//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Feral // Story: Yu-Gi-Oh! Equus X Zexal // by moviemaster8510 //------------------------------// Ahuizotl vs. Alex ================================================================================ “I’ll take the first turn!” shouted Ahuizotl, placing his fingers upon his deck and drawing a card. “My turn! Draw!” Ahuizotl then chose a card from his hand and inserted it into the slot. Despite the strip of metal on the gauntlet not being nearly long enough to fit a duel monsters card inside of it, the card went into it effortlessly. “I activate Cat Whistle!” explained Ahuizotl. “Wait!” shouted Alex. “How did you do that? Where’d your card go?” “Let’s just say that whoever gave this duel disk to me is privy to, as he likes to call it, ‘flat space’ spells. Anyways…” ================================================================================ Ahuizotl’s Turn: Ahuizotl activates Cat Whistle, special summoning as many Feral monsters from his hand as possible, summoning Feral Cheetah (ATK: 2400 DEF: 1000), Feral Cougar (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1400), and Feral Housecat (ATK: 200 DEF: 200). Ahuizotl activates Feral Cheetah’s effect, making the level of one Feral monster he controls the same as Feral Cheetah’s, choosing Feral Cougar (Lvl.: 6 -> 8). Ahuizotl overlays Feral Cheetah and Feral Cougar to xyz summon Feral Lion (ATK: 3000 DEF: 2600). Ahuizotl places two cards face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** “Woah,” exclaimed Yuma. “A 3000 ATK point xyz monster on the first turn,” commented Astral. “This creature’s deck must be very powerful.” “Look’s like someone isn’t messing around,” muttered Alex to himself. “It’s a good thing I don’t either.” *************************************************** Alex’s Turn: Alex summons Dragunity Aklys (ATK: 1000 DEF: 800). When Dragunity Akyls is normal summoned, Alex can special summon a Dragunity monster from his hand and equip it with Dragunity Aklys, choosing Dragunity Militum (ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200). Alex activates Dragunity Militum’s effect, special summoning a Dragunity monster from his spell/trap zone, choosing Dragunity Aklys. Alex tunes Dragunity Militum with Dragunity Aklys to synchro summon Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana (ATK: 1900 DEF: 1200). When Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana is synchro summoned, Alex can target a level 3 or lower Dragon-type Dragunity monster in his graveyard and equip it to Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana, choosing Dragunity Akyls. Alex activates Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana’s effect. By sending a card equipped to it to the graveyard, its ATK doubles (ATK: 1900 -> 3800). When Dragunity Aklys is sent to the graveyard while equipped to a monster, Alex can destroy one card on the field, choosing Feral Lion, but Ahuizotl activates Utopia Aura, detaching one xyz material from a monster he controls to prevent the destruction of xyz monsters that he controls by card effects. Alex then activates Dragon Hatchling, special summoning itself as a Dragon-type monster with the same level as a Dragon-type monster that he controls (6). Alex attacks Feral Lion with Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana, but with Feral Housecat’s effect, the attack becomes a direct attack. Ahuizotl activates Defense Draw, negating the battle damage and drawing one card. Alex overlays Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana and the Dragon Hatchling to xyz summon Jade Wyvern (ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100). Alex places two cards face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** Damn, thought Alex. That was a well played out strategy. Now he has some more cards in his hand, including his monsters staying intact. As long as I have my Wyvern’s effect, I should be just fine. “I know what you’re thinking,” said Ahuizotl. “You think that because you have your monster’s effect to save you, you’re invincible.” Alex looked on at him, prompting him to get to the point. “Well, my deck was designed to counter your Wyvern’s strategies. Whatever you think of doing against me will not work in your favor. You will not defeat me, Mr. Yuwell!” *************************************************** Ahuizotl’s Turn: Ahuizotl normal summons Feral Caracal without tributes (ATK: 2000 DEF: 1600). When Feral Caracal is summoned without tributes, its ATK becomes 1600 (ATK: 2000 -> 1600). Ahuizotl then activates Feral Housecat’s effect. By targeting a Feral monster that he controls, both the levels of Feral Housecat and the targeted Feral monster become equal to their combined levels, choosing Feral Caracal (2 + 6 = 8) (Lvl.: 2 -> 8) (Lvl.: 6 -> 8). Ahuizotl overlays Feral Caracal and Feral Housecat to xyz summon Feral Tiger (ATK: 2800 DEF: 1800). Ahuizotl attacks Jade Wyvern with Feral Tiger, but Alex activates Jade Wyvern’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, Alex can prevent the destruction of one monster on the field by battle this turn, choosing Jade Wyvern. Ahuizotl then activates Feral Tiger’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, the monster it attacks isn’t destroyed by battle, but it loses ATK equal to the difference between it and the monster it attacks at the end of the damage step. Alex’s Life Points: 4000 -> 3700 ================================================================================ A large gash appeared on Jade Wyvern, causing it to roar in agony as its ATK decreased from 2500 to 2200, as told by the counter that appeared next to the monster. “Jade Wyvern!” shouted Alex. ================================================================================ Jade Wyvern loses ATK (ATK: 2500 -> 2200). Ahuizotl attacks Jade Wyvern with Feral Lion. Alex’s Life Points: 3700 -> 2900 Ahuizotl places one card face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** Alex fell into the snow from the hits by Ahuizotl’s monsters, landing on his stomach. “Alex!” shouted Yuma. Twilight ran to Alex, concerned. Alex suddenly felt the cold nip of the snow on his body, prompting him up. He saw Twilight running to him. “No,” shouted Alex, putting his hand up. “I’ll be fine. Alex then looked at the giant patch of water on his shirt with extreme discomfort. With the weather as cold and windy as it was, the water on the shirt felt like a sheet of ice on Alex’s chest as it clung to him. Alex gripped the front of is shirt and pulled it forward, keeping it from sticking. “No matter…” said Alex. *************************************************** Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Dyxz, sending an xyz monster to the extra deck and special summoning any xyz materials attached to it to the graveyard, sending Jade Wyvern to the extra deck to special summon Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana. Alex then tributes Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana to normal summon Hieratic Dragon of Su (ATK: 2200 DEF: 1000). Alex then activates his face down Immortal Dragon, special summoning Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana from his graveyard. Alex overlays Hieratic Dragon of Su and Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana to xyz summon Tourmaline Griffon in defense position (ATK: 2300 DEF: 2200). ================================================================================ “Another Stone of Equus?” commented Kite. ================================================================================ Alex activates Tourmaline Griffon’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can special summon a monster from his extra deck that has already been special summoned during the duel, choosing Jade Wyvern. Also, Tourmaline Griffon’s remaining xyz material is detached from it and attached to the monster it summoned via its effect, choosing Jade Wyvern. Alex ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-2900 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** “Huh?” questioned Yuma. “What was the point of that?” “It seems that Alex was able to revive his monster to its original state,” answered Astral. “Not only that, but he has brought another monster to the field.” “I see.” “Go, Alex!” shouted Tori. “We know you can do it!” Alex looked to his friends with a smile, his face becoming sourer as the wind stuck Alex’s wet shirt to his chest once again. “You think that you’ve saved yourself by putting your monster into defense position,” taunted Ahuizotl, “but my Feral monsters are far beyond your cowardly plans. Now, my monsters will tear yours to pieces.” *************************************************** Ahuizoltl’s Turn: Ahuizotl attacks Tourmaline Griffon with Feral Lion. With Feral Lion’s effect, it can inflict piercing damage. Alex activates Jade Wyvern’s effect, detaching its last xyz material from it to prevent a monster’s destruction by battle this turn, choosing Tourmaline Griffon. Battle damage is applied normally. Alex’s Life Points: 2900 -> 2100 Ahuizotl then attacks Jade Wyvern with Feral Tiger. Alex’s Life Points: 2100 -> 1800 Alex activates Card of Last Will, drawing five cards when a monster of his is destroyed by battle. Ahuizotl ends his turn. Status: Hand-1 Life-4000 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-1 *************************************************** Ahuizotl laughed as Alex was forced onto the snow again, only broken by Alex’s own laughing. Alex’s own friends were confused as to why he was acting this way. “I don’t know what’s so funny about your situation,” said Ahuizotl, “but you must be succumbing to madness if your giggling is anything other than your admittance of defeat.” “Don’t you see?” asked Alex with a grin. “I was expecting you to not use Feral Tiger’s effect on Jade Wyvern.” “What are you talking about?” “I used Jade Wyvern’s effect on Tourmaline Griffon because without anymore xyz materials on Jade Wyvern, I figured you would rather destroy my monster and be done with it than keep it on the field with Feral Tiger’s effect and possibly cause you more trouble. But now, my hand is now fully replenished. The tide has turned.” “Alright,” cheered Yuma, “great move!” “It doesn’t matter!” barked Ahuizotl. “Without Jade Wyvern on your field, your field is weak!” “We’ll see what my hand has to say about it.” *************************************************** Alex’s Turn: Alex activates Monster Reborn, special summoning Jade Wyvern from his graveyard. Next, he normal summons Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb (ATK: 1800 DEF: 400). Alex then activates Gift of the Martyr, sending Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb to the graveyard to increase the ATK of a monster that he controls by the amount of the sent monster until the end phase, choosing Jade Wyvern (ATK: 2500 -> 4300). Alex attacks Feral Tiger with Jade Wyvern. Ahuizotl’s Life Points: 4000 -> 2500 Alex then activates Overlay Regenerate, attaching itself as xyz material to Jade Wyvern. Alex then switches Tourmaline Griffon to attack position. During the end phase, Jade Wyvern’s ATK returns to normal (ATK: 4300 -> 2500). Alex places two cards face down and ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-1800 Monsters-2 Face Down Cards-2 *************************************************** “So cool, Alex!” cheered Yuma. “Good play, Alex!” cheered Twilight. Now that one of his monsters is gone, thought Alex, he has only has his one left. If he tries to attack me, I’ll just use Jade Wyvern’s effect again. My field is strong once again. “Foolish human,” giggled Ahuizotl. “You think that because you control most of the field now, that you’ve won this?” Alex grimaced at the blue creature’s confidence as he continued his rant. “My deck is still far from done with you. And then, you and your friends will perish in this tundra!” *************************************************** Ahuizotl’s Turn: Ahuizotl activates Xyz Treasure, drawing a number of cards equal to the number of xyz monsters on the field (3). Ahuizotl then special summons two Feral Jaguars from his hand, as he controls no other monsters except for Feral monsters (ATK: 1800 DEF: 1600). Ahuizotl then special summons Feral Ocelot from his hand by detaching an xyz material from Feral Lion (ATK: 1200 DEF: 400). Ahuizotl activates the effect of Feral Leopard from his hand, using it as xyz material for the xyz summoning of a Feral monster. Ahuizotl overlays his two Feral Jaguars and Feral Leopard to xyz summon Feral Panther (ATK: 2400 DEF: 2200). Ahuizotl activates Feral Panther’s effect. By detaching one xyz material from it, he can target one Feral monster he controls and one monster his opponent controls, choosing Feral Panther and Jade Wyvern respectively. ================================================================================ “Now,” declared Ahuizotl, “I switch control of Feral Panther to you!” The black cat began to run towards Alex’s side. “What are you doing?” asked Alex. The cat then leaped at Jade Wyvern, tackling it to the ground and putting him in a vice. The crowd gasped as both monsters tumbled to the ground. As Jade Wyvern squirmed and roared desperately, Feral Panther held on to both of the dragon’s arms/wings, keeping it grounded. Along with that, Jade Wyvern’s ATK counter returned, its ATK decreasing from 2500 to 1300. “Jade Wyvern!” yelled Alex. “What are you doing with Alex’s monster, Ahuizotl?” shouted Rainbow Dash, pointing her hoof at their enemy. “Once per turn,” explained Ahuizotl, “I can detach an xyz material from it to give control of a Feral monster I control and target one monster that the opponent controls until my next standby phase. Until then, the opponent’s monster loses ATK equal to half of the Feral monster I gave to him. Best part is, neither of our monsters can attack or use their effects.” “Oh no!” squeaked Tori, turning away and closing her eyes. “Plus, when I destroy Jade Wyvern, my monster returns to me. Either way, you’re finished, Mr. Yuwell!” ================================================================================ Ahuizotl gives control of Feral Panther to Alex and Jade Wyvern loses ATK equal to half of Feral Panther’s ATK (ATK: 2500 -> 1300). Neither monster can attack or activate their effects until the end phase. Ahuizotl then activates his face down Beast Rising, banishing a Beast-type or Beast Warrior-type monster he controls to have another Beast-type or Beast Warrior-type monster he controls gain ATK equal to the banished monster’s original ATK, banishing Feral Ocelot to increase Feral Lion’s ATK (ATK: 3000 -> 4200). ================================================================================ “4200 ATK?” questioned Astral in shock. “This is bad!” exclaimed Twilight. “If this attack goes through, Alex will lose!” ================================================================================ Ahuizotl attacks Jade Wyvern with Feral Lion, but Alex activates Attack Invulnerability, preventing his monster’s destruction by battle. Battle damage will still be applied. Alex then activates Poison of the Old Man, increasing his life points by 1200 before the attack hits. Alex’s Life Points: 1800 -> 3000 Alex’s Life Points: 3000 -> 100 Ahuizotl ends his turn. Status: Hand-0 Life-2500 Monsters-1 Face Down Cards-0 *************************************************** Alex weakly got up, becoming less accustomed to the cold and Ahuizotl’s attacks. By now, his shirt was completely soaked in freezing water, causing Alex to pant. Despite his pain, Alex continued to smile. “Phew,” sighed Twilight and Yuma simultaneously. “It’s over now,” exclaimed Alex. “You’re finished.” “How is that?” asked Ahuizotl. “Even though you still control Feral Panther, neither it nor Jade Wyvern can attack! And even if they could, they’re not nearly strong enough to hold a candle to Feral Lion’s strength.” “That doesn’t matter. My life points are below 500, and you’ve given me a rank 6 monster. I may not be able to attack with Jade Wyvern or Feral Panther, but I can certainly use them in an xyz summon!” “Oh… no…” “Let’s finish this!” shouted Alex, his energy pumping him up while he placed his fingers on his deck. “My turn! Draw!” *************************************************** Alex’s Turn: Because his life points are below 500, Alex overlays Jade Wyvern and Feral Panther to xyz summon Shining Platinum Dragon (ATK: 3500 DEF: 2500). Alex activates Shining Platinum Dragon’s effect, detaching all xyz materials from it to reveal a number of cards on the top of his deck equal to the number of xyz materials detached (5). Shining Platinum Dragon gains 500 ATK for each Dragon-type monster revealed by this effect. The cards revealed are Dragunity Dux, Hieratic Dragon of Asar, Xyz Reborn, Dragunity Corsesca, and Hieratic Seal of Supremacy (2 x 500 = 1000, ATK: 3500 -> 4500). Alex attacks Feral Lion with Shining Platinum Dragon. Ahuizotl’s Life Points: 2500 -> 2200 Alex attacks Ahuizotl directly with Tourmaline Griffon. Ahuizotl’s Life Points: 2200 -> 0 Alex wins. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Ahuizotl was knocked on his back onto the snow as Alex walked forward to pick up his Duel Rezzer. Alex placed his hand around where it was and pressed the center button, turning it off and making it visible, extinguishing the holographic imagery in the process. “Awesome!” shouted Yuma. “Alex did it!” Twilight galloped to the still shivering Alex, placing his deconstructed D-Pad back into his backpack. Using her magic, she took his shirt off, wrung it completely dry, and placed it back on him. “Oh,” exclaimed Alex. “It’s a bit warm too. Thank you, Twilight.” “My pleasure, Alex,” said Twilight, increasing his warmth by standing on her hind legs and giving him a hug. As others came to congratulate Alex on his defeat, Ahuizotl stood up, chuckling. “You may have defeated me in a duel,” said Ahuizotl, “but my legion of cats should be here any second to take you and your friends down. Like I said, you aren’t reaching the Crystal Empire alive!” Ahuizotl went into a full on laugh as Alex and his friends stood defensively, awaiting the return of the wild cats. “Too bad that’s not going to happen, Ahuizotl!” shouted a voice from the top of the first boxcar, causing Ahuizotl to cease his laughter and everyone else to put their guard down. Everyone looked up at the boxcar to see a pegasus standing upon it. Upon sighting the pith helmet on the pegasus’ head, Rainbow Dash and Twilight gasped in wonder and excitement. The brownish-yellow pegasus leapt down from the car and in front of the crowd, revealing herself fully. Her wing was bandaged, but she kept a confident smile as she looked over at the ponies staring wide eyed at her. With her on the ground, the conductor, who was observing everything from the canopied carriage, could see her as well, becoming enthralled with wonder like Rainbow Dash and Twilight. “D– d– d–,” stammered Rainbow Dash, her eyes glistening with childlike excitement. “Daring Do?” Rainbow Dash fainted, unable to contain her shock over the appearance of her literary idol. “Impossible!” shouted Ahuizotl. “What are you doing here, Miss Do?” “What do you think?” asked Daring Do. “Stopping you from causing trouble.” Her voice was similar to Rainbow Dash’s, only it was a tad more mature. Ahuizotl’s shock was replaced with smug confidence. “I’m glad you decided to join the party, Miss Do. Now you can face my army of wild cats with them!” Daring Do smirked. “Oh, you mean this army?” she asked, holding a bunch of papers in her hooves, letting them go to blow away into the wind. “What? NO! My precious army!” Ahuizotl then snarled at everyone. “This isn’t over, Daring Do. I’m far from over with you. I will be back… with a vengeance!” Ahuizotl turned around and quickly retreated back, becoming less visible as the blizzard overcast him. “Wait!” shouted Shark, attempting to give chase. “Let him go,” called Daring Do. “There’s nothing else here for him in this frozen wasteland.” “Um, excuse me,” spoke the conductor, walking up to Daring Do with weak knees, “Miss Do? I’m sure you don’t know who I am, but I’m a huge fan of yours.” “I appreciate it, good sir.” “Wait,” Twilight butted in. “You’re a fictional character. You shouldn’t exist.” “Don’t remind me,” she responded with an sternly ashamed voice, shocking Twilight. “What? What happened.” “I suppose that I owe you an explanation, since my mere appearance here does raise some questions. About two days ago, something summoned me from my ‘story’ as it were. In one moment, Ahuizotl had captured me in a jungle with the Sapphire Stone in his possession, and then next moment, I’m in this chapel with him. I couldn’t make out the pony that summoned us through the shadows, so I apologize in advance if I cannot explain him fully.” “Just do your best,” cooed Alex. “All that I could see was that he wore a dark robe. There was a horn prodding through his head, and I couldn’t be sure, but he had wings.” “Horn and wings?” asked Twilight. “But Celestia, Luna, and Cadance are the only known alicorns alive today.” “I know what I saw!” “Alright!” said Tom, putting his hands up. “We believe you! Please, go on.” “The creature then asked the both of us to travel to northern Equestria for him. Only upon our allegiance to him would he reveal more to us. Ahuizotl readily agreed, but I wouldn’t have any of that! I rushed out of there as quick as I could. With northern Equestria as my only clue, I grabbed a map from a nearby town and headed out there. “Of course, northern Equestria is quite large, so I had trouble looking for what that alicorn wanted to find. However, I found a dome out here. Upon entering it, I found this city made entirely of crystals! I made my way to the palace at the center, and upon entering it, I was met warmly by a white unicorn and a pink alicorn.” “That’s my brother and sister-in-law,” exclaimed Twiilght. “Are they? Anyways, upon explaining my story, they let me inside. They told me that you’d be coming to assist them in protecting the Empire from harm, so I went back out to make sure you and your friends arrived safely, where I’ve been up until this moment. After I heard the train crash, I set out back to check on what made it crash. Upon running back down the tracks, I met with Ahuizotl’s cats and defeated the rest of them. Afterwards, I came back to the train where I’m now meeting you.” “Speaking of,” said Twilight, “let us introduce ourselves. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” The rest of the ponies greeted her. “Name’s Applejack.” “Rarity. Charmed.” “I’m Pinkie Pie.” “I’m… Fluttershy.” “And I’m Spike. Nice to meet you, Miss Do.” “It’s good to meet you as well,” stated Daring Do before looking and pointing at the still unconscious Rainbow Dash. “And who is she?” “That’s Rainbow Dash,” explained Twilight. “Let’s just say that she’s a huge fan of you.” “I see. Might I ask what you are?” she asked to Alex, Tom, and the rest of the humans. “Right,” explained Alex. “We’re creatures called humans. You can say that we’re not from this world.” “Not from this world? Like aliens?” “It’s a long story. I’ll be more than glad to explain ourselves once we set out. We’ve still got a ways to go. Anyways, My name is Alex.” The greetings continued. “I’m Tom.” “I’m Yuma Tsukumo.” “Just call me Shark.” “I’m Kite. And this is my brother, Hart.” “Tori.” “Orbital 7, at your service!” “I’m guessing you can see me as well?” asked Astral. “I can. What in the hay are you?” asked Daring Do. “Please,” said Alex, hugging his arms, “it’s way too cold for us to be standing around here. We must get to the Crystal Empire. I promise we’ll explain more along the way.” “Right.” _________________________________________________________________________________________ Alex and Tom leapt out of the boxcar on their motorcycles, skidding to a stop next to Shark’s motorcycle, Shark riding upon it. “Snow detected,” spoke a voice from Alex and Tom’s motorcycles. Alex and Tom both felt their bikes shift, prompting the two of them to look behind them. On their wheels, large rubber spikes jutted out of the tires. “Cool,” commented Tom. “And you’ll just call for help?” called Twilight to the conductor. “Yes ma’am,” he answered, holding out a radio. “A train should be picking me up in about ten minutes from the northern junction. Thank you all for saving me!” “No problem!” Twilight then walked to the front of the group who were all equipped with their belongings and ready to go. “Let’s go everyone. We have an Empire to save!” “Alright!” exclaimed Yuma, putting his fist up into the air. “Kattobingu-da, ore!” As Twilight and Daring Do marched forwards next to the tracks, everyone followed close by, Alex, Tom, and Shark riding at their speeds. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Ahuizotl stopped to take a breath. He was much farther from the Crystal Empire than he hoped, but at least for now he was safe. His relief would be short lived, however, as the large, shadowy cloud with red and green eyes rose above him, looking ready to strike. Ahuizotl looked upon the shadowy remains of King Sombra in awe, prompting the shadow to stay put. “Who are you?” asked Ahuizotl. “I am…” spoke Sombra in a demonically deep voice, “…King Sombra. You?” “I am Ahuizotl. You might not know me, but I’m–” “I care not who are, but why you are here.” Ahuizotl then spread a devious smile across his face. “I wish to steal the Crystal Heart.” “What?” asked Sombra, his eyes widening in interest. “I take it that your interests mirror mine?” “Very. The Crystal Heart is the one thing that will keep me from regaining my rightful place on the throne of the Crystal Empire.” “Let’s reach a deal here, then. I will steal the Crystal Heart for you, and in return, when you retake the throne, I wish to keep the Crystal Heart for my own.” “The possession of the Crystal Heart concerns me not. As long as it remains out of the hooves of the crystal ponies, that is all I care about.” “Then let us join forces, King Sombra. I submit my services to you.” King Sombra began to descend down upon Ahuizotl, encasing him in his shadows. Ahuizotl, at first apprehensive as the darkness overtook him, smiled as he began to feel overwhelming power take hold of him. He began to laugh, closing his eyes. Once the darkness completely covered him, he opened his eyes again, sharing the green and red likeness of King Sombra’s.