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

[Tokyo Duel]

Dear God. That was ... fantastic. It was superb! Keep it up, Storm!

[Agro]

Um, alright, I thought it was great, I just have a bit of nitpicking:

1) There is a point in the middle of the story where Zure attacks and you don't give a reason as to why it's negated. We know, if we've read the cards, that it was because of Necro Gardna returning to the graveyard, but you didn't mention anything, only that the attack was negated. You go on to explain it vividly in the next turn, but it was hard to understand what exactly was going as it happened.

2) 1 turn after activating Allure and discarding the entire hand, you activated Pot of Duality and summoned a monster. Was Duality set? I was confused because that didn't seem like a very good idea.

3) Riley's monologue before the duel was more cliche'd than, well, in yu-gi-oh, there might not have been anything more cliche'd than that. I thought, that it was good, it was epic, but I'm pretty sure Jaden said the same thing in GX.

[Synchronized]

[quote name='AggroDrago' timestamp='1315267320' post='5495042']
Um, alright, I thought it was great, I just have a bit of nitpicking:

1) There is a point in the middle of the story where Zure attacks and you don't give a reason as to why it's negated. We know, if we've read the cards, that it was because of Necro Gardna returning to the graveyard, but you didn't mention anything, only that the attack was negated. You go on to explain it vividly in the next turn, but it was hard to understand what exactly was going as it happened.

2) 1 turn after activating Allure and discarding the entire hand, you activated Pot of Duality and summoned a monster. Was Duality set? I was confused because that didn't seem like a very good idea.

3) Riley's monologue before the duel was more cliche'd than, well, in yu-gi-oh, there might not have been anything more cliche'd than that. I thought, that it was good, it was epic, but I'm pretty sure Jaden said the same thing in GX.
[/quote]

First of all, I apologize for making it somewhat confusing. Rayori passed out from the energy of the Darkness Memory, at which point Riley took over, which is explained in the beginning of Episode 12. It was confusing, and I'm sorry about that.

1.) The attack was negated because Necro Gardna returned to the Graveyard. I thought that was assumed; I didn't want to over-explain and "tell" too much.

2.) Maybe that was a mistake? I didn't even notice that, even after I proofread it. Hm.

3.) That was me just kind of going with the story. I was "in the zone" as I was writing it. I'll make an effort to tone down the cliches significantly.

[Agro]

[quote name='Star' timestamp='1315273761' post='5495389']

First of all, I apologize for making it somewhat confusing. Rayori passed out from the energy of the Darkness Memory, at which point Riley took over, which is explained in the beginning of Episode 12. It was confusing, and I'm sorry about that.

1.) The attack was negated because Necro Gardna returned to the Graveyard. I thought that was assumed; I didn't want to over-explain and "tell" too much.

2.) Maybe that was a mistake? I didn't even notice that, even after I proofread it. Hm.

3.) That was me just kind of going with the story. I was "in the zone" as I was writing it. I'll make an effort to tone down the cliches significantly.
[/quote]

I understand it now, it was just a bit confusing there, it's alright. Now about the rest:

a-one. yeah, but you can't just assume everyone knows that; a sentence before you said that Zurg knew that Necro Gardna couldn't stop the attack; and then the next turn you go onto explain it all in detail. There's an extended space in where I would have expected it to be in the story

a-two. I thought it was a mistake, lemme look through again. *proofreads* No, it's there. The previous turn, he discarded his whole hand for allure, next turn, he draws Duality, adds Monster Reincarnation to his hand. (at this point, MR should be the only card in hand) summons Necro Defender? It's definitely there.

a-three. It's fine, it's just that I was laughing about it as I read it.

*bites tongue* OW! Who took my tootsie pop! (I was almost to the center )

[Synchronized]

[quote name='AggroDrago' timestamp='1315274970' post='5495436']

I understand it now, it was just a bit confusing there, it's alright. Now about the rest:

a-one. yeah, but you can't just assume everyone knows that; a sentence before you said that Zurg knew that Necro Gardna couldn't stop the attack; and then the next turn you go onto explain it all in detail. There's an extended space in where I would have expected it to be in the story

[b]I think what happened was that I wrote a large portion of the story on the computer, and I wrote about four pages worth on my blackberry, so there was a transition that I must have missed. I'm definitely going to pay more attention to the story because I didn't intend to make such a pointless mistake.[/b]

a-two. I thought it was a mistake, lemme look through again. *proofreads* No, it's there. The previous turn, he discarded his whole hand for allure, next turn, he draws Duality, adds Monster Reincarnation to his hand. (at this point, MR should be the only card in hand) summons Necro Defender? It's definitely there.

[b]Same thing as before; I was really set on making this Episode really good, and I think I got caught up in the "epic" and stopped paying so much attention to the story, which I definitely shouldn't have done. As I said, I'll be paying much more attention in the upcoming episodes, and making sure that everything is logical and makes sense, as well.[/b]

a-three. It's fine, it's just that I was laughing about it as I read it.

[b]I don't like it; I try to be as un-cliche as possible, especially taking into consideration to how cliche the story was when I started it in the first two Seasons, and even somewhat in the beginning of this one. I'm going to work to make it different and exciting.[/b]

*bites tongue* OW! Who took my tootsie pop! (I was almost to the center )
[/quote]

I've started thirteen, which is the Conclusion of the Mini-Arc, but only a portion of it will be devoted to Riley and Rayori's conclusion here as the end will be the important part. We'll meet an interesting character when that one comes to an end, but I don't want to give too much away.

Thanks again for reading and reviewing, and I'll try to get my review of your Chapter 3, Part 3 tonight, too.

[Agro]

[quote name='Star' timestamp='1315344774' post='5496983']

I've started thirteen, which is the Conclusion of the Mini-Arc, but only a portion of it will be devoted to Riley and Rayori's conclusion here as the end will be the important part. We'll meet an interesting character when that one comes to an end, but I don't want to give too much away.
[/quote]
0.o NEW CHARACTER WARNING. I bet he's a goon. Can't wait!

[quote name='Star' timestamp='1315344774' post='5496983']
Thanks again for reading and reviewing, and I'll try to get my review of your Chapter 3, Part 3 tonight, too.
[/quote]
YAY!

[Synchronized]

Chapter 13 takes a completely different route than you're all expecting, with the conclusion of the Riley/Rayori thing being entirely different than I had originally planned. 13 will be back in Diamond City until the end, where we'll get the conclusion of that return thing. It'll leave a lot of questions, etc, but I'll do my best to answer them all.

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 13: The Emissary's Gift][i]“Ladies and gentlemen, we are downtown in Diamond City, live as we’re right in the middle of what has been an unbelievable day of dueling excitement! Duel Monsters World Champion Tyaro Kiminari is straight in the middle of his open challenge, and has yet to lose, winning nine duels against nine different challengers in the span of just three hours! Perhaps this latest challenger will be able to hold a candle to our champion? He sure looks tough!”[/i]

Emotions were roaring as the crowd surrounding the Duel Arena, a throwback arena very similar to the ones used during the days of Duelist Kingdom, was home to the high-intensity duel between the champion, Tyaro, and the duelist who had just stepped up to take him on, a young man by the name of Orii. With a calm demeanor, Orii had stepped up to issue the challenge, his pre-duel attitude actually eliciting surprise from the fans, as he’d yet to speak a word, or show any reaction one way or another. Now, though, he seemed ready to go, yet it looked as though the task of taking on the World Champion, in front of a crowd of five thousand and a television/internet crowd of millions, was no stress at all.

[i]Only a few more of these duels, and I can finally get the hell out of here.[/i] Tyaro thought to himself. These people were so annoying, the crowds, the screaming, it was all so out of his interest. He played the spotlight and the media like a true champion should, but in reality he had much bigger fish to fry. There were a lot of people out there right now who knew far more than they should, and it was his responsibility to ensure they were stopped before it’s too late. Of course, it wouldn’t be hard. Being the World Champion did have its perks, after all. There were plenty of people willing to kneel at his feet and reply to his every beck and call with a genuine smile.

Now there was a new challenger, and although there wasn’t an ounce of doubt in his mind that he’d win, Tyaro couldn’t help but notice something different about this one. His personality was unlike the usual, as if he was devoid of this excitement, the honor that should come with the ability to duel it out with the World Champion. It almost felt disrespectful, he thought, chuckling to himself. It was no matter, though, as he turned away to smile to the camera, a pose of innocence, a figure the people could look up to.

Anyway, it was time to crush this pathetic punk and move on, just like he’d done with the last challengers.

---

[img]http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff244/InvertRemix/HLLogo.png[/img]

Episode 13: The Emissary's Gift

“So, kid, you think you’ve got what it takes to take me on?” Tyaro gave a fake, almost mocking smile to his challenger as Orii blew it off.

“I think my dog has what it takes to take you on,” Orii retorted, as mixed chatter moved throughout the audience, people wondering if this kid was just all talk or if perhaps Tyaro had found a half-decent challenger. It was too early to tell. “But that’s irrelevant. Now this is a duel challenge, are we going to duel or stand around chatting?”

“Hm, getting a bit ahead of ourselves, are we?” Tyaro laughed quietly, just above under his breath. “Fine, fine. The excitement must be overwhelming for you, I can understand that. Let’s duel!”

“Since you’re the champion and all, feel free to make the first move.” Tyaro nodded, trying to understand the puzzling lack of emotion. What was the kid’s deal?

[i]“And as the challenger prepares for what we can only assume is the biggest duel of his life, he’s decided to let Tyaro make the first move! But is that a wise decision? Only time will tell!”[/i]

“Let’s see if your confidence is warranted,” Tyaro smirked as he placed a monster card on the duel disk. “Meet Samurai of the Ice Barrier!”

[spoiler=Samurai of the Ice Barrier]
Level 4/WATER
Warrior/Effect
When this face-up Attack Position card is changed to Defense Position, destroy this card, and draw 1 card.
1800/1500[/spoiler]

Rumblings of small conversations began to pick up in the area surrounding the duel as a tall warrior clad in ice blue armor and wielding a sword made of razor sharp ice took his stance on the field. “I think one face-down should do the trick for now, right? That’ll do it for me.”

Tyaro had made an effort to use different cards in each duel, to keep the fans interested. He had a variety of cards at his dispoal, but he’d always finished the game the same way; ‘Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier’, and while he planned to end this duel somewhat different, he still had the same intention; deal a crushing and embarrassing defeat to give this kid the humbling he deserved.

“My draw,” Orri added the card to his hand, selecting a monster card and placing it on the duel disk. “I’ll start with Vision HERO Vaion in Defense Mode.”

[spoiler=Vision HERO Vaion]
Level 4/DARK
Warrior/Effect
When this card is Summoned, you can send 1 Level 4 or lower “Vision HERO” monster from your Deck to the Graveyard.
1000/1200[/spoiler]

There was a small burst of light as the mechanized warrior exploded onto the field, settling on a card hologram which had appeared beneath it. From its one eye, a green light shot out, taking a card from Orri’s Deck and placing it in the Graveyard. His ‘Vision HERO Increase’, which would come in handy in just a few minutes.

“And with it, I’ve sent Vision HERO Increase to the Grave,” Orri explained. “But you don’t need to worry about it; at least not yet. Where else to go with this? I think I’ll just place a face-down and end. Go ahead, champ.”

Something about Orri’s almost cocky, but not-directly cocky attitude really got under Tyaro’s skin, and he couldn’t quite figure out why. The kid was no different from anyone else, with short black hair, spiked in the front, a gray t-shirt, jeans; he looked just like a regular teenager. But at the same time, something stood out, and as Tyaro stared into his deep green eyes, trying to read him, he got nothing, giving him an uneasy feeling.

[i]So you want to play the mysterious one, huh? I’ll force emotion out of you, then.[/i] Tyaro drew his card, a sinister smile on his face as he did so. “First, I play the Spell Card Medallion of the Ice Barrier!”

[spoiler=Medallion of the Ice Barrier]
[b]Normal Spell Card[/b]
Add 1 “Ice Barrier” monster from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler]

“With this, I can take any Ice Barrier monster from my Deck and add it to my hand. So let’s see, which should I choose?” The crowd watched on in excitement as the champion searched through his Deck, purposely taking longer than he needed to, in order to draw a response out of them and build the anticipation. Finally, he selected one, ‘Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier’, and placed it in his hand.

“And why wait to bring it to the field?” He asked, eliciting cheers. “Summon, Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier!” A block of ice, almost diamond-shaped materialized on the field, and began to crack. As it did so, crystals of ice buzzed around in the air, finally landing in a diamond formation on the pavement. Seconds later, a man dressed in robes and holding what looked like a spell book appeared above it, floating in the air.

[spoiler=Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier]
Level 4/WATER
Warrior/Effect
This card cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster of 1900 ATK or more.
1500/1000[/spoiler]

“You act tough, but I’m thinking you’re far below my level,” the champion called out, trying to intimidate his challenger. “Samurai of the Ice Barrier, show him why I’m as respected as I am, Crystalline Slash!” The swordsman leapt into the air, slicing its blade straight into the head of the mechanized warrior, splitting it clean in half as it exploded into pixels and the samurai retreated. The fans began to cheer, but Tyaro was far from done. “Now, Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier, attack him directly with Casting Freeze!”

The robed monk placed his hands together, a blue glow forming around them. He rose from his seat, pressing his hands outward and firing a blast of energy straight into Orri’s chest, certainly an impactful blow despite the fact that they were dueling with holograms as Orri took a step back.

[b]Orri’s Life Points[/b]: 2500

[i]“And the champion gets the first strike! It just goes to show, despite an impressive show of courage in the early going from our most recent challenger, Tyaro looks to have this one in the bag! It appears ladies and gentlemen, that this man may truly be unbeatable!”[/i]

“What’s so funny?” Tyaro inquired, as a grin began to form on the face of his opposition. “Do you enjoy losing? Because if so it looks like you’ve got a successful future ahead of you.”

“What’s funny,” Orri replied, “is how full of yourself you really are. You call yourself a champion, yet you carry yourself like a little child, craving all the spotlight. I’ll admit, you’re good, but to think you’ve got this won after merely one attack? You’re not a champion, you’re an overconfident prick.”

“What did you say?!” Tyaro could feel his anger beginning to build; who did this nobody think he was, calling him out like that, and on national television no less? He had to win now, especially after the way he’d been put on the spot. “Grr...you’ll pay for that, you little punk!”

“I already have,” Orri looked out to the crowd; these people so blindly followed anyone with even the slightest sense of celebrity to them; how could people be so stupid? “After all, I’m being forced to listen to you put on this fake ‘champion’ act. But regardless, back to the game. Since your Pilgrim attacked my Life Points directly, I’m allowed to take Vision HERO Increase from the Graveyard and place him straight into my Spell and Trap Card Zone, where he’ll set for a while, until I can bring him to the field.”

A large stainless steel capsule materialized on the field, with a green light on it, as it was quite clearly holding another mechanical warrior inside. Soon enough, Orri would bring it to the field, where it would really have the chance to shine.

“You can bring out whatever monsters you want,” the champion snapped back. “It won’t matter, there’s a reason I’m the World Champion and you’re craving fifteen seconds of fame! Now make your move!”

“I’d be glad to,” Orri drew his next card. He could try to defend with ‘Vision HERO Poisoner” to prevent taking at least all of the damage, but he’d clearly waste his resources that way. He’d have to try his luck with this, first. “I activate the Spell Card Double Vision!”

[spoiler=Double Vision]
[b]Normal Spell Card[/b]
Discard 1 “Vision HERO” monster. Special Summon 2 “Vision Tokens” (Warrior-Type/DARK/Level 2/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position. If both “Vision Tokens” are destroyed during the same turn, you take 500 damage.[/spoiler]

“Now, by sending Vision HERO Witch Reid to the Graveyard, I can bring out two mechs to take on the force of your attacks.” A flash of light struck the field, spawning two small soldiers, clad in black mechanical armor, with a green light emitting from both of their eyes, just like the others, as they readied for battle. “That should do it.”

“Heh,” Tyaro couldn’t help but continue to wonder what this kid was up to. He’d never personally seen the ‘Vision HERO’ monsters before, but he had to admit they didn’t seem that frightening, at all. Orri had brought out only one monster so far, and it had a mere twelve-hundred attack points. It was nothing to worry about. He, on the other hand, had plenty to offer, and was about to demonstrate that for the people. “Whose ready for some real firepower?!”

The fans roared with approval. “Well kid, you had a good run, but now you’ve got me really fired up! It’s about time I finish this duel up! Now, I’ll send both of my monsters to the Graveyard in order to Summon General Gantala of the Ice Barrier!”

[spoiler=General Gantala of the Ice Barrier]
Level 7/WATER
Warrior/Effect
Once per turn, during your End Phase, you can select 1 “Ice Barrier” monster in your Graveyard, except “General Gantala of the Ice Barrier”, and Special Summon it.
2700/2000[/spoiler]

The ice ring surrounding the monk was ripped from the ground by an unknown force, as the crystals began to rearrange themselves; the samurai vanished, yet his armor remained, only modified, as it attached itself to the monk. As this new warrior took its place on the field, he reached out and grabbed one of the ice crystals, which consumed the better half of his arm, turning it into a frozen surface.

[i]“All I can say is wow! What a powerful new creature on display here from the World Champion, who appears to have taken a different route this time around! Tyaro is just one amazing duelist, people, and he’s about to put the finishing touches on this game! I don’t think there’s any way the challenger Orri can come back from this one!”[/i]

[i]He didn’t take the Synchro route like I thought he would.[/i] Orri glanced over his hand, keeping in mind the card he’d set, which would be able to hold off Tyaro’s first attack, at least. From there, he had to rely on the strategy he’d been working on since before this all started. [i]I guess even cowards can switch up their game. To think this guy’s considered a credible champion makes me laugh. The task is easy enough; now to carry it out.[/i]

---

The force of the winds had increased in might, and that brief moment in which the light had begun to emerge was a thing of the past. The beast of darkness had vanished for a moment, but that was no longer the case as it ripped a hole within the dimension, forcing its way back into this world. Zure was now gone, the last of his energy being used to fuel the creature, the Darkness Memory. It was what Zure had become. His plan had failed, but he had refused to accept defeat. This creature was no longer a hologram. Though to be fair, it never was. This was real life.

Suddenly, a rush of fear came over him. Reality was setting in. A duel was one thing – the experience he'd gained over the years had allowed him to fight the realities of the duel and endure the pain because he had an army of monsters, Spells, and Traps at his disposal. Here, he had that, but none of his monsters could hold a candle to the Darkness Memory in real life, in a [i]real[/i] battle. There was no way.

He could still feel Zure's presence despite the fact that he was gone. After all, it was Zure's energy fueling the beast. What could he do? He glared towards Rayori. His friend was still out of it, not moving at all. It hurt to think of how much Rayori had gone through for his sake. And now, he couldn't do a thing to save him. And Vivian, the magician; at least she was safe inside the house, for now.

The images of Nathaniel flashed through his head and once more, he felt fear. He felt like a scared little child, so far out of his league. He needed to rely on someone, he needed someone to save him because he wasn't strong enough to save himself. But there was no one. Just like when he'd faced the wrath of Nathaniel's Black Rose Dragon, and felt a pain like no other; he was truly helpless. Was this the end?

He thought of Crystal, and how he'd abandonded her here. And look what had become of her, joining the Dark Wanderer's army, of her own free will. Now she wanted revenge, and it was his own fault. How could he ever face her again? Though he knew he had no choice. Crystal had always been there to support him, and so had Ace. He wished they were with him now, to give him answers. He'd always been the one in the group that needed a little guidance, but now he had to act on his own.

[i]What can I do? How can I defeat this thing?[/i] There was a ferocious roar, shaking the ground almost, as the creature swung with its right arm, headed straight for him. His initial reaction was panic, but he snapped into gear quickly, grabbing Rayori's lifeless body and ducking out of the way. They'd barely escaped that shot. The one advantage they had was the creature's slow, prodding movement. But one strike from that thing would be the end of the both of them, and Zure would succeed.

He couldn't let that happen. His duel disk was still on, and functioning. Maybe he could call out a monster to try and hold them off. It was worth a try. He closed his eyes, picking up the top card of his Deck. Focusing his energy, he placed it on the duel disk. “Here goes nothing! Come on out, Reborn Tengu!”

The bird shaman, clad in robes and wielding a staff hovered in position, as Riley took a step backwards. “Tengu, let's show this thing what we're made of! Attack with Nightmare Wing Strike!”

Tengu flew upwards, blue flames surrounding its wings as it drew them together, making a swift dive into the right shoulder of the monstrosity, and cutting it clean off. Riley was actually surprised at how simple it had been. That alone told him it was far from done. The creature shrieked in pain, the sounds so powerful that they stung the ears, as its right shoulder simply reappeared, as if nothing at all had happened.

But the bird wasn't so lucky. As it looped around, prepared to strike a second time, the creature fired a blast of energy from its mouth, and stopped it in its tracks. He hadn't been able to do any damage, despite using one of his most powerful monsters.

“Rayori, come on man...” Riley mumbled aloud. If his friend had been able to help, even slightly, it would perhaps be a whole different ball game. The tables had turned completely, as now Riley found himself once again helpless.

And then it happened.

There was no time to make a save. In mere seconds the small wooden house in which they'd been given was turned to rubble, if you could even call it that. The woman who had been so kind to them and have given her every effort to keep Riley alive was gone, as were here belongings. It was Zure's doing no doubt. She'd helped them to survive, so now he'd taken his frustration out on her. Part of him wanted to feel depressed, sad, to mourn her loss that had happened so quickly, but he was too frozen with fear to process it.

Hardly any time passed as the creature turned its head back towards Riley. It was obvious nothing within his Deck would be able to defeat this beast, and he was quickly running out of options. There was no where to go, nothing to -

Darkness Memory fired its attack. It was not the sheer “out of nowhere” feel that came with it that shocked Riley; rather the events which followed. Before he had time to act, Riley watched as Rayori jumped straight in front of him, blade in hand to absorb the entirety of the blow. But, where had he come from? It was so sudden, one minute he's not moving, the next he's here putting his own life on the line. The boy had no idea how to react, what to do. Rayori began to spin the blade, using a formation similar to the one he used in the real world, to deflect the attack for the time being – but he was weak, he wouldn't be able to hold the attack off for long.

“What-” Riley tried to form words. “What are you -”

“Now's not the time!” Rayori called back, looking back for just a moment to acknowledge his friend. “If one of us has to go, it might as well be me; after all, I'm pretty much running on empty as it is. I may have failed the first time, but I can do it this time! Now get out of here while you still can!”

[i]I can't leave him here...I can't abandon my friends again, not after what happened the first time. He thinks he made a mistake, well it's nothing compared to mine. I've seen people suffer far too much for my sake, and I won't allow it to happen again.[/i] Riley clenched his fists; he had no weapons, no powers, nothing but his fists and the monsters in his Deck to help him out, and yet even Reborn Tengu had been absolutely demolished.

“What are you waiting for?!” His friend yelled out, a call of desperation, no doubt. “I can’t hold this thing off forever!”

“I’m not going!” He screamed, half out of rage, the frustration that he could do nothing but sit and watch, and knowing that by standing around he was actually making Rayori’s pain worse, and half because he refused to allow his friend to die for him; he wouldn’t lose someone else to the same stupid cause. There had been enough suffering.

“You have to, don’t be an idiot!” Rayori knew Riley had no means of defense, despite his stubborn ways; he [i]needed[/i] to leave, he [i]needed[/i] to be alive, whereas Rayori himself, well, as much of a disappointment as it was to think, was expendable. “Now get the hell out of here!”

Riley noticed Rayori beginning to fade, losing his grip over the spin shield he’d created, as the creature began to pick up its power, and the blast it was firing increased in size. “I’ve had enough of this!”

In an act of desperation, Riley ran forward and pushed Rayori to the side, fueled by nothing but his own momentum and the acceptance that he’d rather lose his own life than see his friend die right in front of him. With no shield, the blast struck him directly. He screamed out, the pain merciless, taking mere seconds to completely destroy him in its entirety, as he could feel the pain surge through his body at a breakneck pace. Rayori could only watch as the blast consumed Riley, and it continued to fire, cracking the surrounding area with no effort.

“RILEY!!” Rayori screamed, but felt as though his words weren’t even heard. How had they gotten into this situation, and why had Riley been so stupid, so selfless? Why didn’t he just run away while he had the chance, instead of putting his own life on the line! He dropped to his knees, and could begin to feel the tears build up in his eyes as the blast came to a stop, revealing that Riley was no longer there. He felt no fear, knowing the blast would be coming for him next, but what was the point in fighting anymore? Everything had been lost, in such a short period of time. It had all happened so sudden, the realities hadn’t even begun to set in before it was about to be over. [i]Why...?[/i]

Rayori brushed the dirt off his knees as he stood, not bothering to run. The beast hovered above him, ready to launch what would be its final attack, before it continued to wreak havoc on an already desolated world. There it was...

“Giving up’s not something I’m so fond of!” The all-too familiar voice came from out of nowhere. Rayori couldn’t process the situation before Riley jumped down in front of him, clad in black and silver body armor, going all the way up to his shoulders. On each arm was a blade, as a crimson-red cape hung behind him, covering what looked like a sword. He recognized it instantly - that was...that was the armor of [i]Gorz[/i]. [i]Does this mean...?[/i]

Riley’s celestial spirit, one of the seven chosen guardians for the chosen duelists who had helped them to save the world the first time around, from the same group where Rayori received his own blade, that of [i]Cylix[/i], his own guardian, was the mighty [i]Gorz the Emissary of Darkness[/i]. He’d only seen the creature once, in Riley’s duel with the Dark General. Riley’s refusal to quit must have unlocked his [i]celrion[/i], his own power similar to Rayori’s blade. Legend says that when the final hope is lost, this power can be activated; well, that certainly described their situation.

“Listen I’m not really sure how this stuff works, so I’m just gonna give it my best shot!” Riley shouted as he leapt into the air, blades outwards in an “x” formation as he sliced through the blast of darkness, turning it to mere dust. “It’s about time I do my own fighting! Let’s cut this overgrown dog down to size, shall we?!”

Darkness Memory fired another attack from its mouth, but Riley was able to flip and dodge it with ease. [i]This power will sure take some getting used to.[/i] He laughed to himself, landing on the backside of the beast, only to propel himself upwards into the air, as he pulled out the sword from within its holster. Despite its weight, he found himself lifting it with ease. “Now, the only memory you’re gonna be is a distant one! Die!” Riley brought the sword down straight to the creature’s head, the back of its neck to be exact. A beast of shadows, there was no blood, just a piercing howl as the shadow vanished entirely, and this time, for good.

[i]Hm...perhaps the stubborn-ness paid off after all.[/i] Rayori laughed to himself, a smile of relief on his face as his friend dropped to the ground, the armor now gone. He’d be hurt, for sure, but nothing some rest couldn’t fix this time around.

At least he was alive. They both were. Nothing was normal around here, but that had become the usual. But this was only the beginning.

The worst was yet to come.

---

Ace clicked off the computer screen, stepping back from the monitor. He’d managed to make his way into Tyaro’s headquarters with ease; virtually everyone with the exception of only a few guards were at the Dueling Challenge. Plus, he’d been here before, and knew exactly what he was attempting to find. As he was checking the rooms, he’d noticed the computer monitor which was airing the coverage of the Open Challenge; the Orri kid caught his attention right off the bat.

He definitely wasn’t a screaming fan, like the other duelists who’d challenged Tyaro before him had been. Orri was here for some other reason; though what it was, he hadn’t had enough time to figure out.

Snapping, he slammed his fist on the table. He was wasting time. Time they didn’t have much of. Tyaro’s plan, what Rayori had told him, it was all coming together.

If there was ever a time to panic. It was now.

No more playing around. He had mere hours to find what he was looking for, or else things might get far worse than they were already.

Go time.

[b]To be continued...[/i] [i]“Ladies and gentlemen, we are downtown in Diamond City, live as we’re right in the middle of what has been an unbelievable day of dueling excitement! Duel Monsters World Champion Tyaro Kiminari is straight in the middle of his open challenge, and has yet to lose, winning nine duels against nine different challengers in the span of just three hours! Perhaps this latest challenger will be able to hold a candle to our champion? He sure looks tough!”[/i]

Emotions were roaring as the crowd surrounding the Duel Arena, a throwback arena very similar to the ones used during the days of Duelist Kingdom, was home to the high-intensity duel between the champion, Tyaro, and the duelist who had just stepped up to take him on, a young man by the name of Orii. With a calm demeanor, Orii had stepped up to issue the challenge, his pre-duel attitude actually eliciting surprise from the fans, as he’d yet to speak a word, or show any reaction one way or another. Now, though, he seemed ready to go, yet it looked as though the task of taking on the World Champion, in front of a crowd of five thousand and a television/internet crowd of millions, was no stress at all.

[i]Only a few more of these duels, and I can finally get the hell out of here.[/i] Tyaro thought to himself. These people were so annoying, the crowds, the screaming, it was all so out of his interest. He played the spotlight and the media like a true champion should, but in reality he had much bigger fish to fry. There were a lot of people out there right now who knew far more than they should, and it was his responsibility to ensure they were stopped before it’s too late. Of course, it wouldn’t be hard. Being the World Champion did have its perks, after all. There were plenty of people willing to kneel at his feet and reply to his every beck and call with a genuine smile.

Now there was a new challenger, and although there wasn’t an ounce of doubt in his mind that he’d win, Tyaro couldn’t help but notice something different about this one. His personality was unlike the usual, as if he was devoid of this excitement, the honor that should come with the ability to duel it out with the World Champion. It almost felt disrespectful, he thought, chuckling to himself. It was no matter, though, as he turned away to smile to the camera, a pose of innocence, a figure the people could look up to.

Anyway, it was time to crush this pathetic punk and move on, just like he’d done with the last challengers.

---
[IMG]

Episode 13: Putting in the Call

“So, kid, you think you’ve got what it takes to take me on?” Tyaro gave a fake, almost mocking smile to his challenger as Orii blew it off.

“I think my dog has what it takes to take you on,” Orii retorted, as mixed chatter moved throughout the audience, people wondering if this kid was just all talk or if perhaps Tyaro had found a half-decent challenger. It was too early to tell. “But that’s irrelevant. Now this is a duel challenge, are we going to duel or stand around chatting?”

“Hm, getting a bit ahead of ourselves, are we?” Tyaro laughed quietly, just above under his breath. “Fine, fine. The excitement must be overwhelming for you, I can understand that. Let’s duel!”

“Since you’re the champion and all, feel free to make the first move.” Tyaro nodded, trying to understand the puzzling lack of emotion. What was the kid’s deal?

[i]“And as the challenger prepares for what we can only assume is the biggest duel of his life, he’s decided to let Tyaro make the first move! But is that a wise decision? Only time will tell!”[/i]

“Let’s see if your confidence is warranted,” Tyaro smirked as he placed a monster card on the duel disk. “Meet Samurai of the Ice Barrier!”

[spoiler=Samurai of the Ice Barrier]
Level 4/WATER
Warrior/Effect
When this face-up Attack Position card is changed to Defense Position, destroy this card, and draw 1 card.
1800/1500[/spoiler]

Rumblings of small conversations began to pick up in the area surrounding the duel as a tall warrior clad in ice blue armor and wielding a sword made of razor sharp ice took his stance on the field. “I think one face-down should do the trick for now, right? That’ll do it for me.”

Tyaro had made an effort to use different cards in each duel, to keep the fans interested. He had a variety of cards at his dispoal, but he’d always finished the game the same way; ‘Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier’, and while he planned to end this duel somewhat different, he still had the same intention; deal a crushing and embarrassing defeat to give this kid the humbling he deserved.

“My draw,” Orri added the card to his hand, selecting a monster card and placing it on the duel disk. “I’ll start with Vision HERO Vaion in Defense Mode.”

[spoiler=Vision HERO Vaion]
Level 4/DARK
Warrior/Effect
When this card is Summoned, you can send 1 Level 4 or lower “Vision HERO” monster from your Deck to the Graveyard.
1000/1200[/spoiler]

There was a small burst of light as the mechanized warrior exploded onto the field, settling on a card hologram which had appeared beneath it. From its one eye, a green light shot out, taking a card from Orri’s Deck and placing it in the Graveyard. His ‘Vision HERO Increase’, which would come in handy in just a few minutes.

“And with it, I’ve sent Vision HERO Increase to the Grave,” Orri explained. “But you don’t need to worry about it; at least not yet. Where else to go with this? I think I’ll just place a face-down and end. Go ahead, champ.”

Something about Orri’s almost cocky, but not-directly cocky attitude really got under Tyaro’s skin, and he couldn’t quite figure out why. The kid was no different from anyone else, with short black hair, spiked in the front, a gray t-shirt, jeans; he looked just like a regular teenager. But at the same time, something stood out, and as Tyaro stared into his deep green eyes, trying to read him, he got nothing, giving him an uneasy feeling.

[i]So you want to play the mysterious one, huh? I’ll force emotion out of you, then.[/i] Tyaro drew his card, a sinister smile on his face as he did so. “First, I play the Spell Card Medallion of the Ice Barrier!”

[spoiler=Medallion of the Ice Barrier]
[b]Normal Spell Card[/b]
Add 1 “Ice Barrier” monster from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler]

“With this, I can take any Ice Barrier monster from my Deck and add it to my hand. So let’s see, which should I choose?” The crowd watched on in excitement as the champion searched through his Deck, purposely taking longer than he needed to, in order to draw a response out of them and build the anticipation. Finally, he selected one, ‘Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier’, and placed it in his hand.

“And why wait to bring it to the field?” He asked, eliciting cheers. “Summon, Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier!” A block of ice, almost diamond-shaped materialized on the field, and began to crack. As it did so, crystals of ice buzzed around in the air, finally landing in a diamond formation on the pavement. Seconds later, a man dressed in robes and holding what looked like a spell book appeared above it, floating in the air.

[spoiler=Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier]
Level 4/WATER
Warrior/Effect
This card cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster of 1900 ATK or more.
1500/1000[/spoiler]

“You act tough, but I’m thinking you’re far below my level,” the champion called out, trying to intimidate his challenger. “Samurai of the Ice Barrier, show him why I’m as respected as I am, Crystalline Slash!” The swordsman leapt into the air, slicing its blade straight into the head of the mechanized warrior, splitting it clean in half as it exploded into pixels and the samurai retreated. The fans began to cheer, but Tyaro was far from done. “Now, Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier, attack him directly with Casting Freeze!”

The robed monk placed his hands together, a blue glow forming around them. He rose from his seat, pressing his hands outward and firing a blast of energy straight into Orri’s chest, certainly an impactful blow despite the fact that they were dueling with holograms as Orri took a step back.

[b]Orri’s Life Points[/b]: 2500

[i]“And the champion gets the first strike! It just goes to show, despite an impressive show of courage in the early going from our most recent challenger, Tyaro looks to have this one in the bag! It appears ladies and gentlemen, that this man may truly be unbeatable!”[/i]

“What’s so funny?” Tyaro inquired, as a grin began to form on the face of his opposition. “Do you enjoy losing? Because if so it looks like you’ve got a successful future ahead of you.”

“What’s funny,” Orri replied, “is how full of yourself you really are. You call yourself a champion, yet you carry yourself like a little child, craving all the spotlight. I’ll admit, you’re good, but to think you’ve got this won after merely one attack? You’re not a champion, you’re an overconfident prick.”

“What did you say?!” Tyaro could feel his anger beginning to build; who did this nobody think he was, calling him out like that, and on national television no less? He had to win now, especially after the way he’d been put on the spot. “Grr...you’ll pay for that, you little punk!”

“I already have,” Orri looked out to the crowd; these people so blindly followed anyone with even the slightest sense of celebrity to them; how could people be so stupid? “After all, I’m being forced to listen to you put on this fake ‘champion’ act. But regardless, back to the game. Since your Pilgrim attacked my Life Points directly, I’m allowed to take Vision HERO Increase from the Graveyard and place him straight into my Spell and Trap Card Zone, where he’ll set for a while, until I can bring him to the field.”

A large stainless steel capsule materialized on the field, with a green light on it, as it was quite clearly holding another mechanical warrior inside. Soon enough, Orri would bring it to the field, where it would really have the chance to shine.

“You can bring out whatever monsters you want,” the champion snapped back. “It won’t matter, there’s a reason I’m the World Champion and you’re craving fifteen seconds of fame! Now make your move!”

“I’d be glad to,” Orri drew his next card. He could try to defend with ‘Vision HERO Poisoner” to prevent taking at least all of the damage, but he’d clearly waste his resources that way. He’d have to try his luck with this, first. “I activate the Spell Card Double Vision!”

[spoiler=Double Vision]
[b]Normal Spell Card[/b]
Discard 1 “Vision HERO” monster. Special Summon 2 “Vision Tokens” (Warrior-Type/DARK/Level 2/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position. If both “Vision Tokens” are destroyed during the same turn, you take 500 damage.[/spoiler]

“Now, by sending Vision HERO Witch Reid to the Graveyard, I can bring out two mechs to take on the force of your attacks.” A flash of light struck the field, spawning two small soldiers, clad in black mechanical armor, with a green light emitting from both of their eyes, just like the others, as they readied for battle. “That should do it.”

“Heh,” Tyaro couldn’t help but continue to wonder what this kid was up to. He’d never personally seen the ‘Vision HERO’ monsters before, but he had to admit they didn’t seem that frightening, at all. Orri had brought out only one monster so far, and it had a mere twelve-hundred attack points. It was nothing to worry about. He, on the other hand, had plenty to offer, and was about to demonstrate that for the people. “Whose ready for some real firepower?!”

The fans roared with approval. “Well kid, you had a good run, but now you’ve got me really fired up! It’s about time I finish this duel up! Now, I’ll send both of my monsters to the Graveyard in order to Summon General Gantala of the Ice Barrier!”

[spoiler=General Gantala of the Ice Barrier]
Level 7/WATER
Warrior/Effect
Once per turn, during your End Phase, you can select 1 “Ice Barrier” monster in your Graveyard, except “General Gantala of the Ice Barrier”, and Special Summon it.
2700/2000[/spoiler]

The ice ring surrounding the monk was ripped from the ground by an unknown force, as the crystals began to rearrange themselves; the samurai vanished, yet his armor remained, only modified, as it attached itself to the monk. As this new warrior took its place on the field, he reached out and grabbed one of the ice crystals, which consumed the better half of his arm, turning it into a frozen surface.

[i]“All I can say is wow! What a powerful new creature on display here from the World Champion, who appears to have taken a different route this time around! Tyaro is just one amazing duelist, people, and he’s about to put the finishing touches on this game! I don’t think there’s any way the challenger Orri can come back from this one!”[/i]

[i]He didn’t take the Synchro route like I thought he would.[/i] Orri glanced over his hand, keeping in mind the card he’d set, which would be able to hold off Tyaro’s first attack, at least. From there, he had to rely on the strategy he’d been working on since before this all started. [i]I guess even cowards can switch up their game. To think this guy’s considered a credible champion makes me laugh. The task is easy enough; now to carry it out.[/i]

---

The force of the winds had increased in might, and that brief moment in which the light had begun to emerge was a thing of the past. The beast of darkness had vanished for a moment, but that was no longer the case as it ripped a hole within the dimension, forcing its way back into this world. Zure was now gone, the last of his energy being used to fuel the creature, the Darkness Memory. It was what Zure had become. His plan had failed, but he had refused to accept defeat. This creature was no longer a hologram. Though to be fair, it never was. This was real life.

Suddenly, a rush of fear came over him. Reality was setting in. A duel was one thing – the experience he'd gained over the years had allowed him to fight the realities of the duel and endure the pain because he had an army of monsters, Spells, and Traps at his disposal. Here, he had that, but none of his monsters could hold a candle to the Darkness Memory in real life, in a [i]real[/i] battle. There was no way.

He could still feel Zure's presence despite the fact that he was gone. After all, it was Zure's energy fueling the beast. What could he do? He glared towards Rayori. His friend was still out of it, not moving at all. It hurt to think of how much Rayori had gone through for his sake. And now, he couldn't do a thing to save him. And Vivian, the magician; at least she was safe inside the house, for now.

The images of Nathaniel flashed through his head and once more, he felt fear. He felt like a scared little child, so far out of his league. He needed to rely on someone, he needed someone to save him because he wasn't strong enough to save himself. But there was no one. Just like when he'd faced the wrath of Nathaniel's Black Rose Dragon, and felt a pain like no other; he was truly helpless. Was this the end?

He thought of Crystal, and how he'd abandonded her here. And look what had become of her, joining the Dark Wanderer's army, of her own free will. Now she wanted revenge, and it was his own fault. How could he ever face her again? Though he knew he had no choice. Crystal had always been there to support him, and so had Ace. He wished they were with him now, to give him answers. He'd always been the one in the group that needed a little guidance, but now he had to act on his own.

[i]What can I do? How can I defeat this thing?[/i] There was a ferocious roar, shaking the ground almost, as the creature swung with its right arm, headed straight for him. His initial reaction was panic, but he snapped into gear quickly, grabbing Rayori's lifeless body and ducking out of the way. They'd barely escaped that shot. The one advantage they had was the creature's slow, prodding movement. But one strike from that thing would be the end of the both of them, and Zure would succeed.

He couldn't let that happen. His duel disk was still on, and functioning. Maybe he could call out a monster to try and hold them off. It was worth a try. He closed his eyes, picking up the top card of his Deck. Focusing his energy, he placed it on the duel disk. “Here goes nothing! Come on out, Reborn Tengu!”

The bird shaman, clad in robes and wielding a staff hovered in position, as Riley took a step backwards. “Tengu, let's show this thing what we're made of! Attack with Nightmare Wing Strike!”

Tengu flew upwards, blue flames surrounding its wings as it drew them together, making a swift dive into the right shoulder of the monstrosity, and cutting it clean off. Riley was actually surprised at how simple it had been. That alone told him it was far from done. The creature shrieked in pain, the sounds so powerful that they stung the ears, as its right shoulder simply reappeared, as if nothing at all had happened.

But the bird wasn't so lucky. As it looped around, prepared to strike a second time, the creature fired a blast of energy from its mouth, and stopped it in its tracks. He hadn't been able to do any damage, despite using one of his most powerful monsters.

“Rayori, come on man...” Riley mumbled aloud. If his friend had been able to help, even slightly, it would perhaps be a whole different ball game. The tables had turned completely, as now Riley found himself once again helpless.

And then it happened.

There was no time to make a save. In mere seconds the small wooden house in which they'd been given was turned to rubble, if you could even call it that. The woman who had been so kind to them and have given her every effort to keep Riley alive was gone, as were here belongings. It was Zure's doing no doubt. She'd helped them to survive, so now he'd taken his frustration out on her. Part of him wanted to feel depressed, sad, to mourn her loss that had happened so quickly, but he was too frozen with fear to process it.

Hardly any time passed as the creature turned its head back towards Riley. It was obvious nothing within his Deck would be able to defeat this beast, and he was quickly running out of options. There was no where to go, nothing to -

Darkness Memory fired its attack. It was not the sheer “out of nowhere” feel that came with it that shocked Riley; rather the events which followed. Before he had time to act, Riley watched as Rayori jumped straight in front of him, blade in hand to absorb the entirety of the blow. But, where had he come from? It was so sudden, one minute he's not moving, the next he's here putting his own life on the line. The boy had no idea how to react, what to do. Rayori began to spin the blade, using a formation similar to the one he used in the real world, to deflect the attack for the time being – but he was weak, he wouldn't be able to hold the attack off for long.

“What-” Riley tried to form words. “What are you -”

“Now's not the time!” Rayori called back, looking back for just a moment to acknowledge his friend. “If one of us has to go, it might as well be me; after all, I'm pretty much running on empty as it is. I may have failed the first time, but I can do it this time! Now get out of here while you still can!”

[i]I can't leave him here...I can't abandon my friends again, not after what happened the first time. He thinks he made a mistake, well it's nothing compared to mine. I've seen people suffer far too much for my sake, and I won't allow it to happen again.[/i] Riley clenched his fists; he had no weapons, no powers, nothing but his fists and the monsters in his Deck to help him out, and yet even Reborn Tengu had been absolutely demolished.

“What are you waiting for?!” His friend yelled out, a call of desperation, no doubt. “I can’t hold this thing off forever!”

“I’m not going!” He screamed, half out of rage, the frustration that he could do nothing but sit and watch, and knowing that by standing around he was actually making Rayori’s pain worse, and half because he refused to allow his friend to die for him; he wouldn’t lose someone else to the same stupid cause. There had been enough suffering.

“You have to, don’t be an idiot!” Rayori knew Riley had no means of defense, despite his stubborn ways; he [i]needed[/i] to leave, he [i]needed[/i] to be alive, whereas Rayori himself, well, as much of a disappointment as it was to think, was expendable. “Now get the hell out of here!”

Riley noticed Rayori beginning to fade, losing his grip over the spin shield he’d created, as the creature began to pick up its power, and the blast it was firing increased in size. “I’ve had enough of this!”

In an act of desperation, Riley ran forward and pushed Rayori to the side, fueled by nothing but his own momentum and the acceptance that he’d rather lose his own life than see his friend die right in front of him. With no shield, the blast struck him directly. He screamed out, the pain merciless, taking mere seconds to completely destroy him in its entirety, as he could feel the pain surge through his body at a breakneck pace. Rayori could only watch as the blast consumed Riley, and it continued to fire, cracking the surrounding area with no effort.

“RILEY!!” Rayori screamed, but felt as though his words weren’t even heard. How had they gotten into this situation, and why had Riley been so stupid, so selfless? Why didn’t he just run away while he had the chance, instead of putting his own life on the line! He dropped to his knees, and could begin to feel the tears build up in his eyes as the blast came to a stop, revealing that Riley was no longer there. He felt no fear, knowing the blast would be coming for him next, but what was the point in fighting anymore? Everything had been lost, in such a short period of time. It had all happened so sudden, the realities hadn’t even begun to set in before it was about to be over. [i]Why...?[/i]

Rayori brushed the dirt off his knees as he stood, not bothering to run. The beast hovered above him, ready to launch what would be its final attack, before it continued to wreak havoc on an already desolated world. There it was...

“Giving up’s not something I’m so fond of!” The all-too familiar voice came from out of nowhere. Rayori couldn’t process the situation before Riley jumped down in front of him, clad in black and silver body armor, going all the way up to his shoulders. On each arm was a blade, as a crimson-red cape hung behind him, covering what looked like a sword. He recognized it instantly - that was...that was the armor of [i]Gorz[/i]. [i]Does this mean...?[/i]

Riley’s celestial spirit, one of the seven chosen guardians for the chosen duelists who had helped them to save the world the first time around, from the same group where Rayori received his own blade, that of [i]Cylix[/i], his own guardian, was the mighty [i]Gorz the Emissary of Darkness[/i]. He’d only seen the creature once, in Riley’s duel with the Dark General. Riley’s refusal to quit must have unlocked his [i]celrion[/i], his own power similar to Rayori’s blade. Legend says that when the final hope is lost, this power can be activated; well, that certainly described their situation.

“Listen I’m not really sure how this stuff works, so I’m just gonna give it my best shot!” Riley shouted as he leapt into the air, blades outwards in an “x” formation as he sliced through the blast of darkness, turning it to mere dust. “It’s about time I do my own fighting! Let’s cut this overgrown dog down to size, shall we?!”

Darkness Memory fired another attack from its mouth, but Riley was able to flip and dodge it with ease. [i]This power will sure take some getting used to.[/i] He laughed to himself, landing on the backside of the beast, only to propel himself upwards into the air, as he pulled out the sword from within its holster. Despite its weight, he found himself lifting it with ease. “Now, the only memory you’re gonna be is a distant one! Die!” Riley brought the sword down straight to the creature’s head, the back of its neck to be exact. A beast of shadows, there was no blood, just a piercing howl as the shadow vanished entirely, and this time, for good.

[i]Hm...perhaps the stubborn-ness paid off after all.[/i] Rayori laughed to himself, a smile of relief on his face as his friend dropped to the ground, the armor now gone. He’d be hurt, for sure, but nothing some rest couldn’t fix this time around.

At least he was alive. They both were. Nothing was normal around here, but that had become the usual. But this was only the beginning.

The worst was yet to come.

---

Ace clicked off the computer screen, stepping back from the monitor. He’d managed to make his way into Tyaro’s headquarters with ease; virtually everyone with the exception of only a few guards were at the Dueling Challenge. Plus, he’d been here before, and knew exactly what he was attempting to find. As he was checking the rooms, he’d noticed the computer monitor which was airing the coverage of the Open Challenge; the Orri kid caught his attention right off the bat.

He definitely wasn’t a screaming fan, like the other duelists who’d challenged Tyaro before him had been. Orri was here for some other reason; though what it was, he hadn’t had enough time to figure out.

Snapping, he slammed his fist on the table. He was wasting time. Time they didn’t have much of. Tyaro’s plan, what Rayori had told him, it was all coming together.

If there was ever a time to panic. It was now.

No more playing around. He had mere hours to find what he was looking for, or else things might get far worse than they were already.

Go time.

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

And here it comes. We're beginning towards the big reveal, all of the plot lines coming together, and you the readers will find out exactly what's going on.

This episode was a challenge to write and it felt off at times, but I got through it and now it's a clear road for the rest of this arc.

It's gonna get good.

[Agro]

This is longer than your usual chapters. Oh well, I guess I'll try to find time to read it. (Between Homework, reading, writing, and socializing, this is going to be tough)

[Synchronized]

[quote name='AggroDrago' timestamp='1315860410' post='5510096']
This is longer than your usual chapters. Oh well, I guess I'll try to find time to read it. (Between Homework, reading, writing, and socializing, this is going to be tough)
[/quote]

Is it really? It actually totaled about eight pages, I think; I didn't realize it was that long. Perhaps I'll try to tone it down a bit with the next one.

[Agro]

[quote name='Star' timestamp='1315918027' post='5512002']

Is it really? It actually totaled about eight pages, I think; I didn't realize it was that long. Perhaps I'll try to tone it down a bit with the next one.
[/quote]
It's alright, it's just that it looked long when I first looked at it. It reads a lot faster.

[Synchronized]

[quote name='AggroDrago' timestamp='1315923009' post='5512075']
It's alright, it's just that it looked long when I first looked at it. It reads a lot faster.
[/quote]

I gotcha. So you finished it then? If so, what did you think?

[b]Just to give everyone a bit of a preview on Chapter 14 and where we're going next from here:[/b]

[i]With the conclusion of Chapter 13, the "mini-arc" as Umbra best described it with Zure and the introduction to the main story's beginning with the Dark Wanderer and Riley's search for Crystal, we're moving on to what I can best describe as a straight road to the finish line of this first arc, which will most likely end somewhere around episode 30-31; I don't want to spend too much time on it, but I don't want to not give it enough time, either, and have it feel rushed. So I'm trying to pace myself relatively well here for the story's sake.[/i]

[i]Anyway, I do apologize for the somewhat mixed ending of Riley's battle with the Darkness Memory; for some reason I got major writer's block there, feeling like I had dragged that out too much and overused "creature", "beast", "behemoth", to the point where you guys probably wanted to close the browser and stop reading. Needless to say, those of you who remember (or have read) the original story will know that Gorz was Riley's Celestial Guardian, as he and six other duelists had been chosen to save the world in the first go-round. Riley's [b]celrion[/b], like Rayori's blade, is the armor/fighting abilities of Gorz, which is what he'll eventually have to learn to master with the weaponry as I'm not going for a typical just-dueling story here. It's difficult to adjust to that style when I'm used to writing duels so bare with me just a bit as I keep getting into the swing of things.[/i]

[i]We'll see the end of Tyaro's duel, which IS relevant for those of you who might think I'm spending too much time on Orii's character and giving him way too much credibility for a one-off side character. So don't fear; that'll be explained soon enough, too.[/i]

[i]Thanks for reading guys, and I look forward to the reviews![/i]

[Agro]

I liked it, really. But you used the term 'lifeless' to describe Rayori's body, which in most, if not all instances, means he's already dead. Seeing as he wasn't, I would suggest a different word. Maybe 'limp'?

Idk, that was really the only bad thing that stood out to me, and it wasn't all that big. It was good, I like it.

[Synchronized]

[quote name='AggroDrago' timestamp='1315945738' post='5512584']
I liked it, really. But you used the term 'lifeless' to describe Rayori's body, which in most, if not all instances, means he's already dead. Seeing as he wasn't, I would suggest a different word. Maybe 'limp'?

Idk, that was really the only bad thing that stood out to me, and it wasn't all that big. It was good, I like it.
[/quote]

With lifeless, I think I was more so trying to convey the fact that he didn't appear to be breathing or moving, for that matter. Of course it built up the suspense that Riley (essentially) had to protect two people as opposed to just one if he wanted any chance of Rayori's survival. Does that make sense? I know, it was a bit confusing of an explanation.

[Dr. Cakey]

Finally finished everything. There are, I'd say, two problems you've got, and they're both just in the craft.

You use some really awkward phrases sometimes. This example is from the first chapter, and you said at that time you hadn't been as invested in the story, but [b]"throne-sitting man[/b][b]"[/b]? That's...weird.

The second thing is that you seem to have learned how to write dialogue from the 4Kids writing team. [b]"Now, the only memory you’re gonna be is a distant one[/b][b]!"[/b] Oh, the wit.

And now two small things I thought of:

1. You seem to not be quite sure how strong you want Tyaro to be. He lost to Bryan, whose deck seems to have been "have Evil Thorn, summon high ATK monster (which he didn't have at the time), run [s]Mirror Force[/s] Wall of Thorns". Now he's in the middle of an open challenge - clearly he's going to lose Orii, [s]because he uses Vision Heroes which are awesome[/s] - but he still beat nine people in a row. That implies he's strong.

2. What [i]is[/i] Riley's deck? Thunder-Necro-Wind?

[Synchronized]

[quote name='Dr. Cakey-chan' timestamp='1316208815' post='5518957']
Finally finished everything. There are, I'd say, two problems you've got, and they're both just in the craft.

You use some really awkward phrases sometimes. This example is from the first chapter, and you said at that time you hadn't been as invested in the story, but [b]"throne-sitting man[/b][b]"[/b]? That's...weird.

[i]I struggle with in-dialogue, perhaps more so than anything else. What I mean is, the most difficult part of the story for me is the fact that I don't know how to transition between speech, instead of using "said", etc. I try to switch it up so it doesn't feel as repetitive. I'm working on that, and I've actually been looking at other works to get some ideas on how to improve in that area.[/i]

The second thing is that you seem to have learned how to write dialogue from the 4Kids writing team. [b]"Now, the only memory you’re gonna be is a distant one[/b][b]!"[/b] Oh, the wit.

[i]Touche. -_-'[/i]

And now two small things I thought of:

1. You seem to not be quite sure how strong you want Tyaro to be. He lost to Bryan, whose deck seems to have been "have Evil Thorn, summon high ATK monster (which he didn't have at the time), run [s]Mirror Force[/s] Wall of Thorns". Now he's in the middle of an open challenge - clearly he's going to lose Orii, [s]because he uses Vision Heroes which are awesome[/s] - but he still beat nine people in a row. That implies he's strong.

[i]Orii is a much more important character than he appears; ironically enough, he'll actually disappear for the rest of this arc and then re-emerge later, but I can't say too much without giving the plot away, you know? Tyaro is supposed to be this strong duelist who preys on the weak, but when he faces a real challenge, his cowardice shines through. When Bryan dueled him, Bryan used his own Deck; like I said, once someone starts working for Tyaro, they are forced to use a Deck given to them by the "company", if you will, which is what Bryan's (new) Deck was.[/i]

2. What [i]is[/i] Riley's deck? Thunder-Necro-Wind?

[i]Riley basically plays a Highlander Deck that includes cards from the first three Seasons, but has leaned much farther towards Necro this Season. He's always played Thunder Dragon/Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon, but his Deck has no real theme, really[/i]
[/quote]

I'm still trying to work out some of the evident issues here, and I know I need more improvement.

[Umbra]

It seems that you pasted Chapter 13 twice, which would explain why it looks longer than it is.

Finally caught up. I'll give you a more elaborate review in the morning, but overall I liked the last three chapters. There were a few things I noticed - such as Darkness Memory's attack being negated seemingly out of nowhere - that were addressed, so that's good.

[Synchronized]

[quote name='Umbra' timestamp='1316298557' post='5521116']
It seems that you pasted Chapter 13 twice, which would explain why it looks longer than it is.

[i]Did I? I'm not sure how that happened; maybe I clicked it twice.[/i]

Finally caught up. I'll give you a more elaborate review in the morning, but overall I liked the last three chapters. There were a few things I noticed - such as Darkness Memory's attack being negated seemingly out of nowhere - that were addressed, so that's good.

[i]What do you mean?[/i]
[/quote]

[Umbra]

At some point, when Darkness Memory attacked, it had its attack negated. The only in-story explanation for this was some "whirl" or "twirl" or whichever word you used, that simply grew and absorbed it. I was going to comment on that, but then I noticed another reader pointed that out in a post, that it's very unclear that a Necro Gardna had been returned to the Graveyard. That said, you should still fix that.

[Agro]

[quote name='Umbra' timestamp='1316333399' post='5522466']
At some point, when Darkness Memory attacked, it had its attack negated. The only in-story explanation for this was some "whirl" or "twirl" or whichever word you used, that simply grew and absorbed it. I was going to comment on that, but then I noticed another reader pointed that out in a post, that it's very unclear that a Necro Gardna had been returned to the Graveyard. That said, you should still fix that.
[/quote]
Aggrefrence. I thought you'd fixed that already. Silly Star.

[Synchronized]

That's fixed now. I completely forgot about it until just now.

Sorry about that.

[Synchronized]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Episode 14: Chance or Fate?][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"Now, Gantala will crush you!" Tyaro readied his monster for battle, as the robed warrior grunted with approval, ready to carry out the commands which had been bestowed upon him. "Attack with Menacing Blizzard!"The warrior placed his hands together, charging his energy as a similar blue glow appeared around one of the ice crystals surrounding him. He grunted once more, though slightly louder than the first time as a barrage of icicles made way across the field - enough to wipe Orii out with a single shot.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]If he hadn't been preparing for it, of course. "Activate Trap Card, Extended Sight!"[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Extended Sight][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b]Normal Trap Card[/b][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Activate only if you control a "Vision HERO" monster (on the field OR in your Spell/Trap Card Zone). Negate the attack of an opponent's monster and inflict 300 damage to both players. If you control 2 or more "Vision HERO" monsters when this effect resolves (on the field OR in your Spell/Trap Card Zone), you can add 1 "Vision HERO" monster from your Graveyard to your Spell/Trap Card Zone.[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A green ring was quick to materialize, dispersing the crystals and stopping the attack as Tyaro gritted his teeth, and both players took the damage.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tyaro's Life Points: 3700[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Orii's Life Points: 2200[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The general sat back to rest, though not without clearly expressing his frustration, the fact that he'd been unable to inflict the damage he'd so desired. Ironically enough, Tyaro felt a similar feeling; the longer the kid held on, the weaker it made him look as a World Champion, for not being able to crush an unknown duelist with no effort. Of course now, he had to really kick it into high gear.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"Before you finish up," Tyaro hadn't noticed it earlier, but now a second metal capsule had joined the first one on the field. It was identical in every way, but he knew the creatures inside were completely different. "I'm using the effect of my Vision HERO Vaion to place it in my Spell/Trap Card Zone, alongside Increase whose already there."[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"Heh," Tyaro mocked the boy's confidence. "It won't make a difference, you can add all of the capsules you want, but you have no firepower, and unfortunately for you, I've got more than enough to take you out!"[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]---[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][url="topic/251715-ygo-hidden-legacy-season-3-episode-10-the-dark-one-rises-part-1-posted-check-this-out/"][img]http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff244/InvertRemix/HLLogo.png[/img][/url][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Episode 14: Chance, or Fate?[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“How many monsters are you going to bring to the field before you realize this victory has already been decided?” Tyaro asked, an evident frustration in his voice; Orii knew he’d gotten under his skin. But that wasn’t all; Orii also knew that Tyaro was right; this victory had already been decided. The outcome of this duel was decided months ago, when this original plan had been constructed.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“If all goes the way I’m hoping it will,” the challenger replied. “Just one more.”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]One more? What did he mean by that? What was this kid planning now?[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“For now, I play the Spell Card Vision Polymerization!” The fans “oohed” and “ahhed” as a flash of light emerged from Orii’s card, causing Tyaro to shield his eyes. Ugh, he was losing them. This wasn’t good.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Vision Polymerization][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b]Normal Spell Card[/b][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Send to the Graveyard from your field or your Spell/Trap Card Zone 2 or more “Vision HERO” monsters to select and Special Summon 1 “Vision HERO” Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck that lists the sent monsters as Fusion Material.[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Now technically, I didn’t even have to bring out any more monsters, but I did it because I enjoy watching you get so frustrated.” Orii almost wanted to laugh, but didn’t. “With Vision Polymerization, I’ll fuse the three Vision HERO monsters on my field to bring out, Vision HERO Trinity!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Vision HERO Trinity][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Level 8/DARK[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Warrior/Fusion/Effect[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]3 HERO Monsters[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]During this turn this card is Fusion Summoned successfully, double its ATK until the End Phase. This Fusion Summoned card can attack up to 3 times per turn, but it cannot attack your opponent’s Life Points directly.[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]2500/2000[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tyaro found himself in near shock as the three, somewhat miniscule (at least compared to what he was facing now) mechanical warriors on the field merged to create a new monster; and this one was anything but miniscule. A towering robot fighter, clad in dark red armor, with four wings, two on each side, constructed from the same metal that the armor was, allowed it all sorts of versatility for movement on the battlefield. And the fans bought right into it, perhaps doubting their champion for the first time since the duel had begun.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Unbelievable! Just when it looks as though the duel will end, the challenge Orii pulls off a huge comeback, in the form of the Vision HERO Trinity! With 2500 attack points, it’s not quite enough to destroy Gantala, but perhaps with some additional firepower, we might be seeing this duel turned around after all!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Shut up, fool. You have no idea what you’re talking about. He could feel himself beginning to panic, though he did have a face-down that might allow him to hold off another turn. He couldn’t possibly fail after coming this far. There was no way he’d allow such a thing to happen. No matter what it meant, he absolutely had to win this duel. Besides, Trinity only had twenty-five hundred attack points, meaning his general was safe from harm. But of course, Orii had a hand full of cards in his arsenal, and he certainly came across as confident.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“I admit, just when it looks like you’ve played your last hand, you manage to keep things interesting; really keeps me on my toes.” There was no denying that he was facing a challenge, and a difficult one at that. Not to mention, by crediting his opponent he came across as sincere in the eyes of the public. All you had to do was know how to manipulate them, and you could get whatever you wanted relatively effortlessly. “So then, why don’t you get to the part where you play the next card in your combo, and we can see what this all comes down to, one way or another!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Sort’ve; except for one thing, there’s no need to play another card, because you see, Trinity’s a two-card combo in and of itself.” Tyaro noticed something he hadn’t seen earlier; there was a green aura surrounding the warrior now, fittingly identical in color to the ones from earlier. “When Trinity is Fusion Summoned, his attack points double until the End Phase, meaning he goes from 2500, to 5000, just like that.”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Say what?! That can’t be! Tyaro tried to maintain a confident demeanor for the crowd, but it wasn’t working too well.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“So let’s just see if you’re as good at dueling as you are at talking. Trinity, take out his General Gantala with Crimson Slash!” The warrior’s wings folded outwards, as it rocketed into the air, then flew forward, straight into the robed monk who just one turn ago had been the most dominant force on the field.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tyaro’s Life Points: 1400[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Trap Card ‘Frozen Cracking’ which Tyaro had set earlier, would’ve prevented the activation of a Spell or Trap Card which powered up a monster, meaning he’d been prepared for any big combo Orii would try to pull off. However, he’d never expected anything like this. That hit would definitely hurt his credibility, but even worse, the reality that he might not have anything which with to take it down only made it worse. Could he beat this guy after all?[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"You'll pay for that!" Tyaro was furious, searching desperately for an "out", a way to get this situation back on track as it was quickly spiraling out of control. "No more playing around, you're about to learn what real winners are!"[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"Awesome, I can't wait," came the sarcastic reply. "But don't get too far ahead of yourself, champ. I'm not finished yet."[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"How can you not be finished?" Tyaro asked. "What other move do you have to make?"[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"I'm just enjoying this duel so much, you know, the thrill of the battle?" Orii spoke mockingly, making light of the obvious fact that Tyaro didn't care about dueling at all. "So that's where Trinity's other effect kicks in! As long as he was Fusion Summoned, he gets to attack a grand total of three times!"[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"Three times?!" That couldn't be possible - he would lose, but changed his tone to display a confidence, willing to accept an honorable defeat, at least in front of these people. "Well, bring it on."[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]"I will, and I'm going to take satisfaction in beating you! Go, Crimson Slash!" Orii had completely won the crowd over by the time Trinity made its second strike, crushing the samurai into dust. He had no interest in the crowd, and paid them no attention. These people would just as quickly throw you to the wolves if you were no longer as good as they wanted you to be. It was something Tyaro would experience soon enough – but for now, he had to end. “I’ll play one card face-down, and end. If I were you, I’d take this next move seriously. Because if you can’t make a meaningful play, this game is over.”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Don’t preach to me, you ingrate.” The champion drew his card, looking at it as he placed it in his hand. “I give you the chance to share the spotlight with me, and you spend your time talking down to me? The other duelists that challenged me were respectful and honorable; you’re nothing but a selfish brat. And for that, I must beat you to ensure the people are no longer disrespected!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“I’d like to see you give it your best shot.”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“I won’t disappoint.” Tyaro, knowing he could turn this around with his ‘Ice Whirlwind’, soaked in the glory of superiority. “I play the Spell Card Ice Whirlwind!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Ice Whirlwind][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Normal Spell Card[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Select 1 Fusion, Ritual, or Synchro monster on the field and banish it. Then, the controller of that monster can select and Special Summon any number of Fusion, Ritual, or Synchro Material Monsters used for the Summon of that monster.[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The red mech was swallowed up in a gust of wind, and sharp chunks of ice as it tried to hold on, but couldn’t resist the strength it possessed. As opposed to what one might expect, Orii actually smiled, only continuing to infuriate Tyaro. [/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“You seem pretty happy,” Tyaro went on. “For someone who’s a few seconds away from losing the game.”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Losing the game? Don’t be an idiot.” Orii remarked, as the three monsters he’d used to summon Trinity took their places on the field, in Defense Position. Just in case. “After all, I’ve just got all three of my monsters back.”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“It won’t make a difference, see.” Tyaro confidently placed his Spell card in the Graveyard, before selecting a monster card from his hand and placing it on the field. “I Summon the Tuner Monster Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier!” [/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tyaro didn’t even consider slowing down as the ice rogue struck the field in a simple, swift motion, awaiting orders.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Level 2/WATER[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Aqua/Tuner[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]While you control another “Ice Barrier” monster, Level 4 or higher monsters cannot declare an attack.[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]1300/0[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Orii was almost surprised with how predictable the duel had been up to this point, yet he wasn’t. As soon as the thought of a challenge had hit Tyaro, he switched up his playing style immediately in order to take it down. But, now that his strategy had failed, he was resorting to his normal win condition – Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier. It was obvious that in just seconds, he would activate a Spell Card that allowed him to bring out the necessary requirements for the Synchro. Was he supposed to be afraid? How was this duelist as ruthless as they’d described him? He couldn’t duel his way out of a paper bag.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“With Cryomancer out, I can activate the Spell Card Reflection Stone!” He took the card in his hand, ‘Commander of the Ice Barrier’, and revealed it; a Level 5 monster, WATER, with the ability to destroy a face-down monster upon its summon. Although, he couldn’t really do that now. No – he had another idea in mind.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Reflection Stone][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b]Normal Spell Card[/b][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Select 1 monster on the field and reveal 1 monster in your hand with the same Attribute as the selected monster. During this turn, you can use that monster in your hand as a Synchro Material Monster.[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“See, since my Commander of the Ice Barrier is a WATER monster, the same as Cryomancer on my field, I’m allowed to use them for a Synchro Summon! So bow before the might of my most powerful monster! The almighty force, Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Level 7/WATER[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]1 Tuner monster + 1 or more non-Tuner WATER monsters[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Once per turn, you can discard up to 2 cards from your hand to destroy the same number of cards on the field.[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]2500/2000[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The media broke out into a frenzy as everyone tried to get a close-up shot of the summoning. They’d seen it multiple times throughout the day but this was the first time Tyaro had stood even the slightest chance of losing, and if it were to happen, they had to catch it on camera. As the ferocious beast, a winged blue dragon, ready to crush everything in its path, descended upon the field, Orii could hear the crowd cheering. Just as easily as Tyaro had lost the crowd, he had won them back.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]---[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Ace took a sigh of relief as he’d passed an unexpected security guard; the man wasn’t big by any means, and looked about as generic as a security guard could in these parts, but getting caught would alert others, and if it was discovered that he’d managed to enter, he’d never find the room he was looking for, in this building that was nothing more than a maze of doors, one after another, most of the rooms filled with stacks of paperwork, desks, and useless cards, for whatever reasons Tyaro and his underlings could conjure up.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Not to mention, it wasn’t necessarily a given that a room was empty – he had to pace himself carefully and be sure that he wasn’t about to enter a room armed with guards. A trap, even. While Tyaro was by no means honorable, he was a tactical genius, and he most likely knew that an invasion of sorts would at least be tried. That made it more frightening, knowing in the back of his mind that even the smallest of mistakes could mess up this entire operation and put the entire city in danger.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]He had a small amount of fighting skill, but nothing significant. In other words, he might be able to take out a guard or two with no one noticing, but it would catch up to him after a point. And a duel wouldn’t be a realistic option here because that would without a doubt draw attention. It was quiet – almost unnaturally quiet, and if he listened close enough, he could almost hear the spirits of those who had been destroyed by Tyaro and his operation, crying out for salvation, to right the wrongs that had been done to them and restore peace to this city. A city that – without even realizing it – was worshipping the same champion that intended to destroy them all. People were so inclined to attach themselves to anything even remotely popular, and it was as if they could do no wrong. Then again, Tyaro’s manipulative, cunning personality was without a doubt a factor. He catered to these people and pretended that what they believed mattered to him one way or another.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The reality of it was simple – the entire city was a pawn, each individual person a sacrificial lamb for the [i]Virus System[/i], a technology which Tyaro had spent his time away developing. While the duel and result of Bryan’s sacrifice was devastating, and something Ace was still having trouble getting over, it was just the beginning. What had happened to Bryan would be nothing more than a blip on the radar if Tyaro’s master plan was allowed to go through. A plan that would send the Virus technology to every duel disk in the city, without anyone knowing. The people – as they were – would continue to duel, whether it was for fun or in a competitive way, and with each loss, another mass of energy would be drained; a life lost.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]It was genius – a devious plan that could kill thousands, and not a single person would know until it was too late to do a thing. Rayori had discovered it through a coding transaction between the worlds, that revealed an unusual coding being transmitted between the worlds. It was a dual effort, meaning parties on both sides were involved. How exactly it had come to be was unbeknownst to them, but the solution was not. If Ace could manage to find the mainframe of the system and uninstall the Virus program before it even had the chance for completion, he might be able to stop it. This Duel Tournament that Tyaro was hosting was nothing but a ploy, a way to kill time while the system continued to upload, and now it was mere days away from completion.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]But Tyaro would most certainly encourage dueling, telling his fans and followers that he’d even watch their duels and perhaps offer advice, tutor them, whatever he needed to say to win them over. And people – wanting the attention of their champion – would do just that. Each duel was guaranteed a loser, which meant a guaranteed source of energy with each game. It was simple; but oftentimes simple is the most dangerous of the evils. [/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]People would be dropping like flies and nobody would know why.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]---[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“As Gungnir is brought to the field, his special ability activates, one that allows me to send from my hand to the Graveyard two cards in order to destroy two cards on your side of the field!” The fans watched in anticipation as Tyaro dropped a ‘Medallion of the Ice Barrier’ and ‘Ice Pick’ to the Graveyard, fueling the ice dragon, who reached its claw across the field and shattered both ‘Vaion’ and ‘Increase’ with ease, sending them to the Graveyard.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Orii stood in silence for a moment, not expecting the sharp icicle that shot from the sky, straight into his chest.[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Ice Pick][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Level 2/WATER[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Aqua/Effect[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]When this card is discarded to the Graveyard, inflict 500 damage to your opponent.[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]500/500[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b]Orii’s Life Points[/b]: 1700[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Still feel so confident, Orii?” Tyaro didn’t have to explain ‘Ice Pick’; Orii had been quick to pick up on it, simply piecing two and two together. He looked around as Tyaro’s mass gathering of fans, then back across the field at his opponent. “After all your talk, your know-it-all personality, being so sure that you were going to win this duel and that no one could stand in your way, I’ve resorted to my original game plan to defeat you. I realized that I didn’t [i]need[/i] to change up my strategy for you of all people. Let’s face it, you’re just as much of a joke as I thought you were at the beginning.”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]You just keep thinkin’ that, champ. Your incompetence makes this easier.[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Now fall back into line!” Tyaro called out, ready to put this ingrateful punk in his place. “Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier! Attack and end this duel; Blistering Blizzard!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Gungnir spread its wings, releasing a wind of great might, razor sharp some would say. Combine razor sharp wind with blisteringly cold ice, and you’ve got an almost unstoppable attack. Everyone watched – even the news reporters were silent – as Tyaro’s dragon went in for the kill.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“This is too easy,” Orii replied calmly. “Go, Intercept Wave!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Intercept Wave][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b]Quick-Play Spell Card[/b][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]All face-up Synchro Monsters on the field are changed to Defense Position. Then, during the End Phase, return all face-up Synchro Monsters on the field to the Extra Deck.[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A metallic satellite dish emerged from the Spell Card as Orii pressed a button on his duel disk, flipping it face-up. Sound waves began to emit from it, repelling the attack and stopping the dragon in its tracks, as it knelt down on its hind legs and folded its wings across its chest. Against its will, no less. Orii could hear banter amongst the crowd, as the people were asking themselves the same question – how was he able to stop the mighty Gungnir?[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“I don’t understand, it doesn’t make sense!” Tyaro was getting desperate now, and it was showing. “How could you have possibly stopped my attack? There’s no way you knew what I was planning to play!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“I knew exactly what you were planning to play,” Orii paused for a moment. “Because you’re nothing short of predictable.” [i]Yet I have no choice but to force my own hand.[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]“I know how you are, Orii. The person you have become, and how much you have matured since you first arrived here. This is why I’ve chosen you for this most important of tasks, because I truly believe you will be up for it. He is exactly the kind of person you despise – for reasons completely understood by all of us. And yet what I ask of you now will almost certainly affect you in a personal manner, though you must prevent it.”[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]Orii could hear nothing but the calm pitter-patter of the rain hitting the windows from the outside, as he stared into the shadows at the man with the trench coat, a figure more mysterious than any he’d ever met before, yet one who he undoubtedly respected, as well.[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]“You’re far from lacking intelligence, and I’d go as far as to say you probably already know what you must do, but I shall repeat it again for the purpose of clarity. Tyaro is one who will endanger many people, similar to what happened with you and your own family, all those years ago. If we are to stop him, we must allow him to do this – or else far worse will befall us.”[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]“I...I’m not sure I can do it, sir. To put all of those people in harm’s way, there has to be another way we can stop him. I can beat him – you know that. If I beat him now, put a stop to his charade, we can save those lives. We can...”[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]“You know, my boy, that the words you speak are nothing but a veil to cover up the actual realities. Play the duel as you will, but when you’ve reached victory’s doorstep, you must turn around and walk away. It will be hard, but I have faith in your ability to handle it. Many lives will be lost in the process, but in order to save humanity, we must allow these lives to be lost. What price is thousands to save billions?”[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]“I’ll...”[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]The risks are great; I’ve been unsure, dealing with a shaky hand since the beginning, but I don’t know another way out. I’d like to think that I can beat him now, and put a stop to this chaos before it begins, but if it were to go as he predicted; no, I can’t be responsible for the loss of more lives, I just won’t allow it to happen.[/i] Dealing with his own self-conflictions, Orii drew his card, adding it to his hand. “In case I didn’t mention it, Intercept Wave has a second ability, one that takes you Gungnir and returns it to your Extra Deck during the End Phase!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“I’m aware,” Tyaro mumbled as he placed the card back into his Deck.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Now, I’m going to end this duel.” The fact that he had to lose willingly tore him up inside, but knowing he would at least be saving lives in the process brought small reassurance. “And I’ll do it with this card. I activate Chance Element!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][spoiler=Chance Element][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b]Quick-Play Spell Card[/b][/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Select 1 monster from your opponent’s Graveyard, and 1 monster from your Graveyard. Then, toss a coin and call it.[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]· Heads: Special Summon the selected monsters to their respective owners’ side of the field. The two monsters must battle this turn.[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]· Tails: Special Summon the selected monsters to the opposite owner’s side of the field; the two monsters must battle this turn.[/spoiler][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“With Chance Element,” Orii explained as he grabbed a coin from his pocket, placing it in the palm of his hand. “I’m allowed to select a monster from your Graveyard, and a monster from my own Graveyard, and then the monsters do battle. But who gets which monster is another story entirely.”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“So you’re determining the outcome of this duel on a single move?” Tyaro tried to shake the fear of another embarrassing defeat, so soon after his loss to Riley which he’d been working so hard to erase from the minds of the public.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Exactly. It’s all up to fate now. Now, I’ll select General Gantala of the Ice Barrier from your Graveyard, and Vision HERO Vaion from my own Graveyard!” With the monsters chosen, Orii tossed the coin, and to the shock of the crowd, it landed on heads.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]“Ha!” Tyaro began to laugh. “Look where your arrogance has gotten you now! Gantala, rise back to prominence!”[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]It was an almost familiar seen as the robed monk appeared on Tyaro’s field, and the mechanical warrior which had started this duel appeared on Orii’s. In a single strike, Gantala blasted Vaion straight in the chest, causing it to explode into thousands of small pixels.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b]Orii’s Life Points[/b]: 0[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][i]”Ladies and gentlemen I don’t believe it, but the duelist who had come so close to defeating our World Champion has suffered defeat thanks to his own card! What a duel it was, though! Stay tuned to Diamond City News for more updates and we’ll try to get a word from both duelists!”[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]As the crowd worked into a frenzy surrounding Tyaro, he couldn’t help but wonder what had just happened, and it left him with an uneasy feeling. He looked around to see Orii’s reaction, only to find he was gone. No sign of him at all. [i]Who are you?...[/i][/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]---[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Nightfall was beginning to descend upon the city as Orii walked down an almost empty sidewalk, with the majority of city goers hanging out around the duel area. What had been asked of him – he’d done it with very little argument, but that uneasy feeling that he should have won, and revealed Tyaro for the coward he is, continued to eat away at him. What other options were there? He would go back – they’d be waiting – but not right now.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]It was only a matter of time before they sent someone to “recollect” him, so he knew he didn’t have much time to just walk and think, but for a few hours at least, he could collect his own thoughts and prepare for what was only the beginning. It was as though his own life was a coin flip; one thing could happen, or another. Very rarely was there a middle ground of any relevance. But when people were using that coin, deciding the flip and controlling its every motion – did that coin have a point any more, when it was no longer luck, just the illusion of it?[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Could he perhaps break out, or was he no better than the rest of them?[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]He pondered the thought as he placed the double-sided coin into his pocket.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][b]To be continued…[/b][/spoiler][/font][/size]

[Synchronized]

BUMP! No responses?

[Agro]

WAOH, just realized this was updated. I'll try to get my review of it up tomorrow or wed, sorry.

[Synchronized]

[quote name='AggroDrago' timestamp='1316473497' post='5527008']
WAOH, just realized this was updated. I'll try to get my review of it up tomorrow or wed, sorry.
[/quote]

No, it's okay! I look forward to it!