Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Sit yourself down comfortably... and dim the lights... for a double chapter release... [spoiler=Chapter 14]Chapter 14 - The Armageddon King A man in a long black hooded robe was sitting on the throne, waiting for him to approach. His thin lips curled into a cruel smile. Vardus moved towards the mysterious person without fear. “You were expecting the emperor?” he said, his voice tinged with amusement, mocking. “Sorry to disappoint you Vardus, but I can see you coming a million miles away, and it wouldn’t do to endanger his highness to you and your murderous intentions, would it now? Nero has long left for his other cities.” Vardus frowned, but was unmoved by the man. “I assume you are the dark hand that has been aiding Nero in his reign of terror all this time. By what name do you go by now, fiend?” The dark stranger chuckled. “Oh how simple you are. You think I am some mere servant or advisor? You will address me as Demon. I am the holder of the power here, not Nero. He is my puppet, although he does not realise it, not yet. A man who lusts for power, and fears losing it, is so easy to manipulate. But come now, your trip is not wasted, despite the emperors absence. You came here wanting to end the reign of fear and oppression well, here I am. Although no doubt I will be able to put up more of a fight than the fossil sovereign. You have got in my way too many times Vardus, but I am far greater than you can comprehend, my ambition beyond your reasoning. I will destroy you myself, once and for all.” Demon stood and in made his way down the steps until he was level with Vardus. His hooded cloak clinked as it swayed, covering his entire body, except for his heavy jackboots. Pulling up the loose right sleeve Demon revealed a black duel shield, bearing a large skull pattern, attached to sickly pale skin. Vardus remained unwavering as the diabolical Demon armed his duel shield. “Duel!” ... Juruo and Hikari burst into another large room, swords drawn and ready. All was still in this one; it was symmetrical in design with a small door opposite them, a large door to the right and windows on the left. Two slain guards lay outside the large doors. Hikari moved over to the window. There were fires outside and scattered fighting could be seen. She noticed they were positioned centrally in the palace buildings. The door behind them must lead to the throne room. They both jumped as the door opposite creaked open, backing themselves against the wall and the shadows they cast, armed and ready for anything. A bow and arrow poked through the door, followed by a small helmet. The little soldier edged slowly into the room, looking around nervously. Hikari edged along the wall towards him, but Juruo grabbed her arm, as he recognised the pattern on the duel shield. He ignored her reaction as he whispered across the room “Mel?” Melanc looked up, as Juruo walked across to him, removing his helmet to reveal himself. He put his bow down and sighed with relief. “Juruo, Hikari, I was beginning to panic that nobody was left. As soon as we entered the palace, we were swamped with guards, maybe outnumbered three or four to one. We were quickly overcome; I only just managed to escape. Chetema fought wildly, but I don’t think even he survived. This is bad. How did all these guards know where we were going to hit?” His question went unanswered as the door opened again, allowing Erin to stagger inside. Her armour was covered in blood, and she seemed faint. Melanc ran over to her to support her as she leaned against the wall. “Sis, what happened to you?” Erin’s voice was trembling slightly, she gasped for air as she spoke. “...Knights everywhere. We were ambushed. I managed to get away... but I don’t know what happened to Aerial and the others. I made my way here... trying to find survivors, I hoped others would regroup here... I’ll be fine, this is mostly other people’s blood, I just need a moment...”Juruo approached her and supported her on her left side, and Melanc did the same one her right. It was a lopsided support given their respective heights, but it would do for now. Juruo looked towards the large oak doors, they were slightly ajar. “Well?” he asked, looking to the others. They nodded in unison. Hikari went ahead and looked inside, paused for a moment, then motioned frantically for them to follow. The trio awkwardly made their way over to her and into the cavernous throne room, where they were greeted by the scene of Vardus, with his back to them, and this hooded man opposite him, preparing themselves for the fight. Vardus looked back at them; maybe he was happy to see them. He didn’t express it though. “I begin with ‘Clear Phantom’ in defence” he declared, pushing his card into the shields card slot. A crystal emerged from the cards hologram and shattered with light, to reveal a skeletal fiend, black and bloody in colour, with long claws and a body ending in a spiked tail (DEF: 800). “Next I activate my field spell ‘Clear World’, setting my giant crystal high above the field, at the cost of 500 life points at the end of each turn. I set a face down card and end.” The great crystal appeared and hung in midair high in the rafters of the giant throne room, gleaming impressively. Demon looked at it, impassive as he drew a card from his black mechanism. “Now I begin to inflict the ultimate terror upon you. I summon ‘Newdoria’ in attack.”The hologram of his card appeared, opening a black portal for its spirit to come through. From it came a demonic monster resembling a fleshy zombie, garbed in studded black armour, slowly shuffling onto the field. It attacked on command, picking up speed as it charged Vardus’ monster, clubbing it with its fist. The phantom plunged its claws into the fiend in retaliation, and they both disappeared. “When Clear Phantom is destroyed, it takes one monster on your field, and the top three cards in your deck with it” said Vardus, almost robotically, not smiling, just staring at his opponent. Demon placed his cards into his graveyard, shrugging. “I place a face down, and end my turn.” Vardus - FR: - BR: Clear World, face down. Hand: 3. LP: 3500.Demon - FR: - BR: Face down. Hand: 4. LP: 4000. “Before that, I activate my trap card, ‘Solemn Wishes’. This restores my life points by 500 every time I draw, thus covering the expense of my field spell (LP: 4000). Now I summon ‘United Resistance’ in attack position, and strike you directly.” A hooded man in a brown cloak appeared, brandishing a short sword as he charged Demon (ATK: 1000). Juruo shook his head; Vardus didn’t duel like this, and was now surely walking straight into a trap. However, the fiend did not motion for the face down. Instead he bowed his head and spread his arms wide, as if to embrace the attack. The swordsman struck hard at his chest, causing him to grunt and double over. His head snapped up, only his mouth visible under the hood. It was clamped shut, stifling a silent laugh, as if he had enjoyed taking the hit (LP: 3000). Hikari recoiled in shock. Vardus blinked. Even he had found this behaviour strange, almost sick. He looked back at his hand. No telling what his opponent had in store, but by ensuring he kept his monster out for a turn, he could beat what hellish creature came next. “I equip my monster with ‘Heart of Clear Water’, despite the cost of 500 life points it comes with because of Clear World. I pay the cost for my field spell and end.” Demon pulled himself back upright, seemingly unaffected by the hit he had just taken. “You still use those pitiable resistance cards? I draw, and summon ‘Dark Jeroid’ in attack.” This monster was even more horrible than the last one; a blue creature that looked as if two beings had been merged as one, its excess arms dangling as it struggled for balance on two legs, claws producing from its hunched back, and two faces snarling at the party (ATK: 1200). Demon grinned with sick pleasure. “Now when this beast is summoned, the attack of one of your monsters is reduced by 800. Next I play the continuous spell card ‘Spell Absorption’, which heals me by 500 points whenever a spell card is used. Now Jeroid, attack.” A dark fireball fired from the monsters mouth towards the opposing warrior. Thanks to the equip spell however, it remained on the field. Vardus - FR: United Resistance. BR: Clear World, Heart of Clear Water, Solemn Wishes. Hand: 2. LP: 2000Demon - FR: Dark Jeroid BR: Spell Absorption, Face down. Hand: 3. LP: 3000 The group moved closer to the action as Vardus began his next turn. Juruo head was racing at the sight of the sinister hooded man. “Now I will use my United Resistance as tribute for my next monster, a noble warrior who will shine the clear light into your darkness. Arise, ‘Clear Knight’” Vardus bellowed as his monster disappeared to be replaced by a large crystal, encasing a black skeletal warrior, dressed with a fine purple cape and armed with a vicious sword attachment. The warrior stabbed the crystal with its weapon, shattering it from the inside, leaping onto the field (ATK: 2300). Demon remained motionless at the sight, so Vardus continued.“Now for my knight’s effect. When he is the only monster I control, he gains ATK equal to that of the strongest monster you control, until the end of my turn. Now attack Jeroid.” A dark glow appeared around the skeletal knight as it grew in strength (ATK: 3500). In one swift motion it leapt high into the air, its blade glistening against the light of the clear crystal, before it fell towards the ambling Jeroid, drawing back its sword arm. Once again, Demon opened his arms in embrace, ignoring his face down card. The knight struck the monster with force, eliminating it (LP: 700). The force of the blow was so huge, Demon was unable to stop himself from staggering slightly, and his hood fell back in the process, revealing his face. Melanc yelled, Hikari screamed, even Vardus gasped. Demon’s whole face was pale and gaunt, as if he had spent his entire life out of the sunlight, and all life had been drained away. His eye sockets were deeply sunk into his head; his pupils were cloudy and looked almost invisible in the dim light. His spiky hair was the only feature that stopped him looking like an ancient skull, and it was jet black. He cracked his neck in that creepy fashion as he stood upright again. The cruel smirk returned, making him look madder than ever. “Impressive, but it will be inevitably futile. I draw, and activate ‘Allure of Darkness’ to add two more cards to my hand, at the expense of one of my dark minions. Next I play the continuous spell ‘The Dark Door’ which restricts only one monster being able to attack each turn. This also means that due to my existing Spell Absorption that 1000 life points are recovered. Finally I summon ‘Giant Germ’ from my hand in defence, and end my turn. Vardus - FR: Clear Knight. BR: Clear World, Solemn Wishes. Hand: 2. LP: 2000.Demon - FR: Giant Germ. BR: Spell Absorption, Dark Door, Face Down. Hand: 2. LP: 1700. Vardus grimaced at the appearance of the enormous germ (DEF: 100). If he destroyed it by battle, not only would he take damage, but it would summon one, potentially two more in its stead. He wouldn’t be able to follow up the attack either, and could potentially set Demon up for the summoning of a more powerful monster. He drew his next card, one that didn’t really aid his dilemma. Maybe now was the time to try to discover what his nemesis was. “I’ll pass on action this turn. Now tell me Demon, when did you fall to become the shell of a man you stand here as, and adopt your new title? To what end do you wish to serve?” Demon laughed as he drew his card. “What end? My ambition is the ultimate end, not that you will be around to witness it. I am more powerful than any pathetic mortal man, but you already know this.” Demon glanced down at the card he had drawn, one that would signal the demise of Vardus. “You think you can understand me and my motives? You never have before. I also pass without a move. See what you can do.” Vardus - FR: Clear Knight. BR: Clear World, Solemn Wishes. Hand: 3. LP: 2000.Demon - FR: Giant Germ. BR: Spell Absorption, Dark Door, Face Down. Hand: 3. LP: 1700. The group watching the standoff exchanged glances. Juruo looked across to Hikari, who was focused on Vardus, determined that he would win, he had to win. Erin had now recovered enough to stand herself, and she kept her eyes fixed on the battle; her expression was hard to read. Mel was nervously shifting from foot to foot. He shouted across to his leader “Come on Vardus, you can do it.” Vardus smiled. Trust Mel to be so confident in a crisis. Thing was there still wasn’t much he could do, as he drew another defensive trap card. “I place two cards face down and end my turn. You still did not answer my question Demon.” “Huh” scowled Demon. “Ignore them, and focus on me. I have been here for years, before the war with the other nations and the expansion of the Empire. I watched as you wretched people fought, over what? The sorrow and hate that war brings. Pain that has not lifted since so called peace was declared. All we have in common are these three things. Now I begin my turn, and I play ‘Gold Sarcophagus’. This allows me to select one card in my deck and remove it from play, then add it to my hand in two turns. I also play another face down. Your countdown is ticking away Vardus. When the sarcophagus opens, your misery and suffering will end. Forever.” Juruo’s skin prickled as the giant gold coffin appeared briefly on the field, before fading back into the shadows, as Demon took a card from his deck and inserted it into the separate removed from play slot. Whatever was inside it was going to be bad, he knew Vardus had to win before it opened. Vardus - FR: Clear Knight. BR: Clear World, Solemn Wishes. Hand: 2. LP: 2000.Demon - FR: Giant Germ. BR: Spell Absorption, Dark Door, 2 Face Downs. Hand: 2. LP: 2200. Vardus inhaled slowly. He needed to keep calm. He drew and smiled at the card added to his hand. His patience had been rewarded. “Not today Demon. First I will cure that infection on the field, and then I shall take the one that plagues you. Attack Knight.” Vardus prepared himself for the damage he would take as the germ exploded, emitting a toxic gas from its pierced body. Two more of the germs appeared, exactly as he had planned. “Now I tribute your two germs, to give to you a monster whose power cannot be restrained, the ‘Lava Golem’.” There was an unearthly roar from behind Demon as the two germs sank into the ground. A fiery portal opened by his feet, black chains shooting out and anchoring to the pillars around the room. From the abyss rose the colossal golem, its body made from molten rock and dripping with lava. The heat it emitted must have been unbearable. It pulled at the chains binding it by its wrists, waist and neck, but was held in place (ATK: 3000). Juruo stared up at the fiery behemoth, confused. He nudged Melanc, who was cheering at the sight of the monster. “Care to explain why Vardus gave him a monster with 3000 attack points.” Melanc grinned at him. “Easy. You remember when Vardus gave Sabin that Fox Fire card before right? When Clear World is out, the controller of a fire monster takes damage at the end of their turn. But not only that, Lava Golem is so uber-powerful, he inflicts damage to his controller at the start of his turns, meaning 2000 damage each and every move. Sure it can still attack Vardus, but given he has two face down cards, he’ll have himself protected long enough to win.” “Okay then. So why is Demon still laughing?” Unfortunately, Juruo was right. Demon was still laughing, perhaps wilder than ever, his white eyes wide with mania. The presence of this almighty fiend did not bother him at all. Even the scorching heat of Lava Golem’s effect depleting his life points unfazed him as he drew his next card (LP: 1200). Juruo couldn’t believe this guy was human. He had taken some huge hits, and had welcomed each with relish. He shuddered as the image of the sarcophagus appeared again, the lid shifting half way open, there was a terrible roar from inside that chilled his soul. Come on Vardus; don’t let him get that thing. “How very predictable. I have prepared for your Golem’s arrival well in advance. I activate the card I put face down on my first turn, ‘Altar for Tribute’. Your golem is sent back to hell, and his attack points are transferred to my life points. Thanks for the pick-me-up.” Vardus watched as the massive behemoth sank back into its underground prison, and his opponent’s life rose to beyond their starting point. “Next I activate my other face-down ‘Call of the Haunted’, to bring Dark Jeroid back from the grave.” The amalgamated fiend rose again, automatically inflicting Clear Knight with its crippling effect (ATK: 1500). “Next I activate ‘One for One’ by discarding a monster from my hand. This lets me summon a level one monster from my deck. Come forth ‘Stygian Security’.” A little winged fiend appeared, holding a truncheon and a megaphone, and a siren attached to its head. Two black columns shot from the floor, hiding both monsters. Juruo’s heart began to race as a Synchro monster emerged. A motorbike crashed out of the pillar of darkness. Atop it sat a dragon like creature, with two heads that snapped at each other (ATK: 2200). Demon sniggered again. “‘Stygian Sergeants’, attack the knight.” The motorbike reared and sped towards the weakened knight. “I activate Spirit Barrier.” Vardus activated his familiar face-down card. The biker ran straight through the knight, but no damage was done. It continued across the room and swerve to a halt, facing Vardus directly. Its attack rose alarmingly as it stared him down, revving the engine with menace (ATK: 3000). “Now you can fully appreciate my strategy. The Dark Door may only allow one monster to attack each turn, but it does not prevent that monster from attacking multiple times, like Sergeants can. Your barrier does not protect you from it. Now finish this with a direct attack.” The bike accelerated, charging the resistance leader, who activated another face-down. “Activate Defence Draw. Damage is nullified, and I draw one card. Due to the effects of Solemn Wishes, I also gain another 500 life points.”Demon did not react as his attack failed, as his demon biker returned to him. “You don’t know when to quit do you? I end my turn, do what you want, your end is near.” Vardus - FR: -. BR: Clear World, Solemn Wishes, Spirit Barrier. Hand: 3. LP: 2000.Demon - FR: Stygian Sergeants. BR: Spell Absorption, Dark Door, Call of Haunted. Hand: 1. LP: 4700. Vardus looked at the three cards in his hand. Clear Vice Dragon was there, as was Monster Reborn. Strong cards, but he needed more than that. He paused as he drew, hoping he had got what he wanted. “I activate ‘Clear Sacrifice’. By removing Clear Phantom and Clear Knight from my graveyard, I can bring out my strongest monster, Clear Vice Dragon. Attack Stygian Sergeants.” The almighty crystal rose, and exploded to unleash the mighty white dragon. Its effect activated, raising its attack to double that of its target (ATK: 4400). With a roar it took flight and blasted the fiend with its laser attack, the bike exploding from the blast. Demon raised his arms across his face to shield himself from the intense flame, as his life points took another massive drop (LP: 2500). “Next I play ‘Monster Reborn’, to resurrect Lava Golem to my side of the field.” There was a rumble as the gigantic golem returned from its fiery pit, still bound by chains. “This would usually result in me losing life points, due to Clear World effect on fire monsters, but thanks to my Clear Vice Dragon, I am completely unaffected by the crystal, enabling me to play monsters of all attributes without cost. I set the final card in my hand face down, and end my turn.” Vardus smiled to himself. Demon has no choice but to go all out attack next turn, but my back row gives me enough protection for any eventuality. Then my dragon can overcome whatever he summons, and Lava Golem will inflict the final blow .I’m sure without Demon at his side, Nero will be severely weakened. He stared into the dead of eyes of his opponent as he drew his last card. He seemed too descended into madness to understand his position, which was why the smirk was still there. The dark image of the sarcophagus returned, the lid sliding fully open, the air was filled again with the heart stopping roar as the coffin emitted a golden light. The removed from play slot on his adversaries duel disk opened too, allowing him to add the card he had sealed away to his hand. His demented laughter echoed around the room. -Yeah, yeah, I know... Technically I shouldn't have been able to do that very last move. You'll see why I did in a minute. -Now go to the bathroom/get a drink/whatever you need to do... just do it now... [spoiler=Chapter 15]Chapter 15 - Exodus The group watched a long pause as Demon and Vardus stared at each. Vardus’ eyebrows narrowed and his adversary’s skeletal features grinned at him. Something was horribly wrong here. “It’s all over for you now Vardus. I summon ‘Ritual Raven’.” A small bird appeared, black in colour, with strange eyes that looked like faces. Juruo looked at Erin, as she shuddered. Demon must have something in mind for this little fiend. “My Ritual Raven may look wretched, but it has a handy ability. When I Ritual Summon a dark monster, my raven can serve as the entire tribute needed. As it will now. I activate the ritual spell card, ‘End of the World’!” Vardus gasped as a swirling portal opened beside Demon, which would allow passage to his most powerful ritual monster. From it emerged a horrible sight, a huge demon warrior encased entirely in heavy black and grey armour emerged slowly from the abyss. Its dark soulless eyes stared across to the allied resistance members, a wicked smile on its face. Hands in spiked gauntlets curled around a large twin bladed axe. Juruo froze completely, unable to speak, all the sounds around him buzzing, sight focused on this fiend. It was all coming back to him, visions of him waking up screaming in the night, haunted by some unseen fiend. Now he was looking straight into the face of his tormentor. This was the monster from his nightmares. ‘Demise, the King of Armageddon’. Demon howled with laughter that echoed around the chamber. “I activate the effect of Demise. By giving up 2000 of my life points, Demise destroys every single card on the field, until he alone is left. It’s over Vardus.” Vardus watched helplessly as blue flames erupted around every card on the field, even his two most powerful monsters could not escape. Lava Golem roared, sinking back into its fiery prison. The almighty Clear Vice Dragon, his most precious ally, unleashed an unworldly shriek as it writhed in pain, as it faded away. Every face down card on both sides shattered from the heat of the intense blue fire. Overhead, beams of light shot out of the great crystal as the flames reached it. It shook, and shattered into a million pieces; stone fragments fell like stars that glistened in the flames as they descended beautifully on the field. Vardus was defenceless, as all that remained as the fires faded was the abominable terror of Demise. The demon charged across the throne room towards him, axe raised above its head. Vardus raised his shield to meet it, as the monster bought the weapon down with a crash. The duel was over. Horror struck, Mel sprinted towards the fallen Vardus, to aid his heroic leader who he could not believe had lost. Vardus never lost. He was about ten feet away, when he stopped. Erin gasped as flames sprung up in front of her little brother, the intense heat forcing him to shield his face and stagger away. Demise was standing there, manipulating its hell fire, preventing any interference from the spectators as the girls ran over to check Mel was alright. Juruo remained where he was, rooted to the spot. On the other side of the fiery barrier, Demon was deactivating his shield and walking casually over to the fallen Vardus, who had fell to the floor from the blast. His jewel encrusted shield had shattered, the fragments strewn over the cold stone floor. The once proud and mighty Vardus was lying on his back, gasping for air, as the gaunt spectre stood above. “Vir... br...” Vardus would never finish his sentence. With one swift motion, the demon pulled a thin black sword from inside his cloak, that glowed with dark flames, and drove it straight through the chest plate. The resistance leader lurched violently, and went limp. The group stared in silent terror as their leaders head rolled to one side. A trickle of blood came out of his open mouth, his eyelids flickered and closed. He was gone. “The countdown has begun. Now with Vardus out of the picture, there is nothing left for me to accomplish here. The threat has been nullified, the card has been secured, and everything has been put into place. Now to the southern cities, to secure the others, and with it all the instruments of the ultimate destruction shall be re-united, and unleashed.” The cloaked demon pulled the weapon free and looked over at the dumbstruck bunch of warriors across the room from him. The sick smile widened further. “I suppose you will still try to stop me? I could deal with you now, but I have other matters to attend to which this farce has delayed long enough. You are more than welcome to pursue, if you can get out of this city in one piece.” Demon laughed wildly as he flicked up his hood again, hiding away his contorted face, and turned away. An eerie black light started to radiate from his body. The armoured Demise snarled at the group on the other side of the fiery barrier, as its body began to emit the same strange glow. There was a blinding flash, and a large bang. When the group looked again, the pair has vanished. The fire had faded away with them, allowing Hikari and Erin to rush to the fallen leader. Hikari wiped the blood away from his mouth, weeping slightly. She couldn’t believe this pillar of a man, so strong of body and will, had gone, and had left them with this mess. Erin knelt across from her. Her expression was unchanged as always. Maybe inside her heart she was distraught, but she had long developed the ability to mask her feelings on the outside, in front of her brother, even if on the inside she may be deeply hurt. She put a hand on Hikari’s shoulder, a rare sign of compassion. “Wha... who was that? What was he talking about? What’s going on you guys? Erin, what’s going on!!!” Melanc stood rooted to the spot, staring at where the cloaked man was seconds before. He glanced at the fallen Vardus, then at Juruo, then back to the original empty space vacated by Demon. Juruo walked up beside him, trying to calm him down. He shrugged him off, running over to the empty spot, hunting desperately for some clue, some trail he could follow. “Man that guy’s bad news. I mean really really bad! What was he talking about all that ultimate destruction stuff? Man this is really creepy. What do we do now without Vardus?” “Calm down Mel.” Juruo had finally regained the power of speech. The disappearance of Demon and his fiendish ally seemed to have released him from the terrible grip he had been overcome by. “The last thing we need to do now is panic. I don’t know what he was talking about, but we need to go after him and find out.” “But how Juruo? We couldn’t get near him during that duel, and then he just disappeared into thin air. We don’t know who he is or what he’s doing?” “I know, but we’ve got to find out, I’m certain. This is more than about the Empire and freedom now. He said he was going south right, and something about looking for other ‘instruments of destruction? I don’t know what he’s looking for or what he plans to do with these items, but something tells me we can’t let him go. But first of all, we need to get out of this palace.” “That’s all very well.” Erin spoke as she stood up. “But the guards will be regrouping as we speak, and we can only assume the worst, we are the only four left.” Juruo nodded, the enormity of the task ahead was ominous. There was a crash at the entrance doors behind them, causing the group to turn in surprise. A group of eight guards had stormed the room, all armed with swords and shields that were covered in blood. One gave the order to charge, and the group advanced across the throne room. Juruo drew his sword, anxious. There was no way the battered group could hold these soldiers off. There was a loud rumbling sound behind him. The room began to shake. Juruo tried to ignore it, as the soldiers continued to charge unperturbed. There was a noise that sounded like a wall falling down behind him. Mel shouted somewhere behind him. The guards stopped; a look of sudden horror on their face. Whatever it was, Juruo had to try to stay focused, and protect his friends from these soldiers. Using his opportunity he activated his duel shield and reached for a card. He went to insert a couple of dragons into his shield... and stopped as a barrage of lasers flew over his head at the guards. The soldiers, fearing for their lives, turned and sprinted back out of the door where they came from, followed by the stream of laser blasts following at their heels, although never reaching them. Unable to help himself, he looked around, and jumped. There stood a huge silver machine on four legs, which had seemingly blasted its way through the wall behind them. At the base of this mechanical beast stood someone he never thought he’d see again. “Sabin, what are you doing here? And what’s with this thing?” Sabin shrugged, unconcerned by his surroundings. “I got it in a new deck some tree dude gave to me. He said I should come here and bail you all out... again... Apparently there’s some major disaster coming that we’re supposed to fight, or something. Good job those guards were stupid enough to be bluffed off by the laser show. Catastor didn’t really take down the wall; I had to use some dynamite for that. You know, this thing where I swoop in and save the day isn’t going to become a recurring habit is it?” “I hope not. Look Sabin, we’ve got to get out of here right now. We can talk later, but we need to escape in one piece first.” Sabin face broke a confident smile. “Alright, follow me. I’ve got just the thing.” With that, Sabin dismissed his monster and ran towards the wall he had broken through. Juruo looked at his companions. Erin nodded, they had to trust and follow him. As for the body of their leader, there was no choice, as he would only slow them down. They would have to leave him here. The group swiftly parted silent blessings, before they ran after Sabin, leaving Vardus’ body to his final resting place. ... Sabin led them through a series of narrow passageways descending downwards, pausing to avoid troops that rushed by occasionally. The five were making their way through the heart of the palace, down several floors. Eventually they reached a black door, which Sabin led them through. Inside was a huge underground space, and there were parked several supply carts, prison wagons, and various other wheels used by the various employees of the palace. The group continued to follow Sabin as he lead them through the rows of vehicles, until he found what he wanted. There was a row of several motorbike-like vehicles. Made of light durable metal and carbon fibre, half of a roll cage arched over the back from the driver’s seat and arms pulled down on either side, protecting a rider should they hit something or crash. The front housed the engine, and had been designed to be as streamlined as possible. They seemed incredibly tough machines. Each had a computerised display screen on the dash, and below this a wide slot compartment. Sabin saddled up on one at the end of the line, a dark red and black machine that had been modified with thick tyres and a more robust body, and began tinkering with a couple of wires under the front panel. He smiled as the bikes motor burst into life, and he revved the engine. It growled impressively. Satisfied, Sabin removed his duel shield from his arm and pushed it forward facing into the wide slot in front of the seat, so that the hub of the duel disk sat comfortably in place, the blade parallel to the panel above it. He looked quite at home on the machine. “These are Duel Runners. Nobles and pros used to have them for turbo duels, before the emperor had them all seized. A few got used in the war for duel soldiers, but since then most have been scrapped or decommissioned. I’ve ridden a few before, er... probably best not to ask. Each one is different. But trust me when I say they are easy to pick up, and they go like hell when you put the pedal down.” He got off to start hotwiring the next runner, a leaner green and white machine that had been built for speed rather than strength. Erin sat herself on a runner of sky blue colour that was smaller and more poised than the other two and began the same process. In no time at all, all three bikes were started. Sabin got back on his selected runner and found a helmet in a compartment below his seat. He shouted something about an underground drive in and took point, followed by Erin and Mel on the blue bike. This left Juruo to drive the third, with Hikari as a passenger. Juruo had heard of duel runners and turbo duels when he was young, but had never seen or experienced either and knew very little about them. Still, Sabin said they were easy to pick up right? Attaching his own shield and starting the motor up, a digital display flickered up on the panel in front of him. It provided his speed dials and other information, as well as rudimentary street map, but he would just follow the others. Adrenaline pumping, he pulled back the throttle, and the runner leapt into life. With Hikari holding on tight behind him, he lined it up behind the others, and they set off for the exit. At the end of this underground ‘garage’, there was a slope that seemed to be the only way out. Sabin lined it up and ascended it at speed, up the dark runaway, towards a wooden hatch. Accelerating, Sabin braced himself for impact. A re-grouping set of guards received the shock of their lives to see the slanted wooden hatchway to the palace underground stores explode into smithereens as a heavy black and red runner burst through at high speed. There was a shout to attack, but it was pointless as the runner ran straight through their ranks, forcing them to scatter. The other two runners followed the first in hot pursuit heading towards the south wall. Sabin turned sharply, towards a ramped stairwell that led to the top of the defences; it was just wide enough for the runners to go up. Guards were waiting for them at the top, shouting in alarm to ready archers. Whilst still driving with his left hand, Sabin drew a card from the deck in front of him, and threw the card down into its slot on the blade. “Cyclone Creator, blow ‘em away!” The mechanical bird appeared in a flash and soared above him, generating huge winds with the fans on its wings. The split second this put the guards off for was enough, as Sabin reached the top of the ramp and drove along the wall, giving the guards two choices as he charged down it. Jump out the way or get run over. Blasting up the ramp behind him, the others watched as Sabin kicked it into high gear and jumped up and over the wall, and out of sight. Juruo blinked in shock. This guy is a maniac! Still there was nothing else they could do, as the remaining guards charged across the grounds from the palace. Ahead of him, Erin and Mel, amid much screaming, took the same leap of faith onto the streets below. Juruo looked back at Hikari behind him. She nodded; go for it. Fully opening up the engine, Juruo accelerated towards the end of the wall, towards the corner tower. A few metres short, he pulled back on the handlebars and, somehow, bunny hopped the runner on to and over the stone wall, plunging down onto the street. The landing was heavy. The pair lurched in their seat, but the roll cage kept them on the runner. The other two had stopped up ahead for their companions. Juruo ran it up to them and swerved to a stop. “You were right Sab, piece of cake this thing. Now how do we get out of the city?” Sabin felt the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, hadn’t got that far. Time for someone else to have an idea.” They looked hopefully towards a fluster looking Erin. She looked like she’d rather go back and take on the Empire’s entire army than do any more stunt riding. “Alright. The city gates will be shut by now, but the Resistance did have a couple of bolt holes for such an emergency. It will be a wet ride, but it will do.” She stopped as the sounds of more engines filled the air. The party looked back at the palace gate in horror; it was slowly being pulled open! Without another second’s hesitation, Erin took the lead and flew down the nearest street, heading southwards. The party sped through the narrow streets of the city, desperate to stay far ahead of the now pursuing guards. People looked out of their windows to see what the commotion was. Lights filled the streets and shouts filled the air, giving their position away. Eventually, three guards on similar runners surged up behind them. Their bikes were a lot heavier, and they were armed with lances. Juruo frowned, this was going to be difficult. The runners burst into a square in an industrial area of the city. One of the buildings here was to do with the city waterways, and outside it was a tunnel that served as a slipway down to the waterway network. Erin jumped over the barrier and ran straight down the open tunnel. The boys followed suit, the guards simply crashed through on their armoured runners. The tunnel was pitch black as they hurtled straight down. On the display in front of Juruo, a picture of Erin’s face flicked up. Her face was stern. “Guys. As soon as you see light, hang left. Hard.” “Erin, what are you talking... oh shi...!” Light was coming up ahead fast as they approached the end of the tunnel. Juruo hit the brakes and swerved hard to the left, somewhere ahead he could hear Sabin do the same. The pair burst into the illuminated light, and Erin’s warning soon became clear. The tunnel ended facing a fast flowing section of river at an angle, if they had carried straight on, they would have plunged straight in and been swept away. The first guard charged into the waterway, and met exactly that fate as he drove, wide-eyed in surprise, straight into the water and lost control. The other two had slowed down enough to avoid his mistake, and continued the chase through the waterways. A burly looking guard swiftly charged down the back of Juruo’s runner, grinning with malice as it lined his lance up with the back wheel. “Juruo, summon something. Anything!” Hikari yelled behind him. Juruo had tried to avoid doing this, as he didn’t fancy steering one handed, but now he had to. The runner wobbled violently as he took his right hand of the handle bar and put it to his duel hub, drawing the top card and activating it. “Dragunity Darkspear, come forth!” The black dragon with a massive spike guard around its head emerged beside him, turning to face the chasing guard and charging at him with a roar. The shock was enough to make the rider lose his nerve, swerving to avoid driving in to the spike and instead going into the water. The third guard, who was a way behind, summoned what looked at this distance like a warrior of some description. Whatever it was, it was strong enough to dispose of Darkspear, and the guard continued the hunt. Juruo glanced at the display on his duel runner, and recoiled. According to this, they had gone under the walls and out of the city borders, so the waterways... Erin’s face popped up on screen again. “The tunnel ends in five hundred metres. The water may move fast, but it is not deep. These runners have enough power to plough through as long as they remain upright, you’ll have to land it perfectly. Hit the water at speed, keep it straight, and don’t stall it!”Ahead of him, the other two runners jumped into the water, sending spray into the air as the riders pushed the engines for everything they had. Hikari removed a hand from Juruo’s waist so she could cross herself. Revving the engine as high as he could, Juruo took a deep breath, and hit the water. ... Three duel runners emerged from the mouth of the cave where the now still river passed underground, into the starry night overhead. The third guard hadn’t even attempted to follow them into the tunnel behind them. Without speaking, the five duelists rode up a small bank to dry land, and sped away into the night, as far away from the city of Sen’nenki as they could. ---END OF ARC ONE--- Comments on these chapters and the fanfic as a whole would be appreciated guys. Matt (Bahamut Zero) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexadin Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 The last 2 chapters where exelent. I really liked the addition of D-Wheels, and the chasing scene was good aswell. The story of "Demon" being the secred ruler of the kingdom is kinda mehish, though I've read/seen a lot worse. Overal this was an excelent fanfic and I'll be looking forward too the other arcs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2011 The last 2 chapters where exelent. I really liked the addition of D-Wheels, and the chasing scene was good aswell. The story of "Demon" being the secred ruler of the kingdom is kinda mehish, though I've read/seen a lot worse. Overal this was an excelent fanfic and I'll be looking forward too the other arcs. Sorry for late reply, was giving it a few days for comments that weren't forthcoming. Demon isn't the ruler, not in any official capacity. He is just manipulating things from behind the scenes. His character, or certainly his role, is based a bit on Kuja from FFIX (but without the looks, nothing I write is amazingly inventive). Glad you've enjoyed it, dude. Anyway, thought I'd pop up some bios for the characters we've met thus far. Character Profiles Primary Characters [spoiler=Juruo Daisuke]Male, 16, Factory Worker/Resistance member Tall and skinny, pale skin, messy spiked black hair and bright green eyes. A quiet and reserved boy, who has spent his life making the best of a bad situation, but always dreaming of something more than toiling under the oppressive rule that cost his father his life. His involvement in the story may have come about by the hand of fate, having met the rioter Hikari seemingly by chance, and according to Inpachi he has been chosen as the hero to free the enslaved, humans and duel spirits alike. Juruo has embraced this destiny with courage and has developed a heart to succeed, enabling him to overcome difficult situations that may defeat others. That said, he is still haunted by terrible night-mares every night. He is accompanied by his duel spirit, the Decoy Dragon, and uses a Dragunity Deck, that unites the powers of different monsters to unleash the powerful Dragunity Knights. [spoiler=Deck - Dragon Heart]Monsters: -Dragunity Aklys,-Dragunity Brandistock,-Dragunity Darkspear,-Dragunity Javelin,-Dragunity Partisan,-Dragunity Phalanx,-Dragunity Arms Leavatein,-Dragunity Angusticlavii,-Dragunity Dux,-Dragunity Legionnaire,-Dragunity Militum,-Dragunity Primus,-Decoy Dragon, -Totem Dragon, -Masked Dragon Spells: -Dragon Mastery, -Cards of Consonance, -Swords of Revealing Light, -Pot of Duality, -Tribute Doll, -Dragon Treasure, -Dark Piercing Light Traps: -Negate Attack, -Icarus Attack, -Burst Breath, -Windstorm of Etaqua, -Hallowed Life Barrier Extra Deck: -Dragunity Knight Gae Bulg, -Dragunity Knight Gae Dearg, -Dragunity Knight Vajrayana [spoiler=Sabin Krieger]Male, 16, Unemployed Stockier than Juruo, tanned skin, handsome features, slick silver hair in swoop style, dark green eyes. A talented duelist but a flawed human being; Sabin is an orphan who is proud, reckless and rude. He originally used a Deck that he stole, filled with powerful warriors, and used it to commit various crimes as a thief and cheat. Some also considered him a coward, as he had no interest in the current conflict, other than keeping his own neck out of the hangman’s noose. However he has since received a new deck, the Ally of Justice monsters, and seems to have developed a new sense of honour and humanity, rescuing the group on two occasions. He can still be pretty scathing and arrogant to everyone though. [spoiler=Original Deck - Synchro Warrior]Monsters: -Maha Vailo, -Big Shield Gardna, -Marauding Captain, -Familiar Knight, -Sword Master, -Drill Synchron, -Effect Veiler, -Mystic Swordsman Lv2, -Mystic Swordsman Lv4, -Mystic Swordsman Lv6 Spells: -Mask of Brutality, -Mystical Space Typhoon, -Dark Hole, -Synchro Blast Wave, -Fiend Sanctuary, -Level Modulation, -Level Up! Traps: -Dimensional Prison, -Wicked Rebirth, -Reckless Greed, -Urgent Tuning Extra Deck: -Gaia Knight - Force of Earth, -Goyo Guardian, -Colossal Fighter [spoiler=Hikari Shinobu]Female, 16, Resistance member Average body, long brown hair and brown eyes. A strong and independent girl who fights to free the people from the grip of the Empire, although she is not sure how best to serve them. Raised by her father after her mother was taken away by the Empire, now she fights alongside her duel spirit and friend, Rinyan. She is actually quite shy, and seems to have made an instant connection with Juruo, but she does not admit it, and seems to shirk physical contact with people recently. Hikari is a Japanese name meaning ‘child of light’, and uses a Lightsworn Deck, a powerful set that can grant quick access to key cards. [spoiler=Deck - Holy Light]Monsters: -Aurkus Lightsworn Druid, -Ehren Lightsworn Monk, -Jain Lightsworn Paladin, -Lyla Lightsworn Sorceress, -Rinyan Lightsworn Rogue, -Wulf Lightsworn Beast, -Trust Guardian, -Necro Gardna Spells: -Charge of the Light Brigade, -Lightsworn Sabre, -Soul of the Pure Traps: -Lightsworn Barrier,-Defence Draw, -Threatening Roar,-Pikeru’s Circle of Enchantment Extra Deck: -Ancient Sacred Wyvern [spoiler=Vardus Jackson]Male, 34, Leader of the Resistance Tall and broad, dark skin, full body tattoos, neatly combed hair, dark eyes, scarred left cheek and neck. Vardus is the mysterious leader of the Resistance. Some would say he is emotionless to a point. So focused on his goal of overthrowing the Emperor, he can lose sight of other issues, and is very intolerant of his followers who disobey orders. He is a physically intimidating man, covered in tattoos and scars. Vardus uses a Deck called Clear World, which may be seen as symbolic as he fights to free the world of the empire. He was killed by Demon during the assault on the palace. [spoiler=Deck - Clear World]Monsters: -Clear Vice Dragon, -Clear Cube, -Clear Phantom, -Clear Golem, -Clear Knight, -Lava Golem, -Fox Fire, -Totem Dragon, -Oppressed People, -United Resistance Spells: -Clear World, -Creature Swap, -Scroll of Bewitchment, -Heart of Clear Water, -Monster Reborn, -Clear Sacrifice, -Clear Wall Traps: -Solemn Wishes, -Spirit Barrier, -Defence Draw, -A Hero Emerges (It can be assumed, and it is also hinted by Demon, that Vardus also has People Running Around and Huge Revolution in his Deck, although they are not used.) [spoiler=Emperor Nero VIII]Male, 70, Emperor of Sen’nenki and the surrounding kingdom See Royal Cards The ruler of the Empire is in the 50th year of his reign. Five years ago, in fear of losing his position, he outlawed all things involving duel monsters, and had the top duelists exterminated. Since then his reign has become increasingly cruel and oppressive. He is old, but is still strong physically and mentally, perhaps stronger than he has ever been. He was not in the palace during the Resistance’s assault; it is hinted that he has headed to other cities in the south. [spoiler=Demon]Male, age unknown Gaunt skeletal face, pale, sunken eyes with clouded look, spiky black hair, body hidden by cloak Always appearing under a hooded robe, little is known about this man. Rumours among palace servants are that he is an advisor to Nero; others say he is the true holder of the power in the empire. He may once have been human, but he barely resembles it now. The true motives behind his service to the Empire are hard to decipher. He seems to have previous with Vardus. [spoiler=Deck 1 - Dark Ritual]Monsters: -Demise King of Armageddon,-Dark Jeroid, -Newdoria,-Giant Germ, -Stygian Security, -Ritual Raven Spells: -End of the World, -Spell Absorption, -The Dark Door, -Gold Sarcophagus, -Allure of Darkness, -One for One Traps: -Altar for Tribute, -Call of the Haunted Extra Deck: -Stygian Sergeants Secondary Characters [spoiler=Erin Kazoku]Female, 18, Resistance General Tall, athletic, with pale white skin, long light blue hair and penetrating blue eyes. A member of the Resistance, and Melanc’s older sister. Her parents were imprisoned by the Empire five years ago. A cold heart as hard as steel, she is severe, dignified and guarded, but not un-friendly if she lets down the walls around her heart. Her fight against the Empire is fuelled more by a need for personal revenge than for the benefit of others, unlike Juruo and Hikari, and she has made few friends in the Resistance. She protects her brother fiercely. It is currently unknown what Deck she uses. [spoiler=Melanc Kazoku]Male, 10, Resistance member Quite small even for his age, anime spiky light blue hair A member of the Resistance, and Erin’s younger brother. His parents were imprisoned by the Empire five years ago. Bright and bubbly, his personality is a complete contrast to his sisters. Sometimes his exuberance and inability to take anything seriously can be an annoyance for senior members of the Resistance, but nothing gets him down. Melanc idolizes Juruo after he rescued him and his sister from the gallows. It is currently unknown what Deck he uses. [spoiler=Inpachi]No known information See Inpachi card A duel spirit who appears in the Sen'nenki Forest as its protector, he appears as a living tree. He passes on his wisdom to those he believes have the power to defeat those who oppress the duel spirits, giving Juruo and Sabin their new decks. His duel disk seems to grow out of his body. Inpachi uses a deck full of spirits sharing his forests, primarily made of plants, insects, beasts, and other woodland creatures. [spoiler=Deck - Forest Dwellers]Monsters: -Botanical Lion, -Prickle Fairy, -Mystic Tomato, -Lord Poison, -Grow Up Bulb, -Snyffus, -Key Mouse, -Dandylion, -Lord Poison, -Gigaplant, -Green Baboon Defender of the Forest Spells: -Spiritual Forest, -The World Tree, -Fragrance Storm, -Seed Cannon, -Wonder Clover, -Foolish Burial Traps: -Threatening Roar, -Doom Petal Countdown Extra Deck: -Thunder Unicorn, -Voltic Bicorn, -Lightning Tricorn [spoiler=Osborn Dangregores]Male, 21, Head of the Royal Guard Handsome face ruined by scars, blonde hair worn in ponytail, assumedly well built as an elite soldier. A hero of war who was once loved and respected by the people he swore to protect, he is now charged with keeping the city under firm control through force and oppression. He feels remorse for his and the emperor’s actions, but blinds himself to the truth and feels he has no choice but to obey his new orders. Osborn uses a Fusion Deck, including the powerful Arcane Joker Knight as his trump card. He and his Joker were defeated by Juruo, and he was apparently hospitalised. [spoiler=Deck - Royal Knight]Monsters: -Battle Ox, -Mystic Horseman, -Guardian of the Labyrinth, -Protector of the Throne, -Jacks Knight, -Queens Knight, -Kings Knight, -Chiron the Mage Spells: -Polymerization, -Two Man Cell Battle, -Heart of the Underdog, -Pot of Avarice, -Fusion Recovery Traps: -Backup Soldiers Extra Deck: -Giltia the D. Knight, -Rabid Horseman, -Arcane Knight Joker [spoiler=Alpha & Omega]Both male, ages unknown, duelists Alpha is tall and wears white robes and happy mask, whereas Omega is stockier and wears black robes with a sad mask. Two duelists who appear to be working for the Empire. Alpha is tall, wears white robes and a white, happy theatre mask. Omega is stout, wears black robes and corresponding sad theatre mask. They both speak very theatrically, and also seem very religious, despite the evil pasts they vaguely refer too. They use Light and Dark decks respectively, combining to summon the formidable Chaos cards. They disappeared in the explosive blast of Chaos Dragons attack, as they attempted to destroy Juruo and Hikari even at the expense of their own being, and are presumed deceased. [spoiler=Alpha’s Deck - Light of Creation]Monsters: -Black Luster Soldier, -Shining Angel,-Thunder Dragon, -Royal Magical Library, -Airknight Parshath, -Herald of Green Light, -Herald of Orange Light, -Herald of Purple Light,-Magical Merchant Spells: -Mana Seize, -Treasure of Heaven, -Cestus of Dagla, -Broken Bamboo Sword, -Gold Bamboo Sword, -Magical Mallet Traps: -Mirror Force, -Gift of the Mystical Elf [spoiler=Omega’s Deck - Darkness of Oblivion]Monsters: -Chaos Emperor Dragon, -Mystic Tomato, -Armageddon Knight, -Dark Grepher, -Card Guard, -Toon Cannon Soldier, -Destiny Hero Defender, -Destiny Hero Malicious, -Marauding Captain Spells: -Toon Table of Contents, -Allure of Darkness, -Reload, -Share the Pain, -Primal Seed Traps: -Dark Spirit Art - Greed, -Destiny Signal, -Royal Surrender [spoiler=Aerial Skylark]Male, 17, Resistance member Tall and athletic build, long green hair with braids, many ear piercings. A member of the resistance who is a competent duelist, but his true skills lie in his marksmanship and infiltration expertise. He is very laid back in character, and loves to express himself artistically, mostly in the form of whittling wooden figures. He was involved in the unsuccessful attack on the palace as part of Erin’s team, and his fate is as yet unknown. Aerial is known to use a Deck full of Winged Beast monsters, such as Swift Birdman Joe and Simorgh, Bird of Divinity. Minor Characters [spoiler=Emily Daisuke]Female, 40, Factory worker Petite, still quite pretty but has aged badly with stress of lifestyle. Mother of Juruo Daisuke, she works in a factory in the city. Caring and kind, she supports her son in anything he sets out to do, although her worries seem to be taking their toll on her physically. She has fled the Empire at her son’s wishes to keep her safe. [spoiler=Father Bartholomew]Male, 85, Priest Crippled old man with a slight stoop. Receding white hair and bushy white beard. An old priest in a church in Sen'nenki. Father Bartholomew is a kind and supportive figure to Hikari, giving her the shelter and strength to carry on with her cause, despite his original concerns. He suffered an awful fate at the hands of Alpha & Omega. [spoiler=Nataka]Male, 63, Resistance General Old and thin. Bushy eyebrows and long beard. Long hair tied back with a clip. Wears fine battle robes. Name is a play on ‘Katana’. A general in the resistance, he is an old and noble warrior, who is highly respected as a wise veteran of many battles. It would appear he uses a Six Samurai deck. His squad was heavily ambushed during the assault on the palace, and his fate is currently unknown. [spoiler=Chetema]Male, 33, Resistance General Large and muscular. Wild looking, with dark brown eyes, long dreadlocks and a scruffy beard. Name is a play on ‘Machete’. A general in the resistance, a dreadlocked barbarian of a man who uses brute strength to wield his tremendous sword in battle. He is a duelist, but prefers sword fighting. His squad was heavily ambushed during the assault on the palace, and his fate is currently unknown. [spoiler=Chou Mishima]Female, 15, Resistance member A pretty young girl of Asain descent, she is the daughter of Goro, and a duelist. She was in Chetema’s squad during the events at the palace. Her name means ‘butterfly’ in Japanese. [spoiler=Goro Mishima]Male, 42, Resistance member and head chef A pudgy, balding, heavily tattooed man who serves as a cook in the resistance, and as a duelist. He was in Erin’s squad during the events at the palace. A Japanese name, which sounds like ‘engorge’. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted March 2, 2011 Report Share Posted March 2, 2011 Woot. Three chapters. Let's see. It is my firm belief that, as the writer approaches a breakpoint in his story, for example, the end of an arc, he tends to rush things. He sets mental goals for himself that must be reached by that time, and hurries to expose the readers to those things, turning the story into a slight infodump or resorting to extremely fast plot progression. We saw that happen in Dead Zone. I'm glad to say that there was none of this here. The last three chapters were perfectly smooth, and it would not be a stretch to say they were perhaps the most powerful in the entire story so far. The 13th chapter was awesome, Sabin's duel was easily one of my favorites so far. The set-up for the resistance assault was nice, too. As I was reading through the last two chapters, I set the music to loop Dimmu Borgir's Puritania. Turns out it was just the right choice, especially for Vardus' and Demon's duel. Revealing Demon so soon was something I did not expect, but I actually liked it better that way. I was sad, though, that Vardus was killed. And I would have liked some more exposition on what the other resistance groups did before they all converged on the throne room. Sabin's rescue was epic (this character has officially claimed the top slot in my preference list), and the whole escape on the D-Wheels was an awesome scene, too (THEY ARE NOT CALLED DUEL RUNNERS DAMNIT). As the arc ends, it left me with appropriate amounts of satisfaction and curiosity. The characters are all devastated, having made a narrow escape after losing their leader and who-knows-how-many others. Hikari and Juruo should get some epic development in arc 2 as they understand the true meaning of their resistance. And of course, time is growing short, as Demon's plans begin taking effect. GO SABIN GO! It is not often that you see a story that the author stays true to for this long, not on these forums at least. I strongly believe in its potential, and you've been doing an excellent job so far with it, building up your skills and delivering a greater performance with each passing chapter. I look forward to the second arc. But also, Erin is not a main character? :Sadface (and I will take this chance to say that the character profiles were good, but I'd have liked it if you had organized the info better (see DZ again for reference), especially the cards, which were really confusing botched up in there) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2011 Thanks Saber, please treat yourself to several points (will post in guild shortly). Happy I finished on such a high it seems. I keep thinking things look cliche or rushed so good to have such a complimentary review. Goes to Youtue to listen to Puritania. Awesome song :lol: Demon's deck has been one of my favourite decks to make up, consists of about 55 cards at the minute got to cut it down a bit. With bios, I am a very symmetrical person (not quite OCD but nearly) so had to have six characters per slot (only reason I gave Chou and Goro short bios). Erin, and to a degree Melanc, will become a major characters in the next arc. Especially when they get their decks... Will space out cards a bit as requested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Hello readers. Just a little update on when the next arc will commence. I have had an epically busy week at work, so have had limited writing time or energy. Next week will be even busier when I start my new job, as a night porter in a 4 star hotel. Working hours being 10PM until 6AM about 3 or 4 days a week. Obviously this is going to have an effect on my lifestyle while I adjust to becoming an owl. At this point in time, I have more or less finished the first 6 chapters of arc two. This may seem a lot, but given how hectic life is at right now, I'd prefer to get a bit ahead of the game and into my new routine before releasing. (I had more or less written 8 chapters when I posted Chapt 1 of arc one, and finished Chapter 15 the day it was posted). Therefore: YU-GI-OH! ARMAGEDDON - ARC TWO - WILL BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY 16TH MARCH... See you then. Matt (Bahamut Zero) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Ah, well, it's still a nice job, and as long as the money is worth it... and wow, 8 chapters done already is quite a big headstart. I'm certainly looking forward to the beginning of the next arc. I already have a few ideas on how the story will take off from the next chapter, can't wait to see how right or wrong I am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Hey guys. Been a while since anything got posted here, but I thought I'd give you this little 'bonus' secret chapter ahead of next weeks start proper. Couple of reasons for this:- Bit of a preview/taster ahead of Arc Two.- My OCD'ness needing the same number of duels in each arc.- Get used to putting links back in. Yeah, they're back.- It does actually add to the story a bit, but obviously you guys judge that. Hope you enjoy... [spoiler=Bonus Interval Chapter 1]It was a dreadful night. Lightning flashed across the sky, and rain pelted down heavily on the man’s back, as he sprinted through the narrow cobbled streets. Behind him he could hear the guards pursuing him in their heavy armour. There were possibly two, maybe three of them. Turning another corner, hoping to lose them, the man looked for some sort of refuge, but every door was closed, every friendly place now wanted nothing to do with him. ‘This is ridiculous. I am a champion duelist. Why run when these guards are no match for me?’ Gathering his courage, the man stopped in the middle of the street, and turned to face his pursuers. Two guards in standard palace armour approached him; smiles of smug confidence broke across their faces as they cornered their prey. Behind them, a man in a black hooded cloak, casually walking through the rain as if this was a pleasant evening stroll. Without a word, the man activated a contraption on his left wrist. A round shield was attached to his arm, but it also doubled up as a duel disk, inside was a deck that he had won countless titles with. The two guards did the same with similar mechanisms opposite him, while the cloaked figure simply watched. “Let’s duel!” The guards went first, each inserting a warrior monster into their duel shields that appeared before them, a veteran swords master called Masaki the Legendary Swordsman, and another fighter known as Hero of the East. Their quarry drew another card as he began his own turn. “You may try to arrest me on these absurd charges, but I will not go down without a fight. First I shall play Hand Destruction. This forces all of us to select two cards in our hands and discard them. Then we can draw two more cards.” The man held up his selected cards so the guards could see. “I elect to discard two copies of my White Stone of Legend. By doing so, in addition to the cards drawn by the effect of Hand Destruction, I can add two more, very special cards to my hand. Next I summon Kaibaman to the field.” A sudden look of fear replaced the confidence of the guards, as a seemingly ordinary man appeared from the cards portal, wearing a long white coat with a hood covering his face, which was shaped like a legendary dragons head. “Now I activate Kaibaman’s special effect. By releasing him, I can summon from my hand the ultimate bringer of destruction. The Blue Eyes White Dragon.” There was an ear-splitting roar from on high as his most powerful card descended from the heavens. The legendary dragon, with bluey white scales that shimmered in the little moonlight and the rain. Its giant wings could blow a building down with a single beat. It’s curved claws that could rip through steel. Its big sapphire blue eyes. The dragon was a powerful yet majestic beast. “Next I activate Ancient Rules. This lets me summon a level five or higher monster from my hand instantly. So here comes my second Blue Eyes White Dragon.” A second dragon floated down from the clouds and stood beside the other. The man roared “Attack!” over the wind, and both dragons unleashed their incredible onslaught, generating and firing spheres of pure white energy from their maws that decimated the warriors. “I end my turn with two face down cards. Your move.” The panic-stricken guards tried to regain their composure, having already lost half of their life points to these beasts. One of them activated a spell card, and a dangerous one at that. Dark Hole would destroy both of his dragons, but what kind of champion would not be prepared for such a move? “I activate my Magic Jammer trap card. By throwing away the last card in my hand, I negate your spell.” With no other alternative, each guard summoned new copies of their previous monsters in defence mode, to try to protect themselves from losing any more life points. The standard guard deck really was no match for taking on a five time duel monsters champion. He drew his next card, at this point it didn’t matter what it was, but this card would end this one turn quicker. “I activate my face down card, Birthright. This special summons a normal monster from my graveyard in attack mode. One that I discarded to activate Magic Jammer. There is no prize for guessing who it is.” Sure enough, the third and final white dragon emerged from the skies. The man smiled as he revealed his last card. “Now I activate Burst Stream of Destruction. This enables one of my blue eyes to take out all of your monsters in one shot, leaving the other two free to attack you directly.” Three spheres of energy crashed into the guards, whose bodies crumpled from the shock. There loss was most regrettable to the man, but he would do whatever it took to defend himself, his wife, and his young child. The cloaked stranger looked down at the still bodies by his feet. “The standard duel shields really are quite useless at suppressing the imagination of pain, aren’t they? Any idiot knows you can’t be killed in a duel, unless you force your brain to believe you’ve been killed. Not that someone like you would feel any remorse for these men anyway. You didn’t after what you did to me.” The man opened his cloak to reveal something to the man. He realised who exactly he was dealing with now. “The cause of your injuries was an accident, for which you only have yourself to blame for pushing things further than you could handle. You call me remorseless, what about the way you’ve turned in all those duelists to the Empire in this ridiculous witch-hunt, knowing full well what would happen to them. You are a traitor to everyone who has ever trained you.” The cloaked man smirked. “Maybe, but those people betrayed me first. Betrayal is the only way to get ahead in life. With duelists like you out of the picture, no-one will be able to stand up to us. Now just try to beat me.” With that, the mysterious villain activated his own shield, without waiting for his opponent to reset his own. “I’ll summon this monster in defence mode, and throw another card face down.” The image of a small mechanical monster appeared, along with the back of a face down card. “Fine, I’ll stop you whatever it takes” the man snapped, snatching out his next card. “From my hand, I can discard King of the Swamp in exchange for a Polymerization from my deck. Then I think I’ll use that to fuse together my three dragons into one all powerful beast. Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon.” Once were the three dragons had stood side by side, now there was only one, the giant three headed beast that was the merged, ultimate form of the blue eyes. All three heads roared in unison as they prepared to attack the cloaked duelist’s monster. Three streams of energy descended on it, and faded, but the monster remained unharmed. The cloaked man shook with laughter. “You’ll have to do better than that. Once per turn, my monster isn’t destroyed by battle. Now with your hand empty, I believe it’s my move.” The cloaked man paused as he looked at his card. “Your precious blue eyes are dinosaurs as far as I’m concerned. They may have been all powerful back in the day, but times have changed, progress has been made. What I’m about to summon is the perfect proof of that.” The duelist revealed his drawn card, a spell, and his lips twisted into a sick grin. His opponent gasped in horror. “No, that’s...” The man did not complete his sentence, as the cloaked stranger threw his monster on the field and almost every card in his hand into the graveyard as he activated his card’s effect. ... People in the houses of the slum looked out of their windows, as the ground began to shake. Screams filled the air as a black portal opened up in the rainy sky. A flash of lightning revealed its full body. From the portal had emerged a mechanical, five headed nightmare. It towered over the three headed dragon it was facing as if it was an insignificant bug. Everyone looking out of their windows could see it, and they would realise what the new age of the Empire was all about. The gigantic monstrosity unleashed a barrage of high energy attacks, one after the other, that obliterated the dragon, and its master standing down below. ... The defeated duelist was hauled into the prison cart by a pair of burly guards. Depositing him inside, they got back into their seats and set off, the victor walking off down a side alley and disappearing into the night. Staggering upright in his cell, the man looked through the bars of the window, just as it pulled past his own home, where inside, his wife and son would be waiting for a return that would never come. 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Lexadin Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Nice to read another "chapter" from you again. Well I liked it. Good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Umbra Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 So far, I have read through three stories from the Writer's Guild roster - Dead Zone, Spiritual Ruin and this, Armageddon - and so far I have to say that I'm impressed with the kind of stories that YCM is capable of, even now. You certainly didn't see this abundance of good stories back then. There is an elephant in the room when it comes to Armageddon, though. One that isn't crucial to the story itself, but one that distracts me, the reader, and making me unable to enjoy it to the fullest extent. I see the grammar and the word choice of someone who has spoken a lot of English, but hasn't been writing as much. At one point - I think it was Demon's disappearance - the lack of a comma made me believe that Juruo had vanished with him. You see how that could be a problem, don't you? Nonetheless, so far it's a good story. I will admit that I didn't think much of it until after a few chapters in, not exactly at the duel but somewhere around there. The other glaring problem that I can think of is that it feels very chopped up at places. The chapters sometimes have days, if not weeks, in between, for what seems to be no particular reason. Sometimes you skip directly from Point A to Point B. It is fairly cliché, but clichés are there for a reason; they make a rather good story. Demon revealing that he is The Man Behind The Man in his first appearance with the protagonists seems a bit unmotivated, but there's obviously a lot of underlying struggle between him and the Resistance. I do think it's a good story, don't get me wrong, and I look forward to reading the next arc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 Well it's Wednesday 16th March... so... So far, I have read through three stories from the Writer's Guild roster - Dead Zone, Spiritual Ruin and this, Armageddon - and so far I have to say that I'm impressed with the kind of stories that YCM is capable of, even now. You certainly didn't see this abundance of good stories back then. There is an elephant in the room when it comes to Armageddon, though. One that isn't crucial to the story itself, but one that distracts me, the reader, and making me unable to enjoy it to the fullest extent. I see the grammar and the word choice of someone who has spoken a lot of English, but hasn't been writing as much. At one point - I think it was Demon's disappearance - the lack of a comma made me believe that Juruo had vanished with him. You see how that could be a problem, don't you? Fair enough. Will try to cut out the errors as I'm typing and hopefully I'm getting better. Nonetheless, so far it's a good story. I will admit that I didn't think much of it until after a few chapters in, not exactly at the duel but somewhere around there. The other glaring problem that I can think of is that it feels very chopped up at places. The chapters sometimes have days, if not weeks, in between, for what seems to be no particular reason. Sometimes you skip directly from Point A to Point B. That's okay. As for time shifts, there's only been one major shift in time during Chapter 8, where a week passed and really not a lot happened, apart from Juruo and Hikari's training and Nero's fruitless attempts to find them. This shouldn't be a problem in the future. It is fairly cliché, but clichés are there for a reason; they make a rather good story. Demon revealing that he is The Man Behind The Man in his first appearance with the protagonists seems a bit unmotivated, but there's obviously a lot of underlying struggle between him and the Resistance. I do think it's a good story, don't get me wrong, and I look forward to reading the next arc. Thanks, good to get more opinions from other talented writers. Actually just nice to have a third/fourth person comment. Now, as promised, Arc Two can begin... And we begin with a duel in the first chapter. I've started using some more uptodate terminology for duels, and putting the summaries in spoilers, hope that improves things a little. [spoiler=The story so far...]Set in the year 3170, the world has moved forward into a new age, ruled by Nero and the Empire. Fearing an uprising, the emperor hunted down all the top duelists who might oppose him, and with no hope of freedom, the poor were made to suffer as the tyrant’s power grew. Amongst them was Juruo Daisuke, a teenage boy who struggled to look after his mother after his father was killed by the Empire. One night he meets a young girl called Hikari, who is fighting against the oppressors. He also meets a duel spirit, and receives a deck of duel monsters, given to him as his destined fate to save this world, and the spirit world. He, along with the rogue Sabin Krieger, rescues Hikari from the gallows, and they join the Resistance, lead by the powerful Vardus Jackson. Juruo and Hikari are forced to fight strange assailants who drop hints of a formidable master and the end of the world. This master is later seen during an unsuccessful raid on the palace, as the being known as Demon killed Vardus after a duel, and disappeared, claiming to have one of three pieces he needs to bring ultimate destruction. Juruo and Hikari, along with the Resistance general Erin and her little brother Melanc, are rescued again by Sabin. Sabin has also been touched by the hand of fate vaguely referred to in a trip to the spirit world, where he acquired his new deck. Now the group have fled the city. [spoiler=Chapter 16]Chapter 16 - Around a Campfire Somewhere to the south of the giant capital city, in a clearing amongst a small thicket of trees, five young duelists could be found sat around a small fire that flickered weakly in the gloom. The five sat there in silence, each staring solemnly into the dying embers, deep in thought. The first was a lanky teenager, with a mess of spiky black hair that flopped down in front of his face, having been messed up by his discarded helmet. Blood was splattered across his face and clothing. The flames danced in front of his sparkling green eyes. He could see the city they had left behind in the fire, the burning palace they had barely escaped from with their lives. To his left was a tall girl with long brown hair that was splattered across her red face. She was physically and mentally exhausted by the nights events, bearing the scars of battle as the bandages wrapped around her stomach concealed a stab wound to the stomach. Next to her another young man was lying flat on his back, staring at the sky. His tanned skin and toned muscles were exposed by his torn and tattered shirt. He forced his hands back through his usually slick silver hair, pushing it back into place. The final two members of this strange group were siblings; a small boy with a wild blue hairstyle, whose breathing was shallow and unsteady, and a young woman with light blue hair and ghostly white skin, still wearing her dented and bloodstained armour, staring into the fire with empty eyes, seemingly unaffected by the world around her, as she locked herself into her own little place. “So what now?” Melanc’s question went unanswered for what seemed like an age. He glanced from one person to the next, desperate for some answer, each was stony and silent. This was the most scared he had ever been in his life. Previously that moment had been waking up in the middle of the night when he was five to find no-one around and the house ransacked. He had hidden under his bed for several hours, terrified, until his sister Erin found him and taken them away from their ruined home. They lived in an orphanage, until they were recruited by the Resistance, which had become his second home. His second home to be destroyed by the Empire. “Well you could start by getting me filled in on current events” Sabin said as he pushed himself upright. “Seems like I missed out on a lot, before I busted in and saved all your backs from the guards. Personally I’d quite like to know what that tree dude encouraged me to risk my neck for.” Juruo nodded, it was a reasonable request. “Vardus and the other generals of the resistance conducted a strike on the palace, in which we were all involved. We were split into three groups and snuck into three different areas of the grounds at the same time, our aim to take out the Emperor. However, we all immediately ran into guards. Somehow they knew exactly where and when we would hit. Miraculously, us four made our separate ways to the throne room, where we found Vardus facing this... Demon character. He killed Vardus, then he disappeared, just before you showed up.” “Right, so about this Demon guy. He working for the emperor?” “No, I don’t think so. More like he is manipulating the emperor. He said he’s been there for more than five years; he may have steadily taken Nero’s power over time, or perhaps he has been in control all along, controlling him. That’s the problem, we don’t know that much.” Hikari chipped in. “Vardus seemed to recognise him though. The way they were talking, they seemed to have encountered each other before.” “He said something about the ultimate destruction, and having secured one card of many that he needs to bring it about. He also said he was heading south. I don’t suppose you know anything Erin?” The woman shrugged irritably. “There are more legends circulating about ultimate cards and terrible disasters than I can care to recall, each as farfetched as the next. No doubt Demon is bad news, but until we know more there is not much we can hope to achieve. However we cannot return to the city. If we are to head south, we should go to the city of Sennen’Yama, where we can meet other resistance groups and be safe. Maybe then, if you’re still curious, we can find out more. In the meantime, let’s just sleep.” Given their respective weary and injured states, this wasn’t a bad idea. The three Duel Runners all had basic living supplies in the small compartments, including some blankets, first aid kits, and the like. Erin handed one of the blankets to Hikari, before taking one for her and her brother to sleep under. This left Juruo and Sabin sharing. The fire was put out, and the party eventually feel into peaceful slumber, into their own dream worlds where they could for a while escape the unfolding horror of the real world. ... He was alone in a circular room, a dark arena with ominous carvings on the walls, contorted shadows cast by the dim light of blood red candles in skull fittings. Before him stood the sinister Demon, he was sure of it, garbed in black robe, face obscured by the long hood. The dreadful axe warrior Demise rose in a sea of twisting blue fire, his weapon of devastation raised high above its head. He was trapped, he couldn’t move, he couldn’t defend himself as the axe came down... The lights went out...... “You must stop Demon, Juruo. It is your fate...” Juruo lurched bolt upright, sweating and panting. Well, at least he knew who it was facing him in these nightmares now, but it didn’t make them any more terrifying. That voice he heard before he woke up though, that was new. He thought back to the events of the palace when he had seen his tormentor for real. He had been unable to move, unable to speak, or to think clearly he was so overcome by fear. Maybe a walk would clear his head. He looked down to see if he had disturbed Sabin at all. He wasn’t there. Juruo found him a little way away in the trees. For some reason, he was crouched low, and he was staring intently into the darkness, his duel shield armed and ready, and a small card spirit by his side, a small warrior in a black and purple battle suit, a red plume producing from its helmet. Juruo knelt down beside him, the silver haired warrior paid no attention to his presence. “What’s up? Someone there?” Sabin frowned. “Thought I heard something, that’s all. You hear it too?” Juruo mumbled the word ‘nightmare’ with some embarrassment. Sabin didn’t seem the kind of guy who would be too comforting in the face of a mere bad dream. He continued to stare straight ahead, not looking at Juruo once when he asked “Demon?” Juruo nodded. Although he was not sympathetic, at least he wasn’t going to mock him for it. The pair waited a few minutes in awkward silence, looking out into the dark trees in front of them. Juruo eventually couldn’t help breaking it with a yawn. “Well you should still try and get some more shut eye. Sleep is a natural healer. Wouldn’t want you to crash that runner tomorrow. I’ll give you a couple of minutes to get off if you want.” Juruo wasn’t fooled; something was still concerning Sabin himself. However he thanked him, and made his way back to the group. Sabin remained on his silent vigil, waiting for the slightest sign of what he suspected. They had ridden far enough to get away from the guards, who would do well to be more concerned with getting the palace and the city back into order than to go on a hunt for them, for now anyway. But there was definitely somebody hidden in the black ahead of him, and he had a sinking feeling he knew who it was. He often had hunches like this, and he was usually right. He severely hoped he wasn’t this time. ... Faint streams of light shone through the leaves onto the face of Hikari, causing to blearily open her eyes. None of the others were awake yet. She looked around the illuminated forest they had stayed in; in the morning light it was actually a nice little place. She could a running stream somewhere nearby, there were birds singing in the leafy branches, and all was peaceful. Why couldn’t the world be like this little glade of simple happiness? A pain shot through her side, breaking her blissful thinking and waking her to the real world. Remembering her wounds from the battle, she sat up and lifted her shirt, and removed the bandages around her waist. She stared miserably at the forming of another wicked scar on her side where the dagger had entered her body. She had only been able to do a slapdash job during the assault, but the wound was starting to heal up slowly, she wasn’t losing any more blood and it didn’t look infected, but the ugly mark looked permanent. She grimaced slightly as she stood; she didn’t seem to be in immediate danger at least, although it would take a while longer for any internal injuries to heal. She found the box of medical supplies and wrapped herself in fresh bandages, before hastily replacing her top as the others began to stir. The group had decided the previous night not hang around for too long. Everyone got dressed into their usual attire they had worn under the heavy armour they had fought in. The armour would have to be discarded here, as it was too bulky to ride around in for long periods and could not be carried as luggage. There were no food provisions on the runners, so after a quick pack up, the group saddled up as they had before, and set off for the southern village that Erin had mentioned. The runners had an intercom system between them, but nobody was speaking much, save for the odd change of direction. After an hour’s ride they approached the edge of the small village. Juruo had argued they should try not to raise suspicion and leave the runners outside the village and walk in, however Erin and Sabin had agreed they should not let the precious runners out of their sight, and wanted them on hand if they needed a quick getaway. So the convoy rode down the main road of the village, Juruo’s concerns went unrealised as not many people were up yet anyway. They stopped outside the village store, where the girls went inside to get some food supplies (thankfully the duel runners did have a stash of coins in each of them, either for emergencies, or because the owners hid some ill-gotten gains there.) The three guys waited outside; Sabin was looking around as unsettled as he was the night before, whereas Melanc just sat quietly with his head down. Juruo had never seen him like this. “Don’t worry Mel. We won’t let you get hurt, alright. We’re all going to look out for each other until we figure this out. Something will turn up.” The pep talk did not go down too well. The group were soon back on the road again, now stocked up enough until they could reach the second city sometime tomorrow. The sun passed idly across the sky as they continued on, each person immersed in their own thought. Juruo glanced back at Hikari, who was resting with her head against his shoulder, a frown of discomfort on her face. Maybe she was still tired from the effects of her injuries. He pressed a button on the panel in front of him marked ‘Contact’. This bought up the display in front of him, and began a transmission to the other runners. The screen display on the front of the runner flashed up, showing Sabin and Erin’s faces. “So guys, do you know much about the city we are heading for?” Erin nodded. “Sennen’Yama is the sub-capital of the Empire, it is about a third of the size of Sen’nenki no Toride, and populated by a similar proportion. Its main function for the Empire is its mining resources in the nearby mountains, thus the production house for many of the weapons used in the war. The area is run by a man called Governor Pallas. He was elected by Nero to run the province five years ago.” “About the same time as the ban on duel monsters, and the start of the major change in governmental rule then?” Juruo thought this was a bit of a strange occurrence. Erin nodded again. “This is not such a shocking coincidence. The previous governor of the city was found dead in his sleep, a few days after returning to the city from Sen’nenki, where he had met with Emperor Nero to discuss the new direction his rule was taking. Obviously his objection was not met to well. Pallas was part of our ruler’s inner circle in the capital, and just turned up in the city at the same time, announcing he had been appointed by the emperor as the governor’s successor.” “Pallas is Nero’s yes-man” Sabin interrupted. “He’s fat, bald, and stupid. He just does what Nero tells him to do, and takes great pleasure in doing it. Pallas has never been afraid to get his own chubby hands dirty to get himself ahead, if you know what I mean.” “Do you think he’s important to Demon?” Erin frowned with thought. “Maybe Pallas isn’t important, but something within his walls is. Sennen’Yama would be an obvious place to secure an item of power. The Resistance has members there fighting against the Empire there. I can get us to them, however we won’t reach the city tonight. My radar is picking up a desolate farm up ahead; the nearest village is several miles away from it. The place looks deserted, could be an ideal stop for the night.” It was still mid-afternoon, but they decided to check the place out, as it could well be perfect for them to stay there. Erin lead the way to the abandoned farm, and as they drove up a muddy track leading up to the house on a hill, it was immediately apparent no-one had lived here for some time. There were several broken windows, wild plant life covered the walls, and the slate roof had collapsed in places. No-one would disturb them here. The riders dismounted and went inside; the stone floor magnified the sounds of their footsteps as they explored the empty house. Well, at least it was shelter. The group began to set up in the front room, Sabin somehow managed to spark some life into the old fireplace. Juruo looked over this rag tag group of young fighters and duelists. There seemed to have been so many chance meetings that had bought the five of them together. He shrugged as he went outside to his runner. Things were weird, but they had to fight together if any of them were going to survive. They were surely outlaws now, he thought as he pushed open the battered front door. All of five of them had lost one or both parents to the Empire. He could easily have been lost in this haze for some time, but a noise in front of him made his idle brain snap into focus. He stopped as he gasped in surprise. Standing five yards in front of him was a small girl, only slightly taller than Mel, and she was staring straight at him. If looks could kill, Juruo would have been done in by the menace in her grey eyes. The girl had tanned skin and a freckled face, black hair that fell in two long braided pigtails, and was dressed in a simple shirt and skirt combination. In her right arm she cradled an old and worn teddy bear, on her left arm was a small duel shield. The two starred at each other, each frozen by the others presence. “Murderer.” Juruo blinked in shock at the one word address. The little girl glowered at him, her fists had clenched and turned slightly lighter. Confused by the bizarre appearance of this girl, Juruo struggled for an answer. “Excuse me?” “You heard me! You’re a murderer. You killed my daddy, and now I’m gonna make you pay for it.” Juruo looked at the girl again, something about her face and her grey eyes bothered him. The fight in the palace grounds flashed before his vision, the sight of a spear holder charging him, of him and the spirit of his Dragunity Legionnaire double teaming the guard, of him thrusting his sword into the man’s neck... “No way. You can’t possibly be... Carla?” The girl nodded. “You think you can just get away with killing people, you bastard? When I woke up this morning, I got a knock on the door from one of the palace servants to tell me of my daddy’s death in a riot caused by the Resistance. I couldn’t believe it, so he took me to the palace cemetery where he was being buried. Despair consumed me. My daddy was all I had, and you took him away from me!” She shouted the last few words. “Hey Juruo, are you... what on earth?” Sabin had just come outside, and blinked at the incredible scene he had walked in on. Here was Juruo facing this little girl with a duel shield, which she had now activated, and she was staring into the disbelieving face of her foe with pure hatred. “While I was mourning at the cemetery, this tall guy is black came over to me. He offered to help me find you, and gave me this deck. Now I’m gonna make sure you never hurt anyone else like you hurt me. I’m going to duel with this deck I was given to beat you. If I do, you have to surrender your cards. Then you can never use them to hurt anyone again.” Juruo and Sabin looked at each other. Sabin raised an eyebrow. “Care to explain?” “Well, I don’t know how she’s got here and found us, but this girl is the daughter of a guard at the palace who we fought last night. I... I killed him...” “I see. Well, she doesn’t look like she’s going to just accept an apology for defending yourself. Maybe you should duel her. Her anger might cool off a little. Besides, she said she only got this deck this morning, how good can she be?” Juruo nodded, maybe if they duelled, he would be able to calm this girl down, and explain things to her. “I accept your terms Carla. If I lose, I will throw away my deck. You have my word.” “Let’s duel!” The two duelists stood across the front of the dilapidated farmhouse, one looking uneasy, the other fuelled by hatred. Sabin disappeared back into the house briefly, before re-emerging with Erin, Mel and Hikari, who despite any explanation he had given them, looked on bewildered none the less. Both decks shuffled automatically in their slots as they drew their opening hands, Juruo was given the go ahead by a randomizer on the shield to add a sixth, and take turn one. “I’ll make the first move, and I’ll start by activating my field spell, Dragon Ravine. Then I’ll summon Masked Dragon in attack mode.” The atmosphere changed as Juruo activated his field spell, a hologram shot out of the shield around the group; the house disappeared to be replaced by the image of towering walls of rock that surrounded them as they stood in the ravine, it was incredibly lifelike. The muscular grey and red dragon descended from a cave in the rock face, roaring as it took to the field (ATK: 1400). Carla drew a sixth card from her duel shield, somehow still holding onto her battered teddy bear as she did so. “I summon The Hunter with Seven Weapons in attack.” A travelled warrior with a scarred face appeared, carrying all kinds of swords, axes, arrows and other weapons on him (ATK: 1000). “Now when I summon my hunter, I’m allowed to select one kind of monster, and then when he does battle with a monster of that type, Hunters attack points are doubled. I choose Dragon types. Now attack!” Juruo blinked in shock as the warrior selected a sword from a hilt on his back, and charged his dragon (ATK: 2000), leaping into the air and crashing down to vanquish the beast. He grimaced from the pain shooting across his mind as his dragon fell (LP: 3400). “My dragon’s special ability is activated. When he is destroyed by battle, I can summon another dragon from my deck. I choose Dragunity Javelin.” The yellow dragon emerged from a cave to his right and descended, settling itself by his side (ATK: 1200). “That won’t help you against my hunter. I set one card face down and end my turn.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 2]Juruo - Front Row: Javelin. Back Row: Dragon Ravine. Hand: 4 LP: 3400Carla - Front Row: Hunter with Seven Weapons. Back Row: Face Down. Hand: 4 LP: 4000 “Look, I’m sorry for what happened to your dad Carla. But you have to understand, I was just trying to protect myself and my friends. Which I will do now if you force me to. I summon Dragunity Legionnaire in attack mode. And because he is a winged beast type monster, he can defeat your huntsman.” The winged strongman emerged from his usual spectacular entrance of a feathery whirlwind, and immediately charged Carla’s monster, knocking it into submission. Carla scowled at the loss of her defences (LP: 3800). “Oh yeah, well maybe if you hadn’t broke into the palace in the first place this wouldn’t have happened. My daddy was just trying to raise money for us to live on, and to protect me from monsters like you.” Juruo was stunned by this. “I’m not a monster Carla. The monster is controlling the guard your dad served for, we’re just trying to...” His words failed him for a moment; he didn’t know what to say to this girl. He wanted to explain how if they had overthrown Nero there would be no more fighting for anyone, and no one would die anymore. He also couldn’t bring himself to attack her directly with Javelin. He felt sick, as though he had hurt her enough. Hikari picked up on his feelings. “Carla, we’re sorry. But listen to me. We’ve all lost people we love to the Empire. If we can stop Nero, then none of us would have to...” “You shut up! I don’t wanna hear it! You took my daddy away!” Tears were streaming furiously down Carla’s face now. “I activate my trap card, Dragon Capture Jar, which forces all dragons on the field into defence mode.” A bronze urn appeared on the field, the face of a dragon sculpted into its design. The jar glowed an ominous red, and overcome by its power, Javelin was forced into a shielding stance (DEF: 800). “Alright Carla, we’ll do this your way. I lay a face down card and call it a turn.” Juruo waited for her next move. He didn’t get this. The effects of this Dragon Capture Jar were devastating for him, but it was just such a situational card to have in ones deck, it would only affect one in twenty monsters. But to his deck, it would stop more than half his monsters from attacking. There was something really wrong with this, the mysterious appearance of this girl in the middle of nowhere who was drawing her next card. “Now I’m going to perform a Special Summon. By removing The Hunter with Seven Weapons from my graveyard, I can summon Gigantes to the field. But he’s not sticking around, as I’m going to release him in order to summon this beast who will wield my pain against you. Dragon Seeker.” The image of a wild warrior flickered briefly, only to be replaced by a tremendous fiend. Made out of twisted rocks of blue and green, wings sprouting from its back, long claws ready to strike, the fierce beast rose from the ground (ATK: 2000). Carla looked up at her new protector and forced a smile despite her anger and tears. “When Dragon Seeker is summoned, it automatically destroys one dragon on the field. Now you can see your inevitable doom, can’t you? I have christened these cards gifted to me as my ‘Dragonslayer’ deck. Everything you bring out will be crippled by my cards, and they in turn grow stronger against your dragons. I said you will pay for what you’ve done to me, and I will, because this deck has been made specifically to take you out!” Updates should hopefully continue with the Monday, Wednesday, Friday pattern uninterrupted, given I'm fairly far ahead of you all. There may be a gap towards the end as the license on my Internet protection (Kasperspy) expires, so until I get that renewed I wouln't be on, shouldn't be a problem and will let you all know if it is. So, thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 Hmm. The in-between chapter... hmm. I did not like it. It was just too detached, and due to its nature, as you revealed nothing, it made it rather... random. If we aren't at a time when you could reveal more to us concerning the characters that were revealed or the events that transpired in that chapter, perhaps it wasn't the right time for it. There's such a thing as too much obscurity, but interval chapters are meant to explain some things, maybe give a glimpse into the past of a character, generally answer questions, not give birth to many more. The story was a nice touch, but it could have been done much better. As for the following chapter, it was great. You really managed to paint a great image of the situation following the failed raid. Some things did seem a little convenient to me (the D-Wheels having all sorts of supplies, noone suffering from serious injuries etc), but it was generally really good. Only complaint is the duel with Carla. That, I feel came way too soon. The whole plotline with Juruo killing and dealing with the consequences, including the appearance of the girl, should have been left for later in my view. This chapter could have ended on an excellent note as a transitional chapter without a duel, but anyway. The duel itself was pretty good, it will be interesting to see Dragunities versus anti-dragons, maybe Juruo will pop some Winged Beast power instead (Vortex the Whirlwind and stuff). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexadin Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Well I know my oppinion, doesn't really matters. Though the idea of the family member of the killed guard coming back with an anti Deck is, though also predictable, also very enjoyable. Well it just gives it some more spice. Anyway, great new chapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2011 Hmm. The in-between chapter... hmm. I did not like it. It was just too detached, and due to its nature, as you revealed nothing, it made it rather... random. If we aren't at a time when you could reveal more to us concerning the characters that were revealed or the events that transpired in that chapter, perhaps it wasn't the right time for it. There's such a thing as too much obscurity, but interval chapters are meant to explain some things, maybe give a glimpse into the past of a character, generally answer questions, not give birth to many more. The story was a nice touch, but it could have been done much better. As for the following chapter, it was great. You really managed to paint a great image of the situation following the failed raid. Some things did seem a little convenient to me (the D-Wheels having all sorts of supplies, noone suffering from serious injuries etc), but it was generally really good. Only complaint is the duel with Carla. That, I feel came way too soon. The whole plotline with Juruo killing and dealing with the consequences, including the appearance of the girl, should have been left for later in my view. This chapter could have ended on an excellent note as a transitional chapter without a duel, but anyway. The duel itself was pretty good, it will be interesting to see Dragunities versus anti-dragons, maybe Juruo will pop some Winged Beast power instead (Vortex the Whirlwind and stuff). Ok, I accept that. It may, if I'd thought about it earlier, been better at the start of the very first chapter. Answers on it will come around about half way through this arc. Ok, much later in the arc or just one/two chapters? Didn't want to introduce any major new antagonists so early, but still wanted to get in Juruo's head a bit about how the fighting affected different people in different ways, and he may have to do things in pursuit of what he sees as 'the greater good'. The runners are equipped for military use, but yes I should have done a bit more in terms of bandaging up some beaten warriors. The duel will end, hopefully, in a way that will satisfy everyone. Well I know my opinion, doesn't really matters. Though the idea of the family member of the killed guard coming back with an anti Deck is, though also predictable, also very enjoyable. Well it just gives it some more spice. Anyway, great new chapter. Oh, ok. Was kinda hoping a non-archtype deck with a mix of cards wouldn't be predictable, oh well. Glad your enjoying it. Next chapter, the conclusion of the duel, can the dragons overcome this crippling deck, and can Juruo gain redemption? Plus some answers on Carla's (who I should point out is about Mel's age) appearance and motives. [spoiler=Chapter 17]Chapter 17 - Dragonslayer An entire deck designed especially to fight me? This was alarming. Questions flew round Juruo’s mind. How had this girl found them? How did she know he was the one responsible for her father’s death? Who had given her this deck, with inside knowledge on all his cards? Well, all of that had to be put aside for the moment; his more immediate problem was to somehow overcome this anti-dragon deck. “My Javelin’s ability activates. When he would be destroyed whilst in my front row, he moves himself to the back row and unites with my Legionnaire.” Carla watched in disbelief as the dragon dodged the claws of her monster, and the winged warrior leapt into the air to mount its back. “No matter, I will destroy them both with an attack.” “Well then I activate my face down Negate Attack, cancelling your Battle Phase.” “Grrr, I set a face down and end my turn.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 4]Juruo - Front Row: Legionnaire. Back Row: Ravine, Javelin. Hand: 3 LP: 3400Carla - Front Row: Dragon Seeker. Back Row: Dragon Capture Jar, face down. Hand: 2 LP: 3800 “Juruo looks like he’s got his work cut out for him doesn’t it?” Sabin lazily raised an eyebrow, as he lounged against the image of the rock face, watching the battle begin to intensify. “I’ll be interested to see if he’s come on much since his fluke victories before.” Hikari glowered at him. “How can you be so casual? You said Juruo’s agreed to sacrifice his deck if he loses, and now he’s up against a deck that puts him at a disadvantage. Why the hell would he put himself in such a position?” “Easy,” Sabin looked at her as if the answer was obvious. “Guilt.” “It’s my move now, and I’m activating Legionnaire’s special ability. By sending a monster he’s equipped with to the graveyard, one monster you control is immediately destroyed.” The dragon knight rode his steed up towards the peak of the rocks before starting to dive bomb at incredible speed. The winged warrior jumped off at the last second, leaving Javelin to spear into the fiend, destroying them both. He suddenly had the advantage, and he could not afford to let her off again. “That leaves me free for a direct attack.” “I activate my face down card, Shadow Spell.” Dark chains sprung up from the cards image and trapped Legionnaire, suspending him in midair, rendered unable to attack or defend itself, strength sapped. Damn all the bad luck, Juruo thought as he watched his monster helplessly struggle against the trap card. He looked over his hand, the only monsters present were dragons, which would immediately fall victim to the Dragon Capture Jar. Still, he had no choice at the moment. “I release Legionnaire in order to summon Handcuffs Dragon.” Of all of the monsters he used, Handcuffs Dragon was easily the weirdest looking; it had skeletal wings and odd tail fins that looked like a fish tail, but at each end of its body, it had a silver pincer resembling a handcuff. The jar instantly began to glow again, forcing the monster into defence position (DEF: 1800). “I end my turn. Carla, please try to understand. I know you’re angry, and scared, but this isn’t going to help you.” “You have no idea how I’m feeling. This will help me just fine, I’m gonna watch you suffer for all you’ve done to me. I summon Disciple of the Forbidden Spell in attack mode, and then I equip him with Sword of Dragons Soul raising his attack by 700 points. Destroy Handcuffs Dragon.” A young swordsman with his face concealed by a long scarf emerged, carrying a crude golden sword with spikes running down the blades length (ATK: 2400). It charged the bizarre creature and struck with fury. The dragon roared, but much to Carla’s shock, rather than disappearing, reacted by snapping shut its pincers and coiling itself around the warrior, trapping it. Juruo did not smile at her predicament. “My dragon isn’t one for taking no prisoners. When Handcuffs Dragon would be destroyed by your monsters attack, it decides to stick around and equips itself to that monster, and in the process cripples its attack, to just 600.” “You cowardly sneak, you did that deliberately. Bet you snuck up on daddy from behind too.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 6]Juruo - Front Row: -. Back Row: Ravine. Hand: 3 LP: 3400Carla - Front Row: Disciple of Forbidden Spell. Back Row: Handcuffs, Dragon C. Jar. Hand: 1 LP: 3800 “No it wasn’t like that. We fought each other face to face. We were at war Carla. Neither of us wanted to be there, but circumstances worked against us, don’t you see that’s what all this is about? Now it’s my move.” He looked at his drawn card. Perfect, but he’d need Handcuffs back on his side to use it. “And I’ll start by activating the effect of my field spell. This allows me to discard the Dragunity Darkspear in my hand to the graveyard, to add a Dragunity monster from my deck to my hand. And I summoning my added monster, Dragunity Militum. Attack Disciple of Forbidden Spell.” The winged swordswoman never disappointed, acrobatically leaping over the trapped warrior and cutting it with one strike, landing gracefully near to the little girl who blinked in shock (LP: 2700). “Now with its target gone, Handcuffs Dragon is free to return to my side of the field. He can’t attack because of that jar, but it does mean I can activate Stamping Destruction. This allows my dragon to take out your trap card, and also deliver 500 points of damage straight to you. I’m sorry, but you have given me no choice.” Juruo briefly wondered how exactly a dragon with no arms or legs would administer a card called ‘Stamping Destruction’. His answer came in the form of his creature spear tackling the jar, crushing it with its pincers. Carla staggered from the further damage (LP: 2200). She looked back at him, not with fear or sorrow, just burning hatred. That look was cutting up his insides. His conscious was beginning to torture him, he was hurting this girl even more, but he had to defend himself from her attacks. What else could he do, plead with her? Give up? No, he would have to fight her and try to clear his honour, win or lose. “I’ll add another face down to the mix and my turn.” “Good, cause you haven’t beaten me yet. I draw, and summon the angel Victoria to the field.” There was a flash of gold from high above them as a majestic golden four-headed dragon descended from the heavens, ridden by a fair angel in golden body armour, carrying a long staff. “Now I activate Victoria’s special ability, which allows me to special summon any dragon from your graveyard to my field.” A dark portal opened up beside the now grounded fairy, and the group watched with horror as the black figure of Dragunity Darkspear arose from it. “There is no horror quite the same to watching your own monster become your adversary, is there? Now your Darkspear is going to help me, because now I control a level 3 tuner as well as a level 4 monster, so I can Synchro Summon my level 7 warrior, that will make you give up your deck and end your bloodthirsty vendetta. I summon Seven Swords Warrior.” The two monsters were engulfed in bright light as Carla performed her summon, the columns shooting high above the tops of the illusory ravine around them, seven glowing stars intertwining between them. From the light burst forth a great weapons master, a tall man fully encased by thick gold armour, and armed with a heavy sword in each hand (ATK: 2300). Carla laughed for the first time as she continued, although there was no humour in her voice. “This is where this gets fun. I equip my warrior with this card, Jewel Sword, giving it an extra 300 point attack boost, and activating the first of its effects. When equipped with a new card, he immediately slices you down for 800 points of damage.” Juruo raised his shield as the golden warrior, strengthened with his new toy, leapt over his two monsters and swung directly at where his head had been (LP: 2600). “Now we move onto battle. Warrior, take out Militum.” The swordswoman stood no chance as the warrior turned and struck her, taking down her and another huge chunk out of Juruo’s life points (LP: 1700). “Yeah, now I activate my warrior’s other effect. By sending Jewel Sword to the graveyard, I can destroy one monster on the field. Say goodbye to your last monster.” The girl cheered and hugged her teddy as her almighty warrior threw the sword at Handcuffs Dragon, destroying it. “Oh and by the way, when Jewel Sword is sent to the graveyard, I get to draw another card, which I place face down. You’re as good as finished, you killer. Cuz bad guys always get what they deserve in the end.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 8]Juruo - Front Row: - Back Row: Ravine, face down. Hand: 1 LP: 1700Carla - Front Row: Seven Swords Warrior. Back Row: Face Down. Hand: - LP: 2200 Juruo staggered upright, the effects of the attacks on his tortured mind had been devastating, but at least they had given him a much needed wake up call. “I’m not a bad guy. Somehow, I’m going to prove it. Draw.” Dragunity Aklys, not what I need. “I’m not as finished as you think. First I’ll activate the effect of my Dragon Ravine by discarding this card to the graveyard, to add another card to my hand. Then I’ll activate my face-down Graceful Revival to summon my level 2 Dragunity Javelin back to the field.” Juruo glanced over at the little girl facing him, he had held back so far, but he couldn’t afford to now. “I release my Javelin to summon the leader of the Dragunity warriors, Dragunity Primus.” The impressive winged warrior appeared beside him, arms folded and proud looking (ATK: 2200). “Now when Primus is summoned, I can equip him with one dragon type Dragunity from my deck. I select Dragunity Phalanx who I immediately use the effect of to separate him from his rider. This gives me a level 2 dragon type tuner, and a level 5 winged beast monster, and that’s all I need to summon a new Synchro monster.” The two monsters rose as the familiar columns of emerald light engulfed them, the pillars entwined as they shot up into the clouds above, ripping a hole in the cloud cover, another seven green stars circling their way up to the sky. From that gap rushed forth a new dragon, a fierce electric blue beast with huge wings and a long spiked neck piece fixed around its open jaws. It was allied by a formidable axe wielder, as the pair swooped down into the ravine. The dragon unleashed an ear piercing shriek that may have been heard all the way back in the distant world it had come from (ATK: 2400). Juruo did not hesitate. “Dragunity Knight - Trident, attack.” The dragon rose into flight and attacked as the brave sword warrior rose to meet it, but could not match the beast’s strength as it skewered it with its golden maw spike. “I activate Defence Draw which lets me draw a card instead of taking damage.” Juruo nodded, the girl had played exceptionally well with a deck she had apparently only obtained a few hours ago. “I finish my turn by activating the spell card Super Rejuvenation, which lets me draw two more cards, as I already gave up Aklys and Javelin earlier this turn.” These may come in handy. Carla shook with fury. “Alright, I draw. I activate this nasty little spell card, called Dark Magic Curtain. I have to pay half of my life points to use it, and forfeit the ability to summon again this turn, but it’ll be worth it. Because I’m summoning Dark Magician.” One of the most iconic duel monsters of all time appeared before the watching party. Garbed head to toe in fine purple robes and carrying a green staff, the Dark Magician was instantly recognisable, as it was known as the signature card of the first ever King of Games so many generations ago (ATK: 2500). Without command, it unleashed a volt of energy from its staff towards the blue dragon, vaporising it in the blink of an eye. “There is nothing more I can do this turn” Carla said calmly. But with this spell card in my hand, that will all change soon enough. He doesn’t stand a chance against my strongest monster. I’m not going to kill him, as I won’t lower myself to his level. But he will still have to suffer without his precious dragons. My father will be avenged, and this murderer will be stopped, just like my friend said he needed to be. [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 10]Juruo - Front Row: - Back Row: Ravine. Hand: 2 LP: 1600Carla - Front Row: Dark Magician. Back Row: -. Hand: 1 LP: 1100 “It’s my move now.” Juruo stated as he drew his next card, hoping for something good. He was surprised by what he got. Hey little buddy, haven’t seen you in a while. Now I need you more than ever. Alright, welcome back, Decoy Dragon.” The playful little dragon child emerged from the cards image, shrieking in delight at its return. Its big soulful eyes looked around its new surroundings, this wasn’t the city or the underground, this was somewhere new for it, and it felt like home. Delighted, it turned and leapt at its duelist friend and proceeded to start licking his face. “Not this shrimp again” Sabin groaned. “What’s he gonna do with that?” “Decoy Dragon may not look much, but it is powerful in the right circumstances” Erin interrupted, eyes focused on the boy desperately trying to get the little dragon off him. “Didn’t Juruo use it to beat you?” Sabin went rather quiet at this. Carla stood and stared at the scene, her expression one of confusion. “But... I don’t understand... that dragons not a dangerous killing machine like the others... how come it likes you so much?” “Oh, me and Decoy Dragon have a special connection, long story. You see Carla, none of my dragons want to hurt people. But the world they come from is in danger, as is our world, and my cards and I, along with my friends and their cards, have all been bought together to try and save us from disaster. There’s this guy who is controlling the emperor, who forced the oppression we’ve all suffered from, and now we’re chasing him as he looks to do something big. That’s why I need to fight. We are trying to defend our worlds. Now, I set one card face down and end my turn.” Juruo readied himself, trap set. Carla would have Dark Magician attack the dragon, which in turn would protect itself by summoning Dragunity Knight Trident from the graveyard. Trident wouldn’t be able to take the magician one on one, but by using his face down Burst Breath, he could destroy it and anything else she bought out next turn, leaving him able to attack her directly and end this. Hopefully then they’d be able to sort this out. “I... I...” Carla swayed back and forth, looking down at the bear in her arms, lost for words. “I don’t believe you!” Storm clouds appeared overhead, blocking out the sunlight and throwing the arena into dark shadow. Carla was crying again as she drew her card. Her duel shield turned an ominous shade of purple as she did so. Juruo shook his head, this had gone far enough. He started to walk across to her, raising his hand across to deactivate the duel shield. “DON’T YOU DARE COME NEAR ME! I HATE YOU, YOU MURDERER! TAKE THIS! I ACTIVATE MY SPELL CARD POLYMERIZATION TO FUSE TOGETHER DARK MAGICIAN ON THE FIELD AND BUSTER BLADER IN MY HAND TO SUMMON DARK PALADIN!!!” There was a flash of lightning that cracked between the two duelists, forcing Juruo to leap out of the way. The wind picked up viciously, sweeping up loose rocks and branches as it began to swirl around the field. The dark magician was engulfed in black light, his outline began to change shape and grown in stature. The staff in his right hand also began to change. The shadow subsided, unveiling the Dark Paladin, a tall warrior in black armour, his magical staff replaced by a vicious halberd (ATK: 2900). The paladin cackled wildly as the small tornado increased in power, sweeping Carla into the vortex. Bolts of energy flickered through the magical maelstrom. Without thinking, Sabin sprinted towards the little girl, this was madness. The dark paladin clearly had other ideas. A bolt of energy flew out of the whirlwind, striking him in the chest and launching him backwards into Erin and Mel, collapsing them in a heap. “When Dark Paladin is on the field, it gains 500 attack points for each dragon monster on the field and in our graveyards.” Juruo shuddered, that voice was otherworldly, so filled with coldness and despair. He looked at Carla, she was frozen to the ground in the eye of the storm, her eyes had come over a violet shade, and glazed over. The paladin clutched its weapon, grinning with mad relish (ATK: 6900). “Paladin, attack!” “I activate Decoy Dragon’s special ability, summoning Dragunity Knight Trident from the graveyard... then I... I... I summon Trident in defence mode and...” Juruo held his hand over the trap card, hovering with uncertainty. The mighty blue dragon answered the call of the baby dragon and shielded it from the onrushing paladin, which struck without hesitation, sending it straight back to the graveyard. [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 12]Juruo - Front Row: Decoy Dragon. Back Row: Ravine, face down. Hand: 1 LP: 1600Carla - Front Row: Dark Paladin. Back Row: -. Hand: - LP: 1100 “What’s Juruo doing?” groaned Mel, fighting from the pile of bodies he was under. “I could have sworn I saw him draw Burst Breath. Was Dark Paladin too strong for him to take down that way?” Sabin growled as he stood up with Hikari’s help, clutching his chest. “No, with Tridents attack at 2400 and Paladins defence equal to that, Burst Breath should have worked, and he knows that.” He looked across at the duelist, who looked dumbstruck by the attack. What are you doing? Juruo looked down at his shield, drawing his next card without looking at it. “I summon Twin Headed Behemoth in defence mode (DEF: 1200) and end my turn.” The girl smirked from the centre of her chaotic storm. “Yes Juruo, accept your loss. I draw, and summon Exarion Universe in attack mode. When this monster attacks, I can lower its attack points by 400, so that it inflicts the difference between its attack points and your defence position monsters defence points to you as damage. Now it attacks your pathetic dragon.” An armoured centaur carrying a shield and spear appeared beside the paladin and charged the little dragon (ATK: 1400). The dragon went to automatically activate its ability again, but then, for no reason, it just stopped. The attack destroyed it, wiping out most of Juruo’s remaining life points (LP: 400). “And let’s not forget my Dark Paladin” continued the possessed Carla in her ghostly tone. “Attack!” The two headed dragon buckled under the force of the swinging halberd. The force of the blast bought Juruo to his knees. [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 14]Juruo - Front Row: - Back Row: Canyon, face down. Hand: 1 LP: 400Carla - Front Row: Dark Paladin, Exarion Universe. Back Row: -. Hand: - LP: 1100 Mel bought his hands to his mouth. “Guys... has Juruo... given up...?” “Damn idiot, I’ll tell you what’s wrong with him. He feels he doesn’t deserve to win this. That he deserves to be punished for what he did to that guard. Hey you!” Juruo rolled his eyes up to see Sabin was shouting at him. “Stop feeling so damn sorry for yourself and end this thing already. Can’t you see how much trouble that girl is in over there? You’ve gotta stop this duel now.” Juruo stared straight through his hot-headed rival. Yes, he would stop this. He would lose. The duel would end on Carla’s next turn. Her need for revenge would be filled, and she might be able to cope with her loss. He meanwhile... well, maybe the gang was better off without him. He drew, simply for the sake of drawing, idly glancing at his card. No way. The seconds dragged as Juruo stared at the drawn card. He slowly looked back at the group, then at Carla, who was snarling at his sluggishness from inside her barrier. Without thinking, he got to his feet. He would stop this alright. “From my graveyard, Twin Headed Behemoths special ability is activated. At the end of the turn he was destroyed, he comes back to my field. And while we’re here, you control two monsters that are of the same attribute, which lets me special summon Alector, Sovereign of Birds straight to the field. This gives me everything I need.” “Everything you need for what?” snapped Carla. “Your monsters cannot hope to stop Dark Paladin.” “I don’t need to. I’m sorry Carla. I will make it up to you one day, but not today. Because I have to keep fighting, for I have also lost family and friends to the people who truly cost your father his life, and my final card is symbolic of one of those people. I will avenge my fallen friend, and on your behalf I will do the same for your father. I release my two monsters to bring forth Simogh, Bird of Divinity.” A small hurricane ripped through the illusory ravine, more powerful than just anything felt so far, as a portal opened to the spirit world to allow passage for the signature card of Aerial Skylark. An enormous bird with fine light green plumage emerged, standing proudly beside Juruo (ATK: 2700). He roared over the wind for an attack, and the almighty bird responded with a bellowing screech, causing the wind to blow stronger. The Exarion Universe was destroyed by the intensified blast, as Carla tried to shield herself using the power of the darkness controlling her (LP: 200). “That’s not enough. I can still attack you next turn.” “There won’t be a next turn Carla. Simorgh’s effect activates, inflicting us both with 1000 points of damage at the end of the turn.”“What?! But that means both our life points go to zero?” Juruo shook his head. “Mine won’t. See, the damage inflicted is reduced by the number of spell and trap cards we control. My face down Burst Breath and my field spell Dragon Canyon give me just enough to survive. Simorgh, do your thing and release her.” The divine bird spread its almighty wings, unleashing the full force of its hurricane attack. The barrier surrounding Carla broke. There was a horrible scream. ... “You think she’ll wake up?” Under Sabin’s support, Juruo looked over the unconscious girl lying on the ground. Since the duel ended, all the remaining monsters had faded back into the spirit world, along with the canyon, veil withdrawn to reveal the old house and the rest of the muddy farm grounds, completely unaffected by the battle. Juruo didn’t know why he felt so exhausted. Erin knelt down beside the fallen child, and unattached the duel shield on her arm. The mechanism looked different to standard models, and the whole thing gave off some strange aura. It glowed violet in her arms. Erin frowned. “I think this shield has been tampered with to affect or possess the mind of its wearer, although how exactly it does this, I cannot say. Whatever the case, it is obvious this needs to be destroyed.” “And what do we do with her? Will she be alright?” Erin quickly checked over the girl’s body. “Her pulse is gradually coming back down to a normal level, and her breathing seems fine. Again, maybe has something to do with this wretched thing. The nearest village is about two hours ride away, but there is a small medical station there. I can take her there, and on the way back I’ll find some way to have this shield destroyed. Is this what you want?” Juruo nodded. He wanted to say something to the unconscious girl, who looked so much more peaceful now. But nothing could be done. Erin saddled up a runner with the girl secured to her, and set off to the east. Hikari exchanged a nervous glance with Juruo, and made her way inside. Sabin just glowered at him and followed her. Melanc waited a few seconds, fidgeting awkwardly like he wanted to say something. He murmured something about how cool it was that he had come from behind like that to win, before joining the others, leaving Juruo with his own thoughts. The sun was beginning to set now, setting the skyline on fire with its dying glow. It was an incredible scene to look at, as the calm breeze washed coolly over his face. He pulled his deck out of his shield, and picked out the Simorgh card. Thank you Aerial. This task I have been given, this destiny that was told to me, may force me to do some terrible things, but I must find the strength to face everything thrown at me. I won’t let my friends down, or the people I have lost, or anyone made to suffer by the Empire and Demon like Carla has. Maybe one day I’ll be forgiven, but until then, I must continue, or I can never forgive myself. ... Deep within the dark shrubbery a distance away from the farm, he watched as Juruo turned and entered the abandoned farm house. He laughed hoarsely to himself, causing his heavy black armour to rattle. Standing to full height, he returned to the jet black duel runner parked beside a tree, and fired it up. “It appears that my little experiment has proved unsuccessful. Juruo is a crafty and resourceful adversary. But I shall deal with him in good time. First, there is his companion. I must tip the scales back into my favour. Like they always say, if you want a job done properly, you must do it yourself!” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexadin Posted March 18, 2011 Report Share Posted March 18, 2011 Great chapter. The only thing I didn't liked was that I didn't saw Dark Paladin coming. Though that was more a thing I should blame to myself. :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2011 Don't you mean you did see it coming? Well it was always on as soon as the word 'Dragon Slayer' was mentioned. New chapter tomorrow... and another duel to get all excited about. PS: On duel writing, dunno if anyone else suffers from this, but when I'm doing a duel for a character that only appears once (i.e. Carla) I think I try to stuff too many cards in to show off their deck. Anyone else suffer from that? Gotta learn the value of less is more, will open up more 'themes' for decks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted March 20, 2011 Report Share Posted March 20, 2011 Don't you mean you did see it coming? Well it was always on as soon as the word 'Dragon Slayer' was mentioned. I think he might've meant that Dark Paladin was a little 'out there'. Especially since you mention its ties to Yugi's deck, it's... just not something that should be found in Carla's deck so easily. No matter who gave her that deck, it would've been better to stick to Buster Blader, I think, especially since Dark Paladin's effect wasn't actually used. New chapter tomorrow... and another duel to get all excited about. Yay. PS: On duel writing, dunno if anyone else suffers from this, but when I'm doing a duel for a character that only appears once (i.e. Carla) I think I try to stuff too many cards in to show off their deck. Anyone else suffer from that? Gotta learn the value of less is more, will open up more 'themes' for decks. Yeah, I have that problem all the time (although I hope you mean that Carla won't have any further duels with this deck, not generally, because I already like her as a potential support next to Mel). Although, I don't think you had that problem with this duel. It played out well, although like I stated, Dark Paladin was a little iffy in my eyes. Juruo finally played Simorgh! My only problem with these two chapters was that I felt the Carla arc came too early, it would've been better to spend a little more time building up on Juruo's character and the changes he underwent after the palace as well as his own doubts and despair, then bring in the Carla hammer and nail the 'new' Juruo down. Otherwise, they were very nicely done. Oh, and also: caps were iffy. Italics + description for emphasis are much more preferable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Twizzler Posted March 20, 2011 Report Share Posted March 20, 2011 Well, I would give you about 1,000,000 +reps, but I try to limit myself to one. Okay, maybe two. Whatever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2011 I think he might've meant that Dark Paladin was a little 'out there'. Especially since you mention its ties to Yugi's deck, it's... just not something that should be found in Carla's deck so easily. No matter who gave her that deck, it would've been better to stick to Buster Blader, I think, especially since Dark Paladin's effect wasn't actually used. Well, I dunno. I do like getting 'classics' in there as well as new monsters, and I'm struggling to get DM in otherwise. As I mentioned when I started the first duel, I prefer to summon Fusion monsters using materials on the field, and it was a lot easier to get DM out than Buster Blader. Carla wasn't (suppossed to be) just using anti-dragon, I did want to get some anti-synchro stuff in as well, but given Tridents small appearance, the opportunity never arose. There are too many incidences when I don't get all the effects used (Disciple of Forbidden Spell being another example in this duel alone). Yay. Enthusiasm appreciated. Wait no more, it's below. Yeah, I have that problem all the time (although I hope you mean that Carla won't have any further duels with this deck, not generally, because I already like her as a potential support next to Mel). Although, I don't think you had that problem with this duel. It played out well, although like I stated, Dark Paladin was a little iffy in my eyes. Juruo finally played Simorgh! My only problem with these two chapters was that I felt the Carla arc came too early, it would've been better to spend a little more time building up on Juruo's character and the changes he underwent after the palace as well as his own doubts and despair, then bring in the Carla hammer and nail the 'new' Juruo down. Otherwise, they were very nicely done. Oh, and also: caps were iffy. Italics + description for emphasis are much more preferable. At this point, I don't know if Carla will be involved again. The travelling party stands at five, don't want it to become too busy/crowded. (Although you're right, Mel could do with more exposure maybe). I was kinda hoping people would kind of forget Aerial and Juruo made that trade. But yes, I though it would be a nice alternative. Juruo will get more development on his changing attitude to life and the people around him throughout, generally throughout the story. Caps: just though it would be more of an impact to her reaction than a long winded 'Carla shouted...'. It won't happen again. Well, I would give you about 1,000,000 +reps, but I try to limit myself to one. Okay, maybe two. Whatever. Yay, new commentor. Thank you for that and the reps and welcome. Anyways, it is now Monday (about half past midnight here, the routine working nights is getting me into) so that means the next chapter. This one focuses on Hikari and her personal problems, and it's her turn to duel. [spoiler=Chapter 18]Chapter 18 - Soul of Corruption It was an unpleasant night’s sleep for everyone concerned in that farmhouse. There was no logical reason for this, as the front downstairs room of the house they were staying in was warmly lit by the fire and by far more comfortable than sleeping out in the woods like the night before. But still a troubled atmosphere hung over the group that was difficult to explain. Perhaps the shock of being found so quickly by a little girl and whoever her hinted friend was gave them the feeling that a team of guards could come charging in at any minute. Maybe it was the events of the duel, the possessed state Carla had entered, that had bought Juruo to his knees. No-one really knew, as they weren’t talking much. Erin had returned safely during the night, mentioning she had taken the still sleeping Carla to the medical facility and got rid of the cursed shield and cards, before going to straight to bed without another word to anyone. Hikari stayed awake for a long time after the others had fallen into slumber. She looked across the room at the damage that had been done to this old house and shivered. It made her feel nauseas, as it served as a reminder about all the damage her body had taken, not just during the battle at the palace, but from her time in the dungeons. There were also wounds from other incidents in her past, including a nasty one on her neck that was hidden by her flowing hair. She had attained this shortly after her mother was taken away by the guards. Walking home one day, a pair of guards had come past in the opposite direction. Rage overcame her, making her take a running kick at one of the guards... more unprotected areas. The other responded by delivering a backhanded blow across her neck with his metal gauntlet. She reached for it now, grimacing on contact, the wound had never healed properly. So far she had managed to hide all of these from the others, but she had not been able to hide them from the nurses at resistance headquarters. Thank goodness for patient confidentiality. She rolled onto her side and looked across at the sleeping Juruo. He twitched and a frown crossed his brow. Juruo has been faced with fear so many times, and he always comes back stronger. I have to be stronger too. I used to be so independent and determined when I was young, right the way through to my own rebellion against the Empire. I grew up fast. But since I met him that night of the riot, I haven’t been the same anymore. It’s like I’m a scared little girl again. We’ve both lost things, but he has gotten stronger from them, whereas I have gotten weaker. But he’s been there, and has helped me so many times. Today he struggled, and I did nothing to support him. I could barely face him after the match. What is wrong with me? I shouldn’t feel this way. I can’t let myself, when no-one can ever feel the same as me. Not if they knew. ... Morning came, and yesterday’s trauma had released its grip somewhat. The group sat on the respective duel runners outside of the farm house, and planned their next move. Hikari sat up beside Juruo on their runner, clutching him around his waist. His body heat felt quite comfortable and reassuring. “If we don’t stop, we can make the city by mid-afternoon” Erin said, flicking some mud of her helmet. “That will give us plenty of time to find safety with other resistance members. Then, with our combined intelligence and resources, we can plan things properly, and discuss our next move.” “I already know my next move. That would be finding Demon.” Juruo revved his engine as he spoke. Another nightmare had done nothing to improve his mood. “Oh really mister hero” Sabin sneered from the third runner. “You were unable to move for fear last time you saw him, right? Yesterday you could barely defend yourself against a little girl because you couldn’t get over what anyone in that situation would have done, and you let your remorse hold you back, which nearly cost you. How’d do you plan on suddenly stopping the big bad guy?” “I know I did what I had to Sabin, but I’m not going to condone it. My mind is clear now. We can only end this by stopping Demon from doing whatever he is planning. I have to face him.” Erin revved her motor up, interrupting the two boys as they looked about to clash heads. “You two are forgetting about the Emperor. We still don’t know exactly where he is, or what his plans are, in line with Demon or otherwise. Put your personal issues aside and use your brains. Who is going to be easier to find, some shadow man we know nothing concrete about, or the ruler of the entire nation? Hmmm? I suspect if we find Nero, then Demon shall be close behind him. Agreed?” Sabin and Juruo nodded reluctantly and saddled up. Erin kicked her runner into action and sped into the lead with Mel, followed by the other two duel runners. From the shadows, the dark figure watched, and kicked his black runner into action, slowly following behind. ... The trio made good ground over the next few hours. The weather was pleasant and although there were no natural roads, the ground was firm and easy for these runners, modified by the palace engineers for heavy terrain, to traverse. The group encountered no-one on the journey, as they steered around the various villages. Slowly the peaks of a mountain range appeared on the horizon. Somewhere at the base would be the city they were looking for, just a few hours ride away. Sennen’Yama was built in a sort of crater that had formed in a gap between two mountain ranges, some of its residential districts passed upwards into the rock side. The mountains provided a natural wall to protect the city, it was going to be tricky getting in undetected. But first they had to make their way down this small cliff face to continue towards it. The group had emerged from a woody area to find themselves at the top of this cliff, thanks to another enforced diversion. The drop was about thirty metres down, but there was a narrow path that wound back and forth that you could follow down. The group slowly made their way down the rock face to the base. As soon as they reached it, Erin stopped, looking back at the top of the rock face they had descended. Mel looked up at his sister. “Erin, why have we stopped here?” “Because our pursuer is starting to get on my nerves...” There was a threatening roar of a huge engine coming from up above, getting louder and louder. The group looked up as a huge shape burst from the tree cover at speed, leaping off the rock face and soaring over their heads. A huge black duel runner landed heavily in front of them, continuing on as if the drop was nothing. The rider turned and stopped smoothly, allowing himself to disembark. A knight dressed head to toe in bulky, soulless black armour with gold fittings rose tall beside his runner, a tattered violet cape fluttering slightly in the wind. His face was completely hidden by the helmet which had a blood red plume, and a small Y shaped gap at the front that allowed two purple slits to see out off. From under the cape, the handle of a tremendous sword of some kind could be seen poking out from the sheathing hung over his back, and on his right arm, he wore a huge rectangular duel shield. There was a brief image of purple fire surrounding it, which disappeared as quickly as it came. The knight turned to face the group, chuckling hoarsely, his voice sounded slow, methodical and distorted. “Why greetings, members of the resistance. I am known as the Dark Knight, and I am in the direct services of the being known to you as Demon. He found your escape from the royal palace quite remarkable, and thus he has charged me with stopping you from reaching the southern cities and interfering with his plans.” With one hand he drew an enormous black flamberge from the sheath, brandishing it at the group. “My skill with the sword is unmatched. Do not think you can outrun me either. My runner is faster than any of yours. Turn around and flee back to the sewers you came from.” Juruo removed his helmet, frowning at the Dark Knight. “You’re swordsmanship might be impressive, but what about your skills when it comes to throwing down? If you want to stop us, you’ll have to make us.” The knight’s rough laughter rattled his armour. “Why would I want to waste my time duelling you boy? Such an impudent pup to challenge anything that walks around with half a duel shield. But maybe...” The knight’s eyes widened behind the helmet as he looked beyond Juruo and at Hikari, who had also removed her helmet. An odd noise came from inside the armour, the licking of lips? The knight raised his sword and pointed it directly at her. “The young maiden is more than welcome to challenge me for your passage. We have unfinished business. I shall accept combat from no-one other than her.” Juruo looked over his shoulder at his companion, watching her stare at the knight, her face showing the determination that encompassed her fighting spirit. She nodded to him, he nodded back. Hikari dismounted the runner and walked a dozen feet or so towards the ominous knight. “Alright, I accept your challenge, but if I win, there are some things I’d like to know.” The knight’s armour rattled again, as he produced a single spell card from the top of his deck and showed it to her. “I follow the knight’s code like any other. Agreed, in the unlikely event of my defeat, I shall answer any questions you have. You are truly brave, little Hikari. But you should always look before you leap. To make sure there is no outside interference...” The card ignited into purple flames, as the earth began to shake. In front of the runners, solid steel bars erupted from the earth. The bars concaved into a dome cage, locking Hikari inside with the knight. In panic, Juruo abandoned his runner and ran at the illusory cage. With a thud, he collided into it at speed. Helpless, he could only watch through the bars as Hikari looked back at her allies, but did not waver at the sight of the cage, arming her duel shield. “Let’s duel!” Hikari got the randomizer in her favour, letting her add a sixth card to her hand. A good monster to start things with. “I’ve got the first move, and I’m summoning Lyla, Lightsworn Sorceress. Next I set a card face down and end my turn, thus activating Lyla’s effect, which forces me two send to cards from my deck to my graveyard. And one of those cards is Wulf, Lightsworn Beast, so he gets to come out beside her.” The ferocious axe carrying wolf (ATK: 2100) emerged from the light besides the noble enchantress (ATK: 1700). The Dark Knight continued to laugh mirthlessly from inside his helmet. “Pathetic monsters do not stand a chance against the forces of darkness. The cards in my deck are proof of that. I summon Dark Crusader in attack mode.” A dark portal swirled in front of the knight’s card, from which a skeleton warrior in black armour appeared, carrying an enormous sword (ATK: 1600). “Now I’m activating his ability. By sending one dark monster in my hand to the graveyard, my monster gains 400 attack points (ATK: 2000). Now crush that witch.” “Not so fast.” Hikari activated her trap. “I use Threatening Roar which ends your Battle Phase.” “Pfft, you only delay your inevitable end. I place two cards face down and end this turn.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 2]Hikari - Front Row: Lyla, Wulf. Back Row: - Hand: 4 LP: 4000Dark Knight - Front Row: Dark Crusader. Back Row: 2 face-downs. Hand: 2 LP: 4000 “Oh really. Well let’s see how you cope against Garoth, Lightsworn Warrior.” A soldier armed in shining white and turquoise armour joined Hikari’s every growing ranks of monsters (ATK: 1850). “I counter with the trap Hidden Soldiers. This lets me summon one dark monster from my hand. I choose Dark Elf and place her in attack mode (ATK: 2000).” The appearance of the dark skinned maiden was an irritant, but nothing massively worrying. “Wulf, destroy Dark Crusader.” The savage beast obliged, tearing through the opposing skeleton (LP: 3900). “Next I set another face-down, then Lyla forces me to cull my deck again. But this time, it activates Garoth’s ability. By sending another two cards to my graveyard, I can add 1 to my hand for each Lightsworn that I lose out on. As Ehren, Lightsworn Monk was discarded; I get to draw one card.” Hikari looked at her new card, it wasn’t a Lightsworn. I have a feeling I might just need you and your friends. “It’s my turn” the Dark Knight drew with impressive gusto. “And I activate my other face down card, Needle Ceiling. This card only activates when there are four or more monsters on the field, and it destroys them all.” Hikari gasped and recoiled as all of her monsters exploded into oblivion, giving the knight more satisfaction. “How does it feel Hikari? I have seen you beaten into the dirt, heard you screaming in agony, and put to within inches of your life. Do you still have the scars that my men gave you Hikari? Do they haunt you every night, making you feel ashamed to look at yourself, to show your true self to those who are close to you? I summon Dark Grepher in attack mode, and you know what this one does. By discarding Dark Valkyria in my hand, I can send one monster in my deck to my graveyard. I choose another monster you might be familiar with, Destiny Hero Malicious. And by removing one Malicious from play, I can summon another one to my field, giving me 2500 ATK worth of monsters to strike you directly. Here comes some fresh scarring for you. Grepher, attack!” “You’re one to talk, hiding behind all that armour. I activate my Glorious Illusion trap card. This summons Wulf back from my graveyard.” Light burst forth from the ground, as the mighty wolf snarled with defiance, blocking the advancing black warriors attack. The knight made some noise of frustration, and ended his turn. [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 4]Hikari - Front Row: Wulf. Back Row: Glorious Illusion. Hand: 4 LP: 4000Dark Knight - Front Row: Dark Grepher, Malicious. Back Row: - Hand: - LP: 3900 “Stay strong Hikari. Don’t let him push you around.” Hikari looked back, to see Juruo holding onto the cage bars, staring intently at her. He wasn’t smiling at all, but encouraging her nonetheless. “Don’t take any notice of what tin man over there says. You’re a beautiful person, and whatever marks you have, they prove how strong and fearless you are. You know that.” Juruo hoped his support had worked, but this dark knight, and his last little speech, was bothering him. What on earth is he talking about? Hikari felt her cheeks burn slightly. “Alright, it’s my turn. I release Wulf to summon Celestia, Lightsworn Angel.” Wulf evaporated in a wall of light, and was replaced an elegant woman with long blue hair and angel wings, holding a staff in one hand (ATK: 2300). “Now when Celestia is summoned, I can send the top four cards of my deck to the graveyard, to destroy two cards on your field. Which leaves you wide open.” The purple slits behind the helmet widened in shock as both Grepher and Malicious evaporated into nothing, emptying his field completely for the angel to strike. He only just reacted in time to raise his heavy shield, meeting the angel as she struck with incredible grace, hitting the shield hard with her staff with a resounding clang, causing a massive blow to his life points (LP: 1600). “Graah! You will pay dearly for that. I draw and summon Dark Bug to the field (DEF: 100). This little insect doesn’t look much, but neither does a black widow spider. When Dark Bug is summoned to the field, I can select and summon one level three tuner monster in my graveyard, namely the Dark Resonator I discarded for Crusader’s effect. Now I tune my level three resonator with my level one Dark Bug, to Synchro Summon, Dark Diviner.” As usual, pillars of darkness signalled the Synchro Summon of a dark attribute monster. Hikari frowned as she watched. The coming monster was only a level four, how strong could it be, really? She couldn’t wait to finish this match off, and get the answers the knight had promised them. The darkness finally subsided, unveiling a demonic sorcerer floating on air, wearing a blue robe with a scarlet hood from under which red eyes flashed with menace. It clutched a long stave with its thin crooked fingers (ATK: 2000). “Dark Diviner, attack Celestia.” Hikari was taken aback with surprise. “What?! But Celestia’s attack is higher.” The sorcerer did not heed her logic. A swirling orb of dark energy gathered at the top of its staff, and was launched at the angel, destroying it. Both duelists’ life points remained stationary. The dark knight mocked the party’s confusion. “When Dark Diviner attacks, its targets strength is reduced to a total that is level with its own. Not only that, but when my monster destroys yours in battle, you have to send three cards to your graveyard.” Hikari scowled as she threw away the three cards into her graveyard slot. Losing ‘Jain, Lightsworn Paladin’, ‘Lightsworn Barrier’ and ‘Trust Guardian’ was annoying, but even worse was she had now gone through twenty two cards in six turns, pretty much half of her deck. If this kept up... “It appears you have worked out my strategy. You remember Alpha and Omega don’t you? Well all that occurred in your match with those two puppets has been relayed to me. I know all about your Lightsworn monsters, and how they mill themselves. Well with my indestructible Diviner in play, I can turn your monsters abilities against you, and force you to deck out, leaving you helpless to my assault.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 6]Hikari - Front Row: -. Back Row: -. Hand: 4 LP: 4000Dark Knight - Front Row: Dark Diviner. Back Row: - Hand: - LP: 1600 Hikari frowned as the knight continued to mock her. “We’ll just see about that. I summon Tuningware in defence mode, and then end with a face-down.” A small machine that was using what looked like a saucepan as a helmet appeared on the field, arms crossed in an attempt at defence (DEF: 300). The Dark Knight was clearly unimpressed, despite a lack of facial expression to go by. “Pitiful. Dark Diviner will destroy it, and send another three cards to your graveyard, bring you three steps closer to an empty duel shield. Diviner, attack.” “Oh really? Let’s see how well your attack matches up against Spellbinding Circle.” A magic ring shot out of the card, trapping the dark sorcerer and pinning its arms to its side. “Bah, that does nothing. I will set one card face down and end my turn.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 8]Hikari - Front Row: Tuningware. Back Row: Spellbinding Circle. Hand: 3 LP: 4000Dark Knight - Front Row: Dark Diviner. Back Row: Face-down. Hand: - LP: 1600 “ How does it feel Hikari, to be hanging on by a thread? Your friends are locked out, your monsters will be stuck in your graveyard, and you will be all alone in here with me. You have always been alone, and you always will be, when I drag you into the darkness of ultimate oblivion!” “Well guess again, Sir Blowhard, because I’m about to shine light into your darkness. You think you can play against my deck just on the basis of my tag duel with Alpha and Omega? Well I wouldn’t get your hopes up.” A smile graced Hikari’s face for the first time in the match. “They never saw all my deck has to offer, because I use a hybrid deck. And as for monsters being stuck in my graveyard, that’s just where one of my fallen angels wants to be, so I can summon him from there.” The knight took an involuntary step backwards. “What nonsense is this?” Hikari ignored the interruption as she drew her next card. “The Lightsworn may have strengthened me as a warrior, but sometimes the need arises for the guardian angels of my childhood to protect me from the darkness they fell to long ago. I discard two cards to special summon, Fabled Soulkius.” There was a hellish roar as the ground opened up, and from it ascended a powerful humanoid creature with the wings of a dragon and a thick tail to match them. It hovered above the battlefield (ATK: 2200). Hikari wasn’t done. “Now I special summon from the graveyard the two monsters I just discarded with their own powers, Fabled Lurrie and The Fabled Cerburrel.” The knight watched on with horror as a grinning fiend with long bat wings and a three headed puppy appeared alongside the other monsters. “Now my Cerburrel tunes all of my monsters together, bringing forth a level 10 Synchro monster, Fabled Leviathan.” Ten stars spun around four spate columns of light, which merged together to form one giant pillar in the middle of the field. The watching party outside the cage watched with excitement and awe as the light shattered, to reveal the terrifying fiend of light Leviathan. She unfurled her long crimson wings to reveal a god like demon, wearing the finest red and gold encrusted with many jewels, long scarlet hair flowing down its back (ATK: 3000). On Hikari’s command, the demon unleashed a blast of energy that shot through the Diviner, which although not destroyed took damage none the less (LP: 600). The ray of energy continued until it struck the dark knight, who could not react quickly enough this time. The force of the blast lifted him off his feet, and slammed him into the side of the steel cage with colossal force. As the knight fell to the fall, his helmet slipped off, revealing his real face. No-one could quite believe their eyes at the scarred face and blonde ponytail underneath the helmet. Yeah, there was a bit of a lull in that, which was unfortunate. I made a bit of a muck of his last monsters effect and didn't realise til I'd finished, thus struggled to correct it. Hopefully I got away alright. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted March 21, 2011 Report Share Posted March 21, 2011 Read this. Pretty damn good, although a little... abrupt, the whole scene. Lightfabled, eh? They are an interesting combination, but... it wouldn't work IRL. There's not much synergy between them, although cards like Soulkius can make it somewhat work. You realized it though, right? Soulkius does not discard - he sends from the hand to the Graveyard. Neither Lurrie nor Cerburrel would be Special Summoned by being thrown away by Soulkius. Which is why Soulkius is a pretty bad card. There are other plays she could've made to bring out Leviathan. Barring that, though, it was alright, especially mill vs LS is something very interesting (you'll see that happen at least once in Dead Zone later). Also, Hikari forgot to draw a card with Tuningware. If you were concerned with draw power cards, you sure are giving opportunities away here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2011 Read this. Pretty damn good, although a little... abrupt, the whole scene. Lightfabled, eh? They are an interesting combination, but... it wouldn't work IRL. There's not much synergy between them, although cards like Soulkius can make it somewhat work. You realized it though, right? Soulkius does not discard - he sends from the hand to the Graveyard. Neither Lurrie nor Cerburrel would be Special Summoned by being thrown away by Soulkius. Which is why Soulkius is a pretty bad card. There are other plays she could've made to bring out Leviathan. Barring that, though, it was alright, especially mill vs LS is something very interesting (you'll see that happen at least once in Dead Zone later). Also, Hikari forgot to draw a card with Tuningware. If you were concerned with draw power cards, you sure are giving opportunities away here. Yep, figured I could have used more build up. :angry: ..................................................... I hadn't realised.... (Face-desks. Bugger!) Regarding Tuningwares effect, I thought mentioning it here would lose momentum building up to the attack. So it's done afterwards at the start of the next chapter (kind like the way Twin Headed Behemoth was summoned in Juruo's duel). Dear readers, would like your suggestions on names for a third capital. Should be similar to Sen'nenki no Toride and Sennen'Yama (Because Sennen means Millenium in Kanji, apparently) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexadin Posted March 21, 2011 Report Share Posted March 21, 2011 Interesting too see a Lightsworn/Fabled Deck. It's quite a first imo. Anyway it was a good chapter. I'll await the next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Interesting too see a Lightsworn/Fabled Deck. It's quite a first imo. Anyway it was a good chapter. I'll await the next. Await no longer, dear Lex. For it is Wednesday. Can Hikari and the Fablesworn overcome you-should-have-guessed-by-now-who? Plus some fairly major revelations... [spoiler=Chapter 19]Chapter - 19 Fall from Graceful Light “Hahahahahaha. You all look so surprised to see me.” Osborn rolled his neck as he stood, but showed no other indication of harm from Leviathan’s attack. His duel shield reignited the purple fire has it had before, remaining this time, and Osborn’s eyes glazed over with a similar shade. “When Juruo’s dragon put me in the palace infirmary, I considered resigned from my position in the army and leaving the city. I knew there would be no way back into Nero’s favour... in fact I would be fortuitous not to pay even more dearly for my failure. But while I was recovering, a man called Demon came to visit me. He offered me the chance to redeem myself, and showed me the power he possessed. He made me realise that by hunting down you five, I would be saving the world. I would be saving the people of the empire that I had sworn to serve, and my glory would be restored. But only if I dispose of you. But with the power of darkness bestowed upon me, that will be a mere formality.” Hikari blinked at one part of the knights little speech. “Hang on, did you just say ‘saving the world’? You can’t be serious.” “Oh but I am, for I am a gallant and noble warrior who’s duty in life is to protect the people. For years I have been able to defend them successfully from physical harm, yes, but I cannot protect them from their own misery; from their squalor and their despair. But when my master achieves his goal, then all of their suffering shall end. Is this not what you want also Hikari? To forget the horrors that I, the leader of the royal guard, have inflicted upon you, in both the distant and recent past? I know the endless pain you suffer Hikari. I can free you from it, if you want.” “You’re out of your mind. Why on earth would I want that?” “Because you can’t be touched.” Hikari froze, horrified. The others looking through the bar gasped at what the demented Osborn was suggesting. What was he suggesting? Osborn resumed his sinister laugh as Hikari wilted, crestfallen. “You never told them Hikari? Are you that ashamed of the wreck of a body I have left you with? Then allow me to explain to your comrades. You see, while Hikari was under arrest in the dungeons, I was placed under strict orders to obtain any useful information from her by any means necessary. Although I was not involved in the procedures personally, I gave the go ahead for my guards, as well as Demon’s allies, to do pretty much anything they could think of, as long as it wouldn’t kill her. And that’s before we even get onto the after effects on the blast she bore the brunt of in the aftermath of the tag duel against Alpha and Omega. But I hate to give others credit for my work, the base damage was already done at my command. As a result, your sweet Hikari is unable to receive physical contact of any kind without experiencing tremendous pain throughout her entire body. She may be mentally strong, she has certainly proved that in this duel, but her body is little more than a broken shell.” Juruo’s body was shaking, rage took over. “You sick son of a ...” “But I am offering you a way out. You are alone. Without being able to experience touch, you are shut off from the little pleasures that still exist in this world.” “You’re wrong.” Osborn raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?” “I’m not alone. Or at least, not as alone as you are right now. I might not be able to feel anything with my body, but I’d hate to be in your position, where you can’t feel anything in your heart. I think you’re the one who needs to be freed. We’ve seen this before; you’re being possessed by that duel shield.” “You mean like Carla? I was wondering when you’d mention her. A desperately disappointing exercise. I had hoped her rage and despair would be enough to overcome Juruo in a compromised situation, but no matter. Now if you’re going to be stubborn, I can do this by force, and with great pleasure.” “Well then, looks like we’re both unwilling to yield. Let’s continue with this duel shall we? Because I used Tuningware as part of a Synchro Summon, I can draw another card. I set this face down and end my turn.” Hikari stood and set herself for the battle ahead, determined to free the once golden knight from his curse. She smiled weakly at the cheers behind her; she would not let Osborn talk her down. “Fool. I draw, and first I activate the spell card Beginning of the End. What an appropriate card this is, for it will allow me to bring forth your end in this world. By removing Dark Crusader, Dark Elf, Dark Bug, Dark Valkyria and Destiny Hero Malicious from my graveyard, I can draw three cards.” Osborn’s eyes flashed as he admired the cards he had just drawn, his lips curled into cruel smile. Hikari remembered just how much she hated it when people did that. “Next I’ll activate my face down card, Altar for Tribute. This sacrifices my now useless Diviner, and adds his attack points to my life points (LP: 2600). More importantly however, this means I now have exactly three dark attribute monsters in my graveyard, and that I can special summon my all powerful monster. Arise, Dark Armed Dragon.” The earth erupted as Osborn pushed the card into its slot, having met the conditions for his special summon. Hikari’s eyes followed upwards as the dark counterpart of Armoured Dragon rose, wicked silver spikes producing from its body, the tail ending in a brutal mace. The enormous dragon came close to the top of the large cage structure, bellowing with rage (ATK: 2800). “Now I activate Dark Armed Dragon’s special effect. By removing Dark Grepher from my graveyard, one card on your field is immediately consumed with fire, and erased.” The dragon threw its head back, and unleashed a storm of fire that consumed Fabled Leviathan completely, destroying it. Its effect activated, but Osborn was not interested in any explanation as he continued. “Next I remove Dark Diviner, to incinerate your face down.” A second wave of fire destroyed her final card. She had nothing left to defend herself with as the monster stomped towards her, for a direct attack. Hikari backed against the cage, shield raised. It’s all in the mind, all in the mind. Fire consumed her, it didn’t feel like it (LP: 1200). Juruo and Mel sprinted round the cage to where Hikari had sank. Desperate to see if she was okay, Mel reached through the bars to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The startled withdrawal was frightening, and all they could do was watch on as Hikari staggered to her feet. “I’ve taken worse. Are you done?” “Since you asked, no I’m not. I place one card face down. Now I’m done, and more or less so are you.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 10]Hikari - Front Row: -. Back Row:-. Hand: 5 LP: 1200Osborn - Front Row: Dark Armed Dragon. Back Row: Face-down. Hand: 1 LP: 2600 The boys were speechless as Hikari made her way back to her position, determined to keep fighting. “Not by a long shot. When Leviathan was destroyed, I got to add three Fabled monsters in my graveyard to my hand.” She looked at the returned Lurrie, along with a birdman creature and a dark fairy that had been milled earlier. I just hope they’ll be enough. “I draw, and activate Solar Recharge. By discarding a Lightsworn in my hand, I can draw two more cards.” Her eyes sparkled as she did so. “She can still win this right?” Mel asked. “Don’t worry, she’ll win somehow.” Juruo reassured him, as much as himself. “She’s strong, whatever Osborn says, and it looks like she got what she needed. Then we can get her out of this thing.” Although Mel seemed convinced, Juruo wished he had convinced himself. As talented as Hikari was, she was staring down a barrel right now, and had to take that dragon out fast. “I summon Fabled Raven to the field, and activate his special effect. You see, my raven is a tuner with a twist. By discarding any number of cards from my hand, his level is increased by one for every card. So I’m discarding Fabled Lurrie and Fabled Krus. You already know what Lurrie does, but since she’s new I explain Krus to you. When she gets sent to the grave from my hand, she summons another Fabled to the field. I’m choosing Fabled Ashenveil.” Another winged warrior similar to Soulkius appeared beside the birdman and the bat fiend (DEF: Ashenveil: 1200. Raven: 1000. Lurrie: 400). “Then I tune my now level four Raven with Ashenveil to Synchro Summon Fabled Valkyrus.” A demon in black and gold armour emerged from the resulting pillar of light, with long black wings. Only a set of teeth revealed by a wicked smile could be seen under its helmet, as it cracked its knuckles, ready for battle, its attack fractionally higher than Dark Armed Dragons (ATK: 2900). “Valkyrus, attack.” A fireball appeared in the demons hands as it fired at the dragon. “Too bad. I activate Slip of Fortune to remove my monster from play, and negate your attack.” The dragon disappeared suddenly, as the fireball attack dissipated harmlessly against the opposite side of the cage. Osborn mocked manically at Hikari’s failed attempt. “Alright then, I set two cards face down and end my turn.” “They won’t help you. My Dark Armed Dragon returns, and immediately I activate its effect by removing the remaining monster from my graveyard to destroy Valkyrus.” The dragon reappeared and roared, more terrifying than before. For the third time it unleashed it’s almighty flame, destroying another monster that it could not take down with strength alone. The group gasped. This could leave Hikari wide open for a direct attack. “I activate one of my face-down trap cards, Synchro Spirits. By removing a Synchro monster from my graveyard, I can bring back the monsters used to summon it in the first place. So Ashenveil and Raven return in defence mode (DEF: 1200 and 1000 respectively). “Fine, I will take down the tuner monster Fabled Raven.” Another intense barrage of flame incinerated the bird warrior. “Face it Hikari, I have already taken down your strongest two Fabled Synchro monsters, there is nothing more you can hope to summon to beat me with.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 12]Hikari - Front Row: Ashenveil, Lurrie. Back Row: Face-down. Hand: 1 LP: 1200Osborn - Front Row: Dark Armed Dragon. Back Row: -. Hand: 2 LP: 2600 Hikari smiled as Osborn congratulated himself on his own brilliance. “Oh really Osborn? I wouldn’t be too comfortable yet. Because it’s my turn, and your dragon is going down with a move I’ve been planning since last round. But it would have been a bit harder to do so if you hadn’t chosen to destroy Raven.” “Your insolent confidence is blinded. You have nothing left that can match my dragon’s power, and without a tuner you cannot summon anything close to it. Especially having already dispensed of Fabled Leviathan and Valkyrus. And your Ancient Sacred Wyvern cannot hope to save you either. It’s over.” “You sure about that? First off I’m going to set a face-down card. Then I’m going to activate my spell card, Lightwave Tuning. This turns my level four Ashenveil into a tuner monster. So now I will perform a Synchro Summon with my level four Ashenveil and level one Lurrie to summon Fabled Ragin.” A third once proud warrior arose, protected by gold armour. This one was shorter than the menacing duo from earlier, but was still a lot taller than any of the humans. It drew a long sword from the hilt on its waist and took flight with its large black wings. Osborn looked unimpressed. “That thing falls far short of taking down Dark Armed Dragon.” (ATK: 2300) “Don’t be so hasty Osborn, I said I’ve had this planned since last turn. I activate Ragin’s special effect. This lets me draw until I’m holding two cards in my hand.” Hikari added two cards, Lumina and Pot of Avarice, although they may not be needed now, perhaps later. “Now I attack Dark Armed Dragon.” “You fool. My dragon’s attack is higher than your monsters...” “Activate my trap Synchro Strike. This card powers up my Synchro monster by 500 attack points for each monster used to summon it until the end of the turn. So because I used two monsters to summon Ragin...” “... Its attack becomes 3300.” Osborn slowly dawned to what was about to happen, as Ragin glowed with the strength transferred to it by the card, and dived towards the black dragon, swinging its sword. The dragon’s death roar was blood-curdling, as it sank back into the earth. Osborn shook with fury, his scars enhancing the look of anger (LP: 2100). “It’s my move, and I can assure you that Dark Armed Dragon was the not the last of your troubles. I summon Doomsday Horror in attack. This monsters attack becomes the number of dark monsters removed from play times 300.” A spectral beast appeared on the field (ATK: 2700). Hikari frowned, annoyed that Osborn could just normal summon something with so much attack power. “Next I activate the spell card, Offerings to the Doomed which lets me destroy one monster on the field. I choose... Doomsday Horror.” Everyone blinked with surprise as Osborn targeted his own monster, and the fiend vanished. “What? You just destroyed your own monster, when it was stronger than mine?” “But not by much, and it could easily be overtaken, or weakened on your next turn” Osborn chuckled darkly. “But I do not plan to let you have a next turn. When Doomsday Horror is destroyed its effect activates, returning all removed from play monsters to my graveyard. But they aren’t going to be there very long. Because I’m removing seven of them, to summon the strongest wielder of the dark forces.” Images of the seven selected dark monsters appeared for a brief moment, before they became engulfed by a black portal, opening a door to a netherworld of lightning and fire. From the portal emerged a new dragon, its long amethyst-coloured serpentine body coiled as it filled Osborn’s side of the cage. Seven different coloured crystals were imbedded in either side of its long neck. It spread its black wings and roared, shaking the cage, and everything else in Hikari’s world. Such was its power (ATK: 4000). “This is the Rainbow Dark Dragon. You may have managed to outmatch my previous monster for attack twice, but there shall be no chance of that this time. Your journey ends here. Rainbow Dark Dragon, finish her, and her pitiful resistance.” The dragon unleashed a beam of dark energy from its maw, aimed straight at Fabled Ragin. “I activate my face down Defence Draw, negating all damage I receive, and letting me draw one card.” Hikari had to shout over the attack, and raise her shield across her face from the blinding light as the energy attack smashed into the winged monster, instantly destroying it. Osborn scowled in frustration. “You are most stubborn. But you will not last another attack.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 14]Hikari - Front Row: -. Back Row: -. Hand: 3 LP: 1200Osborn - Front Row: Rainbow Dark Dragon. Back Row: -. Hand: - LP: 2100 He’s right. If I don’t do something soon, I’m done for. But I mustn’t panic; I know I have a few cards left in my deck that can take that thing down. I just need it one of them to come to my hand. She breathed slowly as she drew her next card. Aurkus, Lightsworn Druid, well that doesn’t help. But I have another chance. “I activate Pot of Avarice. I return Fabled Leviathan, Fabled Ragin, Fabled Krus, Tuningware and Celestia, Lightsworn Angel to my deck and shuffle it, in order to draw two new cards. Here goes.” Her eyes widened with shock as she looked at her next two cards. Still nothing? “Ahaha, you look worried my dear. Are you imagining the pain my dragon will rain on your body as soon as you end your turn?” “No, I’m just thinking.” I think I’ve got enough to buy myself a turn. But I’ll only get one more chance. “I summon Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner to the field.” A woman in a flowing white dress and scarf appeared by her side. “Now I activate her special ability. By discarding Fabled Krus from my hand, I can resurrect one Lightsworn from my graveyard. Garoth rises again. Also because I discarded Krus, Fabled Raven is summoned back to my field as well.” The knight and the bird warrior appeared either side of the magical summoner lady. “Next I discard one more card from my hand to raise Raven’s level by one. Then I tune my now level three Raven with Lumina and Garoth. Leviathan, come back to me.” Osborn laughed as Hikari signalled the end of her turn with the summoning of the red haired demon. “Well that accomplished nothing. At least by summoning three monsters last turn you had a wall to hide behind. Now due to the effects of Offerings to the Doomed, I am unable to conduct my draw phase this turn. But now I activate Rainbow Dark Dragon’s special ability. By removing the remaining four dark monsters in my graveyard, his strength rises further, far beyond anything your monster can achieve.” The dark dragon emitted another frightening roar as its attack escalated beyond reason (ATK: 6000). Osborn laughed wildly in his victory. “Attack!” A second energy blast erupted from the dragon’s mouth. Mel gasped, Sabin grimaced, Juruo yelled. “From my graveyard, my discarded monster Necro Gardna absorbs your attack and negates it.” [spoiler=Summary - End Turn 16]Hikari - Front Row: Fabled Leviathan. Back Row: -. Hand: 1 LP: 1200Osborn - Front Row: Rainbow Dark Dragon. Back Row: -. Hand: - LP: 2100 Osborn swore with anger at the latest halted attack. “You cannot hold on forever. I will break through your defence, and when I do you will wish I had hung you at the gallows myself. This is the second time I have you on the brink of the abyss. Miracles do not happen twice!” “We’ll see. I draw.” She slowly pulled her card from her shield, and turned it over. A weak smile broke out across her face. “This duel is over Dark Knight. This card is about to show you the light.” “You lie!” “No, I’m honest. Or rather, this is! My Leviathan attacks Dark Rainbow Dragon, and activates the effect of my drawn card, Honest. By discarding it from my hand, my monsters gains your monsters attack for this battle. You might want to put your shield up.” Hikari slowly ducked below her shield, as an angel appeared beside her monster, a shining light emanating from its heart. The watching group looked on open mouthed as Leviathans attack hit a dizzying 9000. It made a demonic cackle as it unleashed its stream of energy, wiping out the dragon and the knights remaining life points in style. Osborn staggered and fell backwards, his duel shield deactivating automatically. Opposite him, exhausted from the battle, Hikari sank to her knees. The steel cage faded away, allowing her companions to rush over. Alarmed, Hikari threw a hand out, begging not to be touched. “Please, don’t. I’ll be fine. I don’t know about him though.” Acknowledging her wish, Juruo, Sabin and Erin approached the fallen knight. He was lying flat on his back, breathing heavily. The purple glaze that had covered his eyes had faded, allowing his usual blue eyes to blink, pupils shrunk so much, as if seeing light for the first time after an eternity in the darkness. As he gained his bearings, Juruo knelt over him, staring him in the face. “Juruo... what happened... where am I...?” “Somewhere near the city of Sennen’Yama. You attacked us, and forced Hikari to duel you. Seems you were under some sort of control.” Osborn nodded slowly, clutching the chest plate of his heavy armour. His breathing was strangely laboured, making it difficult for him to speak. “I... remember... when I was in hospital... Demon came before me. He... stabbed me... through the heart. As I was dying... he offered me the chance to save myself... and the people... In panic I agreed. He then transformed me into what you see before you. I had no choice but to submit to his will. When I became the Dark Knight... I was charged with one task... to find and destroy you and Hikari. And since I have failed to meet Demon’s orders... urgh!” Juruo looked down at where the once valiant hero of war was clutching his arm. Dark red blood was beginning to seep through the chinks in the armour. Osborn gripped Juruo’s arm tightly. “Listen to me. Demon is planning to bring about... the apocalypse. But from what I gather, he can’t do it without this.” He nodded towards his left gauntlet, for Juruo to remove the metal protection. As he did so, Osborn revealed his bare hand was holding a single duel card, in a protective sleeve that was strapped around his palm. He nodded again with more urgency. Juruo removed the modified strap to reveal the card. It was a red dragon, the legend his home was named after. ‘Uria, Lord of Searing Flame’. “I found it shortly after my transformation. Something about it made me take it. I cannot begin to seek forgiveness for what I’ve done to Hikari.” Osborn’s eyes glazed over solemnly. “My hand may have been forced by Nero and Demon... but I still knew what I was allowing to happen. I thought I had no choice... but we always do. It is our choices that define us. I am weak, thus I have made the wrong choices in life... to follow orders without question. I have learned too little too late. But you Juruo, you have the strength to make difficult choices... to not take the easy way out.” The knight coughed violently, pulling Juruo closer, as he could only muster enough strength to whisper, or perhaps he did not want anyone else to hear. His eyes bore a strange emotion that he couldn’t put his finger on. Was it sorrow? Dread? Or simply relief? “You must keep this card as far from Demon as possible. I don’t know how... but he will use it to destroy this world. His powers are supernatural... and he has help. His followers will pursue you for this card, and the others that share its power. His darkness consumes all, poisoning the minds of those who wish to ease their suffering... You... must...... not......... trust.........” The knight’s grip softened as his final rattling breath passed his lips. The cursed knight, once the peoples champion and protector of the meek, had been relieved of his duties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted March 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 :angry: Ok, Chapter 20. First duelless chapter in eight, but a lot of information, and new characters. Comments please, people who have been silently reading this. [spoiler=Chapter 20]Chapter 20 - The Mountain City The Emperor Nero drank deeply from his mint tea, draining the cup in one gulp. Wiping his beard with his sleeve, he returned the cup to the table beside his chair, and looked down at the servant who had just entered. A feeble young man with blonde hair and a freckled face, who was visibly trembling before him. It was never good to be the bearer of bad news. “Your lordship, news from your city is that order has been restored successfully, and most of the damage done to the palace during the fight has been repaired, or is in the process thereof. It has been reported that thirty seven resistance members were involved in the raid, of which thirty three were killed, including two of their highest ranking generals, and their leader, Vardus Jackson.” A frown broke across the brow of the Emperor. “And the other four...?” “The third general, Erin Kazoku, and three other members of the resistance force, are unaccounted for. This report also indicates that three duel runners that were held in the palace are missing, presumably used as some part of an escape. We also suffered a heavy number of casualties to the guard...” Nero stood and hit the messenger over the head, knocking the young man to the floor. “Do you think I care about the guards? I want those four found, and killed. They may be coming here, and they could undo everything I am trying to accomplish. Get out of my sight, you wretch. Now, Pallas! Demon!” The cloaked Demon approached from out of the shadows, only his mouth was visible under his hood. He stood next to a short man with a pot belly, a shiny bald head and thick handlebar moustache. Demon looked the governor of the city up and down, scowling with distain. Nero returned to his chair, glowering as the messenger was dragged away. “Well Demon?” The cloaked man shrugged. “Don’t be so worried my lord; the remaining insects have no idea what is going on, or where you are. You are perfectly safe here in this city. Besides, I already have someone on their trail. They won’t make it here.” Demon smirked, he already knew Osborn had been defeated, and what that meant, but he would keep that information to himself, for now at least. “Hmph, well regardless, I want security patrols around the city increased, and Pallas, I want you to take this seriously, and give that card to Demon. If we are to destroy the spirit world and channel its energy into me, so that I can rule forever, then we need its power.” The fat man growled, his double chin wobbling as he made the noise. “My lord, I share your goals in regards to your noble rule, but do you trust this black creature? Do you put your faith in this man, who does not dare show his face, who is so willing to help grant you infinite power? Please let me take charge of this operation, I am more than capable.” Demon’s mouth contorted into an ugly grimace. “I don’t want your opinion on this Pallas. I know you treasure the card, but I gave it to you, and I have the power to take it back. Now both of you get on with your duties.” Pallas turned and marched out, Demon simply vanished into the darkness. Not one of the three was happy with what had transpired. ... The sun was beginning to set as the group made it to the natural walls of Sennen’Yama. They had been unable to move the knight in his heavy armour, and with no equipment to create a proper grave for him, they could only leave him to the ravages of nature around him. Some of his final words were haunting, as was the card that Juruo had strapped around his upper arm, just above the elbow (without gloves, it was impractical to go around the wrist like Osborn had). Now, as they sat on their runners from a rocky vantage point, the challenge was to get into the city via one of the fortified tunnel entrances below, without being noticed by the guards. Sabin identified their opportunity. One of the smaller tunnels was currently open to travellers, who were being heartily welcomed by an old man in rusty armour with a grey beard, much to the chagrin of his superior, who clouted him round the back of the head before leaving him to his own orders. The group made their way down the rock face and into the ravine, approaching the soldier as he prepared to shut the gate. Some niceties and a small bribe to this old and friendly chap proved enough to see the group ride through without questions. Surely word must have reached the city about these five outlaws on the run who may appear here, this man must know who they were, but he seemed too pleased with his coins, and the idea of sticking one to his superiors, to alert anyone. Such people exist in life. The tunnel was long and dimly lit, as the runners had to go through single file. They came out at a crossroads that looked in the heart of the town, and the gates shut automatically behind them. The city was a sight to behold. The industrial nature of this place was apparent. Great chimneys dotted the skyline, as did various other mills and refineries. The streets were wide for heavy cargo transport to pass through. Everywhere was busy as the city was closing down trading for the day and people were making their way home. Amongst the civilians, a group of guards were patrolling the streets, and making their way towards them. Juruo turned his runner to go down the left road, only to see more soldiers in the distance marching towards them. Erin cursed behind him, that could only mean the third exit to the right was sealed off as well. There was no way this was a regular patrol, had the damned old man betrayed them already? No, surely they couldn’t assemble like that so quickly. Juruo glanced around feverishly, looking for an escape. “Psst... over here!” Juruo looked around to see a boy, maybe about his age but it was difficult to tell with the bike helmet, poking his head out of an alley in a row of shops, waving frantically for him and the others to come over. Without thinking, with no other option apparent, he spun his runner around and into the alley, the others following his blind lead. The boy, who was wearing a full leather biker suit, sprinted off ahead of him down this narrow passageway, having to dart between crates and bins that had been left here. The group followed as he turned a corner, where before them, he jumped onto the back of a dark grey duel runner similar to their own, which was ready and waiting for him with another person, also heavily garbed in riding leathers, sat in the driver’s seat. The boy tapped this person on the shoulder, and they set off at speed. Juruo had difficulty keeping up as the runner weaved effortlessly through the winding back alleys, until they burst into a high street, where a dozen guards were waiting for them. There the leading biker really opened up, without hesitation charging through the guards and bolting straight down the high street. The others had no problem following this plan; as they blasted through the guards feeble attempt at a human blockade. They soon caught up with the lead runner; the runners they had acquired outmatched the grey machine for speed, it was a basic model but was being drove to the limit by a clearly exceptional rider. ... The party followed the grey bike out of the city centre and through a mostly deserted dead end of town. They came across an abandoned warehouse, where they were led down a side passage and stopped. The boy who had initially got them to follow jumped off the runner and opened the garage down, ushering them inside. Parking inside this garage, they got off and stood watching as the rider stopped the grey machine, and removed their helmet. A bright scarlet fringe fell down across the face of the young girl who was sat on the runner, covering the left half of her face, and one of her fiery red eyes. The back of her hair was quite short and spiky, and she had a ring in her right eyebrow that wasn’t hidden by the sweeping fringe and another in each ear. She looked a bit of a punk, and she didn’t seem too friendly. “You had better be right about these guys Luca” she snapped at her associate, who had removed his own helmet. His dark blue eyes were a lot more welcoming than the girls, as pushed his short blonde hair forward into a crazy flat style with what looked like a spike in the middle that stuck out. Both he and the girl were slightly shorter than Juruo and Sabin, they looked younger too. He was positively beaming at the sight of the five duelists before him. “Oh of course I’m right, stop worrying. These are the five duelists who the Empire is looking for, how can they not be. Anyway, welcome, my name is Luca, and I’m one half of the Resistance here in this city. Over there is the other half, her name is Tyrana. We heard about your escape from Sen’nenki from the guards, and that you could be coming here, so we’ve been keeping ourselves ready so that we could get you here safely. This is our HQ, where we conduct our own covert operations from. We just keep our runner down here, upstairs is the planning quarters and kitchen, and above that the bunks. It’s quite a small place compared to what you guys from the capital are used to, but we get by alright and we have plenty of spare room for you to stay here.” “Wait a minute, this is it? Just you two?” Sabin interrupted him, looking astonished. Erin rolled her eyes at him. “I said there was a resistance here; I never said they were a well manned and effective force.” “Hey, me and Tyrana have done plenty of work here. We’ve caused plenty of trouble for Pallas, freeing people he has wrongly imprisoned and the like. We’ve got plans to do something big, but we need more members to pull it off. You guys fit the bill perfectly.” “That’s great, Luca but we’re here for something else.” Juruo said, pulling up his jacket sleeve. “We are looking for a card that may be being held here in the city. There are people in the Empire who are seeking it and others like it, and want to wield their power for the forces of darkness and destruction. You wouldn’t know anything about them would you?” Juruo removed the Uria card from its sleeve and showed it to Luca. He looked at it for a moment in silent though, then nodded, motioning for them to follow him upstairs. On the second floor, there were various comfortable beanie bags and sofas positioned around a large table. Piles of paper and equipment lay around the place. The kitchen was equally cluttered. The seven sat themselves around the table, as Tyrana shifted through various stuff. Luca began rummaging in a small pile of books, pulling out a heavy leather bound one and placing it on the table. He flicked through it for a few seconds, looking for something specific. He found the page he was looking for, and showed it to the group. There was a picture of the red dragon, along with another skeletal gold dragon, and a great demon. “Here we go, this book tells you all you need to know about the three sacred beast cards. These three cards have been used countless times throughout history as a source of great power, and of potential destruction to the entire world. So eventually, they separated them, and had one hidden away in each of the three empires. The Uria card has always belonged to Sen’nenki and the Empire we know today. But after the war was over, another one of the cards was requested as part of the terms of surrender. That card was ‘Raviel, Lord of Phantasms’. After the treaty was signed, it wound up in the Empire’s possession, and as Governor Pallas was a commander general and successfully negotiated the treaty, he was awarded possession of it when he came here. Now he proudly displays it as part of his collection of rare and valuable treasures inside his mansion.” “How heavily guarded is the mansion?” Hikari asked. “Very, duh.” Tyrana rolled her eyes at the stupid question. “Especially as the Emperor himself is in town at the moment, hence the extra security around town. It would take a remarkable thief to get inside by themselves and take so much as Pallas’ extra large pyjamas without setting off a hundred alarms. Pallas is extremely paranoid like that.” The group exchanged glances, so Demon was telling the truth. “So it’s impossible?” “I didn’t say that. I just said it would take something remarkable. Luckily for you, that’s what I am.” “We’ve acquired some really clever stuff, and Tyrana is pretty handy with anything technical. We can take down every security camera, motion detector, etc, etc, that we need to sneak in and take it.” “Are there duelists among the guards?” asked Juruo. Luca nodded again. “Yes, not many though. Both myself and Tyrana duel, and we have regularly beaten guards who have forced the fight on us. I use a water deck, and Tyrana uses Jurracs. We know how good you all are, we heard all about you. So that’s not really a problem.” “Everyone wait a minute.” Sabin, who had been idly lounging around listening in on all this, stood up to speak his mind. “Why bother? Apparently, they need all three cards, and we already have one. Why don’t we just destroy the one we’ve got? Then it can’t be used for anything they are planning. Job done, if you ask me.” Juruo looked down at the card he was holding. Perhaps Sabin was right, if they were to destroy the card, then Demon would be unable to use it for anything. He stood up and walked over to the kitchen, switching on and lighting one of the gas hobs on the stove. A small ring of fire lit up. He held the card towards the flame. “No! The cards must not be destroyed. If they are, terrible consequences will be felt in the spirit world.” The soft voice shook Juruo’s senses. It was the same one that had recently invaded his nightmares of Demon and Demise. Now he could hear it during his waking moments, it was warning him off. To make sure he wasn’t imagining it, he motioned his hand towards the flame again. There was a hiss somewhere in the back of his mind, before an incredible pain engulfed it. A sudden shock overcame every sense, making sure the warning was heeded. Juruo reached for his temple, fighting through the blinding pain to switch off the stove. Immediately the pain stopped. Panting slightly, he suddenly became aware that everyone was staring at him. “We’re not destroying the card. It would not solve the problems in the long run. If Demon is as hell-bent on destruction as he appears, he will just look for an alternative method. It’s him we need to defeat, not the cards.” Sabin slumped into his seat, muttering something that probably wasn’t complimentary about his decision. Luca looked at him as if he was daft, but continued his plan. “Anyway, if we plan this out carefully and wait for the perfect opportunity, we should be able to get you the card. But if we do, will the Emperor lose his power? Because that’s what we all want. I don’t understand any of this crazy dark destruction stuff, but I know people have been made to suffer long enough. Will it end if we help you?” Juruo nodded. “Yes. Without his dark hand aiding him, the Emperor will be weakened.” The answer pleased Luca, and so the group set to work. ... That night, the group slept together in the rooms above the living quarters. Luca and Tyrana had separate rooms, so the boys and girls shared respectively. There were plenty of spare mattresses and pillows to use, so everyone was able to drop off in some comfort.Juruo however, was not having a comfortable night. Writhing in his slumber, haunted by visions of the dark warrior Demise and the events at the palace. But there was this new voice inside the back of his head which was calling out to him. “Do not be afraid of Demon, Juruo. You must face him, for it is your fate. You must save this world and the spirit world. You will suffer losses, and the great pain one will inflict upon you, but you must carry on, no matter what happens to your friends. Believe in this fate I have bestowed upon you. Unleash the might of your Dragunity upon him, and stop him from beginning the countdown to destruction.” Juruo jerked awake, shaking violently. He ran his hands back through his messy hair, frustrated by his vague memory of what had just transpired. He glanced around the room to see if he had disturbed anyone. Luca was still sound asleep, snoring loudly, dead to the world. As for Sabin and Melanc, he couldn’t see them in the bedroom at all. Feeling his senses on full alert, Juruo decided a drink was needed. He left the bedroom and walked downstairs. Sitting at the kitchen breakfast bar was Hikari. She was sat in some light blue pyjamas she had borrowed from Tyrana, that were a bit small for her. She paid no attention to Juruo as he poured himself a water, staring blankly out of the window onto the city, looking thoroughly miserable. The Lightsworn cat spirit Rinyan had appeared, for the first time since the ill-fated assault on the palace, and was sat in her lap, purring softly to her. Juruo sat opposite them, his personal issues had to be put aside for now. “Are you thinking about Osborn?” he asked. Hikari nodded. She didn’t look at him, just continued to stare out of the window. “You know, you were incredible to keep fighting like that.” Hikari shrugged, still refusing to look at him. “I did what I had to. Sure I was scared, but I had all you guys behind me.” A long awkward silence followed her statement. Juruo finished his water and looked out of the window. Everything was peaceful and still, as stars shone in the clear night sky. An owl could be heard somewhere in the distance. “Show me your scars.” That made Hikari look at him. “Excuse me?” “You went to the dungeons because I failed to get you to safety, but you willingly gave yourself up to keep me out. I thought I had repaid the favour by rescuing you from the gallows... but not if what Osborn said was true. It’s my fault. If you will allow it... I need to see what happened to you.” Hikari looked at Rinyan in silent thought, then nodded. She might feel uncomfortable doing it, but she could understand his dilemma. She settled Rinyan on the floor, and pulled off the pyjama shirt, letting it fall to the floor as she stared glumly at her bare feet. Juruo gasped in horror. Almost every inch of her body was covered in horrendous scarring. She had removed the bandages around her waist from the stab wound; and that scar looked tame in comparison to the rest. The lashings on her back were deep and whatever device used had been designed so that the wounds would not heal properly. She still had her bra on, protecting her modesty, but it didn’t matter to her, she felt so ugly, so alone. She began to cry. In hopeless sadness, Juruo put his arms around her to try to comfort her. She yelped in pain, making him withdraw as if he had been stung. All he could do was look, but not touch, and it was breaking his heart in two. ... Morning broke a few hours later. Both Juruo and Hikari had gone back to bed, but neither had got much sleep. Bleary eyed and in a foul mood with himself after what he had seen done to Hikari, Juruo made his way downstairs to the main room, and looked out the window. The serene scene of last night was gone, and had suddenly been replaced by chaos. Smoke was billowing from a stately looking house on a slight hill in the distance. There were guards running around the streets in a frantic disorder. Luca was already up, staring out of the next window, bearing a similarly bemused expression. Puzzled, Juruo looked at an old television set that sat on top of a pile of stuff near him. Televisions were an outdated commodity, as the Emperor had run most broadcasting companies into the ground, as they were a medium that could influence the people in ways he did not want. So the only stations in the Empire were run by the governing body and thus... well, no-one but those with a deep rooted love for the old Empire could stand it. Still, there may be some news channel that would give them some information. “That work?” he asked, pointing it out to Luca. “Yeah. The reception’s poor, but you’ll be able to get something out of it. There is a local station that runs two or three channels, try them.” Juruo plugged in the set and started playing with it, until he got a shot of a news reporter sitting at their desk, with a still image of the house behind her ...Residents of the city are advised to stay calm, as they wake up to the sight of the home of Governor Pallas on fire this morning. Rumours of giant machines attacking the security, and of the theft of Pallas’ legendary card have been quashed by a spokesperson, and further details cannot be released at this time... Juruo blinked as the picture failed, and looked at Luca. Machines? The pair rushed upstairs to their bedroom, passing Hikari as she emerged from the girl’s room. The pair burst into the room, and looked at the sleeping figure of Sabin. He was fully dressed, with the new black shirt Luca had given him along with his regular trousers and boots. Juruo shook him violently, until he started to stir. “Sab, wake the hell up!” “Uh... what do you want...?” Luca and Juruo wrestled Sabin downstairs, amid much kicking and cursing, and sat him down in front of the television that had starting working again. They, along with the curious Hikari, watched the now live footage of the half demolished mansion. A short man with a bald head, long black moustache and enormous belly was jumping up and down with fury, and shouting at everyone within earshot. The reporter went on to talk to an armoured guard. “We want to quash all this talk of a theft, and that there were sightings of machine like monsters attacking the guard. We have apprehended the criminal already, everything is fine, and people just need to stay calm...” Juruo switched off the set as Sabin stared at him, shrugging. His temper rose. “Now. Why am I so convinced everything that guy just said was a poor attempt at a cover-up.” “What exactly are you accusing me of?” Sabin stood, his face filled with anger at what Juruo was suggesting. “Hello, ‘machine like monsters’ attacking the place where the card we’re looking for is held. I woke up in the night, I know you weren’t here. Wouldn’t it be extremely convenient if someone else beat us to going for that card while you disappeared, and they just so happened to use a machine deck.” Sabin scowled. “Wouldn’t be that much of a coincident at all. You know how many machine type monsters exist in duel monsters? Hundreds. Maybe half a thousand. So someone else might have a deck of them. Now unless you have some concrete proof that I’m a thief and a liar, I’m going back to bed.” Sabin and Juruo had their heads just a few millimetres apart now, staring straight into each other’s eyes. Luca tried to wriggle in between, but neither would back down from the other. Eventually, with a sort of ‘I thought not’ smirk, Sabin turned to head back upstairs. It sent Juruo’s temper over the edge. Grabbing Sabin’s shoulder, he struck him hard across the chin. Enraged, Sabin turned and started fighting back. He had the upper hand in terms of strength, but blind rage fuelled Juruo. Luca weighed in to the brawl, as Hikari watched on in shocked disbelief. Eventually the two teamed up and managed to pin Sabin to the floor, Juruo having to sit on his chest as he writhed furiously to try and free himself. It was at that moment that Luca noticed something producing slightly from Sabin’s trouser pocket. Curious, he reached for it, and pulled out a card depicting a gigantic fiend overlord, ‘Raviel, Lord of Phantasms’, the sacred beast card of Pallas. He passed it to Juruo, who looked at it, breathing heavily, ignoring the cut on his lip. He looked back at Sabin, seeing a lot of the colour drain out of his face. “Well, here’s your proof. Now explain.” Sabin stuttered as he tried to. “Now... I know how this looks. But I didn’t attack Pallas’ house or anything. I... couldn’t sleep was all... so I went for a ride around the city on the runner. I didn’t go anywhere in particular. Then I just... found it... It’s unbelievable, but it’s the truth I swear.” “Bah, why on earth would I believe that? You’ve admitted you stole your old deck, and I’ve seen the way you’ve fought with palace guards before. Now you’re trying to tell us you just ‘found’ this card in the street? We’re supposed to be a team. How can we trust you if you do stupid stunts like this?” Juruo’s dialogue was interrupted as Sabin, with his free hand, punched him straight in the gut, causing him to double over. Swatting Luca aside, he stood up and dusted himself down, taking the card out of the hand of the wheezing Juruo. “Fine, don’t trust me. I’m still telling the truth. Once I was a thief and worse, but not anymore. But look at the bigger picture for a second. We have the second card. What does it matter how we got it? Now we can get out of here and on to the third and final capital, right?” With that he turned, and froze. He had turned straight into the silent figure of Erin, her arms were folded, and she looked furious. Without a struggle, she plucked the card from Sabin’s hand and pocketed it. “Honestly, get a grip of yourselves. I don’t know or even want to know how, but we have safely acquired the second sacred beast card from the Empire’s control, that is all that matters. But if you three children want to roll around on the floor scrapping with each other about trust and moral high ground, grow up. Until then, I think this card is safest with an adult. Now,” Erin glanced around the room, an odd look of concern had replaced her anger. “Where is Mel?” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 Well, these two chapters were very nice, except the part about two kids being the Resistance, that was a little lame, especially with how stereotyped that whole scene was in my view. Also wasn't it incredibly convenient that all information regarding Juruo and the rest had been passed around... sounds a little bizarre to me, considering the confusion that must have erupted in the city, no matter how prepared the enemy was. I wonder why none of the three (Nero, Demon, Pallas) was satisfied. I can guess why Nero and Pallas but nothing particularly bad for Demon happened in that scene. Anyway, jumping back, the duel between Hikari and Osborn was great. Except, why does every fanfic that uses Honest have to contain a pun on its name? Sounds like Hikari's injuries are going to become a focal point in a future subplot, I wonder when they'll find a way to heal them (Dian Keto the Cure Master olololol). But what I mostly liked was the last part. If Sabin isn't lying, which I do not entirely reject as an idea, there's someone else out there, and there must be some form of link between the two. Though of course, the plot point of the next chapter is obvious, and it's about time Erin got some exposition. Also, I wonder if it's somehow important that Erin is holding Raviel and Juruo is holding Uria, as opposed to one person keeping them both. It makes them more theft-proof, but... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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