, go back to your dorm. Some of your students mind need you considering the temperament of your superior."[/color]

[color=red]Meanwhile, Drake's Mark was tearing into his arm with a searing agony, as if it were trying to claw its way out of his flesh, "Six, calm down." He growled, "There's nothing wrong, it's just a storm, these things happen all the time and if you keep freaking out like this you're going to f*cking kill me."[/color]

[Kingdom Xathers]

"Sir, forgive my asking," Alexander said in spite of the Vice Principal's "suggestion", "but I was wondering if you've noticed anyth--aah!" he yelped out as a sharp pain struck his head. "Umbris, knock it [i]off[/i], will ya?" he hissed at his Spirit Partner in a hushed voice. "I promise we're gonna find wherever that disturbance is--!"

[b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"But it's right here!"[/font][/i][/b] said the Neo-Spacian-turned-Chrysalis in a very urgent tone. [b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"The disturbance is strongest at this point! Can't you tell that something's not right here, even without me tell you?"[/font][/i][/b]

"Now what's that supposed to--?!" Alexander blurted out, but stopped himself after noticing that Umbris may have been on to something this whole time; Paradiso, in spite of the torrential downpour, remained drier than an oasis during an Indian Summer. Even still, with Umbris ceasing his "Hero Sense" at that moment, Alexander was able to sense a very peculiar vibe from the Vice Principal, one that seemed... unearthly.

"Sir," Alexander started again, slowly this time, "why are [i]you[/i] out here?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taking a moment to come up with something to tell Mark in regards to his judgment, Wildheart was surprised to see Luisa suddenly get up from her huddled position against the wall and slowly approach Mark, her expressionless face unchanging until she was within arm's-length of the Moon King.

Luisa looked straight into Mark's face, looking into the frozen, multifaceted crystals that were his eyes. For a moment, she remained silent, raising her right hand slightly, before swiftly striking it across his face. Jenis let out a gasp as she heard the loud smack.

"Luisa!" Wildheart yelped out, surprised to see such a reaction from his partner.

"I trusted you...," said Luisa in a dry voice, cracked both from not having spoken in a while and from the emotions that were rising to the surface. She then proceeded to strike at Mark again, tears streaming down her cheeks as repeatedly punched and slapped every inch of his upper body, all the while shouting, "I trusted you!! How could you?!", among other things.

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]"You really shouldn't ask questions that you do not wish to know the answers to." Bryce told Alexander, "Your paycheck, and your life, are both riding on your next step. Turn around and go back to your dorms to be with your students. You don't want to face the alternative." His forearms started glowing a bright metallic gold, starting at his wrist and moving up almost all the way to the elbow, "Just walk away, doggy."[/color]

[color=blue]"I would have told you." Mark said, catching one of Luisa's fists for long enough to take his sunglasses off and toss them on a nearby table, "I DID tell you. You deserved to know the truth. You deserve to know about the monster helping you. Believe me, there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about what I did. I am so sorry for everything, and I will gladly hand myself over to the Elemental Heroes and Lightsworns as soon as they call upon me."[/color]

[Kingdom Xathers]

Alex let out a small chuckle, a hint of anger and sadness hidden within it. "So, does that mean I can't trust you, either?" he asked of the Vice Principal. "I mean, I just found out that Drake is, or at least was, a murderer, so now I don't think I can ever trust him again...." Before continuing, Alexander used his free hand to reach for his Duel Disk strapped onto his back, his other hand holding up his umbrella. "It just seems like everyone is hiding some big secret nowadays, and if you are hiding something, too, Mr. Paradiso... then I fear for this Academy's safety." He attached his Duel Disk onto his left arm, and activated it. "As a teacher, it is my duty to not only teach these students, but to protect them from any danger... and by the looks of it, that includes you. To hell with my paycheck; whatever you have planned, I'll see that it's put to a stop, one way or another."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unable to take it much longer, Luisa fell to the floor as her knees gave out, and began to sob loudly. Wildheart cautiously went over to her and knelt down next to her, holding her in a comforting embrace.

"Mark," said the Elemental Hero in a stern voice as Luisa buried her face in his chest, "I will give you this much warning; the Elemental and Destiny Heroes, as well as the Lightsworns, will be surveying you, myself and Jenis included. We will wait until the end of the current ordeal to pass judgment, but we will do so sooner if you so much as step one toe out of line. If it has to come to it, I will bring judgment upon you myself, as much as it would pain me to do so." He turned his head to look Mark in the face. "Even if you make it through to the end, I won't guarantee that you will be fully acquitted of your previous actions, whether they were truly of your own free will or not. However, seeing as Jenis and I know of your story, we may be able to convince the others to bestow upon you a lesser punishment, but that's it. Do you understand this, Mark?" he concluded, stressing those last few words.

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]The glow on Bryce's forearms brightened and solidified into two solid gold... fan-like things. "You know what these are, don't you?" He asked, holding up one five bladed armband, "The Ancient Egyptians called them Dia Dhanks, basically their equivalent of Duel Disks. Usually, they had three blades each, but, after I killed four Sacred Guardians, the guardians of the Pharaohs, I kept these as prizes and modified them to suit my needs after their rituals turned into a mere game." One blade on each arm started to glow, "I've seen life through your eyes. You were the hardest to peg down, in fact. But I've finally found it. I've found your sin." The forest around them darkened and the rain froze in midair, "Your sin.. is sloth." All but one blade on his right arm started to glow and a rusted metal figure appeared before them, "I Set four cards face-down, activate the Field Spell Card Sin World, and Summon Sin Parallel Soldier in Attack position."[/color]

LP: 4000
Hand: 0
Field: SP Soldier
S/T: 4 f/d
Field: Sin World

[color=blue]"So long as you give me time to choose a successor." Mark told Wildheart, looking at Luisa, "I cannot let Quilla go unchecked. She needs an emissary." He chuckled, a humorless, morose sound, "Also, if I can make one more request, don't lessen my punishment. I don't deserve any amnesty, and, honestly, I'd probably off myself while I was awaiting trial if you did."[/color]

[spoiler=Sin Parallel Soldier]DARK
Level 4
Machine/Effect
As long as this card is in face-up Attack position on the field, your opponent cannot activate any set Spells and Traps until after the Battle Phase.
1400/1400[/spoiler]

[Kingdom Xathers]

Alexander looked at his surroundings, realizing that the downpour had suddenly frozen in place. Somewhat thankful for this in spite of his current situation, he closed his umbrella and placed it on the ground, then drew his starting hand of six cards.

"I guess to state the obviously," he said as he looked over his hand, "you've been around for a lot longer than your physical age dictates. But I think I'll worry about that later. I begin my turn by setting one monster, and placing three other cards face-down. I'll end my turn for now."

[i]""Sloth"?"[/i] Alexander thought to himself. [i]"What does the sin of Sloth have to do with me? I'm not lazy by any means... or... is there some hidden meaning?"[/i]

LP: 4000
Hand: 2
Field: Face-down Def. Position Monster
S/T: 3 (occupying S&T Zones 1, 3, and 5)
Graveyard: Empty

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wildheart let out a worn-out sigh. "Well, I should have seen that coming," he said upon hearing Mark's request, also looking at Luisa, but continuing to talk to Mark. "These conditions will come into effect in this world's morning. In the meantime...."

[font="Book Antiqua"]"I will inform the other Lightsworns of this decision,"[/font] spoke up Jenis, [font="Book Antiqua"]"as well as news of Wulf's reappearance. Let's not forget, he may be in some form of peril as long as he is with this "Fenrir" individual...."[/font]

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]Bryce chuckled and Sin Parallel Soldier's left hand grew into five bladed fingers, "Sin Claw Stream's effect." The vice principal stated, "If I control a face-up Sin Monster, I can destroy one Monster you control, like your face-down, for example." Green energy beams erupted from the claws and ripped apart the face-down Monster, "Now, I Summon Sin Parallel Engineer." A similar robot to Soldier appeared on the field as one of Bryce's blades stopped glowing and another on the opposite arm picked up, "You are unable to activate any of your Trap Cards that target my Engineer, and every time he attacks, I destroy one of your face-downs. Now, Sin Parallel Engineer, attack him directly and take out the face down on the far right. Sin Parallel Soldier, Attack him directly as well."[/color]

LP: 4000
Hand: 0
Monsters SP Solider ([b]1400[/b]/1400) SP Engineer ([b]1300[/b]/1300)
S/T: 3 f/d
Field: Sin World

[color=blue]"You know my crimes better than I do." Mark reminded Wildheart, "You know what I've done. Is there any other form of judgment that you can levy upon the demon that committed those acts?"[/color]

[spoiler=Sin Parallel Engineer]DARK
Level 4
Machine/Effect
Your opponent cannot activate the effects of any Trap Cards that would target this card. As long as this card is in face-up Attack position on the field, your opponent cannot activate any set Spells and Traps until after the Battle Phase. When this card attacks, destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card on your opponent's side of the field at the end of the Damage Step.
1300/1300[/spoiler]

[Kingdom Xathers]

The card destroyed by Sin Claw Stream's effect was revealed to be a Skull-Mark Ladybug, its wings torn off as it was slashed apart. "By the effect of Skull-Mark Ladybug," Alexander said as an aura of pure light surrounded him, "I gain a thousand Life Points when it is sent to the Graveyard, bringing me up to 5000."

[i]"At least this will lessen the blow I receive from this next attack,"[/i] he thought to himself as both the Engineer and Soldier rushed him at once. As soon as the Engineer attacked him, his face-down Scrap-Iron Scarecrow was destroyed as well. The combined attacks were forceful enough to knock Alex screaming off of his feet, pushing aside a number of raindrops behind him. "Wait, that... actually hurt?" he said out loud as he scrambled to his feet. "Umbris, what's going on? How come I actually felt that?" Expecting a response from his Spirit Partner, he was surprised to find that one never came. "Umbris? Where'd you go?" Becoming worried when the Chysalis Pantail failed to show up, he then yelled at the Vice Principal, "What did you do to Umbris? Where is he?!"


LP: 2300 (4000+1000-1400-1300)
Hand: 2
S/T: 2 face-downs (in S&T Zone 1 and 3)
Graveyard: 2 (Skull-Mark Ladybug, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow)

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]"I did nothing to your little kitten." Bryce assured Alexander as he triggered one of his face-downs, "Trap Card, Sin Bomb." A second light on Bryce's right Dia Dhank went out and both his Monsters exploded in a mass of black energy, "By sacrificing two Sins on the field, I can draw cards equal to their combined level, one at a time, until I find a Sin Monster whose Level is less than the combined levels of the sacrificed Monsters." Eight Level stars appeared in a circle between the two Duelists, exploding as the Vice Principal spoke, revealing two Trap Cards Alexander didn't recognize written in a foreign language, a Level 8 Monster Alex didn't recognize whose name and text were in another language, and a Level 7 Monster that, as per the others, was unrecognized with effect text written in another language, "I Special Summon the Level 7 Sin Parallel Wolf!" The mechanical wolf in the card leaped onto the field and roared. "Two card face down, your turn."[/color]

LP: 4000
Hand: 1
Monsters SP Wolf ([b]2300[/b]/2300)
S/T: 4 f/d
Field: Sin World

[spoiler=Sin Bomb]Trap
Normal
Activate only during your own Main Phase 2. Sacrifice any number of Level four or higher Sin Monsters that have successfully declared an attack this turn and draw card(s) equal to the level of the sacrificed Monsters until you draw a Monster card whose Level is less than the combined levels of the sacrificed Monsters. Special Summon that Monster, ignoring the Summoning Conditions. If you do not draw a Monster with a level lower than the combined levels of the sacrificed Monsters, take damage equal to the number of cards drawn x 300.[/spoiler]

[Kingdom Xathers]

"Then why can't I feel him...?" Alexander mused to himself as he drew his next card. I'll start by setting another monster, then activating my Trap Card in Zone Number Three: Ultimate Offering! (if no response) I'll then pay 500 Life Points and sacrifice my face-down Level Eater to Tribute Summon [url="http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/57/11858.jpg"]Marcus Fenix - Beta[/url] in Attack Mode!" (if no response) His face-down card revealed itself as the Level Star-mimicking insect before vanishing in a blue flash of light, replaced by the bandanna-wearing soldier known as Marcus Fenix. The C.O.G. Soldier armed himself with his Lancer Assault Rifle.

"I then activate Level Eater's effect; by decreasing Marcus's Level by 1, I can special summon my Level Eater from my Graveyard." (if no response) A row of five Level Stars appeared over Marcus's head. One of the stars transformed into a Level Eater and flew down to Marcus's left. The remains Stars over the soldier's head revealed that he was now a Level Four monster. "I'm still not done yet! By using Ultimate Offering's effect once more, I pay 500 Life Points and sacrifice Level Eater again to Tribute Summon the Level 6 [url="http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/57/11858.jpg"]Bayonetta - Beta[/url]!" (if no response) A curvaceous witch in a skin-tight outfit was summoned through a moon-like symbol formed from Level Eater's sacrifice. She pulled out two hot-pink handguns from out of nowhere and assumed her battle pose.

"I'll now head into my Battle Phase," Alexander continued, "and attack your Sin Parallel Wolf with Marcus Fenix - Beta!" As he said this, the C.O.G. soldier revved up the chainsaw-bayonet on his Rifle. "When Marcus does battle with a monster, his attack increases by 100, multiplied by the Level of his opponent. And since your Wolf is a Level Seven, Marcus's power goes up to 2700. Now Marcus! Attack with Jacinto Chainsaw Massacre!" Marcus charged forward, prepared to strike the metallic wolf down with his chainsaw.

LP: 1300 (2300-500-500)
Hand: 0
Field: #2: Marcus Fenix - Beta ([b]2700[/b]/1700, Attacking), #3: Bayonetta - Beta ([b]2100[/b]/1700)
S/T: 2 (Face-down at S/T Zone 1, Ultimate Offering at S/T Zone 3)
Graveyard: 3 (Skull-Mark Ladybug, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, Level Eater)

[Merci]

Servant continued on. Definitely a Signer, but there was something about his Signer energy which bothered him. It was different from the five ones which he was used to. Well, it didn't matter. Signers were Signers and nothing could change that. Except if they die or give up their marks, of course. But that wasn't the case. That's why there was Servant, to fix that. He continued on through the storm, but he wasn't soaked whatsoever. He stood outside the building the Signer was in and activated his Duel Disk. He continued on, before waiting. He focused on his newly-awakened Infinity powers, trying to call the Signer to him. He took a minute to wait.

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]"Sin Parallel Wolf's effect activates." Bryce said as his Machine-type Monster roared and stopped the Betas in their tracks, "Whenever you activate a Trap Card, you automatically skip your Battle Phase for that turn." The three cowered in fear of the looming mechanical wolf, "Your Sins manifest themselves through my cards." He told the Lombax,"Only one person has ever beaten me, the only person who's ever overcame their guiding Sin and destroyed me." Lightning flashed and froze around them, "And guess what? I'm back."[/color]

[color=red]Drake dragged himself out of his room, his Duel Disk on his arm, and looked Servant square in the eye, "Six, I'm never going to doubt you again unless you REALLY start pissing me off for no reason." He told his arm, his Body Mark having grown twisted and warped, "You can stop with the f*cking tricks, I'm right here." He called as Trident Dragion appeared on the roof of the Slifer Dorm to shield Drake from the rain.[/color]

[Kingdom Xathers]

"Guys!" Alexander yelped out as Marcus and Bayonetta froze up in fear. "What's wrong? This isn't like you...." Cursing under his breath, Alexander decreased Bayonetta's Level to 5 in order to Special Summon Level Eater once more, in Defense Position. (if no response) "I don't know what you mean by that, Mr. Paradiso," Alexander said to the Vice Principal as the lightning flash froze in place, brightening the field considerably, "but that's not going to stop me for one second. I'm afraid now that I must end my turn."

LP: 1300 (2300-500-500)
Hand: 0
Field: #2: Marcus Fenix - Beta ([b]2000[/b]/1700, Level 4), #3: Bayonetta - Beta ([b]2100[/b]/1700, Level 5), #5 Level Eater (600/[b]0[/b])
S/T: 2 (Face-down at S/T Zone 1, Ultimate Offering at S/T Zone 3)
Graveyard: 2 (Skull-Mark Ladybug, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"... I suppose you're right, Mark," Wildheart admitted. "If that's how you feel about this, then we'll respect your wishes." During this time, Luisa had ceased crying, but still hid her face. Jenis had left moments ago to inform the Lightsworns and Heroes of the current events.

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]"I set one card face-down and Summon the Level two Tuner Monster [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Malefic_Parallel_Gear"]Sin Parallel Gear[/url] in Defense position. Now, Sin Parallel Wolf, show his Marcus Fenix why it's a bad idea to piss me off." On command, the metal wolf lunged and ripped through the opposing Monster, "Come on, you can do better than that. Stop letting your sloth guide you. Strike faster, hit harder, overpower me." He laughed, "Or are you too much of a coward?"[/color]

[color=blue]Mark nodded somberly and placed his hand on Luisa's shoulder, "I wish that I could change the past." He told Wildheart, "I wish that I could have my sister back. I have a lot of wishes, and you can respect them all you want, but that doesn't mean anything'll come from them except heartache."[/color]

[Kingdom Xathers]

"My Sloth, you say?" Alexander replied with an odd smile as Marcus plunged his chainsaw bayonet into the underbelly of the attacking Sin Parallel Wolf. "I think I can do very well without employing whatever sin you're accusing me of. I wonder, though, if you actually had your Wolf attack Marcus on purpose, when Bayonetta could have been a much easier target. Why? Because Marcus's Attack increase applies whenever he's engaged in combat, whether it is during my Battle Phase or yours." As he said this, Marcus succeeded in cutting the Sin Wolf in half. "Since your Wolf was a Level 7, Marcus's Attack Power increased by 700 (100 * 7), bringing his Attack to 2700, trumping your Wolf's 2300 and inflicting 400 damage to your Life Points." As confident as he was during that explanation, Alex was rather stressed on the inside. [i]"Sh!t, that was close."[/i]

LP: 1300
Hand: 0
Field: #2: Marcus Fenix - Beta ([b]2700[/b]/1700, Level 4, Counterattacked), #3: Bayonetta - Beta ([b]2100[/b]/1700, Level 5), #5 Level Eater (600/[b]0[/b])
S/T: 2 (Face-down at S/T Zone 1, Ultimate Offering at S/T Zone 3)
Graveyard: 2 (Skull-Mark Ladybug, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow)

[color="#C0C0C0"]The Vice Principal gave off a light chuckle of amusment. "Very well. Your turn, lombax."[/color]

"Alright, then," said Alex as he drew his next card. I activate the Spell Card [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Roll_of_Fate"]Roll of Fate[/url], which allows me to roll a six-sided die. The result of the die determines how many cards I draw, then I send the same number of cards from the top of my deck to the Graveyard." As he said this, a large white die appeared, hovering in midair. "Bayonetta, would you do the honors?

The Umbra Witch gave Alex a flirtatious wink in answer as she grabbed hold of the large die and tossed it into the air. When it finally came down, the die bounced a few times on the ground until it finally came to rest; it's result was 4. Alex drew four cards from the top of his deck, then sent four cards from his deck to his Graveyard (Comrade Soldier of Lanstar, Skull-Mark Ladybug, Level Eater and Hunter of Black Feathers). With the Ladybug's discard, Alexander's Life Points increased to 2300. Alex smiled as he looked over his new hand.

"Now, to continue my turn, I Normal Summon [url="http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/57/11858.jpg"]Ratchet - Beta[/url] from my hand in Attack Mode!" A young man of the same species as Alexander (except with yellow fur instead of white) hopped onto the field, a giant wrench in his hands.

"I'll then use Ultimate Offering's effect. By paying 500 Life Points and sacrificing my Level Eater, I Tribute Summon the Level Six [url="http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/9341/11858f.jpg"]Ose[/url]!" A humanoid leopard in a green cape arose from Level Eater's sacrifice. "I'll then pay 500 Life Point's once more to Normal Summon Fleur Synchron!" A large rosebud-shaped creature hopped out onto the field with a snicker.

"Now, I shall perform a Synchro Summon," Alex continued, "by tuning my Level Six Ose with my Level 2 Fleur Synchron!" The leopard jumped into the air as Fleur Synchron transmogrified into two Tuning Rings, which surrounded Ose. "And with this, I Synchro Summon the Level 8 Ose Hallel--ARGH!!" Alex yelled out in pain before he could finish his sentence, clutching at his right arm which now felt as those something was tearing its way through his flesh. During this time, the Synchro Monster that Alex had originally intended to summon instead took on the silhouette of a [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Red_Dragon_Archfiend"]winged dragon with horns on its head, glowing a deep crimson[/url]. "Wh-what's going on?!" Alex gasped out as he looked on at the Synchro Monster that was forming before his eyes. At the same time, a red mark began to glow on his right arm in the form of clawed hands.

[color="#FFA500"][i]"This, my fellow hybrid, is called a Mark of the Dragon, or a Dragon Birthmark, or a Signer Sigil, or countless other things... We're chosen by something called the Crimson Dragon...."[/i][/color]

"Rayos...," Alex said slowly to himself as realization entered his mind. "... you must have been right all along...."

Once he regained his focus, Alex straightened himself out and stare directly into Bryce's face. "I guess I've acquired a new hope with which to end this duel," he said, a renewed vigor noticeable in his voice. "Ready, Mr. Paradiso? This will not end well for you! Red Dragon Archfiend, destroy his Sin Parallel Gear!" The demonic dragon reared back one of its arms, claws poised to strike down the diminutive gear.

LP: 1300 (1300+1000-500-500)
Hand: 1
Field: #1: Ratchet - Beta ([b]1600[/b]/1000), #2: Marcus Fenix - Beta ([b]2000[/b]/1700, Level 4), #3: Bayonetta - Beta ([b]2100[/b]/1700, Level 5), #4: Red Dragon Archfiend ([b]3000[/b]/1600, Attacking)
S/T: 2 (Face-down at S/T Zone 1, Ultimate Offering at S/T Zone 3)
Graveyard: 10 (Skull-Mark Ladybug, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, Roll of Fate, Comrade Soldier of Lanstar, Skull-Mark Ladybug, Level Eater, Hunter of Black Feathers, Level Eater, Fleur Synchron, Ose)

[Merci]

[color=darkred]"I've never heard a Signer swear before."[/color] Servant muttered, but it was lost in the storm. [color=darkred]"Signer, I hast no knowledge of you, but I'm going to destroy you!"[/color] He announced. Not the greatest plan, but that didn't matter. He had left his backpack below a tree, which was containing his uniform. There were also contact lens and a pair of scizzors, to disguise himself in case he was discovered. [color=darkred]"So then, you have no choice but to duel me! Because if you don't, I'm going to obliterate you with the powers of Infinity!" [i]Makes me wonder why I don't do that in the first place.[/color] He then drew five cards from his deck. [color=darkred]"But since I'm patient, you take the first turn."[/color]

[color=darkred]"I've never heard a Signer swear before."[/color] Servant muttered, but it was lost in the storm. [color=darkred]"Signer, I hast no knowledge of you, but I'm going to destroy you!"[/color] He announced. Not the greatest plan, but that didn't matter. He had left his backpack below a tree, which was containing his uniform. There were also contact lens and a pair of scizzors, to disguise himself in case he was discovered. [color=darkred]"So then, you have no choice but to duel me! Because if you don't, I'm going to obliterate you with the powers of Infinity!" [i]Makes me wonder why I don't do that in the first place.[/color] He then drew five cards from his deck. [color=darkred]"But since I'm patient, you take the first turn."[/color]

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]Bryce chuckled, "Oh ho ho, the unholy abomination is a Signer." He said as two of the blades on his right arm stopped glowing, "I Activate Sin Necromancy. By removing from play one Sin Monster in my Graveyard that was destroyed last turn, you cannot enter your Battle Phase this turn." An ominous red glow surrounded Alexander's Monsters, "And, if you don't know your Monster's effects, he destroys every Monster on the field that doesn't battle... meaning all of your Monsters except your Dragon are destroyed as soon as you end your turn, unless you destroy your Dragon first."[/color]

[color=red]"How nice." Drake snarked, drawing his six cards, "Don't f*cking underestimate me. I Summon Red-Eyes Black Chick and activate his effect, transforming him into Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" He called out as a small baby dragon still in its eggshell appeared and then rapidly aged into Drake's favorite Monster, "Now, I activate the Spell Card Inferno Fire Blast, inflicting 2400 damage to your Life Points." The large black Dragon roared and fired a ball of black fire at Servant. "Two cards face-down and it's your tur.... AUGHH!!!!!" He roared as his Mark warped again, now completely circular against his skn.[/color]

[Premier Alexander Romanov]

Aki curled up against Elisa, brushing her hair with a pair of fingers. [color=#FF1493]"Goodnight, my dear Elisa..."[/color]

The Duel Academy building. The heart of campus, and, by extension, the island. All of the classrooms and lecture halls were located inside, as well as a library full of books ranging from "Duel Monsters for Dummies" to "Advanced Theories on Duel Relativity and Quantum Physics, Vol. I". The card shop, filled with all of the latest and greatest booster packs, starter sets, structure decks, and single cards, was locked up tighter than Fort Knox. The dueling fields were silent as the grave, save for the occasional conflict. But someone was sneaking around on the upper levels, looking for something...

[Kingdom Xathers]

"... no," Alex said silently, terror beginning to sink in as he looked at his three Beta monsters. "This wasn't how I...." Ratchet turned around to look at Alexander and gave a weak smile in spite of being in some form of pain as a result of Bryce's Trap.

Seeing this, Alex made his decision. "Sorry, Red Dragon," he said, "but these guys come first." He then declared, "I reduce Red Dragon Archfiend's Level by one to Special Summon Level Eater once more." Once again, a Level Eater was formed, this time from one of Red Dragon Archfiend's eight Level Stars. "I now pay 500 Life Points with Ultimate Offering's effect, and sacrifice Red Dragon Archfiend and Level Eater to Tribute Summon the Level 7 [url="http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/57/11858.jpg"]Russell "Taurus" Oxford[/url]!" A tall, seemingly normal looking man appeared as Red Dragon Archfiend and Level Eater vanished from sight. He crossed his tattooed arms across his chest and awaited what was to come next.

"I'm not about to let anything happen to those three," Alexander said aloud to himself, referring to Marcus, Bayonetta and Ratchet. "Having them destroyed because of me... I couldn't begin to forgive myself if that happened...." He looked over his field once more, feeling as if something was missing. "Of course," he sighed out a bit sadly. "Umbris isn't there with you guys. I'm sure he would have liked to stand by you three again...." At this, he began to wonder why Umbris never revealed himself during the entire Duel. "I wonder," he mused to himself as he looked over to his last face-down card. If he activated it now, could he possibly...?

"I activate the Trap Card Jar of Greed," Alexander declared. "With this, I get to draw one card from my deck." He did so, and upon seeing what the card was, Alex's eyes began to tear up. "I... pay 500 Life Points once more," he said in a broken voice, "to Normal Summon... [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Panther"]Neo-Spacian Dark Panther[/url]."

At first, when Alexander placed the card on his duel disk, nothing seemed to happen; the monster in question had not appeared on the field. A few seconds later, however, a small Chrysalis had formed on the field space next to Ratchet. Within this cocoon was a tiny, black kitten with it's big eyes closed.

[b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"... ... sorry I'm late...,"[/font][/i][/b] said the kitten in a more mature voice.

The kitten began to shine in a blinding light as its chrysalis shattered. Moments later, the light faded to reveal a ebony-furred feline in a green cape. [b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"I'm sorry, that I couldn't get here sooner...,"[/font][/i][/b] apologized the Neo-Spacian. [b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"I just got... lost...."[/font][/i][/b]

A single tear ran down Alexander's face. "It's alright... as long as you're here now.... Welcome back.

"... I end my turn," Alexander said quietly, his voice filled with happiness and resignation.

LP: 300 (1300-500-500)
Hand: 0
Field: #1: Marcus Fenix - Beta (2000/1700, Level 4), #2: Bayonetta - Beta (2100/1700, Level 5), #3: Ratchet - Beta (1600/1000) #4: Neo-Spacian Dark Panther (1000/500), #5: Russell "Taurus" Oxford (2500/2200)
S/T: 1 (Ultimate Offering at S/T Zone 3)
Graveyard: 10 (Skull-Mark Ladybug, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, Roll of Fate, Comrade Soldier of Lanstar, Skull-Mark Ladybug, Level Eater, Hunter of Black Feathers, Level Eater, Fleur Synchron, Ose, Red Dragon Archfiend, Jar of Greed)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wulf appeared at the entrance to a cave someplace on the island, peering in yet hesitant to go in. Drawing up some reserved courage, the Lightsworn Beast walked in.

The moment he entered, the horde of wolf Duel Spirits took notice and collectively growled at him, their eyes glaring at him with loathing.

"'Eaven and 'ell, 'eaven and 'ell," said a voice all too familiar to the Lightsworn Beast. "Look at 'oo 'as decided ter sha 'imself at last. Took ya long enough."

[font="Book Antiqua"]"I'm sorry, sir,"[/font] Wulf said, kneeling down on the cold stone floor.

"We 'ad ter go through a lot of trouble 'cause of you," Fenrir snapped at Wulf. "I 'ad ter break into the damned cafeteria on campus, whilst the others 'ad ter take daahhhn sum bloke in a yellow cap 'oo 'ad abaht nine duel spirits too many. Not that they're complainin'," he added, pointing towards what remained of a Ra Yellow student and his Duel Spirits.

"You're aware of what's garn ter 'appen ter ya na, wite? For disobeyin' a direct order?" Fenrir asked the Lightsworn Beast.

[font="Book Antiqua"]"Yes... I understand completely... and I'm willing to accept...."[/font]

" Heh, chivalrous ter the end, I see," Fenrir sneered as Lycanthrope gave off a sickening laugh/growl. "Dark Moon Lycan, do your thing." He motioned for the black-coat wearing werewolf to approach Wulf, its red marking giving off an ominous glow....

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]Bryce smiled, "Too little, too late." He told Alexander, "I Activate Sin Parallel Gear's effect, allowing me to use one Monster in my hand as a Synchro Material Monster. I'm Tuning my Level 8 Sin Parallel Demon with my Level 2 Sin Parallel Gear! Born from threshold of the dimension of Darkness, time to lower the curtain of destruction on the stage that surpasses time and space! Synchro Summon! Appear Now, Sin Paradox Dragon!" Sin Parallel Gear burst into two rings and a winged metal behemoth appeared in the sky the second the lightning finally went out and the two black rings formed around it in a cross, circling around the Monster and gaining speed until it was nothing but a blur of black energy that exploded to reveal a giant white armored wyvern, "Sin Parallel Dragon's effect activates. When it's Synchro Summoned, I can select one Synchro Monster in the Graveyard and Special Summon it on my side of the field. Revive, Red Dragon Archfiend!" Sin Paradox Dragon roared and Red Dragon Archfiend burst through the ground, sending grass and dirt into the air that just hovered there like the rain, "In addition, the ATK of each of your Monsters is reduced by the ATK of the resurrected Monster." Alexander's Signer Dragon roared and reduced the ATK of all his Monsters to 0. "Now, feel the full impact of your Sin! Sin Paradox Dragon! Infinite Death Blaze! Destroy his Neo-Spacian!"[/color]

[Kingdom Xathers]

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4OLQB7ON9w"]((♫♪♫))[/url]

As Sin Paradox Dragon and Red Dragon Archfiend prepared their attack, Ratchet ran in front of Umbris, a defiant and anguished look in his eyes. Bayonetta and Marcus response stood in front of Ratchet to shield them both, whilst Russell, unsure and panicking, decided to follow suit and join in.

"... this wasn't how I...," Alex murmured to himself, helpless to do anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wulf screamed out in pain as Dark Moon Lycan's Cursed Shadows crept across his body, draining him of his energy yet still keeping him conscious. Fenrir and the other wolves watched on as this happened, the Lycanthrope itself seeming to derive enjoyment out of this.

When Dark Moon Lycan finished its attack, the shadows ceased, dropping Wulf to the ground.

"Get up, Wulf," demanded Fenrir. Having no choice but to obey, Wulf staggered to his feet once more. The moment the Lightsworn Beast was upright, Dark Moon Lycan once again called forth its shadows to attack Wulf again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While his comrades were busy facing the two dragons, Umbris sunk into the shadows on the ground, then resurfaced in the center of the field, now in the direct path of the dragons' attacks. Ratchet yelled out, pleading for Umbris to come back as Marcus held him in place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Honestly, Verde," Nat said as he climbed into bed, "I don't know why I have to concern myself with this Signer business."

[b][i]"It's a part of history, Nathaniel!"[/i][/b] the Naturia Beast snapped. [b][i]"From the ancient to the most recent, to even now! This is not something that's just going to go away any time soon!"[/i][/b]

"Again I ask, "Why?"."

Verde let out a stressed sigh. [b][i]"For someone who excels in academics and studying, you sure do hate to pay attention whenever anything "voodoo-y" goes on."[/i][/b]

"I'm just not interested in it, that's all," Nat bluntly stated. "Just let me sleep, okay?"

Again, Verde sighed out. [b][i]"Very well, keep living in ignorance for all I care. Just you wait and see, Nathaniel. One of these days, you'll be deep into this crisis and won't have any clue of how to--"[/i][/b]

"Goodnight, Verde," Nat blurted out as he turned off the lights.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Umbris, what are you doing?!" Alexander yelled out.

[b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"I can't let them suffer just for me...,"[/font][/i][/b] said the Neo-Spacian somberly. [b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"I'm sorry, but this is something I must do."[/font][/i][/b] With this, he took a running start before jumping towards the two dragons just as they let loose their blazing attack.

"UMBRIS!!" Alex could only watch as the Neo-Spacian repeated a selfless act to protect those closest to him.

[b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"Thank you, Alex,"[/font][/i][/b] Umbris said just before the fires consumed him. [b][i][font="Franklin Gothic Medium"]"Without you, I would never have...."[/font][/i][/b]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time the Dark Moon Lycan had finished its eighth attack, Wulf was completely drained of his power, too weak to even open his eyes.

"That'll do," Fenrir said, seemingly satisfied. "Let that be a lesson to ya, Wulf. Never cross the pack again."

Wulf could do nothing else as he faded into unconsciousness....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wildheart realized that Luisa had cried herself to sleep, still resting her head against his chest. "The poor thing. She's exhausted," the Elemental Hero said in a kindhearted tone that seemed almost out of character for someone like him. He gently brushed aside her hair from her face. "I guess we're stuck here for the night--"

At that moment, Wildheart felt a strange disturbance, almost painful due to how suddenly it came and went. "What was...?" He said to himself. "... Umbris...?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Umbris was gone, the fire quickly spread to the rest of Alex's side of the field. Russell was the first to go, the fires consuming him as he yelled out in pain. The three that remained, Ratchet, Bayonetta and Marcus, huddled together, giving each other solace as the fires claimed them as well.

"This is... my fault...," Alex said sorrowfully, tears streaming down his face as the last of his hope, and his Life Points, disappeared. "I'm sorry, guys... Umbris... forgive me...." He dropped to his knees as the fires surrounded him as well. His vision soon blurred before he blacked out....

[Blackstone Dresden]

[color=silver]Bryce let out a dark chuckle as his Dragons vanished, "Destroyed by the sins of his master. What a pathetic piece of trash." The Vice Principal said, "You will be cursed with heartache and agony, but you will not know why. That is the curse I place on you, you pathetic scum." And, just like that, everything went back to normal, the rain poured down as usual and the time setting on Alexander's Duel Disk showed that he had only been outside for three seconds. His memory of the Duel was similarly blurred, like a nightmare he had been startled awake from and was swiftly forgetting, but Umbris' apparent death at the attack of the white dragon was permanently seared into his memory, despite his inability to remember who he was Dueling in his 'dream'.[/color]

[color=blue]"I'll carry her to my bed below deck." Mark told Wildheart as King Moon Star appeared beside him, "I know you don't want to trust me with Luisa, but I swear to you that I mean you no harm. That, and you can't fit down the trap door." The Moon King's spiritual emissary gently lifted Luisa off the ground as Mark made his way towards the stepladder and climbed down it.[/color]

[Merci]

Servant was unaffected by the blast, although his Life Points were (LP 2600). [color=darkred]"Impressive. Now, my turn, draw!"[/color] Servant drew his card. [color=darkred]"You summoned a powerful monster in a single turn. I would say I'm impressed, but I've seen more powerful tricks. I activate the Field Spell, Pandemonium."[/color] The ground around them warped for a moment, before changing into ancient greenish ground, with surrounding twisted pillars. [color=darkred]"I summon the monster Double Coston. And it just so happens that I have Double Summon in my hand. Thus, I activate it. And did I mention Double Coston is treated as two tributes? Come out, Archfiend Empress!"[/color] The two dark wisps floating about disappeared, and in their place appeared a distorted woman (ATK 2900). [color=darkred]"Now, Archfiend Empress, attack Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"[/color]