Yu-Gi-Oh! Armageddon (PG13) - Finished

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

I'm gonna go right out and say it.

 

That's bullshit.

 

I'm not talking about how very... un-good that sort of tease is in that situation, or how stupid the guys would have to be not to question them the same way we did, although those two are certainly big issues.

 

When you're writing, your only means of conveying what you want to stay is your words. When you write a whole, detailed scene with dialogue describing something, your readers will take it at face value. You can't write something, then expect readers to assume you are lying. In some way or another, you have to make it clear that what you are saying is not true. When I read it, it didn't even cross my mind that Yuma was lying - you expressed no motive for her, and you did not directly contradict her, so I assumed that somehow you had slipped up. And it's all good now that I can ask and clear it up. But if this was a book and I was reading it for the purposes of the review, this right here would have counted quite negatively.

 

While it may seem that I'm being nitpicky and a jerk, this is actually a core element of writing. Your readers aren't in your head - they won't realize your intentions or thoughts, unless you express them through your words.

 

Thankfully, the ending of the chapter was quite awesome and redeemed that negative impression from the final part of the duel.

 

Harsh, but probably correct, I guess I am still leaving too much for yous to work out and assuming to much.

 

:(

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

After being knocked slightly sideways, I hope this chapter goes down well. I don't know if it will or not, just want to build on the characters a bit, let me know guys.

 

Oh and a duel...

 

[spoiler=Chapter 40]

Chapter 40 - Erin’s Utopia

 

The tension, the anger, the hatred, could all be cut with a knife as the group stared up at the one individual at the top of the hill. Erin was frowning back down at them, thoughts masked. Revving up her runner, she descended down the hill, rolling to a stop from the fixated group. Her new runner was similar to Gear’s; long, bulky and black. The woman herself had not changed her own appearance though, even though she appeared to them to be a completely different person. Parking a few feet away, Erin removed her helmet and dismounted the runner, attaching her duel shield from the runner’s operating system. Instinctively, three duel shields activated.

 

“I am not here to fight you.” Erin lifted her hands slightly, indicating she was otherwise unarmed. Slowly she walked towards the group, who remained motionless, ready for anything she might be thinking about trying. Erin smiled confidently as she got closer and closer to them. She stood before Juruo, staring him the face and smiling, ignoring the others stood around him. To their disbelief she opened her arms and, with him hypnotised, embraced him in a tight hug, swaying slightly as she rested her head on his shoulder as he stood statuesque.

 

“Why are you here Erin?” he croaked.

 

“I wanted to see you again” Erin whispered, still smiling, seemingly oblivious to everyone else and everything that had happened between them. “Do you have any idea of how much it hurt me to have you run away from me, and to watch you jump over a cliff? You really scared...”

 

“You’re hurt? YOU’RE HURT!? How do you think I bloody well feel after you stabbed us in the back!?” Incensed, Juruo regained control of his body, pushing Erin off as he staggered backwards. Furious tears streamed down his face, as Sabin and Yuma grabbed him to stop him falling, as Erin looked at him in complete shock. “All the time you were with us, ever since I first met you, you were with them all along. How could you betray the Resistance, betray your friends?”

 

Erin grimaced at the sight of Juruo going into emotional breakdown. Slowly, she tried to formulate an answer. “I... do not take any joy in what I had to do. But for the greater good, I had to do it. Vardus and his group were getting in the way of Demon and his group too often, and had to be removed before Armageddon went ahead, otherwise he would be on to them immediately. If they weren’t so full of foolish pride and false hope, their doom could have been avoided. They hung themselves; I just fed them their rope.”

 

Sabin, who was doing his best to support the devastated wreck beside him, lost his own short temper. “Bet it was a lot easier for you to let the guard do your dirty work for you wasn’t it Erin? Maybe that’s why you didn’t just bump us all of over the course of our journey, not interested in doing it yourself. I saw you at Seishin’s temple too, the way you reacted at the sight of Vardus’ monster in the stone. I thought you were just upset from the reminder of him and those lost. But you were terrified of him, of what he’d say to you now, weren’t you? You’re just a coward!”

 

Erin’s icy blue eyes narrowed. “You would be wise to keep your opinions to yourself, sewer rat. Now, I see you have attained the marks of signers since you left me. The duel spirits must be desperately clawing to their existence to send out their big guns. You have a new recruit too.” Her eyes rolled over to Yuma, who was looking blankly at her. “So you have decided to fight, out of vengeance perhaps, or because you are blinded by the spirits lies like the others? How sad.”

 

“You still haven’t answered my question” Juruo interrupted, rage spent, his voice was tired, resigned. “Why are you with Demon?”

Again, Erin took her time over her answer. “As you know, when I first joined the Resistance, I fought hard for them to get rid of the Empire. As the years passed, it became more and more obvious that the Resistance would never be victorious. Then I met Demon. He showed me another way, opened my eyes to a place where there would be no Empire, where we would be free to live happily.” Her eyes glistened as she stared into a faraway place.

 

“Utopia, I’m guessing? Didn’t think you’d be the type to believe that fantasy garbage.”

 

“Why is belief in other worlds, better worlds, a fantasy? We all know about this world’s connection to the duel spirit world. There are millions of worlds. But none are like the fabled Utopia, a land of perfect happiness. Happiness that will never be felt in this world. He showed me the path to Utopia, and I put my faith in him. You want to know why I’m aligned with Demon?”

 

“I would like to know how killing millions of people and destroying two worlds is for ‘the greater good’?” Yuma asked. Now her duel was over, her voice had returned to its sad, haunting norm.

 

“You all still believe Armageddon is the end? Juruo, did you not listen to anything Demon told you, or do you stubbornly believe in the disaster that priests, seers, and duel spirits would have you believe? Demon’s Final Countdown is a means to an end, and a new beginning.” The group looked confused, so Erin tried a different tack. “Look at this way. The duel spirit world and this one are joined by a fine thread, keeping them the right distance apart from each other, not too close or too far away, kind of like the sun and the earth. If the earth got too far away from the sun, all life would freeze and die. And if it got too close, it would burn. The same relationship exists between the two parallel worlds. If the thread connecting them was broken, the worlds would either drift apart, or collapse into each other. It would appear the later is what is happening, the wall keeping the worlds separate is being weakened by the countdown, tearing the fabric of reality as the worlds cave in on each other. Soon, the walls will fall entirely. In the death of two worlds will emerge new life for those pass through the rip in reality. I want to reach Utopia. I want to live in a world without suffering, without sadness, only freedom and joy. Why wouldn’t you want this as well? When the Final Countdown is complete, this world will be torn apart, and we can pass through to Utopia, together.”

 

Erin extended a hand out towards Juruo. Everyone stared at her, blinking in disbelief, as she smiled again. “Juruo, at first I was doing this for me and Mel, so we could be free from all that has happened to us, and be happy. And so would all the other people I’d seen suffer, if they chose to believe and reach paradise. But since I’ve been around you, I want to do this for us. I want, I need you to come back with me.”

 

Juruo stared emptily at her hand, unable to speak. Sabin answered for him, stepping between them. “You have to be kidding right? You think Juruo is going to turn on us and get back with you after what you did?” He turned to the pale looking teenager beside him. “Isn’t that right mate?”

 

It took several attempts for Juruo to find his voice. “Erin. That night... why were you with me? If you knew what you were going to do, why would you get attached to me? You were with the resistance for years, and you felt nothing selling them out. You knew you were going to have to do the same to me to. Did you do it to get hold of me, or because Demon told you to?”

 

“Juruo, I didn’t spend the night with you to gain any advantage over you. I did it because I, against all my best efforts not too, feel in love with you and wanted to be with you. I tried and tried to stop you going to Glamisery, once I was certain Demon had got his cards. I tried to hold you back, but your spirit wouldn’t let you. I got desperate, you were going to beat Demon in your ignorance and undo all my work to making a perfect world for us. I know I hurt you, but I still want us to be together. Just come back with me... we don’t even have to go back to the castle if you’re uncomfortable with Demon; I have no further need to be with them. We can go somewhere together; spend a few days before Final Countdown is complete, then we will find each other in Utopia and live happily, forever. Me, you, my brother, just us in our own frozen paradise. I know you want this as much as me. Just stop fighting and come with me.”

 

Instinctively Sabin and Yuma stepped between her and the gaping Juruo. Erin scowled. “This is none of your business. This is between me and my love. Get out of my way.” Both refused to move. Frustrated, Erin raised her shield arm.

 

“Challenge pending acceptance... challenge accepted...”

 

Surprised, Erin glanced at the little information display on the hub of her duel shield, informing her of an incoming duel request being forced upon her. Lowering her shield, she blinked at the sight of Hikari standing across from her, pressing various things on her shield, forcing through her challenge. Sabin and Yuma looked across at her, equally dumbfounded.

 

“Hikari, what are you doing?”

 

“I’ve had enough of this. You can let her fill your heads with poison all night if you really want, but I’m not going to listen to it, and... I’m not having her hurt anymore people.” Finished with her shield, Hikari’s deck shuffled itself, and she set herself for battle. Erin laughed to herself at the sight.

 

“Awww... sweet little girl Hikari, you feel threatened by me? So you should do. But I have no interest in you at all. I’m here for Juruo, then I will be on my way and the rest of you can do whatever you want to...” Erin was interrupted by her shield, as the hub display read out her life points and those of her ‘opponent’, and her cards shuffled themselves. “What the?”

 

Hikari smirked at her. “Handy little trick Aerial taught me. You remember Aerial right, the boy who loved you until you sold him out? Now you have to duel me, like it or not.” Erin scowled, and readied herself.

 

“Hikari, don’t” Yuma warned. “If you lose...”

 

“Not going to happen.”

 

“Let’s duel!”

 

Resigned to being unable to stop the match, Sabin and Yuma dragged the numb Juruo out of the way, towards their shelter that was just behind Hikari to the left. The two girls watched them go, Hikari’s determined face set, Erin a picture of cold fury. “I have the first move. You will regret this. I summon Darksea Float in defence mode.” A small inflatable boat floated through the dark portal, supporting a half drowned man (DEF: 0). Erin smirked at her opponent. “Then I place two cards face down and end my turn. Now you have my attention, I wonder why you really want to duel me. You must have other motives for challenging me, don’t you Hikari? Motives that are rash and foolish, and will see you destroyed. I wonder... will he appreciate your...”

 

“Save it, no-one believes anything you say anymore” Hikari interrupted, drawing her card. “You know I used to respect you, look up to you, I guess that was even more foolish. I activate the spell card Solar Recharge; sending Aurkus, Lightsworn Druid from my hand and two cards from my deck to the graveyard, in order to draw two more cards.” Hikari looked over the two cards added to her hand, then to the two milled cards she was sending to the grave. Recharge had proved favourable in every way.

 

“Next I summon Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner to the field. Then I activate her effect, discarding one card from my hand to special summon Aurkus from the graveyard, and the discarded card is Fabled Beast Cerburrel, which when I discard it from my hand, is special summoned as well.” The powerful sorceress with short blonde hair and flowing white dress cast her spell, as the fine albino monk and the three headed puppy resurrected beside her. “Now I tune Cerburrel, Lumina and Aurkus together to perform a Synchro summon. Fallen from the heavens to smite down those who oppose its demonic power, Fabled Valkyrus.” On black wings descended the king of the Fabled, a former divine being turned devil, protected by dark armour with crimson and gold trim, cracking his clawed knuckles (ATK: 2900).

 

“I think I’ll just have to stop you right there. With the trap card Torrential Tribute, wiping the field clear of all monsters.” Hikari yelled in dismay as the trap opened, unleashing a wave of water that swept through the float, and then crashed down on all her monsters, destroying them all. Erin laughed to herself, placing a hand on her hip as if this was easy. “By the way, when Darksea Float is destroyed by a card effect, I can draw a card. Leaving me with plenty of options next turn, and you with no protection from them.”

 

“We’ll see about that.” Hikari grimaced at her predicament. She couldn’t afford to leave her field empty, but it would take even more resources from her hand to recover any field presence. “I activate the spell Monster Reincarnation, discarding one card to return Lumina to my hand. The card I’m discarding is Fabled Krus, and her ability activates, reviving one Fabled monster in the graveyard. The only monster I can choose is Cerburrel.” The ghostly image of a small child in a black dress, hiding her face, floated in front of Hikari with its bat like wings. Before it, a portal of light opened and the puppy returned (ATK: 1000). “Cerburrel, attack her directly.”

 

Juruo lurched forward as the puppy charged towards Erin and collided with her midriff, knocking her sideways with a grunt (LP: 3000). Grabbing him at the shoulders, Sabin and Yuma forced him to sit.

 

“Guys, this has to stop. If Erin beats Hikari now...”

 

“Show a little faith man. She’s made her choice, we can’t stop her now.”

 

Meanwhile, Hikari stared down at her fallen adversary, as she clambered back to her feet, snarling like the dog that had attacked her, staring at her. “I place one card face down, and end my turn.”

 

“Enjoy your lead while it lasts. It will not do so for long.”

 

[spoiler=Summary - End Turn 2]

Erin - Front Row: -. Back Row: Face down. Hand: 4 LP: 3000

Hikari - Front Row: Cerburrel. Back Row: Face down. Hand: 2 LP: 4000

 

 

 

“Tell me Hikari, do you miss the people who you’ve lost to the Empire? Your mother, who disappeared during the amnesty. Your father, who eventually passed away with grief. Your other family and friends. The people who rioted with you in some hopeless attempt at change.” Erin grinned evilly as she got back on her feet. “Your mentor Father Bartholomew. The Resistance. Vardus, Luca, Tyrana, Barakus, Aerial? You are so proud to be a fighter; don’t you feel you could have done more to protect them? That you are in part responsible for their demise?”

 

“Shut up and move already” was the only, angry response.

 

“Very well. I activate my face down card Limit Reverse, summoning Darksea Float from my graveyard. Next I activate One for One, discarding one card to special summon Blizzed, Defender of the Ice Barrier from my deck.” A grand ice blue bird emerged beside the revived float. “Poor little Hikari, fighting so hard to protect everyone around you, and failing all the while? But then how can you hope to succeed when you can’t even protect yourself? I release Blizzed and Darksea Float to summon General Gantala of the Ice Barrier.” From the blue portal came forth a dark skinned warrior, the crystal symbol of the ice barrier tattooed to his bald head. The general wore fine white and green trousers, and a blue armguard on his left arm. This armguard was powering an icy aura around his left hand, giving the general the power of a cryomancer (ATK: 2700).

 

“A powerful warrior” Hikari grimaced, respectful of the warriors might. “One that is proud to fight for what is right. He must be ashamed to battle for someone like you instead.”

 

“Who decides right and wrong, you? Bah, you’re hardly a saint girl. Believe what you want about me, I don’t care, but I have made my choice and I’m sticking to what I believe is right. If you disagree fine but if you get in my way and try to stop me, then you give me no choice but to make you suffer. I activate the spell card Dragged Down into the Grave. This interesting little card lets us look at each other’s hands, then we get to choose one card the other has and force them to discard, then we each draw a replacement card. So you can get rid of the Honest you’re no doubt hiding behind.”

 

Hikari’s eyes widened in shock as her opponent correctly predicted what she had. “How did you know?”

 

“You’re poker face isn’t very good” she simply stated, showing the only card she had before discarding it and re-drawing. “I knew you’d have something to protect Cerburrel, and Honest is a threat, one that is no longer any good to you. Now little girl, bow before a true woman. Gantala, attack her pathetic puppy.”

 

From the general’s hand, a blast of ice cold energy engulfed the little beast, encasing it in a crystal, before shattering into nothingness. Hikari shivered violently and fell to the ground, losing almost half her life points. (LP: 2300). Juruo tried to get up again, only to be restrained again.

 

“I activate Miracles Wake, summoning my monster that was destroyed by battle.”

 

“A miracle is exactly what you’ll need now. I place one card face down and end my turn, at which time Gantala activates his effect, summoning one ice barrier monster from my graveyard. Samurai of the Ice Barrier.” From the earth rose a warrior in heavy blue samurai armour, expression hidden behind his mask and helmet, brandishing an ice brand sword with both hands (ATK: 1800).

 

Hikari drew forcefully from her deck, glancing at her card. Good one. “I discard Fabled Lurrie to special summon Fabled Beast Nozoochee to the field.” The small bat like fiend appeared, beside a snake like thing wearing a flat helmet and wicked grin. “Next I summon Lumina to the field.”

 

Erin’s hand noticeably twitched as the summoner returned. Hikari paused for a moment, before pressing on. “I tune Cerburrel with Fabled Lurrie and Fabled Beast Nozoochee to summon the demonic prince, Fabled Ragin.” The prince descended, arms folded over his gold plated chest as he glared disdainfully over the field. Across from him, Erin breathed in relief.

 

“I thought, but wasn’t sure, you’d wouldn’t have another level eight Synchro monster. Now I can safely do this. Proof of Powerlessness. How fitting this card is of our battle. It can only be activated when I control a level seven or higher monster, and destroys all of your level five or lower monsters.”

 

Hikari gasped as, for the second time, her field was emptied of monsters as Ragin and Lumina were destroyed by the powerful trap. Behind her Yuma, Sabin and Juruo looked on in horror. Ahead was Erin, grinning manically at her, controlling the warrior general and samurai swordsman poised to strike, and high above her were the fires of doom that she somehow believed were the herald of a new dawn. A shiver ran through her as she thought of the battles she had endured in the castle against Demon’s other followers, and the pain those attacks had caused. In panic she looked at her two remaining cards, and back at her enemy who she had forced into a match against.

 

‘What have I done?’

 

 

 

PS; I've almost finished the end of the arc, and the final battle. I dunno how it will be recieved, hope you guys will like it.

[Lexadin]

I apearantly also missed Chapter 39, so I'll comment on that 1 aswell.

 

Dominik quite knows his way around words, lol.

 

Lol, Yuma's Deck is totaly random, I'm pretty shure it wouldn't work IRL, but whatever. Her being able to use psychic-like powers was kinda unexpected and somewhat explains Demon's interests in her.

 

Chapter 40 was just really, really good imo. The duel between Erin and Hikari was quite amazing, I can't wait for it continue.

[Vector Nightmare]

This chapter was my favorite in quite a while. Erin was pretty much how I wanted her to be in this, although some insight into her mysterious knowledge over everything Signer-ish would have been nice, beyond the implied 'loldemontoldher'. The interaction between the various characters of the group was really well-played out. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that Hikari took the reins here. That was a pretty good decision. The 'I can force you to duel' part kind of miffed me a little, not a major problem though.

 

Moving on to the duel, it was well-paced and exciting. Only problem is that the sub-archetype of the Demon Roar Gods is called Demon Roar God Beasts in the OCG, and The Fabled in the TCG. I guess you mixed those two up, so you may want to fix that. Cerburrel's attack must be one of the most cute things that can happen to you in YGO. I liked how Erin kept shutting down Hikari's plays. Generally the flavor of the game was greatly in-tune with the two girls. However, when will Mel make an appearance?

 

Looking forward to the next chapter, as always.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Yes, for the first time I am a day late posting a chapter. I baiscially physically had to sleep all day yesterday.

 

I apearantly also missed Chapter 39, so I'll comment on that 1 aswell.

 

Dominik quite knows his way around words, lol.

 

Lol, Yuma's Deck is totaly random, I'm pretty shure it wouldn't work IRL, but whatever. Her being able to use psychic-like powers was kinda unexpected and somewhat explains Demon's interests in her.

 

Chapter 40 was just really, really good imo. The duel between Erin and Hikari was quite amazing, I can't wait for it continue.

 

Thanking you kindly.

 

Dominik and Yuma are going to continue to be fairly major, so need the build up.

 

This chapter was my favorite in quite a while. Erin was pretty much how I wanted her to be in this, although some insight into her mysterious knowledge over everything Signer-ish would have been nice, beyond the implied 'loldemontoldher'. The interaction between the various characters of the group was really well-played out. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that Hikari took the reins here. That was a pretty good decision. The 'I can force you to duel' part kind of miffed me a little, not a major problem though.

 

Moving on to the duel, it was well-paced and exciting. Only problem is that the sub-archetype of the Demon Roar Gods is called Demon Roar God Beasts in the OCG, and The Fabled in the TCG. I guess you mixed those two up, so you may want to fix that. Cerburrel's attack must be one of the most cute things that can happen to you in YGO. I liked how Erin kept shutting down Hikari's plays. Generally the flavor of the game was greatly in-tune with the two girls. However, when will Mel make an appearance?

 

Looking forward to the next chapter, as always.

 

Yeah, guess I forgot the knowledge base thing.

 

There is a reason for that. Differentiating them with just the word 'the' is, frankly, s*** by Konami. It just doesn't settle with me :(

 

As for the last question, funny you should ask that... here is Chapter 41.

 

Oh yeah, apologies to those who notice the slight card edit. Didn't realise til I finished, but the oppurtunity was just too good.

 

[spoiler=Chapter 41]

Chapter 41 - Unwavering Faith

 

‘There’s got to be a way out of here...’

 

Pacing his medieval style bedroom, Melanc tried to collect his thoughts and piece together what was going on. He had been locked in here for the last five days now, ever since Juruo’s defeat to Demon and the parties futile attempt at stopping his plan, one of the major factors in which had been the betrayal of his older sister. When he had woken up and found out, he had been beside himself; he had never suspected she was capable of lying to him, and to them all for so long. She had gone along with him and everything the resistance had done for years, waiting for her moment to stab them in the back. She was, not entirely but heavily enough, responsible for many deaths, deaths of people Mel had been friends with or mentored by. No matter how many times she had come to visit him in this prison cell, he could not accept her reasoning, and refused to talk to her.

 

Mel walked over to his window. In the inky sky outside, five of those terrible fireballs hung in the air, silently plotting destruction and despair. Looking down, the ground was some way below. He was being kept on the fifth floor, as far as he could judge, to the left of the buildings front door as someone would approach. He had seen some of the group, including his sister, leave the castle by the path that was winding away below him.

 

Well, he didn’t understand fully what was going on, or what good any successful escape attempt would do him, but he was scared and didn’t want to be here anymore. He wanted to get out and do something, for there had to be something, to try and find out had happened to the others, and aid them any way he could. He was aware of their escape, as Erin had told him that she was leaving to bring them back, and told him not to do anything stupid. He didn’t care what she had told him to do, not now. Everything she said was a lie, he hated her. He had travelled with those he knew as friends, and had taken to them like extended family. If Erin and the others were after them, he had to do something.

 

Half an hour later, Mel had ripped apart the curtains of the grand four poster bed, and tied them all together with his bed sheets and anything else he could find. Confident the thick material would take his weight, he tied one end around one of the bed posts and, attaching his duel shield to his left arm, threw the other end out of the window. It didn’t go down very far, maybe two floors, but hopefully he could get through the rest of the castle from whatever room he ended in. Giving the makeshift rope a few testing pulls, Mel clambered out and, with a gulp, began his descent.

 

The abseiling was scary, however brief. The air was cold and biting, the ground seemed to get further and further away with every step down. Dropping down two floors, Mel got to the end of his rope and climbed inside the window of the room below, a servant’s kitchen. He would have to go the rest of the way down through the inside. Without wasting any time, Mel crossed the kitchen, and pulled open the unlocked door.

 

On the other side of the door, sitting on a small chair waiting for him with his chin rested on interlocked fingers, was Demon. As Mel froze in horror, he smiled unpleasantly.

 

“Good evening my vertically challenged friend. Since we’re the only two here, I think it’s time we had a chat...” Mel shuddered as Demon broke into his demented cackle.

 

...

 

Panting slightly, Hikari stared across at her opponent, as did the other onlookers seated just behind her. Erin was fully in control of the match, possessing the formidable General Gantala and Samurai of the Ice Barrier. Whereas Hikari had the two cards in her hand, and that was about it. Not that she should even have had that much. “Why didn’t you use Proof of Powerlessness before I Synchro summoned?”

 

Erin shrugged. “I feel like dragging this out a bit further, humiliating you a bit more. Showing you all the full extent of my power. Have you got anything left to fight back with?”

 

“Damn right I have. I place two cards face down and end my turn.”

 

[spoiler=Summary - End Turn 4]

Erin - Front Row: Gantala, Samurai. Back Row: -. Hand: - LP: 3000

Hikari - Front Row: -. Back Row: 2 face downs. Hand: - LP: 2300

 

 

 

“Well, if that’s all you’ve got, I guess this won’t last much longer.” Erin snatched out another card, brandishing it at her opponent as she glared at her. “Tell me, did you honestly believe that you and the others would defeat the Empire and Demon, just the three of you, me, and my brother? Were you really that delusional?”

 

“At least we took a stand, rather than giving in and jumping ship.”

 

“If that makes you feel better about yourself. I switch my Samurai of the Ice Barrier into defence mode. When this happens, it destroys itself, and I get to draw an extra card. Next I summon Blizzard Lizard in attack mode.” A gecko like creature covered in blue and white fur that was frozen on end slithered onto the field (ATK: 600). “Then, by returning this card in my hand to the top of my deck, I can summon from my graveyard the tuner monster Plaguespreader Zombie.”

 

Yuma shuddered as the rotting, disfigured zombie hauled itself up through its hellish gateway. “Hikari needs to activate something, and she has to do it now if she is to survive.” The two boys looked at her in fresh panic. They were learning quickly that if Yuma sensed something, she was probably right. Hikari was about to be faced with even more trouble. If Yuma didn’t confirm that, Erin’s victorious laugh did.

 

“I tune level two Plaguespreader Zombie and level three Blizzard Lizard, to Synchro Summon the darkest nightmare from the frozen depths of hell. Arise, Frozen Fitzgerald!”

 

Indeed, the creature was a nightmare. A large star shaped monster made mostly from thick ice that formed its limbs, it hovered eerily above the playing field. Its face was hidden behind a white mask, through which two blazing red eyes stared through and into Hikari (ATK: 2500). So transfixing, so horrifying this gaze, she could barely hear the command of attack.

 

“I activate a trap card.”

 

“No such luck. When Frozen Fitzgerald attacks, no spell or trap cards can be activated until the end of its assault. Which will be too late for you.” The onlookers shouted a warning to Hikari as shards of ice burst through the monsters body and flew towards her like daggers.

 

“From my graveyard, Necro Gardna” Hikari desperately snatched the fallen warrior from her graveyard, activating its effect. The ghost rose from the earth and intercepting the attack, suffering a painful second death as it vanished from play. Erin scowled in frustration.

 

“How typical of you to keep sacrificing your monsters to the slaughter, even when you know your defeat is inevitable, bringing all of your suffering on yourself by chasing hopeless fantasies. Gantala, attack.” The frozen beam shot towards Hikari.

 

“Activate Synchro Spirits. By removing Fabled Ragin from play, I can bring back all the monsters who summoned him in defence mode.” The puppy, the snake, and the bat fiend, all tiny compared to the two opposing monsters, shot forth from three identical gates and defended themselves. Erin decided it would be the tuner that would take the hit, the ice beam freezing and shattering the poor puppy, sent to the graveyard for the fourth time.

 

“I end my turn and activate Gantala’s effect, reviving Samurai of the Ice Barrier once again. Your chances of coming back in this match are zero Hikari. Why don’t you just quit now? You’re making yourself suffer, you’re making them suffer watching you, and you’re achieving nothing by doing this.”

 

Hikari and Erin locked eyes for a moment. “I will keep fighting against any odds, I still have a chance of beating you. I will beat you all for what you’ve done.”

 

“Oh really? So it has nothing to do with guilt for the people who died in vain in the riots you instigated? Or maybe... maybe you feel guilty for the actions of someone else...” Erin’s twisted smile widened as Hikari took a back step. “I’m right aren’t I?”

 

“I... don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 

“Yes, I think you do know. You’ve feared it for a long time, but only recently were those fears confirmed.” The group of spectators exchanged puzzled glances between themselves, the mocking ice queen, and Hikari, who looked pale and wide-eyed at some unknown horror. “You aren’t really interested in helping people are you, only yourself, on some self-centred search for your own redemption, aren’t I right Hikari? Now it is your turn, just try to fight back, if it makes you feel less responsible for those who have suffered.”

 

“You know nothing” Hikari growled through gritted teeth, drawing her card. Perfect. “I summon Fabled Raven to the field.” The winged warrior garbed in black to match his crow like wings soared onto the field, grinning with wild delight (ATK: 1300). “Now I tune Raven and Nozoochee together to summon Fabled Beast Kudabbi.” A broad, black coloured horse creature galloped through the tower of light, draped in red cloths and face hidden by a white box mask. It reared on its hind legs, stamping down with authority (ATK: 2200).

 

“Kudabbi, attack Samurai.” The horse charged and slammed into the warrior with a full body tackle, striking it before it could bring down its sword. Erin took a back step as the samurai fell in front of her (LP: 2600).

 

[spoiler=Summary - End Turn 6]

Erin - Front Row: Frozen Fitzgerald, Gantala. Back Row: -. Hand: - LP: 2600

Hikari - Front Row: Kudabbi, Lurrie. Back Row: Face down. Hand: - LP: 2300

 

 

 

“That mule is all the defence you can muster? So be it. Fitzgerald, wipe that thing from my sight.” Fitzgerald fired its barrage of icy shells, but Hikari smiled.

 

“Actually, this mule is all the defence I need. Because when my hand is empty, Kudabbi can’t be destroyed by battle or by card effects.” Indeed, as the icy daggers drove into the horses thick hide, it bent over slightly, but with a whiney it stood up again, the icicles fading, although Hikari’s life points fell to the half way point with a grimace of pain (LP: 2000)

 

“Fine then, Gantala attack.”

 

Time to gamble. “I activate the trap card, Defence Draw. This reduces all the damage from this battle to zero. Also” Hikari waited until the ice beam had definitely faded from the unharmed horse. “I get to draw a card at the end of the damage step.”

 

“So you bought yourself one turn, there is nothing you possess in your deck that can beat me. It’s just a matter of time before I get rid of that annoying mare. Gantala uses his effect, this time reviving Blizzed to my field.” Erin’s turn ended, with the majestic blue bird revived in defence (DEF: 500)

 

“Can we please stop this yet?” Juruo pleaded. He sat watching the duel, transfixed by the fight between his friend and former girlfriend, although she did not consider herself anything former at all. He knew it to be stopped. Sabin turned to him and nodded, before standing. Hikari must have glimpsed him, and threw out an arm.

 

“No, I made this match, and I want to continue. I draw” she cried, snatching out her card in a long arc, glancing at it. Trust Guardian. Too bad she’d already summoned and lost Valkyrus, although then again. She thought back to what Yuma had said to her earlier. Maybe she had been chosen for a purpose, to defeat Erin, who had betrayed them for her own absurd ideals. Maybe now was the time. She glanced at Yuma, and then at the mark of the right claw on her arm.

 

“I summon Trust Guardian, and tune it with Kudabbi to Synchro summon the Black Rose Dragon.”

 

Kudabbi and the little fairy disappeared into stars and lights, as a swirling tornado of pink petals rose from the ground. The whirlwind spun faster and faster, growing wider and wider, until at the eye of the storm, the dragon could be seen. Sabin and Yuma gasped at the sight of the magnificent, ferocious creature that was glaring at Erin, who looked slightly unnerved for the first time. Hikari gave her command, and the dragon screamed in rage, sending its tornado everywhere. The spectators ducked as the entire field was swept clear. When they looked back, the dragon had been consumed by its own effect, along with all the other monsters. Only Hikari was standing, staring across at Erin, who was...

 

“Haha...hahahahahaha........ahahahahahaha”. Erin rolled her head back, laughing up at the dark sky, wild eyes reflecting the glow of the inferno above. “So you can destroy things too, when provoked. You thought it would be that easy? Not even your precious holy dragon can save you. When Frozen Fitzgerald is destroyed, and I have no monsters on the field, I can discard one card, and guess what happens. It returns to the field.” Hikari stared up in dismay as the star shaped demon resurrected. Maybe it was the fear, or was it really even larger now? (DEF: 2500) “There is no escape from this nightmare. No escape for you, from your scars that force you to be alone forever. For those made to toil for the Empire that will never die. No escape, except for total and complete destruction of everything. Now to end this.”

 

“Hey, it’s still my turn, and I still have one card left. Pot of Avarice.” An image of the pot floated up in front of her briefly. “I return Raven, Lumina, Honest, Krus and Black Rose Dragon to my deck, to draw two more cards.” I have to get this card, just one card.

 

As she ran through the process, Yuma clasped her hands in prayer. Sabin fidgeted awkwardly, cracking his knuckles. Juruo rocked back and forth, muttering ‘Come on, come on’ to himself. Erin watched and waited, smirking wickedly, confident. Hikari watched her deck as it finished shuffling automatically, placing her fingers so that she would pull out the top two cards. Drawing slowly, she turned them over. ‘Jain’ was no good to her. She revealed the second card. For seconds, nobody could breathe.

 

Then Hikari broke into a small smile.

 

“I send the two cards in my hand to the graveyard, to special summon the Fabled Soulkius sleeping there.” Everyone reacted in shock as Hikari threw away her hand to revive the winged warrior with a thick tail, a sly grin wore under his red mask (ATK: 2200). “Then, I activate the effect of my discarded card, Glow Up Bulb. By sending one card from the top of my deck to the graveyard, it is summoned to the field.”

 

There was a collective cheer from behind as the one eyed seedling appeared from nowhere, beside the smiling wingman. The bulb changed to a star, as fire enveloped both monsters, fire contorting into petals.

 

“I am never alone. Not while I have my friends, who I will stand with until the end. Nothing you say will make me waver from my path. I Synchro summon, Black Rose Dragon.” With a scream of renewed anger, the pink and black nightmare burst forth from its floral cyclone, scattering petals everywhere. (ATK: 2400). Across from it, Erin shook with rage.

 

“Put on all the bravado you want little girl, you don’t fool me, only yourself. Your dragon also doesn’t quite match up to my Fitzgerald.”

 

“That’s because I haven’t activated her second ability yet. Now, by removing the Glow Up Bulb in my graveyard from play, I can select one monster you have in defence position and change it into attack. Also, its attack is rendered to zero. Go Black Rose Dragon.”

 

Juruo jumped in delight, fists clenched. “Yes! Erin hasn’t got any more cards left in her hand to revive Fitzgerald with its effect, and she’ll be down to just two hundred life points.”

 

“That’s if she can even stand to continue after this” Sabin added. As he spoke, the ghostly form of the seedling appeared in the open jaws of the dragon, which clamped shut over it, snapping through the smoke. The frozen fiend was engulfed in purple energy, crippling it, slowly forcing it out of its shielded position (ATK: 0)

 

Hikari glared at her fuming opponent. “Black Rose Dragon, attack!”

 

The dragon happily obliged, letting forth a stream of fire from its jaws, followed by its thorny vines that shot towards the weakened fiend. Erin staggered backwards as the barrage of attacks came streaming towards her. In the corner of her eye, she could see Juruo, the look of happiness on his face as the dragon unleashed its rage.

 

Then the look of dismay as a familiar shadow of another monster rose up and took the attack instead.

 

“No! You can’t” Hikari cried in disbelief.

 

Her absolute despair as her attack failed, and the horrified looks on the face of those watching, made Erin burst into more sadistic laughter. “Can’t what? Have my own Necro Gardna?” she gasped through the taunting laugh. “You really thought you had me where you wanted me, didn’t you? Well tough luck little girl. You were close, but not good enough. It is my turn now, and that means Fitzgerald is returned to his full strength.” Indeed, the ice fiend regained its strength, emitting a blue aura from its body. Lazily, Erin pulled her last card out from her deck, revealing it with delight. “Monster Reborn, special summons Gantala back to my field.”

 

Hikari sank to her knees in despair as the dark warrior revived itself. She had lost; she had nothing left to defend herself with. Erin was going to annihilate her in front of everyone who believed in her, who she tried so hard to do anything for. A tear fell across her cheek as Gantala solemnly raised his arm, firing his magical attack at the dragon. Its dying scream ripped through Hikari as it became encased in ice, before shattering into thousands of tiny stars. Leaving the way clear for Fitzgerald.

 

She gasped in shock and pain as two bodies enveloped her. The bodies, forgetting her affliction in panic, withdrew at her cry, allowing her to see Sabin and Yuma had dashed over to protect her. Some way ahead of her, Juruo was standing in front of the monster ready to attack, hands raised.

 

“Enough. Please Erin, no more.”

 

She remained motionless for a moment, considering his request. Finally, she pulled the monster card out of its slot, forcing it to fade away into its own world. Across from her, Hikari collapsed with relief, and exhaustion, breathing raggedly as she stared up at the sky. Yuma and Sabin seemed to busy themselves attending to her.

 

“Fine, she’s off the hook, if that’s what you really want. That duel proved something though. As sweet and innocent as she pretends she is, Hikari still had no problem picking a fight with me, or attacking me with a dragon that could easily have done me some serious harm. I only protected myself. I do not seek destruction Juruo, only life, a better life. As I said, there is only one way this nightmare can end, by completely cleansing this world and beginning fresh in a new one. I want you there with me and Mel. It’s all I want. Please come with me.” Erin held Juruo’s hands in hers, prompting a long pause.

 

...

 

Sabin looked at the two standing over by the black duel runner, who had been there for a few minutes now, seemingly in silence. Yuma was trying to force Hikari to drink something, but she refused. Weakly, she spoke to Sabin.

 

“He’s not going with her, is he?”

 

Over by the duel runner, Juruo choked on his words slightly. “Erin, if you know me at all, you’ll know what I’m going to say.”

 

“I know, you don’t want to abandon them, you want to do what you think is right. I admire you greatly for that. But... you’re not right Juruo. I need you to have faith in me and what is happening being right, for all of us. I’m doing this for us. When we get to Utopia, they will thank you.”

 

Juruo shook his head. “I can’t come with you Erin. I still want there to be ‘us’, but not like this.”

 

Erin blinked a few times, uncertain of how to react. Looking away awkwardly, she sat herself down on the duel runner, waiting a few moments in silence, hoping that Juruo would get on. Sighing as the stillness proved he wouldn’t change his mind, she looked up at him. His green eyes were shaking with the tears they were fighting back, but it just added more sparkle to them.

 

“If it will make you so unhappy to be with me, I won’t force you. We cannot always have we want. You will learn this soon, when the countdown is complete and its power tears the worlds apart. I suppose I should head back now.” She gulped slightly. For the first time, doubt crept into her shaky voice. “Juruo, I don’t want to fight or hurt you. But now we have chosen our sides, it might be unavoidable. If... if we do face each other, I may be forced into destroying you. Promise me, that you will not hold back against me if we duel in such circumstances.” Juruo nodded mutely, extending a hand out to Erin. She pulled him down into a hug, which lasted for a long time. Regretfully, he pulled out of the contact, and slowly backed towards the group. Erin watched him go, before placing her helmet and setting off into the distance.

 

As she left, Juruo turned and knelt down in front of Hikari, who looked battered and shaken, but not heavily injured. “I’m really sorry about this. I keep making mistakes, and you keep paying for them. Can you forgive me?”

 

Hikari nodded and, like she had in Citta del Cascata, extended a hand to him. With much wincing, he and Yuma pulled her upright, and helped her to the tent, where sleep would heal the wounds of the night. Sleep, where they could for a while escape from the struggles of the worlds and the fires above them, and enter their own place of happiness. When they would awake next morning, there would be a nasty shock waiting for them, a sign of their doom, as the Final Countdown was half way to completion.

 

 

 

PS: Arc three ends with a double chapter release next Friday or Saturday, depending on time constraints of work.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Since I was late with Chapter 41, I'll be early with 42. AND I WANT COMMENTS!!! (Thank you :) )

 

A bit of a set up for the final few chapters, split into many sections. A getting things done bit (should be listened to with the A-Team music), a bit of a silly bit, a serious bit, and a, hopefully, chilling ending for one of the characters...

 

[spoiler=Chapter 42]

Chapter 42 - Before the Storm

 

With a yawn, Sabin rolled out from under the slanted tarpaulin and stretched. It had been an uncomfortable night and he hadn’t slept much, he found it pretty difficult to when lying between Yuma, who had insisted the boys leave the tent while she removed her dress and got into her bed, setting his imagination into overdrive at the sight of her slim, tanned shoulders above her blanket, and Juruo, who snored. Aimlessly, he walked over to his duel runner, checking it over. The machines had gone through much, but were tough pieces of kit and had a lot of go left.

 

After yesterday was dull and overcast, today it was amazingly sunny. Stupid weather, it was always too hot or too wet to make riding the joy it should be, ever since the damn countdown started. Blearily, Sabin looked up, thinking to himself how happy he’d feel if it had just disappeared overnight. Blinking and rubbing his eyes a few times, he struggled to pick it out in the bright sunlight for long seconds.

With a gasp of horror, he staggered, before sprinting for the tent. There were no longer five fireballs.

 

There were ten.

 

...

 

Luca was stood in the back of the stand in the middle of the training area, in the heart of Resistance headquarters. He was casually observing the weapons’ training that was being taken by Warren, who was teaching about forty people. He was amused that the scars of Jurrac Meteor were still visible on the field, and how people were avoiding the mini crater. Sighing, he looked over his uniform. Having discarded the prisoner garb, he was now wearing a chainmail shirt, silver gauntlets and leg bracers, as well as his small blue duel shield. Helmets were yet to arrive. He thought about how in the next few days, these men would make their final stand, along with many others who had recruited over the course of yesterday and this morning, to overthrow the one man who had made them suffer.

His thoughts were interrupted by a buzzing from the radio on his belt. Picking it up, the number indicated it was Dominik who was calling him. Pressing the button, he addressed him.

 

“Luca, head office, urgent.”

 

Leaving the training area and swiftly making his way through the winding passageways, Luca entered the main office, a circular room crammed with bookcases, portraits, and sculptures. Inside were Dominik, Carla, Tyrana (in similar battle gear to him), and several former members of the guard turned senior rebel officials. All of them were frowning heavily. On the desk Dominik was standing behind there was a television set that was broadcasting a live feed from a recruit on the surface. Dominik pointed to it.

 

The camera was shaking as the recruit shuddered at what he was seeing, and beaming back to his seniors. He was gibbering slightly, although inaudible over the screaming of many civilians in the background, as he pointed his camera straight up at the sky. There was the circular inferno, as a sixth fireball was joining its predecessors. But, there wasn’t six anymore. Another arc of five opposite the first could be seen, still relatively faintly, but unquestionably there and casting a shadow over the world.

 

Luca gulped as he dragged his eyes away from the feed. “What now?”

 

“The end is coming quicker than we thought” Dominik replied. “We will have to accelerate our plans.”

 

“That isn’t possible Dominik” replied one of the other guards. “The rest of our weapons for all our recruits won’t arrive for a few days, neither will our siege equipment or armour. And all our recruits are just civilians. We couldn’t possibly attack yet. We aren’t ready.”

 

Dominik punched the desk. “We can’t wait for everything to arrive, for everything to be ready. The threat is gathering speed; we cannot sit back and go at our own pace. Do you really want to see that ring completed?” The man shook his head, and fell back into line. “How is training going Luca?”

 

“The men we have here are training hard and are enthusiastic, but they still have a lot to learn before we can throw them into battle.”

 

“We’re not asking for master swordsman and war veterans. Enthusiasm, determination and spirit are what we will have to rely on. The numbers of our ranks already far exceed the remaining guard that haven’t abandoned Nero, we will simply have to overwhelm by numbers.”

 

“It will not be that easy Dominik. My sources tell me the emperor is planning to make a public announcement tonight. To do his own recruiting, stirring the fear of the common people, and he is still a fine speaker who can fuel such fear and anger, and manipulate those who want to lash out. Those who believe the monsters you fight beside, the duel spirits, are responsible.”

 

The speaker was not recognised as the gathered people searched for who spoke. Dominik sighed however, and nodded to his sister. The group watched in confusion as she skipped up the stairs to the back of the room, and waved for someone to come out from the darkness inside. A podgy hand took her small one, as a stout, sweaty looking man with a large belly emerged from the chamber, his bald head gleaming and his thick handlebar moustache finely styled. Instinctively, several people drew weapons.

 

“Governor Pallas!?” Tyrana shouted. “What the hell Dominik?”

 

“I am no longer a governor of anything miss” Pallas scowled as he descended with Carla, his jaw wobbling as he spoke. “After many disagreements with the Emperors ruling, I resigned from my position two days ago.”

 

“Pallas may not be the most popular person among you all, but he is on our side now, and he has information about what is going on, why, and how we are best going to fight against it. Information that he will now share with us.”

 

“This is a trick, I know it.” Tyrana got right in the chubby former governors face, snarling furiously at him as their heads clashed. “Why would he help us?”

 

“Foolish girl, I am here to help myself and my family” Pallas snarled back, staring up at Tyrana. “I have children, children who as things stand I will not get to see grow up, as Armageddon reaches its fulfilment. They are what come first to me.” It was weird to think of someone they despised so much have a family and show some heart. Tyrana, still glowering, stood down, allowing Pallas to smooth out his fine coat and address the group.

 

“Gentleman and ladies, the enemy we face is not just Nero, but his dark hand that hides behind his throne, a man known as Demon. My position has been undermined for some time by him and his false promises, which have been swallowed by a foolish old man who wishes to cling to eternal rule. I have met Demon; he is a sinister and manipulative man. He has somehow got it into Nero’s head that the duel spirits threaten his rule, hence the hunting down of top duelists and the outlaw of duelling five years ago. Since then, unsatisfied, Nero believes that by destroying the spirit world, he will have no one to oppose him, and be granted immortal power. I knew all this was rubbish, that Demon was working for his own gains, but Nero was hypnotised by his dreams of immortal rule and ultimate power.”

 

“What about the inferno above?” asked one of the other men.

 

“I am not entirely sure of the details. However, I am aware that some time shortly before the infernos appearance, Demon was searching for the three sacred beast cards, the ones each district of this city is named after, and Nero had given him the go ahead. The sacred beasts wield enormous destructive power, triggered by their coming together. Presumably, this power has some part in it.”

 

“But we won’t know for sure unless we can beat some explanation out of the Emperor, or unmask this Demon and his allies” asked Dominik. Pallas nodded glumly, prompting Dominik into a long pause.

 

“Luca, you come out with me recruiting as many people as we can. Hagar, get as many battering rams as can possibly be got in here by the end of day. You, over there, same as Hagar, except for explosives. Carla, get Warren and the others to give as much basic training to as many as possible. You at the back, you join me and Luca. Tomorrow night people, we will take our stand, and we will bring down the Empire. No buts, no maybes, we cannot delay. We have two days left to prepare, then we will make our stand for our freedom, and we will win.”

 

...

 

The sun was setting as the two runners rolled into this almost deserted village. Juruo parked up his runner outside an inn and ruffled his hair, while Yuma awkwardly dismounted behind him. The days riding had been largely uneventful, except for the midday appearance of fireball number eleven. The message was clear; Final Countdown was halfway through its course. Removing his helmet, he stood, as did Sabin and Hikari on the other runner, and began to make their way inside.

 

“Hey guys, what’s that?”

 

The group turned to see what Juruo was staring at. In the empty street behind him, the faint, ghostly being of a small, white, square shaped thing, with a question mark over its head, was flying past. It looked like it was desperately running away from something. The group recoiled as they watched, as another faint creature materialized, running after the small creature with outstretched arms, becoming more solid as it passed, a lizard like creature running on its hind legs, covered in tight fitting shell like armour. Predator and prey turned a corner, instinctively Juruo ran after them. As he got there, he saw the two creatures fade, into nothingness.

 

“Er, Yuma?”

 

“The worlds are collapsing against each other, the boundaries between them are weakening, just as Erin said. Those were definitely duel spirits, slipping in and out of this reality from their own, as two become one. I don’t think we should stay out here much longer, just in case something bigger comes through.” Shuddering, Juruo joined the others as they went inside.

 

The elderly barman was delighted to see them. Apparently travellers and patrons were sparse, except for those who had been in here for days, too scared or depressed to leave their drinking hole. The man’s brow was wrinkled with stress, his wild white hair unkempt and out of place. He offered them some cheap rooms, so happy to have any business at all, and left the group to go upstairs. The rooms were small but quite adequate.

 

“Practise duel?” Juruo asked. Sabin nodded, and the pair set themselves up across a table in the room.

 

“I think I’m just going to go straight to bed” Hikari said quietly. She had been silent pretty much all day. The others looked up at her, but without another word, she turned and left. The boys turned to Yuma. Juruo opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.

 

“Don’t ask me, I don’t know. And it’s probably not your business anyway.” Yuma yawned, her body shook, making her silver necklaces swing around. “I’ll call it a night too, and yes, I’ll make sure she is alright, though don’t expect me to tell you her problems. Goodnight guys.” With that, she followed Hikari’s footsteps to the room across the hall out, closing the door behind her.

 

Two duels later (one win for Sabin, quickly combining his Omni Weapon and new Genex Ally Changer to turn all Juruo’s monsters into light attribute and swarm for the victory. Juruo won the rematch in which both players got out their holy dragons, sneakily equipping a defending Stardust Dragon with Fighting Spirit to exploit Red Dragon Archfiends effect in Sabin’s ignorance.) Sabin made a suggestion.

 

“You owe me a birthday pint.”

 

“How’d you figure?” replied Juruo, shuffling his cards absentmindedly.

 

“Because I spent my actual birthday in a dungeon being tortured thanks to you.”

 

Juruo admitted he had a point, and the pair left the room to head downstairs. It was late evening by this time, the street lights had come on and the pub was a little busier, made so by the four or five people who had dared to make the trip here. Most of these villagers were huddled in a corner with their pints, muttering and throwing dirty glances at the back room, signed ‘Pool Room’ above the door. Given the circumstances, the boys doubted the barman would be too fussed they were underage. As the boys sat at the bar, the same elderly barman as before approached them, looking frantic.

 

“Please, I need your help. Another visitor has arrived, and he’s upsetting my guests with his talk of the end of the world and being responsible, laughing at them. Those over there want to do something, but they daren’t when he has a duel shield. Please help me; it’ll all kick off if you don’t. I’ll give you drinks.”

 

Juruo appeased the old man to many thanks, as Sabin charged the pool room. Juruo followed after him, entering a small room that had an extension to the bar at this near end, and also a snooker table in the centre, comfortable seating around, and a large projector screen at the other end, one that would once have been used for screening live turbo duel tournaments. Sitting at the bar, alone in this room with his bottle of beer and a lopsided grin, was the flame haired, tattooed henchman Raesir. As Sabin approached him, he swayed on his stool, and took a swig from his bottle. “Another one barman” he sung merrily, downing the remains of his drink and brandishing his red shield vigorously. Petrified, the old man did as he was told, much to Raesir’s delight.

 

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. Hey, hey, you two.... I know you two.” Raesir waved a finger haphazardly at the two people who had entered. Raesir thought for a moment, then broke into a smile. “Alpha and Omega! Man I haven’t seen you two in ages, thought you’d disappeared. Come on sit down, sit down. More drinks barman. Come on then, sit.”

 

Sabin rolled his eyes at Juruo and sat down on the stool on Raesir’s left as indicated by his frantic waving; Juruo followed his lead and sat to his right. If Raesir was this paralyticerly drunk, he wasn’t a threat, just a nuisance who had somehow mistaken them for allies. The boy smiled broadly as his ‘mates’ were served, clinking his bottle with theirs. Juruo cleared his throat.

 

“Sorry we’ve been unable to contact you for so long” he said in the deepest, gruffest voice he could put on. “Our master has had us doing things in deep secret, exploiting everyone thinking we’re dead, you know. So how have the rest of you been getting on?”

 

Raesir broke out into laughter, interrupted by the odd hiccup. “Smoothly, very smoothly. The world is in chaos, the Empire is verging on crumbling, and there are only four days left, before the worlds collapse, tearing open the hole in reality so that our burning souls can pass through to Utopia. Won’t that been a blast guys? I can’t wait. Those stupid rebels think they can stop us, but they can’t, know why... cuz their stupid! They can’t see how much better off everyone will be in Utopia, where we don’t have to suffer the pain... of the fire...” Raesir went very quiet, staring at his drink. “God I miss my family so much.”

 

“What happened?” Juruo couldn’t help but ask. Raesir swayed, looking at him oddly.

 

“Unlike you two to lend an ear. Meh, why am I complaining? Anyyyyway, about seven years ago, when I was only ten, the Empire was gearing itself for war against its rival nation. My industrial town, Sennen’ Yama, was the source of most of the weapon development and production that would supply the Empire. One day, there was an explosion in a factory, triggering a chain reaction with several others. The resultant fire took out most of the area, and my parents who worked there. I went into an orphanage, where Demon found me. He said my family were not in heaven, but in a special place better than heaven, Utopia, waiting for me. That I could join them if I helped him.” Raesir plucked a lighter from out of his jacket pocket and played with it. “Fire can kill, but from the ashes, new life rises. Gentleman” Raesir stood, raising his bottle. “A toast. To the new world.”

 

Juruo and Sabin stood, joined his toast, and all three tipped their heads back and drank deeply. The boys eyes followed as Raesir tipped further and further backwards, falling to the floor, where he passed straight out into slumber, snoring loudly. The two standing grinned at each, before sitting to enjoy their reward from the barman, asking him to explain more about what Raesir had said earlier.

 

...

 

Hundreds of people stood in the street below a balcony, built into the north wall of the palace grounds for addresses to the public such as this. The feelings among the crowd were mixed; many were angry, or fearful, resentful, or just depressed. As the Emperor appeared above them, dressed in his regal dress of red white and purple, some booed, some cheered. The Emperor, standing with his face obscured in the darkness of the poorly lit balcony, raised his hands for quiet, and once he got it, began his address.

 

“People of the Empire, I admit, that I have made many mistakes. I admit that I too sometimes feel lost and weak. For I admit that I share in your anger. I share in your trepidation. How could I not, when that horror looms over us all, those terrible fires that stare down on us from above with intentions of destruction and suffering. I can tell you that is their intention, for through much study and work, I have learnt the truth. The fire above us is a countdown to complete destruction that, when the circle is fully completed, will tear this world apart. It has been created... by the duel monsters spirits of the other world. Those wicked creatures seek to destroy this world for their own gains, and are manipulating people here to fight for them, to bring about this disaster. Are you all going to hide in your homes and let this happen?”

 

Nero smirked to himself as the crowd burst into roars of fury and agreement. Those fools were lapping in his every word, in their desperation and fear. “My people, I have tried to protect you from the duel spirits that were trying to take over this world by abolishing duelling and arresting those traitors who persisted with contacting duel spirits, and I apologise; for I clearly have not done enough to protect you from their evil intentions. Now I must call on you to fight beside me against them, as they try to drag this world into the abyss. Tomorrow night, those possessed by the lies of the duel spirits, and fanatics who revel in the chaos and despair they bring, will march on the palace, seeking to remove the final obstacles in their path to total annihilation. Those people cannot be saved, as the duel spirits possess them and will not release them. Some may be your friends and neighbours, but you must fight against them, to save them as well as yourselves. For all our survival, we must take to arms and defeat those who fight for the duel spirits. Who is with me in this noble and pure fight against evil?”

 

The crowd began to cheer and chant “Nero, Nero, Nero!” with gusto. The emperor bowed low, and after a minute or two of lapping in their adulation, he stepped backwards and out of sight, disappearing back into his castle. His objective had been met highly successfully, another sinister being thought to himself...

...

 

In the girls room, Hikari was rolling in her sleep, fighting unseen demons. Yuma had tried to talk to her before they had gone to sleep, but she had revealed nothing. She couldn’t. Now she was locked away in her head, stuck in the deepest, darkest corners of her nightmares. Standing alone in an empty place with no discernable horizon, Hikari turned, trying to find someone, anyone to take her away from here. Dark swirling clouds overhead blocked out all the light, casting endless shadows over the ground. It was cold here. All that existed here was darkness and nothingness.

 

“Hey there. Are you looking for me?”

 

Hikari turned again. Now there was someone else, a girl kneeling down in front of her, her hands covering her face. “Who are you?” she cried.

 

“Silly, I’m part of you. I’ve been watching you... us... Hikari. Things are not going how you want them to be for us, are they?

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The voice giggled playfully to itself as Hikari stared at the kneeling girl, like an elf or a nymph hidden in the forest. Trying hard to push against her fear, Hikari knelt down, and pulled away the hands shielding the girls face. The result made her recoil in shock.

 

She was looking at a mirror image of herself, one that looked like her in every detail. The ‘other’ her paused from a moment, then recoiled, in exactly the same way Hikari herself had. Instinctively, stunned by her delayed reaction, Hikari raised her right hand to calm the girl down. There was another long process of a reaction, and then the girl did the same, raising her left arm like a mirror, their open palms touching. Hikari slowly shook her head, then the other her copied. She spoke, in the same playful voice. Her lips did not move, but Hikari heard the voice in her own mind, speaking to her telekinetically.

 

“Oh but you do know. I know, and I’m you, therefore you know. You just won’t admit it. Won’t admit your insecurities, your fears. Your deepest desires, and your darkest feelings of resentment and anger. You just bottle it all away, trying to please everyone else, channelling it into me. You want things to change, to be better for us? So you can be stronger to defeat Erin, and the others approaching who you fear and despise. So you can be noticed by that Juruo boy. He has a thing for bad girls doesn’t he...?”

Hikari clutched at her head, trying to make the voice stop (the other her following suit in her reflective mime) “No, I am strong, and Juruo is just a friend.”

 

Giggling again, more sinister this time. “Neither part of us believes that. You can’t expect to get what you want by being a walkover Hikari. You have to take what you want, and trample on anyone who has it. That means Erin, and your past, in good time. Accept me, release me. You cannot, will not, ignore or deny me any longer. I am you, a stronger you. If you won’t take what we want, then I will get it for us.”

Hikari’s head began to buzz, the noise getting louder and louder, she put her hands to her head but it would not stop, as more memories swam across her vision, coupled with the cries for release. She tried to stand but her legs had no strength in them. Scared and angry, Hikari drew herself and threw a punch at the mirror girl.

 

The two girl’s fists met in exact unison.

 

Both girls blinked in surprise. Both of them withdrew their clenched fist. Both threw a punch with their other hand, and both parried the other away. Locked in her mind with no escape, with no relief, Hikari hung her head in defeat.

 

“Ok. You win. Help me. Make me stronger.”

 

The mime smirked in triumph. Freedom granted, she slowly stretched out her arms wide, arching her back. To her horror, something, some invisible force pulled on Hikari’s arms. She gasped and struggled, horrified, as she was forced, agonizingly, to copy the action. The reflection put its hands on Hikari’s shoulders. Panicking, yet unable to resist, she was forced to do the same. Heart was beating out of her chest, breathing ragged, she looked into the face of the devil within, the wicked smirk and the now deep purple eyes. One of the Hikari’s pushed the others hands in front of their face, then stood, leaving the original, or the lesser half, unable to move or scream, as the other awoke from the nightmare.

 

“Wake up Hikari, wake up.”

 

Hikari opened her eyes to see Sabin shaking her awake. She ignored him for a second, instead looking across the room, to see Yuma talking to Juruo. He seemed to be saying something, he looked quite worried, it was so hard to tell as her concentration failed. She was shook again, snapping her head back to face Sabin. He was taken aback by the scowl she gave him.

 

“Ouch, someone doesn’t like their beauty sleep interrupted. Sorry but we have to go, we just found out there is going to be a major fight against Nero in the capital tomorrow night, me and Juruo want to get there and help whoever is opposing him. He thinks that if there are duelists in the conflict, the other signers might be chosen. It’s going to take a lot of driving to get there in time, but if we can do it, we can help finish him. You ready to fight again?”

 

Hikari lowered her gaze for a moment, then looked back up at Sabin, nodding and smiling now, as if back to her old self. The boys left the girls to get ready so they could soon depart.

 

...

 

There was no time to waste. Juruo and Sabin drove through the night while the girls slept, their focus on their goal pushing them forward. As they travelled, they spotted more ghostly images of duel spirits passing in and out of the world. In the capital, Dominik and his team gathered everyone and everything they could, ready for their final battle. They recruited hundreds, and urged everyone to spread the word to friends and neighbours to meet in different locations. From the palace, the Emperor built his own army and plotted the downfall of all who stood against him, watched by purple eyes in the shadows. Scattered across the Empire, Erin drove on without purpose, whilst Gear and Urusula searched for their prey. And from a hidden castle in the heart of the Empire, Demon sat back, watching the world descend into chaos, as the twelfth and thirteenth fires ignited above it.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Note - About Final Countdown]

Just to clarify how the ring is being formed in two parts:

-place your right arm in front of you, at a 12 o'clock position. This represents the 1st fireball that appeared in the human world.

-place your left arm directly below, at a six o'clock position. This represents the 1st arc that appeared in the duel spirit world.

-move both arms in a clockwise manner. This motion charters the line the fires are appearing in, one by one.

 

 

[Lexadin]

Again I've missed 2 chapters. Oh well.

 

[spoiler=spoiler]

Chapter 41 was ok imo.

 

Though Chapter 42 was really nice imo. I like how things are turning to a climax.

 

Also Hikari being taken over by her 'evil' self was unexpected and nicely done.

 

 

[Vector Nightmare]

I loved these two chapters. 41 was probably better with Erin beating Hikari. Especially the last move was brilliant. By slight card edit you mean Fitzgerald, right? It was ok, actually I didn't even remember its exact effect and only by researching did I find out that it wasn't supposed to be like that. A minor detail.

 

42 was kinda confusing, didn't really get how the fireballs went from 5 to 10 in one night, and didn't get whether what they were seeing were this world's fireballs or both worlds' fireballs. The part with Raesir was good, as was the part with Nero. I was expecting the Emperor to be mostly shoved aside now that Demon's plots were relatively out in the open, so it was a good surprise to see him involved. The part I didn't like was Hikari's dream-thingy. I don't know if you have read Psyren, but it was way too similar to Amamiya, which generally wasn't so good. It seemed rather forced, you know.

 

I can't guess who will be the ones to draw the curtain in this arc. I can't even see a plot-breaking event in the immediate future, so I'm very curious about what you have in store. Keep up the good work.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Again I've missed 2 chapters. Oh well.

 

[spoiler=spoiler]

Chapter 41 was ok imo.

 

Though Chapter 42 was really nice imo. I like how things are turning to a climax.

 

Also Hikari being taken over by her 'evil' self was unexpected and nicely done.

 

 

 

Would it help if I put chapter titles in the sub title when I update, like Dead Zone?

 

We're slowly getting to a climax in this arc.

 

As for the Hikari bit, I doubt anyone has seen it, but the idea is taken from a Doctor Who episode (David Tennant's Doctor) called Midnight. It is a really clever, and freaky episode.

 

I loved these two chapters. 41 was probably better with Erin beating Hikari. Especially the last move was brilliant. By slight card edit you mean Fitzgerald, right? It was ok, actually I didn't even remember its exact effect and only by researching did I find out that it wasn't supposed to be like that. A minor detail.

 

42 was kinda confusing, didn't really get how the fireballs went from 5 to 10 in one night, and didn't get whether what they were seeing were this world's fireballs or both worlds' fireballs. The part with Raesir was good, as was the part with Nero. I was expecting the Emperor to be mostly shoved aside now that Demon's plots were relatively out in the open, so it was a good surprise to see him involved. The part I didn't like was Hikari's dream-thingy. I don't know if you have read Psyren, but it was way too similar to Amamiya, which generally wasn't so good. It seemed rather forced, you know.

 

I can't guess who will be the ones to draw the curtain in this arc. I can't even see a plot-breaking event in the immediate future, so I'm very curious about what you have in store. Keep up the good work.

 

Yes (feels accomplished). I do mean Fitzy, when I duel write I have to research the cards on my dads laptop with the internet, then write the story on my computer which has word (and all my music on). Thus I have to save cards for YGO Wikia on my USB and transfer them, and I only recently got Fitzgerald in english, so I missed it. But yeah, the effect was too good to miss.

 

With the fireballs, it is supposed to be that as the boundaries between the two worlds get thinner, the fireballs that appeared there are now visible here too (hence why they are in two seperated arcs). Denver kindof made me realise at the end of Arc Two that I had dismissed the emperor too much, which made me realise I needed to close that part more satisfactorily (see your feedback does help guys :))

 

As for the Hikari bit, I haven't the foggiest idea what either of those things are.

 

I do have something big instore, something that could go down either very well or very badly, due to one or two things. We'll only find out for sure on Friday. Hopefully I'm being paranoid, I usually am.

[Fusion X. Denver]

Yeesh, been like 3 chapters since I commented.

Caught up though, I hope Hikari will get a second shot at Erin :)

I loled at drunk Raesir, managed to slip in one minor detail in his past that gave him more depth than before, so good work.

Looking forward to the end of the arc, man.

[Lexadin]

Would it help if I put chapter titles in the sub title when I update, like Dead Zone?

 

We're slowly getting to a climax in this arc.

 

As for the Hikari bit, I doubt anyone has seen it, but the idea is taken from a Doctor Who episode (David Tennant's Doctor) called Midnight. It is a really clever, and freaky episode.

 

Nah, I was just of on those days probebly.

 

I don't watch Doctor Who.

[Vector Nightmare]

Though I check the thread regularly enough to not miss any updates, even if sometimes I am late commenting, I think adding the new chapter's title would be a good idea (that's why I do it, duh). Sometimes it's not easy to remember which was the last chapter by number alone.

 

I think the greatest thing I have in Dead Zone that you don't have here is hyperlinks in the first post, seriously.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Yeesh, been like 3 chapters since I commented.

Caught up though, I hope Hikari will get a second shot at Erin :)

I loled at drunk Raesir, managed to slip in one minor detail in his past that gave him more depth than before, so good work.

Looking forward to the end of the arc, man.

 

*Waves fist in indignant raggggge for tardiness* :)

 

Well, yes, maybe, in a round about way... >_>

 

I managed to get his past in, seven chapters later than aimed. But glad it added something about him, and hopefully it should become more relevant shortly rather than pointless filler (I do not like pointless filler)

 

It's coming soon...

 

Though I check the thread regularly enough to not miss any updates, even if sometimes I am late commenting, I think adding the new chapter's title would be a good idea (that's why I do it, duh). Sometimes it's not easy to remember which was the last chapter by number alone.

 

I think the greatest thing I have in Dead Zone that you don't have here is hyperlinks in the first post, seriously.

 

Well, I know you're busy. And you do give good scrutenizing analysis of everything for which I'm thankful.

 

I'll have a play with it, but not now, too tired.

 

Anyway... Chapter 43... don't feel all deja vu about it, we're not sneaking in this time... we're going in all guns blazing, and they're firing back too...

 

This is by some way the longest chapter I've written, hopefully it'll be met with approval.

 

[spoiler=Chapter 43]

Chapter 43 - Royal Onslaught

 

“Commander, are we ready?”

 

Warren turned to Pallas, who was standing beside him on a small platform in the middle of a city park in the Uria slums. It was a park for lack of a better word. Maybe once it was a pleasant area to spend an afternoon. Now the grass was long and brown, the play area for kids was run down and everything covered in graffiti. The dark night did not lift the mood. Pallas looked over the people standing over the park, huddling together with hands resting on their sheathed weapons or holding torchs, waiting for the order to march forth, a little over a thousand people in total. He nodded to the guard awaiting his orders, and cleared his throat.

 

“Warriors, the time is at hand. We shall march through the streets to the palace, where we shall end this madness. May God be with you all.”

 

Thus the march began. Pallas took point with Warren at the front of the first set of soldiers, other senior appointed generals dispensing themselves with other ranks. Pallas checked his helmet, a stylish golden design that came down past his neck and had a violet plume, and walked forward, brandishing his sword as he did so, into the streets ahead. The palace was visible over the rooftops, only fifteen minutes away, where the Emperor would be hiding behind his last desperate defence. The streets were empty aside from the odd person, who ran immediately at the sight of this procession of ragtag warriors, garbed in various designs and quality of armour, armed with swords, pikes, clubs, forks and anything else that could be used as a weapon. Splitting through several streets the army proceeded, the palace getting closer and closer.

 

...

 

The enormous Hagar marched out from the front of his group, clad in his dull grey armour and his sword and shield slung over his considerable back, exiting a street that ended just outside the palace on the east side. Looking around a corner, he could see the walls were swarming with archers, all ready to fire down at the command. One of the palace gates was further down this wall, and would be heavily fortified. Sighing, he turned and walked back to face some of the thousand or so civilian turned rebels, most of who had been recruited over the last two days by word of mouth from their neighbours and inspired to join them in arms. He signalled for the catapults.

 

Constructed over the last two nights, two large mechanical catapults on wheels were driven forward, men hastily shuffling to the sides of the road to let them past. Hagar climbed up to talk to the driver of the first catapult. These things had been built for the environment. Sat in a small cockpit at the front of machine, a small man with mousy hair and stubble flicked a switch, that turned the catapult so that it spun on the spot, so that it was now facing the tall house in front of it directly, and the wall behind it.

 

“The wall is precisely sixty metres away sir” said the driver playing away at his computer screen. “These have been designed to fire their shot in a more vertical arc than normal, so we can easily clear the buildings and drop them on top of the wall, and it will hard for them to hit us in response. All we need is your command.”

 

Hagar checked the time on the drivers monitor, twenty-one hundred hours. He opened his belt to find a small radio, before looking over his troops. Some were white and shaking. Some had closed their eyes and were praying in silence. Others were gritting their teeth, gripping their weapons tightly, and the rest were just blank and numb. Heaving another great sigh, Hagar raised his left hand, and pushed the button to open transmission.

 

“This is Team Two. Are Team One in position?”

 

“Yes, we are” Warren’s voice replied over the intercom. “Are Team Three in position?”

 

“Team Three reporting from our position, ready to go” said another commander.

 

“Team Four in position. Ready to begin assault Hagar, awaiting Pallas and Dominik’s order.”

 

There was a pause, some coughing came over the intercom as somewhere north of Hagar, Pallas took the radio from Warren. “All teams are in position. Begin final battle.”

 

Immediately Hagar bought down his arm, and both catapults fired high into the air.

 

...

 

Standing on the roof of one of the areas grander houses, a warrior in silver armour with long, flowing black hair watched two boulders north east of him arced high through the air. This general’s name was Sabuza, and he was another high ranking member of the royal guard who had converted to Dominik’s cause. He had experienced, along with Hagar and Warren, the horrors of siege warfare on a city during the war several years ago. But that had been conducted between thousands of trained soldiers and top duel monsters duelists. This civil war was to be fought by carpenters, engineers, shop keepers and teachers. He had thought himself a loyal soldier, he had hoped he would never see the day the Empire would fall like this, but there was no doubt now in his mind. This madness - that he too had been a part in enforcing - had gone on long enough. He ordered the archers before him to fire, and hundreds of arrows flew through the air, in all manner of directions. A few seconds later, they were greeted in kind, as two rookie platoons of bowmen fought it out.

 

There was an explosion ahead. Dropping from the roof top, Sabuza fell to the street with stunning grace, and joined the charge of people who were already pouring out of the street and towards the palace walls. He was an agile and athletic warrior, and easily sped past most of the bustling charges moving through the streets. He could already hear the shouts and screams ahead of him, as the battle began.

 

Coming out onto the street that ran around the entire perimeter of the palaces four walls, he could see the gates were open; the locks had been blown apart. The two men who had been sent to drop of explosive charges here in disguise had been a great success. Now men carrying swords, shields, clubs, pitchforks, kitchen cleavers, and any kind of armour they could scrape together were charging through the gates. Sabuza joined them as he raised his shield to avoid another barrage of arrows, racing through the gate with a battle cry, to be met inside by an army of similar ragtag civilians. The battle began.

 

...

 

Parked on a hill on the edge of the great forest that took up most of the south east area of the city, Dominik took out a pair of binoculars. Looking through them, he could see catapult fire going up in the air and crashing back to earth, thick swarms of arrow fire, and columns of black smoke starting to come from the palace. The siege had begun, and although it was impossible to tell how well or badly it was going, it was time for him and his partners to enter the fray. Discarding the binoculars and revving up his runner, Dominik rapped on the chest plate and bracers to make sure they were secure.

 

“Our main worry is archers, but if we go fast enough, we’ll be through before they can blink. You bear that in mind right. Whatever happens, don’t stop. Whatever gets in your way, go straight through it. Our battle is inside the palace, not in the grounds.”

 

Tyrana pulled up her runner alongside the high tech black model, and glared at the black suited rider. “You sound like our Emperor with that kind of attitude.”

 

Dominik threw her an ugly look. “Do you really expect us to get through the day without casualties? Don’t be naive, it’s inevitable. They are fighting for what they believe is right, and so are we in our own way. Those who die, if we do our part, will not die in vain. For tonight the Empire falls.” Dominik clenched a fist, shaking slightly.

 

“By driving around the palace until we find the Emperor, and any characters like Demon who might be with him, right?” Luca asked from behind Tyrana, although he already knew the plan.

 

“Correct” Dominik flicked his visor down, distorting his voice, as the other two did the same with their helmets. “Without their leader, the people fighting for the Empire will give up without him. As soon as we find Nero, we get a confession out of him as to what’s going on. I will beat one out of him if I have to, anything to find out what’s with the inferno...” Dominik glanced up at the fires above, gulping slightly at the sight of the thirteen hanging there in the black “... and how to stop it. Then we can use the fireworks stored in your runner to signal our victory, and for our soldiers to stand down. Then I can speak to those left in the grounds, proving our victory and their defeat, and delivering the promise that we shall keep fighting against the dark forces controlling the Empire, and killing that inferno so that we can build a better future. Now if you’re ready, let’s get in there.”

 

Luca extended a hand out to wish Dominik luck, but the rider kicked his runner into action and went, flying down the hill. Tyrana shook her head at her partner, and set off in pursuit.

 

Flying through the streets at speed, Tyrana struggled to keep up with Dominik, using all her skill to follow a man riding like he was possessed, hurtling recklessly through the winding roads. “Hey, give us a chance to follow will you!?” she shouted over the intercom. Dominik seemed to ignore her, and if anything sped up, prompting much cursing. “Just like the Emperor. So focused on defeating an enemy, he can’t appreciate those beside him. If he wants a better future built, I hope he doesn’t appoint himself chief engineer.”

 

Within minutes, the two runners were within a few hundred metres of the palace, in a street running parallel to the south wall. Up ahead was the high street, which by turning right into, would give them a straight shot through the gates that were now, hopefully, open. Dominik’s voice came back over the intercom “Here we go”, before he opened his engine fully, his runner rearing on its back wheel as it shot forward, crashing down and taking the corner at speed before shooting towards the palace. Tyrana matched the leaders actions, taking the corner, and gasping at the sight ahead.

 

The gates were open, and the battle had spilled out of them and into the streets. Men were fighting like animals with neighbours who chose to believe in different leaders, through fear and anger. Ahead Dominik charged straight through the busted gates and disappeared into the melee. Unable, unwilling to stop, Tyrana followed through the gates. Inside were thousands of people, arrows and boulders filling the sky, bodies littering the ground. Luca’s grip tightened around her waist. The screaming was deafening. Fires were rapidly spreading throughout the palace grounds. Mercifully, Dominik had left quite a clear path for them to follow through, aiming straight for the palace doors.

 

As the two runners burst through into the main entrance hall, it became apparent some of the fighting had spilled indoors to. Roughly forty people with swords and shields were hacking at each other wildly, or defending desperately against the assaults. Dominik flew up a grand staircase to the left, the fighters oblivious to him as they focused on their survival. The duo wanted to help, but had none of their own arms except for their shields, and their specific orders to accompany their leader. Regretfully, the pair followed up the stairs to the second floor.

 

The passageways and staircases got narrower as the three ascended, meaning the runners had to be abandoned on the third floor, everyone removing their helmets, taking their duel shields out and equipping them. All was strangely quiet up here; the muffled sounds of the battle outside muted by the thick stone. As stealthily yet swiftly as possible, the trio ascended to more flights of stairs and ran down several passageways, until they found themselves in a large room overlooking the battle outside, and the towering oak doors of the throne room.

 

“Be ready for anything” Luca warned as Dominik pushed the door ajar.

 

A cold chill embraced the three as soon as they entered the throne room, a towering ceiling invisible above them, supported by marble pillars that ascended into darkness. The walls on either side were also impossible to pick out in the candlelight that flanked the red carpet that led from the door towards a throne in the distance. The tall back of the stone throne faced them as they approached it, armed and ready, as a wicked laugh filled their ears as they got closer.

 

“So you finally arrived. Good, I was wondering if my archers had actually killed you outside. But then you can never rely on commoners to do anything right. Those vermin are a plague on my empire, a disease that spreads out and infects my land, one that I will soon cure.” The emperor stood up from his seat with his back to the group, alternating between muttering and cackling to himself. Luca shuddered slightly, as the Emperor finally addressed them directly. “What are you trying to accomplish here?”

 

“We’re here to end all the suffering you’ve caused, and restore this place to its former self.”

 

Dominik pushed past Luca, standing at the base of the steps up to the throne. “Not to mention get some answers on what’s going on with that inferno in the sky. You’re going to spill old man, and I’m going to make you suffer like you’ve made everyone else do until I get some answers.” The emperor burst into a fit of wild laughter at Dominik’s nonsensical request. Frustrated Dominik charged up the steps. The emperor raised a hand, and the two standing behind watched in shock as Dominik hit a wall that appeared out of nowhere, a dark rippling shield that threw him backwards down the stairs. As Luca and Tyrana helped him up again, the emperor spoke again.

 

“You would attack a helpless old man all alone in his castle? How very boorish of you. You are worthless peons in the grand scale of things, whereas I am destined to rule until the end of time. You want to know what will happen when the final countdown is completed? All your hope will be destroyed, as the world of duel spirits, and all those troublesome fiends that duelists like you would use to take my power, is destroyed. And its energy will filter into this world, and into me. My advisor has assured me that I, the great Nero, will rule forever as I attain all the power of a world; power used against me, to turn on those who oppose me and smite them. I will become a god on earth.”

 

“You’re completely nuts” Dominik groaned as he shrugged off the other two. “Why would this Demon I keep hearing so much about give you ultimate power. With his name, he doesn’t sound that generous.”

 

The old man paused. “Where did you hear that name?” he asked slowly, threateningly.

 

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Tyrana retorted. Again there was another pause, and some shuffling behind the throne. The emperor stood upright again, and addressed the red haired punkette.

 

“I can see right through your leader, who fights with so much hate and guilt. But you and your partner, what do you fight for?”

 

“We fight for what we believe is right, and that’s ending your reign of oppression and stopping that countdown.”

 

“I see. Well, it appears we have a problem with each other, and there is only one way to solve problems in the Empire.” The emperor raised his left arm out from behind the throne. There was a purple and red duel shield that matched his royal robes, ordained with a few precious stones. “Don’t look so shocked. Of course I have protection against those who wish to kill me, as your dear Dominik certainly intends to. It is a rather last ditch measure, and I have never had the opportunity to use it. But I still know enough basics about the game to play. If you wish to learn the truth, then you can face me for it. But all you will receive is pain at the hands of a god.”

 

“You want to play me at my own game? Fine with me.” Dominik armed his duel shield; a small black model designed for his bike, and stepped forward. “Now I’ll get what I want out of you.”

 

Luca put a hand on his shoulder and stood beside him. “We’re fighting too. You bought us up here to help you, so we will fight beside you.” Dominik nodded mutely as he armed his duel anyway, Tyrana silently did the same beside him. Behind the throne, the emperor smirked to himself.

 

“How noble of you. Now, since this is going to be a three on one match, I shall start with triple the number of life points to gain some balance. You three young talented duelists still have triple the draw power and three times the battle phases, so you should have no problem defeating an old man like me who rarely plays this game. At least you shouldn’t.” With that, Nero stepped out from behind his throne and turned, prompting an audible gasp. His eyes were glazed over in a deep purple, pupil-less and evil looking. He stood glaring down at the duelists from the top of the dozen stairs up, as they backed away to create the space for this battle. A battle for the fate of the empire and all its people.

 

“Let’s duel!”

 

“Also, as I am outnumbered, I will go first” declared the Emperor, without waiting for a response. “I summon the level three Dark Mimic to my field in defence.” An ornate looking treasure chest, deep red and silver in colour, appeared before the ruler (DEF: 1000). “Then I’ll place three cards face down and end my turn.”

 

The randomizer alternated between the three duelists waiting to get stuck into this man. It was the blue shield of Luca that got the green light. “Here I go. I summon Spined Gillman to the field. And when he’s out all my fish, aqua and sea serpent type monsters get an attack bonus of four hundred.” A half fish, half man creature carrying a trident burst forth from a portal of bubbles (ATK: 1700). “Then I place one card face down and end my turn.”

 

“I’m up next.” Tyrana stepped forward beside Luca, drawing her sixth card. “I summon Jurrac Velo in attack mode, and then place a card face down.” Beside the fish man charged the red yellow and blue raptor, claws and teeth primed and ready to rip through anything the emperor had (ATK: 1700). Meanwhile, Dominik stood back and watched these opening exchanges with a frown on his face. With an indignant scowl, he drew his sixth card, and stepped forward.

 

“Right, it’s finally my turn. You guys might want to hang back behind those weak monsters, but I am getting him and I’m starting with the hurt right now. Because you control monsters and I don’t, I can special summon to the field Tech Genus Striker!” Somersaulting through the portal, a warrior in a high tech silver battle suit, made for incredible agility and strength, stood ready and waiting (ATK: 800). Now when I perform a special summon, I’m allowed to then special summon Tech Genus Warwolf from my hand alongside.” Dominik’s second monster was a lot different to the warrior, a mutant werewolf with a mechanical left arm, ending in a wicked pincer like claw. The beast howled in fury (ATK: 1200).

 

“I fail to see what is so special about those monsters” mocked the emperor.

 

“You fail to see anything special in a lot of things. Next I summon Tech Genus Catapult Dragon, and use his special ability to summon Tech Genus Jet Falcon from my hand beside him.” A large earthbound dragon stood low on all fours, and a magnificent eagle strapped up with a jet pack emerged. “Time for the Tech Genus to really strut their stuff with some Synchro action, and put an end to your madness. I tune Striker and Warwolf, and Falcon and Dragon together to Synchro summon, Tech Genus Power Gladiator and Tech Genus Wonder Magician.”

 

The area around Dominik burst into light and stars as his two Synchros triggered at once, bringing forth two more powerful creatures; a warrior in green and tanned battle wear wielding an axe, and a small fairy like being with long pink hair flowing down her robes and cute little wings (ATK: 2300 and 1900).

 

Tyrana gaped at the sight of the two Synchro monsters. “Dominik, don’t get careless.”

 

“I know what I’m doing. I’m getting stuck in. First off, when Jet Falcon is sent to the graveyard, my opponent loses five hundred life points. Then Wonder Magician activates her effect, destroying one spell or trap card on the field when she is summoned.” The Emperor scowled as one of his face downs exploded into pieces and at the slight burn inflicted on his mind (LP: 11500). “Then to battle. I have my Gladiator attack that Mimic. When Power Gladiator attacks a monster hiding in defence, the difference between his attack and its defence is dealt as damage.” The axeman leapt forth and bought a crushing blow over the treasure chest, slicing it in two. Nero drew a card due to his monsters effect, scowling heavily (LP: 10200). “Now Wonder Magician, direct attack.”

 

“You insolent fool; you dare attack your ruler, when you should kneel down for mercy? Activate the trap Imperial Manners.” Dominik swore as his fairy that had charged was halted by a blast from the trap card, and destroyed it. The trap continued to fire a barrage of balls of light out, one that destroyed Power Gladiator. Then to the others alarm, the trap took down their monsters as well, leaving everyone without defences.

 

“I told you!” Tyrana yelled. “You didn’t think for one second he’d have a plan for that?”

 

Dominik stood still, staring at the spot where his magician had been and gulping. “Sorry guys, guess I was a little rash there.” There was an awkward pause as Dominik considered his next move. “Now, when destroyed, my two Synchro monsters let me draw new cards. I place the two drawn cards face down, and... and end my turn.”

 

[spoiler=Summary - End Round 1]

Nero - Front Row: - Back Row: Face down. Hand: 3 LP: 10200

Luca - Front Row: - Back Row: Face down Hand: 4 LP: 4000

Tyrana - Front Row: - Back Row: Face down Hand: 4 LP: 4000

Dominik - Front Row: - Back Row: Face down x2. Hand: 2 LP: 4000

 

 

 

“Bwahahaha! Do you see know how futile your pathetic resistance is. I am destined to rule until the end of time, with all the power in the world of duel spirits channelled into me so that I can wipe this world clean and rebuild it as I see fit. In my image, with my infinite power. I can feel its strength grow inside me already. The feeling is glorious. You poor worms should beg for that I do not destroy you this instant. My turn.” The mad emperor drew, and his face broke into a cruel smile. “It is time for you to feel the wrath of an emperor... or better yet, the wrath of a god. First I summon Sangan to the field. Then I activate my trap card, Ultimate Offering. This trap lets me pay five hundred life points, a small price to pay, to perform an additional normal summon (LP: 9700). So, by releasing Sangan, I can unleash the ruler of the frozen wastelands, that will encase all who stand in my path in ice forever. Rise, Mobius the Frost Monarch!”

 

The three eyed furball disappeared as icy crystals erupted up around it, heralding the emergence of a powerful beast, and the start of Nero’s new reign. Something moved from inside the crystals and they shattered, releasing a tall humanoid beast that the rebels stared up at in awe. Encased in thick armour seemingly made entirely from ice, the chest plate and gauntlets styled to befit a ruler and gleaming in the little light, cape billowing behind him. A pair of yellow eyes shone out from the darkness under the sculpted helmet (ATK: 2400).

 

The emperor smirked as Sangan’s effect added another mimic to his hand, and raised a ringed hand in triumph. “Now the ability of my monarch activates. When he is summoned by use of a tribute, Mobius instantly destroys two spell and trap cards on the field, which would leave any one of you open entirely. But I think I shall target that of our upstart who is leading this little charade. Mobius, wipe out both of Dominik’s face down cards, then attack him directly.” The monarch raised a hand, causing Dominik to back step as both his cards froze over and shattered, leaving him wide open as the monarch pulled back a fist and threw a punch through the air, sending a icy blast of energy at him. To the others horror, the blast lifted the leader of his feet and slammed him into a wall, letting him drop with a groan (LP: 1600).

 

“Dom, you alright buddy?”

 

“Can you stand?”

 

With a grimace, Dominik hauled himself up right and dragged himself back to where he had been standing, clutching his ribs and staring entirely focused at the smirking Nero. He was shivering, the cold of the attack gnawing at him. “You think... that monster... is going to stop me... from destroying you Nero? You just wait.”

 

“You still believe you actually have a chance of defeating me? Your hope will soon be crushed by me and my monarchs. I place two cards face down and end my turn.”

 

“Hey you, don’t ignore us!” Dominik turned bewildered to see Luca shouting at him. “You’re letting your anger control you, and Nero is using that to lull you into a simple trap. We’re fighting three against one, let’s start playing like it. Screw your head on and start playing for the team.” Dominik continued to stare blankly at him, making Luca scowl again and turn his attention back to his own hand. The monarch ahead might be powerful, a lot more so than any individual monster he had right now, but with combined strength they could overcome it. And Luca had what he needed to show Dominik that.

 

“I summon the tuner monster Reese the Ice Mistress to my field in defence mode.” The warrioress in blue and mauve robes, carrying an ice shard gun, crouched before him. “Next I activate my face down spell card Divine Chalice. When I have a low level water monster on the field, this card summons a crimson token, whose level is three. Which means...”

 

“Which means I will have to activate my trap card” the emperor interrupted, one of his face downs pulling itself upright to reveal one of the worst possible cards that Luca could see right now. “By paying eight hundred life points, Royal Oppression can be used to negate the special summoning of a monster, or a card effect that special summons a monsters, and destroy that card.” Luca’s spell crackled as it was enveloped with red sparks, and shattered (LP: 8900).

 

Dominik gasped at the sight. “What!? We can’t special summon monsters at all. No fair!”

 

“Hahahaha, life isn’t fair. Not for peasants like you three. But this card is perfectly fair, since you are more than welcome to use its effect yourself to negate any special summons I make. That is, if I was to make any.” Nero smiled wickedly at the trio, who knew full well such an opportunity would not arise.

 

Changing tack, Luca rapidly threw cards into his shields blade. “I place three cards face down and end my turn. Over to you Tyrana, sorry I couldn’t do more.”

 

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered” she replied, as she drew, a card that could let her take down that monarch. “I summon Jurrac Iguanon.” A herbivore based creature with a beak plodded forth, craning its sea green neck, its lower body being a darker blue, despite the fire raging across its back and neck (ATK: 1700). Tyrana brandished her drawn card. “Now I equip Iguanon with the card Unstable Evolution. While my life points are lower than yours, the attack of the equipped monster is raised to twenty four hundred.” The beaked dinosaur reared as its strength increased (ATK: 2400). “Now attack Mobius.”

 

“But they’ll just destroy each other in a tie” Dominik said, startled by the beast charging the monarch. Tyrana looked at him, face set with resolve.

 

“Exactly. Which means you’ll have a clear strike at Nero next turn. It’s called playing for the team. Now go on Iguanon.” The flaming dinosaur gathered momentum as it charged with surprising pace for its bulk.

 

“I activate the trap card Imperial Order!” cried the emperor, revealing his other face down. “As long as this card is face up on the field, the effects of all spell cards are nullified. So sorry to disappoint you, but your team strategy is about to cost you dearly.”

 

“No” Tyrana cried in dismay as her monsters attack fell (ATK: 1700) and crashed helplessly into the monarch, accomplishing nothing. The monarch repelled the attack with a dismissive block, before bringing its icy fist down on the creatures head. Tyrana grimaced as she felt the chill on her arm (LP: 3300).

 

Dominik stared at her as she shivered, eyes closed. “Are you ready to pass on your turn?” She nodded to him, letting him draw his card. No special summons, no spells. That made half of his hand pretty worthless right now. In fact, given the entire nature of the Tech Genus, it crippled his entire deck. The vigilante, who had worked so hard to get to this moment, driven by need for his own redemption for serving for this fiend who had gone mad, and anger at the loss of his father and his sisters suffering, looked at the others. Nero was smirking, his purple eyes dancing with wicked glee. Tyrana was clearly hurting already. Luca was looking increasingly more and more alarmed with each turn. Then he thought of Carla.

 

“I summon... Normal. Summon. Before you get any ideas, Tech Genus Rush Rhino in defence.” A horned beast wearing a high tech battle suit with mechanical shoulder pads and leg bracers kneeled before him, arms crossed (DEF: 800). Then I place two cards face down and end my turn.”

 

[spoiler=Summary - End Round 2]

Nero - Front Row: Mobius. Back Row: Order, Oppression, Offering. Hand: 1 LP: 8900

Luca - Front Row: Reese the Ice Mistress. Back Row: Face down x3 Hand: 1 LP: 4000

Tyrana - Front Row: - Back Row: Face down. Hand: 3 LP: 3300

Dominik - Front Row: Rush Rhino Back Row: Face down x2. Hand: - LP: 1600

 

 

 

“Then it is my turn once more. You fools should give up on all your hope now. First of all, in order to keep Imperial Order on the field, I have to pay seven hundred life points during each of my standby phases.” The emperor looked merely irritated by the cost he was paying, physically paying as he shook slightly, but still a possessed grin remained (LP: 8200) “With that done, I place one card face down. Then I summon Infernity Randomizer.” A bizarre creature, that looked mostly mechanical apart from the sickly brown hands and head sprouting from the blue corkscrew, floated in front of them (ATK: 900). “When my hand is empty, I can activate the ability of Randomizer, which lets me draw one card. If it is a spell or a trap, I take five hundred points of damage. But if it is a monster, one random selection amongst you three takes damage equal to its level times two hundred.”The top slowly began to spin as Nero drew his card.

 

He smiled and revealed it with a sick grin. The card was a monster depicting a warrior in green armour. “Another monarch, whose level is six. Now who will feel the pain?” The horrible monster spun faster and faster, arms flailing limbly, until it stopped dead, facing Dominik. Purple fire enveloped him as he sank, panting heavily before the cackling emperor (LP: 400) “Next I activate Ultimate Offering, and for the low price of another five hundred life points (LP: 7700), I can release Randomizer to summon my second monarch.” Nero raised both his arms, and the three duelists were forced back as a vicious wind, arriving from nowhere, swept through the chamber. “Behold the power of the bestowed upon me, to wield as a god. Descend, Raiza the Storm Monarch!”

 

Floating down from the darkness above, on the air currents he was generating, the second monarch came forth. Protected by his light green armour that covered every inch of his body, one could only imagine what might be beneath the steel and the helmet, and the white pupil-less eyes staring from it. The monarch’s dark green cloak flapped in the wind wildly as he touched down softly, steel fists clenched and ready for destruction. “When Raiza is summoned with a tribute, his effect activates” cried Nero over the gale. “One card on the field is returned to the top of the owner’s deck. I choose the girls face down.”

 

Tyrana gasped as her only card on the field vanished as a blast of wind struck it, returning it to her deck, leaving her wide open. “Raiza, attack that girl.”

 

“I activate the trap card, Half Shield.” Luca yelled over the wind. “This reduces the damage any player takes from a single battle by half.” A faint shield rose up in front of Tyrana as the storm monarch pulled back a fist, slamming into the defence. She buckled slightly, despite the cards effect (LP: 2100). Dominik looked on astounded, Nero laughed mirthlessly.

 

“What was the point of that? Mobius is simply about to destroy her anyway. You should have saved that card for your own protection.”

 

“You don’t get it Nero. You were appointed as Emperor to protect people, but you’ve just become obsessed with power and greed, and have failed in your duty. Now we will protect the people from you, and each other, no matter what it takes or however hopeless it looks.”

 

“Pah, your pitiful ideals are hopeless. Power is everything, and is to be used as those who wield it see fit, not as those without beg them to do. As Mobius will now prove. Mobius direct attack!” Tyrana’s eyes widened as the frost monarch pulled back his fist. Luca yelled out, there was nothing else he could do, as the monarch swung and unleashed its icy pulse towards his partner and friend.

 

There was a yell, as at the last second, something came between Tyrana and the attack.

 

The two duelists watched in horror as Dominik flew high through the air in slow motion, spinning around, eyes closed, before he crashed to the stone floor face down (LP: 0)

 

 

 

Yeah yeah, deja vu, I know <_<

 

Stay tuned for the double chapter end of arc special on Friday. Got a little bit left to write at the end, but not much, so should be okay for release.

[Lexadin]

[spoiler=spoiler]

Monarchs, why didn't I expect that. Though I did thought that the Emperor would use the Imperial set, he is based on it.

 

I know I shouldn't, but I loled when the Emperor played Royal Opression. It's like 1 of the only things the current Meta fears and it's used on a T.G. foe, poor Dominik.

 

The Emperor is a very boring character tbh. He's just powerhungry, where did we see that before? I hope you'll give him some more depth.

 

Also, how did Dominik take that attack? Normally players need to play some sacrivicial card to take the hit, but he just jumped in front of it? That's like interupting a duel!

 

 

[Fusion X. Denver]

That was good, I'm liking the duel so far.

But I can't help but feel it would have gone way better if they just let Dominik duel solo >.>

I'm a little more interested in Nero now, considering how he claims he's not that good, yet he's actually a pretty good duelist.

Although, I think he may be possessed by Demon's dad. Would explain the eye thing and whatnot.

I don't get how Dominik took the attack, but works for me I guess.

[Vector Nightmare]

Yeah... to add to what was said above, it's the second time we see Luca and Tyranna duel and it's yet again another team duel, which quickly turned into a pair duel.... the difficulty with those character 'sets' is giving them individuality, so I was hoping you'd give each of them at least one individual duel between their group fights, and I'd be lying if I said I was overly excited with the portrayal of Nero, too. He seems to fit his stereotype too perfectly for my tastes. Hoping for more depth, yeah.

 

Not much in the way of complaints, otherwise. The action scenes were well-written and exciting, and I was really pleased you know your stuff (or at least made it look so). Most people who'd write about medieval warfare on an unrelated story tend to limit it to 'there are swords and bows and spears and it's really cool k'. I'm wondering whether the next two chapters will both feature Nero's duel, or if something else will happen.

 

And though I find Nero's deck perfect for him, Tech Genus for Dominic was just mehish. Maybe that's just me not really liking Tech Genus, though.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

I'm at work, and in a foul mood with it too :angry: But hey, three posts to answer to.

 

Monarchs, why didn't I expect that. Though I did thought that the Emperor would use the Imperial set, he is based on it.

 

I know I shouldn't, but I loled when the Emperor played Royal Opression. It's like 1 of the only things the current Meta fears and it's used on a T.G. foe, poor Dominik.

 

The Emperor is a very boring character tbh. He's just powerhungry, where did we see that before? I hope you'll give him some more depth.

 

Also, how did Dominik take that attack? Normally players need to play some sacrivicial card to take the hit, but he just jumped in front of it? That's like interupting a duel!

 

Monarch Lockdown deck, fitting ain't it?

 

As for his character, as also addressed by Saber, this was a bit of a late addition to the stroyline after the Emperor was kind of kicked to the curb by Demon. That's no excuse, but he is just the typical power mad ruler, which is why Demon has been able to exploit him so easily in fairness. He will get a bit more development in the next chapter or two... as things take a turn for the worst...

 

That was good, I'm liking the duel so far.

But I can't help but feel it would have gone way better if they just let Dominik duel solo >.>

I'm a little more interested in Nero now, considering how he claims he's not that good, yet he's actually a pretty good duelist.

Although, I think he may be possessed by Demon's dad. Would explain the eye thing and whatnot.

I don't get how Dominik took the attack, but works for me I guess.

 

Just to reitterate, this has been by an absolute mile the most difficult duel to write (excluding the first few I did in Arc One due to inexperience) so I'm glad it's going down well so far.

 

Hmm, Denver's been reading the hints, know he suspects too much... (headshot)

 

Well, I wanted it to just happen, as a gut instinct thing, without the lengthy build up of...

 

'I activate a trap to take the damage'

'No you can't'

'Yes I will'

 

Yeah... to add to what was said above, it's the second time we see Luca and Tyranna duel and it's yet again another team duel, which quickly turned into a pair duel.... the difficulty with those character 'sets' is giving them individuality, so I was hoping you'd give each of them at least one individual duel between their group fights, and I'd be lying if I said I was overly excited with the portrayal of Nero, too. He seems to fit his stereotype too perfectly for my tastes. Hoping for more depth, yeah.

 

Not much in the way of complaints, otherwise. The action scenes were well-written and exciting, and I was really pleased you know your stuff (or at least made it look so). Most people who'd write about medieval warfare on an unrelated story tend to limit it to 'there are swords and bows and spears and it's really cool k'. I'm wondering whether the next two chapters will both feature Nero's duel, or if something else will happen.

 

And though I find Nero's deck perfect for him, Tech Genus for Dominic was just mehish. Maybe that's just me not really liking Tech Genus, though.

 

Individual duels, noted.

 

Well, I'm into reading that kind of thing, like Eragon, Northern Lights has fantasy war scenes, etc

 

You don't like Tech Genus? :o

 

Anyway, finish work in 2 hours, then sleep. Then to finish chapter 45 for Friday. Don't worry I've only got 1 or 2 scenes to write, should get it and the bios done with a bit of motivation.

 

See ya Friday. :)

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

It's time for the end... of arc three...

 

Now, given the adverse reaction to Dom simply jumping in front of an attack, I'm not that confident in this end, given it is the most chaotic end to a duel I've ever seen. Also I do have to say upfront there are two cards with alterations, one being a timing thing, and one fairly major one that people could well disagree with. Still, technicalities aside, I hope you all enjoy it.

 

Oh, and this is quite long.

 

[spoiler=Chapter 44]

Chapter 44 - An Emperor for All Eternity

 

“Dominik!” the two duelists cried in unison as the black clad leader slammed into the floor face down, lying in a crumpled heap. For long, awful seconds, silence filled the chamber, as the man who had inspired and bought the people together to fight for their beliefs lay there, bleeding and still. Atop the dozen stairs leading to the throne, the mad emperor grinned maliciously at the sight of his fallen enemy, standing behind the monarchs of ice and wind. Tyrana bought her hands to her mouth. Luca stared wide eyed, frozen in fright.

 

...

 

Back outside in the palace grounds, the battle had raged on for hours. There was no structure to this onslaught, only chaos, as the people ran where they wanted, slashing at anyone who they came across. There was no discernable differential between who was fighting for whom, meaning you were just as likely to kill, or be killed by, an ally as a foe if you weren’t careful. The ground was littered with bodies, as roughly ten thousand inhabitants of the capital faced each other, fighting in fear and hatred and all for who they believed would lead them out of the darkness and the fire cast over the land that was being cast by the thirteen fires forming three quarters of a ring above. If those things could feel anything, they would be revelling in the chaos now.

 

Rapier in hand, Warren was fighting two men armed with short swords at once, being forced backwards through the combat as he kept one at bay with his shield and the other away with glances from his blade. He grunted slightly as he felt himself back into a wall. The wall grunted back.

 

“That you Hagar?” Warren shouted.

 

“Aye comrade” Hagar responded. Warren was by no means a short man, but he was dwarfed by Hagar, who was himself fighting off three petrified looking men who were trying to overcome him in numbers. Hagar swung his sword at them again, and they all jumped backwards, each waiting for the other to lead the strike against this giant behemoth. Warren rammed his shield into the man on his left, knocking him backwards and stunning him long enough to focus on and dispatch the other soldier, before returning to the dazed one. No sooner than those two had fallen, then three more replaced them.

 

“This is probably a silly question, but do you think we’re winning?” Warren asked nonchalantly.

 

“Couldn’t possibly tell in the chaos. All we can do is keep fighting until we get the signal to fall back from the palace. Let’s hope he hurries up. No-one deserves to die here.”

 

There was a cry to Hagar’s left, causing both generals and those facing them to turn to the sight of a short, fat ball of gold armour rushed forth. With a flurry of strikes three men were dispatched off easily by Pallas. Taking advantage of the distraction, Hagar and Warren took the other three, before turning to the war chief, his moustache quivering as he felt alive in the heart of battle.

 

“For freedom gentleman” he cried, before charging back into the melee. Warren and Hagar shrugged, before joining him on the charge.

 

...

 

Slowly, there was a groan, and with a shaking hand, Dominik reached out to his duel shield.

 

“I activate... the trap card... (grunt)... TG1...EM1. This switches control... of one Tech Genus monster on the field... with another. I’m swapping Rush Rhino... with Reese the Ice Mistress.” With a last ounce of strength, Dominik pressed the button to activate his card, turning his head to see it take effect, watching Rush Rhino move across the field, and the ice mistress fade away with his defeat.

 

“So, you’re still alive” the emperor snarled, looking furious. “And your last action in this duel is to keep your own monster in play at the expense of your team mates. You’re just not very good at this game are you Dominik?”

 

“It’ll be worth it... you’ll see. I’m sorry guys. I was selfish... and angry... and it cost me. You two keep going on, defeat him.” Dominik’s breath was ragged as he looked up at his two allies. “He might think he has you pinned down, but I know you’ll overcome together. You have to... (grunt), else we’re all screwed. I wasn’t strong enough... but I hope my cards help.” The duo stared at him as he smiled, and closed his eyes. Tyrana ran over to him, and checked his pulse. It was still there, and he was still breathing, but both were quite weak.

 

“One down, two to go” cackled the emperor. “I’m afraid that now our duel has begun, you cannot escape until victory is achieved. Achieved by me, when I wipe you all from existence.”

 

“Not a chance” Luca wiped round, fists clenched. “You can’t win Nero. Even if you defeat me and Tyrana, there are thousands of people out there fighting to get up here and wax you themselves. They’re not going to mess around playing your games. Even those fighting for you will turn on you eventually. What do you intend to do about them?”

 

Nero broke out into laughter again. “Those fighting outside are of no importance. As soon as I get rid of you two, I will leave this palace. And as soon as I am safely out, then the palace will... come crashing down around them.”

 

“What!? What are you thinking?”

 

“This place is not in my design for my perfect world, and neither are the peasants outside. Deep in the grounds and foundations of this palace, in the waterways deep below us, explosives have recently been rigged that will create a collapse big enough to bring this entire palace down and into the ground, along with everything and everyone in it.”

 

“But that will kill everyone! Even the people fighting for you, who believe in you. Even the people not fighting, hiding in their homes could get caught in that. You monster!”

 

“That will soon be a god to you. Those people have no place in my world, when I remake it in my image. But before we get to that little sideshow, I still have to finish you two off. I still need to find out how much you know and how you know, and make sure you never tell anyone else. So let’s continue. I end my turn.”

 

“You’re going to regret this” Luca growled as he turned his back to the fallen Dominik and drew his card, glancing at it. “Everyone is counting on us, and we won’t let them down. Our bond will see us break you. We’ll tear down your walls and through your monarchs.”

 

“I severely doubt it” Nero sneered dismissively. “And to make sure, I activate my trap card Imperial Custom. With this in play, face up continuous trap cards such as Imperial Order and Royal Oppression cannot be destroyed.”

 

Annoyed, Luca looked back at his card. Giant Trunade, perfect, if he could activate it. But that wasn’t possible right now. No spells could be used, and they couldn’t special summon any of their strongest monsters. So far, Luca had not been targeted by any attacks from these powerful monarch cards, but with Dominik eliminated and Tyrana wide open, there was no doubt they were on the back foot. To stand a chance, he had to make sure the duel was kept two against one, and if that meant sacrificing some of his own life points to protect Tyrana, then he would more than willingly do so.

 

“I’m summoning Fishborg Blaster, in attack mode.” The mechanical suit housing a silver fish in a spherical tank at its centre leapt forward, standing tall and pistols brandished (ATK: 100). It was obvious bait, but what else was there. “I end my turn.”

 

Tyrana added a fourth card to her hand, the card that had been returned to the top of her deck by the effect of Raiza. Not that it was much good, with Royal Oppression on the field. But still, something about it, such a simple trap card, seemed to be calling out to her. She shrugged it off, now wasn’t the time for feelings and hunches. She looked at the other cards she had. The one spell in her hand was redundant too, as was the mighty Tyrannus that was currently unsummonable. If she could get it out, it would be stronger than anything Nero seemed to have. That left only one card.

 

“I summon Card Trooper in defence position and end my turn.” A red and blue droid on tracks and with a clear head, housing its brain and headlight eyes, crouched before her (DEF: 400).

 

“This is all the fight you can muster? After all you’re talk about your bonds and you’re fighting for what’s right. You two are not the threat I initially thought you were.”

 

[spoiler=Summary - End Round 3]

Nero - Front Row: Mobius, Raiza. Back Row: Order, Oppression, Offering, Custom. Hand: - LP: 7700

Luca - Front Row: Rush Rhino, Fishborg Blaster. Back Row: Face down x2 Hand: 1 LP: 4000

Tyrana - Front Row: Card Trooper. Back Row: -. Hand: 3 LP: 2100

 

 

 

“I draw, and I opt to pay the seven hundred life points needed to keep Imperial Order active and in effect.” Nero grimaced and hunched over slightly as he took the toll of his card (LP: 7000). His dark purple eyes narrowed. “How does it feel to have all options sealed off, locked down with only your weakest monsters available to protect you from the force of my monsters? This is how life is for dirty worthless peasants like you. Don’t fear, it will be over soon. I release Mobius the Frost Monarch, to summon a creature who manipulates fire as if second nature, in a way I will manipulate all things with my ultimate power. Set the world ablaze, Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch.”

 

Mobius melted into the stone floor as a tower of flame erupted behind it. From the swirling vortex stepped forth a creature in blood red armour, with a blue cape. The faceless monarch stood tall over the two duelists, a burning flame ignited in his open palm (ATK: 2400).

 

“Thestalos activates his effect. One card is discarded from your hand at random. I choose the card on the girls left.” Tyrana cried as the Jurrac Tyrannus card caught fire, dropping it in surprise. Nero smirked as the card was sent to the graveyard. “Lucky old me, I selected a monster card. Now because of that, you take damage equal to that monsters level times one hundred. That’s seven hundred points of damage.” Tyrana yelled as the firestorm monarch created a fireball in its fists and fired it at here, the blast smashing into her shield (LP: 1400).

 

“Hey, why don’t you pick on me for a change?” Luca yelled.

 

“If you want to die together so badly, let me oblige. I enter the battle phase, and have Thestalos attack Fishborg Blaster.” A wave of searing heat overcame Luca, as he fought to rebel the blast. The pain was incredible, as it engulfed his entire body, licking at his flesh, stabbing at his brain. Suddenly it alleviated, leaving him burnt, panting and coughing violently (LP: 1700).

 

“Now Raiza will attack Card Trooper.” Mercilessly, the wind monarch pummelled the little robot with a fist, sending a shockwave of air at Tyrana.

 

“When Card Trooper is destroyed in battle, I draw a card.”

 

“One that you probably can’t even use. I end my turn. My patience is wearing thin. Soon I will eliminate both of you, and then all the wretched humans fighting against each other out there like dogs over a bone, when they are all doomed to be banished from my world in the ultimate end. You have no chance of defeating these cards made especially in my image.”

 

“You hypocrite.” Tyrana yelled. “You banned duel monsters because you feared their power, and the power of the duelists who fought with them, because you were paranoid and couldn’t let go of your rule. Now you’re looking to steal their power, and you’re using the monarchs to do your dirty work.”

 

“You know nothing. Duel monsters have been used for destruction for millennia. But I know the truth. I was told that by exterminating them, I would rule until the end of time. When I have attained ultimate power, I may however let the monarchs stay, and serve as my lieutenants, weeding out those like you who would dare to challenge a divine being.”

 

‘This is it. We can’t hold out against this for much longer. I have to draw something now, something that can change this entire match. I need something special.’ Luca paused, drawing his card slowly, putting all his faith in his one chance to change this battle, to change the world. He smiled; he always had an ace up his sleeve when he needed. “I summon the spirit monster Yaksha.” From a swirling whirlpool rose a blue skinned warrior, with wild black hair and gold armour, armed with a curved sword in each hand (ATK: 1900). “We will break the shackles that oppress us. When summoned to the field, one spell or trap card is returned to a player’s hand. I choose Imperial Order. This frees me up to use Giant Trunade, which returns all the rest.” Nero cursed as all his trap cards were blown back into his hand.

 

“Of course, Trunade makes me return my cards too. But that’s okay, since they are Insurance and Treasure Map. When returned from the field to my hand, Insurance gives me five hundred life points, and Treasure Map lets me draw two cards by discarding one.” Luca added his new cards with a broard smile, before dropping one (LP: 2200). “I’ll place a card face down, then end my turn. At this point, Yaksha is forced to return to my hand. I’ve set him up for you Tyrana. Knock him down.”

 

“With pleasure” she snarled, snatching her next card. “I activate the spell Akashic Record, letting me draw two cards, but I have to get rid of them both if either have been used in the duel already.” Again, Velo was the only worry here, but she survived any cruel misfortune. ‘It’s ugly, but it will do’. “I summon Jurrac Dino in attack position.” A small dinosaur made up in all shades of orange, with yellow feet and hands, sprinted through the fiery portal. It had spikes all down its back, and a horned nose (ATK: 1700).

 

Tyrana brandished two cards. “Next I equip Dino with Synchro Boost and Raise Body Heat. This gives him just enough firepower to take down either of your monarchs. I’m choosing Thestalos. Attack!” The supped-up little dinosaur charged (ATK: 2500), head down, accelerating until its body caught fire and it smashed its head into the chest of the ruler of fire.

 

The monarch staggered backwards, a gaping hole in its armour, revealing its heart. Inside the suit was no being, only fire; black twisting flames that writhed and danced, a trapped spirit in the empty shell of a host. The monarch was powerful but behind it all, empty and soulless. Falling, Thestalos burst into flames and disappeared, a sight that left Nero shaking (LP: 6900).

 

“Wow, you were right, your cards truly fit you. Empty, heartless, soulless, clinging to power at any cost. I place two cards face down and end my turn.”

 

[spoiler=Summary - End Round 5]

Nero - Front Row: Raiza. Back Row: -. Hand: 4 LP: 6900

Luca - Front Row: Rush Rhino. Back Row: Face down. Hand: 2 LP: 2200

Tyrana - Front Row: Jurrac Dino. Back Row: Synchro Boost, RBH, Face down x2 Hand: - LP: 1400

 

 

 

Enraged, Nero drew, snarling in a way no normal human would. “I activate my drawn spell, Card Destruction, discarding my hand and replacing it with a new one, and your friend over there must do the same.” Without being able to hide behind his lockdown anymore, the emperor changed tactic and had to go all out. Snatching out four new cards, Nero looked them over, and laughed in triumph.

 

“I activate the spell card, Mind Monster. This lets me name any monster I can think of, and if it exists in either of your decks or extra decks, that player takes damage equal to half that monsters attack. I severely doubt that the boy has a monster with over four thousand attack points, so that leaves you in my sights girl.” Tyrana gulped as those purple eyes focused on her. Still, the guy admitted he never played the game, and didn’t seem to know her and Luca at all. How was he going to even attempt this? Nero sneered at her, eyes narrowing. “The card I name... is Jurrac Meteor.”

 

“You’re kidding!?” Luca yelled as the ghostly image of Tyrana’s strongest Synchro, the giant dinosaur fused with a comet, floated up before her. “How could you possibly know that with no base knowledge of this game? That would reduce her life points to zero.”

 

Tyrana stood there in silence, staring at the ghostly image as it soared away, towards the ceiling, where it would turn and come crashing back into her. This was the end, she had failed too. It was all up to Luca now, as the mighty Meteor reached the peak of its climb and began to turn in a wide arc. But why then, why did she not feel scared? And why did she still have this odd feeling about her face down card, which she had since the first turn? Nero was laughing in triumph. Luca was frozen fear, helpless to do anything. Behind her, Dominik blinked and looked up; gasping at what was going to happen hit him instantly. Yet she just stood there, shield raised to face the impact, watching the Meteor turn. Somehow, this could not be the end.

 

Somewhere in the back of her mind, a prehistoric roar spoke to her. This would not be the end.

 

“I activate Urgent Tuning. I tune the level four Rush Rhino Dominik left for us, with my now level four Jurrac Dino, to Synchro summon a creature who has protected this world from the shadows, for five thousand years. I will stand and fight, and he has chosen me to break him from his steel prison and summon him, to save our worlds, together as duelist and dragon.” Tyrana didn’t know where the words she was saying were coming from as they came out, as she watched, like the dumbstruck others, as the two monsters burst into flame, stars spinning around the towering column, slowly turning gold. Far away in the high ceiling, Meteor had turned to face the field, and was beginning its charge, accelerating to crash down on its former master. At the last second, a ferocious roar came from the column, and from it burst forth a golden dragon, larger than Meteor, wings spread and scarlet claws bared (ATK: 2900). On Tyrana’s right arm, the mark of a left claw burned bright through her gauntlet.

 

“I Synchro summon Life Stream Dragon!”

 

Luca stared up at in fear and wonder. “Where did that come from?”

 

The emperors eyes widened too, was that shock? No, it didn’t seem like it. Not judging by that same evil smile. “So, the dragons have chosen you to as their champions as they fight to save themselves. You should be honoured. But enjoy the moment, because now you have confirmed yourself as a signer, I will now bring upon you a fate worse than death. The effect of Mind Monster calls on your own Jurrac Meteor, and reduces your life points to zero.”

 

The Meteor reached top speed as it fell towards Tyrana. But she stood firm, not even raising her shield. Before her, the dragon floated sideways on its four wings, arms outstretched. The Meteor charged into the waiting arms and was caught. Both monsters roared as they pushed against each other, before Life Stream Dragon finally won out, the dinosaur vanishing from sight. As the sm oke cleared, the emperor stared open mouthed at the red haired rebel girl, as she flicked her fringe with a smile. (LP: 4000)

 

“But how?”

 

“I’m not sure; you’ll have to let me read the card.” Tyrana picked up the new card that appeared on her duel shield in a golden glow, looking it over. The dragon’s picture stared back at her, deep inside her. They would become one. “According to this, when summoned, Life Stream Dragon changes my life points to four thousand, and I don’t take any effect damage.”

 

“I... you... fine!!” the emperor spluttered with rage, spitting at his stubborn enemies. “I will crush you roaches into the dirt. I activate the spell Fiend Sanctuary, summoning one metal fiend token to my side of the field. A token I now release to summon the ruler of all that belongs to the light, banishing all who are unworthy to stand before him. Kuraz the Light Monarch.” From a brilliant circle of light just above his head, the monarch Kuraz descended, covered in the finest golden armour, his cape billowing behind him (ATK: 2400). “When Kuraz is summoned, I can choose up to two cards on the field and destroy them. That would be his face down, and your precious Life Stream Dragon.”

 

“I don’t think so” Tyrana retorted, snatching a card from her graveyard. “Life Stream Dragon’s second effect activates when it would be destroyed. By removing an equip spell from my graveyard, it survives.” A barrier raised itself before the great dragon as two balls of light formed in each palm of the light monarch, dissipating harmlessly as it fired. However, the second shot did destroy Luca’s face down Poseidon Waves card, leaving him open.

 

“When Kuraz destroys your card, you can draw one to replace it. Also he can’t attack yet. But Raiza is more than capable of eliminating you from this duel, then from existence. Attack!”

 

“Tyrana!”

 

“Stop screaming, I’ve got you covered. My own Half Shield activates, reducing the damage my partner takes by half.” The transparent shield rose in front of Luca, shielding him from enough of the blast to survive (LP: 1000). He looked up, checking he was still alive, before breathing a sigh of relief.

 

“Whew. Thanks for that.”

 

Tyrana smiled at him. “Hey no prob. You’ve already done the same for me.”

 

“If I might interrupt” Nero was getting more irate with every foiled attempt. “I place one card face down and end my turn.”

 

“Then I’m up. Time to finish this.” With renewed confidence born from seeing his partner and this incredible dragon, Luca added a card to his refreshed hand. “I don’t know what’s going on with that dragon over there, but I’d like to get in on this act. First off, because my field is empty of spells and traps, the Treeborn Frog I sent to the graveyard last turn activates his effect, and is summoned to the field.” A small frog with little feathered wings rose up from the dead.

 

“Next I’ll discard one card to revive my Fishborg Blaster, and immediately release it to summon Salvage Warrior.” The mech appeared briefly, before it was replaced by a muscular creature wearing diving equipment, carrying a huge chain (ATK: 1900). “When tribute summoned, Salvage Warrior casts his chain into the depths of my graveyard or my hand, and drags up a tuner monster. I special summon the Deep Sea Diva I just discarded.” As soon as the warrior’s chain pulled up the mermaid, Luca felt the burn in his arm, for he had stood and fought for millions of people. He had sacrificed himself time and again, putting it all the line for the dream of a better life. In his mind, an un-bodied voice told him he and Tyrana had shown courage, and heart, and for this had been chosen. They would need these values to save them from greater danger. He didn’t understand much of what he was hearing, but as the voice spoke in his head, he noticed his own mark shining through his steel armguard, appearing on him in the mark of a tail.

 

“Oh yeah. Here we go. I tune Deep Sea Diva with Salvage Warrior and Treeborn Frog to Synchro summon my guardian, and your worst nightmare.” The mermaid burst into bubbles. The two other creatures passed through the aquatic ring, splitting into stars, the column turned blue, then into black. The darkness dissipated, revealing a dragon with huge feathery wings of black and bloody red, long silver feathers flowing from its tail, claws brandished (ATK: 2800). “I summon the Black Winged Dragon. Now go forth and destroy Raiza the Storm Monarch” The dragon unleashed a piercing streak from its beak, and black fire streamed from it, overcoming the wide eyed monarch. The intense stream burst a hole in the shoulder of his armour, revealing Raiza too was a living suit of armour, embodied by a malevolent spirit of the wind hidden inside and nothing more, before it fell and crashed into the stone. Nero raised a hand to his face (LP: 6500)

 

“I place one card face down.”

 

“No. I’m not finished yet. I am destined to be a god, to rule until the end of time.” Gibbering wildly, the Emperor staggered backwards, behind the throne, out of sight. The two duelists rushed up the few steps, to find him half running, half staggering towards a staircase at the back of the room, leading upwards. Realising he was being chased; Nero sped up and disappeared from sight. Luca and Tyrana followed up the stairs, listening to his ragged breathing ahead, until they emerged into starlight. They had come out of a tower and were now on the roof of the palace, an area roughly fifty metres by fifty. Far below them, the battle was still raging on, the fires still burning. On the other side of the roof, Nero was making his way to a small plane like machine, his personal escape device. Ready to resume battle, the two dragons and the remaining light monarch Kuraz rose through the floor, into the night air.

 

“Come back coward!” Luca yelled. “Tyrana, he must have the detonator in there. The whole palace will come down on those people. You’ve got to finish him now.”

 

Tyrana nodded and snatched out her card, slamming it into duel shield just as Nero reached his escape plane, trying to push open the cockpit roof. Try as he might, it was stuck fast. He turned, glaring at them madly. “You dirty scum have something to do with this!”

 

“Probably. Maybe the duel spirits don’t want to let you get away until they’re done with you, so let’s finish this. Finish this with the perfect card, one you will never understand the meaning of. I activate the equip spell card, United We Stand. This raises Life Stream Dragon’s by eight hundred for each monster on our fields, to a mighty forty five hundred.” The dragon shook as bright aura surrounded it, roaring with increased strength (ATK: 4500).

 

The emperor’s eyes flashed with mad glee. “Perfect! I told you, I will destroy you all, no matter what the cost. The Final Countdown must go ahead. I activate the trap Ring of Destruction. This bomb equips itself to your precious dragon and destroys it, and every player takes damage equal to its attack. That eliminates both of you, and everyone in the way of the debris below.”

 

Tyrana gasped in horror as the metal ring, surrounded with grenades, attached itself around the struggling dragon’s neck. Luca stopped in disbelief. “Hey! One, that card is broken as it is without you making its effect up. Two, it only affects you and Tyrana.”

 

The emperor burst into insane laughter. “You naive fool. Have you forgotten? I am the ruler of this domain. You may have been too dense to notice, but what I say is what goes, and I don’t play by the rules. Speaking of, I forgot your dragons annoying little effect so...” The emperor pulled out three cards from his graveyard and slammed them into his shield face up. “Play by the rules all you like, but I grow tired of your interference. I’m activating Skill Drain here and now, negating your dragon’s effect, along with Royal Oppression and Imperial Custom. Now there is nothing you can do, except die.”

 

“You conniving bastard.” Luca sprinted forward, aiming to throttle the emperor. But with a wave from the tyrant he was cut off by Kuraz, punching him in the chest, sending him flying backwards across the rooftop, caught in the waiting claws of the Black Winged Dragon. Now it was too late. Tyrana watched helplessly as the bombs around her dragons neck caught fire, and Nero finally forced open the hatch to his little escape craft.

 

“Now now, if you’re really going to be that immature about losing and start chucking your toys around, I’m just going to have to confiscate them.”

 

Everyone turned in disbelief as a voice came from the tower door. Leaning against the frame, panting and clutching his ribs with a heavy grimace, Dominik was standing, staring at the emperor in disgust.

 

“Figured you’d stoop to this, but I won’t let you get away. Tyrana, use the face down I left behind, now.” Tyrana blinked in shock at the hologram of a reverse card far to her right. So preoccupied with trying to survive, she had not noticed it before. The flashing image of a reverse card appeared on her duel shield, as Dominik tapped some buttons, asking if she wanted to activate it. Desperately, she did so, revealing...

 

“Shining Silver Force. When you activate a trap that inflicts damage, this trap can be used to negate its activation. But better yet, if successful, it also destroys every face up trap card you just illegally played.”

 

Dominik smiled as he watched the emperor gape in disbelief as each of his cards exploded into nothingness. The metal ring around the Life Stream Dragon’s neck disappeared, allowing a roar of fury. Exhausted from chasing everyone up, he sank in the tower doorway, nodding to Tyrana. She gave the command, and the dragon unleashed its attack, incinerating the light monarch. Nero buckled and fell to a knee as pain engulfed his already damaged mind (LP: 4500).

 

“No. This can’t happen. I was to rule until the end of time...”

 

Lying half conscious in the claws of his new found protector, Luca raised his arm. “Times up. I activate Synchro Overlimit. Because a Synchro monster destroyed a monster in battle, it can now attack again. Tyrana, finish this.”

 

Tyrana nodded. “Life Stream Dragon, direct attack!” With a roar, the dragon pulled back its clawed fists and charged the gobsmacked, defeated ruler, his eyes wide as he gawked at the golden dragon charging towards him. The emperor felt little as he fell backwards, against the side of his plane (LP: 0)

 

Panting heavily from the effort, Tyrana fell to her knees, closing her eyes to fight back the tears. Somewhere in the distance, job done, the Life Stream Dragon faded back to its own world. With a flap of magnificent wings, the Black Winged Dragon dropped Luca gently beside her, laying him on his back, and faded away with a gentle caw. Exhausted but beaming, Luca smiled up at her.

 

“We did it” he said quietly, and sat up, embracing her in a tight hug. She was shocked, she had never been hugged, not at least since she lost her family, and she hated such affection. But she hugged him back, tears of joy and relief let go. Behind them, Dominik crawled over. He looked skywards and paused, half thinking of chastising them for not finding out more about this final countdown, and about Demon. Oh well, now wasn’t the time. He shrugged, before gently panting them both on the back.

 

“Thanks guys. Good job.”

 

Luca broke from the hug, suddenly looking startled. “We’re not done though. Everyone is still fighting down there!” In alarm, everyone jumped up and ran to the edge of the roof, looking over the rail. Over two hours had passed since the battle started, but below there were thousands of people fighting ferociously. Dominik cursed loudly.

 

“Damn I forgot. We left the fireworks back on the runners three floors down. Now what do we do?”

“Rockets are the least of your worries...”

 

In dread, the group slowly turned their heads to see the emperor was stirring. His body was engulfed in a strange violet aura, like his eyes had been. He slowly pulled himself upright, and reached into the cockpit of his plane, pressing a button. It was marked ‘Detonate’. Then, to the onlookers shock, sparks of electricity shot from his fingertips, frying the controls. Leaning against the plane, Nero turned, smiling wide in eventual victory. His eyes flashed, and when he spoke, his voice had changed, to a tone that was deeper, twisted and menacing. It was like he was possessed, and someone else was speaking.

 

“The end is close now. I have no further use for the body of this fool. With two of the signers eliminated, I will come that much closer to achieving my goal of total annihilation in Armageddon, and tearing apart all that exists. Not that you will be around three nights from now when this happens, for you die right now when this palace turns to rubble.”

Chilling words said, the emperor or what was once the emperor shuffled over to the rail of the wall the others were leaning on, and to a collective gasp, jumped. Stunned, the group watched as he fell. Watched as the purple light disappeared, collecting in a darkness above the emperors chest, before it shot, in the blink of an eye, through a window below them and out of sight. Luca, Tyrana and Dominik watched as the emperor blinked, and his eyes returned to normal. They opened in shock as he realised what was happening, before seconds later, he hit the ground below.

 

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter45]

Chapter 45 - Heroes Reunited

 

As the warring trio were staring down at the lifeless body far below, outside the city, two duel runners shuddered to a stop outside of a wooded area, on the crest of a large hill overlooking the south east side. Sabin collapsed across the handlebars in exhaustion, as worn out as his engine that had been pushed to its limit. Juruo, whose runner and body were also driven far beyond reason, swayed violently against the side armguard. Alarmed, Yuma put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Both boys had driven for an incredible twenty of the last twenty four hours, as fast as the runners would go, desperate to reach the capital in time, and they were running on the point of breakdown.

 

“I need coffee” groaned Sabin, unable to raise his face off the runners cpu.

 

“I need to teach the girls how to drive these things” replied Juruo wearily. “Can’t do this again.”

 

“Don’t worry, three days and you might not have to.” Lack of sleep had put Sabin in a foul mood.

 

“Guys, look out there.” Hikari pointed towards the city from where she was sat behind Sabin. Looking over the city from their raised vantage point, all of the taller buildings were visible over the tree line of the Sen’nenki Forest. Of course at the centre of the city was the gigantic palace, and against the inky sky billowing clouds of thick smoke heralding war and death could be seen from here.

 

“We’re a little late, it seems” Yuma gloomily pointed out the obvious. Frustrated, Sabin ran his hands through his hair. The sight of combat seemed to re-alert Juruo’s senses however.

 

“...alright. We’re here now. We just need to get over there, see what’s happening, help any friendly duelists or people in danger we come across. And if any of Demon’s cohorts are down there in the palace, stop them and beat some information out of them. Sound like a plan?” Yuma and Hikari nodded to him, the latter positively beaming at him.

 

“You make it sound so freaking simple” grumbled Sabin. “We have no idea what we’re running into, not really. There’s probably a full scale battle down there. Besides, how do we get in? The city will be under lock up now.”

 

Before Juruo could think of a reply, the mark on his arm began to glow. So did Sabin’s, and then Hikari’s. Each mark burned bright red through the material of their clothes, shining in the night sky, heralding the arrival of salvation from another world, as four dragons; the magnificent silver Stardust Dragon, the bold and striking Red Dragon Archfiend, the beautiful dangerous Black Rose Dragon, and to their bewilderment another dragon, its slim serpentine body that was turquoise blue in colour cutting through the air on pink wings. The dragons flew overhead towards the palace.

 

“What now?” Sabin started.

 

He barely got to finish his sentence, as light enveloped the group from nowhere, blinding them. When the glow had cleared from the hillside, both runners and their passengers had disappeared.

 

...

 

Back at the palace, the whole world was starting to shake. Several resonating booms could be heard, could be felt, as tonnes of explosives buried under the castle by a vindictive and twisted old man were activated. Fissure lines broke out across the grounds, swallowing some into the bowls of the earth, falling into darkness. Cracks began to appear in the thick walls of the palace, as the building shook violently. Those fighting on the ground could feel the earth shake, but in the heat of battle and faced with unrelenting enemies, nobody could afford to stop fighting and see what was happening, as someone else wouldn’t stop and would make their pause fatal. A tower sticking out from the side off the palace broke off from the building, falling to earth and crushing a dozen people, but still only those in the immediate area paid attention. A few immediately dropped their weapons and ran, but most of these terrified civilians began to fight in even more panicked frenzy, fearing more catapult fire or invisible demons. On top of the slowly collapsing building, Tyrana and Dominik, re-invigorated by the sense of urgency, were trying to start Nero’s escape plane, whilst Luca surveyed the terrible scene below.

 

Dominik pulled his head out, wiping his brow. “Bah, no good. The whole thing has been shorted. How the hell did the old geezer do that?”

 

“Does it matter anymore?” Luca asked. “We’ve got seconds until this place is swallowed by the earth. We’ve won against the Empire, but it will be our last...” Luca blinked, rubbing his eyes as he stared out into the darkness. “Do you guys see what I’m seeing?”

 

Following Luca’s gaze, they did see. Four dragons were flying across the city towards them. Four of the most beautiful, glorious creatures that any had ever seen. Time passed in slow motion. Tyrana though to herself that if she was about to die, she was having one amazing last moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder that can be found even in the darkest parts of the most hopeless world. Luca thought about his and Tyrana’s own dragons, how they had helped them overcome in their fight, and wished he could return the favour and help them in some way. Dominik, although astounded by the appearance of these beasts, thought only of the little girl waiting for him in the resistance base, and of all the promises he had made her.

 

Two tremendous roars from behind made them turn. Black Winged Dragon and Life Stream Dragon had returned, the great beasts in black and gold, hovering above the palace. The other dragons roared back, and as if some message had been received the two flew from above the groups heads and descended below the walls. As Luca, Tyrana and Dominik turned to the rail to see what was going on, white light engulfed them, and in the blink of an eye they were gone.

 

...

 

Warren and Pallas, along with several rookie soldiers, were pinned against one of the walls by a surrounding platoon of the emperor’s swordsmen, outnumbering them roughly two to one. Warren was aware that the giant Hagar, who he had served with for years, and Sabuza, who had been a worthy rival in training so many times, had already fallen in battle. He himself had managed numerous lucky escapes today, but now he was sure his luck was about to run out. He would die here, fighting people he was supposed to protect, over an uprising that the emperor had bought on himself, bleeding the life of the people for his own gain, and amusement. Then there were those heralds of doom in the sky that no-one could understand, but everyone feared. People were fighting those they knew and loved, because some believed that they were created by spirits of dragons and demons from another world seeking to destroy them, and others believed those spirits were protecting them from their own, man-made threat. It all seemed... so ridiculous. But maybe... it is better to go down fighting for what you believe in than live being forced to do what others tell you. Maybe. Resigned to his fate, Warren raised his sword and shield, as did the snarling Pallas and the civilians turned soldiers, ready to die for their beliefs, as a large piece of wall broke away and fell towards them.

 

There was a screech that forced everyone’s attention upwards. A giant stone slab was falling towards them, that would crush them all, until it was caught on the back of, to their amazed disbelief, a dragon covered in black and crimson feathers, that screamed as it took the rock on its back as it soared overhead, depositing it in an open fracture in the earth with a tilt of its body. On its way it flew past another dragon, a bulky one with thick golden shoulder and thigh muscles and bared scarlet claws, that was pushing against the wall of the palace, a wall with a massive crack in it... Everyone stared, frozen at this spectacle. Only Warren reacted to the danger, as he saw the fissures in the palace and the earth.

 

“It’s falling. Everyone out!”

 

...

 

Out of the several thousand or so people who had started this battle about three hours ago, just under half were left. All of those who had survived the conflict so far, many solely through the luck of getting better weapons and armour than their foes or being faced buy only amateur swordsmen even less skilled than they were, turned at the sound of several roaring beasts overhead, as four dragons swooped down on the palace, that was clearly sinking into the earth. The huge black one flew to one side and started to put its considerable bulk to work supporting a main wall that was about to come down, wings beating and flames spitting from its maw as it held firm with all its might. The gleaming silver and black feathered dragons went to support the other side, fighting together to keep a wall from collapsing over two platoons of sparring pike men. Terrified face glanced to terrified face. There was a loud crash like thunder, as some of the towers on the north visible from around the entire grounds came crumbling down to earth.

 

Some ran as realisation dawned on them. Some ran because they couldn’t bear to fight here anymore. Some ran simply out of terror of these creatures. But importantly, everyone was now getting out, as the dragons wanted. The two other dragons, one a reddish pink and one light blue, were supporting the south and west gates of the ground, the floral looking dragon wrapping tentacle like vines around the towers supporting the arched gateway that were threatening collapse and sealing the tomb, pulling them up with all her strength. The blue serpent simply coiled herself under the other archway on the brink of collapse, propping it up so the people could flee beneath her.

 

One young man, a troublesome unguided youth who had been inspired to fight by Nero out of hatred, was running towards that gateway. Running towards the very thing, the monster he was fighting against. Sensing his chance, he drew out his woodsman axe he had bought to the battle, and charged towards the dragon, aiming to strike it in the neck where it was in reach as it coiled. As he pulled back the blade, the monster looked at him, and he looked back into her big pink eyes, that sparkled at him with beauty.

 

The man gulped, and dropped the axe, before fleeing through the route to safety she had given him.

 

...

 

In the south of Sen’nenki no Toride, in the inner, richer ring before one reached the Raviel Slums, stood a tower that rose just over the posh houses and office buildings of one of the cities few prosperous areas. This tower, built from pure white stone with a circular room at the top, stood as a monument to past duel monsters champions, who would be crowned for their tournament victories here. Shortly after the amnesty began, Nero proposed to have the tower torn down. But the people protested on mass, chaining themselves around the building as they fought for the monument to heroes and loved ones they had lost. Eventually, the emperor turned his attention to more important things. “Let them keep their precious tower then, it shall soon fall apart, neglected in time, and stand as monument for the ruin in duelling instead.” But this premonition never came to pass. People would sneak into the guarded tower at night to keep the tower in shape, in the hope that one day it would return to being the place of immortal legends. This was the Atem Tower.

 

This was where, once they had blinked out the effects of the light, Juruo, Sabin, Hikari, Yuma and their two runners found themselves. On the top floor of the tower, overlooking every part of the southern section of the city through the windows running almost the length of the grand circular room draped in red and gold curtains and many green plants. The place had been kept unspoiled for five years, unknowingly, for this moment.

 

There was a pause as the team struggled to collect their bearings, when there was another flash of light across the room, from which three more people emerged, two of whom the group thought they would never see again. Everyone froze, staring at the faces amongst the other group.

 

“I... I don’t believe it... you’re alive...?” Sabin started dumbfounded.

 

“Well, yeah... durr. Or do I look like a flesh eating zombie to you?” Tyrana replied.

 

“It’s you alright.” Juruo beamed and dashed over. Luca did the same, and they met in a hug with much back-slapping. Sabin ran over too and shook the blonde teen’s hand. Hikari walked over to Tyrana, and smiled; a peculiar, forced smile. The red head did the same, each kind of realised the other was not greatly fond of the physical contact, but she seemed happy enough. Through the fighting and danger, they had all pulled through.

 

“Guys, what happened to you? And how come you’re here?” Juruo asked. Luca gave him the short version, saying how he and Tyrana had been broken out of the facility by their associate Dominik (who waved awkwardly) and that he had lead them here to spark a rebellion against the Empire, to bring down the oppressive Nero and discover the truth of the fires above. When he reached the part about the siege of the palace, he stopped, eyes wide in alarm.

 

“Wait, the palace! They were all still fighting out there when it started to collapse!”

 

“What!?”Everyone ran for the north window and looked out towards the palace. In the distance, they could see to their amazement that the palace was indeed starting to sink slowly into the earth, despite the best efforts of the six almighty dragons to keep it up for as long as they could. Some of the walls surrounding the grounds had also been reduced to rubble, as well as few houses caught in the mayhem. Having done all they could, the dragons withdrew, letting the final parts of the base of the tyrant collapse on itself, swallowed by a gaping hole in the earth and into the waterways below. Transfixed, Tyrana pressed against the glass.

 

“Do you think our dragons gave everyone enough time to get out?”

 

‘Our dragons’ mouthed Juruo in confusion, turning his head to look at Tyrana, and seeing the mark of a claw burning through her armguard.

 

“You’re a signer too?”

 

“I’m not sure what you mean by signer, but I’m going to say yes. Before we were somehow bought here, we faced Nero in a duel. Yes genius, the same Nero who outlawed the game in the first place” Tyrana rolled her eyes at Juruo’s astounded look.

 

“Well, whoever we fought, he had the emperor’s body. But he was too good for an amateur. He looked possessed by a devil to me” Luca interrupted, pulling off his armguard to properly reveal his tail mark. “You saw his eyes Tyrana, and the weird light surrounding and leaving him before he fell off the roof. Either way, we were looking set for defeat until these marks appeared on us, and those two dragons suddenly appeared in our decks. Nero, or whoever, didn’t look too surprised to see them. He mentioned signers too, ranting about how he’d destroy us, and something about three nights from now, the world is going to be completely torn apart. Armageddon or something. You know what he means by that?” Juruo nodded slowly, making Luca involuntarily shudder.

 

“Wait a minute” Sabin said, staring out the window at the dragons still hovering over the palace grounds. “If I guess that the black bird-like one and the bulky gold one belong to you two... who’s is the blue snaky one that went flying in there with ours?”

 

There was a small cough to his left, drawing his and everyone else’s attention to Yuma. She was rocking backwards and forwards slightly, clutching at the windowsill for support as she stared out across the battlefield. Sensing the eyes focused on her, she hung her head guiltily, and slowly pulled down the long black silk glove covering her right arm. Hidden behind the opaque material was a circular red mark, depicting a heart.

 

“Heh, knew it” Sabin chortled to himself, turning to Juruo on his right. “And you wanted to make her go home.”

 

“Well if she had said something earlier... Why didn’t you say something earlier?”

 

“I’m sorry. I have had the mark of the heart of the Crimson Dragon for a long time” Yuma admitted sorrowfully, unsure of herself. “In fact, I have had it since birth. My parents assumed it was just a funny birthmark, and so did the children at school who teased me for it. But my uncles recognised it for what it was. Vardus explained to me when he visited that during his travels he had read about the legends of the Crimson Dragon and the signers, who protected the world from the dark beasts known as Earthbound Immortals in a battle every five thousand years, although he was stumped as to why one had appeared on me now. So he gave me a deck he had discovered to protect me, and I learnt how to play. Dravir, or Demon as you know him, took great interest in it too, and kept trying to steal me away. But every time he came near me, a host of creatures and magical warriors from the duel spirit world would surround and protect me from him. I guess he lost patience in pursuing me in the end.”

 

“But we were told the signer dragons have only come out in light of Demon’s Armageddon, as a last resort to save our worlds from destruction” Juruo said, ignoring the confused looks being exchanged by the trio who had not been present at Seishin’s explanatory pep talk a few days ago. “What are you, sixteen?

 

Yuma bowed her head again, staring at her boots. “I’m seventeen. The night... my father died... I spoke to Ancient Fairy Dragon for the first time. She is a wise creature who is greatly at tune with nature. She could sense the looming disaster before anyone, but no-one would believe her, except for the holy dragons she had fought beside many times. So she took matters into her own hands. She told me that she had chosen me, and with this connection to our world she watched through my eyes, whilst the other dragons waited for her signal. It had been her envoys that had protected me from Demon. She had guided Vardus to my deck, who would deliver it to me. I didn’t want to believe her, I was scared. But I knew she was only telling me what had to be told, and doing what had to be done...” Yuma broke off as Dominik, who had chanced another look at the dragons, possibly envious that he didn’t have one, jumped in alarm and cut her explanation short.

 

“Er, guys... what is that thing?”

 

...

 

Thousands of soldiers scattered through the streets stared up open mouthed at where the palace had been. Young children hung out of their windows, shouting in excitement whilst their parents gasped in awe. Floating high in the sky, the six dragons that had appeared were now looking down at the people below, each one a rare sight of savage beauty or striking grace. Creatures of wonder like this, that bought excitement and joy to spectators of competitive duelling, had not been seen by most people for five years. These great creatures specifically had not been seen by anyone for several life times. Over the heads of the six dragons, a gap emerged in the night sky.

 

The dragon that emerged from this gap was enormous, a long snake like creature with long wings and tail. Its body burning bright red and gold like the sun, the oriental dragon meandered through the air high above all who surveyed it, crying into the dark sky. The men and women who had been fighting in the palace grounds stared up at this creature, then at one another. There were hundreds of clashes and clangs heard around the city, as they dropped their weapons.

 

...

 

Hundreds of miles away, Demon was sat on his skull covered chair in the middle of his chamber, half an eye on the various monitors he had on his large desk, displaying various parts of the inside and outside of the now fallen palace. He had placed them here to keep track of his powerful pawn. Now most of them were displaying falling debris and ruin before blacking out. However, most of his attention was on the miserable looking woman standing before him.

 

“We seem to be having a communication problem Erin. When I tell you to do something, you do it. What... is so hard... to understand about that?” He shouted the last part, slamming his fist against the chair arm, white eyes bulging with rage. Discovering Erin had found and let go not just three, but four people he knew bore the mark, after she had mentioned a girl fitting the exact description of his niece, enraged him greatly. Erin stared back at him, her eyes shaking slightly. But her voice was steadfast.

 

“It doesn’t matter; I don’t care what you tell me anymore. I have told you before. I don’t care about you or what you want; we just have a shared ambition to reach Utopia and that’s all. I only came back at all because I know he will come here. They are all going to come here. I have gone too far down your road into sin, committed too many crimes to let Utopia slip away now. I have to stop them from undoing this, because I can’t rely on you and your clowns to do it for me. Because given another chance, he will defeat you.” The pair glowered at each other for a few minutes, before Erin turned on her heel and walked away.

 

“Where are you going?” Demon shouted.

 

“Where do you think? To check on Mel” she retorted, storming towards the door.

 

Demon broke into creepy laughter, making Erin freeze in her tracks. “Yeah, about him...”

 

“What have you done?” Erin asked slowly. No reply came, other than a twisted grin. Erin turned back and walked straight up to Demon, grabbing him the collar of his coat. He put up no resistance, just smiling and laughing in her face. Shaking, Erin spoke slowly; making sure every word was perfectly clear, and perfectly threatening. “If you have so much as touched a hair on him then I will tear you apart.”

 

“I severely doubt that my dear.”

 

Both Erin and Demon jerked their heads in the direction of the gruff, sinister voice, as from a cloud of purple smoke the old sorcerer, hidden behind his violet garb, shuffled forward, the knock of his walking staff against the stone floor resonating around the room. As Erin released Demon, the old man shuffled up to her and looked her full in the face, only his purple eyes visible in the dark folds of material. His body reeked of decaying flesh, making the almost fearless Erin withdraw slightly. “Events have gone too far now for you to be pulling out. However vainly you think of yourself, you are in our service and you will follow our orders. Our orders were to find and eliminate any threats to our objective. Disobedience will incur my... displeasure...” Erin gaped, trying to respond, but in the awe of those eyes and that overwhelming smell, she hung her head. The sorcerer glared at her for a few more moments, before changing the subject.

 

“That’s better. Now speaking of your orders, I have just cleaned up after your weakness. I have just discovered, and promptly eliminated, the final two of the signer’s number. Without all of the signers together, they will come here a much weaker force. Nothing will stop the final countdown.”

 

Demon shuddered slightly, before rolling his head round to look at the monitors that were still displaying feeds from recorders he had placed around the palace. He had been watching the battle with some amusement, before Erin’s return interrupted him. “Oh really, you sure about that old man?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then why can I see six dragons and their boss floating over the ruins you left behind?”

 

“What?!” Distracted from Erin, the sorcerer shuffled over to the desk as quickly as he could, grabbing the monitor with both his gnarled, claw like hands. Demon spoke the truth; there floating majestically on high were the six servants, the signer dragons, and then the great dragon itself. Over his shoulder, Erin stared wide-eyed, mouthing “The Empire has fallen?”, whilst Demon waited for his father’s reaction, expression unfathomable. The sorcerers purple eyes widened with shock and rage. His hands shook. There was a bang, and the monitor exploded as thousands of volts of lightening passed through it.

 

...

 

“Wow. Just... wow.”

 

“Is that... the Crimson Dragon?”

 

The seven duelists in the Atem Tower turned to each other. On six of them, their respective marks burned brightly. Their resolve, united together as one by an unspoken bond, burned just as brightly. In the next few hours Juruo and the others would have to explain what was happening to their rediscovered comrades, and now together think of a new plan of action before time ran out, as the fourteenth fireball would appear that night, three days from completion. The battle here was won. The battle against Demon, and the being of pure malice looming over his shoulder, would shortly follow.

 

 

 

Bio's will be up whenever I have time to finish them.

 

[spoiler=End Notes]

Happy ending to an arc for once :)

 

Now, Life Stream Dragon. Yes, I know, massive card change there. But everyone who's predicted the identity of signers throughout hasn't mentioned any involvement of him, which is a shame because he's cool; just limited from any play because of his illogical summoning conditions. Really sorry about the card change, I don't like doing them but I find the symbolisim means more than meeting its ludicrious conditions. Many apologies for those upset by this inaccuracy

 

 

[Lexadin]

[spoiler=Spoiler]

As I thought Tyranna and Luca became signers. And I actually find the Summoning conditions of this LSD A LOT better then the original.

 

And how is Dominik still alive? Shouldn't you die when you lose a duel, like Barakus?

 

Honestly when the Emperor started to glow purple I started to think he would turn into Caius.

 

Lol, Atem Tower. Obvious reference perhaps?

 

Ah, I must say I didn't expect Yuma to be the final signer, though her getting AFD doesn't suprise me. Considering she has contact with the spirit world, just like Luna.

 

The Crimson Dragon Showing up, yep things are unrafeling. And the climax is in sight.

 

 

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

[spoiler=Spoiler]

As I thought Tyranna and Luca became signers. And I actually find the Summoning conditions of this LSD A LOT better then the original.

 

And how is Dominik still alive? Shouldn't you die when you lose a duel, like Barakus?

 

Honestly when the Emperor started to glow purple I started to think he would turn into Caius.

 

Lol, Atem Tower. Obvious reference perhaps?

 

Ah, I must say I didn't expect Yuma to be the final signer, though her getting AFD doesn't suprise me. Considering she has contact with the spirit world, just like Luna.

 

The Crimson Dragon Showing up, yep things are unrafeling. And the climax is in sight.

 

 

 

Not neccessarily. Barakus did use self destruct button, the method was more what killed him and almost Demon, than actually going to zero LP. Raesir is still alive after his loss after all.

 

Well, I wanted the reference to the king of games, rather than something off the wall. A location might have been better, but couldn't think of one.

[Lexadin]

Not neccessarily. Barakus did use self destruct button, the method was more what killed him and almost Demon, than actually going to zero LP. Raesir is still alive after his loss after all.

 

Well, I wanted the reference to the king of games, rather than something off the wall. A location might have been better, but couldn't think of one.

 

Actually I thought it was Demon's father's powers who saved Raesir or something like that. But this makes sence I gues.

 

Maybe some sort of desert part of the Empire where a monument stands to an ancient savior?

[Vector Nightmare]

Hmm...

 

[spoiler=_]

...I'd rather have had the duel interrupted, and then the Emperor and the duo / trio duking it out by playing their cards outside the game rules. Because honestly, that way... didn't make sense at all.

 

Well, so much for my dreams of Erin becoming a Signer =(. I did see the duo getting their marks as a possibility, but I'd rather each had gotten an individual duel before that happened.

 

I had no problems with Life Stream Dragon (I had problems with it BEING there, as I'm not really fond of it as a Signer dragon, but your change makes sense in the context.

 

I liked the ending with everyone getting together. The 'new' Hikari... I don't like.

 

I also saw Emperor = Caius a bit =/. He should've used By Order of the Emperor. That would've been fitting.

 

The magical dragon-transfer-device was a little weird. It would've been amazing if they had just ridden the dragons to the city.

 

Not much else to say, with the Emperor out of the way, the heroes can now begin focusing on the true threat... I feel rather sorry for Erin, especially now that it's confirmed that no magical powers and badass dragon for her. I can safely say this arc was an improvement over the last, I enjoyed the broader scope and the more controlled pace of events. I don't have to say that I'm extremely looking forward to what comes next.

 

 

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Actually I thought it was Demon's father's powers who saved Raesir or something like that. But this makes sence I gues.

 

Maybe some sort of desert part of the Empire where a monument stands to an ancient savior?

 

I meant a location from YGO history for the tower name, but Battle City Tower and Satelitte Tower don't really work. :)

 

Hmm...

 

[spoiler=_]

...I'd rather have had the duel interrupted, and then the Emperor and the duo / trio duking it out by playing their cards outside the game rules. Because honestly, that way... didn't make sense at all.

 

Well, so much for my dreams of Erin becoming a Signer =(. I did see the duo getting their marks as a possibility, but I'd rather each had gotten an individual duel before that happened.

 

I had no problems with Life Stream Dragon (I had problems with it BEING there, as I'm not really fond of it as a Signer dragon, but your change makes sense in the context.

 

I liked the ending with everyone getting together. The 'new' Hikari... I don't like.

 

I also saw Emperor = Caius a bit =/. He should've used By Order of the Emperor. That would've been fitting.

 

The magical dragon-transfer-device was a little weird. It would've been amazing if they had just ridden the dragons to the city.

 

Not much else to say, with the Emperor out of the way, the heroes can now begin focusing on the true threat... I feel rather sorry for Erin, especially now that it's confirmed that no magical powers and badass dragon for her. I can safely say this arc was an improvement over the last, I enjoyed the broader scope and the more controlled pace of events. I don't have to say that I'm extremely looking forward to what comes next.

 

 

 

I can see where you're coming from, but interrupted... how?

 

Yeah, makes a nice change to have a 'happy' end to an arc. As for the 'new' Hikari, she hasn't done anything... yet...

 

Emporer does not equal Caius. Although thats my fault for my very unoriginal/traditional 'possessed state'.

 

That would have been amazing, and will be amazing... later.

 

Glad to hear you've enjoyed it, and that you think I'm improving slightly. Obviously last arc won't be as broad as the now collected signers all go after Demon together (that much is probably safe to predict) but I'm guessing thats kind of what you want in a last arc, to slowly close down all the side plot threads and build towards the end. As for Erin, she (unfortunately) can't have a dragon. The dragons seek world salvation, and she seeks the opposite (however noble her intentions).

 

Oh yeah, forgot... Arc Three end credits outro :) Okay it's not total victory or the end of the war, but I like this song and it fits the end of the reign of the Emperor thanks to Luca and Tyrana.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcps2fJKuAI

[Lexadin]

I meant a location from YGO history for the tower name, but Battle City Tower and Satelitte Tower don't really work. :)

 

Ah yes, that would be a little strange indeed.

 

Oh yeah, forgot... Arc Three end credits outro :) Okay it's not total victory or the end of the war, but I like this song and it fits the end of the reign of the Emperor thanks to Luca and Tyrana.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcps2fJKuAI

 

The song is somewhat fitting, so acceptable.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Right, bio's are finished and posted below. A lot more organised this time, seperating characters into either those fighting against and for Demon, those fighting for and against the Emperor, and those who have only had small parts in this arc. This placing are by no means an indication of importance to the remainder of the story, it's just how I've done it this time.

 

Character Profiles

 

Central Plot Characters

 

[spoiler=Juruo Daisuke]

Male, 16, Former factory worker and student, now travelling as a member of remaining resistance

 

Tall and skinny, pale skin, messy spiked black hair and emerald green eyes. Wears a black jacket and basic white shirt, and dark trousers and boots.

 

After being unable to stop Demon from activating his doomsday bomb and activating final countdown, and being betrayed by his girlfriend Erin, Juruo has been trying to move forward and redeem himself. He continues to journey in an attempt to undo what has been done, along with his friends, hoping against hope that he can change destiny for a second time and stop the looming disaster. While he has lost some confidence in himself, the support of his friends and his determination drives him onwards.

 

While lying unconscious in Demon’s castle, Juruo was dragged into the Nexus by the spirit who had gifted him with his deck and guided him towards his destiny, Eternia. Furious he had hesitated against Demon, she fought against him for a measure of personal revenge. Here he was chosen as the first of the signers when faced by Stardust Dragon, although he ultimately lost. Back in reality, Juruo and the others have travelled back north to the capital, finding and assembling the others chosen by the holy dragons as a last desperate measure to save their existence, and stop Armageddon.

 

Juruo still uses his Dragunity, who have made their desire to fight on with him clear. However, prior to his duel against Eternia, he received new cards from an unknown source, seemingly his father. The new cards included winged beast support and the Cyberdarks, along with more defensive spells, traps, and a wider arsenal of Synchro monsters to call on.

 

[spoiler=Deck 3 - Dragons Rebirth (40/48)]

Monsters:

Dragunity Arms Leyvaten,

Dragunity Arms Mystletainn,

Dragunity Primus,

Dragunity Dux,

Dragunity Legionnaire,

Dragunity Militum,

????,

Dragunity Aklys,

Dragunity Brandistock,

Dragunity Corsesca,

Dragunity Darkspear,

Dragunity Phalanx,

Dragunity Pilum,

Decoy Dragon,

Totem Dragon,

Masked Dragon,

Debris Dragon,

Shield Wing,

Unibird,

Cyberdark Edge,

????,

????,

????,

Alector, Sovereign of Birds

 

Spells:

Dragon Canyon,

Dragon Mastery,

Cards of Consonance,

Swords of Reaveling Light,

Stamping Destruction,

Super Rejuvenation,

Emergency Provisions,

Dragon Heart,

Swallows Nest,

Fighting Spirit,

????,

????

 

Traps:

Negate Attack,

Icarus Attack,

Burst Breath,

Graceful Revival,

Windstorm of Etaqua,

Urgent Tuning,

Wotan’s Judgement,

Hallowed Life Barrier,

Hope for Escape,

Tuner’s Mind,

????,

????

 

Extra Deck:

Dragunity Knight Gae Bulg,

Dragunity Knight Gae Dearg,

Dragunity Knight Vajrayana,

Dragunity Knight Trident,

Dragunity Knight Barcha,

Vortex the Whirlwind,

Stardust Dragon,

????,

????,

????

 

Side Deck (known removals from Chapter 39): Dragunity Angustcalvii, Dragunity Javelin, Dragunity Partisan, Twin Headed Behemoth, Handcuffs Dragon, Pot of Duality, Tribute Doll, Dark Piercing Light

 

Record: Sabin (w), Osborn (w), Alpha & Omega (tag w/ Hikari, w), Carla (w), Gear (-), Demon (l), Eternia (l)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Sabin Krieger]

Male, 17, Resistance Member, formerly a thief

 

Stockier than Juruo, tanned skin. Silver swoop style hair and green eyes. Wears a sleeveless black shirt, fingerless gloves, and jeans.

After Juruo’s defeat to Demon, Sabin was locked up with the others, where for three days he was forced into duels against his minions as they looked to determine the extent of the Final Countdown. During those days, the battle damage taken from these duels was becoming more and more real. Thankfully, the group escaped, in which Sabin was quite crucial, and began their new adventure.

 

In the aftermath of the release of the holy dragons, the street wise, no nonsense character was chosen as a signer, and the temporary wielder of the Red Dragon Archfiend. Out of the three remaining main party members, Sabin has arguably taken to the situation and his being a signer the best, driving the group onwards and often having the most rational ideas on the next move or crucial decisions. He is still blunt and easily aggravated, but he is slowly getting closer to Juruo and Hikari, as well as new girl Yuma.

 

After discovering during a practise duel that his and Juruo’s decks were overloaded, the duo had a major deck editing session. Sabin still uses some of his Ally of Justice monsters that he received from Inpachi; machines built to target and take down light attribute monsters. He has also incorporated the Genex Ally monsters that he took from his defeated partner Hirz, a sub-archtype of dark machines that deal in attribute changes. His recent results do not fairly reflect his raw talent.

 

[spoiler=Deck 3 - Destiny of Justice (28/45)]

Monsters:

Ally of Justice Garadholg,

Ally of Justice Nullifier,

Ally of Justice Quarantine,

Ally of Justice Omni-Weapon,

Ally of Justice Cycle Reader,

Ally of Justice Cyclone Creator,

????,

????,

????,

Genex Ally Duradark,

Genex Ally Birdman,

Genex Ally Changer,

????,

????,

????,

Black Salvo,

Oilman,

Jinzo,

????,

Battle Fader,

Attack Gainer

 

Spells:

Earthquake,

????,

Shield Crash,

Limiter Removal,

Crimson Hell Secure,

????,

????,

Fires of Doomsday,

Break Draw!,

????,

????,

????

 

Traps:

Damage Condenser,

Damage Polarizer,

????,

Covering Fire,

Reanimation Wave,

Power Frame,

????,

????,

Roll Out! ,

????,

Revenge Return,

Solemn Judgement

 

Extra Deck:

Ally of Justice Catastor,

Ally of Justice Light Gazer,

Ally of Justice Field Marshall,

Ally of Justice Decisive Cannon,

????,

????,

Red Dragon Archfiend

 

Side Deck (known removals from Chapter 39): Ally of Justice Unknown Crusher, Ally of Justice Searcher, Machine Conversion Factory, Reasoning

 

Record: Juruo (l), Vardus (l), Inpachi (w), Hirz (w), Yuma (l)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Hikari Shinobu]

Female, 16, Resistance Member

 

Slim body that is heavily scarred, she covers up with as much leather armour as possible. Girl next door looks, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Used as a hostage by Erin against Juruo, Hikari was imprisoned in the castle and forced into duels designed to determine the extent of real battle damage. Already deeply scarred from her last spell in a dungeon, Hikari struggled to protect herself, but was mercifully able to escape with the others. She has been chosen as a signer, and has received the mark of the Black Rose Dragon as its temporary wielder.

 

Hikari has kept herself to herself throughout the journeys, until the party met Yuma, with whom she has quickly developed a good relationship with, one based on being able to relax and let herself go a little. Certainly it is a better relationship than any she had with Erin, who appeared before the party to take Juruo away with her. Hikari forced Erin to duel, bringing upon herself several mysterious and mocking slights on her motives. She lost, and could have been seriously injured had the others not stopped the match. Bottling her sorrow and loneliness, Hikari found herself trapped in a nightmare the next night, and underwent a terrifying transformation, the results of which are not yet known...

 

Hikari uses her Fablesworn deck, the origins of which have recently become clearer. She has had the Fabled since childhood, but received the Lightsworn after a riot in which her life was saved by her spirit, Rinyan. Hikari feels uncomfortable with the little synergy between her deck and her holy dragon; that it doesn’t really fit her, but Yuma has attempted to reassure her that she can use it successfully.

 

[spoiler=Deck 3 - Ultimate Light (37/45)]

Monsters:

????,

Aurkus Lightsworn Druid,

Celestia Lightsworn Angel,

Ehren Lightsworn Monk,

Garoth Lightsworn Warrior,

Jain Lightsworn Paladin,

Lumina Lightsworn Summoner,

Lyla Lightsworn Sorceress,

Rinyan Lightsworn Rogue,

Wulf Lightsworn Beast,

Fabled Ashenveil,

????,

Fabled Krus,

Fabled Lurrie,

Fabled Raven,

Fabled Soulkius,

Fabled Beast Cerburrel,

Fabled Beast Nozoochee,

????,

Necro Gardna,

Glow Up Bulb,

Trust Guardian,

Tuningware,

Honest

 

Spells:

Charge of the Light Brigade,

Lightsworn Sabre,

Lightwave Tuning,

Solar Recharge,

Monster Reincarnation,

Pot of Avarice,

????,

Soul of the Pure,

????

 

Traps:

Lightsworn Barrier,

Glorious Illusion,

Defence Draw,

Miracles Wake,

Spellbinding Circle,

Threatening Roar,

????,

????,

Synchro Spirits,

Synchro Strike,

????,

Pikeru’s Circle of Enchantment

 

Extra Deck:

Fabled Leviathan,

Fabled Valkyrus,

Fabled Ragin,

Ancient Sacred Wyvern,

Fabled Beast Kudabbi,

????,

Black Rose Dragon

 

Record: Alpha & Omega (tag w/ Juruo, w), Dark Knight (w), Erin (l)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Yuma Akinsa-Jackson]

Female, 17, Student

 

Slim and tanned body, complimented by black dress and silky gloves. Has dark brown eyes, and long black hair that usually has a flower in. Has a fondness for accessories like necklaces and wristlets.

 

The daughter of Freya and the recently deceased Barakus Jackson, the mysterious Yuma met the party in a village far away from her home. She talked about how the spirits, duel spirits, came to her and told how she had to find them, and that she would help them. The main spirit was discovered to be Ancient Fairy Dragon, who is connected to Yuma by the mark of the heart of the Crimson Dragon, which she chose not to reveal until the dragon showed herself. She told her of how her father died, duelling her uncle, Demon, who will no doubt be waiting on her path. How she will react to seeing him is unknown.

 

Yuma acts like many teenagers; quiet, secluded and sorrowful, wearing all black most of the time. However gloomy she seems, she is quite friendly with Hikari, who she has developed an immediate connection with, and when it comes to duelling, Yuma transforms completely, allowing her spirit to run wild and carefree as she experiences the thrill and the love of the duel.

 

Her deck itself is strange. A gift from her other uncle, former Resistance leader Vardus, it consists of two automatic win condition cards; Destiny Board, and the fearsome Exodia. But there is no indication of any focused dedication to fulfilling either requirement, and she has hinted at other sides to her deck.

 

[spoiler=Deck - Forbidden World]

Monsters:

Exodia the Forbidden One,

Left Arm of the Forbidden One,

Right Arm of the Forbidden One,

Left Leg of the Forbidden One,

Right Leg of the Forbidden One,

Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings

 

Spells:

Clock Tower Prison,

Mirage of Nightmare,

Spirit Message 'I'

Spirit Message 'N'

Spirit Message 'A'

Spirit Message 'L'

 

Traps:

The High Priestess’ Staff,

Eternal Dread,

Destiny Board

 

Record: Sabin (w)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Raesir Eld]

Male, 17, Demon’s ally

 

Shorter than the others, but stocky body with swirling blue tattoos on arms and face. Wild fire red hair, held up by a bandana. Wears a red sleeveless jacket exposing his tattoos, and black shirt and jeans.

 

One of Demon’s allies helping to bring forth Armageddon. Raesir is arrogant, self-centred and rash, and has an unhealthy obsession with fire, as reflected by his playing with a lighter when bored. His addiction to the flames is made even more peculiar when, in drunken depression, he revealed to Sabin and Juruo how his parents were killed in a factory explosion seven years ago, just before the war between Empires. Raesir believes his parents souls are waiting for him in Utopia, and will do anything to get there.

 

Raesir believes himself to be superior to most other duelists, this attitude gifted the party an escape from Demon’s castle. Since then he has been forced to stay behind whilst the others were sent after the escapees, although he was able, or maybe went AWOL, to go out and drown his misery in a drinking glass, accidently being stumbled on by his enemies.

 

Raesir uses mainly cards with burn damage effects, primarily the Flamvell archtype as well as a few other fire and dark based monsters, and spell cards that can inflict heavy damage. He has developed a fierce rivalry with new ‘team-mate’ Erin, who despises him after he almost cost her brother’s life in an attempt to force the party to hand over the sacred beast cards.

 

[spoiler=Deck 2 - Hell Fire Burn]

Monsters:

Flamvell Archer,

Flamvell Baby,

Flamvell Commando,

Flamvell Dragnov,

Flamvell Firedog,

Flamvell Grunika,

Infernity Destroyer,

Summoner Monk,

Solar Flare Dragon

 

Spells:

Magical Stone Excavation,

Rekindling,

Soul of Fire,

Inferno Reckless Summon

 

Traps:

Backfire,

Level Retuner,

Bottomless Trap Hole,

Flamvell Counter

 

Extra Deck:

Flamvell Uruquizas

 

Record: Erin (w), Erin (l)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Gear Roberts]

Male, 22, Demon’s ally

 

Lanky body half reconstructed with robotics, right arm is mechanical, has a LSU implanted in chest exposed under his open leather riding jacket. Has a long mess of brown hair, and is unshaven.

 

One of Demon’s allies helping to bring forth Armageddon. As a young teenager, Gear was a fearsome but reckless turbo duelist, until a near fatal crash in a championship match against Juruo’s father seven years ago forced him out of competition. After extensive and costly surgery, Gear required a mechanical arm graft, and relies on a life support implant in his chest to keep his heart beating. Bitter and twisted, Gear readily accepted Demon’s offer of revenge, and a perfect world. He possibly believes that in Utopia, he will be free from his cold metal body. He is currently somewhere in the Empire searching for the signers, his objective the same as it was at the start of the outlawing of duel monsters, to eliminate all threats to Demons plan.

 

Gear uses a Karakuri deck, a crafty set of mechanical puppets that are hard to inflict damage to.

 

 

[spoiler=Erin Kazoku]

Female, 18, Former Resistance General turned Demon’s ally

 

Tall, slim body, with very pale skin and long blue hair. Physique made more intimidating by her bulky cloak, along with tight blue shirt and trousers, and knee high heeled boots.

 

After revealing herself to be Demon’s trump card, Erin has joined his cause to bring forth Armageddon, and thus open the gates of Utopia. She has not fitted in with Demon’s other followers, and does not care to. She is simply pursuing Utopia, for the freedom from an Empire she feels cannot be defeated otherwise, so that she can live in happiness with her younger brother Mel, and the boy she has since fallen for, Juruo. Erin has become obsessive in her pursuit of these goals, and is fully prepared to take out anyone who gets in her way.

 

Furious and upset over Juruo’s escape, Erin lashed out at Raesir, as she felt his recklessness was to blame for it. After promptly destroying him, she and Demon became aware of the group becoming signers from Demon’s father. Along with Gear and Urusula, she set off to hunt down and take out this threat to Demon’s plans. When she caught up with group however, she was focused solely on making things up with Juruo and taking him away with her, having no real interest in the others until forced into a duel with Hikari, who she also promptly decimated. Devastated after Juruo made it clear he wants to stay and fight with his friends, Erin has returned to Demon, who was less than pleased with her actions.

 

Erin still uses Ice Barrier and other generally ice themed cards, as well as various Synchro based support cards such as Darksea cards. Her spells add a lot of swarming power, and her deck is rounded off with highly destructive traps and many powerful boss monsters, each more terrifying than the last.

 

[spoiler=Deck 2 - Black Ice (31/42)]

Monsters:

Ice Master,

Dragon Ice,

????,

General Gantala of the Ice Barrier,

????,

Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier,

Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier,

Dewdark of the Ice Barrier,

Defender of the Ice Barrier,

Spellbreaker of the Ice Barrier,

Samurai of the Ice Barrier,

????,

Royal Knight of the Ice Barrier,

Blizzed, Defender of the Ice Barrier,

Plaguespreader Zombie,

Blizzard Lizard,

????,

????,

Necro Gardna,

Darksea Rescue,

Darksea Float,

????,

????

 

Spells:

Cold Wave,

Magic Triangle of Ice Barrier,

Ice Mirror,

Ice Age Panic,

Moray of Greed,

????,

Monster Reborn,

One for One,

Dragged Down to the Grave,

????

 

Traps:

Magic Cylinder,

Frozen Soul,

Damage Polarizer,

????,

Limit Reverse,

????,

Proof of Powerlessness,

Torrential Tribute,

Reckless Greed,

????

 

Extra Deck:

Frozen Fitzgerald,

Brionac Dragon of the Ice Barrier,

Gungnir Dragon of the Ice Barrier,

Trishula Dragon of the Ice Barrier,

????

 

Record: Raesir (l), Raesir (w), Hikari (w)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Demon]

Male, 35, Advisor to the Emperor

 

Gaunt, skeletal face, with blank eyes and spiky black hair. Covers his body for the most part, in a black leather coat, similar to that of Jinzo.

 

The illegitimate son of a dark sorcerer and his possessed mother, and the half brother of Vardus and Barakus Jackson, Demon is seeking an end to some sort of personal torment by reaching the fabled Utopia. To access this paradise a huge amount of energy is needed to rip a hole in reality; this will be achieved when the Final Countdown - powered by a bomb of Demon’s design fuelled by the destructive energy of the sacred beasts - destroys two worlds and their separate realities collapse against each other. Demon operates from an abandoned fortress in the mountains in the central area of the Empire, manipulating his pawns from the shadows as he waits for the countdown to reach completion.

 

Although mad, heartless and inhumane at most times, Demon does have his moments of decency and humanity. He took time to visit the grave of his deceased brother Vardus, who he himself had killed. He admitted to Barakus that he had ‘would not have gone out of his way to kill Vardus, if he had stayed out of his way’. Also he often does not see eye to eye with his father, who is overseeing the progress of their plan. When Demon tried to protect Raesir from Erin’s dragons, his father held him back and allowed the match to end with a devastating direct attack.

 

Demon uses a Fiend deck that revolves a lot around the ritual summoning of Demise and Ruin, the king and queen of the apocalypse. His deck also uses a few Synchro monsters, and many healing based cards.

 

[spoiler=Deck 2 - Evil Ritual (31/45)]

Monsters:

Demise King of Armageddon,

Ruin Queen of Oblivion,

Dark Jeroid,

Newdoria,

Giant Germ,

Relinquished,

Djinn Cursechanter of Rituals,

????,

Djinn Releaser of Rituals,

Djinn Disserere of Rituals,

Senju of the Thousand Hands,

Sonic Bird,

????,

Ritual Raven,

Mysterious Puppeteer,

????,

????,

????,

Stygian Security,

Dark Tinker,

????,

????

 

Spells:

End of the World,

Spell Absorption,

The Dark Door,

Gold Sarcophagus,

Allure of Darkness,

One for One,

????,

????,

Contract with the Abyss,

????,

Dark World Lightning,

????,

Axe of Despair,

????,

Final Countdown

 

Traps:

Altar for Tribute,

????

Call of the Haunted,

Cursed Prison,

Hate Buster,

????,

Ominous Fortunetelling

 

Extra Deck:

Stygian Sergeants,

Dark Highlander,

????

 

Record: Vardus (w), Juruo (w), Barakus (d)

 

 

 

Side Plot Characters

 

[spoiler=Emperor Nero VIII]

Male, 70, Emperor of Sen’nenki and the surrounding kingdom

 

Physically intimidating despite age, slick silver hair and beard. See Royal Cards like Imperial Order

 

Ruler of the Empire for fifty years, Nero slowly become obsessed with power over time, and paranoid that others were planning to take it from him. Demon, posing as a loyal advisor, fed the emperor’s greed and mistrust, blinding him with promises of defeating his enemies the duel spirits, and in their defeat granting him godlike power to rule until the end of time (although that technically wasn’t a lie, Demon just neglected to mention how soon that time would be).

 

Shortly after the Final Countdown began, Nero’s control became even more oppressive and cruel to the people, pushing much of the population to arms against him when a leader, former guard Dominik, emerged to fight him. Nero showed his true colours on the night of the final rebellion; a liar, a hypocrite, a coward, and a cheat, who power meant everything to, even at the expense of many innocent lives, and his own soul.

 

Although never a duelist himself (presumably this led to his fear and hatred of them and duel monsters), Nero has his own deck which he could use in dire need. This may have been put together by the one controlling him for the final brutal days of his reign. The deck symbolises Nero perfectly; a Monarch Lockdown deck filled with cards that restrict an opponent’s actions, strangling them with an iron grip. He was ultimately defeated by Tyrana, Luca and Dominik, and having no further use for him, his controller made him jump off the palace roof.

 

[spoiler=Deck - Monarch Lockdown]

Monsters:

Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch,

Mobius the Frost Monarch,

Raiza the Storm Monarch,

Kuraz the Light Monarch,

Dark Mimic Lv3,

Sangan,

Infernity Randomizer

 

Spells:

Card Destruction,

Fiend Sanctuary,

Mind Monster

 

Traps:

Imperial Order,

Imperial Custom,

Imperial Manners,

Royal Oppression,

Skill Drain,

Ultimate Offering,

Ring of Destruction

 

Record: Luca, Tyrana and Dominik (Handicap, l)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Pallas Goldberg]

Male, 43, Former governor of the city of Sennen’Yama

 

Short and fat man, with a bald head, double chin, and thick black handlebar moustache.

 

A former war general who became one of Nero’s most trusted advisors; Pallas was given charge of the industrial mountain city Sennen’Yama, where he became a despised and feared arm of the emperor. However when Demon emerged on the scene, Pallas was immediately suspicious of the dark strangers motives. He continually urged Nero not to trust him, but the power mad emperor refused to listen to his reason. Shortly after the Final Countdown started, and Nero started to behave even more strangely and rule more viciously, Pallas resigned from his position with immediate effect.

 

The governor instead sought out the new resistance that was being built in the capital. He joined Dominik’s cause as an advisor and a leader of battle. Although he doesn’t like the people he now works with, he is willing to tolerate them for the bigger picture, namely securing a future for his children. Pallas is a pompous and proud man who loves power and grandeur, but unlike the emperor, will not sacrifice his morals for them. As far as is currently known, he survived the siege of the royal palace.

 

 

[spoiler=Luca Vaquez]

Male, 15, One half of the Sennen’Yama Resistance

 

Athletic, dark blue eyes, blonde hair pushed forward into a strange spike style.

Originally a small time rebel in the industrial city with his partner Tyrana, the confident ‘ace’ Luca found himself locked in the city detention facility, possibly with days to live. However, he and his friend were busted out by the mysterious black clad rider later known to them as Dominik, and the time came for them to really make a difference.

 

Travelling to the capital with his new ‘ally’, Luca helped to find and secure the old resistance headquarters, formed deep underground in the city waterways, as well as being involved in the preparations for the siege of the palace, where Dominik intended to bring down the emperor and discover the truth of the fires above. Luca fought against the possessed Emperor in a handicap match, protecting Tyrana from defeat repeatedly. The selfless willing to sacrifice everything for others was seen by the Black Winged Dragon, who chose him to be its signer, as someone who would fight against the looming Armageddon.

 

A tag team specialist, Luca uses a deck predominantly filled with water based monsters that focus on returning an opponent’s cards to their hand, leaving a clear path for Tyrana to attack. He also uses some luck based cards, that could reflect his ‘no guts no glory’ attitude, and plenty of protective traps.

 

[spoiler=Deck - Flooded Hand]

Monsters:

Abyss Soldier,

Deep Sea Diva,

Spined Gillman,

Salvage Warrior,

Gale Lizard,

Hyper Hammerhead,

Reese the Ice Mistress,

Fishborg Blaster,

Treeborn Frog,

Yaksha

 

Spells:

Giant Trunade,

Cup of Ace,

Divine Chalice,

Variety Comes Out

 

Traps:

A Hero Emerges,

Poseidon Waves,

Compulsory Evacuation Device,

Insurance,

Treasure Map,

Half Shield,

Synchro Overlimit

 

Extra Deck:

Sea Dragon Lord Gishilnodon,

Brionac Dragon of Ice Barrier,

Black Winged Dragon

 

Record: Samurai & Barbarian (tag w/ Tyrana, w), Nero (handicap w/ Tyrana & Dominik, w)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Tyrana Sauro]

Female, 15, One half of the Sennen’Yama Resistance

 

Punk look with eyebrow and ear piercings, spiky red hair with swooping fringe, and red eyes.

 

Originally a small time rebel in the industrial city with her partner Luca, the hot headed punk Tyrana found herself locked in the city detention facility, possibly with days to live. However, the two were busted out by the mysterious black clad rider later known to them as Dominik, and the time came for them to really make a difference.

 

Happy to let Luca be the leader and do most of the talking, Tyrana just sits back and gets on with things, aside from the odd sarcastic or irritable remark. Despite this she does have a caring side towards those she trusts, and will fight relentlessly to protect those who cannot, and rely on her. These qualities were seen by the Life Stream Dragon, who chose her to be its signer, to fight against Armageddon and avert total destruction. With her new partner, and some help from Luca and Dominik, she delivered the finishing blow to the possessed emperor, ending his rule and partly exposing the person controlling him.

 

Tyrana is a tag team specialist, who uses a Jurrac deck that can rapidly swarm high attack monsters, boosted with power ups, and drive through foes. Her team’s duels are often the case of Luca opening the path to goal, so that she can drive the team through with a stampede of the destructive dinosaurs.

 

[spoiler=Deck - Jurrac Roar]

Monsters:

Battle Fader,

Jurrac Guiaba,

Jurrac Velo,

Jurrac Iguanon,

Jurrac Tyrannus,

Jurrac Monoloph,

Jurrac Dino,

Jurrac Gallim,

Jurrac Aeolo,

Card Trooper

 

Spells:

Fossil Dig,

Raise Body Heat,

Unstable Evolution,

Akashic Record,

Synchro Boost,

United We Stand

 

Traps:

Survival Instinct,

Hunting Instinct,

Fossil Excavation,

Half Shield,

Urgent Tuning

 

Extra Deck:

Jurrac Meteor,

Jurrac Giganoto,

Life Stream Dragon

 

Record: Samurai & Barbarian (tag w/ Luca, w), Nero (handicap w/ Luca & Dominik, w)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Dominik Hope]

Male, 21, Former guard turned vigilante, and leader of the new resistance

 

Athletic body, wearing his black and gold riding suit at most times. Has maroon hair spiked in a sharp S, and grey eyes.

 

A former member of the royal guard, serving in the capital before being transferred to Sennen’Yama, Dominik began to grow disillusioned with the emperor’s rule upon learning of his father’s death in a resistance riot, and his little sisters disappearance. When the Final Countdown began to loom he decided to take a stand, and end the madness of the Emprie’s rule, or die trying. He obtained his high spec runner and donned his black suit, which he almost always wears, becoming a vigilante.

 

Dominik enlisted, through minor blackmail, the help of known resistance members Luca and Tyrana and headed for the capital. There, he was able to feed on the fear and depression of those under the emperor and the inferno in the sky, and inspire many into standing up for themselves and joining his fight for a brighter future. Dominik quickly proved himself to be a leader; organised, respected and driven to succeed.

 

When it came to the final battle, he was perhaps too driven. So blinkered by defeating the emperor, his anger took over and he fought for himself, putting the team in jeopardy. Realising he could not defeat the emperor with his deck, a Tech Genus deck based on fast Synchro summoning, he sacrificed himself to keep Tyrana in the duel, although his final intervening plays were still crucial as Nero stooped to low tactics to avoid being defeated.

 

[spoiler=Deck - Hyper Vigilante]

Monsters:

Tech Genus Striker,

Tech Genus Rush Rhino,

Tech Genus Jet Falcon,

Tech Genus Catapult Dragon,

Tech Genus Warwolf

 

Traps:

TG1-EN1,

Shining Silver Force

 

Extra Deck:

Tech Genus Power Gladiator,

Tech Genus Wonder Magician,

Tech Genus Recipro Dragonfly

 

Record: Nero (Handicap w/ Luca & Tyrana, w)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Carla Hope]

Female, 12, Student

 

Small, tanned girl with grey eyes, freckles and black hair in two braided ponytails.

The little sister of Dominik, Carla was found by her brother and his recruits in an orphanage in the city centre. Apparently, she had been bought her after being found in a village a long way south of the capital, in a medical facility with slight amnesia. She had no recollection of why she was there or how she got there. With no relatives living in the city after her father was recently killed (by Juruo, hence why she was missing as she had gone chasing after him under the possession of the Dark Knight), she was placed in the orphanage, until Dominik bought her underground with him.

 

Carla has busied herself in helping her brothers cause, especially in recruitment where Dominik has made securing a tomorrow for children like her a key part of his speeches. She was not involved in the siege of the palace, instead staying in the underground HQ of the resistance, waiting for Luca, Tyrana and her brother to return alive and victorious.

 

 

[spoiler=The Guards - Warren, Hagar, and Sabuza]

All male, in mid forties, and former members of the Sen’nenki guard who have joined Dominik.

 

Three soldiers who served in Nero’s guard in the capital, before joining Dominik’s cause to fight against him. All experienced in many battles and driven by a strong sense of justice that made them turn against the Emperor who ordered them to forcefully oppress the common people, the three were involved in training those who wished to fight for their freedom, and acquiring the necessary equipment for the siege. Each lead a platoon of roughly a thousand people into the final battle. As far as is currently known, only Warren survived the siege.

 

 

[spoiler=The Samurai & The Barbarian]

Both male, no other information

 

The ghosts of an old samurai in fine robes, and a bearded, dreadlocked barbarian.

 

The departed souls of former resistance generals Nataka and Chetema, the warriors appeared before Luca and Tyrana in the resistance headquarters, and duelled them. Whether their spirits were possessed by Demon and placed here as guards, or they were just two tormented ghosts seeking to protect their home from intruders, is open to interpretation. Either way, despite duelling almost seamlessly as a team, the blast from Tyrana’s Jurrac Meteor and their inevitable defeat seemed to have an effect on them. They gave the duo their blessing, and departed for the afterlife where they could finally rest.

 

[spoiler=Nataka’s Deck - Samurai Honour]

Monsters:

Grandmaster of the Six Samurai,

Six Samurai Kamon,

Six Samurai Yaichi,

Six Samurai Zanji,

Kagemusha of the Six Samurai

 

Spells:

Cunning of the Six Samurai,

Six Samurai United,

The Warrior Returns Alive

 

Traps:

Shift,

Desperate Tag,

Double Edge Sword Technique

 

Extra Deck:

Driven Daredevil

 

 

[spoiler=Chetema’s Deck - Gladiator Fury]

Monsters:

Gladiator Beast Laquari,

Gladiator Beast Hoplomus,

Gladiator Beast Spartacus,

Gladiator Beast Darius,

Hedge Guard

 

Spells:

Gladiator Beast Battle Gladius,

Gladiator Beast Battle Manica,

Emergency Provisions

 

Traps:

Gladiator Lash,

Parry,

Gladiator Beast War Chariot

 

Extra Deck:

Gladiator Beast Gaiodiaz

 

Record: Luca & Tyrana (l)

 

 

 

 

Supporting Characters

 

[spoiler=Queen of Fate Eternia]

Female, Age unknown, Watcher of Reality

 

Appears in the shape of a woman with pale skin and long blonde hair, carrying a moon shaped staff.

 

A powerful duel spirit pulled from her home by a higher authority and assigned to watch over all reality for millennia without interference, Eternia was forced to watch as her world came teetering on the brink of destruction time and again, and was unable to do anything to stop the disasters she could see coming. When she saw Demon planning his Armageddon, she could take no more. Seeking out Juruo, Sabin and Hikari, she gave each a powerful deck and guided them together, hoping that they could get to Demon before he dragged her world into oblivion, knowing the price she would ultimately pay for her influence on the paths of destiny that must not be changed.

 

Her plan almost worked. Juruo had Demon on the brink of defeat, when Erin threatened to kill his friends, as she foresaw. What she did not see coming was Juruo throwing the match to save them, at the expense of Demon activating Final Countdown. Furious, Eternia summoned him to her world, determined to gain revenge. After much stubborn defence, she defeated Juruo in a duel, but before she could take her revenge, the higher authority that had given her power came to take it away. Eternia will no longer have to suffer the lonely torment she has endured for so long...

 

Against Juruo, Eternia summoned five of the holy dragons used by the signers in their battles against the Earthbound Immortals. It appears with her gone, the dragons were freed to choose new signers, as a last desperate measure against Demon and the coming apocalypse.

 

[spoiler=Deck - Holy Dragon Beatdown]

Monsters:

Trident Warrior,

Flare Resonator,

Creation Resonator,

The Tricky,

Fusilier Dragon,

Glow Up Bulb,

Dandylion,

Vice Dragon

 

Spells:

Synchro Monument,

Stamping Destruction,

Aurora Draw,

Pot of the Crimson D. Dragon,

Upstart Goblin,

Forbidden Chalice

 

Traps:

Call of the Haunted,

Synchro Stream,

Synchro Material,

Barrier Wave,

Red Screen,

Scar Red Carpet

 

Extra Deck:

Stardust Dragon,

Black Rose Dragon,

Red Dragon Archfiend,

Ancient Fairy Dragon,

Black Winged Dragon

 

Record: Juruo (w)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Seishin]

Male, Age unknown, Guardian of the Spirit Gate

 

A humanoid like being with light violet skin covered in symbolic writing, long red hair, and white eyes. Has a third, darker eye. Wears only a white tunic, and several items of gold jewellery.

 

A spirit being who protects a gateway to the spirit world, Seishin used his powers to rescue Juruo Sabin and Hikari from Demon’s clutches. Bringing the trio back to his home, he explained to them the legend of the Crimson Dragon and the holy dragons. He also recommended that to gain the strength to defeat Demon and his allies, they would have to journey to find the other signers, accurately predicting they would most likely appear in the capital, where the dark clouds of war were gathering.

 

Seishin is a formidable duelist himself, having gone a thousand years without defeat using his spirit deck.

 

 

[spoiler=Barakus Jackson]

Male, 39, Ironsmith

 

Giant dark skinned man, with broad muscles from life of working in forge. Scruffy hair and beard.

 

Father of Yuma, and the oldest of the three Jackson brothers. After a chance meeting, or perhaps one designed by fate, Barakus journeyed with Juruo, Erin and the others for a short while, before choosing to stay behind when it came to the crunch, feeling unable to see his brother in his mad, hellish form. After returning to his little village, Barakus organised an empty grave to honour the memory of his fallen little brother, Vardus, which he visited continuously. On one of this visits, he found Demon standing before the grave, sword in hand.

 

Enraged, Barakus first made to strangle his ‘brother’, but Demon rightly observed he would not have the guts to do it. Determined not to let him go without a fight, Barakus decided to duel him with a deck Vardus had given him. He knew he was hopelessly outmatched but fought bravely in a forlorn attempt to avenge those lost. Desperate to stop his demented sibling and seeing no other way, Barakus activated Self Destruct Button, killing himself to try and take Demon with him, hoping it would somehow stop the Final Countdown. He almost succeeded, had Demon’s real father not followed Demon and revived him.

 

[spoiler=Deck - Brother’s Protection]

Monsters:

Fortune Fairy Ann,

Fortune Fairy En,

Fortune Fairy Swee,

Stronghold Guardian

 

Spells:

Miracle Stone,

Unacceptable Result,

Heart of the Underdog,

Misfortune

 

Traps:

Slip of Fortune,

Self Destruct Button

 

Record: Demon (d)

 

 

 

[spoiler=Aerial Skylark]

Male, 17, Resistance Member

 

Once a fine athletic young man, time in a dungeon has made him thin, ruined his green braided hair, and reduced his clothes to rags.

 

A fighter in Vardus’ resistance movement, Aerial was captured during the doomed sneak attack on the palace, no less by Erin, who he had a crush on before discovering it was her who had betrayed them. Since being taken and imprisoned in Glamisery, he was made to duel by Raesir, Gear and Urusula in order to determine the effect the Final Countdown was having on reality as the walls between the two worlds started to collapse. The battle damage was becoming real, real enough for him when, unable to summon the strength to lift his shield to protect himself from a fire based attack, he was blinded.

 

Aerial aided Juruo and the others escape, but was unable to get away himself as he was slain by Demon.

 

 

[spoiler=Melanc Kazoku]

Male, 10, Resistance Member

 

Shorter than most his age, with anime spiky blue hair.

 

Bubbly and energetic, Erin’s little brother has been locked up ever since Juruo and the others were taken prisoner by Demon. However Erin has made sure he is kept safe, in a small bedroom high up in the castle. Mel is furious with his sister for betraying the friends he had grown so close to on their journey across the Empire, and has refused to speak or listen to her.

 

Mel attempted to escape from Demon’s castle, but was caught by the man himself. It is unclear what has happened since, but Demon has darkly suggested that the end of their little ‘chat’, did not end well for Melanc. He could be holding him against a rebellious Erin.

 

 

[spoiler=Urusula Aracnis]

Female, 32, Demon’s ally

 

Has long, dirty blonde hair. Wears a revealing green dress and black lace gloves, that fail to distract from her veiny skin and black, insect like eyes.

 

A mysterious person and the only woman in Demon’s team prior to Erin’s arrival, not much is known about Urusula, apart from her freakish affinity with insects. Her body seems to be a host for hundreds of them that she allows to crawl in and out of her. She also seems able to control these insects for her own needs, sending a swarm of flies as a distress call after Juruo and Aerial broke out of their cell. Aerial described her as the most sadistic and twisted of those he was forced to duel.

 

Urusula is currently somewhere in the Empire, searching for those who would threaten her lord Demon’s plans, and eliminate them at any cost.

 

 

[spoiler=Tatsan Daisuke]

No known information

 

The deceased father of Juruo, a five time duel monsters champion who was hunted down by orders of the emperor, who feared powerful duelists like Tatsan would seek to dethrone him. He was defeated and captured by Gear, who he had faced in a turbo duel before, when Gear suffered his crash.

 

It is not clear how, but during Juruo’s subconscious visit to Eternia’s home, he heard a voice he believed to be his fathers, before receiving a bunch of new cards to use in his fight against the vengeful spirit. Tatsan himself was a popular and respected champion, who used a Blue Eyes White Dragon deck.

 

 

[spoiler=????]

No known information

 

Entire body and face shrouded in thick purple robes, only allowing his glowing purple eyes to peer through the darkness, and the rotting, gnarled hand that clasps to his walking staff

 

The biological father of Demon, this mysterious sorcerer has overseen Demon’s plans to bring forth Armageddon, no doubt offering advice and wisdom to his son. However he is just as likely to admonish his son too, calling him arrogant and weak on numerous occasions when he feels Demon isn’t working hard enough to achieve the goal that he opened his eyes to; the fabled Utopia.

 

This man is clearly very knowledgeable, instantly recognising the mark on Sabin’s arm as that of a signer, a mark not seen for millennia. Convincing Demon the signers were the only remaining threat to their goal, he sent Demon’s recruits off after the escaped trio, before he himself went to the capital to use Nero, forcing him to rule more oppressively in an attempt to spark a civil war and weed out the other signers from hiding. This worked, as Luca and Tyrana came to battle and were chosen as signers. The sorcerer thought he had killed them by destroying the palace, and once he realised they had escaped and all six signers were together, he lost control. The sorcerer has displayed an ability to manipulate electrical energy from his fingertips. Who knows what else he is capable of, or what his own motivations for Armageddon and Utopia are...