Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2012 I'm from England. So colour with a u, defence with a c, etc. It's quite annoying doing hyperlinks to cards like Defence Draw and remembering I have to type the webcode as Defense Draw all the time. Yeah, except I had to totally ignore that it should have come out in its sealed form and gone from there. Whoops. I only remembered afterwards and thought "Sh-- oh forget it I like it how it is." When I started writing I got like eight chapters in and only then realised I hadn't used the seals at all, had to go back and redo every Number summon. Anyway, it's now time, for the grand finale to the arc. Chapter is quite long again, but the whole truth is about to be revealed. The truth about Real Duel Ltd, the truth about Clarissa and Daiki's pasts, about the Numbers power and importance, and how the game is about to get a lot more dangerous for everyone involved. Ready? [spoiler=Chapter 12:2] Stunned silence prevailed over the giant operations room. It was broken only occasionally by the light sniff of Clarissa across one side of the platform, the odd heavy breath from the observing Wilhelm, and the creaky movements of the giant Acid Golem that was looming over them with its head nearly touching the ceiling. The thousands in the rows of computers sat in silence, unmoved by what had just been said. In the office to the sibling’s right which had the door slightly open, there was an eerie hush from the taskforce inside as they strained to listen in. On the other side of the platform, Daiki simply stood in mute shock, like a giant tidal wave had just washed over him and left him paralyzed in its wake. “You... what?” he croaked. “I...? We...? Daughter?” “Yes Daiki. Our daughter” Clarissa repeated. Telling Daiki seemed to have lifted a great weight off her shoulders and had helped her regain calm, although she was still forlorn in her tone. “Our daughter was the result of Project Eve. She was taken at birth to be enslaved by this company, forced to live in a world of monsters and fighting from just a few days old so that she would be accustomed to it from the beginning, and would be made to serve unquestioning as the avatar for as long as Real Duel had use for her. Our precious baby girl would never grow up to a normal life, she was just created to be a corporate tool, just some gear in a machine to them however crucial, so filthy suits like Shinawatra could become even more rich. This is why I have done everything I have today; to expose this company for what it did, and to rescue my daughter and take her away from here.” “I... don’t believe you!” Daiki staggered backwards as if that would somehow get him away from what he was faced with. His head was beginning to ache and his vision blurred. “How can this be possible? You must be lying.” Darting between the siblings stony faces in desperation; he tried to see some hint of deceit in either of them. Neither was forthcoming, just still and glum. “You have to be lying.” “I understand it’s hard to take in” Clarissa simply stated. “I’ve already been through the same process with all the grief and the anger. It still feels as raw for me now as it did when I remembered what happened for the first time. But deep down, you know that I’m not lying. You only think that because it is such a horrible concept for you to accept, and because your memory has been tampered with like mine was. I will admit the truth in full will be worse for you than it was for me when I remembered. But don’t worry; I will explain everything as slowly and fully as I can. No more games and hints, just the honest truth. Ask me anything you like, and I will answer as truthfully and fully as I can. As father of my daughter, I owe you at least the truth.” Daiki didn’t know what to do. He wanted desperately to believe Clarissa was lying, that she was playing some trick or something. But why would she? Everything about the way she looked and spoke, she really seemed to be telling the truth. [i]‘What do I do? I had a daughter with this woman? How on earth did that happen? Surely I’d remember... but I can remember almost nothing before my bike accident. Unless... wait, when [/i]she[i] remembered what happened for the first time? The hell does that mean? And how does she know about my amnesia?’[/i] Undecided, he kept looking for some miraculous escape, for some heroic rescue, even for someone to shake him and wake him up for a dream. Nothing happened, just Clarissa and Wilhelm watching and waiting. But he couldn’t believe them, he seriously couldn’t. [i]‘No, I have to ask. Lies can be proven later. But if I don’t listen to her at least for now, not knowing is going to haunt me forever.’[/i] “Okay, I agree. Please tell me everything, starting at the beginning. Like for a start, when did we meet and have a child together? I swear I’ve never met you before, let alone... you know...” “Darling, you have never met me before. And you most certainly haven’t had the privilege of meeting me in that sense.” Clarissa couldn’t help herself from smiling at that, but it just left Daiki even more bewildered. “I’m sorry, that might be inaccurate. We might have met before the project, I can’t remember if we did or not just in passing, but I can’t imagine Real Duel would have liked their test subjects socialising with each other before the big project.” “The hell!? Test subject?” Somewhere in the back of mind, something else started to stir and pulse as each word Clarissa spoke, each bombshell she dropped left him more confused and angry. But shock and confusion was starting to subside and be eaten away by something else. “How on earth are we someone’s parents if we’ve never met each other?” “Well, I use the term parents in general speaking. We are not parents in the ordinary sense, and our daughter was not born in the ordinary sense. Some might argue she wasn’t really born at all, but more... created.” Clarissa hushed Daiki as his jaw dropped. “Let me explain. Project Eve was started with the aim of creating the perfect avatar for the VDS. Someone who had all the most desirable qualities in a person; like great intelligence and bravery and so on, who would fit into the world perfectly. Obviously a child gains their traits and personalities from their parent’s genes, as well as from their environment. That’s the basics of genetic science. Find the perfect parents who each of strong genes that are desirable, mate them together, and you should get an end product as this company would refer to her who had the desirable qualities of both. It has been done for centuries with creatures like dogs and horses, so why not humans?” “Well, because it’s a barbaric and inhumane concept for a start.” Clarissa smiled as Dai gave the answer she wanted. “Exactly, but trivial matters like that weigh little compared to billions of yen to such people. So the search was on to find the perfect parents. I haven’t discovered from my searches how it ended up for me, but I was chosen by the process to be the mother, as someone who had something they wanted the avatar to have. Obviously the avatar would also need great duelling skill and knowledge which I didn’t provide, but that would be simple to solve by holding a national tournament for the best duelists to be on display to choose from. In late 2052, they held an open championship for a special prize; anything the winner wished for. That’s where they found a young man who had a natural talent, someone who could turn defeat into victory seemingly out of nothing, who would never submit to his opponents. Does this ring any bells for you at all?” “But... I’ve never competed in a national in my life. I only started playing duel monsters when I was eighteen, just before I joined the police. That was about a year later than the time you talk of.” “Yes, about that. About your cards. It’s a very unusual deck you play with, isn’t it Dai?” Daiki couldn’t help but glance at the cards in his hand and cemetery as she mentioned them. “Only limited consistencies amongst them, none at all in some cases, not a proper series like my Inverz. Tell me, why do you play with such a deck?” “I don’t know” Daiki shrugged. “Because I liked them. Because they just work for me.” “You just felt inclined towards those cards when you got them a few years ago. Well let me show you something. You... may want to brace yourself. Wilhelm, if you would.” At the press of a button, a digital display appeared in the air halfway between them, with the image of a photograph floating against the ARV wall. The photograph depicted a young man from just behind, tall and with dark messy hair, and wearing a tan jacket and jeans combo. In front of the man, Daiki could just make out the back of a warrior in silvery armour. Advancing the slide show on, the photo changed to video footage, entitled “RDL Duel Festival 2052 Quarter Final; Yumura vs Ageda”. The video showed the duelist face on, a boy in late teens maybe, with a Howling Warrior on his right and a [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Key_Man_the_Key_Warrior"]Key Warrior Keyman[/url] on the left. The video proceeded to show another card, then the two monsters overlay, as the duelist Xyz summoned [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Kachi_Kochi_Dragon"]Kachi Kochi Dragon[/url] and attacked the opponent and his monster across the field, reducing his life points to zero to rapturous applause from the crowds. The camera zoomed in on the face of the victorious duelist, smiling and waving to the fans, before the footage ended. Clarissa just stood there in silence, watching Daiki shake as he took in the lasting images of his own teenage self. “That was... me? But the names in the image aren’t...? What are you trying to tell me? It can’t... that can’t be me. Prove that’s me!” “What more proof do you need? I’m sorry, but your entire existence as Masuro Daiki is a lie. That is you, the real you. Those are the last images of Yumura Katsuro, of the teenage sensation that you were at that championship, defeating the reigning champion of East Asia, and therefore it was decided the perfect candidate to be father to the avatar. You were eliminated in the semi-final, I assume somewhere along the line the duel was rigged so that you wouldn’t become champion and therefore forgotten, and then you were invited to this building just as I was, to participate in a great new venture in duelling as they put it. Participating, meaning you were knocked unconscious and stuck in a pod labelled specimen A, and I was put in a pod labelled specimen B. We were both hooked up to this machine and over the course of the project our DNA was used to create specimen C, a baby girl they christened Kaneko, ‘the golden child’, who was taken away and forced straight into the VDS where she would spend almost her entire life. Whilst we, her parents, had our memories of the whole ordeal blanked and were discarded.” Daiki hunched over holding his head as the aching got more and more painful, as if something inside struggling to break out from a cage. Before his eyes the vision of the cause of his amnesia, the bike crash he had been told about by the nurses and his friends. [i]A flash of bright lights in his eyes. The sounds of whirring engines in his ears.[/i] But that wasn’t a lorry engine like the one that was supposed to have hit him. Around the bright lights he could see people, ever so faintly, working at things out of his vision. “Blanked... memory? They... discarded?” “That’s right Dai. Just be thankful we were, and that we were gotten rid of more permanently like some executives who came up with the project would have liked us to have been. This was their big mistake.” Clarissa’s knuckles cracked as her tone hardened. “I’ll give Shinawatra one thing only; that he couldn’t bear to have our blood on his conscience, so he made sure we were allowed to live, although we could not be allowed to remember we had a daughter. I guess this is in part why I was chosen, it was easy for them to just ship me back to England; with my memory of my time in Japan erased and covered up with a new identity. But that just makes him even more of a snivelling little worm. That he should use me and cast me off, thinking I’d just be an irrelevance that would go away in time and that he’d never see me again. I made him pay for such carelessness. As for you, they had to create a whole new identity for you. You couldn’t be allowed to go back to being Yumura Katsuro anymore. You had done them a service by providing your duelling skill to the perfect avatar; you should be allowed a normal life of sorts, although you would have to be watched at all times as you lived out your lie. So they kept you in the building under sedation, and waited for the right time to bring you back into society as a new man. That’s when they heard about a tragic young man called Masuro Daiki.” “Masuro... Daiki...?” he repeated his own name weakly. Before him snatches of images he had never seen before played before his eyes, blurred and disorderly. Duelling in a stadium surrounded by thousands.... Being introduced to the RDL executive of public events... Buying a pack of cards as a small boy.... The images whirled around in a patched mess, making him dizzy. “But I’m Masuro Daiki?” “No. Masuro Daiki was a young man who, from what I discovered, had applied for a place in police academy while he was trying to cope with depression from losing his family to an accident abroad. He had drinking problems, and friends described him as suicidal. But he also looked very much like you. A few days after Project Eve was complete, the story broke how a young man was found having driven off a mountain road whilst under the influence of alcohol, his face was unrecognisable from his injuries. He was the real Masuro Daiki, but thanks to some money changing hands and records being altered, it was reported as Yumura Katsuro. No, Masuro Daiki, formerly Yumura Katsuro, was lying in a coma in a hospital bed with broken legs and internal injuries, having been bought to the hospital from a similar crash elsewhere. When you were to wake up a few months later, it would be the first day of your new life, set up for you by Real Duel in place of the real Masuro, taking his parents home and his potential job in the police which they quietly aided you with. A life you wouldn’t completely understand, until now.” Clarissa watched Daiki as he just stood there for a few moments, struggling to take it all in. She could understand, she’d been through it as well, until her memory had fully pieced itself back together and she had been reawakened like she had. That had taken a while though, and although Daiki would also need time to recover, she would need some things to happen now. “So that’s it for the most part, barring a few other details or anything else you’d like to ask. Is there anything?” There was a pause as Daiki considered. “How do you know all this? When did your memory come back?” “Good questions. I only first discovered I too was living under a false ID when I was found by Wilhelm and my father a few years ago. It took them ages to convince me of who I really was, but when I started to remember parts of my life in Japan and about what happened, things they couldn’t possibly know about, I believed them. Ever since then I have been hunting for the truth, finding retired employees of the company and beating the truth out of them and dispensing justice, and plotting my revenge and the downfall of this organisation. Some things I have only found out for myself today, by gaining access to RDL’s most private vaults, while some things such as how I was selected to be a parent for Project Eve and many of those involved still elude me. I will get my revenge on all who have wronged me, and I will make everyone know what this company that they worship has done. Does that answer your question?” “Yeah. I guess it does” Daiki admitted. “So what now?” “I’m not really sure” Clarissa replied, looking up at the golem that was waiting patiently beside her. “Unless they have paid up while we’ve been talking, I am still waiting for the government to give into my compensation. The money is solely to set me and Kaneko up safely and securely once we leave Japan, as well as secure those who have helped me with my cause. I still have to tell the country the truth like I’ve told you, and above all else I still need to find Kaneko and get her out of the VDS. I have had the entire building searched, but she isn’t here. That is why I’ve been gathering Numbers.” “You know what these things are?” Clarissa nodded. “Yes, I think so. Kaneko has missed out on things no child should be without. One of them is family, and another is friends. A little girl alone in a world of monsters fighting each other, she must have been lonely and scared. So it seems that using the powers of the avatar she created one hundred cards, born from her imagination and based on many different emotions, each giving life to creatures that would be her guardians and friends. Each Number is a part of Kaneko, and has had a fraction of her power passed onto them. That is why their attacks deal more damage, their users gain protection, and they cannot be destroyed by regular monsters. Again, this is all deduction and information I’ve gained from files hidden away by RDL deep within the VDS. They considered the Numbers strange, but since they made Kaneko happy and it would probably incur a frightful wrath if they took them away, they allowed her to keep them. I figure that if I was to gather all the Numbers in one place, in my possession, then Kaneko would be lured out to try and rescue them. Then all we have to do is talk to her, mother father and child, and bring her round into leaving the VDS, beginning a normal life and leaving this company to rot in hell.” “Heh, you think it’ll be that easy?” Daiki scoffed. “If what you said is true, if you are telling the truth, Kaneko has spent her entire life in the virtual world without parents. Do you really think you can just talk her into giving it up all of a sudden and going with a pair of total strangers?” “Yes, she will recognise us” Clarissa snapped, although something about her tone Daiki sensed meant she was less than sure herself. Still she was determined, as she held out a hand towards him. “Now, you have two more Numbers that I need in order to bring her out of hiding, along with the forty or so I have amassed with my team over in there. Now we’re on the same side, we don’t need to keep fighting anymore, so if you would just hand your Numbers over so they can join the others, we can continue to gather the rest.” Clarissa stood with her hand outstretched for a full minute. Daiki made no move towards her; just looked from her to Wilhelm and back with that same mixture of confusion, anger and horror. “What’s the problem now Dai?” “I’m sorry, but when exactly did I join your side?” Daiki asked. “What are you talking about? Of course we’re on the same side now” Clarissa snapped. “The side that has been robbed of our lives and the most precious thing in it by these corporate scumbags, and that is going to take our revenge and fix it together. I know that what you’ve just found out about your identity and your life is crushing right now, but you don’t have to fear me anymore. Just help me find Kaneko, and I can protect you and we can work something out as to giving you a new life. A real life, instead of a lie.” Still Daiki didn’t move. “Come on, I don’t have time for this now.” “No.” Daiki’s words were forced and edgy as he reached for his deck, his fists turning white from the force he had clenched them with, staring at Clarissa with a malicious stare. “I don’t understand... my whole life is a lie. Just used and disposed of. Everything. I don’t know who I am or what to believe in anymore. Because of this place? Because of you!” Now he was shouting. “But I do know one thing, and that is I’m not on your side. You’re hurting people and ruining lives for your own gain too, and you’re going to use me as well! You’re just the same as everyone else!” “Don’t you dare compare me to these people!” Clarissa shouted back. “You’d have had me do what? You think I could just walk in here and politely ask ‘Excuse me; you seem to have my child locked in your virtual playground. Would you mind awfully giving her back?’ I have committed my sins, but I will do it willingly for my daughter. I will do anything to rescue her.” Still Daiki was placing a shaky hand to his deck. “Don’t do something you’ll regret Dai, you can’t fight against me now. I have my all powerful Acid Golem out, and you have only card left. The one that’s been stuck in your hand since the opening turn. What can you possibly hope to do against me?” “I... I...” Confused, mangled visions of two lives flashed and melded before him; parts of his recent past where he had been confused, lost and angry. The side which constantly felt like a stranger in a strange place. The side that had lashed out at Natsumi and forced her away. They merged with rapid, blurry images of the teenage him. The one he barely knew, disappearing into the fog of his altered, darkening mind. ‘[i]Who am I? What do I do? Why am I... feeling like this?’[/i] Looking at Clarissa and at the savage golem before her, something finally snapped. “I... DRAW!!!” Daiki: LP 3000, Hand 1, Field empty Clarissa: LP 1400, Hand 1, Field of Number 30: Acid Golem Snatching the card from his deck, Daiki grimaced as he turned it over. This wasn’t what he needed at all. Something Clarissa easily picked up on. “Looks like somebody didn’t get what they were hoping for. Look Daiki, I understand you’re angry, but let me use that anger against those who hurt you, against Real Duel. I’m not your enemy anymore.” Daiki could only half hear her, rubbing his head as he tried to work out what to do with the two cards he had left whilst fighting the distraction of the blurry mash of memories and his aching head. [i]‘All... my... enemy...’[/i] Trying to ignore it, he fed one of the cards into his D-Disk. “Bah. If I really was this hot shot duelist you’ve shown me, then you know I can pull this back. I place one card face down and end my turn.” “I don’t think so” Clarissa shook her head and smiled at Daiki, her long hair swaying gracefully. “You’ve not got it in you anymore, and you won’t do it against me. You’re mentally broken, and unless you give up now I will have you broken physically as well. This is your last warning. I’ve fulfilled what I felt I needed to by finding you and telling you the truth. I’m not obliged to my conscious to do anything else. And if you still insist in trying to get in my way, I will have no qualms with destroying you. Even if you are my daughter’s father.” Daiki still just stood there glaring at her, like the street fighter who had been severely battered, but still stubbornly refused to go down until he was forced to. Well, this was a regrettable outcome, but it was of no great consequence to her, as she calmly drew her card. “Fine then. If you want your destruction so badly, I’ll just have to end your misery myself. During my standby phase, the effect of Acid Golem of Destruction forces me to detach an overlay unit from it; else I take two thousand points of damage.” One of the little energy spheres orbiting the golem disappeared in a blast of poisonous vapour as the giant readied itself (DRU 1, ATK 3000). “It was nice meeting you this once Dai, and I wish things could have worked out differently, for Kaneko’s sake. But don’t worry; your suffering will be over very quickly. Acid Golem, direct attack!” Slowly the golem pulled back a massive fist, and bought in crashing down in a long hammering swing. “I activate my face down, [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Reinforce_Truth"]Truth Reinforce[/url]" Daiki countered. “This special summons a level two warrior from my deck to protect me.” From nowhere the form of a lithe ninja in dark robes appeared between Daiki and the destructive Number, blinking as it suddenly realised there was a giant monster that was aiming its attack now at him (Lv2, ATK 400). “Fine, then Acid Golem will just crush that instead!” The ninja was annihilated instantly by the massive force of Acid Golem’s pummelling attack, leaving only a large crater in the floor. The resulting blast from the impact threw Daiki a long way back, landing in a crumpled heap and groaning from the impact (LP 400). However to Clarissa’s disbelief, he hauled himself to his feet and dragged himself back over, muttering darkly and shakily reaching for his deck. “Why won’t you stay down?” “When [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Vengeful_Shinobi"]Evil Shinobi[/url] is attacked while in attack mode, I can draw one card.” Again he snatched out his card, and the result left him wide-eyed and speechless. [i]‘Real Crusader? This isn’t what I needed! Why have I drawn you now?!’[/i] “So you still won’t go down?” Clarissa scowled. “I activate the magic card [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Allure_of_Darkness"]Allure of Darkness[/url]. This lets me draw two cards, and then I have to banish a dark monster from my hand afterwards. If I can’t, I have to banish my entire hand, but that’s not an issue.” After all, Clarissa already had Madith in hand she could ditch, but whether that was what went or not, Daiki didn’t pay attention. “I place one card face down and end my turn.” “Good, then let’s see if this draw gives me something a bit better” Daiki muttered, this time taking his time with the draw to try and will something useful to the top before snatching the card out of the deck. Catching a glimpse of it as he bought it out, it appeared his moment had actually worked. [i]‘That’s a bit more like it.’[/i] “I summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Goblindbergh"]Goblindbergh[/url] to the field!” A portal opened over his head, allowing a goblin in old fashioned pilot’s goggles and flying jacket and flying a small toy plane to soar over his head (Lv4, ATK 1400). This was his chance. To fully let the power of the Numbers take hold, and unleash everything it on the woman standing before him. “When Goblindbergh is summoned, by changing it into defence mode, I can summon another monster from my hand. I choose [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Absolute_Crusader"]Real Crusader[/url] from my hand. Then I overlay my level four monsters. Xyz Summon!” The noble knight appeared momentarily, before plunging into the starry vortex after the flying goblin and the white and gold seal rose out. “Unleash your power, [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Number_39%3A_Utopia"]Number 39: Aspiring Emperor - Hope[/url]!" The winged swordsman unfurled itself from the seal and took flight, brandishing its drawn sword against the colossus that loomed over it (Rk4, ATK 2500). “Now from my hand, I activate the magic card [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Xyz_Energy"]Xyz Energy[/url]. By detaching one overlay unit from Hope, one monster on the field is immediately destroyed.” The sword in Hope’s hand crackled with a powerful electrical charge as it pulled the blade back over its shoulder. “Do it Hope! Destroy Acid Golem!” “Such a low trick” Clarissa scowled as Hope unleashed the beam of energy towards the giant. “But you will not defeat me with it. I activate the permanent trap [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Number_Wall"]Number Wall[/url]! As long as this card remains face up on the field, my Number monsters are impervious to destruction by card effects. Rendering your desperate final attempt worthless! Daiki recoiled as the high current of energy bathing the Acid Golem was repelled by the traps power, leaving the monster completely unharmed. His best chance for victory, the move he had banked on winning the duel for him, had been effortlessly thwarted. [i]‘She has a Number support card? No, it’s okay. I can still win this, even if it’s just a case of waiting for the curse of Acid Golem’s power to become too much and destroy her. Hope can protect me until then. I will defeat her. I will... d...’[/i] Across the field, Clarissa calmly drew her card. The result made her frown for a moment, before she selected the other. “It is time to end this. First I must allow Acid Golem to use up its last overlay unit to avoid taking damage.” The last orbiting ball of energy vanishing in a blast of smog. “Now, Acid Golem can’t attack when it hasn’t any overlay units left, but that can be solved easily enough. I activate the [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Foolish_Burial"]Foolish Burial[/url] magic card, to send one monster from my deck to the cemetery. Then by further banishing it from the cemetery, I activate the effect of the [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Overlay_Eater"]Overlay Eater[/url] I just put there. This takes one overlay unit from your Xyz monster and reattaches it to mine!” Daiki froze as a small lizard stuck its head out of a portal in the floor between them. With a lash of its chameleon like tongue, the orb circling Hope was snatched away and taken by the gigantic, recharged golem. Clarissa smirked at his shocked expression. “I already knew of Hope’s effect from Wilhelm when he observed your duel earlier. Now there is nothing you can do to stop me! Acid Golem, crush him!” This was it. The giant fist was coming towards him. The Aspiring Emperor had no way to protect him. He had nothing else to use. This blow would finish him if it struck. The confused mangle of vision and half formed memories sped up as his head spun, as the hammer like swing of the golem came crashing down. “From my cemetery, I activate the effect of [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Tasuke_Knight"]Tasuke Knight[/url]!" At the last second, a portal to the cemetery opened up for the red plated samurai to rise through. “One time only, when my hand is empty, I can special summon this proud warrior from my cemetery and immediately force the battle phase to an end!” A mighty thunderclap from the comparatively tiny warrior sent ripples through the air, halting the golem’s punch inches away from the defenceless Hope and leaving Clarissa equally stunned. “You stopped me again...? No... I won’t be defeated by you. I place one card face down and end my turn. I am not going to lose to you Daiki! You or anyone else!” “We’ll just see about that” Daiki shook as he drew his card. Something told him it all hinged on this card. He had to make it count, and use it to destroy that accursed golem that was threatening to annihilate him. For reasons he didn’t understand, he hated this woman right now. Everything she had told him; about his life being a fantasy watched and manipulated by other people who had used and discarded him; it made him sick, confused and angry. He hated her and her faction, and he hated Real Duel. Channelling that rage into his cards he drew, and got exactly what he needed. “I equip Hope with the magic card [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/United_We_Stand"]Power of Unity[/url]!" This increases the attack of the equipped monster by eight hundred points for every monster I control, including itself.” High above him and the stunned Clarissa, Hope drew its second burning sword and slammed the two blades together, staring down its target (ATK 4100). “Acid Golem might be protected from effects, but you can’t protect it from this. Take down that golem once and for all. Hope Sword Slash!” At blinding speed, Hope slashed through the golem’s stone body with one powerful cross-slash, passing straight through the staggering monster and leaving a gaping hole in its chest. The creature crumbled as it stepped backwards, shaking the entire building as it wildly flailed around before falling backwards and crashing through the floor with tremendous force, sending large chunks of debris flying everywhere. Both duelists had to protect themselves from the wreckage flying around them, Daiki trying to look for the target for Tasuke Knight to attack, seeing Clarissa ducking behind her D-Disk and screaming wildly over the demolition. “No! I won’t let you defeat me! I activate my final card, the trap known as [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Chthonian_Blast"]Hell Blast[/url] ..." “What!?” Daiki yelled back as the trap revealed itself. “You heard me! Now when a monster I control is destroyed by battle, I can activate this trap to destroy the monster that beat it. Then we [i]both[/i] take damage equal to half that monsters attack strength!” Clarissa was cut off as the explosions between them doubled in ferocity. Hope was caught in the blast, unable to escape, and was blown to millions of pixels in graphic fashion. The force of the blast threw Daiki backwards, straight into the wall behind him (LP 0). Across the platform, Clarissa was lifted off her feet and driven into the wall behind her, slumping to the ground and groaning weakly (LP 0). The ARV faded around them, restoring the floor to being fully intact, and leaving both combatants broken. Too exhausted to sustain his rage, Daiki’s headache slowly began to subside, allowing him to clearly see Clarissa glaring at him and heaving in great intakes of breath as the concerned looking Wilhelm rolled towards her. “Told you... you wouldn’t... beat me...” she half gasped, half chuckled “Why won’t... you just... quit?” “And... abandon... my daughter? Ha, no... chance...” The two lay silently struggling for breath for a few moments, trying to gather their spent energy. Wilhelm sat beside Clarissa, powerless to help her up. The only sounds in the arena now was the occasional bleep or tap at the computers stretched out beside them, an awkward cough from one of the guards at the edge of the room, and their own heavy breathing. It lasted until the silence was broken by shouting outside... and gunfire. “What the hell?” Clarissa started when she heard the noise in the distance, tapping at her D-Gazer as the guards either side of the arena took their arms and aimed at the lifts and main doors to the centre. “Gadsby, report. What’s going on out there?” [i]‘Ma’am! Two men have breached the building and are making their way up. We can’t stop them!’[/i] “Two men? How the hell can twenty ex-marines not take care of TWO men?!” she shouted back. [i]‘I don’t know! We keep shooting them, but our weapons are having no effect. Bullets just seem to bounce off them like they...’[/i] There was another round of shooting, and the line went dead. Daiki had only heard half of the conversation, but he could assume most of what was said and from the look on Clarissa’s face that something was badly wrong. But the fight had taken so much out of him he could barely move. Clarissa herself was in the same position as she struggled into a more upright sitting position, drawing two of her pistols and shakily aiming them at the main doors where the sound of gunfire was getting louder and louder. Panicked, Wilhelm drove himself away and into the main office with the others. There was more gunfire right outside. More shouts and screams. A large bang. The main doors flew open. Clarissa and the guards placed around the operations centre instantly opened fire at the man who marched in through the doors, carrying the dead body of Gadsby as a shield in front of him and a double barrelled shotgun in the other hand. Behind him another figure dived into the rows of computers to avoid the gunfire that honed on him, before taking aim at the guards on the left as the leader began blasting at those on the right. The marines aim was good, but every round that got too close to the two invaders just seemed to curve away from them and pass harmlessly by. The leader of the two marched fearlessly down the centre aisle, effortlessly reloading and firing the shotgun one handed and dispensing of his half of the guards whilst his partner picked off the others from his covered position. Quickly the sound of guns lessened as one by one the marines fell, until only Clarissa was left firing every weapon she had at the guy marching towards the main platform, gasping in terror as she rotated from gun to gun to no avail. Daiki could do nothing but watch the fire fight in the same terror as she felt, as the man finally made the platform and stood there until Clarissa’s last gun finally ran out of charge. Watch as dropped her last weapon and look back at him with a terrified, despairing look, whilst the man dropped his human shield in front of her and revealed himself. The man looked to be roughly thirty, tall and athletic, and although Daiki guessed he was Japanese, the marks of the culture in his facial features were highly diminished. His head was shaved, giving him a thuggish look which was enhanced by the scars on his face, and the long savages cuts that stretched down the left side of his face and neck and under the collar of his long black coat. On his left arm was the most unique custom D-Disk Daiki had ever seen outside of the VDS and possibly inside; a bronze full gauntlet and blade in the shape of a wing. The man looked between the two people sat against either wall, his eyes oddly miscoloured and glinting sharply, and broke into laughter. “So, this is the woman who has bought this country to its knees. I expected more of a challenge to get in here, but it seems I was wrong. You should have seen the looks on the faces of your men; the fear that overcame them was hilarious to watch. Much like your own expression now. I have to thank you as well; your crusade has made things much easier for me. But it’s time I took it from here.” “Who... the hell... are you?” Clarissa gasped. “You don’t know me?” the man laughed again. “After all the research you must have done into this company when planning your pathetic revenge, and you don’t know who I am. Well, I guess it’s not impossible that Real Duel wanted to purge themselves of all record of me, like the stupid fools they are. So allow me to introduce myself.” The man gestured wildly and proudly with shotgun still in hand, still laughing at her in his slightly unhinged tone. “I am Murtagh, the third and rightful avatar of the Virtual Duel System, and the most powerful duelist alive today.” “The third avatar?” Clarissa repeated. “The one who went mad from the power of the avatar, and had to be forced out of the VDS by Kodai?” “Ah, so you have heard of me, even if not by name” Murtagh seemed pleased by this. “I’m a little insulted by the mad remark though. I’m not mad; I’m a visionary. A revolutionary. An utterly spectacularly monstrosity of a catastrophe. I was once the ultimate being; the greatest duelist in the world and the most powerful being in existence. I once ruled an entire world of my own. Until Real Duel cowards like Shinawatra started to dislike my ideas and viewpoints. I am a genius, although they do say that the line between madness and genius is very thin. Ah, and who might you be I wonder” he asked mid-laughter as he rounded on Daiki like he’d just noticed him. “A cop? Ah, I guess you must be...” “You... you bastard!” Murtagh spun to look back at Clarissa, who was getting unsteadily back to her feet. “It’s because you went gaga and screwed up being avatar so badly that Real Duel came up with Project Eve in the first place. It’s as much of your fault that Kaneko was stolen from me as anyone else here!” “Ah yes, Kaneko.” Something about the smug change in his voice suggested he’d been waiting for that topic to be bought up. “The precious little imposter who is at the centre of all this. So, you must be her parents. How proud you must feel of her, for stealing what is rightfully mine. I guess your fabricated feelings towards her mean we can’t be friends, even if she isn’t your child in any natural sense.” Like a bull to a rag Clarissa found the strength from somewhere to charge Murtagh and fight him hand to hand, but every attack she tried he defended with effortless speed and control. He toyed with her, watching her horror at being unable to hit him, before with one effortless punch he struck her hard enough to knock her down again and laugh at her grimacing in pain. “You don’t need to worry about Kaneko anymore; she’ll be in safe hands soon. I have big plans for her and her powers. But for you two, not so much. I have no more reason for letting either of you two live any longer. You might have been merciful to these people, but I’m not as weak as you.” “I am not weak!” “Really? Well what if I did this if wonder?” Murtagh strolled back towards the Real Duel employees sat helpless at their desks and oblivious to the danger, raised and pointed his shotgun into the front row, paused to consider his aim, and fired. Suddenly one of the women sat in the front row had a bloody stump where her head used to be. Clarissa choked at the sight, something which amused Murtagh further. “Did that upset you? The death of a total stranger you’ve been using for hours, but you don’t like me shooting them?” Clarissa shook her head, prompting Murtagh to blow off another guy’s head. “Stop it! They’re just the company’s pawns, they’ve done nothing.” “Just as I thought, you’re all front. You’re weak when it comes down to it” Murtagh replied, admiring his weapon. “It doesn’t matter if I shoot a few people now anyway; they’ve all be dead by the time I’m set up and leave this building in ruins. As you two will be, even if I have to go about it indirectly.” “So why don’t you just kill us already?” Murtagh smirked as he turned to face Daiki, who had managed to use the wall to get into a standing position whilst holding his ribs. The situation was hopeless now anyway. As a detective he knew that, and he’d didn’t want his death to be dragged out any longer than necessary, especially given his state of mind now.“It’s easy for you to shoot people who are trapped and defenceless. Why don’t you just shut up and get on with it?” [i]“I wouldn’t say things like that Daiki. The only reason he hasn’t killed you yet is because he can’t.”[/i] The voice that addressed Daiki paralyzed him, as the speaker walked up to the platform from the rows of computers and into plain sight for the first time with machine gun in hand. It took a long moment for Daiki to take it in, and even then he didn’t truly accept who his eyes were telling him was standing right there beside this deranged Murtagh character, armed with many tools and weapons, an almost complete contrast in his calm, collected manner. “Garvan? What?” “So, you got out of the VDS as well” Garvan replied as though nothing was happening. “I didn’t expect to find you here, but this works out quite conveniently and saves the trouble of hunting you down later. I hope you don’t hold this against me old friend.” “But... what?” “Oh you two know each other?” Murtagh asked in mock surprise. He just seemed to find everything around him ridiculously funny. “But of course you do. You’ve been best friends for six years, ever since you met at that first training camp. A great comradeship born from one chance meeting. Except there was nothing really chance about it, was there Garvan?” “What? Garvan, what’s he on about? Why are you here?” Garvan just shrugged as Murtagh continued having his laughing fits. “Oh, you haven’t worked it out yet? Garvan is the one who’s been watching you ever since your rebirth into a fake life. He was the one Real Duel assigned to keep tabs on you, to make sure you’d never start asking questions about your past or go hunting for the truth. Masuro Daiki, the man whose life you replaced, was accepted into the police academy a few days before his suicide, so Garvan was signed up with you, with the sole purpose of befriending you and making sure you’d play out your life like the clueless puppet you are.” Daiki couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Everything he could remember for six years was a lie, even down to his closest colleague and friend? “Garvan... this true mate? Everything we’ve done together... was because you were hired to?” “Afraid so Dai. My father worked for Real Duel at the time, so I was set up to protect his work. Not that the old man appreciated it very much. I never really had to do much until now, just help you get by when you were having bouts of depression or anger when the amnesia got too much. It was a pretty dull job, but comfortable, until I met Murtagh and joined him, as a neatly placed operative in the city police force and with connections to Real Duel. I was a perfect double agent.” “You knew the truth about me? The whole damn time you knew I was living a cover-up and you never told me!” “I had no choice either Dai. The guys at Real Duel made clear of that. If you found out the truth and made any attempt to expose it on a wide scale, you would have to be disposed of. And if I was believed to be responsible for you remembering, I would also be taken care off. All we had to do was live out our lives in the force quietly and comfortably, even more so if you’d have had the decency to get killed in action someday along with any chance of it ever coming to light, but guess there’s no chance of that now. I sympathise with you Dai, you’ve been a good friend, but your suffering will end soon.” “f*** you, you lying double-crossing piece of crap!” Daiki temper completely split over in waves of despair. “You’re not my friend! You never were!” “This is most entertaining” Murtagh chuckled as he watched the two men stare each other down. “But no amount of cursing is going to get you anywhere, and further explanation is pointless when you’ll be dead soon. So Garvan, if you would kindly dispense with the others, how about we get on and allow the rest of my team to break free?” Silently Garvan made his way to the open office, disappeared from sight of Daiki and the despairing Clarissa, and opened fire. Clarissa’s face paled as the screaming mangled with the storm of bullets, trembling as she watched the doorway and praying for some sort of rescue for her brother inside. The silence when the gunfire stopped was deafening, until Garvan remerged with blood splattered across his neat shirt and trousers. He spotted Daiki’s dark expression, but just merely shrugged once more and stood to attention as another two figures came out after him. Clarissa choked at the sight of Doctor Evos carrying the struggling Wilhelm over his shoulders, marching towards her, and dropping him in a rough heap next to her. “Sister?” Wilhelm groaned as he weakly reached for her. “It’s okay Wilhelm. I’m here” Clarissa scrambled over to him and lay over him, before rounding on the doctor who was walking away from her. “Evos! You’ve betrayed me?” “That’s not a correct term for what’s happened” Evos replied carelessly. “To betray you, I’d have had to have been on your side to begin with. It’s so amusing. All this time you’ve been looking for the people responsible for Project Eve and who destroyed your life, and for the last two years there’s been one right under your nose.” Clarissa punched the ground in reply as the doctor approached Garvan and took first two pistols, and then two D-Disks that he had been carrying. One of each he attached to his own person, and as the D-Disk clamped on his arm, something within the deck slot responded with a dark aura. Armed and protected now, the doctor proceeded to walk over to an office closer to Daiki and unlock it, allowing a shorter woman with auburn curls and dressed in a business skirt and top to strut out, her appearance getting a reaction of complete disbelief out of Clarissa and making Murtagh smirk. “It’s about time you got me out of there” the woman said as she stretched, before taking the items Evos offered her (something in the deck responded in a similar to her as it had the doctor as she attached her D-Disk). “It’s been boring sitting around waiting for you and having to put on this act all day. Now...” Her expression changed to a sultry smile when she saw Murtagh. “How is my gorgeous man?” “Better for seeing you Asami baby” Murtagh smirked as she sauntered up to him. The pair met in a close embrace and shared a long drawn out and quite graphic kiss. Somewhere behind them, Clarissa was making vomiting noises. “Oh this just gets better. This corporate whore as well? Looks like you were right after all about me being too weak. I should have let the pirates rape and kill you when I had the chance.” “Too bad you stuck up cow” Asami replied, breaking from Murtagh’s embrace to go over and slap Clarissa with a stinging blow. “You think you’re something special? You have no idea of anything. You’re just worthless trash, you and your snivelling little brother.” “We’re trash? Ha, that’s rich. We’re not the ones sucking up to guys like Shinawatra and this nut bag.” “How dare you talk to my sweetie like that!” Asami slapped Clarissa again on the other cheek for good measure. “Murtagh is a god, destined to rule trash like you, and I am going to be by him as his goddess.” “Yeah, you two make a real good couple together.” Asami went to slap Clarissa again for the backchat, but her hand was grabbed by Murtagh. Behind them, Garvan approached with the restrained Daiki, who had lost all energy and meaning to fight, and dropped him by the siblings. Clarissa and Wilhelm were trying to support each other in an awkward hug beside him, as the four loomed over them. How she still had any fight left her was beyond his understanding, as she stared up hatefully at them all whilst trying to protect Wilhelm at the same time while he lay on his back beside them, helplessly looking up at Garvan and his allies. “Enough squabbling Asami. It doesn’t matter what people like her say about us. So Clarissa, this is most of my team. Allies to my cause and my vision planted in the city police, Real Duel, and your little group, as my eyes and my influence as I waited in the shadows to make my return, and that time is now. Not that you need to know, but I even have another in the government itself, although they’ll be joining us later at another location, from the rubble strewn burial grounds that will be left here in our wake. Now then...” Holstering the shotgun, Murtagh walked away to stare out at the thousands of helpless people trapped in the VDS in front of him, at the home of the company that had betrayed and overthrown him, and let it all sink in. The world was about to change, and he would rule over it all. “Let the fun begin.” 20:59:58... 20:59:59... 21:00:00...[/spoiler] Dun dun dun... and there we are, the end of the second arc and indeed the halway mark of the story. Hope that chapter was everything it needed to be in terms of explanation, action, drama et all. [spoiler=Notes about Duel]This was actually a landmark duel for me, in that it is the 50th I've ever produced in fanfiction. And it was my first ever draw Freaking hell it was difficult to negotiate and all. Few notes about card edits that people might have picked up and have issue with (I'd totally understand with Issue 1). 1 - Yeah, Number Wall. I am not terribly happy about that either. Originally it was Safe Zone (which would have been nice given what we now know about Clarissa) until I was told that prevents Battle Destruction as well. Quick change to Goblindbergh summoning Holy Crane and drawing Trap Stun was made, but then that stuffed up Hell Blast. Really wanted lasting shield over one-off negation like Magic Drain... so... yeah... sorry about having to resort to that atrocity of an anime card. 2 - I am honestly not sure whether Tasuke Knight would activate before or after Hope's self-destruct effect. 3 - Some might have noticed Hell Blast (ie. Cthonian Blast) was altered to destroy Hope when it should techincally have destroyed Tasuke Knight. The reasons for this shouldn't need to be explained really. Hopefully this technicality did not detract from reading pleasure, as it was made sure that the change made no effect on the actual result of the duel.[/spoiler] So, I'll be taking another three week break in order for readers to catch up and for me to get ahead again. Hoping to finish writing Chapter 26 later today (three unavoidably simultaneous events=long chapters) so hopefully by [b]June 4th[/b] when this returns I'll have half the arc done and ready in advance. In the meantime I have already got two extra chapters prepped and ready for release, as well as updated bios. So yeah, any thoughts on the chapter and indeed the series as a whole so far would be massively appreciated. In fact something that would be amazing if people could tell me one positive thing and one negative thing about the series each, that would be amazing (doesn't matter how small or how many, just at least one plus and one minus). That would be awesome thank you. Extra chapters will be posted sporadically over May. The story will continue in June. Matt (Verz Bahamut) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guuu1234 Posted May 12, 2012 Report Share Posted May 12, 2012 Then only thing wrong with this chapter (I think): Was there time leap in the middle, where Daiki activated hell blast? then the next phrase immediately jumped to the conclusion of the duel? About the actual writing: [size=8]*Speechless*[/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Sage Posted May 12, 2012 Report Share Posted May 12, 2012 I believe the saying "The s**t has hit the fan" is appropriate right now. Also seconding the above statement. [quote]Then only thing wrong with this chapter (I think): Was there time leap in the middle, where Daiki activated hell blast? then the next phrase immediately jumped to the conclusion of the duel?[/quote] Except that. Clarissa was the one activating Chtonian Blast, destroying Hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brinolovania Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 Oh my freaking god. ... ... ... Garvan, you little dick...wow...this chapter...metaphorical A-Bomb much? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 WAs expecting more than the three regulars to be honest... but better than nothing... [quote name='guuu1234' timestamp='1336845985' post='5938082'] Then only thing wrong with this chapter (I think): Was there time leap in the middle, where Daiki activated hell blast? then the next phrase immediately jumped to the conclusion of the duel? About the actual writing: [size=8]*Speechless*[/size] [/quote] Yeah, I think when I first posted it something went wrong with the United We Stand hyperlink, and skipped all the text up to Hell Blast. I saw it and fixed it straight away but if you're already opened and started reading then that's probably what happened. [quote name='∂materasu' timestamp='1336846299' post='5938086'] I believe the saying "The s**t has hit the fan" is appropriate right now. Also seconding the above statement. [/quote] Pretty appropriate yeah. [quote name='Pacmanexus' timestamp='1336867742' post='5938223'] Oh my freaking god. ... ... ... Garvan, you little dick...wow...this chapter...metaphorical A-Bomb much? [/quote] Generally got the reactions I was aiming for then. Did the revelation that Garvan was a bad guy come as bit of a "....er, wut?" moment to you guys at all? Because I have been trying to expose him acting a little sus in a 'I wonder what he's doing way' but others have felt to too little extent, similar to Erin's turn from nowhere in Armageddon. Just wondering. Same question could be asked about the other three. Thanks for the positive comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guuu1234 Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 [quote name='Verz Bahamut' timestamp='1336881873' post='5938333'] WAs expecting more than the three regulars to be honest... but better than nothing... [b]After having my own fan-fic (which i updated btw) where the only comments are from you . . . I share your pain. . .[/b] Did the revelation that Garvan was a bad guy come as bit of a "....er, wut?" moment to you guys at all? Because I have been trying to expose him acting a little sus in a 'I wonder what he's doing way' but others have felt to too little extent, similar to Erin's turn from nowhere in Armageddon. Just wondering. Same question could be asked about the other three [/quote] If you're asking if i expected the many double-agents and betrayal in this chapter, then I most certainly did not. Every character that ended up being a bad guy (the word "bad guy" being used extremely loosely here) had actions that didn't immediately lead me to think that they was capable of their actions. Even Evos, who i dismissed all suspicion i had as him just being the right-hand man he was supposed to be. I'm not sure if it's your writing, or me just being oblivious, but I did not see the bomb-shells dropped this chapter coming. Though, is that really a bad thing? It was just done so well. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2012 So... apparently, only five people have read the whole thing so far. Yay. Good job we're having a three week break for people to catch up huh? Making good headway during said break, almost finished Chapter 27. The first half should be done fairly smoothly, but the second half... um... hurry up a bit with new Numbers please Konami. Anyway, arc two bios to inform and clarify and what not. [spoiler=[b]Tokyo Metropolitan Police[/b]] [spoiler=[b]Masuro, Daiki[/b]]Real Name: Yumura Katsuro. Otherwise known as Dai Age: 25 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Parents known to be deceased Associates: Garvan, S.I. Ryokan, Keylan, Yuri, Natsumi Body Type: 6ft, semi-athletic Hair: Dark, scruffy Eyes: Green Clothing: (Both real world and VDS): Tanned jacket, shirt and jeans. Standard D-Disk. Bio: Having originally entered the VDS under orders to contact wanted criminal Natsumi Hotaru, Daiki found himself in a world that was dangerous to all ventured into it, except for some reason himself. However hard he searched for the people attacking users for the VDS they remained hidden from him, until one of the duel drones chasing Garvan engaged him in battle instead. Daiki was teetering on the verge of defeat and possibly total collapse when he was rescued by Wilhelm; one of the leaders of the group responsible for what was happening. Wilhelm passed onto him a message from Clarissa; be at the RDL Building for seven o’clock or else more would suffer, before ejecting him from the VDS. Back in the real world, Daiki couldn’t stop himself from trying to calm down the violence on the streets of Tokyo, and was slightly late for the deadline as a result. Whilst duelling Clarissa, Daiki was exposed to the truth about his hidden past; that he was a test subject used for Project Eve and genetic father of Kaneko, the child produced to become an avatar. Like Clarissa, he had his memories altered and was replaced in society under the identity of the recently deceased Masuro Daiki. The revelations made him despair and suddenly highly aggressive, which persisted until the duels end and left him too exhausted to do anything against the capitalising Murtagh and Garvan. Duel Decks: Instead of an archtype, Daiki plays an Instant Xyz Deck that revolves around the swarming of mostly level three warrior type monsters to summon key monsters. Many of his cards can manipulate their own or other monsters levels, or can special summon their allies to combine their might. Numbers: 39: Aspiring Emperor Hope (appeared at end of duel against Garvan), and one unknown Number (received from Wilhelm) [spoiler=Ground Deck]Dol Dora, Evil Shinobi, Goblindbergh, Howling Warrior, Key Warrior Keyman, Real Crusader, Shield Warrior, Shine Knight, Speed Bird, Summoner Sambel, Tasuke Knight, Trident Warrior, Warrior Lady of the Wasteland, Jar of Avarice, Power of Unity, Raise Dead, Surging Resonance, Unprecedented Wind, Xyz Energy, Damage Condenser, Dimensional Imprisonment, Guard Block, Holy Barrier – Mirror Force, Seven Tools of Bandit, Truth Reinforce, Xyz Reflect[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Grenosaurus, Kachi Kochi Dragon, Missing X-Saber Invoker, Number 39: Aspiring Emperor – Hope, Solid Frozen Gantetsu[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Zielinski, Garvan[/b]]Age: 27 Country of Origin: Poland (moved to Japan aged 7) Family: Unknown Associates: Murtagh, Evos, Asami, Scag Body Type: 6ft 3, broader build, semi-athletic Hair: Black, shorter, neatly combed back Eyes: Green Clothing: (Both real world and VDS): Casual smart shirt and trousers, with biker jacket for riding. Standard D-Disk. Bio: Trapped in the VDS having followed his own line of enquiries, Garvan was repeatedly attacked by Duel Drones after being found out as a holder of two Numbers. Tiring from the constant battles and summoning of the unnatural monsters, Garvan was rescued by his mysterious aid, and later given means of escape. However to do so, he had to go through West Asian champion Vladimir Kanchev. Garvan’s emotions in the duel were mixed, but in the end he did not hesitate to attack Vladimir with Leviath Dragon in order to save himself, knowing what it would do to the Russian. His attack could possibly be explained as the influence of the Numbers held over him, or it could be that he needed to escape to join with Murtagh, who was waiting outside the arcade for him. Together they attacked the RDL Building, gunning through Clarissa’s men and seemingly impervious to any attack, before they reached and seized the main control room with their allies and revealed themselves. Garvan admitted to Daiki that he had been placed by RDL to watch him after his father worked on Project Eve, to protect the company, but motives for now siding with Murtagh are currently unknown. Duel Decks: While sealed by Murtagh in a hidden part of the VDS, Garvan spent the time overhauling his deck. He usually plays a spellcaster deck that has instant Rank 4 Xyz capabilities similar to Daiki’s, but since obtaining two Numbers he has modified his deck to have more ways to swarm monsters of various levels to summon them more easily. Numbers: 83: Galaxy Queen (appeared at end of duel against Daiki), 17: Leviath Dragon (won from duel drone) [spoiler=Ground Deck]Dark Spider, Gagaga Girl, Gagaga Magician, Jester Confit, Jinhua Cat, Light Serpent, Gagaga Back, Galaxy Wave, One for One, Forced Stop[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Number 17: Leviath Dragon, Number 83: Galaxy Queen[/spoiler] [spoiler=Old Cards]Battle Fader, Full Elf, Gagaga Magician, Jester Confit, Predicting Monk Cho-Len, Summon Priest, Bound Wand, Giant Shadow of Egotism, Magic Blast, Cry of the Living Dead, Gagaga Guard, Hidden Soldiers, Xyz Reborn, Shine Elf, Tinplate Archduke[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Superintendant General Ryokan, Shigeo[/b]]Age: 48 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Beniko (son) Associates: Daiki, Garvan, Keylan, Yuri Body Type: 5ft 8, broad shouldered Hair: Grey crew cut Eyes: Grey Clothing: Smart shirt without tie Bio: In charge of the met police effort throughout the crisis, Shigeo watched as things went from bad to worse as Clarissa’s hired computer hackers infiltrated and destroyed most of the units computers, and inspired the young people of Tokyo to panic and riot. Feeling increasingly frustrated and helpless, Shigeo made brash decisions which had he not been stopped by a member of the secret service could have had catastrophic results. Eventually his teams managed to calm the city streets, but he fears the violence will resurface in the night, and he seems to have lost his fighting spirit over the last few hours. Duel Decks: Shigeo does not duel, and has no interest in duelling or the VDS phenomena whatsoever.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Deymura, Keylan[/b]]Age: 23 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Daiki, Garvan, Yuri, Beniko Body Type: 5ft 9, slight, lanky Hair: Dark, smartly flattened Eyes: Dark Blue Clothing: Smart shirt and blazer for office wear Bio: Keylan has attempted to work as best he can from the police headquarters while all their systems have been repeatedly taken down by Clarissa’s team of hackers, and to keep Shigeo from doing anything reckless. He has been given new orders along with Yuri. Duel Decks: It is not known whether Keylan duels or not.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Ono, Yuri[/b]]Age: 30 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Daiki, Garvan, Keylan, Beniko Body Type: 5ft 8, average Hair: Tight bob, brown Eyes: Light green. Wears glasses Clothing: Smart business suit and trousers Bio: One of the key members of organising field operatives and leading operations from the police building, Yuri has done as much as she can to organise the quelling of the riots in the city whilst their systems have been largely down. She has been given new orders along with Keylan. Duel Decks: Yuri does not duel, and sees the game as ‘pointless’.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Ryokan, Beniko[/b]]Age: 21 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Shigeo (father) Associates: Daiki, Garvan, Keylan, Yuri Body Type: 5ft 6, athletic Hair: Short, dark, army style Eyes: Grey Clothing: Field operations standard battle gear Bio: A field operative and detective just below Daiki and Garvan, Beniko was on the frontline in fighting the conspirators and rioters in the city streets. Struggling to lead in such a new and hostile environment to him after his rapid rise through the ranks, Beniko was grateful for the help of Daiki after he came from nowhere with his mysterious warrior to help him. He is currently at police headquarters, preparing units to be on standby for any more trouble that might break out in the night. Duel Decks: Beniko does not duel, perhaps in part due to Shigeo’s influence.[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Clarissa’s Extremist Group[/b]] [spoiler=[b]Clarissa Haines-Wilshire[/b]]Age: 26 Country of Origin: England Family: Wilhelm (brother) Associates: Evos, Gadsby Body Type: 5ft 10, slim, curved figure Hair: Long black Eyes: Dark brown Clothing: Black combat outfit with gloves and heeled boots, and many gun holsters. Bio: Leader of the extremist group that seized control of RDL and led a brutal assault on VDS users, Clarissa had her forces expand their grip over the rest of Japan, messing with various means of communication and media, computer systems of police and army, and other computer reliant bases. Her position of control was solidified, but then Clarissa started displaying some odd behaviour. The mercenaries hired to storm the RDL Building first began to question her leadership when it became known she was making visits into the VDS, as well as her insistence on random civilian Masuro Daiki be rescued from the VDS and summoned to them. The final straw was broken when she made her demands to the government, with many feeling her financial demands pitched extremely low. When the mercenaries voiced their dissent, Clarissa had them all killed, as seemed planned from the start. Having Daiki bought to her, she explained the cause of her actions was to get revenge on and expose the company that had stolen their lives and rescue their daughter Kaneko, who was produced by Project Eve to be an avatar. The emotion and intensity of the duel exhausted both fighters, which was unfortunate giving the timing of the assault of former avatar Murtagh who captured them. Duel Decks: Clarissa uses a sinister archtype called the Inverz. Insectoid in appearance, the fiends strategy works around sacrificing each other to advance summon more powerful monsters which activate their effects thereupon, often at the cost of life points. Numbers: 30: Acid Golem of Destruction (obtaining unknown, although suggested to be similar to how Daiki acquired Hope) and one unknown Number [spoiler=Ground Deck]Evil Cell of the Inverz, Inverz Caller, Inverz Gilafer, Inverz Madith, Inverz Moth, Inverz Sentinel, Inverz Sharp, Overlay Eater, Tour Guide from Hell, Allure of Darkness, Dual Summon, Enemy Controller, Foolish Burial, Move of the Invasion, Holy Barrier – Mirror Force, Hell Blast, Mirror of the Cursed Words, Number Wall[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Wilhelm Haines-Wilshire[/b]]Age: 21 Country of Origin: England Family: Clarissa (sister) Associates: Evos, Gadsby Body Type: 5ft 3 while sat in wheelchair, frail, thin Hair: Grey, long and unkempt Eyes: Green and purple Clothing: Plain grey shirt and smart trousers. Sits permanently in a motorized wheelchair that has a special D-Disk arm. Bio: Having developed a rare and aggressive condition at the age of thirteen that has slowly destroyed the nervous system in his spine, Wilhelm has become bitter and unstable with time in his wheelchair. Feeling incapable of living a normal life, he takes great joy in making other people suffer. Physically weak as he is, Wilhelm is highly intelligent and developed a great knack of using computers, making him a key player in his sister’s team in their control of the VDS, as well as her enforcer. Having found Daiki fighting against a duel drone despite their programming to not engage him, he was sent into the VDS to rescue him, and order him to get to the RDL Building by seven. Wilhelm was captured with Clarissa and Daiki by Murtagh’s team at the end of the arc. Duel Decks: Wilhelm uses an OTK deck that focuses on multiple direct attacks using Daigusta Phoenix and Brionac. This OTK is easy to set up, as it only requires Future Fusion and any level four tuner monster in hand to set it off. He can also easily blow people away with his Chimeratech Overdragon. Numbers: Unknown, but almost certainly has at least one. [spoiler=Ground Deck]Cyber Dragon x3, Bolt Hedgehog x3, Mist Valley Soldier (plus 4 more Machine type monsters), Future Fusion, Overload Fusion[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Chimeratech Overdragon, Dragon of the Ice Barrier Brionac, Daigusta Phoenix x2[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Doctor Hank Evos[/b]]Age: 35 Country of Origin: USA Family: Unknown Associates: Murtagh, Garvan, Asami Body Type: 6ft 4, tall and broad build Hair: Wavy brown hair, and some stubble makes him quite rugged Eyes: Dark green. Wears glasses Clothing: Traditional scientist coat over smart jumper and trousers Bio: Relatively little is known about the doctor, other than he previously worked in some capacity for RDL before being fired for unknown offences, and was then picked up Clarissa to join her team who perhaps hoped to use his insider knowledge and scientific genius in creating the spikes that brainwashed the company employees into becoming duel drones. It seems however that either this was all a set up for him to infiltrate Clarissa’s group on the behalf of Murtagh, or that at some stage after joining Clarissa he was convinced by the former avatar to aid him as he sought influence in various groups playing a part in the events of this day. Duel Decks: It appears Evos duels, but it is yet unknown what his deck contains or what Numbers (if any) he has.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Commander Didier Kazenga[/b]]Age: 32 Country of Origin: Somalia Family: Unknown Associates: Clarissa, Gadsby Body Type: 5ft 7, short yet well built Hair: Shaven headed Eyes: Dark brown Clothing: All black camo gear Bio: After Hasif Myakolo was killed by Clarissa for his disobedience, second in command Kazenga assumed command of the troops of African mercenaries hired to seize and guard the RDL Building. He found Clarissa’s action unclear and unreasoned, and demanded to have greater knowledge of what was going and why the ransom demands issued were so low. This earned him nothing but an execution. Duel Decks: Kazenga does not duel.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Commander Charles Gadsby[/b]]Age: 46 Country of Origin: England Family: Unknown Associates: Clarissa, Wilhelm, Hasif Body Type: 5ft 9, athletic navy trained body Hair: Blond, neat Eyes: Green Clothing: All black camo gear, with military beret to signify rank Bio: A former navy commander, Gadsby appears to have known Clarissa and Wilhelm for a while, either as a recruit for this mission or as a family friend. In command of over a dozen other ex-military men, he was ordered to round up and kill all the mercenary pirates led by Kazenga in a seemingly premeditated move. He was killed with all his men by Murtagh and Garvan after they broke into the RDL Building. Duel Decks: Gadsby does not duel.[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Real Duel Ltd Employees[/b]] [spoiler=[b]Hakia, Unmai[/b]]Age: 22 Country of Origin: South Korea Family: Unknown Associates: Bozu Body Type: 5ft 10, thin and lanky Hair: Short scruffy black mess Eyes: Grey Clothing: Loose, ill-fitting suit Bio: Unmai might have been killed at the end of the last arc by Hasif Myakolo, but that hasn’t stopped him from fighting. Finding himself and fellow co-worker Bozu trapped in a strange dimension with little recollection of how they had got there, why, or anything else, Unmai discovered he had been rescued by a mysterious force who claims to have been sleeping in a hidden area of the VDS for decades. The force wants to end all fighting that is turning the virtual world into a sorry, broken world like the real one before it, and needed to recruit either Bozu or Unmai to join it. Both men accepted, and found themselves facing each other in a high stakes duel, with their entire existence on the line. Alliances quickly forgotten and replaced by a savage hatred, Unmai emerged victorious, determined to gain avenge his own death by defeating Clarissa, and being restored to life. Duel Decks: Unmai uses an archtype called the Destiny Heroes; a group of vigilantes based on various villains and anti-heroes of British culture. An old fashioned archtype that relies on Advance and Fusion summoning to call on its boss monsters, D-Heroes still have swarm power and many tricky strategies. Numbers: None [spoiler=Ground Deck]Destiny Hero Bloo-D, Destiny Hero Dagger Guy, Destiny Hero Defend Guy, Destiny Hero Diabolic Guy x2, Destiny Hero Diamond Guy, Destiny Hero Die Hard Guy, Destiny Hero Dogma Guy, Knight of the End, Twin Breaker, Devil Sanctuary, Earth Crush, Fusion, Jar of Avarice, Over Destiny, Warrior Returns Alive, Crossroads of Destiny, D Counter, Destiny Signal, Guard Block, Limit Rebirth, Trap Stun[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Dragoon D-End[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Umimoto, Bozu[/b]]Age: 31 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Unmai Height: 5ft 7 Body Type: Quite stout Hair: Flat, dark brown Eyes: Dark blue Clothing: Suit Bio: Bozu woke up in an area of the VDS he had never seen in his time of employment along with his co-worker Hakai Unmai, feeling strangely weak and confused. The reason for this, according to the bodiless voice who addressed them, was because they were both dead. The force informed them that he had rescued the pair who had suffered traumatic deaths inside the VDS, and rebuilt smoky reflections of them from their remaining consciences in the hope of finding one who would aid it in the quest for ending the fighting and fixing the broken world. However when both men accepted, this seemed to cause a problem. The force claimed to not have the strength left to fully restore both of them, and decided that only the strongest in a duel could survive. Bozu fought furiously in determination to see his family again no matter how much of others blood he had to spill, but he was ultimately defeated by Unmai and vanished into smoke. Duel Decks: Bozu uses a deck known as Banishark; a series of Fish, Aqua and Sea-Serpent monsters that revolve around removing themselves from play to trigger several effects. Having lost Leviath Dragon to Garvan, he used an attempted OTK strategy against Unmai using Aero Shark, but fell agonizingly short. Numbers: None (lost 17: Leviath Dragon to Garvan) [spoiler=Ground Deck]Big Jaws, Hammer Shark, Killer Rabca, Nimble Sunfish x2, Shark Sucker, Spiked Sunfish, Uminotarus, Wingtortoise, Aqua Jet, Hand Obliteration, Liberation of Soul, Monster Slot, Fishure Charge, Poseidon Wave, Shock, Trap Stun[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Aero Shark x2[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Kato, Asami[/b]]Age: 32 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: President Shinawatra Body Type: 5ft 7, quite curved Hair: Shoulder length and curly, auburn Eyes: Dark Clothing: Shirt and skirt combination Bio: A personnel and recruitment manager for Real Duel Ltd, Asami was discovered to have evaded capture in Clarissa’s original attack by hiding in a cleaning cupboard, only to be found later. Clarissa rescued her from a horrible fate at the hands of the Somalians, seemingly out of some personal compassion given her own past experience and sparing her. She would later regret this as Asami came back to haunt her, as an ally of Murtagh as he took over RDL from Clarissa. With the tables turned, Asami was able to begin to display some of her true colours if only briefly. Seemingly closely intimate with Murtagh, she seems to harbour some ambitions of being a queen alongside him, although how they would accomplish this remains a mystery. Duel Decks: It appears that Asami lied about not duelling, as Garvan gave her a D-Disk. What she uses and what Numbers (if any) she has is a mystery.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Yamada, Gorou[/b]]Age: Unknown, presumably seventies to eighties Country of Origin: Unknown Family: Unknown Associates: President Shinawatra Body Type: Unknown Hair: Unknown Eyes: Unknown Clothing: Unknown Bio: While venturing into the vaults of RDL’s records, Natsumi came across a Duel Drone named Gabriel, who displayed more individuality and awareness than others she had seen. After defeating the terrifying angel, Gabriel told her he was an employee of RDL who had been working in their records departments for several decades before the VDS was created. When the records were moved into the security of the virtual world, he came with them to guard them, although Natsumi could not see how this was possible. After being defeated and using his last strength to help her, Gorou finally passed on into the afterlife. Duel Decks: Gorou used a Zombie deck that was modified to accommodate not just one, but two Numbers, given to him by Clarissa to protect the vaults of Real Duel from anyone who might interfere with her plans. Numbers: [i]50: Black Corn, 7: Lucky Stripe (lost both to Natsumi) [/i] [spoiler=Ground Deck]Effect Veiler, Hell’s Gatekeeper, Horsehead Demon, Red Nostefaru, Zombie Master, Call of the Mummy, Coercive Magic Eyes, Galaxy Queen’s Light, Damage Diet[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Number 50: Black Corn, Number 7: Lucky Stripe[/spoiler][/spoiler] [/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Government of Japan[/b]] [spoiler=[b]Prime Minister Nakashima, Hideo[/b]]Age: 48 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Mai (ex-partner), Sakura (daughter) Associates: Government cabinet, Yudai Body Type: 5ft 7, stout, unfit Hair: Balding, grey Eyes: Brown Clothing: Business suit Bio: In a desperate attempt to end the crisis with minimal casualties the users trapped in the VDS or the employees of RDL held at the company building, beleaguered prime minister has tried to tiptoe around Clarissa as carefully as possible, trying to develop an organised plan without setting off a disastrous reaction. The secret service seems to have developed some form of stratagem, but he still has to deal with the dissent of his cabinet and the disappearance of his daughter. Duel Decks: Hideo does not duel.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Fujita, Kenji[/b]]Age: 29 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Government cabinet Body Type: 5ft 10, tall and thin Hair: Brown, neat mop top Eyes: Green, wears glasses Clothing: Business suit Bio: Recently promoted to the main cabinet, Kenji has been doing all he can to support the prime minister with the limited computer and communication technology that survived or has been salvaged from the attacks by Clarissa’s team. He has been carrying out tasks dutifully, but hasn’t been coming up with any ideas of his own and seems overwhelmed by events. Duel Decks: It is unknown if Kenji duels or not.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Maeda, Izura[/b]]Age: 28 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Riku (daughter) Associates: Government cabinet Body Type: 5ft 9, dainty, cute Hair: Light, quite short Eyes: Blue Clothing: Women’s suit Bio: The prime ministers publicist and secretary, Izura has had to deal with the prime ministers PR and making sure he is allowed to give the crisis his full commitment without the input of others, such as the PRJ Chairman who is demanding to meet him. The toll of the crisis seems to have made the normally delicate and fair Izura snappy and distracted. On a brighter note; her young daughter Riku has left hospital in the last few hours. Duel Decks: It is unknown if Izura duels or not.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Tanaka, Rokuro[/b]]Age: 35 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Government cabinet Body Type: 6ft 3, broad build Hair: Blonde, wavy Eyes: Blue Clothing: Smart black suit Bio: Since Clarissa’s plan entered stage two and struck Tokyo city, the minister for defence has been working with the secret service to restore the government’s means of communication and try to work out a way to stop her and end the crisis. He spends a lot of time talking quietly into a phone away from the rest of the group... Duel Decks: It is unknown if Rokuro duels or not.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Ohayashi, Ryuunosuke[/b]]Age: 67 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Government cabinet Body Type: 5ft 8, quite thin and slightly hunched Hair: Long white hair and moustache Eyes: Dark green Clothing: Brown suit Bio: Hideo’s senior cabinet minister and advisor, Ryuunosuke has been deeply scathing and unsupportive of many of the prime ministers actions, such as his public address which Clarissa used as a trigger to unleash her wave of terror over Japan. Duel Decks: It is unknown if Ryuunosuke duels or not.[/spoiler] [/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Other Characters/Unaffiliated Characters[/b]] [spoiler=[b]Hotaru, Natsumi[/b]]Otherwise Known as: The Firefly Age: 21 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Daiki, Methuselah Body Type: 5ft 8, slim Hair: Brown, spiky with pigtails Eyes: Red Clothing: Tight grey and red riding suit that matches her bike. Bio: Former Real Duel Ltd service operator now on the run from the law after the company placed an order for her arrest on charges of corrupting and stealing files, Natsumi has managed to hide herself away and travel the virtual world as The Firefly, having aligned herself with ancient VDS avatar Orion, who may or may not have helped hide her from her pursuers. Either way, she entered his services; so that she could discover the truth behind being framed as she thought, in exchange for helping him. Orion commissioned her to gather Numbers for him and Kaneko, in order to strengthen them and protect their holders from the other, more aggressive pursuers. Natsumi found the work tedious, and of no help to her in her quest for justice. With his help, she broke into RDL’s record storage facility hidden deep inside the virtual world, and uncovered files about Hakai Unmai in relation to her exposure, and also about the mysterious Project Eve, which getting too close to may have been the cause. There she battled a modified duel drone called Gabriel, who seemed to have lived in the VDS for decades? Natsumi followed up her research by breaking into RDL’s virtual replica of their main operations centre to find the people mentioned in those files. Unmai was easy to find, however his disappearance from the VDS was strange. Clarissa’s background was equally baffling, and the third man Yumura Katsuro looked strangely familiar... Duel Decks: Natsumi uses a Laval deck, which focuses on sending various members of the fiery clan straight to the cemetery to activate various effects. The archtype uses both Synchro and Xyz monsters, and she wields the fury of her Number in order to destroy her foes with burn damage. Numbers: 61: Volcasaurus (obtaining unknown), 50: Black Corn, 7: Lucky Stripe (obtained from Gorou) [spoiler=Ground Deck]Laval Burner, Laval Burning Verdant Temptress, Laval Cannon, Laval Gunner, Laval Lady of the Burning Lake, Laval Magma Artillery, Laval Phlogis, Necro Gardna, Poke Dra x3, Tender of Laval Volcano, Berserk Scales, Dual Summon, Jar of Avarice, Pureflame Eruption, Star Changer, Attack Invulnerability, Compensation of Blood, Cry of the Living Dead, Dimensional Imprisonment, Firewall, Quickening of the Flame Swirl[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Lavalval Chain, Lavalval Dragon, Lavalval Ignis, Laval Steraid, Number 50: Black Corn, Number 61: Volcasaurus, Number 7: Lucky Stripe[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Sakamoto, Jinrei[/b]]Age: 14 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Ms Sakamoto Associates: Unknown Body Type: 5ft 3, small, wiry Hair: Black spikes with a blue streak Eyes: Hazel Clothing: Scruffy jeans and black rock band endorsed t-shirt Bio: A young boy from an poor background, Jin aspires for something better for himself and his mother, who appears to have raised him on her own and he hopes to repay by helping her with money by working at the local supermarket. He entered the VDS after a challenge from school bully Shibo, and found himself entering a nightmare. He found Shibo beaten and bloody at the feet of a twisted angel, and was forced to face it. Hopelessly outmatched with his limited skill and cards, Jin accepted defeat. However, a mysterious young girl wouldn’t let him accept it. Appearing before him in a flash of light, the being known as Kaneko helped Jin to defeat the angel Kafziel by giving him a Number card to fight with. In exchange, Jin agreed to help her by finding other Number holders, and uniting them together in order to fight against forces that she said threatened her and everyone she protected inside the VDS. Whilst on his search, Jin battled more angels sent after him by Wilhelm; improving his skills and acquiring a third Number. However he started to get a nagging feeling he was being followed by someone or something else. This was confirmed during his duel against the shadowy Hunter Webb, when they were attacked by two dark figures. It is unknown what happened to them afterwards. Duel Decks: Jin plays an archtype called Mainsprings, a group of wind-up toys that can usually only activate their effects once, then have to be ‘rewound’ by various means. He does not have the most powerful staple cards, but has learnt to use what he has got in an unorthodox and powerful way. Numbers: 33: OOPArts Super Weapon Machu Mach (received from Kaneko), 12: Armoured Ninja Crimson Shadow (won from duel drone), 20: Giganto Brilli-Ant (won from duel drone) [spoiler=Ground Deck]Mainspring Dog, Mainspring Knight, Mainspring Magician, Mainspring Rabbit, Mainspring Shark, Mainspring Soldier, Mainspring Warrior, Limiter Release, Mainspring Manufacture, Minimum Guts, Overwound Spring, Star Changer, Half Unbreak, Regretful Complaint, Spring Rewind, Xyz Veil[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Mainspring Zenmaister, Mainspring Zenmaines, Number 12: Armoured Ninja Crimson Shadow, Number 20: Giganto Brilli-Ant, Number 33: OOPArts Super Weapon Machu Mach[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Jaku, Shibo[/b]]Age: 14 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Unknown Body Type: 5ft 5, chubby Hair: Black Eyes: Green Clothing: Shirt and jeans Bio: A bully in the same year as Jin, and one of his regular antagonists, Shibo challenged Jin to a duel in the VDS as a warm up for the RDL promotional event that weak duelists all around him were falling in (as well as have fun embarrassing the runt). When Jin did not arrive on time, he decided to go ahead and look for the secret challenge anyway. What he found was a duel more than he could handle. He was destroyed by a Numbers-wielding duel drone, and presumably fell into a coma like the other victims. Duel Decks: Shibo plays a machine deck full of Heavy Machinery, a very power based strategy which culminates in the powerful Machinery King Dakobu Zaku. Numbers: None [spoiler=Ground Deck]Heavy Machinery Drill Jumbo, Heavy Machinery Road Roller, Heavy Machinery Strong Shovel, Cry of the Living Dead[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Heavy Machinery King Daboku Zaku[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Vladimir Kanchev[/b]]Otherwise Known as: The Tsar of Stone, The Master Melder Age: 19 Country of Origin: Russia Family: Unknown Associates: Unknown Body Type: 6ft 3, broad shouldered Hair: Slick flat black Eyes: Dark blue Clothing: (In VDS) Suit of stone armour, with attached D-Disk Bio: Waking from a brief unconsciousness in the confines of his own bedroom, Vladimir was distraught to find that his yearlong unbeaten record as West Asian Champion had been destroyed in one duel, after being completely beaten by old man Methuselah. Lived and embarrassed that his reputation as champion had been destroyed; Vladimir rushed back headlong into the virtual world for a rematch. Inside the VDS, Vladimir encountered a strange man called Murtagh, who seemed to know a lot about his new rival and where to find him, and even gave him a new D-Disk to fight him. However at that location he met Garvan, who he mistakenly believed to be a follower of Methuselah. Vladimir became obsessed with his rivalry, and with destroying Numbers, so much so that it cost him the duel and it also seemed ultimately his life, had it not been for the late intervention of a figure out of his sight. Duel Decks: It seems that after his loss to Methuselah, Vladimir edited his Gemknight deck to incorporate an anti-Numbers strategy, mixing their power with various effects to remove the indestructible monsters from the field. Numbers: None (lost 25: Focus Force to Methuselah) [spoiler=Ground Deck]Gemknight Alexand, Gemknight Emerald, Gemknight Ganet, Gemknight Obsidia, Gemknight Rumarin, Gemknight Sapphia, Dark Factory of Mass Production, Fusion Cancel, Gemknight Fusion, Magic Planter, Raise Dead, Assemble Fusion, Guard Block, Pitfall of Hades, Reckless Greed, Turn Away[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Gemknight Amethys, Gemknight Aquamarine, Gemknight Madeira, Gemknight Paz, Gemknight Prism Aura, Gemknight Ruby[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Hunter Webb[/b]]Age: Unknown, likely early thirties Country of Origin: Australia Family: Unknown Associates: Unknown Body Type: 6ft 1, lanky, does not look powerful Hair: Black scruffy mess, also badly unshaven Eyes: Green Clothing: Baggy jacket and trousers, capped with a boonie hat, neck scarf, and various other accessories. Bio: Little is known about the mysterious Hunter Webb, who appeared before Sakamoto Jinrei in the VDS in the late hours of the evening whilst he was on the run from invisible foes, apparently having only entered the VDS himself an hour or so prior to look for ‘someone’. Hunter appeared most laid back despite the chaos surrounding him, even requesting a friendly casual duel against Jin, and pressing the issue after it was met with initial reluctance. Jin believed Hunter must be another enemy, but after the appearance of two other strange figures attacking them both, no-one can be sure what happened to the pair after they disappeared together. Duel Decks: Hunter plays an Inzecter deck, a powerful archtype that focuses a lot on equipping insects with their weapons and each other, and has the powerful combo of Damsel, Centibete and Hornet to destroy the opponent’s field and increase the swarm. Numbers: None [spoiler=Ground Deck]Gigaplant, Inzecter Ameise, Inzecter Centibete, Inzecter Damsel x2, Inzecter Gigamantis, Inzecter Hornet, Hand Obliteration, Inzecter Axe Zectahawk, Cry of the Living Dead[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Inzecter Exa-Beetle[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Morita, Yudai[/b]]Age: 18 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Lives with parents Associates: Sakura (girlfriend), Hideo, Mai Body Type: 5ft 9, athletic Hair: Blonde, spiked up mane Eyes: Green Clothing: (In real world): casual teenage wear. (In VDS): white tunic and cape with gold gauntlets and armour. White D-Disk Bio: Having been taken to Toshima Hospital in a serious condition after his battle in the VDS with girlfriend Sakura, Yudai is yet to awaken from his coma. Indeed, worrying developments among the medical staff are that his condition is worse than the thousands who have suffered similar incidents, not responding to various calming drugs and visually struggling with battles inside his own subconscious. His parents and Mai, Sakura’s mother, remain at his bedside hoping and praying for him, whilst Sakura has set out on her mission to save him like he saved her. Duel Decks: Yudai plays a Vairon deck, which focuses on summoning powerful Synchro and Xyz monsters and powering them up with various equip spells. The deck has OTK potential, and Yudai has edited it for tag team use with cards like Standing Before a Worthy Opponent. Numbers: None [spoiler=Ground Deck]Summon Priest, Vairon Hapt, Vairon Ohm, Vairon Prism, Raise Dead, Vairon Material, Vairon Segment, Standing Before a Worthy Opponent[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Vairon Disigma, Vairon Epsilon[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Nakashima, Sakura[/b]]Age: 17 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Hideo (father), Mai (mother) Associates: Yudai (boyfriend), Murtagh Body Type: 5ft 6, petite, slim Hair: Brunette, braided ponytails Eyes: Blue Clothing: (In real world): blouse and jean shorts. (In VDS): female tunic and armour similar to Yudai Bio: Tired and distressed having been at the side of boyfriend Yudai for most the day, watching him struggle with demons in his own head and his condition not improve at all, Sakura has taken it upon herself to help him. She tried using the Number Shock Ruler which returned to her possession by unknown means to no effect, and has now left the hospital in search of an answer, using it as he guide. Her eventual destination is unknown even to her, other than it will come to a way to rescue him. Duel Decks: To start her on her way on her VDS adventure, Yudai made Sakura a deck based on a light attribute race that were the successors to the Vairon; the Sacred. These fabled warriors have many swarming and level manipulating tactics to bring out their many powerful Xyz monsters. Numbers: 16: Ruler of Colour: Shock Ruler (won from duel drones) [spoiler=Ground Deck]Effect Veiler, Sacred Dabaran, Sacred Gredi, Sacred Pollux, Sacred Sheratan, Magic Planter, Star Sign of the Sacred, Cry of the Living Dead, Holy Barrier – Mirror Force, Photonize[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Number 16: Shock Ruler, Sacred Beehive, Sacred Hyades[/spoiler][/spoiler] [/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]The VDS Avatars[/b]] [spoiler=[b]Kaneko[/b]]Age: 6 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Daiki (father), Clarissa (mother) Associates: Methuselah, Jin Body Type: 3ft 2, small Hair: Golden, very long Eyes: Bright blue Clothing: White dress Bio: The child born from Project Eve, created from the DNA of Yumura Katsuro (i.e. Daiki Masuro) and Clarissa Haines-Wilshire, who was made by Real Duel to serve as avatar of the VDS from birth for as long as she remained capable. The project was approved after the previous avatar, Murtagh, went berserk on power and began endangering lives with the changes he made to the virtual world, and the company feared a repeat if someone else was bought in from an everyday life to a god-like existence. Although more restrictions were placed on the avatar’s direct influence over the virtual world’s settings, Kaneko quickly grew into her surroundings of a fantastically varied world filled with different creatures and players who commanded them in battles, and was taught by her sensei Methuselah. With her growing powers, she took what she had seen and experienced and created one hundred creatures who would be her friends and guardians, the Numbers. These cards unique to her had a little of her power in them, giving them a supernatural influence on the world around them, both real and virtual. Kaneko’s whereabouts is unknown in the real world, while she spends most of her time in the VDS in the safety of her special area accessible to only her and Methuselah, which they call home. Duel Decks: It is unknown what deck Kaneko plays. Numbers: 25: Fullmetal Photoglide - Focus Force (given to her by Methuselah). Possibly 10: White Knight Illuminator as well, but unconfirmed.[/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Methuselah[/b]]Real Name: Kodai, Orion Age: Unknown Country of Origin: Unknown Family: Unknown Associates: Natsumi, an unnamed ally Body Type: 5ft 9, tall and thin Hair: Cannot be seen for hood, but has long grey beard Eyes: Cannot be seen for hood Clothing: Long white hooded robe. This becomes blue when in Duel Mode. Has a D-Disk in the shape of Ceremonial Water Mirror of Ritua Bio: The second VDS avatar, who according to Clarissa was selected by Real Duel Ltd to serve as the ever present administrator of the virtual world, helping it grow and perform to its potential capacity. Unlike his predecessor, the more mature Kodai fitted into the virtual world well and presided over it for forty years. When age naturally began to take its toll and it was felt a new avatar was needed to take over, he trained his successor; a talented orphaned duelist called Murtagh, and left the VDS in his hands. After Murtagh began to descend into madness and cause havoc in the virtual world, Kodai was asked to come back by Real Duel and help them defeat him, and return to his role as avatar afterwards. He then began tutoring Kaneko as she took her early steps as an avatar, guiding and looking after her. He uses Natsumi as his arm in the VDS world, while he hides with Kaneko. Duel Decks: Methuselah plays a Ritua deck. There are various ways to play this archtype, by either using a turbo deck with cards to keep your reserves topped up, or a deck to whittle away your opponents. Against Vladimir, he used an adapted version of the former, with Xyz power to combat the Numbers. Numbers: Unknown, but possesses at least one. Possibly 10: White Knight Illuminator (given to him by Natsumi along with two other unknown Numbers). [spoiler=Ground Deck]Aqua Spirit Aqueria, Eviritua Mind Ogress, Eviritua Soul Ogre, Ritua Beast, Ritua Chain, Ritua Diviner, Ritua Erial, Ceremonial Water Mirror, Downward Current, Eisbahn[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Black Ray Lancer, Eviritua Merrowgeist[/spoiler][/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Murtagh[/b]]Age: 29 Country of Origin: Japan Family: Unknown Associates: Garvan, Asami, Evos, Sakura Body Type: 5ft 11 (is taller in the VDS), athletic and muscular. Left side of neck and shoulder scarred. Hair: (In real world): Shaven headed. (In VDS): White, long spikes Eyes: Miscoloured shades of green in both real world and VDS. When in Duel Mode: they change to lizard like style; one blue and white, one red and black Clothing: (Inside VDS): Long black coat, fine clothes with gauntlets and ornate belt, heavy boots. Bronze D-Disk shaped like a dragon wing. Mirrors his virtual image as closely as possible in reality. Bio: The third VDS avatar, who was stripped of power eight years ago by the company and his former sensei Methuselah, and exiled. Already supposed to be unhinged due to the dramatic change in his life; going from unloved orphan to a god-like existence, having it taken away made him feel robbed and twisted, enough to believe Kaneko to have stolen a world that is rightfully his. What exactly happened during his eight years away is unknown, other than he found influential allies and plotted his plan for revenge and take back what was his, which according to him involves Kaneko. Duel Decks: From the little that is currently known, Murtagh seems to have an affinity for Dragons, and uses a Chaos variation of a dragon deck, with many powerful high level monsters. He even undergoes a personal transformation whilst duelling, making himself resemble something dragon like. Numbers: Unknown, but possesses at least one [spoiler=Ground Deck]Blue Eyes White Dragon, Darkstorm Dragon, Dragorado, God Dragon Apocalypse, Phantom Dragon, Star Bright Dragon, Forbidden Chalice, Monster Gate, Raise Dead, Trade In[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Thunder End Dragon[/spoiler][/spoiler] [/spoiler] [spoiler=[b]Duel Drones[/b]]The duel drones are Real Duel Ltd employees that have been transformed into Clarissa’s bloodthirsty warriors. [b]Leviathan[/b] An employee of RDL who Daiki encountered in the Tomb of the Dead Emperor area, slaughtering two kids in her mistress’s quest for Numbers. She then went to take out known Numbers holder Garvan, but Daiki got in the way of her D-Anchor and took the duel instead. This apparently went against the drones programming, but unable to break the anchor Leviathan continued her attack anyway. She was defeated by Wilhelm, and was seen to his amusement to have been carried out in a coma. Numbers: [i]Unknown (lost to Daiki and Wilhelm)[/i] [spoiler=Ground Deck]Poison Snake Deity Venominaga, Poison Snake King Venominon, Venom Boa, Venom Serpent, Venom Snake, Pot of Greed and Modesty, Snake Rain, Venom Shot, Venom Swamp, Damage = Reptile, Dark Shrine Bribery, Snake God Descends[/spoiler] [b]Kafziel[/b] An employee of RDL transformed into a savage duelist programmed to attack all potential holders of Numbers, this drone was encountered by Jin in the Necrovalley area. Jin was horrified to see the drone had beaten school bully and stronger duelist Shibo, before it attacked him. With the help of Kaneko, Jin defeated the drone. It is unknown what happened to him after that. Numbers: [i]12: Armoured Ninja Crimson Shadow (lost to Jin)[/i] [spoiler=Ground Deck]Armour Ninja Air, Armour Ninja Aqua, Armour Ninja Earth, Armour Ninja Flame, Gold Ninja, Ninja Master Hanzo, Foolish Burial, Wind Demon Shuriken, Armour Ninja Art: Freeze Lock, Armour Ninja Art: Rust Mist[/spoiler] [spoiler=Extra Deck]Armour Ninja Blade Heart, Number 12: Armoured Ninja Crimson Shadow[/spoiler] [b]Yetzerhara[/b] A duel drone sent after Jin by Wilhelm, in the hope it would defeat him with its Number. Yetzerhara attacked Jin in Gear Town and summoned Number 20: Giganto Brilli-Ant, but was defeated. [b]Gabriel[/b] See Gorou Yamada[/spoiler] *looks back at an hour's editing and wonders why the hell he put so many characters in this thing* Anyway, any and all feedback on any and all points up to this point from any and all would be appreciated. Characters, predictions, questions, whatever. Extra Chapters 3 and 4 will be released next week. 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Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 *wonders why he bothered with an hour's worth of formatting the above post, plus all the time that was spent doing bios* Right; update time of sorts. I am hopefully going to finish the very, very long Chapter 28 sometime tonight. Things are progressing nicely ahead of Arc 3; the main storylines and characters paths have been defined and confirmed, along with the sub-plots of others since, and got a few nice duels planned. Beginning to struggle for lack of Numbers if I'm honest: the astute of you might have been counting and know I've used 14 so far, giving me 13 left to choose from at the time of posting. Sounds like a lot, but when you want to debut 10-11 in the next arc and have the likes of Freezerdon, Fran Ken, Genome Heriter, Thunderspark Dragon and the still unknown Destiny Leo left to pick from, it really isn't. Still fingers crossed it will be fine, I think I've got it mainly sorted. My other immediate problem is loss of contact with my beta reader Saber, who seems to have gone AWOL. Hope he's okay wherever he is (and working on finishing Dead Zone, which I'd recommend to anyone who hasn't read it yet). Anyway, if everything goes to plan, Season 3 will begin on [b]Tuesday 5th June[/b]. Hopefully that plug will keep him happy. And to keep you other readers happy, here's a little extra chapter. After certain people made their alliances clear at the end of the last arc (possibly to a bit of a WTF? extent in some cases) some background information is needed on some of them and what happened to them in the past. Usually when I do these extra chapters, they are just background little scenes that you don't really have to read to understand/progress the story and are just for added information/fun. However this one... let's just say you'll benefit later from reading this one now. Enjoy. [spoiler=Extra Chapter 3] [b]Eight years earlier...[/b] Thunder echoed ominously across the land. Flashes of lightning illuminated the otherwise pitch black sky; the only light source on this darkest of nights. High on top of the northern [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Mountain"]Mountain[/url] regions of the VDS, a fierce battle was taking place; the thunder and lightning seemed to spark in time with every blow and counter blow as several figures continued to press upon their opponent, who was not only keeping them at bay from the higher ground, but was mercilessly attacking anyone who got too close. “You can’t escape Murtagh” shouted one of the group; an older man in a smart suit. “All warping has been disabled, you’re trapped here. Give yourself up peacefully and...” The old man had to leap out of the way as a torrent of flame incinerated the spot where he had been standing seconds before, leaving giant scorch marks in the rocky ground. The dragon responsible for the attack seemed to laugh at the president’s terrified reaction, the torn apart form of [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gem-Knight_Pearl"]Gemknight Pearl[/url] lying limp in its front claws. Several other monsters circled the mighty dragon, but each time any one of them or the suited duelists commanding them made a move towards the young man standing beside the mighty behemoth, it would respond with another fierce assault. The young Murtagh, the handsome and athletic young man who had become the full time avatar only a few years ago, glared maniacally at the president with the miscoloured eyes of his dragon soul duel mode. His golden coat shimmered in the glow of his mighty beast; a glorious garb for someone whose recent cruel and power-lustful actions contrasted completely. He shared the dragons amusement. “Escape? Ha, why would I want to escape? Why would I want to leave this glorious world to which I am the equivalent of a god? This is my world now! I own it, I rule it, I am the most powerful duelist to ever grace it, and everyone and everything in it rightly belongs to me! What I say is what goes, not you. You are just an irrelevant spokesperson who should be focusing his time on marketing this place to get me more subjects, not trying to interfere with how I run things.” “Murtagh, it doesn’t work like that” shouted a female executive. “You’re supposed to look after the virtual world and its people from in the background, helping it grow and keeping order, not... this. This mayhem that you have wrought...” The woman was cut off by the sharp scream of her monster, a [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Magical_Hierophant_Hieron"]sorcerer[/url] in black and golden robes, as it jumped in front of the fiery breath aimed towards her. The sorcerer saved the woman, but was erased instantly. Two more monsters, a [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Heroic_Champion_-_Excalibur"]warrior[/url] carrying a large broadsword and a [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Geargiganto_X"]robot[/url] made up of several gears, leapt upon the creature from the other side to blind sight it, but the dragon lashed out without even turning to face them, the launched Pearl catching the robot in midair and the warrior torn apart by the great claws. All the more cause for merriment for the delirious Murtagh. “Mayhem? Really? I’d say the changes I’ve made have really shaken things up in here for the better. It must have been getting pretty boring with so little change over the last few years. Now people are forced to take their duelling to the next level, or they get left behind. They should feel honoured when I personally give them the chance for the duel of their life against me. I don’t need you suits telling me what’s best for the company; I don’t care about your opinions. I’m the power here, you listen to me. I’m just getting started.” [i]“No, actually Murtagh, you’re just about finished.”[/i] Murtagh blinked as the familiar voice reached him. From the mountain path ahead of him, a figure started to appear over the rise in the dark gloom. Tall and thin, his face hidden in the depths of his deep blue robes, long beard blowing slightly in the wind, the golden shield in the design of the water mirror glinting in the flash of lightning. The old man approached, passing the president and his allies with a few words, walking much more purposefully than Murtagh had seen him move before. “Methuselah... sensei...?” “Do not address me as sensei any more Murtagh” the old man snapped. “I no longer consider you a student of mine.” “Se...?” Seeing Murtagh left speechless by this withering remark was a nice change for the old man. He was stunned by it for a moment, but his rage returned quickly with double the force. “You! Why are you back?! You can’t come back! This is my world now!” “Well, I was attempting to enjoy my peaceful retirement from my duties here. But given the disturbing nature of the path you have started to walk down, the way you have become addicted to the power you have, I have agreed to President Shinawatra’s request to come back.” Methuselah nodded to the suits, who were starting to back away with their beaten monsters. “Now will you give up peacefully, or will you force me to battle?” The dragon answered for him, raining fire down upon the old man. Methuselah did not give any ground; just simply raised his shield before he disappeared under the torrent of flames. He emerged completely unscathed by the attack. Murtagh did not seem worried by this however, as he armed his bronze D-Disk with a smirk. “So... you really think you can stop me old man? This should be entertaining. You may have been powerful once, but when I erase you, no one will be able to raise a D-Disk against my me!” The massive dragon behind Murtagh disappeared as the ARV barrier rose around them, and both men drew their opening hands. [i]‘ARV link established. Duel commencing.’[/i] “Duel!” “No guests honours for you. I will be starting” Murtagh declared, taking his card with wild relish. “Summon, [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Dragon_of_Gebeb"]Hieroglyphic Dragon - Geib Dragon[/url]." A small amber scaled dragon covered in golden plate crashed onto the field before him (Lv4, ATK 1800). “Now, by releasing one Hieroglyphic Dragon, I can special summon another one. [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Dragon_of_Nepthet"]Hieroglyphic Dragon - Nephthe Dragon[/url], roar!” One dragon disappeared in a column of light, and from it in its stead burst forth a nimble looking dragon with purple hide and similar golden armour (Lv5, ATK 2000). Methuselah grimaced, as he knew what was coming. “So... you are still playing this aggressive Hieroglyphics deck...” “Damn right I am. I know you never thought much of them when you were teaching me, but that will make tearing you apart all the more delicious for them. Now observe, because as I’m sure you’re familiar, several of my dragons can activate an effect when they are released. Such as Geib, which summons a normal Hieroglyphic monster from anywhere I choose. I’ll be bringing out [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Seal_of_the_Dragon_King"]Hieroglyphic Seal of the Dragon King[/url]. Then by releasing Nephthe, I can special summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Dragon_of_Su"]Hieroglyphic Dragon - Shiyu Dragon[/url] from my hand, then trigger Nephthe’s effect to summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Luster_Dragon_2"]Emerald Dragon[/url] from my deck with zero attack points.” In quick succession appeared a gigantic dragon with crystal like scales (Lv6, ATK 0), a pale blue armoured dragon with angelic wings (Lv6, ATK 2300), and an ominous egg like structure floating eerily overhead of Murtagh, who was getting more excited with each monster (Lv6, ATK 0). “Now I overlay level six, Seal and Emerald Dragon. Behold the power of the supreme ruler I am. Xyz summon, [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Dragon_King_of_Atum"]Hieroglyphic Dragon King Atum[/url]!” From the vortex between them rose a mighty indigo dragon, almost every inch of it covered in perfect golden plate. The king roared, making the executives retreat further (Rk6, ATK 2400). “I activate the effect of Atumus. By detaching an overlay unit, and ‘sacrificing’ his attack, I can special summon any dragon from my deck with zero attack and defence points. I choose [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Dragon_of_Tefnuit"]Hieroglyphic Dragon - Tfeni Dragon[/url], then overlay it with Shiyu for my second Atumus!” The process repeated itself, with the second dragon king activating its effect to summon a terrible black dragon with gleaming steel scales and glowing red eyes (Lv10, DEF 0). “I activate the effect of [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Red-Eyes_Darkness_Metal_Dragon"]Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon[/url]; to special summon Shiyu back from my graveyard.” The blue dragon returned, leaving Murtagh laughing with his four dragons. “I place one card face down, then finish with the instant magic [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Super_Rejuvenation"]Super Rejuvenation[/url], which lets me draw one card for each dragon I released this turn during the end phase.” Murtagh snatched two cards with a wicked grin. “Do you see now how utterly foolish it was for you to return Methuselah? You should have stayed away and kept your nose out of my business, out of my world. Not yours any more, mine! Now I shall completely erase you!” “You call me foolish, yet you assume after one turn and no damage that you already have this won” Methuselah simply stated as he added his sixth card to hand. “Stupid child. Its time I gave you your final lesson. For example, why not to use all your resources in your first turn. I activate the magic card [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Hole"]Black Hole[/url] which destroys every monster on the field.” “Bah, you really think that little of me not to be prepared for that?” Murtagh snarled. “I activate [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Seal_of_Reflection"]Hieroglyphic Seal of Reflection[/url]. By releasing Shiyu, the activation of a card effect is negated and the card destroyed.” Methuselah scowled as the black hole vanished with only one victim instead of four. “And since Shiyu was released, I can special summon the normal monster [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Curse_of_Dragon"]Curse of Dragon[/url] from my deck.” (Lv5, DEF 0). Methuselah considered this little more than an irrelevance. “Very well. I summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gishki_Abyss"]Ritua Abyss[/url]." A half human, half shark creature appeared before him from a watery portal (Lv2, ATK 1000). “When Abyss is summoned, I can add a Ritua monster to my hand with a thousand or less defence points. Next I activate the effect of [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gishki_Shadow"]Ritua Shadow[/url]; discarding it from my hand to add a Ritual spell in its place. [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gishki_Aquamirror"]Ceremonial Water Mirror of the Ritua[/url]!" The giant mirror appeared before them, catching alight as it pulled in the sacrificial monsters for the ritual. I send Ritual Devils [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Djinn_Prognosticator_of_Rituals"]Precogster[/url] and [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Djinn_Releaser_of_Rituals"]Releaser[/url] from my hand to the cemetery to ritual summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Evigishki_Gustkrake"]Eviritua Gustkrake[/url]!" Gustkrake appeared from the portal as a woman merged with the body of a giant kraken (Lv6, ATK 2400). “When Gustkrake is summoned, I can view two cards in your hand, and return one of them to the deck.” Murtagh grimaced, as large reflections of [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Mirror_Force"]Holy Barrier - Mirror Force[/url] and [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Seal_of_Supremacy"]Hieroglyphic Seal of Supremacy[/url] appeared behind him. “Of course, Mirror Force can go. Then Abyss and Gustkrake can easily take care of your two weakened dragons.” The twisted metal dragon and the appalling demon dragon fell to the savage jaws and crushing tentacles of the creatures of the deep, though Murtagh emerged unscathed. “Bah, I draw...” “By the way Murtagh, before you get too carried away with re-gathering your forces, you do remember that the Ritual Devils used to summon Gustkrake pass on certain effects to her. Like Releaser, so as long as Gustkrake is on the field, you cannot special summon monsters at all. I of course would not need to remind a worthy entity, but you never paid much attention to cards other than your own.” “I know what the damn Ritual Devils do!” Murtagh snapped. “But I’m not worried, because I can do something much more appealing and just sink some teeth into you. Atumus number one, take out the little fish, and number two, destroy Gustkrake!” Both the woman octopus and one of the dragons disappeared into one savage explosion, whereas the shark man was easily overwhelmed by the other beast. The force of the blast made Methuselah shirk a little, but he held his ground firmly (LP 2600), much to Murtagh’s annoyance. “Damn you old man. Just fall already!” “I don’t think so. I activate the magic card [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Preparation_of_Rites"]Preparations for Ritual[/url], which adds a ritual spell from my cemetery and a level seven or lower ritual monster from my deck to my hand. Then I summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gishki_Marker"]Ritua Marker[/url]." A man with the head of an octopus appeared, carrying a long stave and two swords in its tentacles (Lv4, ATK 1600). “When Marker is summoned, I can add Gustkrake back to my hand. Then I reactivate Water Mirror! This time, by banishing the two Ritual Devils in my cemetery whose levels are equal to my ritual monster, I can bring out [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Evigishki_Tetrogre"]Eviritua Tetrogre[/url] to drag you to the murky depths!” A gigantic sea dragon covered in fine silver plate and gold pulled itself from the black portal, roaring furiously at the larger winged dragon. Two large hydro pressured cannons produced from its shoulder plates (Lv6, ATK 2600). “I activate the effect of Tetraogre. This lets me declare one type of card, then we must both send one card to the cemetery from our decks. I choose monster.” There was a pause as both men selected the monster they wished to send. “Now to battle. Tetraogre, wipe out Atumus.” Murtagh grimaced with the short shock having lost his dragon (LP 3800). “Now another of my Ritual Devil’s effects inherited by Tetraogre activates. When you take damage from its attack, you must discard a card.” “Stop destroying my hand!” Methuselah smiled at the young hothead’s reaction, raising his hand for Marker to slash Murtagh across the chest. The attack was blocked by the bronze wing D-Disk, metal crashing against metal as the two fought. Murtagh was forced backwards towards the edge of the cliff behind him by the assault. Some loose rocks crumbled away under his boots and fell into the abyss below (LP 2200). “Give up Murtagh; you do not have what it takes to defeat me. Now stop this foolish crusade for power and leave with what little dignity you possess.” Murtagh snarled a mangle of curses in response as he drew his card. Seeing what he’d drawn, his eyes lit up. “I don’t think so. This... this is where I surpass your teaching. This is where the torch truly passes to me... by killing you. I activate the magic card [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Forbidden_Chalice"]Forbidden Chalice[/url] on Tetraogre. This grants it an additional four hundred attack points, but it loses all the effects it had. Then I summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Dragorado"]Dragorado[/url]." A small black and purple dragon that looked a suspicious descendant of a former powerhouse soared past its master, snapping at Methuselah (Lv4, ATK 1300). “When this monster is summoned, I can summon a normal dragon type monster with less than one thousand attack from my cemetery. I summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Seal_of_the_Sun_Dragon_Overlord"]Hieroglyphic Seal of the God Dragon[/url]!" From the hellish portal rose a mighty golden sphere, the size of a small moon floating in the stormy night sky with a horrible aura of power, the symbol of the Hieroglyphics on the seal (Lv8, ATK 0). The sight filled Murtagh with deranged glee. “Now that I’ve summoned the seal of the mighty god, I activate [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Inferno_Reckless_Summon"]Hell Reckless Summon[/url], which lets me summon the other two Seals from my deck to the field. You’d be free to summon more Markers’, but I know you don’t have any. Now, I overlay two of my level eight Seals of the God Dragon! Xyz summon!” Two of the mighty orbs rose into the blood red vortex above them. “The mighty god dragon of the sun descends, and all shall be destroyed by his glorious power. [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Hieratic_Sun_Dragon_Overlord_of_Heliopolis"]Hieroglypic Dragon God Ennead[/url]!" The great god dragon Ennead came down from the sky on wings of golden flame, landing heavily behind Murtagh as he recovered to safer ground. The monster that had terrorised the RDL bosses, the behemoths body glowed with a fantastic crimson aura, making the whites of its long teeth and claws and flashing eyes stand out all the more, its golden armour glowing from the fire inside the dragons soul. The beasts roar echoed around the land, shaking the mountain itself to the core (Rk8, ATK 3000). “Now I activate Ennead’s effect. By detaching an overlay unit, I can tribute any number of monsters in my hand or on my field. Then an equal number of cards you control are destroyed!” The remaining god seal and Dragorado vanished as the divine dragon pulled back its fist and released a torrent of flame. Tetraogre and Marker were instantly crushed by the blaze, leaving Methuselash helpless. Murtagh screamed in victory “Ennead, destroy him! Divine Dragon’s Wrath!” “From my cemetery, [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Necro_Gardna"]Necro Gardna[/url] activates. It banishes itself to block your attack.” The spectral warrior appeared at the last second, blocking the devastating stream of fire metres away from its duelist. “Did you not even think to observe what I had sent to the cemetery with Tetraogre?” “Pfft, doesn’t matter. I’ll take you out next turn.” Methuselah chuckled softly, much to his fury. “Oh really? I knew you would use all your resources to get out Ennead to try and destroy me when you sent your God Seal to the cemetery. All I had to do was defend the blow, and now you’re vulnerable, I strike! I draw, and activate the magic card [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Card_of_Variation"]Turnover of Treasure Bills[/url]. This lets me draw two cards, but if I don’t discard one during my end phase, I’ll take three thousand points of damage.” The two drawn cards were just what he had hoped for. “I summon [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Gishki_Beast"]Ritua Beast[/url], which when summoned brings back a Ritua monster from my cemetery. I choose Marker, and use its effect to return my Ceremonial Water Mirror to my hand. Then I release my two monsters with the mirror’s power, to Ritual summon the most fearsome monster from the deep. [url="http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Evigishki_Soul_Ogre"]Eviritua Soul Ogre[/url]!" The muscular sea horse dragon clawed its way out of its portal, the manacles restraining its power breaking as it pulled away from the abyss and went toe to toe with the fiery sun dragon (Lv8, ATK 2800). Sensing what was coming, the dragon slashed at the watery beast, their burning and webbed claws meeting as the two towering behemoths clashed and wrestled for ground, snarling at each other as their duelists willed them on from below. “Now, by discarding Gustkrake from my hand, Soul Ogre’s effect activates. This returns one card on your field to the deck.” Struggling under the larger and more powerful sun dragon, Soul Ogre opened its jaws and released a powerful watery pulse. Ennead screamed as it got the blast full in the face, toppling backwards... over the edge of the cliff and disappearing into the darkness below the stunned Murtagh. “It’s over. Soul Ogre, direct attack!” Unable to react in time as the webbed claws slashed towards him, Murtagh let out an agonizing scream as the ogres claws dug through him. Ripping through the left side of his face, down his neck and shoulder, digging deep into muscle, his blood splattering against the rock. Under his own conditions that he had implemented across the VDS; the shock of the blow was too much for even the avatar to bear. Murtagh collapsed with a groan, leaving Soul Ogre free to vanish into the ether, and the old duelist to approach with the RDL executives and quickly work on restraining him. ... When Murtagh regained consciousness; he found he had been stripped of his D-Disk, shackled and bound to two executives. Cursing, he tried to tap into the Mountain arena, give himself a means of escape, and blinked when nothing happened. All his powers were non responsive. The president was stood before him, bowing in thanks to the old master Methuselah. “What did... you do... to me!?” “All the powers the avatar possesses to govern the system as they are supposed to, that you have abused, have been stripped of you” the president replied. “We will remove you from the system now, then you will be tried. When we find you guilty of endangering public safety and the lives of our users, you will be locked up and ultimately exiled from Japan.” “I... master Methuselah?... You can help me, right...?” Murtagh couldn’t see the old mans eyes, but he knew him long enough to know he was giving him that withering disapproving stare from under the hood. “Oh, now you want my help when it suits you. A few minutes ago you were quite happy to try to kill me. I once had sympathy for you Murtagh, but no more. You deserve everything that happens to you.” In seconds, Murtagh’s expression went from helpless to ugly. He struggled against the two holding him, desperate to get at the old man, but to little avail. “You... will pay for this! I am the ultimate being; you’ll never get rid of me! I’ll get you back for this! I swear it!” In one last act of defiance, Murtagh spat at the old man, catching him right in his face and beard. The president shouted something to his aides, and they warped away with their furious prisoner in tow.[/spoiler] Hope that went down well with you all who were wondering what the deal was with that guy all of a sudden a week ago? Oh, also one more thing, if you are reading/have read this and can answer a few of the questions below about the story so far, that would be great. You don't have to have read the whole story so far yet, you can answer on events for as far as you've got (and for the benefit of any said people, spoilers please guys). Reps may or not be awarded for more detailed answers, although quick fire is fine tbh. [spoiler=The questions - of which there are seven] 1 - Protagonist of the series? 2 - Antagonist of the series? *If you are unsure if a character you like fits either of these categories, put them down where you feel best* 3 - Underperformer of the series? (any character you dislike or feel is under-developed, unimpacting) 4 - Duel of the series? 5 - Play of the series? (i.e. best or most memorable move) 6 - Moment of the series? 7 - Lowlight of the series?[/spoiler] Thanks Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brinolovania Posted May 22, 2012 Report Share Posted May 22, 2012 Hm...it WAS certainly good to have the backstory chapter, and the duel was cool too. I'll do the questions later, too lazy right now. So yeah, moar good chapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Sage Posted May 22, 2012 Report Share Posted May 22, 2012 1 - Protagonist of the series? Honestly, I'll go with Clarissa here. 2 - Antagonist of the series? Murtagh. Obviously. *If you are unsure if a character you like fits either of these categories, put them down where you feel best* 3 - Underperformer of the series? Shibo. 4 - Duel of the series? Natsumi vs Gorou. Great setup, Zombies are always a plus 5 - Play of the series? Don't know. 6 - Moment of the series? The full spectrum of what Clarissa was capable of doing when it was first shown. 7 - Lowlight of the series? Can't think of any. Oh yeah, and nice extra chapter. Didn't really catch who Methuselah was at first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reinforce Posted May 22, 2012 Report Share Posted May 22, 2012 First one error in the story, Forbidden Chalice doesn't actually negate the effect of the Djinns that they give to the ritual monster they are used as tributes to summon. Other than that it was a good story and a very interesting read too. Also, you did the bios so that we could refer back to them if we forgot who someone was in the story, and to help us remember more about the characters that have been introduced during the breaks between the chapter releases. 1 - Protagonist of the series? Daiki Masuro 2 - Antagonist of the series? Clarissa Haines-Wilshire *If you are unsure if a character you like fits either of these categories, put them down where you feel best* 3 - Underperformer of the series? (any character you dislike or feel is under-developed, unimpacting) Sakura Nakashima (don't get me wrong, she is currently my fav character aside from Methusalah, but she hasn't really been developed much over the course of the story yet, something i'm hoping will change in the next few chapters) 4 - Duel of the series? Either Methusalah vs Vladimir Kanchev, or the tag team battle with Sakura and Yudai against the two drones at the start. 5 - Play of the series? (i.e. best or most memorable move) Methusalah pulling out Water Spirit with Gishki Diviner's effect, for use in summoning Black Ray Lancer. 6 - Moment of the series? Sakura finding out that she has Number 16: Ruler of Colour - Shock Ruler in her posession 7 - Lowlight of the series? Vladimir losing the fight with Garvin and going what seems to be comatose. Other details: I like the addition of Hunter Webb in the story, though I wish he had a different deck. I dislike the Inzectors because of how OP'd they are but it's good to see you including an Aussie into the story, being Australian myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2012 [quote name='Pacmanexus' timestamp='1337653463' post='5944606'] Hm...it WAS certainly good to have the backstory chapter, and the duel was cool too. I'll do the questions later, too lazy right now. So yeah, moar good chapter. [/quote] Thanks [quote name='∂materasu' timestamp='1337670268' post='5944764'] 1 - Protagonist of the series? Honestly, I'll go with Clarissa here. 2 - Antagonist of the series? Murtagh. Obviously. *If you are unsure if a character you like fits either of these categories, put them down where you feel best* 3 - Underperformer of the series? Shibo. 4 - Duel of the series? Natsumi vs Gorou. Great setup, Zombies are always a plus 5 - Play of the series? Don't know. 6 - Moment of the series? The full spectrum of what Clarissa was capable of doing when it was first shown. 7 - Lowlight of the series? Can't think of any. Oh yeah, and nice extra chapter. Didn't really catch who Methuselah was at first. [/quote] Thanks. Shibo's not really meant to be a major character in anyway, just used to set Jin up a little bit. Natsumi vs Gabriel/Gorou is my favourite duel as well. [quote name='Simdoggy' timestamp='1337681260' post='5944798'] First one error in the story, Forbidden Chalice doesn't actually negate the effect of the Djinns that they give to the ritual monster they are used as tributes to summon. Other than that it was a good story and a very interesting read too. Also, you did the bios so that we could refer back to them if we forgot who someone was in the story, and to help us remember more about the characters that have been introduced during the breaks between the chapter releases. 1 - Protagonist of the series? Daiki Masuro 2 - Antagonist of the series? Clarissa Haines-Wilshire *If you are unsure if a character you like fits either of these categories, put them down where you feel best* 3 - Underperformer of the series? (any character you dislike or feel is under-developed, unimpacting) Sakura Nakashima (don't get me wrong, she is currently my fav character aside from Methusalah, but she hasn't really been developed much over the course of the story yet, something i'm hoping will change in the next few chapters) 4 - Duel of the series? Either Methusalah vs Vladimir Kanchev, or the tag team battle with Sakura and Yudai against the two drones at the start. 5 - Play of the series? (i.e. best or most memorable move) Methusalah pulling out Water Spirit with Gishki Diviner's effect, for use in summoning Black Ray Lancer. 6 - Moment of the series? Sakura finding out that she has Number 16: Ruler of Colour - Shock Ruler in her posession 7 - Lowlight of the series? Vladimir losing the fight with Garvin and going what seems to be comatose. Other details: I like the addition of Hunter Webb in the story, though I wish he had a different deck. I dislike the Inzectors because of how OP'd they are but it's good to see you including an Aussie into the story, being Australian myself. [/quote] Oh right, didn't realise that, thanks (Yeah, good to see people pointing out flaws still but less often than in Armageddon ) Yeah, I can understand that. It's just difficult with her not to rush her back in. I mean it might just be me, but if my girlfriend was put in a coma after being in the virtual world, I can't imagine I'd be in a hurry to go back in. Still, she will be getting back in there soon. Vladimir has been a bit abused so far, being the West Asian champion and getting schooled by Methuselah then losing to Garvan (although he only lost that because of his own misplay and being obsessed with destroying Numbers, which was his own downfall). Originally he was only going to be used for Methuselah's push, and has developed the most in pre-planning this end. Yes, Inzecters are overpowered, but that doesn't mean we should exclude them Think you'll like Hunter's story when he returns. Thanks for comments guys. Extra chapter 4 will be up next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Sage Posted May 23, 2012 Report Share Posted May 23, 2012 [spoiler='I just noticed.']I was somewhat wondering why the prize for that tournament sounded somewhat familiar. WDC.[/spoiler] Don't know if I should have spoilered that or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 [quote name='∂materasu' timestamp='1337772240' post='5945398'] [spoiler='I just noticed.']I was somewhat wondering why the prize for that tournament sounded somewhat familiar. WDC.[/spoiler] Don't know if I should have spoilered that or not. [/quote] Yeah, just generic 'ultimate prize' really. Dunno if you've read anything into it but there probably isn't anything to read into. So, two people have filled out the questionnaire. The questionnaire I put together just to gauge which characters were doing well/popular and which weren't. The questionnaire containing only seven questions, most of which could be answered with one or two words. Yeah, cheers guys. Extra Chapter 4, focusing on Clarissa and Wilhelm's past, will be up Monday-ish. Sort of wish I'd done three extra chapters between each arc just so they'd be 12 in total at the end, but at the minute... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guuu1234 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 [color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]1 - Protagonist of the series? [/size][/font][/color][color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3][b]Methuselah. He just has such a good moral character and sooo such wisdom.[/b][/size][/font][/color] [color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]2 - Antagonist of the series? [/size][/font][/color][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][color=#5a5a5a][size=3][b]Murtagh. He's the "put your money where your mouth is" kind of guy. He's totally evil and completely crazy . . . I love it[/b][/size][/color][/font] [color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]*If you are unsure if a character you like fits either of these categories, put them down where you feel best*[/size][/font][/color] [color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]3 - Underperformer of the series? (any character you dislike or feel is under-developed, unimpacting) [/size][/font][/color][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][color=#5a5a5a][size=3][b]Hunter Webb. I know this is probably unfair since he only appeared once and extremely briefly, but his whole persona is shadowed with unknowns and suspicion. I want to see more of this guy (and speaking of inzektors, in terms of brokenness and play, where are them infernities?[/b][/size][/color][/font]) [color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]4 - Duel of the series? [b]Daiki vs. [/b][/size][/font][/color][b][b][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][color=#5a5a5a][size=3]Leviathan. This duel was just nicely done overall. It's one of those few instances where numbers are not invincible, the main character is not invincible, and I actually didn't see the ending of the duel coming.[/size][/color][/font][/b][/b] [color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]5 - Play of the series? (i.e. best or most memorable move)[b] I actually have 2 moments. 1. When Gorou used Lucky Stripe to get 7, but after the 3rd attempt. It was very realistic and was the most tense moment of the series. I was so sure Natsumi was going to lose. 2. When Natsumi activated rekindling, and I knew she was going to win [/b][/size][/font][/color] [color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]6 - Moment of the series? [b]When it is revealed that Clarissa isn't the evil b!itch i though she was, and Garvan is a traitor >: ([/b][/size][/font][/color] [color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]7 - Lowlight of the series? [/size][/font][/color][color=#5A5A5A][font=tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3][b]Wilhelm[b] summoning Chimeratech with the same basic combo against. It was so obvious and I want to see more from him then Future Fusion=OTK (which=RAGEQUIT on DN) IF he duels anymore in season 3 or 4.[/b][/b][/size][/font][/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 Thanks for that guu. Appreciate it. Looking at your answers you have answers and treats coming your way soon. Interesting question. Infernities were used by the final boss of my previous fic, as well as appearing throughout the second half of the series quite a lot (they were planted in people's decks as a medium for controlling them). Wow that was back in the days when my duels went on and used s*** cards, but that final duel... was awesome. Anyway, Infernities I've used a lot before and don't really want to use again, one of the best thing about this for me at the minute is experimenting with new stuff. In the next arc there are about five duelists debuting, plus others with rebuilt decks, so... yeah... plenty to look forward to I hope. Anyway, since I can secure the top of the page with the 240th reply, here is the forth extra chapter. This chapter focuses on two of our main characters who we only know a little about so far, exploring what they have previously mentioned but from a new perspective. Enjoy. [spoiler=Extra Chapter 4] [b]Seven years earlier...[/b] Absentmindedly tapping her boots against the back of the seat in front of her, a teenage girl with long curly hair and dark eyes sighed impatiently as the driver keyed in the pass code for the great iron gates ahead. It only took a moment for entry to be granted, so that the sleek silver Aston Martin was able to roll through and up the pebble road boulevard towards the giant country house ahead, but every second just dragged. The journey had only been little over an hour, but for the teenager in the back seat of the luxury car it felt like an eternity. Still, this latest eternity of a wait would be over soon. Pulling up to the front of the house, the head butler and one of his staff was waiting on the front steps, to collect her and her bags from the boot. The butler, an elderly fellow with thick spectacles and thinning top, bowed as she stepped out. “Welcome home Miss Wilshire. I hope you are well.” “I am fine Dunstan, just a little stiff” Clarissa replied, stretching and shaking her hair out. “It’s good to be home.” Dunstan directed the young porter boy who had fetched her luggage back towards the house, before returning his attention to her. “Lunch will be ready for you shortly my lady. However I am to inform you that your father wishes for you to meet him as soon as you arrived. He is waiting in the sun lounge, if you would be so kind as to follow me.” “What about her ladyship?” Clarissa asked as she followed the butler inside. The reception hall was pretty standard fair for big English country estates, with plenty of fine art upon the walls and lavished with quality upholstery and furniture wherever you happened to look. “And my brother? How is he?” The old butler sighed. “Lady Wilshire is attending to your brother now. I am afraid Master Wilhelm has been terribly low ever since he was forced to take to the wheelchair. However with your return for the holidays, I hope that he might rediscover some spirit.” “I hope so to Dunstan.” Clarissa’s father, Lord Haines-Wilshire, was sat in a comfortable armchair out in the light of the conservatory when they arrived, soaking up the sun and lost in his own world of thoughts as he looked over the large gardens. Somewhere in the distance over the vast landscape, Clarissa could see her two horses; a chestnut twelve hand monster called Duke and the athletic black bodied Storm, were being fed by a stable hand. Well, they were the family horses really, but she had always considered them hers when she was young given how much time she spent with them. Dunstan bowed and left them to it, as they remained in their peaceful little worlds for a while. Eventually Lord Wilshire stood and faced her. He was a tall and powerful man, although he was starting to fall to age now with streaks of grey in his hair and beard and the odd wrinkle and furrow of his brow. His voice was still strong and full though, as he smiled and opened his arms for her. “Welcome home Clarissa.” Clarissa accepted the hug, albeit sceptically. “You’re offering hugs. Things really can’t be good.” “Am I really that easy for you to see through?” The nod she answered with seemed to flatten his weak facade of cheer. “Well, yes, I didn’t think I would be able to conceal things from you. Things here have been difficult, what with Wilhelm’s body getting worse and his... well, his state of mind because of it worries me and Elvira. We’re trying to keep strong and support him together, but... um...” “Things are still difficult between the two of you aren’t they?” It was his lordship’s turn to bring down the mood with a small nod. “I know the world isn’t perfect dad. Hell I’ve seen enough examples of how cruel and unfair it is with what it’s doing to Wilhelm, but can’t you two just patch things up for his sake? Whatever you two are having problems with is nothing compared to what he’s going through.” “I know Clarissa. It’s just... complicated.” “That’s what everyone says” she replied in a small tone. Awkward silence prevailed for a few more moments. “Where is Wilhelm? Dunstan told me her ladyship was attending to him.” “In his room. Wilhelm spends most of his time up there. We both keep trying to encourage him out, that it’s not good for him and he should stay as active as he can. We even try to force him out, but he... Could you please talk him out of it? Maybe seeing you might make him want to live again.” “That’s what I came here intending to do” Clarissa replied as she strode out of the sun lounge. “I’ll take care of Wilhelm. You focus on sorting things out with your wife.” A few minutes later, and Clarissa was on the third floor of the house and making her way along to the end of the corridor towards her brother’s room. As she approached, the door opened and her stepmother Lady Elvira Haines-Wilshire came out. She was extremely pale, not noticing Clarissa until she spoke and tapped her on the arm, making her jump. “Ooh... oh, Clarissa. Welcome back dearest” she said and hugged Clarissa without warning. “How are your studies going? Working hard?” “Yes, they are going well, although Eton is not as I imagined. But more of that later; its Easter break and I’m here now, not at Eton. What’s Wilhelm doing in there?” Lady Elvira gulped before considering her answer. “He’s... well... you’ll see when you go in and talk to him. Please, I’m at my wit’s end and so is your father. Please get him to come out and give him some life again.” “I’ll try. I’ll see you and dad at lunch, and I’ll bring him down with me.” Clarissa watched as Lady Elvira broke away with a fragile smile before moving off downstairs, leaving her free to knock on the bedroom door that she had left slightly ajar. She paused for a moment and bit her lip as her eyes fell on a ‘Do Not Enter’ sign that had been carved into the old wood at waist level, before entering. “Wilhelm...?” The bedroom was darkened, with heavy curtains drawn to block out the April sunshine. The only light came from a spotlight and a laptop on the antique desk, which the young teenage boy was sat at with his back to her, in the large motorized wheelchair that had recently been bought for him. According to her father it was state of the art in its capabilities; with a pair of mechanical arms that could help it ‘climb’ stairs or help him into bed for example, but try telling him that was another thing altogether. Approaching cautiously, Clarissa tried to peer over his shoulder. Wilhelm ignored her, focused entirely on what he was doing with something in his hands. Coming into the light, Clarissa could see on the desk was a magnifying glass propped at an angle under the lamp, focusing its brilliance upon a large spider that he had trapped in a beaker. The spider was no longer moving. Looking from it to her brother, it was now clear what he was doing; torturing another unfortunate spider by pulling its legs off. “Why are you doing that? It’s not going to help.” Wilhelm didn’t reply, except for throwing the poor spider away with only three of its legs left and just sitting hunched over and looking away from her as she crouched beside him. He looked like he hadn’t slept or eaten very much for days, while his hair and skin was starting to lose its colour slightly. “It’s been too long since I last saw you brother, and it’s my fault. I hope you can forgive me. But it’s not good for you to spend all day cooped up here in the dark on your own. Let’s go outside.” “Why?” Clarissa blinked at the tone of his voice, so different from when she’d last been with him. “Why, so I can watch you prance around like all those other idiots, or ride Storm maybe? What am I supposed to do, just sit and watch?” “Wilhelm, that’s not what I intended. We can do whatever you want to do.” “Yeah, I bet we could; as long as what I want to do isn’t anything that involves standing or walking, and can be done while sat in this stupid thing.” Wilhelm refused to look at her even as she wrapped her arms around his stooped frame and pressed tightly against him, not moving either way to push her off or embrace her back. Just sitting there unresponsive, uncaring, just bitter and cold. “What are you doing with the computer?” Clarissa decided to change the subject in hope she could get some connection going. Oddly, this was what finally got him to smile. “Just messing around with someone. About the only thing I find fun anymore.” Not sure what he meant, Clarissa opened a minimized window at the bottom of the screen. There she found the photo and personal details of someone she recognised, the young porter boy who had bought her bags in. Along with other programs, including a photo shop program, and various results of its use that were quite... sickening to say the least. “Wilhelm? What is this?” “The guy insists on treating me like an invalid” Wilhelm muttered with an oddly twisted smile. “Offering to help me around in my wheelchair, cleaning my room, running around and bringing me things. Just constantly rubbing it in my face how such an irrelevant, pathetic, nobody like him can move around and do things and I can’t!” Wilhelm’s furious tirade was stemmed by a bout of chesty coughing, halting his rage. “I cannot make him suffer like I suffer, but I can cripple in him in other ways...” “Wilhelm, stop it! You can’t destroy someone else’s life to make yourself feel better. Come on, you’re coming downstairs and outside with me. Just like we used to, whether you like it or not!” As she took the handles and started pushing the wheelchair towards the door, Wilhelm began to shout and thrash furiously in protest, holding the brakes and making the chair harder for her to push. “You can stop sulking up here and try to do something constructive like the brother I know.” “No! Leave me alone!” “No, I’m not leaving you. I’m going to help you, whatever it takes.” ... Eventually Clarissa managed, despite much kicking and screaming, to get Wilhelm downstairs and to the dining room for them to have lunch. Her father and Lady Elvira were sat at the ends of the long table, watching the kids and each other with strained fragile expressions as the food was bought in. Wilhelm was sat opposite her having been helped into a seat, looking murderously at her. The food was presented, but nobody moved for a minute. “Well.” Lady Elvira bravely dipped a proverbial toe. “It’s nice that we’re all together for the next few weeks.” “Yes, very nice” Lord Wilshire added with a raised glass. “Here’s to the holidays.” Pretending as they might otherwise, the lunch was awkward and un-enjoyable. Wilhelm spent all of it glowering at everyone, especially at the young porter he was planning to destroy the life of who took his plate away for him, prompting a threatening shake of the head from Clarissa. Tea proved much the same. Since the mood was low anyway and unable to bear it anymore, Clarissa cleared her throat. “Dad, there’s something I need to talk to you about. And to you as well brother.” The curious glances exchanged between the addressed and unaddressed made her feel even more uncomfortable, but too late now. “I know you were really proud of me going to Eton like you’d always hoped, and I’m thankful for it. But... what if I suggested studying abroad?” Deathly silence reverberated around the dining room. Lord and Lady Wilshire looked stunned, even Wilhelm was shocked. “Where?” her father shakily asked. “Well, I wanted to talk to you all first about it, but I’ve been looking at travelling the world to experience new things and broaden my knowledge. After much thought, I’ve decided I’d like to go to Japan and study at the University of Tokyo. It’s one of the best in the world now, especially for medicine. They’ve made so many advances in that area over the last decade. I could continue my English degree over there too; I can even apply for a student teacher role and practically use it to teach. You know I always wanted to be a teacher when I was little. It would be a fantastic journey, but...” “But you’d be leaving us behind” Wilhelm spat. “You selfish coward! What happened to the ‘I’m not leaving you’ you told me earlier? You said you wanted to come back to try and fix things here, but you’re about to run away half across the world.” “But Wilhelm, I want to study medicine in the best environment possible. It’s because of you I transferred to medicine in the first place. I want to help you.” “Oh how noble of you, for you to suddenly throw away being a teacher and go into medicine for ‘helping me’. Like I believe that. Now you’re getting as far as you can from us ‘for me’? No, you’re just doing this for yourself!” “Wilhelm, please” Lady Elvira weakly offered. “Clarissa, I think it’s a wonderful idea...” “You would!” Wilhelm was red in the face as he clawed his way into the wheelchair offered to him by a frightened maid. “You’re not our mother, your opinion doesn’t count! Clarissa just wants to abandon me and the mess you and dad are in and go saunter halfway across the world on her own.” “Wilhelm, please let me explain...” “I don’t want to hear it. You know what; I don’t even care. You only come back from your fancy university when it suits you too, what does it matter if you’re in another country? Do whatever you want!” Hiding his face from everyone, Wilhelm drove out of the dining room as fast as he could, almost running down Dunstan as he bought in a tray to clear and making him take an evasive jump. With him gone, Lord Wilshire stood to follow suit. “I... need to go outside for a smoke.” “Dad?” “I... I need some time to think about this. Excuse me girls.” Lord Wilshire bustled out of the room, wringing his hands and almost dropping his cigarettes as he went. Lady Elvira followed, mumbling something about helping clear the tea and hastily making her way to the kitchens with Dunstan, leaving Clarissa alone.[/spoiler] Anyway, just to let you know. I've almost finished writing chapter 30, and am trying to plan the duel for the next few chapters. Should be able to get 31 done in this week, and next week I'm on holiday from work so should get another one done depending on how this duel script comes along (really badly need Numbers now. In Arc 3 I've got one empty space left to put a Number in and no idea what to use, the remaining choices are few). But yeah, the first half of the arc has really come along in the last three weeks. Includes a lot of good stuff that I've enjoyed writing, chapters are just flowing... a little too much sometimes... Just need my proof reader to come back (and hopefully approve). So yeah, Arc 3 will begin next week. Aware there are a lot more people than I thought reading this now and trying to catch up, so yeah, you've got a week to do so guys. It'll be worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Sage Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 Woo, can't wait. Interesting extra chapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guuu1234 Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 Glad to know. I'm really looking forward to the debut nice extra chapter by the way, It's nice to get some back story on Clarissa and Wihelm, but I have to honestly say that this extra chapter felt . . . out of place for me? Yeah, out of place would be the phrase. I would go a little deeper and i'm so sorry but it's hard for me to explain why this extra chapter just feels out of place with where the plot is at and what we already know about the characters again, sorry I can't be any clearer On a side note, since you will be experimenting with new decks, will we see any newer archetypes in this series? Like the Atlanteans or OOParts? or Photons? You must tire of hearing questions about decks but I'm just overly curious :3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 [quote name='∂materasu' timestamp='1338144304' post='5947790'] Woo, can't wait. Interesting extra chapter. [/quote] Thanks for comment and rep, glad you enjoyed. [quote name='guuu1234' timestamp='1338152682' post='5947848'] Glad to know. I'm really looking forward to the debut nice extra chapter by the way, It's nice to get some back story on Clarissa and Wihelm, but I have to honestly say that this extra chapter felt . . . out of place for me? Yeah, out of place would be the phrase. I would go a little deeper and i'm so sorry but it's hard for me to explain why this extra chapter just feels out of place with where the plot is at and what we already know about the characters again, sorry I can't be any clearer On a side note, since you will be experimenting with new decks, will we see any newer archetypes in this series? Like the Atlanteans or OOParts? or Photons? You must tire of hearing questions about decks but I'm just overly curious :3 [/quote] Hmmm... really? That's odd. I guess its basically because its reliving everything that Clarissa said to Dai in those last two chapters anyway? It might fit in better once you've read 25. Don't woryy mate, I like when people ask about decks. One of the goals with this fic was to make it the first Xyz generation fic on YCM; using all the Xyz monsters and archtypes featured and released from thier debut in Dawn of the Xyz with Number 39, Duel Terminals 12-14, and Generation Force up to and including Return of the Duelist, plus all the VJUMP singles and such in between. I have got a list of all the Xyz monsters released in that time frame now, comes to about 90 in total and pretty much all of them are pencilled in for someone somewhere (in fact I could tell you that only [i]six [/i]aren't; which include Super Star Mira, Super Galaxy Destroyer, and Giant God of Silver Summit). They're not all garunteed to appear (ie Queen Dragoon is in Murtagh's deck, but whether he'll summon her is is not garunteed, or Verz Nightmare probably won't appear since he's sixth in a queue in his deck) or might only be cameos (such as Excalibur, Heiron and Geargitano X used in the last extra chapter by RDL executives), but the vast majority should crop up here or there. More or less the same can be said for new archtypes; with Verz, Evols, Photons, possibly Lightrays, possibly OOPArts, and so on to feature at some time. Don't want to give away too much, but hopefully this approach will be fresh for this board. I'm actually amazed no-one else has done a fic yet with Numbers as a central plot theme (that I've noticed). Really the only two 'Non-new' decks in the entire series have appeared already; Unmai's D-Hero deck which is meant to be 'the retro one off', and Leviathan's Venom deck, which was chosen entirely for 'oh sh!t' factor and Wilhelm's sadistic pop. It is not set in stone, but REDU is the likely cut off point for new archtypes and Xyz monsters, except Numbers, or additions to other archtypes (such as a new Inzecter or Sacred, for example). That probably sounds more complicated than its meant to be, so don't worry about it and look forward to surprises. Also look forward to action, drama, card games, explosions, blackmail, card games on motorcycles, tensions, deaths, card games that aren't one on one, romance (okay, that might be a lie), revelations, and much much more. All kicking off in the explosive (literally) Season 3 Premier next week! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brinolovania Posted May 30, 2012 Report Share Posted May 30, 2012 That extra chapter had no card games! What madness is this?! OK, it was still good though. I just realized I never actually did the questions. God, I'm freaking lazy aren't I....I could do them now...but...sorry, I'm reeeeeeeally lazy about this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 30, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2012 [quote name='Pacmanexus' timestamp='1338344696' post='5949074'] That extra chapter had no card games! What madness is this?! OK, it was still good though. I just realized I never actually did the questions. God, I'm freaking lazy aren't I....I could do them now...but...sorry, I'm reeeeeeeally lazy about this... [/quote] It's... the second out of 4 not to have card games. And the 2nd out of 3 out of 8 overall (if that makes sense...) Well.... I could get lazy about posting chapters couldn't I There's only seven and some only require one word answers. But hey, at least you do comment time to time. Guys... I... really need to take a break from this site for a bit. Just.... stuff right now, I just need a few days away to clear my head. Should come on pretty much just to post Chapter 25 before my little holiday on Tuesday. Hopefully will come back after a few days away feeling much better about s***. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reinforce Posted May 30, 2012 Report Share Posted May 30, 2012 Go ahead and have a break them, hopefully you will feel better after it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brinolovania Posted May 30, 2012 Report Share Posted May 30, 2012 Damn you and your mildly sarcastic guilt-inducing logic that I have no response to! On a serious note, I am sorry for not doing the questions. Better late than never, right? 1 - Protagonist of the series? Daiki 2 - Antagonist of the series? Clarissa in the beginning, guessing Murtagh's taking over now though 3 - Underperformer of the series? I'd have to say Jin actually. He is doing stuff now, but he isn't doing much stuff yet, although I assume his time will come. 4 - Duel of the series? Jin vs Hunter because the meta stuff amused me :3 5 - Play of the series? Um...I don't really know, honestly 6 - Moment of the series? The last scene with Clarissa, and Garvan entering and being a baddy. 7 - Lowlight of the series? The time between updates. Most serious answer I can give. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted June 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2012 [quote name='Simdoggy' timestamp='1338359172' post='5949140'] Go ahead and have a break them, hopefully you will feel better after it. [/quote] Thanks dude. Been floating around because I got a message from my beta reader, but staying away from most threads. Feel better now though. [quote name='Pacmanexus' timestamp='1338417614' post='5949462'] Damn you and your mildly sarcastic guilt-inducing logic that I have no response to! On a serious note, I am sorry for not doing the questions. Better late than never, right? 1 - Protagonist of the series? Daiki 2 - Antagonist of the series? Clarissa in the beginning, guessing Murtagh's taking over now though 3 - Underperformer of the series? I'd have to say Jin actually. He is doing stuff now, but he isn't doing much stuff yet, although I assume his time will come. 4 - Duel of the series? Jin vs Hunter because the meta stuff amused me :3 5 - Play of the series? Um...I don't really know, honestly 6 - Moment of the series? The last scene with Clarissa, and Garvan entering and being a baddy. 7 - Lowlight of the series? The time between updates. Most serious answer I can give. [/quote] Cool, thanks dude. Just helps me know who and what people like and don't like. By time between updates, you mean 2 chapters a week isn't enough ? Or just the extended breaks between arcs? Originally it was meant to be two weeks but... stuff. Like waiting for more Numbers to be made. I'm mostly sorted for Arc 3, now I've had a bit of a rearrange (that's me trying to be informative but not spoiler) but gonna need a few more from somewhere. Unfortunately I can only see maybe three more coming out in the next 9 weeks (one being another Heraldry, one being a stupid manga one unless Shark and IV are going to duel like I think, third is just hope rather than expectation). Three more generic, good Numbers and soon please Konami. Going on holiday Tuesday, so posting Chapter 25 - the start of Blackest Night (yes this thing finally has arc titles now) early. Back Friday to post 26 as normal, that will be a busy day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexadin Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 It's been a while so I might've forgotten something that happened in the earlier chapters. So I hope you don't mind me asking stupid questions. [b]Chapter 4:1[/b] Natsumi is quite an badass. Also the plot is thickening. [b]Chapter 4:2[/b] *sigh* Politics can be quite bothersome, expecially when you're gut tells you to do something that might not make you populair with the people. I did not expect Sakura being the president's daughter. Daiki (a main character) having Hope, isn't that a tad too y'know Zexalish? I'm wondering, how come Natsumi didn't went in a coma like Judai when she was defeated? Did the number protect her, or was it the low amount of damage that saved her? Lol, Kesef uses Shark's 'combo'. [b]Chapter 5:1[/b] Mhh, Real Duel really did have something to do with the Numbers, I'm pretty shure now that the Numbers where caused by 'Project EVE'. I'm not going to lie, I like the name 'Oh F!sh' more then 'Shock!'. I love your choices of Field Spells for the area's btw. Nice touch restarting the duel through Kesef's point of view. Galaxy Queen, mhhh, though unexpected I can see it works quite well with Garvan's 'trump card' "Tinplate Archeduke'. Also I have a feeling Garvan will be quite susceptible to the Numbers' influence. [b]Chapter 5:2[/b] I'm still here, I was just gone for a month. So many new characters @_@ Though I expected Vladimir to lose (as he was a tad too cocky), I'm not amused that you'd let my fav archetype lose. > [b]Chapter 6:1[/b] As I thought, Clarissa does not condone... I'm not shure I'm allowed to say the word here, but you know what I mean. Mhh, who or what could have saved Unmai from his Weeping Angel prison. Anywho I feel he has an important role to play (though that might just be the ray of light talking). [b]Chapter 6:2[/b] The 'story-lines' Natsumi made a refference at, could these be the stories based on the duel terminal cards? Also I quite enjoyed the Duel between Hasif and Unmai. I'm pretty shure Unmai survived though. [b]Extra Chapter[/b] Ah, some backstory for now. Also, I'm pretty shure that Garvan's father was the guy in the cabin who desided not to take his own live. Well, I think I've read enough for today. So I'll continue another day (possibly tomorow). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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