YuGiOh: Hidden Legacy [Descent into Darkness] [Ch. 29 Reality Check] Posted! NEW!

[Synchronized]

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Table of Contents

Introduction Arc

Chapter 1: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-11-the-dark-one-rises-part-2-posted-pg-13/page__view__findpost__p__5250823"]Duel! Champion vs. Hero![/url]
Chapter 2: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-hidden-legacy-s3-season-3-episode-1-after-a-good-spell-check-were-good-to-go/page__p__5250040#entry5250040"]The Shining Darkness[/url]
Chapter 3: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-hidden-legacy-s3-season-3-episode-2-the-shining-darkness/page__view__findpost__p__5262182"]Crossroads of Chaos[/url]
Chapter 4: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-hidden-legacy-s3-season-3-episode-3-crossroads-of-chaos/page__view__findpost__p__5295714"]Hidden Arsenal - Part 1[/url]
Chapter 5: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-4-hidden-arsenal-part-1/page__view__findpost__p__5332569"]Hidden Arsenal - Part 2[/url]
Chapter 6: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-6-hidden-arsenal-part-3-plot-begins/page__view__findpost__p__5384935"]Hidden Arsenal - Part 3[/url]
Chapter 7: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-6-hidden-arsenal-part-3-plot-begins/page__view__findpost__p__5392453"]Duelist Revolution[/url]
Chapter 8: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-7-duelist-revolution/page__view__findpost__p__5417454"]Crimson Crisis[/url]
Chapter 9: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-ygo-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-8-crimson-crisis-added/page__view__findpost__p__5465913"]Dark Beginning[/url]

The Dark One Rises (Mini-Arc)

Chapter 10: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-ygo-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-9-dark-beginning-posted/page__view__findpost__p__5479526"]The Dark One Rises (Part 1)[/url]
Chapter 11: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-ygo-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-10-the-dark-one-rises-part-1-posted-check-this-out/page__view__findpost__p__5482443"]The Dark One Rises (Part 2)[/url]
Chapter 12: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-chaos-reborn-episode-11-can-we-get-some-feedback/page__view__findpost__p__5492966"]The Dark One Rises (Part 3)[/url]
Chapter 13: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-chaos-reborn-episode-12-posted-the-finale-of-the-mini-arc/page__view__findpost__p__5510091"]The Emissary's Gift[/url]

Chaos Reborn

Chapter 14: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-13-posted/page__view__findpost__p__5523239"]Chance or Fate?[/url]
Chapter 15: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-14-chance-or-fate-posted/page__view__findpost__p__5530179"]The Takeover Begins[/url]
Chapter 16: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-15-the-takeover-begins-posted-new/page__view__findpost__p__5545104"]Chaos Breaks Loose[/url]
Chapter 17: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-17-chance-of-restoration-absolute-zero/page__view__findpost__p__5545104"]Chance of Restoration - Absolute Zero![/url]
Chapter 18: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-17-chance-of-restoration-absolute-zero/page__view__findpost__p__5548295"]A Rainbow Reunion![/url]
Chapter 19: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-s3-hidden-legacy-episode-18-a-rainbow-reunion/page__view__findpost__p__5556814"]Cyber Clash (Part 1)[/url]
Chapter 20: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-s3-hidden-legacy-episode-19-cyber-clash-part-1-posted/page__view__findpost__p__5575780"]Cyber Clash (Part 2)[/url]
Chapter 21: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-s3-hidden-legacy-episode-20-posted-arc-2022-only-2-episodes-remaining/page__view__findpost__p__5586475"]The Barren Wasteland[/url]
Chapter 22: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-s3-hidden-legacy-arc-finale-12-posted-the-barren-wasteland-episode-21/page__view__findpost__p__5608874"]The Ultimate Sacrifice! I Thought You Didn't Believe in Me![/url]

Descent into Darkness

Chapter 23: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-s3-hidden-legacy-arc-finished-2222-the-ultimate-sacrifice-i-thought-you-didnt-believe-in-me/page__view__findpost__p__5612915"]Future Visions (Part 1)[/url]
Chapter 24: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-descent-into-darkness-23-future-visions-part-1/page__view__findpost__p__5613178"]Future Visions (Part 2)[/url]
Chapter 25: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-descent-into-darkness-24-future-visions-part-2/page__view__findpost__p__5634953"]The Faceless One (Part 1)[/url]
Chapter 26: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-descent-into-darkness-25-the-faceless-one-part-1/page__view__findpost__p__5793793"]The Fire Inside - Part 1[/url]
Chapter 27: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-descent-into-darkness-26-the-fire-inside-ive-posted-a-recap-for-those-of-you-who-want-to-follow-but-havent-caught-up/page__view__findpost__p__5804790"]The Fire Inside - Part 2[/url]
Chapter 28: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-descent-into-darkness-ch-27-the-fire-inside-part-2-posted-reps-for-constructive-advice/page__view__findpost__p__5835838"]The Hero's Rescue[/url]
Chapter 29: [url=http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/251715-yugioh-hidden-legacy-descent-into-darkness-ch-28-the-heros-rescue-posted-reps-for-constructive-advice/page__view__findpost__p__5850553]Reality Check[/url]

[Synchronized]

[left][left][spoiler=READ THIS BEFORE READING THE EPISODE]What you are about to read is the first episode of the Third Season of my original YuGiOh Fan Fiction, Hidden Legacy. The First Season was written in 2007, and consisted of 30 episodes. Likewise, the Second Season was written in 2008, and consisted of 30 episodes. Now, in 2011, the Third Season has begun, and I have decided that I’m not really trying to appeal to anyone specific with this one. There’s a link below if you’d like to read Season 2 to get caught up, and if anyone is interested in reading Season 1, I can provide a link for that as well. I would like to mention, however, that these are old Fan Fics, and were written in Script Format three-four years ago, before I had gotten better (at least a little) as a writer. Still, there are some plot details and I’m writing this mainly for myself, because there are a lot of things I’d like to see done with the series.
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When this was originally written, it was started as a follow-up of sorts to YuGiOh GX, which will explain the mentions (and inclusions) of many of the characters. In Season 3, that will not often be the case, as I prefer to work with my own characters for the most part. However, it is possible that there could be some appearances from characters that were once in the show.

LINK: [url="http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/39348-yu-gi-oh-hidden-legacy-the-shadow-lord-final-episode-posted/"]Season 2[/url]

If there are any more questions about the series, feel free to post here. And of course, reviews would be great, though I’m not expecting too much of a response.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Episode 1: Duel! Champion vs. Hero!]"What you have requested, sir." A man bowed. He wasn't too tall, or too short. Though concealed by the dimly-lit surroundings, one could make out a figure about mid-height, with dark brown hair. Upon second glance, the outline of what had to be a very muscular figure was apparent. Backing up, he stared toward the ground. "It has been done."

"About time." In front of this shadowy, muscular figure sat a larger man, this one atop a throne. The tone of his voice and the glimmer of his attire made it safe to assume he was a man of royalty. "Grepher, you of all people should know I don't like to wait." There was hesitation in his words. "However, given that it is done, I see no need to push the issue any further. See yourself out, and next time, be sure things are taken care of properly."

There was nothing but the feint echo of descending footsteps for the next few moments as the man known as Grepher saw himself to the door. Two guards, hidden by the darkness of the room, slammed the door shut, then waited. "Sir, is there anything else you need?"

"No," the throne-sitting man replied. "He is gone, and I have no further use for you at the moment." Breathing a sigh of exhaustion, he continued. "You may go to the kitchen and fetch something to eat. I need a few minutes to myself. I expect you back here within the hour."

"Yes sir." And they were off. Smith, and Locke, their names, were of the complete understanding that you don't go against the orders of the Wanderer. He had assumed the throne, and his words served as the difference between life and death. It is often assumed that one who commands respect is given it out of fear. Such was the case here. When the Dark General Freed had been defeated, and banished to the world of shadows just two years ago, his brother had taken over. A man who had long carried the quest of beseeching the General himself, became driven by power, and ruthlessly took the lives of thousands of Duel Spirits in what was now a successful attempt to conquer the world.

However, this one was different. Throughout his reign, it was clear that the Dark General had set aside goals for himself to accomplish. Whether it was conquest, power, destruction, just or unjust, at least he was leading the world somewhere. With his brother now at the reigns, nothing had changed throughout the course of two years. Nothing but the suffering of the people, the innocent spirits who inhabited this world, who had gained a sense of hope with the Dark General's destruction only to have it ripped away from them without so much as an explanation.

The Wanderer's government, his ruling, was one of secrecy. Very rarely were the people informed of anything, and only those inside his castle were aware of what was going on. As guards, neither one of them really had much of an idea, aside from conversations overheard while on lunch. They had but one job - do whatever they were told. It sounded simple, but when the one giving those orders was a man with a heart of pure evil, the possibilities were endless. And not in a good way.

And this latest order, the one that the Wanderer had ordered Grepher to carry out; it would have the most dangerous of circumstances.

*************************************************************************

"[b]BREAKING NEWS: HOMETOWN DUELIST WINS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - RETURNING TO DIAMOND CITY[/b]"

Riley blinked twice to be sure he was really seeing what appeared on the screen. It seemed realistic enough. It was him - Tyaro Kiminari He remembered him all too clearly - from their original encounter, all the way up to the duel in which Tyaro turned on him and his friends for nothing but a few rare cards, and allowed the darkness in his heart to be unlocked and manipulated by the power of the Wicked Avatar. It was a time he didn’t want to relive; yet as Tyaro’s face appeared bright, smiling on the screen, the memories wouldn’t go away. He turned up the volume, listening intently.

“[i]In what’s a shocking situation to say the least, Diamond City’s own Tyaro Kiminari has returned to the city after a two year absence, and has brought along with him the title of World Champion. Placing first in the Duel Monsters World Championship Cup, Tyaro has achieved World fame, and in addition, has promised to reveal a new type of monster, one apparently well-known in certain areas of the World, with plans for mass release in a matter of weeks.[/i]” A new type of monster? What could that mean? Distracted for a moment, Riley began to listen again, though he’d missed a few words. “[i]And officials say Tyaro will be holding a press conference in downtown Diamond City today at 4 PM, just three hours from now. Anyone who wants a chance to meet and listen to the World Champion, as well as gather some information about this new type of monster should meet there! If not, we’ll have live coverage of the event right here, on DCN, right after this![/i]”
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[b]Episode 1[/b]: Hidden Arsenal

The downtown center was packed. There were people as far as the eye could see – and even further. About one-hundred or so feet in front of Riley was a podium, placed upon a stage where he only assumed Tyaro would be standing in just minutes. Riley himself stood as far away as possible; his past accomplishments, if you want to call them such, made him a city-wide hero, but he wasn’t into all the hero stuff. Three years ago, he had used all of his strength to defeat the once-evil Kyrento, and prevent him from destroying the world. Of course, as things progressed, it was revealed that Kyrento was far from the real evil. That would come much later, in the form of the Dark General Freed.

It was the worst experience of his life. There was a time in which he’d lost his two best friends, Ace and Crystal. They were sent to the Shadow Realm as a sacrifice for an evil Duel Spirit to gain power, and thanks to another enemy-turned-ally by the name of Steven, that Spirit was stopped, and the Spirits of his friends had hope of being restored. Ultimately, it was Kyrento, his first real enemy, who allowed him the ability to save the world, as the combined efforts of Kyrento, and his father Cylix, were able to open the gate to the Dark General’s Castle, where Riley met true evil in its most powerful form, and defeated it for good.

Since the events of that time, not much had happened. It was back to life as usual, and he really couldn’t complain. He still loved dueling, but never had the goal to do it on a national scale. In a way, to him, that took the fun out of it. Dueling to win instead of dueling because you were passionate about the game that made it all pointless. This was part of the reason he despised Tyaro in the first place. Tyaro’s main goal in life was to obtain power. Riley knew him better than anyone. After all, he was the first person to meet him upon his arrival in Diamond City just three years ago, and after that, defeated him in a duel. Just a few days later, Tyaro returned to duel him again, only this time, with a much darker persona. Per the duel stipulations, Tyaro challenged Riley to put his own [i]Gladiator Beast[/i] cards on the line in the duel, wanting them to further the power and abilities of his own Deck. Riley had lost that duel and was never really able to recover from it. The kid he’d thought would end up being a really good friend was lost, in a way, right before his eyes. And after that, the two had never spoken again. He had some plans to change that today.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome, a round of applause to the Duel Monsters World Champion, Tyaro Kiminari!”

Riley had begun to drift off in his seat, about as far as possible to the end of the crowd. He awoke to deafening cheers as the all-too-familiar face of a former friend took the stage. He was smiling, dressed in a sharp black suit, his brown hair brushed down and forward, looking as respectable as could be. In his hand was a piece of paper and on the podium sat his Deck Box, normally clipped around his waist, but today, he had a presentation to make.

“Thank you, thank you.” Tyaro soaked in the cheers, looking around at all the adoring fans. Most of these people didn’t even know who he was; he had become fame and that was reason enough for them to come and cheer him. He glanced throughout the crowd, but didn’t notice Riley. But he would, eventually. Riley knew it, and Tyaro knew it, too. It had been two years, but neither one had forgotten the other. There was too much history there.

“It’s been such a long time since I’ve been here,” he went on. “But man, does it feel great.” The crowd roared with excitement. “I wasn’t born here, but when I moved to Diamond City, it was really, the launch of my pro dueling career. And now look where it’s gotten me. I’ve been all over the world! I’ve dueled the likes of Aster Phoenix, Zane Truesdale; the list goes on and on! And where would I be without the support of all of you?” What was he going for, playing to the crowd? It didn’t make much sense. He’d already won the popularity contest; there was no effort necessary. He was up to something; Riley could tell. What it was however, he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

"As I'm sure a lot of you have heard," Tyaro went on. "I have truly reached the top level of success." He smiled. "By becoming the Duel Monsters World Champion!!" As he yelled, the audience's cheers of joy and excitement, honored by the proud representation of their city echoed throughout the downtown area. Riley rolled his eyes at the whole endeavor.

"When are you gonna show the cards?!" An overzealous fan in a navy blue jumpsuit leaped up, shouting the question that was more than likely on the minds of everyone in attendance. Riley himself was a bit interested; he had to admit it, too.

"Yeah, come on!" The World Champion gave a friendly smile, while rolling his own eyes, unbeknownst to the people. They couldn't even wait to celebrate his own accomplishments, ungrateful losers. But he knew he'd have to show the cards as promised, and he intended to do so.

"So you want to see the new cards, huh?" More roars and cheers broke out, and Riley continued to keep his distance. Tyaro was taking in as much emotion as possible, fueling his own ego in the process. "Well, I'll show them. But..." he paused. "I was thinking, instead of just taking them out and holding them off, I'll present my new cards in a Duel!"

And that was that boiling point. The fans just about tore the area apart, leaping to their feet in excitement, some trying to get on camera, anxious to say there were live for the World Champion's first duel post-Tournament.

"How bout it? Anyone up for a challenge?" And now he was offering someone the opportunity to duel [i]him[/i]? The World Champion himself dueling just anybody?! Everyone raised their hands, jumping up and down, hoping they were the ones to be picked. Tyaro scanned the audience, considering his options.

"I'll play you." That's when Riley stood up, making himself known to the surrounding audience for the first time. Past the look of shock on Tyaro's face, Riley knew this was his expectation. Tyaro knew it as well; it's what he had intended. To finally break the tiebreaker between the two, and show the city that their so called "hero" was nothing more than a fluke. He despised Riley, and everything he stood for. Belief, faith, hope, none of that was relevant in this game and Tyaro would prove it.

"You there, in the back." Tyaro grinned. He had to play up the tension; it would make for a great news story. Riley nodded, acknowledging it. In the background he could hear the reports of excitement from local newscasters, "World Hero" versus "World Champion"! This would be on the news for sure. Tyaro surveyed the audience. "Would you guys like to see Riley Storm and I duel, right here, and for me to crush him in victory and reveal the new monster cards?"

Of course they did. He had them wrapped around his finger, to no one's surprise. Riley could see through the games and charades. But he got the duel; now it was time to make good on it. That just posed the question: what was this new monster card, and how easily could he combat it?

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Winds blew across the open area which had been cleared for the duel. What had, ten minutes ago, been a mass of chairs and people, was now an empty arena, surrounded by fans on both sides, as two of the world's most renowned duelists were about to throw down. The difference between the two, is that Riley was known for his personality; his never-give-up attitude. He wasn't about winning, and he never let a win or a loss affect him. Tyaro was the complete opposite, and he would do everything in his power to win here, because it would only mean well for his future success.

"I don't know whether or not I should act surprised, Riley." Tyaro laughed, and Riley could almost see into his bright green eyes; the cameras, the fans, this was what Tyaro was hoping to accomplish. To not only become the most powerful, which he had all but accomplished, but to live a life of fame, wealth, everything, really. He was arrogant, and arrogance led to nothing but failure.

"Well, I know for sure I am." He looked towards the ground for a moment. "Surprised you were actually able to win a World Championship." People in the surrounding area laughed, as Tyaro scowled at the embarrassment.

"I see you haven't changed a bit," Tyaro activated his duel disk, a midnight black, lined with gold on the sides; the World Champion's Prize Disk. Only five existed, having been implemented just recently and handed out to the past five Champions. "All that does is make me more confident that I'll be winning here. After all, winning is my destiny. Now let's duel!"

“I thought you’d never ask. I tell you what, old friend.” Riley replied, mockingly. “Why don’t you make the first move? World Champions first.”

“[i]Yeah, talk a big game while you can, loser. Because soon enough, you’ll be an afterthought.[/i] You’re right, and that’s because I’ve earned this honor.” He drew a card, placing it on the field. “I Summon Gladiator Beast Bestiari (ATK: 1500)!” The winged animal took to the field, standing its ground. “A face-down card should do it. You’re up.”

The fans were watching intently; they knew this wasn’t going to be an average duel, it would be unbelievably competitive, and news stations around the globe wouldn’t miss on the opportunity to stream this live. It was Riley’s turn, time for the hero, who was losing his status day by day, to take on the new, cool, and “popular” World Champion, both of them at 17 years of age.

“Nothing flashy? I’m shocked, especially considering it’s you.” Riley drew a card. Looking over his hand, he placed a monster card in the Graveyard. “Let’s see if I can get you going. By discarding Thunder Dragon to the Graveyard, I can grab two more copies of it from my Deck, and add em’ to my hand.”

Tyaro stood intent on winning this duel. He had a point to prove. Riley was a hero for no reason. While he himself was deserving of being a hero, deserving of being a true representation of these people. This kid didn’t take dueling seriously; it was a game to him. It was time to teach him a lesson.

“Now then, prepare to be one-upped!” Riley placed a card into his Duel Disk. “I activate Polymerization! By fusing the two Thunder Dragon in my hand, I’ll call upon Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon (ATK: 2800)!” Fans watched in awe as a bolt of lightning struck the field, and a bright green dragon, surrounded by static charges took the field. It had two heads, both of which looked equally devastating. “Remember this guy? Let’s see! Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon, fry his Bestiari with Dual Static Blast!”

“Not quite,” Tyaro trigged his trap, not sweating the attack. “Activate, Defensive Tactics.” A barrier formed around Bestiari, and the bird stood still as the lightning attack hit, only to be disintegrated.

“That’s how a World Champion duels!”
“Yeah!”

Riley ignored the comments of the crowd through gritted teeth. How could they be buying into this guy? “So your monster survived? Fine by me, I’ll just take it out next turn!”

“Sorry to disappoint, but Bestiari won’t be here next turn.” Tyaro placed the monster card, and Defensive Tactics as well, back into his Deck. “First things first, Defensive Tactics returns to my Deck to be used again. And secondly, since Bestiari battled this turn, I can return it to my Deck to bring out Gladiator Beast Murmillo (ATK: 800)!”

A new creature appeared on the field, this one a blue fish-like warrior, with two water cannons, one on each side.

“[i]Argh; I remember that thing![/i]” Riley himself had played Gladiator Beasts earlier on, so he was fully aware of some of their abilities. Having slipped on the return was a simple mistake, one that really might have cost him.

“And it gets better,” Tyaro pointed his index finger across the field. “When Murmillo is summoned from my Deck, he can take out one monster on the field. I think I’ll choose your Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon!” Each cannon fired a ball of water, which ironically enough was able to destroy the much larger beast.

“[i]That was a careless starting move. But it doesn’t matter; I’ll beat this guy regardless.[/i]” Riley placed a face-down. “I’ll end with this. You’re up.”

Drawing a card, Tyaro smiled to his cheering fans. “I won’t let you guys down; I’ll proudly represent our city even in the toughest of circumstances!” It was disgusting, the act he was putting on. Riley wasn’t doubting his own ability to win, but he knew Tyaro wasn’t either. And to pretend he was intimidated, like he had something to prove, would only improve his image in the eyes of the fans around them, and the presumably millions watching around the world.

“Now then, Riley, where were we?” He summoned a monster. “Oh, right. I was just about to summon my Gladiator Beast Samnite (ATK: 1600)!” Samnite, a saber tooth fighter, appeared on the field next to Murmillo, with a shield in hand. “Let’s do some attacking, shall we? I’m sure you guys would like to see it.” And again they cheered.

“Give me your best shot, Mr. Champ.” Riley taunted him.

“Ask and you shall receive! Gladiator Beast Murmillo, attack with Hydro Cannon!”

The attack struck Riley straight in the chest, the first damage of the duel being handed out.

[b]Riley’s Life Points[/b]: (-800) 3200
[b]Tyaro’s Life Points[/b]: 4000

“Well,” Tyaro smirked. “That was easier than I expected. For now, I get to activate my Gladiator Beast Murmillo’s Special Ability. Return to the Deck, to Special Summon Gladiator Beast Laquari (ATK: 1800)!”

A portal of water took the fish back into Tyaro’s Deck, as a stream of fire struck the field, Laquari emerging from it.

“And since Laquari was Special Summoned by the effect of another Gladiator Beast, he gains a nice—”

“Not so fast, you’re not the only one with face-down cards!” Riley shouted as his face-down card turned upright. “I activate the Trap Card, Summon Cancel!” A sharp wind blew across the field at Laquari, destroying it. In addition, the same winds began to circle Samnite. The creature prepared its shield.

“With Summon Cancel, I can negate the Special Summon of a monster, as long as that monster is from your Deck. In addition, by discarding a monster from my hand, I can prevent your monster from declaring an attack this turn. And so, I’ll send Necro Gardna to the Graveyard, and your Battle Phase is over.”

The spectators appreciated the efforts of Riley’s moves, but they weren’t behind him as much as they were Tyaro. They were buying into his fake appreciation, and it was only boosting Tyaro’s confidence throughout the duel. Riley wasn’t even sure that winning this duel would set things right, but at least he could prove to himself that he was capable.

“You made a rather interesting move there.” Tyaro explained. “I was wondering why you let Murmillo’s attack go through.” He set a card. “It doesn’t make a difference at this point. I’ll set one face-down card and end my turn.”

A chant of “new cards” broke out, as the fans’ clamored for the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.

“My move!” Riley drew, smiling as he summoned a monster. “I Summon Necro Defender (DEF: 800) in Defense Mode!”

[spoiler=Necro Defender]During your Main Phase, you can remove from play this card from your Graveyard to select 1 monster you control. Until your opponent's next End Phase, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and you take no Battle Damage from battles involving it.[/spoiler]

“Next up,” Riley went on, “I activate the Spell Card Necro Call!” Riley placed the Necro Defender in the Graveyard, as he began to search his Deck. “Now, I get rid of Necro Defender, in order to add a different “Necro” monster from my Deck to my hand!” The fans were talking amongst themselves, watching the duel as if it was the most exciting thing they’d ever seen.

“Granted, I can’t use it this turn, but I’m taking my Necro Guardian Dragon (2000/500).” Tyaro appeared disinterested, not at all affected. He stood his ground. “I’ll end with a face-down.”

“Ah,” Tyaro said as he drew his card, grinning. “This is the moment you’ve all been waiting for. It’s time…to reveal the new card!” There had to be at least ten local news stations filming this duel, and at the moment, all of them perked up, as if the duel hadn’t been exciting enough already; this was total ratings!

“I’ll play the Spell Card Coliseum Shift!” Samnite was absorbed in a blast of light. “By returning Gladiator Beast Samnite to my Deck, I can Special Summon a Gladiator Beast with an equal level!”

Riley watched on; what was he planning?

“Samnite returns so I can bring out, Gladiator Beast Retiari (ATK: 1200)!” The beast took the field, wielding a sharp trident. “Unfortunately, my Spell Card prevents Retiari from declaring an attack, but that’s no matter.” Tyaro looked to the fans for approval, and they cheered accordingly. “For now, I’ll introduce you to a new threat, Riley! Meet my X-Saber Airbellum (ATK: 1600)!”

“[i]That’s the big move? It’s nothing more than a basic Beast monster. I can’t figure out what he’s trying to do here.[/i]”

“Don’t worry; I’m not done yet! For you see, X-Saber Airbellum isn’t just any monster.” He paused for suspense. “It’s what’s known as a Tuner monster.”

Tuner monster…where had he heard that before? Riley couldn’t quite remember, but he knew for a fact he’d heard of this concept.

“And by combining a Tuner monster with a non-Tuner monster on my field, I’m allowed to Synchro Summon a Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck with a Level equal to the combined Level of the sent monsters!”

“[i]Synchro monster…[/i]” And then it hit him. He had almost forgotten, but no sooner were the words spoken that the memory was there instantly. Two years ago; his duel with Nathaniel. It was right after his arrival within the Duel Spirit World, he was challenged by a man named Nathaniel seeking to find the “Tormentor” cards. He had assumed the guy was just crazy, but there was something to him. What was originally confusion turned to pure fear as the duel began, and Nathaniel brought out a Synchro Monster by the name of Black Rose Dragon. The pure terror of the creature, and the way Riley felt actual pain as its attack struck was all too real once again. That was, in fact, the only duel he’d lost in about three years. And it wasn’t even the enemy. If these cards were brand new, how did Nathaniel have access to them two years before? What was even more frightening was the fact that Nathaniel, a human, was able to travel to the Spirit World for a completely different cause. He had never taken the time to consider any of this, but here it was, staring him in the face.

“Whoa, what is this?!” A news reporter yelled out, taken aback as a monstrous figure towered above the duel field. A blisteringly cold breeze blew across the field, and Riley could barely make out the outline of a ferocious dragon.

Lost in his own thoughts, Riley was brought back to reality by the sinister laughter of his opponent, who had finally managed to gain control. He didn’t know how to respond.

“The most powerful creature in all the land!” Tyaro glared at him, and the evil red eyes of his dragon did the same. “I call upon Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier (ATK: 2500)!”

[spoiler=Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier]
1 Tuner + 1 or more WATER non-Tuner Monsters.
Once per turn, you can discard up to 2 cards to the Graveyard to select the same number of cards your opponent controls. Destroy the selected cards.[/spoiler]

“Are you alright?” Tyaro asked menacingly. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Heh. Or is this reality too harsh for you to come to terms with? Your time of being the hero is over! It’s time to suffer the wrath of destruction!”

“Sorry,” Riley stared him down. “You’re just boring me.”

“Argh! You’ll pay for that, punk!” Tyaro discarded a card from his hand, and a blast of energy formed within the mouth of Gungnir. “I activate Gungnir’s Special Ability! By discarding a card from my hand, your face-down card is destroyed!”

“[i]I’ve still got Necro Gardna in the Graveyard. I’ll be okay this turn. But if I don’t draw something that can take that thing down, this duel’s as good as over.[/i]” Riley tried to reassure himself, placing his Static Blast Trap Card in the Graveyard.

“I’m sorry to make things worse, but the monster I discarded was my Ice Pick (ATK: 0)! And when it’s sent to the Graveyard from my hand, you take 500 points of damage!”

[b]Riley’s Life Points[/b]: 2700
[b]Tyaro’s Life Points[/b]: 4000

“And it looks like the World Champion has this duel in the bag! Riley has put up a good fight, but it seems Diamond City’s hero duelist is no match for Tyaro!”

“Riley, you’d be better off accepting the fact that you can’t win.” There was no compassion in his opponent’s voice. It was not the same kid he’d dueled two years ago. Not even close. Power and reputation had completely changed someone he’d once considered a friend. “I knew from the day I met you, you were far too weak to ever amount to anything. Your legend, saving the world, that will only get you so far, and your road ends here. It’s time for yours truly to rise to the top of superstardom, and nothing you do will stop me from achieving my goal!”

“Shut up.” Riley glared at him. The hope of saving a friend, or perhaps trying to reconcile a friendship was out of the question. He generally didn’t mind losing, but in this case, he was making an exception. It wasn’t about his own reputation; it was much more than that. He had to prove to himself that he could handle this challenge. “Synchro or not, I’m not going to lose to you! You can play hundreds of new cards, but they won’t make a difference, because I’m not going to give up until I’ve beaten you!”

The fans seemed surprise by his confidence. He drew a card. With only two Necro monsters in his Graveyard, there would be no way to Summon Necro Guardian Dragon just yet. If he waited just a few more turns, provided he could survive, he might be able to bring it out. But what could he do now? He glanced over his hand a couple of times…that was it! He hadn’t even thought of it! He was gonna use the card as the discard cost for Necro Dragon provided he could bring it out, but with Gungnir out, it could turn this duel around! “I’ll place one card face-down. That’ll do it.”

“Hahaha!” Tyaro laughed mockingly. “All that build up for a simple face-down? You really are a loser, aren’t you?”

“Well then, would you all like to see Gungnir’s might again?!” The crowd roared with approval, obviously. Riley ignored them. He focused on the dragon. It was a menacing creature, ruthless, just like Tyaro had become. Except for different reasons. The dragon was being commanded, while Tyaro himself was under his own control. He’d become so overtaken by his desire to achieve greatness that he’d turned into a shell of his former self. “Well, Riley, can’t disappoint the people!” Again the discard, destroying the face-down card on Riley’s field, and leaving a cloud of smoke behind it.

“And it looks like Riley’s last line of defense has been destroyed! Will Tyaro capitalize?!”
“Wait, what’s this?!”

As the smoke cleared, Riley was still standing, and in front of him was a knight, wearing a suit of armor, faded in color. A lance made up its right arm, and a pair of blue wings emerged from its back.

[spoiler=Spear Gardna]
"Necro Gardna" + "Spear Dragon"
The ATK and DEF of this card are equal to the number of cards in your hand X 1000. During battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent.[/spoiler]

“How did you – ” Tyaro was beside himself. “It’s not possible!”

“This duel’s far from over.” Riley held up his hand, revealing three cards. “In your rush of arrogance, you destroyed my face-down card, Fusion Warp. When Fusion Warp is destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Fusion Monsters from my Fusion Deck by removing from play the Fusion Material Monsters straight from my Deck!”

“Unbelievable! Just when it looked like this duel was over, Riley pulled out a huge card, using the effect of Gungnir to his advantage! Just brilliant!”

“I’m impressed.” Tyaro grunted. “Not only did you manage to survive, you managed to bring out a new monster. Unfortunately for you, it’s got no chance of destroying my Gungnir! Fusions are a thing of the past!”

“Actually, it stands all the chance.” With Spear Gardna, perhaps his most reliable monster, Riley would be able to destroy Gungnir with brute force, which would work well enough. Screw the Synchros. “See, you spend so much time talking yourself up that you don’t pay attention to simple math. Spear Gardna’s not just for show!”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, Spear Gardna gains 1000 attack points for each card in my hand! And I’m not sure if your own ego makes it difficult, but I’ve got three!”

“But that means his attack is 3000!” Tyaro replied, explaining what everyone else had already realized.

“That’s the first thing you’ve said today I can agree with.” Unfortunately, it’ll be the last. “Because someone’s gotta knock some sense into you!”

*************************************************************************

There was a knock on the door. Two guys in security suits turned away from the computer screen for a moment to answer. A man dressed in a navy blue suit walked in, saying nothing.

“What’s the word?”

“He thought he had it won, but as you can see that Riley kid managed to turn it around.” The man continued. “Listen. This duel is being broadcast worldwide. If it seems possible that Tyaro will lose, immediately activate the device and disconnect all of the connections. We can’t let the public see him defeated; it would ruin everything. So pay close attention.”

He slammed the door shut, and with that, they turned back to the computer screen to watch the duel.

*************************************************************************[/spoiler]

[b]NEXT TIME[/b]: Riley was Tyaro’s first opponent upon his arrival in Diamond City, but now only two years later, it seems as though they’re two completely different people playing a completely different game! Will the might of the new Synchro monsters be enough to crush Riley, or will his will alone propel him to victory? Find out next time, on [b]YUGIOH: HIDDEN LEGACY[/b]![/center][/center]

[Eliminate]

Do you need to know about previous seasons to understand the story? If so, give me the links to S1 and S2.

Anyway, it was defiantely well written and the duel was nice. I was expecting the new cards to be the Xyz's, but I guess Synchros fit the bill just as well. Anyway, very nice first chapter and I'm looking forward to reading the next few.

[Synchronized]

[quote name='Eliminate' timestamp='1307133022' post='5251639']
Do you need to know about previous seasons to understand the story? If so, give me the links to S1 and S2.

Anyway, it was definitely well written and the duel was nice. I was expecting the new cards to be the Xyz's, but I guess Synchros fit the bill just as well. Anyway, very nice first chapter and I'm looking forward to reading the next few.
[/quote]

Sort of, yes. I do apologize for that, and I'm trying to sort of recap things as I go along, but as I said a lot of this is based on events from the continuous stories. The link to [b]Season 2[/b] is actually included in the spoiler in the first post, and I'll add the link to [b]Season 1[/b] momentarily. Just about to post Episode 2, which is here in this thread.

Well, I last worked on this story in 2008, and Synchros had just been released at the time. So in terms of the story, there's tons I can do with Synchros before even trying to learn about Xyz.

[b]EDIT[/b]: I've added the link to Season 1 in the Table of Contents post.

[spoiler=Episode 2: The Shining Darkness]

“Well then, would you all like to see Gungnir’s might again?!” The crowd roared with approval, obviously. Riley ignored them. He focused on the dragon. It was a menacing creature, ruthless, just like Tyaro had become. Except for different reasons. The dragon was being commanded, while Tyaro himself was under his own control. He’d become so overtaken by his desire to achieve greatness that he’d turned into a shell of his former self. “Well, Riley, can’t disappoint the people!” Again the discard, destroying the face-down card on Riley’s field, and leaving a cloud of smoke behind it.

“And it looks like Riley’s last line of defense has been destroyed! Will Tyaro capitalize?!”
“Wait, what’s this?!”

As the smoke cleared, Riley was still standing, and in front of him was a knight, wearing a suit of armor, faded in color. A lance made up its right arm, and a pair of blue wings emerged from its back.

[spoiler=Spear Gardna]
"Necro Gardna" + "Spear Dragon"
The ATK and DEF of this card are equal to the number of cards in your hand X 1000. During battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster who’s DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent.[/spoiler]

“How did you –” Tyaro was beside himself. “It’s not possible!”

“This duel’s far from over.” Riley held up his hand, revealing three cards. “In your rush of arrogance, you destroyed my face-down card, Fusion Warp. When Fusion Warp is destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Fusion Monsters from my Fusion Deck by removing from play the Fusion Material Monsters straight from my Deck!”

“Unbelievable! Just when it looked like this duel was over, Riley pulled out a huge card, using the effect of Gungnir to his advantage! Just brilliant!”

“I’m impressed.” Tyaro grunted. “Not only did you manage to survive, you managed to bring out a new monster. Unfortunately for you, it’s got no chance of destroying my Gungnir! Fusions are a thing of the past!”

“Actually, it stands all the chance.” With Spear Gardna, perhaps his most reliable monster, Riley would be able to destroy Gungnir with brute force, which would work well enough. Screw the Synchros. “See, you spend so much time talking yourself up that you don’t pay attention to simple math. Spear Gardna’s not just for show!”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, Spear Gardna gains 1000 attack points for each card in my hand! And I’m not sure if your own ego makes it difficult, but I’ve got three!”

“But that means his attack is 3000!” Tyaro replied, explaining what everyone else had already realized.

“That’s the first thing you’ve said today I can agree with.” Unfortunately, it’ll be the last. “Because someone’s gotta knock some sense into you!”

*************************************************************************

There was a knock on the door. Two guys in security suits turned away from the computer screen for a moment to answer. A man dressed in a navy blue suit walked in, saying nothing.

“What’s the word?”

“He thought he had it won, but as you can see that Riley kid managed to turn it around.” The man continued. “Listen. This duel is being broadcast worldwide. If it seems possible that Tyaro will lose, immediately activate the device and disconnect all of the connections. We can’t let the public see him defeated; it would ruin everything. So pay close attention.”

He slammed the door shut, and with that, they turned back to the computer screen to watch the duel.

*************************************************************************

[center][center][img]http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff244/InvertRemix/HLS3Untitled-1.png[/img]


[b]Episode 2[/b]: The Shining Darkness

“[b]BREAKING NEWS: DUEL BETWEEN WORLD CHAMPION TYARO KIMINARI AND RILEY STORM HEATS UP, NEW “SYNCHRO” MONSTER INTRODUCED![/b]”

“In an update on the news story we’ve been covering throughout the day, this year’s Duel Monsters World Champion Tyaro Kiminari has returned to Diamond City, and issued a challenge at his press conference, which was accepted by Riley Storm, perhaps Diamond City’s most well-known duelist. It is apparent that these two have history together, but not much is known at this time. The duel is live as we speak, and we will return to coverage in just moments, as Riley has managed to turn things around by summoning a powerful Fusion Monsters to combat the new Synchro Monster Tyaro has introduced!”

“Listen to me, Riley.” Tyaro wanted his attention, and he had it. Sort’ve. Riley was listening, but he pretty much knew what he was about to hear, so he ignored it for the most part. “There’s so much more at stake here for me than there is for you. Do you know what it’s like to be a champion? Do you know what it’s like to have these expectations of greatness held over your head?”

Was he really going there? Attempting to get pity? After everything he’d said up to this point? That seemed low, even for him. Realistically speaking, it seemed fair to assume Tyaro did have some expectations to live up to, but he [i]wanted[/i] it, for sure.

“No, I don’t.” Riley kept a straight face. “But to be fair, I’m not sure you do either. However, if you find someone who does, be sure to let me know. I’m interested to hear what he has to say.”

“Argh, I’m really getting annoyed with your snarky comebacks!” Tyaro set a face-down card. “And just like your monster, you might be standing this turn, but next turn, I’ll take you out for good!”

“The only place you could take me out is a fancy restaurant.” Riley drew. “And I’m not hungry. But thanks anyways. In fact, I think I’d prefer to do some damage instead. Since I’ve got four cards in my hand now, Spear Gardna’s attack points increase to 4000! Spear Gardna, take out his dragon with Power Lance!”

The creature took flight, failing in terms of size, but far superior in terms of power and ability, and drove its lance right into the right shoulder of the ice dragon, cracking it immediately.

[b]Tyaro’s Life Points[/b]: 2500
[b]Riley’s Life Points[/b]: 2700

“[i]It went through? No way. I thought for sure he’d play something.[/i]” That didn’t make sense. He had something up his sleeve, without a doubt.

“Riley’s Fusion Monster has taken the Synchro down!”
“Ray, are you getting this? This is must-see!”

Tyaro’s face was full of emotion, but it wasn’t that of fear, or concern. Rather, it was a look of confidence, a new one that had just appeared. Riley could try his hardest, but there was no way a good-for-nothing brat known on nothing but his insignificant legacy would be able to take him down; he was the World Champion for a reason.

“Wipe that smirk off your face,” he revealed his Trap Card. “I let you destroy my monster. Trust me, if I hadn’t wanted you to destroy it, it would still be on the field.”

“[i]Rope of Life![/i]” Riley knew the card all too well. With Rope of Life, Tyaro could discard his entire hand to bring Gungnir back to the field, only this time it would have an attack increase of 800 points.

“Ah, I see you realize my Trap Card.” Tyaro smiled. “It’s simple, by discarding my hand to the Graveyard, I can bring Gungnir back, only this time he’s stronger than ever before!”

The dragon was quick to rear its ugly head, only this time, its presence was more intimidating than before, sending a chill down Riley’s spine as Spear Gardna stood strong on the field. He still had an attack advantage, but he knew Tyaro would have something up his sleeve. It wouldn’t have made any sense to waste his hand bringing Gungnir back if he couldn’t follow up on it.

“Nice,” Riley replied sarcastically. “I guess it’s cool that you can bring back a monster not strong enough to take my Spear Gardna out. And with no cards in your hand, you can’t even use its effect to do so.”

“Heh,” Riley looked above his head to see two icicles, one on each side. Before he even had a chance to respond, both flew down at him, crashing into his shoulders. “Who’s laughing now? See, I discarded two more Ice Pick from my hand, and doing that takes another 1000 Life Points from you!”

[b]Riley’s Life Points[/b]: 1700
[b]Tyaro’s Life Points[/b]: 2500

“And Riley, I would’ve expected better from you.” Confident in his own ability, and with the idea that his knowledge was superior to any other, Tyaro continued. “You’ve already attacked, meaning that as soon as I draw, I can discard whatever card I pick up to destroy your Spear Gardna, then attack you directly and win this duel! It’s over!”

The fans – as if just picking up on this – began to work themselves into a frenzy, cheering in excitement for the end of the duel. But Riley wasn’t quite ready to lose. He knew Gungnir’s effect, but wanted to throw Tyaro off. With Necro Gardna in the Graveyard, he’d be able to negate Gungnir’s next attack, even though there was no way for him to prevent losing Spear Gardna. Regardless, with Spear Gardna being summoned, he’d been able to buy enough time. Next turn, he could bring out Necro Guardian Dragon, and that was all he needed.

“I don’t know what I was thinking.” He played the fool. “But even if you take my monster out, you’ll still lose this duel! I won’t lose to you!”

“How naïve.” Tyaro drew a card. “Even in the worst of situations, you still manage to hold onto your confidence. It’s a shame it will come crashing down on you!”

Tyaro discarded the one card he had, and Gungnir’s blast destroyed Spear Gardna with ease. Now, the creature readied itself for a second strike, this one at Riley’s Life Points.

“It’s time to finish this duel! Gungnir, attack his Life Points directly with Freezing Burst!”

Everyone was standing, watching in anticipation as the duel was about to come to a close. The blast hit Riley’s field, as the fans began to cheer. Tyaro prepared to celebrate, but there was a problem; Riley was still there.

“What in the world?! How – you – you had nothing! Your field was completely empty!”

“I’ve always been one to talk a big game, even sometimes when I can’t back it up.” Riley smiled. “But this time it’s different. Normally, I duel for fun. Here, I’m dueling for a purpose. And when I said I wasn’t going to lose, I meant it. Sure, you attacked, but by removing from play the Necro Gardna in my Graveyard, your attack is completely nullified!”

“Which means...”

“I’m still in this duel.” Riley interrupted. “And which means now, since you’ve used up all of your resources, and you’ve got nothing left but a strong monster. Allow me to show you how a real duelist does things!”

“And Riley’s turned it around yet again! This kid is really something else!”

*********************************************************************************************

“We have to act quickly.” Aurkus snapped to his partner. “Everything has to be shut down, immediately! Riley’s got a full hand, and Tyaro’s used up everything. If this gets seen on national television we’ll be screwed! You gotta shut everything down!”

“I’m on it. You get that button over there, and I’ll take care of the rest. We should be set in T minus 3…2...

*********************************************************************************************
Riley couldn’t help but feel somewhat proud. He’d managed to hold on, despite the odds against him. It had nothing to do with publicity. And even with a win, Tyaro would still be majorly popular. But at least, he’d be able to know he was the bigger person.

“I’m so tired of listening to your constant spiels about how talented you are.” Riley stared across the field. “You’re nothing but a coward, someone who thrives on the attention he gets due to a few big wins. Let me ask you something, though. How does it feel to know your first loss after becoming the Duel Monsters World Champion will come from a “loser”, as you put it?”

“Riley, I don’t understand.” Tyaro looked to the crowd; they were supporting him fully. “You’ve literally got nothing on the field, and your worthless Deck won’t help you now! Accept the—[i]wait a minute, that Dragon he took earlier![/i]”

Riley said nothing. He didn’t have to. Tyaro had just realized the scenario; put two-and-two together. It was over.

“[i]Where are they? They need to shut these news stations down, and quick! I can’t let this loss get out! It will ruin everything![/i]”

“Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to finish this one up.” Riley took the Necro Gardna from his removed from play zone, and the Necro Defender in his Graveyard, placing them both back into his Deck. “My monsters have served me well, and because of this, I’m able to call upon an even stronger creature! By returning Necro Gardna to my Deck, and Necro Defender as well, I can Special Summon from my hand, Necro Guardian Dragon (ATK: 2000)!”

[spoiler=Necro Guardian Dragon]
Level 6/DARK
Dragon/Effect
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned from your hand by returning 1 “Necro” monster removed from play and 1 “Necro” monster in your Graveyard to your Deck. When this card is Special Summoned, select and send 3 “Necro” monsters from your Deck to the Graveyard. This card gains 500 ATK for each monster sent this way. This card can attack twice during each Battle Phase. If you use this effect, destroy this card during the End Phase of this turn.
2000/1500[/spoiler]

A mystical orb began to form over Riley’s head, taking in the energy and wind from the surrounding area. A second orb formed, each one representing the two monsters returned. As they grew in size, the orbs exploded, shooting a beam of energy towards the center of the field. From the beam, emerged a black dragon, with blue plates of armor across its chest and shoulders. It let out a ferocious roar as it took the field.

“Look at this! Riley’s summoned his most powerful card!”
“Wait, I’m losing connection!”
“No way, me too!”
“What’s going on, we are too!”

Riley looked around; all of the news stations losing connection at the same time? Tyaro had to be behind this. It wasn’t a coincidence. If it was, why happen now, just as Riley was about to win? He clenched his fists.

“You…this is your work, isn’t it?”

Tyaro smiled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Riley.”

If people all over the world saw Tyaro lose, he’d instantly be looked at as nothing more than a joke. That’s why he was doing it. Of course. It meant with the exception of the people standing by, no one would see it; no one would see Tyaro using the people for his own gain.

*************************************************************************

“We got it!” Bryan looked to Aurkus, who nodded with an evilish grin on his face.

“This Riley kid’s gonna learn the hard way, you don’t mess with us.”

There was a knock on the door; they both perked up, but it was Aurkus who stood to open it. Assuming it was Lon, the man from earlier, he opened it up.

“Ye—” Aurkus was met with a punch to the face, stumbling back into the wall. Bryan stood, but it was too little too late as he took a spin kick to the shoulder, and he stumbled to the ground.

“Let’s see how this thing works.” He walked over to the monitors, and could clearly see the duel on it. That was Riley alright. There was so many buttons, but a blinking red one caught his eye. He pressed it. “Restoring power in T-minus 10…”

*************************************************************************

“Well, since it looks like you might have this won, why don’t you finish it up?”

“It’ll be my pleasure.” Riley took the cards from his Deck and sent them to the Graveyard. Two Necro Gardna, one Necro Defender. (Necro Dragon: ATK (+1500) = 3500). “Necro Guardian Dragon, destroy his Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier with Shadow Sphere!” The creature opened its mouth slowly, razor sharp teeth lining the top and the bottom. A sphere of dark energy formed inside it, and shot across the field, obliterating the ice dragon.

[b]Riley’s Life Points[/b]: 1700
[b]Tyaro’s Life Points[/b]: 2200

“[i]Well…this is it. I’ve got the duel won, but no one’s going to see it. This for myself, anyway.[/i]” He laughed quietly. “[i]Though it’s a shame he won’t get knocked down a few pegs.[/i]”

“Wait, we got it!”
“It’s back on! We’re live and rolling!”
“Yeah, us too!”

“What?!” Tyaro was in disbelief. “[i]How can this be? There…there’s no way![/i]”

“Now what was that you said?” Riley inquired. “Oh yeah, that’s right. You wanted me to finish this up! Don’t mind if I do! Necro Guardian Dragon, attack his Life Points directly with Shadow Sphere!”

The second attack, and with it came a second blast, crashing straight into Tyaro’s chest and eliciting massive cheers from the crowd.

[b]Tyaro’s Life Points[/b]: 0

“I can’t believe I’m saying it, but the new World Champion Tyaro Kiminari has just been beaten by Diamond City’s Riley Storm! What a duel it was!”
“It’s over, and we here at DCN would like to thank you for tuning in with us!”

**************************************************************************************************************

Inhale. Exhale. Riley sat on his couch, flipping through the channels but finding nothing worth watching. He had a feeling, one that just wouldn’t go away. It kept eating away at him, sitting in the back of his mind and making it difficult to focus on anything. It wasn’t Tyaro. Nothing Tyaro said or did was anything different than he’d expected; with the exception of that Synchro Monster. He understood the concept of the monster, and new things for the game were always great. But how did Nathaniel…how did Nathaniel manage to acquire one of those cards two years before their creation? And even worse, why was he focusing on this so much? That fact that it bothered him as much as it did only made it more difficult to understand. When he had gone to the Spirit World, it was on purpose, after losing the duel to Andrix and [i]Freed the Dark Wanderer[/i]. Per the conditions, he was sent there, and it was all part of his quest to find and defeat the Dark General.

At the time, that duel with Nathaniel had felt so out of place. It was as if he had been from a whole different world, or something.

[i]Riley was afraid. The man staring at him showed no expression. He just stared at Riley. It was almost as if he had no feelings; like he lived to destroy. He didn't look like a regular human, and Riley knew he wasn't a duel spirit. He'd never felt as scared as he did now. It was like he was staring down Death himself.[/i]

[i]“L..look, we don't have to duel. I'll just give you these cards if you want them.”[/i]

[i]He reached in his pocket to take out the Tormentor cards, but they weren't there.[/i]

[i]“There are no cards. It was a test. I wanted to see if you'd pick up the cards, and you did. That means you are one of the tormentor's successors. It's quite obvious that you have one of your own Tormentor cards, and that is why you picked up the other 3.”[/i]

[i]Riley's hands were shaking. This guy spoke with no expression. He spoke as if he had no emotions.[/i]

[i]“I...I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm not one of the Tormentor's successors. I don't even know who the Tormentor is.”[/i]

[i]He stopped talking. For a second he thought the world was spinning. It was as if he was trapped in a never ending labyrinth. He couldn't see straight. Suddenly, he saw an image of Obelisk the Tormentor. That's when he realized what the man was talking about.[/i]

[i]“Say whatever you would like to. We are going to duel, and I am going to obtain the last Tormentor card.”[/i]

[i]Riley knew that he was going to have to duel this guy. There was no other choice. So he activated his duel disk. The duelist continued to stare at Riley, and activated his own duel disk.[/i]

His goal at the time had been to reach the Dark General and free the souls of his friends. The Duel Spirit World was not an evil place, but those who were good inside of it had hidden themselves away, doing all they could to remain safe. And meanwhile, it was impossible to travel through even a mile of land without encountering danger of some sort. He had been prepared to handle danger, but Nathaniel was far from it. He showed no emotion at all, it was almost as if he had negative emotion, serving all but one purpose, and making that which was truly evil look like the kindest of the kind.

[i]Riley slowly picked up a card from his Deck.[/i]

[i]“Uh...I summon Thunder Knight (1300/1200). My Thunder Knight gains 400 attack points for each Thunder-Type monster on the field, so his attack increases to 1700.”[/i]

[i](1300 + 400 = 1700)[/i]

[i]Riley: Your move.[/i]

[i]“That's the best you can do? I summon Dark Sprocketer (400/0) in Defense Mode.”[/i]

[i]A small creature appeared on the field.[/i]

[i]“I'm not done yet though. You see, when Dark Sprocketer is Normal Summoned, I can discard 1 card to increase its Level by 1. That means it is now a Level 3 monster. Next, I activate the Spell Card Double Summon. With this, I Summon Vampire Orchis (1700/1000). Alright. Now that I have the required monsters on the field, I will Synchro Summon the most powerful monster you'll ever see. This creature is known as Black Rose Dragon (2400/1800).”[/i]

[i]Nathaniel laughed, and the shadow of a huge, plant-covered Dragon appeared behind him.[/i]

Fear had shot through him like never before. In the Spirit World, the duels were real. They weren’t just virtual card games; if you took damage, you [i]took damage[/i]. And it was this reason why Riley was unable to comprehend what he was up against. He’d experienced real damage in Shadow Games, but this and Shadow Games were on such different levels.

[i]The large creature rose up from behind Nathaniel. It was a large black dragon, and it was covered with roses.[/i]

[i]Riley’s was trembling with fear. It was as if someone was holding him in place while he tried to run. He couldn’t move; the overwhelming amount of fear had glued him to the very spot in which he stood.[/i]

[i]“What in the world is that thing?”[/i]

[i]Nathaniel smiled. So far, Riley was reacting just the way he wanted him to.[/i]

[i]“Don’t worry, you’ll die soon enough.”[/i]

[i]Nathaniel didn’t laugh after making that comment; he just continued to stare at Riley.[/i]

[i]It seemed as if Death was coming for Riley. He had never felt such fear in his life. As Nathaniel’s dark brown eyes stared at him, he felt like he was staring into an abyss of death; a place where he would soon be trapped for all eternity. Sure, he had defeated Shadow, but even that duel wasn’t as scary as this one. Normally, Riley didn’t get scared of things, but this duel was another story.[/i]

[i]As the Dragon finally landed on the field, it opened its mouth and fired a large blast of dark energy. The blast smashed into Riley’s Thunder Knight and destroyed it.[/i]

The pain he felt from that strike alone, he hadn’t felt since. It was as if pure darkness had ripped him open, and coursed throughout his entire body destroying everything in its path. He lost his will to stand, to continue to fight at all.

[i]“You’ll probably think differently after you see this card. I Summon Lonefire Blossom (500/1400) in Defense Mode. Now, I’ll Tribute Lonefire Blossom to Special Summon Gigaplant (2400/1200)!”[/i]

[i]A large plant arose from the ground.[/i]

[i]“Gigaplant has an ability of its own! When it’s Summoned, I can Special Summon 1 Plant-Type monster from my Graveyard. I’ll Summon Black Rose Dragon!”[/i]

[i]The large, rose-covered Dragon appeared on the field once again.[/i]

[i]Nathaniel: Since my Dragon was Special Summoned, all monsters on the field except Black Rose Dragon are destroyed![/i]

[i]Black Rose Dragon fired another blast, and all monsters on the field except it were destroyed.[/i]

[i]“Black Rose Dragon, attack his Life Points directly and end this game.”[/i]

[i]The attack hit, and Riley’s Life Points dropped to 0.[/i]

[i]Nathaniel turned around, and walked away.[/i]

[i]Riley was sent back about 10 feet by the attack. He landed on the ground, and passed out.[/i]

Pain shot through his eyes. “[i]Aghhhh! Why can’t I get this out of my head?! What else is there?![/i]”

********************************************************************************

“Poor fool. You haven’t even begun to understand. You think you’re relevant at all, yet you’ve never met true evil. Little time remains before the plan can be carried out, and then all you’ve done will matter no longer!”

[i]The Wanderer[/i] sat within his throne, and merciless, evil laughter echoed throughout the hallways of the dark room.

********************************************************************************[/spoiler]

[b]NEXT TIME[/b]: Riley was able to defeat Tyaro in a hard-fought duel, and despite Tyaro’s efforts to take the duel off the air, someone was able to restore it! Who was it, and what were his goals? Plus, will Riley be able to survive the continuous memories of his duel with Nathaniel, or will it continue to haunt him? All this and more, next time on [b]YUGIOH HIDDEN LEGACY[/b]![/center][/center]

[Synchronized]

BUMP

Hoping to have Episode 3 finished by tomorrow. Some responses, maybe?

[flamethehero]

the duel will be awsome
[attachment=32691:zekrom.jpeg]

[Synchronized]

[b]Author's Analysis[/b]:

- I've updated the Table of Contents post with a new feature that has links for Photobucket Albums for Riley's, Ace's, as well as the remaining characters (Extras) Custom Cards. Since not all cards used in the Fan Fic will be custom, and some of the custom cards may not be made into actual cards, I will keep the "Cards used in" section as well. Just thought that those of you interested in getting a better look at the card(s) can check out the Photobucket.

- Episode 3 is almost done, and I am planning on posting it by the end of the day. It features a complete duel between Ace and Bryan, and has more detail with Riley's part of the story following his duel with Tyaro.

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 3: Crossroads of Chaos]

“I’m sorry, sir.” Bryan tried to maintain a standing position, posture included, as he faced Lon, who wasn’t having any of it. It was well-known that Lon was a “take no crap” kind of guy, but Bryan himself had never been in this situation, on his bad side. He spoke quietly, while watching each of Lon’s movements carefully, so as not to make the situation worse. “I had no time to react, there was-”

“I’m sick of your excuses!” Lon snapped back, grabbing Bryan by his shirt and slamming him into the wall. “The two of you are nothing but failures! If it were up to me, I’d have you both out on the street!” He grumbled to himself, under his breath.

Aurkus shot Bryan a look. One that said “what do we do?”. Bryan didn’t know. He tried not to return the glance, for fear of Lon’s reaction, but he did anyway. He and Aurkus were friends, and he was doing his best to make the situation comprehendible for both of them.

“So where is he now, huh?” Lon continued to push him around, like a bully. And that’s what he was. They all worked for Tyaro, but Lon was the “one in charge”, and he liked to throw his weight around more often than not.

“I’m not sure...” Aurkus replied, not only unsure of the intruder’s location, but unsure of himself. Of what he’d do next. Of what Lon would want them to do next.

“Well,” breathing heavily, Lon didn’t shift his eyes for even a second, keeping them glued to Aurkus’ face. “If the two of you want to keep your jobs, you’ll find him, and you’ll catch him.”

“And until he’s been caught,” he went on. “I don’t want to see either one of your faces around here!” Lon slammed Aurkus into the wall before storming away, but not before taking out his cell phone to make a call. To who?

“Are you alright?” Bryan helped his partner to stand. “That was a rough shot.”

“Yeah,” Aurkus was used to it. The two were friends, but Aurkus had known Lon far longer, and had learned to put up with him. “I’ll be fine. Listen, we’ve got to find that guy, and we’ve got to take care of him. Otherwise, I don’t think things will end well...at all.”

Bryan gulped. What if he was already gone?

*************************************************************************

[center][center] [/center][/center]
[center][center][img]http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff244/InvertRemix/HLS3Untitled-1.png[/img]


[b]Episode 3[/b]: Crossroads of Chaos

A sharp wind comprised of mainly dust, but some rocks as well, blew right into Ace’s face as he crawled through the ventilation system. Ace Diamond, Riley’s best friend and one of the select who had helped to save the world two years ago, and here he was crawling through a vent. Things could change quickly in two years, apparently. After the events with the Dark General and their return to Diamond City, Ace went off to Domino City, looking to improve his talents as a duelist on the pro circuit. While he never saw great success, he was able to pick up some great cards, and more importantly, he was able to learn of Tyaro’s return to Diamond City, and the events surrounding it. Upon hearing of Tyaro’s press conference plans just yesterday afternoon, he hurried back to the city, fully expecting a confrontation of sorts between Tyaro and Riley, given the history between them. It’s a good thing he returned when he did, as he wouldn’t have been able to restore the news connections and broadcast Tyaro’s losing on live television, which would have given Tyaro and his guys even more of an advantage than they’d had already.

Portrayed as a “national hero”, Tyaro’s manipulative personality was more than enough to allow him to win people over, and he’d continued to do so all around the world, not just here in Diamond City. But Ace knew the real person; he knew what was going on. He’d stumbled upon information that linked Tyaro and his guys to events in the Duel Spirit World, which made things for more difficult than they had originally been. Given that many people didn’t believe in the Spirit World, especially those who’d never been there, to come out and try and say this information would make no sense, and if anything would make him look ridiculous. However, there were some who believed in the world’s existence, mainly because they witnessed the appearances of these creatures in the real world, during Steven’s venture with the Wicked God Cards.

Tyaro was working for someone, but who, Ace couldn’t be sure. That’s why he had to meet up with Riley. They hadn’t seen one another since the events, but they kept in touch via e-mail. Or at least they had. For the first year or so. Then, as Ace became more involved in the pro circuit, he focused more on dueling and less on Diamond City at all. Well he was back. And he needed Riley’s help more than he could explain. However, first he needed to escape this building and find a safe place to hide. He’d overheard the conversation between Lon, Bryan, and Aurkus, and knew they’d be looking for him.

Quietly, he crawled his way through the vents, surprisingly finding no turns; it was just a straight path, and that made it easier. His hands had been worn out from climbing up onto the metal, but he’d be alright. Breathing slowly, he finally reached what looked to be an exit. Peering through the vent, it appeared the hallway below was empty. It was risky nonetheless. Once he jumped down, there would be no way to get back up, and if it turned out there were right there, he’d be outnumbered. When he took them out the first time, he had the distraction of the door opening. This time, there was nothing. And these two guys had just been screamed at; they probably weren’t in the best of moods.

Well, he had no other choice. He pushed the vent cover to the side, grabbed onto the side, and jumped through, placing his feet against the wall to give him extra balance before jumping to the ground. Silence. He looked around, and moved forward until the wall went left. There was no one around the corner; he shifted to the other side of the hallway and hid behind it. The door was five feet away. Would it really be this simple?

He took a deep breath. This was it. Slowly, he stepped out from hiding and hurried towards the door. Grabbing the handle, he tried to pull it open; [i]it was locked[/i]. A sense of panic rushed over him. It was a trap. He struggled with the handle, trying to open it, but to no avail. Shortly after, he heard the sound of applause; mocking applause. It was Bryan, the one he’d kicked in the head. The look on his face was not one of anger, or even revenge. It was that of one who had outsmarted someone, who had won tactically, and now looked to win literally, as well.

“So I see you found me,” Ace chimed in. “Given how easy it was to catch you off-guard the first time, I’m actually surprised you got this far.”

“Are you really in a position to be cracking jokes?” Bryan retorted. The man next to him stood in place, yet Bryan began his advance, backing Ace into the corner. Did he want to fight? Or perhaps a duel. Ace was ready for either, but if fighting was the way they wanted to go, he was up for it. He was getting out of here one way or another.

“Well, I’m not in much of a position to get out.” Ace grinned, trying the door handle again. “So I guess I need something to keep me occupied while I figure out just what the hell you two are trying to accomplish.”

“Can you believe this guy, Bryan?” Aurkus asked from the background. “He thinks because he took us out once, we’re nothing to worry about any longer. I think it’s time we teach him a lesson.” Aurkus began to join his friend in the threatening stance, as Ace readied himself. Two on one odds weren’t in his favor, but realistically, these two guys weren’t much to worry about. If anything, Ace had the big guy from earlier in the back of his mind; if anyone was to pose a threat, it would be him. For now, he had to get out of here, and he was sure that, by taking these guys out, he could do that.

“How about less talking...” Ace tightened his grip. “And let’s do this thing!”

Bryan burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Ace snapped back.

“You think we’re going to fight you?” He asked, stepping back as he did so. He pressed a button on the wall and a small square compartment opened. Pressing a button on the inside of the cartridge, a duel disk emerged, and Bryan placed it on his arm. So he wanted a duel. But why? They had the numerical advantage, they could’ve at least tried to beat him down; seemed like the sensible decision.

“Oh, I get it.” He wasn’t really sure why they didn’t want to fight, or for that matter if he could take the two of them at once. But since it seemed they were set on a duel, he could at least try to rile them up a bit; take their focus off the duel they were about to begin, giving him a mental edge.

“Get what?” Bryan growled. What right did this kid have to show him up? He was ready to teach a lesson that Ace wouldn’t want to learn. “All you’re gonna get, is beaten!”

“No I just—” It was working. Ace paused on his own accord, dragging this out as much as possible. It might have seemed counterproductive to make the enemy angry, but these weren’t threatening enemies. Simply, ones that controlled his exit. And if he could get past them, he’d be able to leave and focus on the real threat; the threat that was all but looming on the horizon.

“Trust me when I tell you, you don’t want to fight us.” Bryan looked at Aurkus. The slightly shorter man nodded. “We’re doing you a favor, in actuality. Now, if you want to get out of here, you’re going to have to play by my rules.”

Ace watched, intently. “Go on. Please, enlighten me with your rules.”

“See that door there? My duel disk is trigged with the lock to it.” Bryan grinned. “So you see when the Life Points on the duel disk reach 0, the door unlocks. It’s as simple as that.”

[i]Hm…that makes it easier. I would’ve just accepted the duel from the get-go if I had known it’d be that easy.[/i] Ace decided he’d play into it. This guy felt like he was calling the shots, and in a way, he sort’ve was. But not for long. Ace’s knowledge and experience gained in the pro circuit would be more than enough to defeat a lowly guard. It was time to duel.

“However, that’s not going to happen.” Bryan activated his duel disk, as Aurkus stepped back. It appeared they weren’t going to do two on one, but rather a fair game. What kind of bad guys were they, anyway? “Because once you lose, you’ll be stuck here, and you’ll have to deal with people far more dangerous than us.”

“Seeing as ninja bunnies fit that qualification, I’m not sure whether to be scared or content.” Ace chuckled to himself. “But enough with the joking.”

***************************************************************************************************************

“Let’s duel!” Both duelists shouted unanimously as Ace activated his duel disk, the both of them drawing five cards. They were in the same hallway, but Bryan and Aurkus had moved to the front of it, leaving Ace alone by the door. At least, if he did win, they’d be fair about it. Or so it looked. All he had to do was win, take two steps, and he’d be good to go. Why were they making it so easy?

“Since I’m the one doing you a favor,” Bryan drew his sixth card. “I’ll be making the first move. Summon, Evil Thorn (ATK: 100) in attack mode!”

A small black whirlpool, looking like a mixture of mud and a dark mist, began to stir on the field. Roots began to crawl from within it, revealing a purple cactus covered in spikes. It was small, but dangerous.

[i]Looks like Grandma’s garden gone wrong. But why would he play it in attack mode?[/i] Though it wasn’t yet his turn, Ace glanced over his hand. His Fish deck had been majorly upgraded, but he still had the same key cards he’d used two years ago. He had to worry about the Synchros though, too. They were pretty common on the pro circuit now, and given that they were working for Tyaro, it was safe to assume Bryan might have one, too.

“No comment?” Bryan smiled. “Good, it’s better that way. Now, by taking Evil Thorn and sending it to the Graveyard, I can blast you for three-hundred points of damage!”

[b]Ace’s Life Points[/b]: 3700
[b]Bryan’s Life Points[/b]: 4000

“Nice shot.” But now he’d left himself wide open. Ace could summon anything, and deal some serious damage. All that for three-hundred points? There had to be more to it. “But, perhaps you might’ve been a bit overzealous. Too anxious to win, therefore making a rush move on the first turn?”

“I may not be as good as my boss, but I’m no pushover.” Suddenly, two more thorns appeared on the field, just as vicious as before. “See, when Evil Thorn’s effect kicks in, not only do you take damage, but I get two more Evil Thorns to my field!”

“The only downside is these Evil Thorn can’t use their effects.” Bryan slid a card into his duel disk. “But it’s fine. Because I’ve got a face-down card that will take care of the problem for me.”

[i]interesting. He basically gave away his strategy by telling me his face-down would keep him safe. But what if that’s a ploy?[/i] If Ace were to resist attacking in fear of the face-down, and it wasn’t a threatening card at all, he could ditch both Evil Thorn and bring out a much more powerful monster. A stalling tactic that might very well work if he let it go unnoticed.

“Well, I can’t tell if you’re bluffing or not, so I’ll leave it up to my Abyssal Kingshark (ATK: 1700) to decide for me!” The ancient fish, sporting armor made of a fish skeleton, took the field. “Now, attack with Searchlight Blast!”

A beam shot from the light on its forehead, headed straight for the thorn, which was helpless to defend itself.

“Let me help you out,” Bryan replied sharply. “Activate Trap, Poison Vines!”

[spoiler=Poison Vines]
Normal Trap Card
Activate only when your opponent declares an attack on a Plant-Type monster you control. Destroy all face-up monsters your opponent controls, and inflict three hundred damage to your opponent for each monster destroyed by this effect.[/spoiler]

“And here you thought this kid might be a problem,” Aurkus said from the background. Bryan looked at him and nodded with confidence.

The attack still went through, shattering the vines with ease. Bryan watched wide-eyed as his cactus was destroyed, and the beam struck his chest directly.

[b]Ace’s Life Points[/b]: 3700
[b]Bryan’s Life Points[/b]: 2400

“What the-” There was no way; he had nothing on the field to negate the Trap, the effect should have worked. “But how? My Trap Card should have destroyed your shark!”

“Normally, yes” Ace replied “but since I thought you might be trying to throw me off by telling me you had a trap, I played Abyssal Kingshark. And when Abyssal Kingshark is attacked by a trap that doesn’t target it specifically, it stays alive.”

[i]To his credit, that was a brilliant move.[/i] Bryan hated the thought of losing this duel, but knew it was a real possibility. He had never been in favor of this whole gig in the first place; the only reason he’d taken the job was because of...he closed his eyes. He couldn’t think about it. Not now. Ace seemed like the kind of kid he might be able to get along with someday, too. It was a shame; he had no choice but to go through with this duel and Ace would have to face the realities of what happened to him. Unless he were to win. They weren’t fighting for a good cause. Tyaro was manipulating them, using things he had against them to force them to do his dirty work, while appearing to be some kind of public hero. If it were up to him, Tyaro wouldn’t have gotten this far to begin with. Unfortunately, he had no other option. He had to win this duel, and he had to beat Ace, because if he didn’t...

He shuddered to think.

***********************************************************************
Riley sat up, trying not to arch his back against the uncomfortable metal of the folding chair. He waited for the computer to log on, before opening the web browser. He opened the search engine, typing in <Synchro Monster>. It took a few moments, but soon a full list of results popped up on the screen. He clicked on the first one:

[i]KAIBACORPORATION OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 29, 2009[/i]

[i]Kaiba Corporation representatives are proud to announce the official mass release of Duel Monsters’ newest card type, the Synchro Monster. Received earlier this morning in the first official shipment from Industrial Illusions Co., we have already begun the process of shipping these cards around the world. Some smaller cities will receive them after the larger ones, but within a few months, these cards should arrive in every city in the entire world. Duelists everywhere will be able to find the perfect cards to upgrade their Decks to the next level.[/i]

[i]Kaiba Corp will continue to work with Industrial Illusions to develop new, exciting, and powerful Synchro Monsters that duelists will be able to use.[/i]

Nothing useful at all. Just a basic press release. But it did confirm one thing; the first official release of the Synchro monster was just about two years after his duel with Nathaniel, if not slightly later. In a situation like this, where there’s money to be made, there’s no way Kaiba Corp would miss out on the opportunity to manufacture these cards as soon as possible, meaning the press date of September 29 was, most likely, very much accurate.

What else was there? He looked through, not finding anything worth reading, and shut it down. The duel with Nathaniel, he couldn’t get it out of his head. He knew it was so long ago, and there was no real reason to worry, but then why was there this feeling of darkness looming above his head constantly, not quite there but not [i]not[/i] there either? It didn’t make any sense...

*********************************************************************************************

“I’ll end with one card face-down.” Ace glanced over his hand. “Let’s see how you handle that.”

Bryan hesitated before drawing. He took a deep breath, and an even bigger period of time before exhaling. Why was this all of the sudden so difficult? He’d been doing this for a while now; being pushed around, told what to do. But it brought in the money, and that was the important part. He could duel rather well, and even if he wanted to leave, he’d have nowhere else to go.

[i]What’s with him? He’s acting strange.[/i] Aurkus watched, leaning against the wall. Two duelists who had never met one another before, dueling it out in a hallway of all places. But something felt different; there was an odd feeling in the air, and it wasn’t the bleach on the floors.

[i]I just can’t get over the fact that these guys don’t seem like the bad ones. I mean sure, they work for Tyaro, but I don’t get the same sense with them I get with him. They’re normal people, and yet they choose to agree with his principles. It’s much more than just publicity, and they have to know that, being involved. So why does this feel so much different than the other enemies I’ve faced? Why do I get the impression that this Bryan kid’s not a bad guy at all?[/i] It was rattling his brain; none of it made any sense. All he knew was, he had to win. That was the important part of this duel. Perhaps it was the fact that he’d seen the bigger man push them around earlier; they were just goons, and he felt pity for them.

“It was a smart play,” Bryan couldn’t look his opponent in the eyes. “Unfortunately, the road ends here for you. Only three turns in, but that’s three turns too many. Now, I activate the effect of my Revival Rose Dragon (ATK: 1700)!” He placed the card in his Graveyard. “By sending my Level 5 Revival Rose Dragon from my hand to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a number of Plant-Type monsters from my Graveyard whose total attack points are less than or equal to my Dragon’s level times one-hundred!”

Ace put his arms up to shield his face as a slew of vines shot out from the ground, as if coming from the floor below. While most were empty, two of the vines emerged with the same Evil Thorn that still inhabited the field. The two cactus creatures rejoined the third on the field.

[i]That thing’s powerful. I knew it, he’s got a powerful card in his hand.[/i] Ace swallowed, looking across the field. [i]And he’s planning on bringing it out.[/i]

Bryan focused his energy towards the task at hand. He could show no hesitation; he [i]had[/i] to win this duel. It wasn’t about Tyaro, or what he had planned; it was a much bigger picture, one he could see clearly and knew had to be achieved. Not even Aurkus had known, and Bryan had no plans to tell him. Once he could carry out this mission, things would finally start to look up.

“Now,” Bryan roared “you’ll finally get what you deserve for attacking us! I Tribute all three Evil Thorn on the field to Special Summon Forest Shatterer (ATK: 2800)!”

The ground beneath them began to crack, and a burst of light emanated from it. Ace was shaken by fear as a half-animal, half-machine behemoth appeared on the field. It had a lion’s head and mane, with arms and legs comprised of wood. It was protected by a suit of metal armor, and its offensive? Two large cannons, one on each shoulder. As if those weren’t enough, it held two large wooden clubs, one in each hand.

[i]What in the world is that thing?![/i] Ace looked up at the creature, nearly falling back as he did so.

This is what it was all about; the thrill of the duel. Bryan broke loose with laughter as his massive creature dominated the field. Suddenly, three small lights, one for each of the Evil Thorn sent to the Graveyard, floated up towards the creature’s mouth, and it consumed them.

Forest Shatterer (ATK: 2800 + 900 = 3700)

[i]You gotta be kidding! It’s even stronger now?[/i] What was he going to do? His face-down card, Forbidden Lance, would’ve given the Kingshark enough attack points to take down most things, but in this case, it wouldn’t even come close.

“You see, when Forest Shatterer is brought into play, I can remove from play 3 monsters in my Graveyard to increase its attack points by 900!” More firepower, more strength. A remorseless creature that would destroy everything in its path to achieve victory.

[i]This guy’s no pushover. He comes across as such, but I’m not sure I have anything in my Deck that can beat that thing! How…it just doesn’t seem right.[/i] Ace hesitated. “I must admit, you caught me by surprise. I had no idea you had such a powerful card, or could play with such skill. But this isn’t a game of respect; you’re working for my enemy and for that I have no choice but to beat you!”

As if he had a chance. “This duel won’t be over this turn, but I know for a fact you’ve got nothing in your Deck capable of taking my monster down! This always happens; I’m always underestimated but I crush the opposition! That’s why Tyaro took me in in the first place!” That part was a lie; he very rarely won, until he’d been given the Forest Shatterer card by Tyaro himself. Each employee was given a “boss” monster, one that…well, one that could take on any challenge, as he put it. It was time to finish this duel.

“Forest Shatterer, crush his Kingshark with Multi-Cannon Obliteration!” The attack was fired; nothing Ace could do.

“Reveal, Forbidden Lance!” The card revealed itself, depicting a girl holding a weapon of great power. But at great power, came a great cost. “It may not be much, but I can at least increase my Kingshark’s attack points by 800, meaning the damage I take isn’t as much as it would’ve been!”

Abyssal Kingshark (ATK: 1700 + 800 = 2500)

[b]Ace’s Life Points[/b]: 2500
[b]Bryan’s Life Points[/b]: 2400

[i]I guess it was just a phase.[/i] Aurkus nodded, smiling. Bryan had this duel in the bag. No matter what Ace played, there’d be no way for him to take his boss monster down. Checkmate.

“No offense to you, but these are odds you just can’t defy!” Bryan said, in a very serious tone all of the sudden. “Do you know what it’s like to have to fight for something? To know that no matter how hard you try, things won’t change, and have to constantly live with that every day of your life? It is that, that allows me to be as strong and as powerful as I really am!”

“No, I don’t know.” Ace felt a rush of emotion come through him. All he’d been through, all he knew now, what was at stake. And this kid thought he had it difficult. Maybe he did. He tried to calm himself down. It wasn’t fair to pass judgment that quickly. “Because I’ve always lived by the sentiment that no matter how difficult my life can be, there’s someone out there who has it worse off. I’ve been lucky. I’ve had a relatively easy life; I don’t think it’s fair for me to complain, and while I feel sorry for you, you’ve put yourself in this position.”

“You-” Bryan clenched his fists. “You’d never understand! You couldn’t even begin to! Now just take your turn so I can end this duel!”

“You can’t possibly think you can win, no?” Aurkus chimed in as Ace drew his card.

“Actually, that’s my whole goal.” He looked over his hands, considering his options. He had one shot. “I play the Spell Card Star Blast!”

[b]Ace’s Life Points[/b]: 1000
[b]Bryan’s Life Points[/b]: 2400

“By decreasing my Life Points by 1500, I can make the Superancient Deepsea King Coelecanth (ATK: 2800) in my hand into a Level 4 monster, for this turn only! So now, I Summon him!”

A tidal wave swept across the field as the Royal King of the Sea settled on the field. Though large in size, the jewel covered fish-beast was no match for Forest Shatterer, who towered over it easily. As he Summoned it, something caught Ace’s eye; there was a blue aura surrounding Coelacanth, one he’d only seen once before.

*********************************************************************************************

[i]Could it be?[/i] He’d only managed to make Spirit Contact with Coelacanth once before, and that was while they were in the Spirit World.

[i]Don’t question your mind at this moment.[/i] The voice came from Coelacanth himself. Only Ace could hear it, but due to his ability to communicate via the mind in return, he wouldn’t look insane for having a conversation.

[i]How…how was I able to make contact with you? I thought that was only possible in the Spirit World, and we’re on Earth right now.[/i]

[i]There are many questions to be answered, but now is not the time. As you have heard, there is much trouble in the Spirit World, and the Celestials require the assistance of the Guardians who were chosen to join them. Your attitude and spirit, the will to continue fighting despite the odds being against you, is very similar to that of Riley’s; thought in different ways, I suppose. You must win this duel, Ace. Then everything will be explained.[/i]

[i]I know...that’s why I came back here. But I don’t think I can win this. Even if I managed to bring out more Fish monsters, there’d be no way to take his monster down. And the cost it took to bring you to the field nearly depleted my Life Points as it is.[/i]

[i]Always so traditional of you, isn’t it? Sometimes you have to change up your strategy in order to win. Ace, you are not an average duelist. If you can focus your mind, you can unlock the power you need to win this duel, the power of the Synchro.[/i]

[i]I hate to burst your bubble, but I don’t have any Synchro monsters. I kinda laid low for a while after losing a few games. I didn’t get into that craze. I’m not one to lose hope, but it doesn’t look like there’s much else I can do. I hate to have come this far only to fail everyone...[/i]

[i]You will only lose if you continue to carry the same attitude you carry now. If you use the power of your mind, and the strength of your will, you can win this duel, Ace. But if you should choose to just quit, to run away from this when you’re needed the most, well then, that is understood, too.[/i]

[i]It’s not that I want to run away…I just…[/i]

*****************************************************************************************

“So is that all? Is that your big move?” He snapped back to reality, and the aura was gone. How was he supposed to win, how was he supposed to Summon a Synchro Monster when he didn’t even have any? You couldn’t just change the game mechanics mid-game; none of this seemed realistic at all. But he had to win.

He thought of Riley, and the battles they fought together in the Spirit World. How no matter how difficult things got, Riley always had his back, was always there to protect him even if it meant putting himself at risk. Knowing what he knew now, could he just leave Riley to fend for himself? Of course not. His eyes burned with passion; the passion to win.

“What the-” Bryan was taken aback by the confidence. “What’re you so confident about, you’re out, there’s no question about it!”

“Not this time!” He yelled. “I can’t afford to lose this duel! I’ll discard Royal Swamp Eel to activate my Deepsea King’s special ability! Now, I can Special Summon as many Fish-Type monsters from my Deck as possible to the field! I call upon two Deepsea Macrotrema (ATK: 600), Fishborg Blaster (ATK: 100), and Golden Flying Fish (ATK: 1700)!”

“He’s got a whole army of fish out there, and yet none of them can even come close to taking down Forest Shatterer!” Aurkus glared at the field; there was the feeling of a big move, and yet there was realistically nothing this kid could do to destroy Bryan’s monster. So why did it feel like it was just about to be over?

Ace stared at his duel disk; a bright white light shot straight in his eyes, taking the form of a card. One he’d never seen before.

“Well, since I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m just gonna give it my all and hope it works! I’ll tune Fishborg Blaster with both Deepsea Macrotrema and Golden Flying Fish, to Synchro Summon Aqua Knight – Celestios (ATK: 2300)!”

“What the heck is that?!” Bryan stared wide-eyed as the fish warrior hovered into the air, surrounded by a bluish white light, a combination of the water and the light; a representation of Ace himself and his duel spirit.

[i]Wow, my mind must be more impressive than I thought.[/i] Ace laughed to himself, sending the top five cards of his Deck to the Graveyard. [i]Golden Flying Fish, Flying Fish, Deepsea Macrotrema, Fish Warrior Aquamarinos, and Space Mambo[/i]. Five monsters. Luck was on his side.

“Your monster’s not the only one getting a power boost when it’s brought to the field, see!” Ace smiled. “When Celestios is summoned, I can send the top five cards of my Deck to the Graveyard and give him an attack boost of three hundred points for each Fish-Type monster sent this way!”

Aqua Knight – Celestios (ATK: 2300 + 1500 = 3800)

“But don’t forget, since I sent two Deepsea Macrotrema from the field to the Graveyard, both Coelacanth and Celestios gain an additional one thousand attack points!

“It’s a Synchro Monster!” Aurkus exclaimed. “How in the world did he get one? I thought Diamond City hadn’t received them yet!”

“Now then, this duel’s gone on long enough! Aqua Knight – Celestios, destroy his Forest Shatterer with Spear of the Solar Ocean!” An orange spear formed in the creature’s hand, and shot straight at the forest mech.

[b]Ace’s Life Points[/b]: 1000
[b]Bryan’s Life Points[/b]: 1300

“Now, Coelacanth, finish this duel with Ancient Sapphire Strike!” The creature fired a blast of energy at Bryan, and he fell to his knees.

[b]Bryan’s Life Points[/b]: 0

*****************************************************************************************
There was a constant beep. Ace had no idea what it was, until he looked down at the duel disk. It’s luminous glow indicated that the door had been unlocked. But that was the good part. Bryan began to shake with fear, and before Ace could even realize it, a burst of light exploded from the duel disk, sending him crashing back into the wall as Ace ducked towards the door for cover.

Before the smoke cleared, a drop of blood hit the floor.

*****************************************************************************************
[/spoiler]

[b]NEXT TIME[/b]: Ace won the duel after making contact with his Celestial Guardian! But with the ability to call upon the power of the Synchro Monsters, does that mean the others have a similar power? And what is tormenting Bryan to the point where he must work for Ace? Can Riley recover from the memory that continues to haunt him? Find out next time, on [b]YUGIOH HIDDEN LEGACY[/b]!

[/center][/center]

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BUMP!

No one has opinions? How can it have a lot of views but no one has any opinions? That makes no sense.

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BUMP!

Anyone?

[Synchronized]

Responses? Any at all?

[b]BUMP[/b]!

[Chaos Impact™]

Hey Star!
i've always been a big fan on Hidden legacy and have read it from it's beginning, so i'm very pleased that you've brought this back. Great chapters btw. (oh how you've progressed from the coloured writing of season 1) i will be sure to check up on this!
Chaos Impact.
P.S i'm glad that the first thread i clicked on since i've returned was this

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 4: Hidden Arsenal - Part 1]As Aqua Knight – Celestios delivered its final blow, the Life Point meter on Bryan’s disk hit 0. There was a brief moment of a silence, and a buzz which indicated the door was unlocked. He was free to leave. Just as he started to, a feint beeping noise came from the disk on Bryan’s arm. It was joined by a blinking green light, beeping and signaling symmetrically. It wasn’t loud. As in, there wasn’t an alarm triggered, or at least he didn’t think there was. Bryan had come across as honest in the duel, despite his merciless tactics. He had to win, just like Ace had to win. There was no personal animosity between them. He was just doing what he was supposed to.

Aurkus panicked; he had no idea what was going on, and so he rushed over to his fallen comrade, shaking him to wake him up. Bryan was fine; he opened his eyes and tried form a smile, though it was slightly off. He looked up at the ceiling, then stared straight across at Ace. The look in his eyes was no longer that of darkness. Rather, he had accepted defeat and knew that this was the end of the line.

“Bryan!” Aurkus waited for a response from his friend. “Bryan! Are you alright, man?”

He then turned his attention to Ace, who was prepared to leave. He’d won the duel and for all intents and purposes, was perfectly free to go. “Where do you think you’re going? If you’re such a tough guy, then duel me too!”

Ace placed his hand on the door handle as Aurkus leapt to his feet and advanced towards him. No sooner had he started that Bryan grabbed his leg, holding him in place. “No, Aurkus. He lost. He is free to go. A duel’s a duel.”

“But, you heard what Lon said,” Aurkus was beginning to panic again. “If we don’t bring him, well...”

“It’s the end of the line for me, old friend.” Bryan smiled.

*******************************************************************

[center][center][img]http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff244/InvertRemix/HLS3Untitled-1.png[/img]


[b]Episode 4[/b]: Hidden Arsenal - Part 1

[i]End of the line? What’s he mean?[/i] Ace was just about to make his exit, but waited. Bryan had managed to prop himself up against the wall, sitting as the blinking and the beeping continued.

“Hold on a second,” Ace was curious “what do you mean end of the line? You only lost the duel.”

“If only it was that simple.” He let out a friendly smile. “But unfortunately, that’s not the way they do things here.” This was the kind of information that wasn’t supposed to be revealed to anyone, but he’d come to the conclusion that, at this point, it didn’t matter.

“You see this duel disk on my arm?” He held it up so that Ace could get a clear view. “I know you’ve already seen the blinking light, heard the buzzing, this symbolizes Tyaro – and the others – refusal to accept failure. When you fail once, you get a stern warning, but, you don’t fail twice.”

Aurkus watched with disappointment. At only seventeen years old – four years younger than Bryan – his long blonde hair and deep green eyes looked like those of a child. Of one who was unable to comprehend just what he was up against.

“I’m not quite following you.” Ace racked his mind to grasp the situation, but there were parts that didn’t make as much sense as they should have. “What was the explosion of light just then?”

Bryan wiped the dirt off his face. He was bleeding from the right shoulder, but tried not to pay much attention to it. After all, he didn’t have much time. “The light is just the beginning. See, it’s almost like a warning. They don’t like to do everything all at once. There are duel disks like this one given to everyone who works under Tyaro. You must agree to wear it in order to actually get the job. The first time you lose, nothing happens. I guess it’s universally understood that everyone makes a mistake once.”

“That can’t be right,” Aurkus said. “I never got a disk like that; it was never even mentioned to me.”

“Hold on, let me explain.” Bryan went on. “I’ll get to that in a second. The second time you lose, is where the real pain kicks in. The explosion of light was a force only powerful enough to send me back into the wall, the reason I chose the hallway for this location. In a smaller area, the blast has less effect. I’m banged up pretty badly, but I’m alive.”

“So after the light?” These guys were sickening. Not Bryan and Aurkus, but the others, the ones above them. To treat their employees like this...

“You see the alarm?” Again Bryan held the disk up. “It’s got a built-in timer. Exactly fifteen minutes from the point I lose the duel. Right now, it’s been about four. When the timer reaches zero...”

He paused, wiping a tear from his eye. “No, I can’t be weak now of all times. When the timer reaches zero, it sends a shock throughout the entire body. But this isn’t a normal shock; it’s some kind of dark lightning, black and green in color. I’ve never seen anything like it before. And even then, I’ve only seen it once before, with the one they hired before Aurkus. The shock released is more than enough to kill a mortal being, which is its purpose. You can fail once, but as I said, you don’t fail twice.”

“I see...” Ace felt himself somewhat shaken up. “So that’s why you felt such a drive to win, huh? And what about your friend? Does that mean he has the same disk, too?”

“N...no” Bryan tried to stand, but couldn’t make it to his feet. His back was practically destroyed, in so much pain. “When he hired Aurkus, I said that since I had known him personally, I would refuse to work for him any longer if he was given one of those disks. Since I very rarely had lost, I was a valuable asset to them, and he agreed.”

[i]That explains it. These guys aren’t evil at all; they’re in fear for their lives. It’s sickening.[/i] With what Ace already knew, things were bad enough. Now, knowing all they do about the way things were being run...these were human beings, and they were being treated like they didn’t matter. How could someone be so cruel?

“So you...” Aurkus was on the verge of tears. “You did that for me? But why?”

“I see such a bright future in you.” Bryan tried to smile. “You don’t need to do this, Aurkus. You have the potential to go out there and do something, something you’ll be remembered for, you know? I didn’t have that opportunity anymore.”

Ace looked at the time on his watch; Bryan didn’t have much time left.

“Ace, you asked if the reason I needed to win was the fear for my own life.” Bryan went on. “But that’s not the case at all. I can tell, I just know, that you know what’s going on here. You know the trouble that’s been caused both here and in the Spirit World. When I found out, I threatened to quit. But it’s not that easy. You can’t take the disk off.”

“But if me defeating you triggered the second loss, that means you’ve lost once before, right?”

“Yes, that’s exactly how it happened. When I got the job, Tyaro challenged me to a duel, as he does to all of his new hires. But unlike the majority of them, I...” he paused, catching his breath “I actually won the duel.”

Aurkus was stunned, unable to believe what he’d just heard. Bryan had actually beaten Tyaro in a duel? That was impossible. “There’s no way! How come – how come you never told me?”

Ace was just as shocked by the news. Tyaro was a ruthless jerk, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t a top-tier duelist. If Bryan had managed to beat him, it made no sense that he’d agree to work under him. There was more to this story.

“I don’t have much time left.” Bryan looked at his friend, and tried to nod but couldn’t really do it. “After the duel was over, I learned of Tyaro’s plan. I wasn’t sure it was anything I wanted to be a part of, but I needed the money, and he was offering it. Still, initially, I refused his offer.”

Bryan coughed a few times, blood staining the collar of his white t-shirt as Aurkus checked to see if he was alright. He had about five minutes left. “That didn’t work for him, though. With Tyaro and his people, you do what they want, or you do nothing at all. I got a phone call about a week later from Lon, demanding that I meet with Tyaro here at the headquarters. When I arrived…”
He began to get choked up, finding it difficult to talk. Ace placed his duel disk on the ground and hurried over towards the wall, grabbing Bryan’s right arm and urging him to keep fighting, to stay alive. He’d seen too many lives taken and too many people suffer due to the inconsiderate nature of others. He felt himself getting emotional at the same time, knowing this was unavoidable.

“They told me they had my sister, and that her safety was now in my hands.” The thought was so incredibly painful. It wasn’t even the fact that he was going to die. Rather, the fact that it would happen with her still in the hands of the remorseless. He had failed, and [i]that[/i] was the worst part. “This was a year ago, and she’s only eleven years old. I’ve searched and searched, even tried to use outside sources to find any information on her whereabouts, but nobody knows anything. Tyaro told me that as long as I continued to fight for him, he would keep her alive. But there was another condition.”

“What was it?” Ace asked. “Bryan, you’ve got to focus. Focus all of your energy towards the weakest part of your body, the part where the shock will do the most damage! What was the condition?!”

“He forced me,” Bryan muttered through periods of coughing up blood. “to duel him and lose willingly. Meaning the next time I lost, well…”

“Would be the last time.” Ace finished the sentence for him. Was Tyaro truly this evil of a person? To take and manipulate these people just for the sake of publicity and being the World Champion? That didn’t seem right. It didn’t seem like someone would go to these lengths for a simple title.

“Listen…I’m not proud of what, or who I’ve become.” Bryan wiped the tears from his eyes. “But it is done. This world is filled with evil, but I truly believe it is filled with good, as well. My sister, Karahiri, was the most caring, loving person in the world, and now because of me she has to suffer. Who…who even knows if she’s alive?”

“Don’t talk like that.” Bryan began sobbing uncontrollably as Ace tried to reassure him. “Listen to me. Look up. Toughen up, look up, and listen to me.”

Aurkus watched on curiously as Bryan did what he was told, albeit not without some difficulty. “You’re not to blame here. Everyone has a period in their lives where they make a few difficult decisions that don’t always end for the best. But its acknowledging those mistakes, and believing within your heart that you’re willing to make whatever changes are necessary to fix them, that proves a person can change. No one has a pre-set destiny. Life isn’t a card game, but it’s similar in the fact that each move you make counts. Bryan, if for a second I believed you weren’t a worthwhile person I would have left already. I’m making you a vow, I’ll find your sister, I’ll make sure she returns home safely, and I’ll make sure Tyaro is punished for everything he’s done! I hardly know you, but I can see the sincerity in your eyes; I can see the suffering you’ve endured, and I’ve got my own problems with Tyaro as it is! You can rest assured, when all’s said and done, he’ll be the one begging for mercy!”

Aurkus couldn’t believe what he was hearing; the emotion within Ace’s own voice was unlike anything he’d ever seen before. Bryan managed a smile; a genuine smile. He’d done it to save his sister, and Ace had done it because wanted to put an end to all of this. In a way, they were both fighting towards the same goal.

Silence fell upon the hallway as the timer ran out. Bryan stared straight into Ace’s eyes as a bolt of dark lightning shot out from the disk, just as he’d said, striking his whole body. Ace jumped back, as did Aurkus, to prevent themselves from feeling the damage of the blast.

The two said nothing out of respect for a fallen friend. Bryan lay against the wall, a shell of a man who had already been a shell of his former self. Ace stood, unable to keep his emotions under control, and wiped a tear from his eye. He bowed his head in respect and walked out the door.

[i]I will save your sister and put an end to all of this. I’ll never forget what happened today. This is just too much, even for you, Tyaro![/i]

************************************************************************************************************************

A cool breeze swept across the street, bringing up small fragments of rock along with it. Riley put his hand to his face, covering his eyes from the particles. It was clear that the only way he would be able to solve this problem, to make it go away, would be to travel to the Duel Spirit world himself, to the place where it first happened. Something told him that there, his questions would be answered. The issue was how. He had no idea how to voluntarily enter the Spirit World; when last it happened, he had lost a Shadow Duel, therefore being sent their forcibly, and not in the best of conditions. Was it possible for a human being to travel there willingly? Or was he stuck here unless he was called upon again? There had to be a way to find it.

Fatigue had caught up to him, leaving him unable to defend from the object as it struck him in the back of his right kneecap. In a heap, he collapsed to the ground, reaching for something to grab onto but finding nothing as the unforgiving pavement offered no assistance. At first he felt no pain, until it suddenly rushed through his body and straight to his leg, which he reached for immediately. Whatever the object was had somehow vanished; through the pain he was able to move his head ever so slightly, so as to look for the attacker, only to find nothing.

[i]What was that?[/i] He thought to himself through gritted teeth; why would someone be trying to target him? It was late; perhaps it was just a mugger, someone looking for money, or cards. He didn’t even have his cards on him. A simple walk, just to clear his head and try to assess the events of the past day and a half was all he’d wanted, not this. The pain surging through his leg was extremely hard to endure, and it was even more difficult to believe that such damage could be caused by an object that couldn’t even be seen.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the distance; someone was approaching. Based on the sound, it didn’t appear to be a large person at all. After reaching for his knee with both hands, Riley gritted his teeth and pulled himself to a seated position, finding himself staring into the eyes of a boy about his age, with slick brown hair to his shoulders. His bright green eyes shone with the glimmer of success; he’d taken out his target. He didn’t look all that intimidating, sporting a simple t-shirt and blue jeans; it was the led pipe in his hand that did the trick. That was the weapon, no doubt.

Without saying a word, he hurled the iron pipe straight into the air, as it shot towards a building on the right, shattering a window completely, yet making no noise at all. In just seconds it came full circle, and he caught it in his hands. So it was a boomerang. He had a duel disk on his arm, but didn’t look as though he had the intention to use it; the pipe would suffice. With the inability to stand, Riley was nothing but easy pickings.

The fact that the boy said nothing only added to the intimidation. Riley wasn’t necessarily scared – he couldn’t be – but he had no idea how to react. There was no shield, nowhere to run. He didn’t have money, or cards, and he had half a mind to try and explain himself, but couldn’t manage to form words. He pulled himself up against the brick wall of a building on his left as the boy began his advance, raising the pipe above his head. With one swift motion, he flung it forward, and the metal object headed straight for Riley’s chest, with pin-point accuracy.

****************************************************************************************************[/spoiler]

[b]NEXT TIME[/b]: With Bryan presumably gone, what will Aurkus’ next move be? Will the young duelist decide to continue working for Tyaro for his own safety, or perhaps abandon those goals and attempt to avenge his friend? Now that Ace has escaped, will he find Riley in time, and who is this new enemy? With no cards and the inability to defend himself, is this the last we’ve seen of Diamond City’s legendary duelist? Find out next time, on [b]YUGIOH HIDDEN LEGACY[/b]!

[b]Author's Analysis[/b]: I've finally finished Episode 4, though it took me a little while. This is where the first "big" duel of the Season will take place, as well as the explanation of important plot events. Hopefully more people will start to read and take an interest, but either way.[/center][/center]

[Umbra]

Definitely an interesting twist with the [acronym='(death-shocking)']duel disks[/acronym], didn't see that coming. Tyaro's villainy is definitely building up.

The random violence that Riley's being exposed to, on the other hand, doesn't make much sense at this point. I guess I'll just wait for the next chapter.

[Synchronized]

One thing I noticed that I never really worked on was the lack of seriousness in the story. Now given that it's anime-based, there's always going to be that sense of comedy or light-hearted humor, but it made it harder to get behind the story when the characters were cracking jokes while facing a "terrible evil". In this Season, there's a much more serious, perhaps even darker approach that I'm hoping will improve it overall.

It's not random violence, [i]per se[/i], but I don't want to give too much away, either. Hope you'll come back for the next one!

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BUMP!

New episode will be posted shortly, just wanted to get this thread going again.

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 5: Hidden Arsenal: Part 2]
A cool breeze swept across the street, bringing up small fragments of rock along with it. Riley put his hand to his face, covering his eyes from the particles. It was clear that the only way he would be able to solve this problem, to make it go away, would be to travel to the Duel Spirit world himself, to the place where it first happened. Something told him that there, his questions would be answered. The issue was how. He had no idea how to voluntarily enter the Spirit World; when last it happened, he had lost a Shadow Duel, therefore being sent their forcibly, and not in the best of conditions. Was it possible for a human being to travel there willingly? Or was he stuck here unless he was called upon again? There had to be a way to find it.

Fatigue had caught up to him, leaving him unable to defend from the object as it struck him in the back of his right kneecap. In a heap, he collapsed to the ground, reaching for something to grab onto but finding nothing as the unforgiving pavement offered no assistance. At first he felt no pain, until it suddenly rushed through his body and straight to his leg, which he reached for immediately. Whatever the object was had somehow vanished; through the pain he was able to move his head ever so slightly, so as to look for the attacker, only to find nothing.

[i]What was that?[/i] He thought to himself through gritted teeth; why would someone be trying to target him? It was late; perhaps it was just a mugger, someone looking for money, or cards. He didn’t even have his cards on him. A simple walk, just to clear his head and try to assess the events of the past day and a half was all he’d wanted, not this. The pain surging through his leg was extremely hard to endure, and it was even more difficult to believe that such damage could be caused by an object that couldn’t even be seen.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the distance; someone was approaching. Based on the sound, it didn’t appear to be a large person at all. After reaching for his knee with both hands, Riley gritted his teeth and pulled himself to a seated position, finding himself staring into the eyes of a boy about his age, with slick brown hair to his shoulders. His bright green eyes shone with the glimmer of success; he’d taken out his target. He didn’t look all that intimidating, sporting a simple t-shirt and blue jeans; it was the led pipe in his hand that did the trick. That was the weapon, no doubt.

Without saying a word, he hurled the iron pipe straight into the air, as it shot towards a building on the right, shattering a window completely, yet making no noise at all. In just seconds it came full circle, and he caught it in his hands. So it was a boomerang. He had a duel disk on his arm, but didn’t look as though he had the intention to use it; the pipe would suffice. With the inability to stand, Riley was nothing but easy pickings.

The fact that the boy said nothing only added to the intimidation. Riley wasn’t necessarily scared – he couldn’t be – but he had no idea how to react. There was no shield, nowhere to run. He didn’t have money, or cards, and he had half a mind to try and explain himself, but couldn’t manage to form words. He pulled himself up against the brick wall of a building on his left as the boy began his advance, raising the pipe above his head. With one swift motion, he flung it forward, and the metal object headed straight for Riley’s chest, with pin-point accuracy.

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[b]Episode 5[/b]: Hidden Arsenal - Part 2

He had no time to move; what was only seconds seemed like hours, with the metal rod moving ever so slowly towards his chest. And with the impact he’d taken from the leg shot, he wasn’t sure he could handle a second one, never mind actually assess the situation. He put his arm up, creating the false sense of safety, but knew it would make no difference. A grin, one of almost pleasure formed on the boy’s face as he watched his helpless target attempt to save himself, but it was no use. The rod prepared its final strike.

It was inches away from Riley’s face when the left edge of the dual-sided blade bunted the rod to the ground, effortlessly stopping it in its tracks. The attacker stood, wide-eyed, and it took Riley a minute to make out the figure standing in front of him, the only thing separating him from an ultimate defeat. That sword…he knew that sword – for sure, he’d seen it before. He could barely make it out; everything was a blur, but the feint outlines of the dual-edged sword struck a chord in his mind; immediately images of the Spirit World rushed through his mind.

He took a few deep breaths; whoever had stepped might very well have saved his life, given the impact of the weapon and the situation, but it wasn’t really a good time to issue a thank you speech. The attacker didn’t appear to be finished. There was a frightening stare lining his face, absolutely devoid of all emotion, as if he weren’t really human, merely another being in human form. The protector in front of him dashed forward, tilting his blade horizontally and attempting a strike. But just as soon as he took off, the boy simply side-stepped, avoiding it completely.

[i]He completely dodged that shot![/i] There was no effort at all; by moving a simple three feet, he dodged the sword’s onslaught. How was that even possible? With the speed the protector had behind him that shot should’ve struck clean. The speed itself was a hell of a feat, but dodging it like that? What exactly was he up against, and why had it selected him as a target? Even more so, why was somebody defending him, and how had he known he was here? It was as though all of the answers were right in front of his eyes, yet they were so far away at the same time.

Silence ensued for a moment as the attacker stepped forward, walking with a calm presence about him. He bent down and picked up the rod, brushing it off with ease. He turned his attention to Riley, perhaps figuring he could finish what he started, what with the one who had stepped in to save him on the other side of the street. At the last second, he spun around and flung the rod straight forward—a surprise attack. It was then that Riley recognized the boy standing across from him; Rayori Malix.

The face, the ocean blue eyes and spiked blonde hair, combined with the sword should’ve given it away from the start, but there were elements missing that made it more difficult. It was the stance, arms forward, holding the blade with both hands, showing no fear, that brought him recognition. Rayori had once been a spoiled rich brat, taking nothing but power and glory into consideration. However after his duel Crystal, who they’d struggled to find for months after the events of the Dark General, only to find out she’d been killed the conclusion, he changed his ways, offering his assistance in any way possible to help save the Spirit World, where he now took refuge as its protector.

Even the thought of Crystal’s name made Riley cringe. The three of them, Riley, Ace, and Crystal; they’d been inseparable. No matter what the cost, they would always do everything in their power to protect one another. Yet now, Ace was nowhere to be found, and Crystal was gone. He should’ve been there. He tried to push these thoughts to the back of his mind, where they often lay dormant. Right now, he had to focus on survival. Somehow, Rayori had managed to come here from the Spirit World, a task easier said than done with the sealing of the portals. The sword which he held was known as the Blade of Cylix, a powerful weapon passed down to him from his predecessor. The more he thought, the more chaotic it became to assess the situation. His mind continued to wander in different directions until he slammed his eyes shut.

Rayori dodged the shot easily, using the blade to push off the pavement, flipping into the air. It caught the attacker off guard, but not long enough to be of significance. The blade was no joke; one shot would kill a human, or a spirit for that matter, with ease. But would Rayori simply kill a human being? Or was Riley’s theory correct? Were they dealing with another threat, a different threat here? The rod flew back around, right into the hands of its controller. The two stared one another down as Riley tried to stand, keeping his hands pressed against the wall to offset the pain in his leg.

“Do you have a name?” Rayori asked the attacker while readying himself for another strike. Yet there came no answer. The boy stood silent, staring straight forward at the brick wall of the Coffee Shop across from them. “Didn’t think so. Riley, you’re gonna have to hang tight for a bit; I’ll explain everything, but I’ve got some business to take care of first.”

He was still too weak to respond, but Riley managed to muster a nod of his head, at least complying with the instructions.

Rayori focused his eyes on the opponent. It was simple. All he had to do was take out that rod completely. Then, he could go in for a basic strike, a trick, as in tease a back shot, flip back to the front, then strike from the side. That, combined with an increased effort of speed, would make for a quick shot. It was the rod, a [i]celrion[/i], that gave this creature the power it did. He was far from human; he was an incarnation of a nameless, soulless being from the Spirit World, serving at the mercy of the Dark Wanderer. These ones, the ones without identity, were rather effortless to take down. It was their weapons that made it challenging. Celrions were normal weapons enhanced with dark energy, therefore allowing their controllers to manipulate the normal capabilities to produce an effective battle strategy.

What didn’t make sense though, was how this being was able to cross over to this world. As he’d yet to explain, being the protector, Rayori was half Spirit, half human – one of the few of his kind -. He’d given up the ability to be fully human in exchange for the ability to travel between both worlds freely, despite the sealing of the portals. It was obvious the attacker had been sent to take out Riley, but there was no way the King had expected it to work; he was merely getting a feel for things, trying to understand how far his power could get him in this world as opposed to his own.

Right foot forward, left elbow lean, and leap! Rayori held the blade above his head, swinging for the rod in the being’s hand. As it made contact, a dark aura surrounded the small metal weapon, sending him back with a force far greater than he’d expected. Riley’s eyes widened as Rayori crashed into the window of the Coffee Shop, not breaking it completely but scattering smaller pieces of glass around him.

[i]What? That power...it’s far greater than what I’ve faced in the Spirit World! Could it be that...are they stronger here than they are there?[/i] It was a scary thought, but maybe the limitations on the Wanderer’s energy in the Spirit World were nonexistent once the being had crossed over. Nonetheless, he wasn’t even able to scratch him. The power coming out of that rod was the being’s only source of energy. It wasn’t even as much as destroying it; all he had to do was get the rod far enough away to hit a finishing blow, and they’d be safe. Easier said than done. But giving up was not an option.

Crawling amidst the shattered glass, he pulled himself to his feet, staring straight into the empty eyes of the creature across from him. Riley was safe for now; though he was the target, as long as Rayori was standing, he’d be able to protect him – after all, that was his destiny. To protect the Chosen Duelists from the evil which had so long threatened them. Now, things were finally coming to a head; he hadn’t seen anything yet.

If he managed to take the creature out, it wouldn’t be as simple as killing him. First, he had to eliminate the rod. Then, he’d have to duel him. A Shadow Game was the only way to truly rid these creatures. At least, that’s how it worked in the Spirit World. Perhaps it was different here. After that last shot, he wasn’t sure how much his body would be able to take; the physical limitations were in full effect back in the human world. The being held the rod above his head, still flowing with the dark energy. Charging it. That much was clear as he lowered the rod, firing a dark lightning right in Rayori’s direction.

[i]Try this on for size. You may be stronger here, but that only means I’ve got to try harder.[/i] Shifting the blade to his right hand, Rayori began to twirl it in a circle, picking up speed with each spin. As the lightning struck, it began to follow the spinning pattern, losing any source of power behind it as the intensity of the blade twirl increased. The more lightning released, the faster the spin became. Yet Rayori was one step ahead; he could keep up the spin easily, whereas there was a limitation to how much lightning he’d take at once. By slightly shifting the direction of the spin every three seconds, he could throw off the target, causing every other strike to bounce off the ground and blend into the spin, essentially forming a shield and ensuring he couldn’t be touched.

[i]That’s unbelievable; the speed...this isn’t the same Rayori from those days, that’s for sure.[/i] Riley stood, somewhat helpless, and having to force himself to stand back and not try to contribute to the action. But he wasn’t a fighter, and getting involved could easily result in his own death or Rayori’s for that matter. Plus, this strategy was brilliant. By always being one step ahead, Rayori would eventually force the attacker to run out of power, at which point he’d be unable to defend himself from the strike.

[i]If he were any more intelligent, this strategy would’ve already failed.[/i] The flaws were obvious. The Dark Wanderer didn’t plan to succeed this time around; he simply wanted to cause as much trouble if possible. By sending a relatively weak being to the human world, he could gain vital information while not using too much of his own energy. Yet at the same time, this was a mediocre creature; it had no sense of battle skill, and one could only assume his dueling skills were subpar as well. It didn’t understand the concept of throwing off the attack, and so he’d continue to fire until he could no longer. It was a million dollar attack led by a five cent strategist.

It was two years ago when Cylix, the preceding guardian of both the Spirit World and the Human World, had given him the blade which he now wielded. At the time, he was inexperienced in any method of combat, and it was fair to see he still had much to learn now. However, a key element to the training he’d received was the ability to shift your focus to a sole target; to make it so nothing in the surrounding area or in your own mind could distract you from striking that target. It was a technique he’d practiced hundreds of times, but was never able to perfect. And despite knowing he could exceed the abilities of the being in front of him, should he fail and allow the lightning to strike him even slightly, he’d lose movement in his entire body—and perhaps even more.

The timing was essential, as the lightning never quite stopped, or even slowed down. So standing and waiting for an opportunity wouldn’t work because that would take hours. And while he had the upper hand now, there might come a time when the creature would realize this tactic wasn’t working and switch to something more deadly. He held the rod out in his right hand, and the lightning fired only from the top, at about an eight-inch radius. It would be almost impossible to stop the shield spin he’d created and shift to an attack in enough time to dodge the lightning attack. He continued the defense while slowly running out of ideas.

[i]Focus...[/i] His sight became nothing but the metal rod in the creature’s hands. It wasn’t that large – no more than a foot in length – and it looked as though it hadn’t rusted at all; in other words, it wasn’t going to be as simple as simply slicing the rod in half. No, he needed a different approach. He stared for a good ten seconds.

And then it hit him. With every other bolt, the lightning was fired at a slightly higher elevation, before returning to normal with the next one. With just the right movement, he could jump, land, dodge and strike, all in a matter of seconds. If he missed...it wasn’t possible to think about that now. He had to hit with all his might, the only shot he had to take the creature down and begin the duel was in this one move.

Riley watched in awe as Rayori leapt, pushing the blade off the ground to gain an extra four feet of elevation. He flipped forward, his right foot barely avoiding contact with the lightning, and landed on the ground three inches from the attacker. In one swift motion, he arched back, gripping the blade with both hands, and thrust it straight into the center of the metal rod, knocking it out of the boy’s grip and into the air.

[i]I got it![/i] The rod shot straight up as the lightning emitting from it ceased almost immediately. Rayori jumped again, avoiding the creature’s attempt to grab his leg, and sliced the rod clean in half. The clanking of metal echoed throughout the near-empty city streets as the two halves of the rod fell to the pavement.

“Hang tight, Riley.”

[i]That was...incredible. To be able to estimate that angle so accurately, not to mention risking his life to save me, who has Rayori become?[/i] Riley watched anxiously for the next step in this process; would Rayori simply kill the attacker and move on? He’d been disarmed; there was nothing left to do other than finish it.

The creature showed no signs of emotion, nor was he expected to. Rayori stood his ground, ready and waiting. No sooner did the attack finish that the illusion of a body began to deteriorate, the skin melting into a pool of nothingness on the cement. In its place was a gargoyle-like creature, composed entirely of blackness except for a set of bright yellow eyes. On its right arm was a duel disk, but it seemed almost disfigured, as though it had been attacked with a vicious set of teeth. Riley stood, stunned. Rayori had seen these creatures before, but that didn’t make them any less grotesque as he activated his own duel disk. You couldn’t kill them in the real world, yet by taking away the creature’s weapon, its only form of power in this world, it had no other choice but to duel, where it would either be sent to the shadows for eternity, or do the opposite to its opponent.

He acknowledged Riley with a glance, then a nod. Riley returned the favor. “Well then, let’s see just what you’re made of, you vile slime.”

The creature volunteered itself first, drawing six cards. It began to form words, with a slither of its tongue. It was nearly impossible to make them out, but Rayori’s knowledge of the beings made it comprehendible.

“You think you underss-tand what you’re dealing with.” It went on. “But that which you think you know, will come back to haunt you.”

[b]TO BE CONTINUED...[/b]

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[b]NEXT TIME[/b]: Rayori’s made his triumphant return for the first time this Season, and after two years has once again stepped foot into the world from which he came. Now, after disarming the creature sent to the Human World by the Dark Wanderer, Rayori must duel with the creature in a Shadow Game. But will it be as simple as he thinks? And where will Riley fit in? Find out next time on [b]YUGIOH HIDDEN LEGACY[/b]![/spoiler]



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BUMP! Hoping to get a new episode posted soon.

[Aviv: D's Knight]

Wow, I've read all of the hidden legacys, but I like the more serious feel of it. It's cool how they don't know that they can get [s]my favorite character[/s] Crystal back. I assume they don't know about Celtic's betrayal. I give you're fanfic 8.5/10.

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[quote name='Caiba' timestamp='1310623649' post='5353619']
Wow, I've read all of the hidden legacys, but I like the more serious feel of it. It's cool how they don't know that they can get [s]my favorite character[/s] Crystal back. I assume they don't know about Celtic's betrayal. I give you're fanfic 8.5/10.
[/quote]

While I'm by no means producing episodes with this one like I was with the others, it's because I'm putting a significant amount of time into each one to make sure they're as good as possible. It has a very different approach from Season 1 and [i]The Shadow Lord[/i] because you start to see the characters develop personalities, and stand out from being generic Mary Sue characters like they were in the original.

The story with Crystal, as it ended in Season 2 as she hadn't been saved and there was no explanation, will begun to be explained more, soon. That being said, the Season 2 ending was awful and the only positive was that I never went into detail with Crystal's disappearance. More to come on that soon.

Thank you!

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 6: Hidden Arsenal - Part 3]
[i]Focus...[/i] His sight became nothing but the metal rod in the creature’s hands. It wasn’t that large – no more than a foot in length – and it looked as though it hadn’t rusted at all; in other words, it wasn’t going to be as simple as simply slicing the rod in half. No, he needed a different approach. He stared for a good ten seconds.

And then it hit him. With every other bolt, the lightning was fired at a slightly higher elevation, before returning to normal with the next one. With just the right movement, he could jump, land, dodge and strike, all in a matter of seconds. If he missed...it wasn’t possible to think about that now. He had to hit with all his might, the only shot he had to take the creature down and begin the duel was in this one move.

Riley watched in awe as Rayori leapt, pushing the blade off the ground to gain an extra four feet of elevation. He flipped forward, his right foot barely avoiding contact with the lightning, and landed on the ground three inches from the attacker. In one swift motion, he arched back, gripping the blade with both hands, and thrust it straight into the center of the metal rod, knocking it out of the boy’s grip and into the air.

[i]I got it![/i] The rod shot straight up as the lightning emitting from it ceased almost immediately. Rayori jumped again, avoiding the creature’s attempt to grab his leg, and sliced the rod clean in half. The clanking of metal echoed throughout the near-empty city streets as the two halves of the rod fell to the pavement.

“Hang tight, Riley.”

[i]That was...incredible. To be able to estimate that angle so accurately, not to mention risking his life to save me, who has Rayori become?[/i] Riley watched anxiously for the next step in this process; would Rayori simply kill the attacker and move on? He’d been disarmed; there was nothing left to do other than finish it.

The creature showed no signs of emotion, nor was he expected to. Rayori stood his ground, ready and waiting. No sooner did the attack finish that the illusion of a body began to deteriorate, the skin melting into a pool of nothingness on the cement. In its place was a gargoyle-like creature, composed entirely of blackness except for a set of bright yellow eyes. On its right arm was a duel disk, but it seemed almost disfigured, as though it had been attacked with a vicious set of teeth. Riley stood, stunned. Rayori had seen these creatures before, but that didn’t make them any less grotesque as he activated his own duel disk. You couldn’t kill them in the real world, yet by taking away the creature’s weapon, its only form of power in this world, it had no other choice but to duel, where it would either be sent to the shadows for eternity, or do the opposite to its opponent.

He acknowledged Riley with a glance, then a nod. Riley returned the favor. “Well then, let’s see just what you’re made of, you vile slime.”

The creature volunteered itself first, drawing six cards. It began to form words, with a slither of its tongue. It was nearly impossible to make them out, but Rayori’s knowledge of the beings made it comprehendible.

“You think you underss-tand what you’re dealing with.” It went on. “But that which you think you know, will come back to haunt you.”

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[b]Episode 6[/b]: Hidden Arsenal - Part 3

[i]The physical part's always the most difficult.[/i] Rayori nodded, reassuring himself. He'd taken the creature's weapon away, meaning the final step was to duel. There was tons he had to talk to Riley about, but that would have to wait. The Dark Wanderer was smart, but he didn't know everything. And revealing information in front of the creature was unneccesary and risky. The more the Wanderer knew, the more dangerous he became. It was important to end the duel as quickly as possible. Losing wasn't likely; these beings had little to no skill. They were simply given a Deck and told to do their job, or face an enternity of suffering. So what did they have to lose? It made them the perfect henchmen for the Dark Wanderer to control and manipulate. Rayori cleared his mind, staring across the field at the vile creature as it prepared to make its move.

"Ss-ummon, Shadow Hunter, attack mode." The grotesque black hand, topped with untrimmed nails placed a monster card onto the half-eaten duel disk. A small fox-like creature, shrouded in ninja gear with a steel plate covering its face appeared on the field. A dark veil surrounded it as it stood, ready to pounce.

[spoiler=Shadow Hunter]
Level 2/DARK
Beast/Effect
This card cannot be destroyed by battle. You take no Battle Damage from battles involving this card. During each of your End Phases or when this card is selected as an attack target by an opponent's monster: Place 1 Collection Counter on this card. By removing 4 Collection Counters from this card: Special Summon 1 "Shadow Token" (Fiend-Type/DARK/Level 4/ATK 0/DEF 0) to your field in Defense Position. While you control a "Shadow Token": This card is treated as a Tuner monster.
0/0[/spoiler]

"I'll place one card face-down, and end my turn." The creature bellowed as Rayori drew his starting hand.

[i]Ironically his monster is less repulsive than he is.[/i] He looked over his hand, wanting to be careful to avoid wasting time, but also to avoid making a foolish mistake. "As impressive as your rodent is, I'm afraid I've got no choice but to take him out." He grinned, placing a monster card onto the duel disk.

"I call upon Scrap Tiger!" A small circle of light lit up the field as a creature composed entirely of machine remnants with a shape resembling that of a tiger, took its place on the field. It stood in place, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.

[spoiler=Scrap Tiger]
Level 4/EARTH
Beast/Tuner
If this face-up Defense Position card is selected as an attack target, destroy this card at the end of the Battle Phase. If this card is destroyed by the effect of a "Scrap" card and sent to the Graveyard, you can select 1 "Scrap" monster in your Graveyard, except "Scrap Beast" and add it to your hand.
1600/1300[/spoiler]

"Now then, Scrap Tiger send his Shadow Hunter to the graveyard with Piercing Shrapnel Fang!" The creature leapt off the ground, not missing a beat as it flew across the field driving its fangs into the much smaller creature. It backed off, but the Shadow Hunter was completely intact. Only now, a purple sphere hovered above its head.

[i]Woah, why wasn't that fox destroyed?[/i] Riley wondered to himself. Rayori's monster had significantly higher attack points, and there was no way that creature should've come out of the battle unscathed. It didn't make sense.

"What's up your sleeve? My Tiger should've sent your fox to the scrap heap!" Rayori's stare tightened as he awaited the creature's response.

"Only now do you ss-ee that you cannot defeat my powers." The creature bellowed a second time. "For Ss-hadow Hunter cannot be destroyed by battle. Not only that, but I take no damage from any of your attack-ss."

[i]So it's invincible to battles? That would explain why he summoned it in Attack Position. I wasn't sure if maybe he was holding out for a Trap Card, but he left his face-down right where it is.[/i] Rayori glanced over his hand again. He could take the monster out. Still, that didn't explain the sphere that had formed above the fox's head. What did they symbolize? "What's the deal with the sphere?"

"The ss-phere, you ss-ay?" The creature chuckled. "You ss-hall ss-ee ss-oon enough, boy. No need to ss-poil the fun."

He had something planned; that much was for sure. And it meant Rayori had to play even more carefully because he was facing a Deck - and a strategy - that he knew nothing about. The Dark Wanderer had outdone himself this time. Still, he wasn't chosen as the Guardian to cruise by on easy victories; Rayori welcomed the challenge. However, he didn't have much time. Riley was hurt and there was important information to be relayed. He was gonna have to play into this guy's strategy and simply power his way out.

"I'll end with two face-down cards." Rayori remarked with confidence, as the two cards appeared on the field behind the now-resting tiger.

"Ah, an interesting choice for certain." A dense wind blew through the area, brushing through Rayori's hair. This had all happened so soon, at least for him. He hadn't been able to find out what he was up against until just after Riley's duel with Tyaro. And now, he couldn't even discuss it because if this being were to pick up on what he knew, there might be a way for the information to get back to the Dark Wanderer. Should that happen, this war would get increasingly difficult to fight. That was the last thing they needed right now. He had to win this duel, and quickly.

"I wass insstructed to end this duel as ss-oon as posssible." The creature extended his arm, revealing a face-down card. "Now I shall do just that. What you have ss-een above Shadow Hunter's head is known as a Collection Counter." He paused.

"A Collection Counter is gained during each of my End Phases, and each time you attack my monster. And when there are four, Shadow Hunter brings out a token, then becomes a Tuner monster."

"That means he can perform an instant Synchro Summon! That's why he left the creature there - to lure me into attacking!" And it had worked, too. But now that he knew, he had no plans of attacking again. Although he felt like he wouldn't have to; that was the purpose of the trap the creature had just activated.

"But four turns is far too many. Activate, Shadow Surge."

[spoiler=Shadow Surge]
Normal Trap Card
Tribute 1 "Shadow Hunter" with 1 or more Collection Counter(s) on it. Special Summon 1 DARK Level 8 Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck. Destroy it during the End Phase.[/spoiler]

Bolts of lightning, identical to those from the celrion he'd destroyed just moments earlier, encased the small beast, who put up no fight. It vanished in a swirling mass of energy as the creature began to laugh once more. It was painful to watch, almost. These beings were devoid of souls; prisoners of the Spirit World who were offered a life of eternal suffering or joining the Dark Lord's army. In hope for their own freedom, they'd chosen the latter, and become nothing but complete darkness. Rayori had seen creatures like this one before; he made a big opening play, but nothing significant enough to actually win him the duel. It was just a test of strength.

"With Shadow Surge, I can send my Hunter to the Graveyard to instantly bring out a Level 8 Synchro Monster!" The backdrop became that of a vicious dragon, prepared to unleash havoc upon the field. "Meet your demise; Infernity Doom Dragon!"

Part of him felt pity, knowing that he was destroying a being who hadn't necessarily chosen this lifestyle. But the other part of him knew that this enemy had completely given up being human, or attempting to control his emotions. He was nothing but a pawn, and he'd destroy him like such. He couldn't afford to show mercy when his opponent would never do the same.

"Not quite, activate Trap Card Solemn Warning!"

[spoiler=Solemn Warning]
Pay 2000 Life Points. Negate the Summon of a monster OR the activation of a Spell Card, Trap Card, or Effect Monster's effect that includes an effect that Special Summons a monster(s), and destroy that card.[/spoiler]

[i]Sorry, but I can't afford to put either world at risk.[/i]

"What?! That's - not possible!" The creature appeared distraught as a beam of light emerged from Rayori's trap card, banishing the dragon back to the depths from which it came.

[b]Rayori's Life Points[/b]: (-2000) 2000

"No offense, but I've got the responsibility of protecting both the Spirit World, and the world here on Earth." Rayori grinned. "I'm not really in the mood to play games."

"You've yet to win! I end with a face-down!"

"Here goes nothin!" Rayori shouted as he drew his next card. "I Tribute Scrap Tiger to make way for Scrap Golem!"

[spoiler=Scrap Golem]
Level 5/EARTH
Rock/Effect
Once per turn, you can select 1 Level 4 or lower "Scrap" monster in your Graveyard and Special Summon it to either player's side of the field.
2300/1400[/spoiler]

The earth shook as a large mech emerged from its confines. With a large metal tank for a body, and arms composed of piping with a giant fan blade at each end, the Scrap Golem let out a roar to signify its field presence.

The creature didn't respond. It was weird - almost as if the only thing it knew was its own Deck, with no knowledge on how to counter any opposing strategies. It wasn't surprising; the Dark Wanderer had no care for anyone or anything but himself; why would it matter to him if this thing was destroyed? He could just send out another one, or ten more. It didn't make a difference. Of course, if it'd been able to bring out that Infernity Doom Dragon, Rayori wouldn't have been able to come back from it. That's why he set Solemn Warning - just in case. With Scrap Golem, he'd be able to bring Scrap Beast back to the field. At that point, he could tune the two monsters to bring out Scrap Twin Dragon, and that would be more than enough to finish this duel off.

"Reveal face-down, Limit Barrier." One of two cards on the creature's field flipped itself up, placing what looked like four hovering circles on Rayori's field, in all four zones with the exception of the one Scrap Golem was occupying.

[spoiler=Limit Barrier]
Continuous Trap Card
As long as this card remains face-up on the field, your opponent cannot use more than 1 monster they control as Synchro Material for a Synchro Summon. Destroy this card during your second Standby Phase after activation. If this card is removed from the field, remove it from play.[/spoiler]

"With my thiss trap card, you can't use more monsters than your Golem itself to perform a Synchro Summon." The creature cackled. "That means your ressourcess have been completely ss-hut down."

[i]Oh man, this isn't good! I'm not familiar with these Synchros myself, but that Scrap Beast was a Tuner and Rayori probably had plans to use it with Scrap Golem's revival effect![/i] Riley continued to watch the duel with intrigue, slowly gaining back some of the feel in his leg, though it was still in incredible pain. Rayori was a duelist all his own, it was unbelievable how far he'd come since they first met two years ago. If it wasn't for all this chaos, Riley would've loved to challenge him to a duel, just for fun. But it was obvious now wasn't the time.

"Impressive, but check this combo out," Rayori got the creature's attention. As he spoke, the golem raised its arm into the air, and the fan blade at the end of it began to circulate. It released a shot of energy straight into the air, which seconds later crashed into the ground, allowing the Scrap Tiger to crawl back out. "With Scrap Golem's effect, I can bring a monster from my Graveyard to either player's side of the field,, not just my own! And since I'm feeling somewhat generous today, I think I'll choose yours!"

The tiger leapt across the field, settling as it stared at its former controller.

"But why?!" Riley yelled out, grabbing Rayori's attention for the first time since the duel started. "Now you're bettering his chances to win, because he's got no restrictions on what he can and can't use for a Tuner monster!"

"Don't worry, I got this." Rayori flashed a smile. "You don't think I'm that bad, do you? Reveal trap, Synchro Material!"

[spoiler=Synchro Material]
Normal Trap Card
Select 1 monster your opponent controls. During this turn, you can use the selected monster as a Synchro Material Monster for a Synchro Summon.[/spoiler]

"No, but how?!" The creature desperately searched for answers, but came up with the same clueless expression lining its face. It had no hope, but it didn't realize that. It wasn't supposed to. "I was promised victory!"

"You may have limited my field, but you didn't do a thing to yours!" Scrap Golem and Scrap Tiger vanished from the field in a red light, tuning with one another as a much larger, twin-headed dragon composed of various scrap metals appeared in their place. It towered over everything, ready to unleash destruction on command. "Because now I'm tuning my Scrap Golem with Scrap Beast to Synchro Summon Scrap Twin Dragon!

[spoiler=Scrap Twin Dragon]
Level 9/DARK
Dragon / Synchro / Effect
1 "Scrap" Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
Once per turn, you can select 1 card you control and 2 cards your opponent controls. Destroy the one you control and return the two your opponent controls to the hand. When this card is destroyed by your opponent's card (either by battle or by card effect) and sent to the Graveyard, select 1 non-Synchro "Scrap" monster in your Graveyard, and Special Summon it.
3000/2200[/spoiler]

[i]That thing's even stronger than Tyaro's ice dragon I faced earlier. What are these Synchros?[/i] Riley watched in awe as the creature spread its wings, letting out a piercing roar. Rayori had played peril, but he had the duel won the whole time. What was the deal with that?

"Let's finish this up then, shall we?" Rayori asked, rhetorically. "I'll throw a card face-down, then activate the effect of my Scrap Twin Dragon!" Molten spheres began to collect, one in each head. The dragon ascended up, far above the field, and released them, both in streams of fire, one at Rayori's field, and one across, destroying both Limit Barrier and the card he'd just set, as the creature showed no reaction.

"Why would you destroy your own card?" Riley asked. Perhaps it was worth it to clear the Limit Barrier off the field, but he could've just attacked directly without worrying about it.

"Just watch and see, it gets better from here." As the zones became unoccupied, Rayori's face-down exploded into pixels, but not before a golden statue appeared on the field in its place. [i]It's because I set my Statue of the Wicked card, which is the final piece I need to win this game.[/i]

[spoiler=Statue of the Wicked]
Normal Trap Card
When this set card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, Special Summon 1 "Wicked Token" (Fiend-Type/DARK/Level 4 /ATK 1000/DEF 1000) on your side of the field.[/spoiler]

"Brilliant!" Riley watched in awe. Such a simple strategy; he didn't need to destroy Limit Barrier, but by using the effect of Scrap Twin Dragon to destroy his own card, he'd gained enough firepower to finish the duel in one attack.

"Why thanks! Now then, let's see what your Dark Lord thinks of this! Scrap Twin Dragon, attack with Infernal Mayhem!" Again the creature fired its streams of fire across the field, with the Statue joining in. The second it made contact, the shadowy being was absorbed in a swirling mass of energy, before vanishing completely. Rayori sighed in relief.

[b]Creature's Life Points[/b]: (-4000) 0

It was over. It was just the two of them, standing in the street with no signs that any sort of battle took place. Rayori hadn't noticed it at first, but the celrion had disappeared as well, presumably following the creature which controlled it back to the depths of eternal despair. He saw Riley, leaning against the brick wall of the restaurant, which - as it was past midnight - was no longer open. He looked to be in rough shape, but Rayori knew he'd make it through just fine; just a few minor injuries.

"Long time no see." Rayori ran his fingers through his hair, forcing an awkward laugh. "It's a shame it had to be on these terms, eh?"

"Tell me about it," Riley said, devoid of laughter. He glanced around, as if taking in the situation. "What exactly is going on here? How did you know where to find me?"

"There's a lot to explain, and not much time." Rayori went on. "First things first. As you know, after the events of two years ago, Cylix stepped down and I took his position as Guardian of the Worlds."

"Right," Riley nodded. "And so what're you guarding?"

"I haven't quite gotten there yet." Rayori helped Riley to his feet. "After those events, the Celestials and myself decided to seal the portals between the two worlds, so as to avoid another event such as that happening. Still, with my abilities, I've gained the ability to travel between the two. I, and I alone am capable. At least that's what I thought, until I saw that creature here."

"What was that thing?" Riley asked, intentive. "And did I hear you say something about the Dark Wanderer? I don't like the sound of that."

"I did." There was a stern look on Rayori's face as he attempted to word the information. "But let me finish. Due to events within the Spirit World, your help and the help of the others from that event is requested. I could sense that you were in trouble, and therefore traced your coordinates, taking the most nearby portal to arrive here."

"You got here just in time, that's for sure." One second later and Riley would've been toast. He owed Rayori one, that much was for sure. Perhaps these events would explain why his mind was crowded with memories of his duel with Nathaniel. "Thanks for that."

"Don't mention it. One, you're a friend, and two, without you, we'll all be screwed." He continued. "It seems as though there's a connection between the evil force in the Spirit World, and Tyaro here in yours."

Tyaro? An evil force? That one hit hard. Riley liked nothing about the kid, but he never struck him as evil. Just arrogant and deceptive. To think that Tyaro had goals higher than that of being the best in the world, and earning the fame he'd so long wanted, added a brand new twist on this situation.

"I'm unable to trace Tyaro's coordinates, which is unlike anything I've seen before. The only time I've seen this happen before is with the Dark Wanderer, meaning the power backing them is somehow similar." Rayori stared right into Riley's eyes. This wasn't going to be easy. "Tyaro's far from an evil mastermind, but he's easily manipulated, and that's exactly what we're seeing here. With the promise of power, he'd defintiely be willing to work with the Dark Wanderer."

"That makes sense, but I find it hard to believe." It just didn't seem as though the same punk kid who'd dueled him so many times before would up and join an evil force. Was his thirst for power that strong? Had Riley not realized it before?

"You'll find that's a common theme, especially now." Rayori took a deep breath. "Your friend Ace, he knew of this and is here in Diamond City now, attempting to find and relay the information to you. Unfortunately, he got caught in a bit of a roadblock."

Riley's eyes lit up in fear. Had Ace been hurt? He hadn't seen or heard from him in nearly two years. "Is he okay? What exactly happened? This is so much to take in."

"Don't worry, he's fine. The kid's improved tenfold since you've last seen him." Rayori smiled, though it didn't seem like he was feeling overly thrilled. "During your duel with Tyaro, it was Ace who restored the electricity and put the duel back on the air. After that, he took on two of Tyaro's boys, defeating one of them in a duel. However, as it turned out, and as I'd already come to realize, they weren't quite his boys at all."

"Weren't his boys? What do you mean?" Riley inquired. "Were they undercover?"

"Not at all." There was a sad look on Rayori's face as he explained. "There were two; the one Ace dueled was Bryan. Bryan Tallon. A young kid, about the same age as you and I. He agreed to work for Tyaro under a completely extreme circumstance."

Rayori swallowed slowly. "They took his sister. They took her and forced him to work for Tyaro in order to ensure her survival."

Was this possible? The same Tyaro he'd dueled, this evil, soulless human being willing to destroy anyone and everything to get his way? Did he want power that badly, that he would go to whatever lengths were necessary? As much as Riley despised him, he never saw him as that kind of person. He'd always viewed him as the early Seto Kaiba type. The arrogant, powerful rich snot who wanted to be the best, who wanted the attention. Of course, Seto Kaiba had turned out differently, but that wasn't right away. Still, to suggest that Tyaro was working with the evil forces of the Spirit World? That was extremely confusing and difficult to buy into.

"Those who work for Tyaro don't just work for him. They essentially agree to bring him success or lose their lives." A strong wind blew past, almost knocking Riley off his feet, still weak from the attack. "They're equipped with a special Duel Disk, that activates after the first loss they take. Essentially, you get one warning, and after that, it's lights out. That's what happened to Bryan after his duel with Ace."

Ace had taken someone else's life? It couldn't be. There's no way he would've gone through with something like that. "There's no way!"

"He did, but not knowingly." Rayori pressed a button on his blade, causing it to retract. It became very small, and he placed it into the pocket of his leather jacket. "Bryan had already lost a duel before his duel with Ace, but Ace had no idea of what would happen if he should win. Bryan knew, and accepted it. He explained everything to Ace after the duel, including what happened with his sister."

Riley put his hands to his head. He began to feel an incredible pain, surging throughout his entire body. Memories of his duel with Nathaniel began flashing through his mind, and he felt signs of that same darkness, that same near-death experience he'd felt upon losing.

[i]This isn't good. His emotion is becoming too much for him to control. This is a lot to lay on him at once. I need to be more careful.[/i] Rayori knew, without any doubts, that Riley wouldn't be able to process all of this easily. He'd been out of the spotlight completely, not facing any tough challenges and sort of "sitting around", improving his dueling skills over the past two years. To all of the sudden have to be brought back into this war, this fight that was never his fight to begin with. But the fate of existence itself was in his hands, and the hands of the others whom the Celestials had chosen.

"I can't do this now! I just can't!" Riley screamed, grimacing in pain. "These memories, they won't leave my head! The pain, it's constant, it won't go away!"

"Riley!" Rayori grabbed onto the boy's right arm as he dropped to his knees, holding his head in pain. "Just try to stay calm; it'll be alright. Please, be careful."

But even he wasn't sure.

"So is that it?" Riley asked, trying to fight through the pain. "Tyaro's allied with a new dark force in the Spirit World, and we need to take it down?"

"That's the main part of it, yes." Rayori hesitated before finishing his next sentence. "But I've got other news. We've found your friend Crystal."

Riley's eyes shot up. Could it be? Was she really alive after all this time? Was this a glimmering light in the darkness that had started to overtake him? "Where is she?!"

"The fact that I found her is the good part. Unfortunately, the Crystal we found is not the same girl you remember."

"What do you mean?" Riley asked, shaken.

"After you left, as I explained, the portals between the worlds were closed. At the time, Crystal's spirit and soul had been restored, but she didn't have the chance to escape. She waited, but no one ever came. I've just recently discovered her whereabouts, and the fact that she's even still alive. But Crystal's no longer on our side; she's joined forces with the Dark Wanderer in order to get revenge..."

"...on those she feels betrayed her by leaving her behind."

[b]To be continued...[/b]

[b]NEXT TIME[/b]: Rayori and Riley have been reunited, but the darkness destroying Riley's mind continues to take its toll as he's finally on the same page as the others. Crystal's alive, but as all hope of being rescued was pulled from her, she's decided to join the Dark Wanderer, and help to destroy the same friends with whom she saved the world. What will happen when Riley confronts his (former?) best friend? Plus, with Riley traveling to the Spirit World, Ace will stay behind on Earth to take down Tyaro. What happens next? Find out on the next [b]YUGIOH HIDDEN LEGACY[/b]![/spoiler]

[b]Author's Analysis[/b]: Well, I've finally gotten Episode 6 posted. The duel wasn't too long, but it wasn't supposed to be. So now, our characters are caught up, and the cliffhanger ending should be great for the fans (if there are any) who remember Crystal and what happened to hear in [i]The Shadow Lord[/i].[/center][/center]

[Aviv: D's Knight]

Woot, go crystal! Don't use dinos, since she used to use fairies...DARKLORDS FTW!!!

[Synchronized]

[quote name='Lonely Horus' timestamp='1311593561' post='5385595']
Woot, go crystal! Don't use dinos, since she used to use fairies...DARKLORDS FTW!!!
[/quote]

I won't spoil what she'll be using, but it should be interesting to say the least. The decision to have her use Dinos in [i]The Shadow Lord[/i] was a mistake on my part, and never really fit well with her character considering she only dueled like twice.

[Synchronized]

BUMP! No responses? Almost done with Episode 7.

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 7: Duelist Revolution]
[i]Knock[/i]

[i]Knock[/i]

Ace tapped his fist gently against the wooden surface of the door to Riley's apartment. It was on the first floor, so it'd been a short walk. It was about five doors down on the right in a hallway that held about fourteen rooms. Certainly not an expensive place by any means, but it sufficed for his everyday life. It hadn't been simple to find; when Ace had first left two years ago, Riley was still staying at his parents' place. Now, almost eighteen, he'd decided to move out and find his own place. Or at least that's what he'd been told by the locals around town. Everybody liked Riley, it's just that he'd kept a low profile after the Chaos War.

That was odd. Nothing, no response at all. He turned around at the sound of rustling, someone going to the door. But it was the apartment behind him. A tall, scruffy haired man walked out, locking the door behind him. There was an awkward silence, but neither one said a thing, and the man was soon gone. It was lunch time, about 12:00 p.m.; where would he be? Ace hadn't spoken to Rayori in a couple of days, but he had to assume that the Guardian would've already made an effort to contact Riley. If that was the case, things wouldn't be quite as difficult, as he'd most likely be up to speed. But for Riley to be out and about at a time like this proved inconvienent.

He grabbed the door handle, a round brass knob, and tried turning it in both directions. Nothing; it was locked, wouldn't budge at all.

[i]Come on Riley...now of all times?[/i] Ace tried to keep calm, knowing it wasn't necessarily Riley's fault, but with so much at stake, and the thought of what he'd witnessed just hours ago with Bryan still fresh in his mind, it made it difficult to focus, to take things with a calm state of mind. He slammed his fist against the door multiple times, trying the door handle at the same time.

"Riley, you in there?!" He shouted, to no response. "Come on man, open up!"

"You there!" He heard a voice from behind him, and snapped back to see what it was. The sight of the girl almost caught him by surprise. She was tall, perhaps even moreso than himself. Her long brown hair rested just above her shoulders, and nicely complimented the bright yellow button down shirt that covered her upper body. A pair of jeans and what looked like cheap flip-flops completed the look. She was beautiful, and yet she didn't seem to be as happy as her appearance might have suggested.

"Wh--who are you?" Ace asked, somewhat confused. He'd never seen this girl before in his life, yet it appeared she already had some sort of problem with him.

"I could be asking you the same question," she snapped back. "I've never seen your face around here; I know everyone who lives in this building, and you're certainly not one of them."

"You're observative," Ace chuckled, returning the attitude and bringing a slight smile to his face. "But I don't live here; I'm looking for a friend. Perhaps you've seen him if you know everyone here, huh? Riley Storm?"

The name seemed to bring a shock to her face. "Riley Storm? Of course I've seen him. I've never really spoken to him, though I've always thought there was something peculiar about him. He's kinda cute."

[i]Well, at least the anger seems to have simmered down.[/i] The girl smiled, and Ace was relieved inside. Having to deal with anger wasn't one of his strong points; he was too impatient himself to handle the impatience of others. "Sure...listen, I need to find him. It's extremely important; when did you last see him? Was he home this morning?"

She put her hand to her forehead, thinking. "I'm...not really sure. I saw him yesterday afternoon, we were leaving the building at the same time. I just walked past him and smiled, but I haven't seen him return since then."

What a great help she was. Leave it to Riley to make things complicated. Oh well, that was part of the reason they were best friends, after all. Or at least they had been...

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[center][center] [/center][/center]
[center][center][img]http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff244/InvertRemix/HLS3Untitled-1.png[/img]


[b]Episode 7[/b]: Duelist Revolution

"So is that it?" Riley asked, trying to fight through the pain. "Tyaro's allied with a new dark force in the Spirit World, and we need to take it down?"

"That's the main part of it, yes." Rayori hesitated before finishing his next sentence. "But I've got other news. We've found your friend Crystal."

Riley's eyes shot up. Could it be? Was she really alive after all this time? Was this a glimmering light in the darkness that had started to overtake him? "Where is she?!"

"The fact that I found her is the good part. Unfortunately, the Crystal we found is not the same girl you remember."

"What do you mean?" Riley asked, shaken.

"After you left, as I explained, the portals between the worlds were closed. At the time, Crystal's spirit and soul had been restored, but she didn't have the chance to escape. She waited, but no one ever came. I've just recently discovered her whereabouts, and the fact that she's even still alive. But Crystal's no longer on our side; she's joined forces with the Dark Wanderer in order to get revenge..."

He gulped. "...on those she feels betrayed her by leaving her behind."

The words struck Riley straight in the heart. Crystal, the girl he'd grown up with his entire life. The two of them and Ace had been best friends for years, doing nearly everything together. They were inseperable. Until these events, the Chaos Wars, had ripped them apart, forced them to fight together, but apart at the same time. He hadn't been there to protect her, to rescue her. They were told she'd been killed, but he could see now that had been a lie. Most likely a lie to keep him and the others from trying to return to the Spirit World in a time of chaos. But, did that mean the Celestials had no regard for human life? Were they willing to let Crystal fall apart in order to preserve the world? Crystal was one of the chosen ones, too. She was just as important to the success as Riley was. Would they have let him die if it meant keeping their world safe?

Another question he had to ask, was where Rayori stood on the matter. He said he'd just been informed, which was believable. Despite his position, Rayori was still young and inexperienced. While in a way he had more power than the Celestials, they could manipulate him by taking advantage of what he lacked to make sure things worked in their favor. That was how this must've happened. To them, Crystal was just a mere human being. One of irrelevance. It didn't matter how many lives were lost as long as the war was won. That kind of attitude, it made him not want to associate with that world. But he didn't have much of a choice. Besides, the stress could be making it worse; maybe he was overthinking it. He didn't want to make snap decisions. He'd keep it in the back of his mind, just in case. It wasn't out of the question.

"Well what are we waiting for?" Riley tried not to show any signs of fatigue. His eyes looked everywhere but at Rayori's own; things were awkward. They were friends, or at least they had been, but it felt like there was so much difference between them. Riley felt out of the loop, the only one without the knowledge of what had been going on.

"Are you sure you're okay? I mean, if you need a minute..."

"No," Riley interrupted. "If Crystal's there, the first thing I need to do is save her. I'll help you, but first, we find her and bring her back to our side. That's the way it's going to work."

Rayori went to speak, but decided against it. It was obvious Riley had his mind made up. The Celestials had ordered they report immediately, but that would have to wait. He knew there was no other choice. Plus, Crystal was his friend too. "Let's do it, then."

"I don't care what the Celestials want." Riley went on, anger and passion in his voice. "I respect their authority, and I've made a lot of allies in the Spirit World; those are the people I want to save. I'm willing to help fight this fight, but Crystal is my best friend and before I fight this war that caused me to lose her in the first place, I'm going to get her back. So how do we get there?"

Rayori smiled. It wasn't a bright, happy smile, but it was a small one. "That part's easy. Simply stand back. Once I take the sword out, I'll make two slashes, one up, one diagonal. The portal only stays open for about five seconds, so we can't waste time. Hold on tight, and be careful. Are you ready for this?"

"This is the least of my worries." Riley nodded, clenching his fist.

Rayori grabbed the sword from his pocket, and pressed the button in the center. Blades extended from both sides, and yet he had no struggle holding onto it, with all his experience he'd practically been able to master it. He slashed the air up, then diagonal just as he'd described, in one quick motion. A swirling blue mass appeared before them, yet it was silent. Rayori stood back, allowing Riley to go through first.

[i]Here goes nothing. Crystal, I'm on my way.[/i] Riley swallowed, and jumped through the portal. Rayori followed suit.

Then they were gone.

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"The name's Allison, by the way." The girl smiled, brushing her hand through her dark brown hair. "It's nice to meet you. Forgive me for earlier; I thought you were trying to break in or something."

"It's all good. Ace," he extended his hand, and the girl shook it. "Listen, I don't want to seem rude, but I don't have time to hang around. Could you do me a huge favor?"

"Sure," the girl replied, with a friendly cheer to her voice. "What can I do to help?"

"If my suspicions are right," Ace sighed. "Riley's already gone from here, and most likely won't be coming back any time soon. But if for some reason he decided to go out on the town, and he does come back, can you let him know I was here, and give him my number? Tell him to call me as soon as possible."

Ace took out a small piece of paper, wrote his number on it, and crumpled it up. The girl smiled as she placed it in her pocket. It was reassuring to simply see a friendly face; yet he couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps she was too friendly.

"You can count on me," Allison stood in the doorway, as if waiting for Ace himself to leave. "Good luck!"

[i]Right...[/i] "Ah, thanks! I appreciate it!" He turned around to leave, walking slowly to the double doors at the end of the hallway. As he turned around once before leaving, Allison was no longer there. She'd gone out the door at the other end. Rather quickly, actually. Could something be up?

So Riley wasn't home. That seemed like a promising lead, but had ended with nothing accomplished. Of course, there was still Tyaro to worry about; who knew what he had planned next, and if for some reason Riley had gone to challenge him again, or anything even relating to him, he could be in more trouble than he knew how to handle.

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See, despite the illusion that everyone was on the same page, Ace was unaware of Crystal's existence. While he and Rayori had been able to communicate for a matter of minutes, the topic of Crystal's re-emergence had never come up. To him, the worst thing going on at the moment was Tyaro's alliance with the Dark Wanderer, who he'd learned was the brother of the Dark General, the former ruler of the Spirit World. When the Dark General had been dethroned, the Wanderer waited patiently. When all things seemed calm, that's when he made his strike. The Wanderer and his army easily squashed the heroic forces trying to restore order, and his own reign began.

While the Dark General was no walk in the park, the Wanderer's brutality and darkness had increased tenfold. He truly had no regard or remorse for anyone but himself. He'd have his own soldiers killed simply to laugh, or to accomplish a mission that he felt threatened his power, even in the slightest. Even the most powerful of Duel Spirits failed to hold a candle to him. And if Spirits couldn't do it, there was no reason to believe humans would stand a better chance. According to the original legend of the Chaos Wars, a Shadow Game played a necessary part in defeating the dark evil. When Riley had dueled against the Dark General, he and the other chosen duelists had to win a specific series of duels in order for Riley himself to be able to confront the evil king.

Once the tasks had been cleared, and many lives lost in the process, Riley was able to find him and beat him, though not without almost losing his own life. In this case, discussions among the Celestials suggested a duel would not be enough this time around. There would need to be one, if only to weaken the power that the Wanderer now held, but even losing a Shadow Game would not be enough to banish the evil one to the Shadow Realm and restore peace. This is where the celrions come into play.

The first of the human world to experience this, Ace gained a slight hint of a celrion ability when he communicated with his own Celestial Spirit, Coelacanth. Coelacanth's [i]Intelligence Mind[/i] allowed him to use the wisdom and courage that Ace has within himself to create a new Synchro Monster, Aqua Knight - Celestios. Of course, before Ace was Rayori, though his own half-human half-spiritness might exclude him from this argument. Rayori's celrion, the Blade of Cylix, is a dual-ended sword that was given to him by the Celestial Guardian which came before him.

Rayori's bravery and willingness to sacrifice his own life to protect Riley, someone he'd just met, yet who'd changed his perspective on life from a rich, do-nothing lifestyle to wanting to fight to help those less fortunate, allowed him not only the protection of the Celestials, but the ability to wield the blade. Riley and the others are destined to gain this ability as well, but not until "the moment when no other option is available", as the predictions put it. With Rayori and Riley's imminent arrival in the Spirit World, a meeting with the Celestials had been called. The two would meet with the Celestial Council, and an explanation for Riley's true purpose of summonce would be given. That is, of course, after their attempts to save Crystal. The Celestials ordered that there be no stops or interruptions along the way, but that's what makes our hero our hero, it seems.

Well, it's just about that time for their arrival, it seems. Let's join them, shall we?

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It was rocky. As the two struggled to gain their footing and adapt to the quick change in worlds, Riley looked around, getting a feel for the surrounding area. They were in the middle of a desert, perhaps more darker than one you might imagine. It wasn't hot at all, though. In the Spirit World it was the middle of the night, and the dark moon-lit sky was awake with a gusty wind, almost cold enough to make him shiver slightly. They'd made it. And Riley remembered this place clear as the stream running alongside them.

This was where he'd met Nathaniel, and come closer to death than he'd ever imagined. It was here that his duel with Nathaniel ended in his defeat, and he collapsed to the unforgiving sand, with no one around as far as the eye could see. With the Dark General's forces about, he was spotted a few hours later by a Duel Spirit, the Ancient Gear Knight. Armed and ready to carry out orders, the Knight prepared to take out his target. Just as Riley was about to get his "just deserts", Rayori came to his rescue, leaning how to use the Blade and taking him out. He still owed the guy.

"It doesn't seem much different than I remembered it," Riley remarked.

"That's because it's not." Rayori stood up, brushing the sand off his pants. "Not much has changed in the past two years. Think of it as taking an extended vacation."

Well, that was one way to put it. He'd stayed at home, "honing" his skills. Which was a lazy excuse for doing not much of anything, really. When he'd been in the Spirit World, it was when he enjoyed dueling for the fun of it, for the Spirit of competition. Now, it wasn't the same anymore. Everything was so competitive; it wasn't fun and games. Here, it was going from competitive to saving-the-world. Something told him the fun wouldn't be coming back just yet, if it ever would.

"I know this area." Riley said, emotionless. Rayori said nothing. It was acknowledged between the two; they both remembered it vividly, and words didn't need to be spoken. "Do you think Crystal's around here? Have you actually seen her?"

"Unfortunately, no." Rayori went on. "The Celestials laid the story out pretty clearly, but it's not their word I'm going on. It's a source, a Duel Spirit on the inside. He's seen Crystal and apparently she's staying at the Wanderer's castle."

[i]This isn't gonna be as easy as I thought; and I never thought it would be easy to begin with.[/i] Riley knew the possibilities, what could happen when they arrived at the castle. It was sure to be armed, and he didn't have the combat experience to fight a Duel Spirit. Plus, if these guys worked for the Dark Wanderer, chances are they'd have Decks that weren't exactly sub-par. They weren't pawns like that creature that Rayori had dueled back on Earth. Well, they were, but not to the same extent.

"I know what you're thinking," He took a breath. "I've never even been there myself. We're venturing into unexplored territory. No one even gets close to the castle without the Dark Wanderer's approval. Those who try, are killed instantly. It's like the Area 51 of the Spirit World."

Riley laughed gently, only to keep himself calm. It wasn't funny; there was nothing even remotely humorous about it. But, it made it seem less intimidating. "Well, I guess we should get going then."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Rayori adjusted his jacket, not looking away from Riley. "I can't guarantee your safety here."

Riley nodded. He was sure. There was no other option; he had to save his friend. Knowing that she was still alive had changed things so much, and being able to save her might be exactly what he needed to get the strength to continue fighting this war. It wouldn't be easy, but he'd do it nonetheless.

"Then let's go." Rayori began to walk forward. It was better if he was leading the way, for the both of them. He knew where the castle was, he'd just never been to the area. Riley was absolutely clueless on the matter. It was extremely cold, ironically enough as they were in a large desert. The moon lit up the edges of the cliffs on both sides; in other circumstances, it might've been beautiful. But now, it seemed treacherous.

There was hardly any air, and what little air there hardly made up for it. They had to find Crystal, and soon. The thoughts of what she might be, the person she might've become...it was frightening. He vaguely remembered his own descent into darkness. There was no one to blame but himself for what had happened to her. He'd become selfish, and left her alone. He should've tried, made every possible effort to rescue her, and instead he left her behind. Even once he was told she was no longer alive, he should've continued to try and find her, to do everything he could to return to the Spirit World. That's why this was so important to him; he had to right his wrongs.

[i]Whoosh![/i] What was that? Riley whipped around instantly. A giant twister emerged from the ground, sending gusts of sand in every direction. He shielded his eyes, and Rayori did the same as they tried to make out what was happening. It began to calm, but the winds were still rough.

The creature was disgusting. A large, human-sized troll stood before them. There was a sharp horn in the center of its forehead, but perhaps not as sharp as the spikes that lined the metal armor along its body. It was roaring at the top of its lungs, almost as though it were in pain, but it didn't look friendly. This creature certainly didn't want any help. It locked eyes with Riley, who wasn't sure what to make of it. He'd fought and dueled Spirits here in this world, but this thing didn't have a duel disk, so it didn't appear to want to duel. It looked hungry. Very, very hungry.

"What the hell is that thing?" Riley looked to Rayori, who was at a loss for words.

Rayori stood his ground. "It's a Gigantes! It's a rock troll Duel Spirit! Gigantes are vicious, and can't communicate with humans! But look, it seems to have a duel disk on its arm!"

Riley looked more closely, and noticed a wooden disk on the creature's left arm. He'd somehow mised it, perhaps understandably in the chaos of the sandstorm. If it couldn't communicate, how could he duel it?

"You sure this thing wants to duel?" Riley asked. "I'm not getting that vibe."

"That's exactly what it wants." Rayori replied sternly. "Duels here are different, as you know. It's all real. If this thing can out-duel us, we'll be weak enough for it to seize the opportunity, and we'll be fast food."

It made sense, Riley figured. But still, to think a monstrous creature, incapable of communicating would be able to actually play the card game.

"Riley, just hold back." Rayori stepped forward. "I'll take h--"

"No," Riley interrupted. "Let me duel him."

"Are you sure?" Rayori sounded surprised. "You're not in any condition to duel right now, man."

There was a greater possibility for danger, but he had to do this for himself. "No, I've got to do this. I've got to make sure I'm ready."

"Well then, let's make this quick." Rayori smiled, offering some confidence. He wasn't so sure, but at least it'd be interesting to see how much Riley had improved since he'd last seen him duel.

"You got it, that's my intention." Riley activated his duel disk, and as he did, the red light on the Gigantes' disk did the same. "Let's duel!"

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The light above his head began to flicker as Aurkus sat at his desk, shuffling through the cards over and over again. He couldn't get the thought of Bryan out of his head, watching him sit there and suffer, slowly losing his life and not being able to do anything about it. Bryan had been his only friend, the only one who'd ever cared about him. And now they were being used as pawns, pawns in a sick, twisted game that served no real purpose. Tyaro cared about no one but himself. It didn't matter how many lives had to be lost for him to be the top duelist. It was sickening.

He was feeling lightheaded, but it didn't matter. He stood up.

[i]I've seen enough of this. Tyaro, you may have been responsible for Bryan's death, but that's as far as you go. Because now, I'm going to knock you down a peg![/i]

[b]To be continued...[/b]

[b]NEXT TIME[/b]: Riley and Rayori have arrived in the Spirit World, but the greeting party isn't the friendly one you might expect! Has Riley recovered enough from the attack to duel the Gigantes in a world where Duels are real? And, after watching his friend's life be taken right in front of him, Aurkus is out for revenge. Is he making a foolish mistake? Find out next time, on [b]YUGIOH: HIDDEN LEGACY[/b]![/spoiler]

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