Yu-Gi-Oh Key of the Mind (FINISHED)

Skuldur · September 21, 2008

Great chapter, and i hope they reveal the other 2 dragons soon so he can use them.

anyhoo i'm guessing that the card Dario uses is the Wicked Dreadroot.

Wyhe · September 21, 2008

Great chapter' date=' and i hope they reveal the other 2 dragons soon so he can use them.

anyhoo i'm guessing that the card Dario uses is the Wicked Dreadroot.
[/quote']
good guess & that is 1 of my choices,but I settled for another custom card instead

Wyhe · September 23, 2008

[spoiler=Ch 38-Shadow Tyranny]

Inside the VIP Stand, Yugi had brought Marin there to meet the Overmind.

“Mr. Tenma, leave us alone for a while,” said the Overmind, in which he walked out, “and now Marin, tell us about your duel.”

“The 5 Dragons are really something; even though I have only 3 of them for now,” said Marin, “and that Thoth…I think he read my mind or what.”

“Actually, his power is called Psychometry, it allows him to tell parts of anything’s past,” explained the Overmind, “frankly speaking, I am more interested in Clair’s duel.”

“Why are you so interested in that girl?” wondered Blake.

“Are you questioning my ideals?” accused the Overmind.

“No, Your Majesty, I’m merely curious only,” apologised Blake, “shall I retrieve Mr. Tenma?”

“Yes,” said the Overmind, “he’s my figurehead for this event & must be here for the duels.”

Blake then walked out & pulled Yugi back inside.

Along the hallway, Clair was on her way towards the stage when the space around her suddenly distorted itself. Within seconds, Clair found herself in a strange place. There was the infinite darkness of space everywhere & Clair was on 1 of the various floating landmass.

“Where on earth am I?” asked Clair, “this is not Kansas!”

“No, we are inside an unborn world, a realm with inflowing time & clustered space” said an echoing voice.

Suddenly, a form materialized in front of Clair & took the form of an old man…the old man who came in her during the Chimeratech rampage incident.

“Who…who or what are you?” asked Clair.

“Humorous it is for you asking for my identity when you already knew me,” replied the old man, “I am aware that you are taking part in a tournament that shall be vital in your life & I offer advice on your future duel.”

“What advice?” asked Clair, who was skeptical about the old man’s words.

“Your opponent, Dario Vertz, he’s the one who captured your foster family,” revealed the old man, in which Clair grew angry.

“I’ll crush him for his actions!” yelled Clair as a nearby landmass suddenly collapsed.

“If you acted like that in your duel, the Overmind would have won already,” rebuked the old man, “As an inexperienced Psychic, your power is directly proportional to your own emotions. Therefore, no matter what happened, just remain calm & steady.”

“Ok, I’ll try,” said Clair.

“Don’t try, just do it,” said the old man as he took out a card, “use this in your duel & you shall succeed in your goals.”

Clair apparently trusted the old man as she took it after looking at it.

“But its effect…is odd,” said Clair.

“Worry not, it shall aid you when you need it the most,” said the old man as his eyes glowed.

[align=center]

While seeking for those closest to her heart

Thou find thyself facing a dark king

To gain an ally & a step to victory

Overwhelm the dark king must be done[/align]

As he finished the odd poem, the scene changed back into the hallway Clair was formerly in.

“My, that felt so real, or was it a daydream?” said Clair, “better get going.”

Later on, at the stage of the Stadium arena, the crowd was forming up once again for another duel & they were chatting among themselves.

“Everybody, listen!!!” yelled the ever-familiar voice of MC Ben, who easily silenced everyone, “previously, we have witnessed the clash of dragons when Thoth’s Red-Eyes & Marin’s Synchro Dragons fight head-on. But now, we shall see a different battle altogether. The first of the duelists is a fine young lady who has quite a reputation in this parts, a user of the rare Psychic Monsters…if you don’t her & still live here, you’ll be crying your way home…the one & only Clair Kinet!!!”

Out of a rising platform, the form of Clair appeared on the arena. The crowd immediately cheered for her, especially her own friends from the sidelines.

“Facing her shall be a kid with unknown abilities, but it is confirmed that they will be something. I present to you…Dario Vertz!!!” cried MC Ben as Dario came out of another rising platform & th crowd went wild, “duelists, arm yourselves & let’s duel!”

Both of them quickly loaded their decks & activated their respective Disks.

Dario (LP: 4000) Clair (LP: 4000)

“I’ll go first & I draw,” said Clair, “I summon the Telekinetic Shocker in Attack Mode!” (1700/700)

The man covered by a space suit appeared & unleashed green lightning.

“Also I put 1 face-down & let you take it over from here,” continued Clair.

“I draw,” said Dario, “all I need to do is to summon People Running About in Defense Mode & 3 cards face-down.” (600/600)

A group of fearful peasants appeared & knelt as another 3 cards appeared behind them.

“Oh my, Dario has just summoned People Running About…who has no effects whatsoever, I wonder what’s he planning now,” said MC Ben, whose words caused the crowd to wonder.

“Why he would summon that weakling?” asked Miora.

“I heard that that monster is part of super deadly tactic, but the true card to do that is extremely rare,” said Norman, “thus, the 3 ingredient cards are deemed useless.”

“I wonder what that tactic is…” remarked Marco as he watched the duel with folded arms.

“I draw,” said Clair, “and your People are going to run in fear when they see this beast! I call forth my Psychic Berserker in Attack Mode!” (2000/100)

Suddenly, a huge Frankenstein-like monster appeared & it groaned eerily.

“Looks like this is a reenactment of Frankenstein, my dear brother,” said Darren excitedly.

“Telekinetic Shocker, strike those people out with Telekinetic Shockwave!” ordered Clair as the monster launched a blast to destroy them, “with that out of the way, my Psychic Berserker will attack you directly!”

Psychic Berserker lurched towards Dario & punched him.

Dario (LP: 2000) Clair (LP: 4000)

“Amazing! Half of his Life Points were gone in a flash!” exclaimed MC Ben, “how can Dario recover from this fall?”

“With this, Crime & Punishment!” responded Dario as the card opened up, “Since you have attacked me directly, I can destroy 1 of your monsters, so say goodbye to your Berserker.”

An energy aura engulfed Psychic Berserker, but it soon disappeared & Telekinetic Shocker shattered into pixels.

“But how! I was aiming for your Berserker…” exclaimed Dario.

“I’ll tell you how,” explained Clair, “Whenever my Psychic monsters are being threatened by destruction, my Telekinetic Shocker can redirect the attack or effect towards itself by its own powers as long I give up 500 Life Points.”

Dario (LP: 2000) Clair (LP: 3500)

“The second effect of Crime & Punishment is that I can summon a new monster to the field,” said Dario, “and I summon the United Resistance to defend me!” (1000/1000)

Another group of seedy-looking peasants appeared to kneel.

“Another 1 of those ingredients for that powerful strategy!” exclaimed Marco.

“I end my turn as that,” said Clair.

“I draw!” said Dario, “and I play out the Pot of Greed.”

As such, Dario drew out 2 cards, 1 of which was a Monster Card that showed a huge figure in dark armor.

“It’s hi-time I prove my loyalty to His Supremeness, everything’s all clear now!” thought Dario.

“I play Soul Resurrection to call back a Normal Monster in Defense Mode, such as my People Running About,” (600/600) said Dario as the frightened people returned to the field, “but that’s not all! I summon the final piece of the puzzle…the Oppressed People.” (400/2000)

He shoved the card onto his Disk & a group of poor-looking peasants appeared.

“Wait, before you proceed, tell me what drives you to work hard?” asked Clair.

“I duel…to show my Lord my loyalty & gratitude towards him!” cried Dario, “when I was young, I was taken from my family & from then, I was denied love & warmth! But it all changed when I met…him…His Lordship…”

The young Dario, who was no more than 4 years of age, was being tormented by several bullies in an orphanage when the Overmind & Marin approached them.

“Who are you to do this to the child?” questioned the Overmind.

“None of your business, tin-can man!” yelled 1 of the bullies when he suddenly levitated along with his comrades.

“Since when does insignificant beings like yourselves are allowed to torment 1 of a higher breed, get lost!” ordered the Overmind as he flung the bullies far away, while his attention turned towards Dario.

“Uh…thanks mister…” said Dario uncertainly.

“Actually you could have done that too…but I assume your fear has overtaken your powers,” said Marin.

“Pardon…but…what is this…power?” asked Dario.

“The power that brands us as what we truly are, the kings of the world,” said the Overmind, “Dario Vertz, we are Psychics, a race of humans with powers granted by the true Gods of reality. Thus, we should be the real masters of the world & I need everyone to aid me in my quest. My question now is, will you join me?”

“Uh…” muttered Dario.

“I can sense uncertainty from you, but cast those feelings away,” said the Overmind, “just as how I cast aside your tormentors away from you. Perhaps I may teach in using your powers properly & you alone can also cast aside obstacles & none shall torment you ever again & love would be found at the end.”

“Love…” said Dario, “to find what I never had…I’ll join…”

“Good boy,” said the Overmind as he took Dario’s hand as acceptance.

“Oh yeah! That’s how we met Dario back then,” recalled Marin, “I’m surprised that he still remembered all those.”

“Since he saved me from those oppressors, I have dedicated my all to his goals!” cried Dario, “since I had been oppressed all my life, I chose to wield monsters who were oppressed under tyrants & unworthy rulers that controlled us, the 3 Revolution Monsters you see before you!”

“But your so-called Lord is a tyrant on his own right!” retorted Clair, “a true leader would love & endear his followers & accept others, not like how he bent the wills of all those people!”

“But they were all unworthy scum that should exist to serve their masters, whom they have instead tormented over the centuries!” yelled Dario, “My Lord’s path is justice & I shall prove it!”

The camera then closed up on the holograms of Dario’s 3 monsters & their pictures were screened throughout the Stadium. The crowd was also awed by the engaging words of both duelists.

“Those who oppose my Lord shall perish in my storm of loyalty! I activate my Huge Revolution Trap Card!!” yelled Dario as strong winds blew throughout the field, “this card only works in my Main Phase & only when I assembled all 3 Revolution Monsters! By its effect, all the cards in your hand & on the field are vaporized! This is now no longer my fear, my suffering or my futile resistance…for this…THIS IS NOW MY REVOLUTION!!!”

The storm grew bigger & bigger until it completely engulfed the entire arena & every one of Clair’s card was destroyed instantly. Everyone was taken aback by his power.

“So that’s the powerful strategy of the Revolution Monsters…” exclaimed Marco as he resisted the strong winds, “it’s…too great.”

“Hmm…he managed to convert his rage into raw power at last,” said Blake as he smirked, although he was actually frightened by that power, “hope that gut feeling was just his powers working on me.”

“What…what a blast of pure power…” said MC Ben in a surprised manner.

“But I’m hardly done yet, by Releasing my 3 Revolution Monsters, I can Special Summon the symbol of this loyalty…the gift of my Lord…come forth, Dark Oppression Lord!” (2900/2000)

As the 3 monster vanished into light grains, a new form took their place. It was a giant decked in pitch-black armor that concealed his whole body. On his head was a head armor that ended in 3 horn-like protrusions shaped like a crown. A flowing blood-red cape was worn on his back & he carried a long axe as his weapon.

“Attack her now with Crushing Execution!” yelled Dario as the hulking being charged at Clair to slash her, but stopped at last minute, “what’s wrong! I ordered you to attack!”

“Nothing really…except that I had used the effect of this card here,” said Clair as she held a card that slid out of her Graveyard slot, “I reckon they call this one the Electromagnetic Turtle.”

“Yeah, during the turn that card was discarded, Clair can end the Battle Phase at any moment,” said Marco.

“Wowers! Clair has just blocked an inevitable attack by turning her opponent’s strategies against him, truly a classic,” remarked MC Ben.

“Arg…end turn,” grunted Dario.

“I draw,” said Clair, “and I play Psychic Draw, which grants me up to 2 new cards. If my hand is empty by then, I can draw a maximum of 3 cards instead.”

Clair then drew out 3 cards from her deck.

“How lucky could she get?” thought Dario.

“However, I need to pay 300 Life Points for each card I just drew,” said Clair.

Dario (LP: 2000) Clair (LP: 2600)

“Hope Clair could actually counter-attack that monster…” hoped Miora as she watched the duel.

“I summon my Quillbolt Hedgehog (800/800) in Defense & a card face-down,” said Clair as a small hedgehog with bolts on its back appeared & ducked, “I end my turn.”

“Trapped, eh…well it’s my turn!” said Dario, “Dark Oppression Lord, attack that Hedgehog with Crushing Execution!”

“I counter that move with Negate Attack,” said Clair as the card opened, but was destroyed instantly.

Dark Oppression Lord thus continued its assault on the hedgehog & slashed it in half. Afterwards, he moved the other end of his weapon towards Clair & a chain shot out to hit Clair.

Dario (LP: 2000) Clair (LP: 2300)

“What just happened!” exclaimed Clair.

“My Dark Oppression Lord has monster effects here,” said Dario, “when it destroys a monster, you take 300 points of damage.”

“But what about my Negate Attack! It should have negated that attack,” said Clair.

“Another effect of his…I can negate any card effects when I attack with him,” explained Dario, “therefore, no surprises from you. I end my turn as that.”

“I don’t get it, then how did Electromagnetic Turtle worked?” wondered Kai.

“That effect works after its discarding, so I assume that it negates effects on the field only,” said Marco, “but with those effects, it is quite powerful already.”

“Draw,” said Clair, “and I play Mind Crusher in Attack Mode.” (1600/500)

A yellow warped creature with multiple heads appeared & let out a painful moan.

“Now, here’s the effect,” said Clair, “once per turn, I can pay 800 Life Points so that it can destroy a monster with a higher attack than him. Guess what, your Lord falls under that category. Go, Mind Crush!”

Mind Crusher let out a loud screech at Dark Oppression Lord & destroyed it at last.

“Yeah! I knew she could handle that big…” said Miora.

However, the ground rumbled again as Dark Oppression Lord rose from the ground & it looked angry. (2900/1000)

“But how!” exclaimed Clair, “I just destroyed him!”

“By sending the top 3 cards of my deck, my Dark Oppression Lord can be returned to the field from wherever you sent it to,” said Dario as he discarded his cards, “by the way, this effect is compulsory, so he will be reborn even if I don’t want him to.”

“Now…that’s uber…it’s an immortal monster,” exclaimed Marco.

“Just 2 cards face-down & I end my turn,” said Clair.

“I draw,” said Dario, “take down that Mind Crusher with Crushing Execution!”

The giant being slashed Mind Crusher into pieces & destroyed it.

Dario (LP: 2000) Clair (LP: 700)

“Surrender, girl!” shouted Dario.

“Never! I play this after your Battle Phase, Psychic Trigger!” said Clair, “by removing both my Berserker & Shocker, I can draw 2 cards!”

She took out those 2 cards & drew another 2 more. She was happy to find Mind Master amongst them.

“That’s right, we will topple his tyrant & prove him wrong!” thought Clair as she smiled.

“I place 1 face-down & end off my turn,” said Dario.

“Draw,” said Clair as she drew a Spell Card, showing a mirror battle between 2 Gagagigo.

“The card the old man gave me…it could help,” thought Clair.

“Firstly, I play Burial from a Different Dimension to take back my 2 monsters to the grave,” said Clair as she took the 2 cards back to her graveyard, “I summon my Mind Master in Attack Mode!” (100/100)

The small floating being appeared & buzzed around in a high & excited manner.

“She summoned that!” thought the Overmind as he observed, “it has been quite a while since I saw him…”

“But I still have more tricks here; I shall use Quillbolt Hedgehog’s effect,” said Clair, “when I have a Tuner up here, I may summon him, so return to me!” (800/800)

Suddenly, Quillbolt Hedgehog appeared again.

“Lastly, I play Give & Take!” said Clair as the card lifted up, “by giving you 1 of my destroyed monsters in Defense Mode, I can raise the Level of my own monster by that given monster’s Level. So, say hi to my Level 4 Mind Crusher.” (1600/500)

The Mind Crusher reappeared with Dario & he was slumping on the ground, signifying its Battle Position as defensive. Meanwhile, Quillbolt Hedgehog glowed as its Level increased. (LV: 2~6)

“So it’s 6+1, which could mean only 1 thing…” said MC Ben, “it’s a Synchro Summon!”

“Yup! I Tune Quillbolt Hedgehog into Mind Master! Ascend into a plane beyond all existence! Enlighten thee with light of guidance! Synchro Summon! Rise from nothingness, Astral Plane Dragon!” (2000/1000) called Clair as the 2 monsters vanished for the powerful wrapped dragon, “when this bad boy has been Synchro Summoned, all our monsters are removed from our graveyards & he gains a little boost out of it.”

From Dario’s graveyard, Sangan, Emissary of the Afterlife, People Running About, Oppressed People & United Resistance flew out & only Mind Master; Psychic Berserker & Telekinetic Shocker came from Clair’s graveyard. (2000/1000~4400/1000)

“But that’s not all,” said Clair, “I play the Continuous Spell Card, Déjà Vu Battle!”

Clair then took the card out & slid it into her Disk.

“I heard of that card, it’s actually quite rare,” claimed Fuyuki, “how did Clair get that?”

“Attack Dark Oppression Lord with Astral Burst!” yelled Clair as her dragon launched a powerful blast from its mouth to destroy the DARK Warrior.

Dario (LP: 500) Clair (LP: 700)

“Futile effort! It’s not over even by removing it from play! I send the next 3 cards to my graveyard for my Dark Oppression Lord’s calling!” said Dario as it revived itself again, (2900/1000) “next off, I activate Overdeath Reign!”

“With that card, Dark Oppression Lord gains 1000 Attack Points, but only for 2 turns,” said MC Ben. (2900/1000~3900/1000)

“On my next turn, I will play this card,” thought Dario as he looked at Creature Swap in his hand.

“Hook line & sinker, you’ve fell for my trap!” said Clair, “this card’s effect only works when a monster destroyed in battle this turn has returned to the field,” explained Clair, “I can now restart that battle again. Go, Astral Burst!”

Astral Plane Dragon launched its attack twice & destroyed the empowered Dark Oppression Lord again.

Dario (LP: 0) Clair (LP: 700)

As the remaining holograms faded away, Dario laid on the ground & stayed there.

“I’ve…failed…failed you…my Lord…please…please…forgive me…” said Dario as he kept stuttering.

“And our grand winner…Clair Kinet!” announced MC Ben as the crowd’s uproar drowned out his cry, “that was an astounding duel with Clair summoning her Ace & turning her opponent’s monsters against him! What a great duel overall!”

“Dario needs to buck up on his dueling skills, Your Excellency,” recommended Blake, “shall I take him back to our base?”

“Leave him be for now,” said the Overmind coldly, “right now, he is of no importance to me & my plans. Our current focus should be…her, Clair Kinet.”

“Yes, my Lord,” said the 2 Knights in unison.

[spoiler=Card of the Day]

Déjà Vu Battle

Continuous Spell

When a monster destroyed in battle has returned to the field, the monster that destroyed it must battle it. (If that monster is not on the field, this effect will not activate.)

Old Man: Today’s card is a gift of mine to Ms Kinet, Déjà vu Battle! When a monster has been revived after its destruction by battle, its slayer shall battle it again. It’s a rare card on its own, though rather situational. However, Clair made the best use of defeating Dark Oppression Lord.

[spoiler=Next Chapter]

Venus: Clair, you were great out there! Now that it’s my time to shine, I’ll give my all too in the name of the Cyber Style!

Clair: I’m sure you’ll…but that Mao fella…he seems to have known Venus’ moves somehow. Next on Yu-Gi-Oh Key of the Mind-Ch 39-Unseen Eye!

Venus: How did he know all my moves & tactics so well…?

bury the year · September 23, 2008

Where didja get the idea for the Huge Revolution theme?

Wyhe · September 23, 2008

Where didja get the idea for the Huge Revolution theme?

The character was sent to me when I opened up the character thread a few months ago by lalolalo

eventually,I thought of Dark Oppression Lord & got my way around the thing

Aelsthla-Mental · September 24, 2008

if you don’t her & still live here, you’ll be crying your way home…the one & only Clair Kinet!!!”

i'm assuming it was 'if you don't know her'?

Aside from that, it was an awesome chapter. I like how you injected some very well-done feeling in Dario.

And no, Clair/Dorothy was not in Kansas... heh.

Wyhe · September 24, 2008

if you don’t her & still live here' date=' you’ll be crying your way home…the one & only Clair Kinet!!!”

i'm assuming it was 'if you don't know her'?

Aside from that, it was an awesome chapter. I like how you injected some very well-done feeling in Dario.

And no, Clair/Dorothy was not in Kansas... heh.
[/quote']
thanks for telling me about that error there...

I know about emotional moments in there (watching code geass & similar anime helps)
in the other duels involving the other agents of Overmind...the emotion thing will be there too

Wyhe · September 24, 2008

[spoiler=Ch 39-Unseen Eye]

Back in the inner rooms of the Stadium, Clair was on her way inside to the main room. Along the way, the entire scene changed into that “unborn world” she went last time. The mysterious old man was right in front of her & greeted her.

“So how was the duel?” asked the old man, “but I guess you have done splendid for it, right?”

“Yah, thanks for that card,” thanked Clair, “it really came through for me.”

“No, it was you who drew it & trusted this old man’s words,” said the old man as he smiled, “although I want it back. It is situational & only wastes space in your deck.”

“Here it is then,” said Clair as she handed the card over to him & the scene returned to outside the room.

Clair then heard something from inside the room & peeped to see what was going on. It was Marco, Fuyuki & Miora, who went there during the break period. In fact, Marco was talking to Venus.

“Venus, take them!” insisted Marco as he handed her 3 cards.

“But Marco, I gave them to you because I trusted you to…” said Venus.

“No buts & you will take them,” said Marco.

“Hey there, guys, what’s the party?” joked Clair as she walked in.

“Great duel you’ve just done & also Marco came in to give Venus something,” said Miora.

“I’m trying to give these cards back to Venus only,” explained Marco as he showed Clair the 3 cards, Cyber Dragon, Overload Fusion & Chimeratech Overdragon.

“What! You’re giving away that!” exclaimed Clair.

“Yah…they are too powerful for me & I want to send Venus my regards of the duels she will be doing, just accept it,” said Marco.

“Fine, if you insist,” said Venus as she sighed & took those cards.

“Attention, duelists!” boomed MC Ben via the PA system, “may Venus Lucia & Mao please proceed to the main arena for your next duel?”

“Good luck, we will be rooting for you,” said Marco as they left.

Venus smiled, before moving off on her wheelchair.

Meanwhile, Mao was isolated in his own room, a dimly-lit room. His only companion was the warden who was keeping tabs on him.

“So Mao, are you…” asked the warden.

“Ever-ready, Mr. Warden…or should I say…Timothy,” said Mao, “let us proceed to the stage & you bring my Duel Disk along.”

The warden named Timothy simply took out his Duel Disk & left with Mao in front.

Also, in another part of the inner rooms, Dario was resting alone in a dark corridor. Marin was in the area & walked towards him.

“Dario, how are you now?” asked Marin, who walked towards him.

“Nothing, Sir Marin,” replied Dario as his eyes glowed.

“Your powers are useless against Psychics like His Supremeness & I, who can easily see through your tricks,” said Marin, “you believe that you have failed Him just because of a single failure. Such ridiculous thoughts, you should instead show Him results to please Him.”

“You’re right, that’s what I should do,” said Dario as he stood upright again.

“But for now, let’s watch the up-coming duel,” recommended Marin, in which they left to see the show.

Back at the Stadium Arena, Marco & the others were getting seated as the next duel was about to commence.

“Everybody, listen!” announced MC Ben, “we’ve seen some pretty good duels today & we shall take witness to the third one! All the way from Asia, she has studied dueling intensively under the philosophy of the Cyber Style; I give you…Venus Lucia!!”

From the platform, Venus came out of it & waved at her audience.

“And opposing her is quite a terror himself. Also a member of China, he is currently residing in Miami Maximum Security Asylum. He may seem odd, but quite strong too…he’s Mao!!!” announced MC Ben as the strapped Mao & the warden appeared from the platform.

After they had ascended onto the platform, the warden unstrapped the straitjacket to let him free. Afterwards, he handed him the Duel Disk & left.

“Please note that Mao is certified as harmless before entering this tournament,” said MC Ben, “so now, everyone, let’s duel!”

Both of them quickly activated their Duel Disks at the call & the warden retreated as fast as he could.

Mao (LP: 4000) Venus (LP: 4000)

“Let’s go, I draw,” said Venus, “I summon Cyber Knight-Tonlun in Attack Mode.” (1700/800)

An Asian man in white robes appeared & raised his arms in a mantis-like pose.

“I set 1 face-down & end my turn.”

“My turn,” said Mao.

“So she’s planning to summon that thing…not a chance,” thought Mao.

“I…put these face-down & let you take a shot,” said Mao as he faced 2 face-down cards in his back row.

“He’s exposing his field!” exclaimed Kai, “but he could be attacked directly.”

“Not exactly, those cards he set,” said Marco, “they could be game-breaking cards.”

“My turn,” said Venus, “I shall now summon…”

“Wait a second; I activate this,” said Mao as his card opened, “the Quick-Play Spell Card called Prophecy. It activates only when you are attempting to summon a monster & lets me guess if it has more or less 2000 Attack Points.”

“Ha! There’s no way could you guess right,” said Venus, “only Pegasus himself could actually use it properly.”

“But even so, he needs his Millennium Eye to read his opponent’s mind,” remarked the Overmind, “could it be possible that he have that power himself.”

“I’m guessing…a…monster with more than 2000 points,” said Mao.

“How did he know that?” exclaimed Venus looked at the card she was about to summon, Cyber Knight-Goku.

“But there’s more…I believe it’s a Level 5 EARTH Warrior with 2200 Attack Points…and it’s dubbed Cyber Knight-Goku,” said Mao, “but the effect of Prophecy continues. Since I made the correct guess, you can’t summon Goku & must relinquish it to me. Quite a shame since you can Summon him without Release, that’s what you intended to do in the first place.”

Venus was pissed by what Mao just did, but still complied by tossing him the card anyway.

“Much obliged,” said Mao.

“But this will not be good for you…because I attack you directly with Tonlun,” commanded Venus, “Mantis Chop!”

Tonlun jumped at Mao & swiped him with both hands. However, a barrier of slime (0/3000) suddenly surrounded Mao & took the hit for him.

[align=center]

Mao (LP: 4000) Venus (LP: 2700)[/align]

“But how did that get there?” exclaimed Damataeus, “there were no monsters on his side!”

“But that’s a Trap Monster, a special group of monsters that can become monsters when they are activated,” explained Norman, “this particular one is called Metal Reflect Slime, a monster with 3000 Defense Points.”

“And stronger enough to take most punishments, including most of Venus’ Cyber Knights,” inferred Marco.

“I end my turn,” said Venus.

“I draw,” said Mao, “by Releasing Metal Reflect Slime, I Advance Summon your Goku in Attack Mode!” (2200/1600)

A fighter in a tight outfit appeared. He carried a golden staff as its weapon.

“Attack your comrade, Tonlun,” ordered Mao as Goku whacked Tonlun with his staff.

“Oh no you don’t! I play Draining Shield to counter that!” said Venus as the card opened.

“I counter that petty trick with Instant Freezing,” said Mao as his last face-down flipped up, “it sends your just-activated Spell or Trap Card back to face-down position & remain that way for 3 more turns.”

Draining Shield was covered in ice, while Goku continued his attack & managed to destroy Tonlun.

Mao (LP: 4000) Venus (LP: 2200)

“Now for Goku’s effect, when he destroys a monster & sends it to the grave, you take damage equal to that monster’s Defense,” said Mao as Goku generated an energy orb & hurled it at Venus.

Mao (LP: 4000) Venus (LP: 1400)

“In just 1 turn, Mao has easily driven Venus to the corner!” described MC Ben, “how will Venus stand or sit against his strikes?”

“So how is that, girl! I equipped Goku with Hostile Vassal, set a face-down & end my turn,” said Mao.

“Hostile Vassal, if Goku has been switched of his control, the new controller will take Damage equal to Goku’s original Attack strength,” described MC Ben.

“So that means Venus couldn’t get her monster back,” said Fuyuki, “she always treasured those Cyber Knights very well.”

“Better than you, it seems,” taunted Damataeus, “but don’t fret. There are still many out there, maybe Clair.”

However, a shoe hit Damataeus’ face & gave him a good shoeprint right there.

“On her behalf, I say ‘Not now or ever’!” snapped Miora, who was bare-footed on 1 of her feet.

“There’s something fishy about him,” said Norman, “he seems to be having easily countered all of Venus’ moves.”

“So that means I couldn’t get my Goku back now,” thought Venus as she held out Owner’s Seal in her hand.

“I draw,” said Venus, “but before I begin, how did you…”

“Know all your moves,” said Mao, “they call this a gift.”

“So he does have that power!” said Clair, Norman, Marin & the Overmind simultaneously, “the power to read minds.”

“Gift or no gift, I vow that I shall be victorious,” said Venus, “I play Cyber Style Manuscript to discard a Cyber Knight for 2 new cards.”

She then discarded Cyber Knight-Hor & drew 2 cards.

“And I set 1 card face-down,” said Venus as 1 more card appeared in the back row, “end turn.”

“Your days are numbered with this turn,” said Mao as he drew.

“1 of her face-downs is Draining Shield which can’t use & the other 2 are…” thought Mao as he grew tensed up upon hearing something else.

“That Ching Chong is weird to high heaven,” thought someone in the crowd.

Mao then looked up at a rich-looking woman among the audience & glared at her with glowing eyes. That woman apparently noticed that & suddenly fainted on the spot.

“Why she fainted like that…who’s gonna win this duel…Hope Jenny will forgive me for our 1 night stand last night…why’s he standing there like a statue, we want action now…That gal can sure hit straight & painfully…those 2 always teased me about Venus like mad…when this tournament is over & IT is found & awaken at last, I shall be victorious & paradise is within my grasp”

Mao grabbed his ears when he heard all those comments of the audience. He turned towards the VIP Stand & heard something from there.

“Mao, be safe,” muttered Timothy as he watched the duel, while being worried at Mao’s reactions.

“No…not now!” yelled Mao, “Goku, attack her directly!”

Goku raised his staff & charged towards Venus.

“I activate Return of the Cyber Knights!” said Venus, “this card allows me to Special Summon a Cyber Knight monster from my graveyard if I have no monsters at the moment, so return to me, Cyber Knight-Hor!” (300/1700)

“Ha! Goku’s effect will be your downfall now!” said Mao, “should’ve summoned Tonlun instead!”

“But I prefer her instead, because I activate her effect,” said Venus.

The warrior in a light outfit appeared on the field & knelt in Defense. As she noticed Goku’s attack, she agilely hopped to another spot, evading the attack.

“By moving her position on my side of the field, I can negate an attack towards her,” said Venus.

“Fortunately, I came in prepared with this-Masochistic Summon!” said Mao, “it activates when I couldn’t destroy your monster & it allows me to summon a Level 4 or below monster from my hand…like my Mad Swordsman!” (1800/600)

[align=center]

Mao (LP: 3200) Venus (LP: 1400)[/align]

A lunatic-like knight appeared & hoisted his sword high above his head as he laughed loudly.

“Attack Hor with Uncaring Raving!” ordered Mao as Mad Swordsman jumped in excitement & slaughtered her without hesitation.

[align=center]

Mao (LP: 3200) Venus (LP: 1300)[/align]

“Let me guess…your monster can pierce through defenses,” said Venus.

“But that’s not all,” said Mao, “by sending 1 card of mine to the graveyard after it destroys a monster, I can attack again with him as long as I halve his attack. Begone, Hostile Vassal!” (1800/600~900/600)

The Hostile Vassal card disappeared & Mad Swordsman slashed Venus directly.

[align=center]

Mao (LP: 3200) Venus (LP: 400)[/align]

“Arg…end…end turn,” said Mao as he panted. (900/600~1800/600)

“I draw,” said Venus, “I should thank you for sending Hostile Vassal to the graveyard because I can now play Owner’s Seal from my hand, which I can finally take back Goku.”

“What are you talking about? My Hostile Vassal is…it’s gone!” exclaimed Mao, “Damn it!!”

“Sir, what’s wrong with that guy?” asked Blake, “he seems to be doing fine, but now, he’s lagging behind.”

“Must be his power, he must have no absolute control over his targets & range. Therefore, it simply went through the minds of everyone here at 1 go,” said the Overmind.

Goku then hopped back to join her original master & faced Mao with anger in his eyes.

“He seems quite eager to take revenge on you,” remarked Venus, “but I summon another Cyber Knight to join him, he’s called Ku & he shall be in Attack Mode!” (1600/1400)

A fierce-looking Asian warrior appeared & flexed out his bulky arms.

“But I play this too-the Code of Honor Continuous Spell Card!” said Venus, “When I control any Cyber Knights, all of their attack targets will be 500 points weaker. So now, Ku shall attack your Swordsman with Tiger Claw Grip!” (1600/1400~2000/1400)

“Its attack…it increased!” exclaimed Mao.

“Ku gains 400 points should he battle a monster with a different Attribute,” explained Venus, “He’s EARTH & your Swordsman is a DARK monster.” (1800/600~1300/100)

Ku then rushed at Mad Swordsman & gripped him so hard that he was destroyed.

Mao (LP: 2500) Venus (LP: 400)

“Goku, Attack him directly with Monkey Staff Swing!” declared Venus as Goku pounded Mao with his staff.

Mao (LP: 500) Venus (LP: 400)

“Now that both duelists’ Life Points are nearly even, what shall be the conclusion to this match?” said MC Ben.

“I end my turn,” said Venus, “your move.”

However, Mao remained silent & immobile at this time as he lay on all his limbs. He then reached out for his Duel Disk to switch it off.

“I…I…forfeit…the…the duel,” said Mao.

Suddenly, the crowd started an uproar out of that. They were apparently unsatisfied with a surrender like that to end the duel.

“Mao, are you certain of this choice you’ve made?” asked MC Ben, who was concerned.

At this moment, Timothy rushed into the arena to comfort the distressed Mao.

“Mao’s condition is relapsing & he is in no condition to duel!” shouted Timothy.

After which, he helped Mao to remove it from his arm. Then, he strapped him on tightly as they retreated in the inner rooms with the audience’s jeering in the air.

“Mao, you’re only like this when you heard something big…what is it?” asked Timothy.

“I heard…I heard…something that should have never been heard…Ragnarok…” said Mao as he continued to cry on Timothy’s shoulders, “and so much more…they are hurting me…”

“And so…due to certain circumstances, we declare Venus Lucia the winner of the duel!” announced MC Ben, in his desperate efforts to bring back excitement to the grumpy crowd.

Up on the VIP Stand, Blake & the Overmind were discussing about Mao, a powerful Psychic who could read minds.

“Exterminate him! Must we do that?” exclaimed Blake.

“He might have read my mind back then, his variation seems to be one that could transcend beyond physical & mental borders,” said the Overmind, “I must not let him live!”

“Indeed, my Lord,” said Marin as he & Dario walked in, “in fact, I’ve prepared someone to deal with him.”

Along with them, a third figure came inside. She was a red-hair wearing a black cloak of the Overmind’s Psychic minions & her face was seemingly emotionless.

“Are you ready, Asuka?” asked Blake.

Asuka gave no response, but her empty face suddenly let out a wide & sadistic smile.

“Yes, my Lords!” answered Asuka energetically.

[spoiler=Card of the Day]

Cyber Knight-Goku

EARTH/Warrior-Effect/LV 5/ATK 2200/DEF 1600

When you control at least 1 "Cyber Knight" monster, you can Normal Summon this card from your hand. When this card destroys a monster in battle, inflict Damage to the opponent equal to that monster's original Defence Points.

Venus: Today’s card is called Goku of the Cyber Knights. I’m quite pissed with how he was being used against me earlier on, but I still chose to talk about him. I can summon him without Release if I have at least 1 Cyber Knight on the field. When he destroys a monster in battle, I can give the opponent further damage, which is equal to the Defence Points.

[spoiler=Next Chapter]

MC Ben: Now’s the final match…Gethin VS Ryo!!! But Gethin sure used those same Life Monsters that I’ve seen Adam using before…

Blake: That kid is always such an oddball; this tournament may just be his break. Next on Yu-Gi-Oh Key of the Mind-Ch 40-The Matrix!

Gethin: Between my heart’s choice & my bond of loyalty, I choose…

Skuldur · September 24, 2008

oooooo Matrix *swosh*

Mr Gethin we meet again.

great duels, but i wonder why Marin didn't include Blake when he was saying that Dario's powers wouldn't work on certain people, has Blake perhaps been in the Organization shorter than Marin

bury the year · September 24, 2008

I got a question: how long does it take you to complete a single chapter? One seems to come up every day, at least.

Aelsthla-Mental · September 25, 2008

Hmm... You'd think summoning the slime would have triggered a replay, but meh.

Still, an interesting chapter. You know, I know someone else who made "Cyberknight" monsters. But their style of play and cards are very different, so the similarities end there.

Anyway, good chapter. Gethin is in the next one, and the holidays are coming! I can't wait for both!

Wyhe · September 25, 2008

oooooo Matrix *swosh*

Mr Gethin we meet again.

great duels' date=' but i wonder why Marin didn't include Blake when he was saying that Dario's powers wouldn't work on certain people, has Blake perhaps been in the Organization shorter than Marin
[/quote']
that would be due to the fact that Marin & the overmind are the most experienced members there,also Blake mentioned that he actually got frightened by Dario at times

I got a question: how long does it take you to complete a single chapter? One seems to come up every day' date=' at least.
[/quote']
it basically takes as long as it takes,but I need to study for my exams soon, so it will be slower from tomorrow

Hmm... You'd think summoning the slime would have triggered a replay' date=' but meh.

Still, an interesting chapter. You know, I know someone else who made "Cyberknight" monsters. But their style of play and cards are very different, so the similarities end there.

Anyway, good chapter. Gethin is in the next one, and the holidays are coming! I can't wait for both!
[/quote']
I prefer to do things anime-style,where there's no replays

the cyberknights are my own creations,just go my threads & see for yourself

Wyhe · September 27, 2008

BUMP!

I have put this story on a slowdown for now due to 2 reasons.

-My final-year exams are coming up very soon & I need to find time to study for it.

-I have seen the Dark Synchro Monsters & wanted to put it in Ch 40, but need to wait for 5D's to give more info on them. I have my guess on their nature, but still want to see how they really work out

Wyhe · September 29, 2008

[spoiler=Ch 40-The Matrix]

Along the hallways of the stadium, Clair was taking a stroll there with Venus by her side as they discussed about the previous duel.

“I almost thought that I lost!” said Venus, “Mao was reading me like a book.”

“That’s because he’s a Psychic too, one who can read minds,” explained Clair, “but it’s strange that he forfeited the duel in the end.”

Amidst their conversation, they met a familiar face, Gethin.

“Oh it’s you…Adam,” greeted Clair coldly.

“Wh…what are you talking about?” inquired Gethin, “I’m Gethin Ira, a proud member of the His Lordship.”

“Stop lying to yourself!” snapped Clair as she pinned Gethin to the wall with her own power, “When I last saw you as Adam, you were so happy of duelling & yet so fearful! Tell me, why you are doing this too! What are your plans?”

However, Gethin had remained silent all the way as he heard Clair’s frustrates.

“May Gethin Ira & Ryo Worth please come over to the arena for the final duel of the day!” called MC Ben over the PA system.

Seeing that her interrogation was getting nowhere, Clair released Gethin from the Psychic grip & continued their stroll.

“You know…that Gethin is true when he duels, but something is blocking his freedom,” said Venus.

“I really liked those days when I duelled for fun and all…but my loyalty & duties must be prioritised as first,” muttered Gethin as he walked off.

Meanwhile, inside a dark room where Ryo rested before his match, Ryo himself was just finishing shuffling his own deck of cards.

“Let’s see now,” said Ryo as his eyes glowed a crimson red & placed the top 6 cards face-down on a table, “perfect set of cards I have to say. Best to get on to the stage.”

He took his deck & Duel Disk before he left.

“Sir, excuse me for I must leave Headquarters immediately,” said Teong as he faced Charles & Darren, “the General Hospital has called me to return for an emergency involving several mystery coma cases & I request to take my leave now.”

“I shall allow your leave, Teong,” said Charles, “although you don’t need to ask us permission for such a simple request. Both of us acknowledge the importance of our members’ individual jobs.”

“But when will you be back?” inquired Darren.

“I don’t know, the case itself is so mysterious that no one can figure out what’s going on,” said Teong, “I fear this might interfere with our plans.”

“Even so, you can still leave,” said Charles, “and that is my direct order.”

As such, Teong left the area.

“Asuka, you shall strike only at nightfall when it is safe,” said the Overmind as the cold Asuka bowed as her reply, “and you shall be the perfect candidate to duel against a mind reader.”

“Speaking of duels,” said Yugi, “the last duel for the day is up next.”

“Excellent, let’s see how Gethin fares,” said Blake, “I bet he will lose & shame us.”

However, Blake was suddenly pinned to a wall by a psychic force.

“Don’t say that, this mission is not to be joked about,” said the Overmind, “do you understand?”

“Arg…ye-yes,” said Blake as he was released from the grip & fell down.

“He would have known that he is on thin ice with the Lord already,” thought Marin, “this tournament will effectively reveal his true allegiance in this bout…or rather all of us in the big picture.”

“Everyone, listen!” yelled MC Ben, “So far, we’ve seen some astounding duels with twisting conclusions too! Sadly, all good things must come to an end for we have reached the final duel of the day. Firstly, I give you another unknown duellist! What he duels with is unknown, but we shall see them soon…I give you Gethin Ira!!!”

Out of a platform, Gethin rose from it & he held both of hands up high to greet the audience & waved his arms profusely.

“He sure knows how to greet the crowd well,” remarked Blake.

“Such useless skills when he could have trained himself to hone his powers,” said the Overmind.

“And opposing him will be another mystery duellist! But let’s not doubt his strength just yet & put our hands together for Ryo Worth!” said MC Ben as another man appeared from the platform. He was drabbed in a black sweater & jeans of the same colour.

“Now, both duellists arm yourselves with you Disks & get ready to…DUEL!!!” shouted MC Ben loudly as both of them got themselves ready to duel.

[align=center]

Ryo (LP: 4000) Gethin (LP: 4000)[/align]

“Let’s go! I draw,” said Gethin as he began his turn, “I will start things off with my Life Envoy in Attack Mode!” (1200/1000)

A warrior in bright yellow armour appeared.

“Look-e here, Gethin apparently uses the Life Archetype of monsters!” described MC Ben, “the same archetype of monsters that still-missing Pro League duellist Adam Hiyeya was known to have used.”

“When this dude is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon another Life Monster from my hand. Therefore, I summon the Level 5 Life Taker!” (1500/2100)

A demon in dark bronze armour appeared. It held a golden staff in his hands.

“I set 1 card & end my turn now,” said Gethin.

Ryo simply drew his card, but Life Taker’s staff shot out an energy blast that hit him.

Ryo (LP: 3600) Gethin (LP: 4000)

“Oh, but how can anyone forget about this?” said MC Ben, “Life Taker takes away the opponent’s Life Points during his Standby Phase.”

Despite that, he scanned through his completed hand of 6 cards.

“Your efforts are all worthless for I have the perfect cards to crush you without mercy,” warned Ryo, “I play Allure of Darkness. It lets draw 2 cards in exchange for either the removal of 1 DARK Monster or my entire hand.”

Ryo drew 2 cards & quickly stashed 1 card in his sweater.

“Now I summon the Level 4 Twin-Barrel Dragon in Attack Mode!” (1700/200) said Ryo.

A Machine monster appeared on the field. Its outer design was apparently modelled after some flightless bird, but its only difference was the metallic appearance & that its head was replaced with a twin-barrel shooter.

“I can choose to use its effect which I shall forgo instead because I plan to unveil my dispatched monster now,” said Ryo, “Come out now, the Dark Tuner Monster Cyber Glitch!” (1500/1700~0/0)

As such, Ryo removed the card from his sweater & placed it on his Disk & a new creature appeared. It was a rusty black robot with an antenna & satellite dish on its back.

“Dark Tuners! But it can’t be!” exclaimed Charles, “I thought Yusei & the Signers had done away with those monsters!”

“Apparently, they didn’t do a good job out of it,” said Darren, “Right now, there’s only 1 thing he could do with those things.”

“Cyber Glitch can be Special Summoned when he is removed from play when there is a DARK Machine on the field & if he is the only card removed from play,” explained Ryo, “and he is a Level 9 by the way & if it was summoned by its own effect, it will lose all its points.”

“I’m sure that you lot have seen Synchro Summons like hell over the years,” said Ryo as he faced the crowd, “but I can show something even better. Go, I call upon the Dark Tuning of my Level 4 Twin-Barrel Dragon with my Level 9 Dark Tuner Cyber Glitch!”

“You can’t Tune those 2 together!” yelled Gethin, “Their total Levels is 13, which is over the maximum of 12!”

“Dark Synchro Summon is different from your regular mundane Synchro Summon,” replied Ryo, “instead of adding Monster Levels together, this process subtracts Monster Levels, the non-Tuner’s minus the Dark Tuner’s.”

“If what he said was true, then it will be…eh…4 minus 9 equals to…” said MC Ben, “that’s… Level…Negative 5!!”

“Is there even such a thing as a monster with negative Levels?” questioned Damataeus.

“That’s something we have to see for ourselves,” said Marco, “even a veteran like me doesn’t know anything about those ‘Dark Synchros’ he had just said.”

“Impossible,” murmured Gethin as he realised what was going on, “you’re lying!”

“Well then, let you see it for yourselves!” said Ryo, “Advancing circuitry shall consume the entire world! Life shall perish under its new master! Dark Synchro Summon! Sekai-no-Kami, Neo-Cyber Matrix!” (2200/1500)

Cyber Glitch turned into 9 rings of light & they coursed through Twin-Barrel Dragon as it also became 4 orbs. A dim light engulfed the arena for a moment & a new form was there. It was mechanical at first sight, but was also serpentine as well. It had a pair of wings that were nothing more than cloth hanging on metal pieces. Its mouth was like a cylindrical opening with 4 hatches & there was a mass of claws serving as its ribcage.

“It can’t be!” exclaimed Venus as she saw the creature on TV.

“What’s the matter, girl?” asked Clair.

“That card…Neo-Cyber Matrix…that thing is supposed to never be used…” said Venus.

“Why is that so?” asked Clair.

“Simple, my dears,” said a voice, which had a North African accent to it, “there exists creatures that we humans are unable to comprehend.”

They turned about & saw Thoth Muran approaching them calmly.

“Hello there, I have seen you 2 duelling & I regret not having the pleasure to duel you ladies,” said Thoth, “but anyway, about that monster, they say that Neo-Cyber Matrix was actually the very first form of AI put in a large physical form created by man.”

“AI?” wondered Clair, “as in Summon Reactor AI.”

Upon hearing that, both Thoth & Venus nearly fell down & sweatdropped.

“That’s artificial intelligence to you, which means machines that can think by themselves,” explained Thoth, “like I was saying, Neo-Cyber Matrix was created in the Year 2040 by a team of American scientists. However, it went berserk mysteriously shortly after its programming & caused a rampage to cleanse the world of ‘fleshy infidels’ & creating a Machine Empire where machines would rule the world. Fortunately, a team of special people managed to defeat the creature with a device that sent it to another world…”

“But there’s something else. After the blast, there was a card in the same spot where it had disappeared,” said Venus, “and on that card, it boded the same image as the physical form of that machine. Since then, it was locked up forever as they feared the possible connections.”

“For rather…until today or much earlier,” said Clair, “but how did you know so much on the topic?”

“My grandmaster was in fact a member of the team himself,” said Venus.

“No…there is such a thing,” said Miora, “Guess you learn something new everyday.”

“And now I attack…” said Ryo.

“I play my own Trap Card, Gallitrap-Pixie’s Circle!” said Gethin, “Since I have at least 2 monsters, you can’t attack my weaker monster, which is my Life Envoy. So you are stuck with Life Taker now!”

“That changes nothing since I was planning to take him down anyway!” said Ryo.

“Oh, is that true or was it just some ‘act brave’ thing you’re doing?” questioned Gethin.

“We’ll see how the braver one here is! Neo-Cyber Matrix, Attack Life Taker with Matrix Overload!” cried Ryo as Neo-Cyber Matrix’s mouth opened up & it flew towards Life Taker to crush him into pixels.

Ryo (LP: 3200) Gethin (LP: 3300)

“Mysteriously, Ryo has lost Life Points too, but how?” described MC Ben.

“Ha! When my Life Taker’s destroyed in battle, he takes out 400 points from your Life Points,” said Gethin, “you should have attacked my Life Envoy instead, but you can’t anyway.”

“But I meant to do that since I can activate its special ability,” said Ryo, “Since it had destroyed a monster, I can take it for myself & Neo-Cyber Matrix gains Attack equal to half of its quarry’s.”

The ribcage of Neo-Cyber Matrix opened, revealing a glowing core with a few wires. The wires reached out to Gethin’s graveyard slot & in a burst of light, Life Taker appeared & he was wrapped in the wires. As Life Taker went towards the ribcage, it closed up & trapped Life Taker. (2200/1500~2950/1500)

“I set 2 cards face-down & end my turn,” said Ryo.

“Draw!” said Gethin as he was blasted by an attack from Life Taker’s staff.

Ryo (LP: 3200) Gethin (LP: 2900)

“As you can plainly see, Neo-Cyber Matrix also takes on the abilities of its victims,” said Ryo, “but my Neo-Cyber Matrix still has more tricks. In your own Standby Phase, you can gain Life Points equal to its attached monster’s Level x100.”

“Thanks for the boost which I will be glad to accept,” said Gethin.

“Too bad I won’t give you the pleasure,” said Ryo, “I activate Bad Reaction to Simochi!”

“I remembered that one! All Life Point gains are now reversed as Effect Damage,” said Clair.

Ryo (LP: 3200) Gethin (LP: 2400)

“You think you’re a wise guy, eh! I will show you something!” said Gethin, “By Releasing my Life Envoy, I can Advance Summon Life Brute in Attack Mode!” (2450/200)

Life Envoy then vanished for a new warrior. This one was more muscular & wore only a dark blue loincloth.

“So? Your Life Brute is not as brutal as my Matrix,” mocked Ryo.

“Oh, we’ll see about that. Because once per turn, my Life Brute can destroy 1 monster that has less original Attack points than him,” explained Gethin, “say your prayer, Neo-Cyber Matrix.”

Life Brute launched an energy orb towards Neo-Cyber Matrix, but Life Taker was destroyed instead. (2950/1500~2200/1500)

“Whenever my Neo-Cyber Matrix has been threatened by an attack or an effect that will destroy him, I can remove its attachment from play to negate it,” said Ryo, “and since your Life Brute has used its effect, it can’t attack this turn. So end your turn now, worm!”

“Only after I place a face-down card,” said Gethin calmly.

“So far, Gethin has made no progress in defeating Neo-Cyber Matrix,” described MC Ben, “but likewise, Ryo can’t attack Life Brute on its own. How it all goes on will be revealed!”

Ryo drew out a card & remained silent for a while.

“I set 1 additional card & end my turn now,” said Ryo.

“Strange, Ryo has skipped his turn in its entirety,” said MC Ben, “but then again, he still has that face-down card since the start of his turn. Whatever could it be?”

“I don’t care what you face-down over there, but I will still take it out!” said Gethin as he drew, “I summon Life Warrior in Attack Mode.” (1600/1000)

Another warrior in yellow armour appeared. It held a broadsword in 1 hand & a shield on the other.

“Life Brute, attack Neo-Cyber Matrix with Power Grip!” commanded Gethin as Life Brute placed his arms onto Neo-Cyber Matrix to crush it. However, it was still intact.

[align=center]

Ryo (LP: 2950) Gethin (LP: 2400)[/align]

“But how! It should’ve been in the scrap heap by now!” exclaimed Gethin.

“There’s this new invention called a Trap Card…or to be specific, Cyber Repairer,” said Ryo, “For this turn, all my Machines are safe & you get 1 free card.”

Gethin was mad at not being able to destroy the monster, but just drew the card.

“I end my turn,” said Gethin, “after all, I still have my next turn.”

“But the question is whether you can survive your next turn or not,” said Ryo as he drew, “I play my last Trap Card, Switch Off. This deactivates 1 of your Continuous Spell or Trap Cards for this turn only.”

The Gallitrap-Pixie’s Circle card sparked momentarily & turned dark.

“But without that card, Adam…I mean-Gethin’s weaker monsters will be attacked,” said Clair.

“Now I play Double Attack,” said Ryo, “by discarding a monster who has a Level than my selected monster’s, it can attack twice this turn.”

“But since Neo-Cyber Matrix’s Level is a negative value, that means he could simply ditch anything, even a Level 1,” said Marco.

“I really need to revise my Mathematics now if these things actually keep up like this,” claimed Damataeus.

“Since my only monster, Neo-Cyber Matrix, has a Level of -5, I send the Level 1 Kozaky to the graveyard,” said Ryo as he slid the card, “Neo-Cyber Matrix, take down Life Fiend with Matrix Overload!”

Neo-Cyber Matrix opened its mouth & it lunged itself at Life Warrior & crushed it into pieces instantly.

Ryo (LP: 2950) Gethin (LP: 1800)

“Now Neo-Cyber Matrix’s effect activates & your Life Warrior’s mine!” said Ryo as Neo-Cyber Matrix grabbed Life Warrior from the graveyard & attached to it. (2200/1500~3000/1500)

“Wait! Life Warrior’s effect allows him to gain 800 points if its controller’s Life Points are more than the opponent’s,” said Norman, “so that means he gets even stronger.” (3000/1500~3800/1500)

“Attack Life Brute with Matrix Overload again!” commanded Ryo as Neo-Cyber Matrix attacked Life Brute & destroyed him.

[align=center]

Ryo (LP: 2950) Gethin (LP: 450)[/align]

“However, I chose not to take in your Life Brute because he’s too ugly to be a trophy,” mocked Ryo as he laughed loudly.

“Ok buster! You can laugh at me, but when you humiliate my cards, you’ve crossed the line!” snapped Marco fiercely.

“You know, I’m actually being merciful here,” said Ryo, “If I had chose to take Life Brute, you would have lost the duel. But then again, you are fated to lose all the way! Ha-ha-ha!!!”

“No one…no one…no one calls me a loser & gets away with it!” yelled Gethin, “end your turn, bastard & let me pounder you!”

“Something that I would not be seeing,” said Ryo as he set a card, the Meteorain Trap Card, “but let’s see what you’ve got.”

At this moment, Gallitrap-Pixie’s Circle remained its colour.

“Gladly,” said Gethin coldly, but he was hit by the Trap Card, Bad Reaction to Simochi.

Ryo (LP: 2950) Gethin (LP: 50)

At this moment, time seemed to have stopped suddenly & the world around Gethin changed to a foggy area. Gethin couldn’t see anything around him, but only a large form before him. As such, he approached it, only to identify it as Neo-Cyber Matrix.

“Help us,” moaned a few voices, apparently coming from Neo-Cyber Matrix’s wings.

Gethin realised the source of the cries & looked at the streamer-like wings closely & saw something moving there. There were many forms moving inside & they were all vaguely human in shape.

“Is someone in there?” Gethin called out to the wings.

“Yes,” moaned the voices from the wings, “we are trapped inside the monster.”

“What do you mean by that?” asked Gethin.

“Ryo, he has trapped us inside this card when we lost a duel with him,” said the voices, “From there, he would draw power from us to strengthen himself & his Psychic powers, the soulful eyes.”

“What is this power?” asked Gethin.

“A power that allows him to see souls & spirits of all kinds,” moaned the voices, “Everytime he duels, he would make certain that his opening hand consists of what he needs to summon Neo-Cyber Matrix by seeing the card spirits in his top 6 cards.”

“In other words, he cheated!” said Gethin as he got mad.

“Save us from him, defeat him & we shall be freed,” said the voices as everything returned back to the arena.

“Hello! I thought you got terrified of losing that you gave up,” said Ryo mockingly.

“That’s when you’re wrong! If you lose this duel, you had better let go of all those souls you have captured!” said Gethin.

“How did that brat know that?” thought Ryo.

“Back to the duel now,” said Gethin, “I play Blasting Vein & destroy Gallitrap for 2 new cards.”

Blasting Vein erupted in flames & Gethin drew 2 new cards, looking at them.

“Now by removing Life Brute in my graveyard from play, I can get to summon Life from Below!” (?/?)

Life Brute appeared for a moment before he disappeared. Then, the ground burst open for a new creature to rise. It was practically a Zombie version of Life Brute himself.

“Since I removed Life Brute to summon him, he gets all his Attack & Defence Points,” said Gethin, (?/?~2450/200) “Also, Life from Below gains a special ability depending on the Attribute of the removed monster. For the DARK Life Brute, my Life from Below gains 800 Attack Points!” (2450/200~3250/200)

“So what! You can’t attack me still!” said Ryo.

“I can play my next card then, the Spell Card called Life of Pain!” said Gethin, “I can only play this when I have lesser Life Points than you. This lets me destroy a monster whose original Attack is equal or less than the difference between our Life Points & damage will be dealt equal to the difference between the destroyed monster’s Attack & the Life Points difference.”

“I thought that I would never see maths again after going into Duel Monsters,” lamented Damataeus as he grabbed his aching head, “but now, the nightmare’s starting all over again!”

“By letting your Life Warrior take the bait for it, I’m safe from your card’s effect,” said Ryo as Life Warrior was destroyed instead, (3800/1500~2200/1500) “since no actual monsters were destroyed, I am safe from the last part too.”

“But not your Neo-Cyber Matrix who has reverted to its original stats,” said Gethin, “Attack Neo-Cyber Matrix with Darkness Grapple!”

Life from Below sank into the shadows & reappeared behind Neo-Cyber Matrix. Upon contact, they were wrapped in shadows & disappeared together. The next thing that happened was Life from Below reappearing, as if nothing had happened.

Ryo (LP: 1900) Gethin (LP: 50)

“I still have the higher points here & on my next turn, I shall crush you for destroying my precious Dark Synchro!” snapped Ryo.

“I set 1 card & end my turn,” said Gethin calmly.

“Draw!” said Ryo as he pulled out his card when a face-down card opened.

“Activate Life Release,” said Gethin, “by Releasing 1 Life Monster I control, you shall take damage equal to its original Attack strength.”

“But your monster’s Attack was based on your Life Brute’s…” retorted Ryo.

“But 2450 is still treated as his original Attack,” said Gethin calmly as Life from Below shattered & flew towards Ryo as shards of light.

Ryo (LP: 0) Gethin (LP: 50)

Ryo then laid on the ground with Gethin walking towards him.

“Release those souls now,” said Gethin, “or I could force you.”

“Arg…fine then,” said Ryo as his eyes glowed & the Neo-Cyber Matrix crumpled into dust, “there, they should be freed by now.”

Meanwhile, in the General Hospital, Dr Teong & several other doctors were discussing on the coma cases.

“So even you have no idea at all,” said a doctor.

“Sorry, but I am stumped for once,” apologised Teong as he bowed.

“Doctors!” shouted a nurse, “1 of the com patients…Milton Mackinson…he has awaken!”

“Now that’s quite a miracle,” said Teong, “but since this is all over now, I shall leave you guys.”

“And the winner for the day, Gethin Ira!!!” shouted MC Ben as the crowd cheered.

“So he won the battle,” said Clair, maybe I could really duel him now.”

“The Dark Synchro Monsters…how interesting,” said the Overmind.

“Asuka, are you ready for your job?” asked Marin.

“Yes, my Lord,” said Asuka calmly.

“Everybody, listen!” boomed MC Ben, “we have come to a conclusion of Day 1 of the Special Cup & before we leave, let us show the match-up for tomorrow!”

Semi-Finals Match-up

Clair VS Gethin

Venus VS Marin

“So I did get to duel him after all,” mused Clair.

“Venus, you need to be careful with that guy’s dragons,” warned Thoth, “They are really powerful when put together.”

“I’ll be fine, Thoth,” said Venus.

“Since you’ve seen the line-up for tomorrow, we will see you tomorrow, same time, same place & don’t forget to duel!” said MC Ben as the whole ceremony was declared over for the day & the audience applauded.

[spoiler=Card of the Day]

Clair: For this special chapter, we have 2 entries for Card of the Day & have decided to use both of them for it.

Neo-Cyber Matrix

DARK/Machine-Dark Synchro/LV -5/ATK 2200/1500

1 non-Tuner-1 Dark Tuner

This card cannot be Special Summoned except by Dark Synchro Summon when the Level of a Dark Tuner Monster subtracted from a non-Tuner Monster must equal to this card’s Level. When this card destroys a monster in battle, equip the destroyed monster to this card as an Equip Card. (Only 1 Monster can be equipped to this card at 1 time. If this card is equipped with a monster when it destroyed a monster in battle, you can choose to send the equipped monster to the Graveyard & equip the destroyed monster as an Equip Card.) This card gains Attack equal to half of the equipped monster’s Attack & its effect. (if any) During your opponent’s Standby Phase, he gains Life Points equal to the Level of the equipped monster x100.

Venus: Card 1 for today is called Neo-Cyber Matrix. As the only remnant of the early AI program, it was supposedly sealed forever. Besides that, it is also a Dark Synchro Monster, who is summoned by subtracting Monster Levels until you reach a negative value. Like what you see in that movie in the early decades of this century called The Matrix, it will attach a monster it has destroyed & use its Attack & effects. During your opponent’s Standby Phase, he will gain the boon in the form of 100 Life Points per Monster Level.

Marin: On unrelated news, the Overmind has expressed intentions on the creation of these Dark Synchro Monsters…

Life from Below

DARK/Zombie-Effect/LV 4/ATK ?/DEF ?

This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card cannot Special Summoned except by removing 1 Monster Card in your Graveyard from play. This card’s original Attack & Defence are equal to that of the monster removed from play to Special Summon this card. Based on the Attribute of the removed from play monster, apply the following effects:

-FIRE: When this card destroys a monster in battle, inflict 500 points of Damage to the opponent.

-WATER: This card is unaffected by Monster Effects.

-WIND: Once per turn, you can pay 500 Life Points so that this card can attack twice during the Battle Phase of this turn.

-EARTH; This card can attack the opponent directly. If you do so, all Battle Damage will be halved.

-LIGHT: During your Standby Phase, you gain 600 Life Points.

DARK: This card gains 800 Attack Points.

Gethin: Card 2 of the Day will be my very own Life from Below. I can only summon him if I remove a monster in my graveyard from play & its stats are equal to that of the removed monster’s. In addition, it gains a variety of effects based on the Attribute itself. So far, you’ve seen 2 of them in action, namely the EARTH & DARK effect. With that kind of card, the various strategies to use it are boundless.

[spoiler=Next Chapter]

Clair: Ah! Day 1 of the Special Cup is over & we should rest for the big match tomorrow.

Mao: Where is she? The one who those people yearned so much for…Clair Kinet! But now, I need to fight back against someone who I can’t seem to clue into her strategy but why? Next on Yu-Gi-Oh Key of the Mind-Ch 41-Unheavenly Match!

Overmind: And so our secret remains buried.

Aelsthla-Mental · September 29, 2008

“However, I chose not to take in your Life Brute because he’s too ugly to be a trophy,” mocked Ryo as he laughed loudly.

“Ok buster! You can laugh at me, but when you humiliate my cards, you’ve crossed the line!” snapped Marco fiercely.

I think there was a slight error with "Marco" there. But aside from that, awesome chapter. Oh, and awesome that Gethin won, but I should probably make some more "Life" cards for you to use hey? You've used pretty much all of the ones so far, and added some to boot.

So yeah; i repeat, good job!

Wyhe · September 29, 2008

“However' date=' I chose not to take in your Life Brute because he’s too ugly to be a trophy,” mocked Ryo as he laughed loudly.
“Ok buster! You can laugh at me, but when you humiliate my cards, you’ve crossed the line!” snapped Marco fiercely.

I think there was a slight error with "Marco" there. But aside from that, awesome chapter. Oh, and awesome that Gethin won, but I should probably make some more "Life" cards for you to use hey? You've used pretty much all of the ones so far, and added some to boot.

So yeah; i repeat, good job!
[/quote']
thanks for telling me that error & what do you think of how I showed the Dark Synchros?

Silent Hunter™ · September 29, 2008

Awesome Chapters, I just read the new one, it was awesome ^_^

Can't wait to see the rest ^_^

Wyhe · September 29, 2008

Awesome Chapters' date=' I just read the new one, it was awesome ^_^
Can't wait to see the rest ^_^
[/quote']
hope you can stay on with us till the end & glad you liked it

Skuldur · September 29, 2008

so you changed the duels, you said Marin and Clair would duel in round 2, interesting.

and I really liked the dark synchro but have they been shown properly IRL or the anime yet.

senron · September 29, 2008

Awesome chapter and I must say that was cool how you used the dark synchros.

Aelsthla-Mental · September 29, 2008

Considering what we know about the Dark Synchro's I think you did a pretty good job!

Wyhe · September 30, 2008

To all of you: The Dark Synchro will be shown on 5d's on wednesday in japan, but I am certain that this is an accurate version to an extent more or less

Exyst · October 5, 2008

You, my friend, Rule Fan-Fics!

Wyhe · October 7, 2008

Sorry about the long waiting. My computer had lost internet connection for some time & my exams were coming up. But I have finally done several chapters too, starting with this one.

[spoiler=Ch 41-Unheavenly Match]

The night scene of Oregeorgia is dubbed with infinite lights of the city buildings & also from the illustrious restaurant known as Shangri-La Oriental Restaurant, famous for its wide variety of Oriental dishes of China, Japan, Korea or any Eastern Asian cuisine. Clair, her allies (including Thoth) & the White Hawks were all gathered inside a private room there. In front of them, there was an entire table of various Eastern foods like sushi, noodles, dim sum & so many others.

“Perhaps all of you are wondering why we are here tonight,” said Charles, “firstly, I am glad of today’s tournament & that we should take a grand feast with it! So, bottoms up!”

Upon hearing that, everyone quickly ate the food in a hasty pace.

“Guess they like Chinese,” said Charles, dumb-founded at the rate they were eating.

“They sure do,” said Teong as he came inside, “I’m back from my hospital emergency that ended in a strange way.”

“Glad to have you back with us,” said Charles, “I thought we had to miss you out.”

“Someone go get me the sake!” hollered Genevieve, “and that’s Japanese wine for you.”

“This unique food are great,” remarked Thoth, “say, Venus, how about we talk about your future duel tomorrow.”

“Sure thing,” said Venus cheerfully.

In contrast to the joyful atmosphere in the restaurant, outside a motel room in Caesar Street, the somewhat psychotic mind reader duelist, Mao, was in a frenzy to leave the motel. However, his only obstacle was his guard & warden, Timothy.

“Mao, you can’t just leave!” reasoned Timothy, “It’s the middle of the night here!”

“I don’t care, I must find her,” said Mao, “they are after her! The girl called Clair Kinet!”

“But will they believe you?” asked Timothy, “We have went through for the umpteenth time already!”

“No, this time it will be different!” said Mao as his eyes glowed & Timothy was pushed aside by a psychic force, “sorry, I didn’t mean…but you have already forgiven me by now.”

“It’s ok,” replied Timothy, “I am already experienced in this by now.”

“Too bad you all shall perish knowing the truth of my Lord,” said a cold voice.

“Who’s there?” Timothy called out to the darkness of the streets.

Suddenly, a cloaked girl appeared out of nowhere. She had red hair & also cold sky blue eyes that stared at those 2 just like how a predator stared at its prey before its attack.

“Allow me to introduce myself, I am Asuka,” said Asuka coldly, “and by the order of my Lord, I have come to eliminate you who know what you shouldn’t know.”

“That truth must be known & that’s that!” snapped Mao as he held up his Duel Disk-attached arm, “let’s duel for the conclusion then!”

“I plan to take you on anyway, mind reader,” said Asuka as she also prepared her own Duel Disk as well.

“How did she know!” thought Timothy.

[align=center]

Asuka (LP: 4000) Mao (LP: 4000)[/align]

“I will kick things off with a draw,” said Asuka in an uncaring manner, “and also 1 monster in defense & another face-down card only. It’s your move now.”

Mao drew out a card & reviewed his opening hand.

“Now I just need to read her mind & see through her plans here,” thought Mao, “No! I couldn’t…couldn’t read her thoughts!”

“Let me guess, you tried rading my mind, but failed to,” said Asuka in a bolder attitude, “it takes way more than magic tricks to beat me!”

“Arg…I can still beat you! I summon my Search Striker in Attack Mode!” said Mao as a semi-armored warrior with 2 satellite panels on his back & a pair of blasters as its arms appeared. (1600/1200)

“Is that a…” wondered Timothy.

“No, it’s no Machine, but a really a Warrior instead,” corrected Mao, “When Search Striker attacks a face-down monster, it is destroyed in that instant. Go, Clever Strike!”

Search Striker lifted its left arm & shot out a blast to vaporize the face-down monster.

“Whatever you have there, guess it remains buried as a mystery now,” said Mao.

“But not for long, I play Broken Blocker!” declared Asuka coldly, “By destroying my defensive monster who has a better defense than offense, I can Special Summon 2 more copies of them to the field. So, I unveil what I kept from your sight & foresight now! Arise, my 2 Aqua Madoors!” (1200/2000 x2)

2 geysers of water erupted on the field & they formed into the form of 2 masked humanoids with a cape of water. The 2 creatures erected a wall of water for each of themselves for their own defence.

“Damn! I only played right into her trap!” cursed Mao.

“So, thanks for the 2 new monsters,” said Asuka mockingly, “end your turn anytime soon.”

“Just…eh…3 face-downs & I’m done,” said Mao.

“My turn!” said Asuka, “I will now Release my 2 Aqua Madoors for my Level 9 Infernal Flame Emperor!” (2700/1600)

The water barrier around the 2 monsters melded into a single pillar of fire. As the flames dispersed, a new creature appeared. Unlike the watery Aqua Madoor, this one was a beast engulfed in its own flames. It was shaped like a centaur with a lion’s head.

“Watch out, he could burn in an instant,” said Asuka, “Incinerate that monster with Infernal Flame Blast!”

Infernal Flame Emperor formed a ball of fire in its hands & launched it towards Search Striker & burn it to death.

[align=center]

Asuka (LP: 4000) Mao (LP: 2900)[/align]

“Had enough, punk,” dared Asuka as she slowly returned to a cold demeanor, “I set 1 card & end my turn!”

“Draw,” said Mao, “so tell me, how you had avoided my mind read?”

“Mao, this is no time to ask questions here!” exclaimed Timothy.

“If you must know, I possess 2 souls within me,” said Asuka emotionlessly, “It’s been like this since childhood when I had those powers.”

“Powers? So you’re like me too,” said Mao.

“Those accursed powers…they made my life hell & I chose to…split myself apart with some help,” explained Asuka, “this version is the Yin of Asuka, who represents her gentle & neutral side…”

“…and this version…” said Asuka in another tone, “…is the Yang of Asuka, the embodiment of her dark & active side!”

“So that’s why I couldn’t read your thoughts. You swapped control of the body between both of you every time you end your turn,” said Mao, “but who helped you in this process?”

“The same man whom you knew secrets of,” said Yin Asuka, “and I shall repay his kindness by ridding you!”

“Ha! You have fallen for my trap,” said Mao, “I intended to talk to you so that I may know of the 2 souls in you. Now, I know of the identity of that face-down card, the Spiritual Fire Art-Kurenai Trap Card!”

“That card…it gives the opponent damage equal to the Attack of a Released FIRE Monster,” said Timothy.

“I play my face-down card no.1, Psychic Cyclone!” said Mao, “I am able to destroy a Spell or Trap Card on your side of the field & can deduce its type. If I’m right, I get to draw. But if I’m wrong, then you get the privilege. But knowing what it is beforehand, I declare it a Trap Card!”

A tornado blew to destroy the face-down card, which was indeed Spiritual Fire Art-Kurenai. As such, Mao drew out 1 extra card for his correct guess.

“I remove 1 WIND Monster in my grave from play to Special Summon Garuda the Wind Spirit,” said Mao as the card slid out.

A whirlwind spun on the field & a birdman appeared on the field. It had wings of red feathers; a bird’s head, bare-chested & wore red pants. (1600/1200)

“So what could that big red bird of yours even do against my mighty Flame Emperor?” taunted Yang Asuka.

“Since that was only a Special Summon, I can still perform a Normal Summon this turn,” said Mao.

“So you plan on…Releasing Garuda, right?” interpreted Timothy.

“Yah, but first, I activate the Trap Monster called Metal Reflect Slime. Upon its activation, it becomes a monster,” said Mao.

The card opened up & a giant mold of slime appeared on the field. (0/3000)

“Now with these 2 monsters, I Release both of them for a monster that gives me nostalgia, I give you the Mad Profiler!” (2600/1200)

Both monsters then disappeared for a new monster. It was merely a lunatic with frizzled hair sitting on an old wooden antique chair. He held a thick book open in his hands & had a weird smiling expression & wide bulging eyes on his face. Timothy was somewhat disturbed by the strange expression of the new monster.

“Nostalgia is right, it’s just like…Mao…” remarked Timothy.

“Timothy, I know he’s mad like me, but his special ability compensates that,” said Mao, “By sending 1 card from my hand to my graveyard, I can remove 1 card on the field from play as long it’s the same type as the card discarded. So I toss away my Royal Magical Library & that’s it for your monster.”

Mao quickly discarded his Royal Magical Library & it reappeared in the grasp of the Mad Profiler’s hands in the form of a card. He looked at it & snickered sinisterly as the card disappeared & Infernal Flame Emperor disappeared in bursts of light.

“With your Emperor ruling the D.D., I’m going to attack you directly,” said Mao, “Mad Profiler, book her!”

Mad Profiler slammed his book shut & jumped out of his chair. He faced Asuka & ran towards her, laughing all the way. Then, he slammed her with the book itself.

Asuka (LP: 1400) Mao (LP: 2900)

“Score! Mao just summoned his better monsters & pounded more than half of her Life Points off the charts,” said Timothy, “C’mon Mao, you may still stand a chance against that witch!”

“I set 1 more card & let you take the wheel for now,” said Mao.

“Draw,” said Yin Asuka, “I place 1 face-down card only & end my turn.”

“Ok…since she had most likely swapped souls by now, I can’t do anything much,” thought Mao, “and that face-down she set…”

“It’s my turn now,” said Mao as he drew out Manju of the Ten Thousands Hands, “Mad Profiler, let’s put her up on the list of losers now!”

Mad Profiler chuckled in agreement as he ran towards Asuka again for the final strike.

“That’s it! Mao’s gonna to win this thing!” cheered Timothy.

“That’s what you think! I activate Card Defense,” announced Yin Asuka, “by discarding a card from my hand, I can negate a direct attack from you.”

She then discarded a Monster Card known as Great Angus & a barrier appeared around Asuka to fend off the attack.

“And afterwards, I may draw 1 additional card to fill up the gap,” said Yang Asuka as she drew a card.

“End turn,” said Mao warily.

“I draw!” said Yang Asuka, “Your final hour has come at last. By removing 1 FIRE & 2 WATER Monsters that rest in my grave from the game, I can summon the last monster you’ll ever see.”

“Hey! You only have those 3 Aqua Madoor & Infernal Flame Emperor’s removed from game and…” complained Timothy when he paused midway, “…that card you’ve just discarded!”

“Yup, it’s called the Great Angus & he’s a FIRE Monster,” said Yang Asuka, “I remove Angus & 2 of my Aqua Madoor in order to Special Summon…one of our best…our Frost and Flame Dragon!!!” (2300/2000)

The faint forms of the 2 Aqua Madoor appeared along with a 3rd creature. It was something like a naked hog with a mad appearance. Suddenly, they all disappeared in bursts of water & fire that melded together & exploded upon contact. From the explosion, a large serpentine dragon appeared. It had 2 heads, one of them being engulfed in flames while the other one was frozen.

“That dragon is still weaker than the profiler here!” bragged Timothy, “I would like to see how you could crack him down now.”

“Just see how he cracks down the Mad Profiler then! They say that fire & water should never mix together lest an explosion comes up. By discarding 1 card, I can destroy 1 monster like your Mad Profiler,” said Yang Asuka as she discarded a card from her hand.

The 2 heads of Frost and Flame Dragon each launched a blast of fire & water at Mad Profiler. As the 2 forces mixed on contact, it caused a great explosion & Mad Profiler was gone.

“Attack him directly with Frost and Flame Double Blast!” yelled both incarnations of Asuka simultaneously.

Frost and Flame Dragon fired both fire & water from its 2 mouths & engulfed Mao in an explosion.

[align=center]

Asuka (LP: 1400) Mao (LP: 600)[/align]

“This duel is already sealed! I can just destroy any monster that you use as a shield with my dragon,” said Yang Asuka, “I place 1 face-down & end my turn.”

“I draw,” said Mao, “but tell me, Yin Asuka, why must you pull through with this?”

“We won’t fall for your tricks again!” yelled Yang Asuka before she cringed for some reason.

“Why...I want to have…my peace…” explained Yin Asuka who suddenly took control, “with my mind…split into 2…I could live in pleasure…while my other half can think for me…and guide my life…”

“But you don’t need to take that path!” rebuked Mao, “Just look at me here! I also had those powers that once nearly drove me insane, but I still pulled through with a friend…thanks Timothy…”

“Awww…much obliged,” replied Timothy.

“So what!” snapped Yin Asuka, “I also relieved my own suffering with my Lord’s help…All hail the Great Overmind!”

“No, you are just running away from reality,” said Mao, “by allowing another aspect of yourself to roam free & reign over you, you will soon lose your own willpower & your dark half will take over! That is his plans for you, after all.”

“No, you’re lying!” exclaimed Yin Asuka, “he would never…”

“I can read minds here, and I’m just telling you the bare facts,” said Mao, “but back to the duel & I will prove his lies to you with my duels! I summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands!” (1400/1000)

A bluish creature appeared. Despite that it was put off as a Fairy, it looked more of a Fiend due to the countless arms that grow around his body.

“When this fella is summoned, he gives me a hand in putting a Ritual Spell or Monster to my hand,” said Mao, “and I choose the latter.”

Mao then looked through his deck & placed 1 card to his hand.

“Now I invoke the dreaded ritual called Black Illusion Ritual!” said Mao as a golden urn with the Eye of Anubis inscribed appeared below Manju.

“A Ritual Spell! But that’s only in legends!” exclaimed Asuka.

“But this card still exists,” said Mao, “”I2 once limited this card’s distribution due to its simplicity to use & deadly effects, but I had obtained a copy thanks to Timothy again…and I know you’re touched, just don’t say it out again.”

“Yah…” said Timothy dumb-founded.

“A Ritual Spell works in a way that I can Release my monsters from either the field or hand to summon a Ritual Monster as long as their combined Levels are equal to the Level of the said Ritual Monster or more,” explained Mao, “but I can just ditch any single monster since what I’m summoning has a Level of 1 only. Therefore, I offer Manju to the illusionary flames for him…the godly Relinquished!” (0/0)

White smoke came out of the golden urn & consumed Manju in it. Then, the smoke was absorbed back inside the urn & it cracked in a blast of smoke. Out of it came out an odd creature from all point of views. It was somewhat shaped like a Venus flytrap & had a long stalk ending in the Eye of Wdjat. It also had a large gaping circular maw that seems to be perpetually open at all times.

“But that has 0 Attack Points,” remarked Asuka.

“Since when does direct power mean anything,” said Mao, “This card here has a rather potent ability. Once per turn, I can take 1 of your monsters as fuel for my Relinquished. Go, Power Snatch!”

The gaping maw unleashed a powerful suction force that slowly dragged Frost and Flame Dragon towards it & absorbed it within it. A twin-headed draconic silhouette appeared stretching out on the underside of Relinquished. (0/0~2300/2000)

“Attack her directly with Pilfered Power!” commanded Mao as Relinquished launched a green ray from its single eye.

“No way will you succeed! I activate Magic Cylinder!” said Asuka, “with this card, I can negate your attack & redirect all that damage back at you.”

The 2 cylinders appeared & the attack was absorbed into 1 of them & shot out in the other one at Mao.

“Good move, but I counter that with a Counter Trap called Nemesis Reflector,” said Mao, “it only activates when I am receiving damage from a card effect & by Releasing 1 monster whose Attack is equal to the damage about to be taken, I can redirect that same damage back to you.”

Relinquished vanished in light & the light grains formed a barrier that stopped Magic Cylinder’s attack on Mao, then it reversed its course to hit Asuka again.

“No…” muttered Yin Asuka as she was hit by the attack.

[align=center]

Asuka (LP: 0) Mao (LP: 600)[/align]

“She’s gone, my Yang,” muttered Asuka as she sobbed, “so does that…does that mean…I have to overcome this power alone?”

“Not alone, I can help you out,” said Mao as he extended his hand to her, which she accepted.

“Hey there!” called out another voice.

Suddenly, Asuka ducked behind Mao as he turned around to see 2 guys before them. They were Matt & his lackey, Volt.

“I’ve seen your duel today earlier on TV,” said Matt, “but that duel just now was…how to say it…grand.”

“I know, Matt,” said Mao.

“How did you know my name?” asked Matt.

“Just a lucky guess,” said Mao.

“Then guess me, guess me,” said Volt excitedly.

“Volt Ripper, you don’t need to get that excited over this,” said Matt as he whacked Volt on his head.

“But Boss, you ruined the surprise,” complained Volt, “I have him to predict my name.”

“Oh! I must find her, Clair Kinet!” remembered Mao, “c’mon, let’s get going!”

“Wait there, I was planning to duel you at first,” said Matt, “but I know where Clair is & I can guide you to her. They are training their dueling out in the basketball court here.”

“Thanks,” said Mao as he dragged both Asuka & Timothy with him on the journey.

“Hey, wait for us! We can guide you there,” said Matt as he followed suit with Volt lagging behind.

All the while, in the shadows, Marin looked quietly on the duel & sighed.

“It was a great match, but orders are orders,” said Marin.

“I want you to secretly follow Asuka in her mission tonight,” said the Overmind as he strolled the hallways with Marin by his side, “if she was to lose & her souls split completely from the other, you must finish them off & I need it done by force.”

“I understand, sir,” replied Marin as he bowed.

“Yes, I must do this,” thought Marin as he drew out a sword from his cloak & slowly approached Mao.

However, an old man suddenly blocked his way.

“Step aside, foolish one!” barked Marin.

“My name is lost to time, so refer me only as The Ally,” said The Ally, “as I cannot allow you to slay those people.”

“All infidels in the way of my master shall perish!” said Marin as he charged at the Enemy.

However, the Ally chuckled at the assault. Just when the sword was about to hit him, he suddenly vanished, leaving Marin’s sword to hit the ground with much force. While Marin tried to pull out his sword from the ground, the Ally reappeared behind & tapped Marin on his shoulder. Then, Marin stopped moving as if he were a statue.

“Just tell your lord that everything’s covered,” said the Ally as he disappeared.

At the same time, as Mao & the others were walking towards the basketball court in Caesar Street to find Clair, the old man appeared in front of them & a great flash of light occurred with his presence. As the light was gone, so was the old man.

“Who is that? A mirage or what?” wondered Timothy.

“In a city…no way. Let’s keep going, we are almost there,” said Matt as he ushered them towards their destination.

At the basketball court, Clair was indeed there, but she was not alone. Besides her, Venus, Thoth & Fuyuki were with her as well. Mao, Matt & their group soon got to them.

“Matt, I thought you’ve gone back by now,” said Clair.

“Yah, but this guy here wants to find you for a chat,” said Matt, “you should know him, he’s Mao.”

“It’s you, the mind reader duelist,” exclaimed Clair.

“How does everyone know about that all of a sudden?” cried Mao, dumb-founded by the revelation of his powers, “but I want to say that you are in grave danger in this tournament & having you dueling there is what they want!”

“Who do you mean by that?” asked Clair.

“The Overmind…he has plans for you,” said Mao, “also…uh…there’s something but I couldn’t remember at the moment…but I’m sure it will come to me soon.”

“So this tournament…he has planned everything…” said Clair, “what is his real plan with all of us, the Psychics?”

Meanwhile, in the sky fortress, the Overmind himself sat alone in his throne calmly as the Enemy suddenly phased in front of him.

“The Ally!” exclaimed the Overmind who stood upright.

“I used to be your ally, but not now,” said the Ally calmly, “I have erased Mao’s memories of the truth that you had tried to hide for so long, but pay caution as the truth will always be revealed over time.”

With that, the Ally vanished into thin air, leaving the Overmind to wonder.

“That man…what are his true plans & motivations…” thought the Overmind, “rising me to power & now he’s working against me.”

[spoiler=Card of the Day]

Relinquished

DARK/Spellcaster-Ritual/LV 1/ATK 0/DEF 0

This card can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Spell Card, “Black Illusion Ritual.” Select 1 monster on your opponent's side of the field and equip it to this card (this effect can only be used once per turn and you can only equip 1 monster at a time to this card). The ATK and DEF of this card become the same amounts as the monster equipped to this card. If this card is destroyed as a result of battle, the equipped monster is destroyed instead, and any battle damage you received from the battle is also inflicted to your opponent's Life Points.

Mao: Today’s card is the Ritual Monster called Relinquished, a powerful monster that was designed for Pegasus’ personal use before mass-production which was soon restricted. I can absorb 1 monster of the opponent’s into its body & it fuels its non-existent stats with that of the absorbed monster. Even if it was destroyed in battle, the equipped monster will hit the blow & your opponent will just hit themselves silly.

[spoiler=Next Chapter]

MC Ben: Today’s a brand new day & the semi-finals for the illustrious Special Cup! Now, we shall be graced by the grand dueling of Marin & Venus! Between the Synchro Dragons & the Cyber Knights, who shall triumph in this bout? Next on Yu-Gi-Oh Key of the Mind-Ch 42-The Last Crusade!

Venus: I will not be beaten by your dragons! My Cyber Knights, let’s fight for our sakes!

Marin: All fools who blockade my lord’s destiny shall perish under the flames of despair! Go!

Aelsthla-Mental · October 7, 2008

It's so true, darkness and light like fire and water...

Anyway, good job. Now we have the mysterious "Ally", who even the Overlord fears. And for good reason! Being able to get into his hiding place so easily...

Well, good luck! I may PM you a few more "Life" cards soon.

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Yu-Gi-Oh Key of the Mind (FINISHED)

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