//------------------------------// // A New Era Begins // Story: Yu-EQ-Gi-oh:Linked Paradox // by Quillion9000 //------------------------------// Welcome to the world of Duel Monsters. It is an exciting game with players of every size, shape, and make. Competitors from around the globe strive to push their limits and rise through the ranks with varied strategies. As with every era, vie for their place in history. Canterlot: Park, Midday… Flash Sentry: 13 years old/Forward Base 10 years old) Forward followed his older brother, Flash, as they entered the park. It had plenty of paths for riding, walking, or jogging. While that was cool, Forward was here for the large playground. The older brother smiled at his brother’s excitement. Flash was no different in his height or weight from any other guy his age. He had yellow-orange skin, blue hair, and forest green eyes. His attire consisted of a black shirt with matching pants, and he had a black duel disk strapped to his arm. Forward had a slightly darker skin tone than him and his eyes were a light purple; however, he had the same blue hair as his older brother. He wore a white shirt with golden trim, mathing shorts, and had a white duel disk strapped to his arm. The pair soon made it to the playground, and Flash noted the younger boy was fit to burst. “Alright Forward, I’ll be near the benches if you need me. Have fun but remember father expects us home in two hours.” “Right.” Forward nodded. “I promise I’ll be ready to leave.” “Then, enjoy yourself.” After Forward ran off Flash received a call from Sunset. “Hey Sunset, what’s up?” “Flash, I don’t know how to say this.” She sounded rather concerned, which was unlike her. “Sunset’s usually more composed than this. Whatever she has to say must be bad.” Flash thought. “Sunset, whatever you must tell me, I can handle it. Especially if it comes from you. After all, even bad news is okay when it comes from your girl.” “You can be sweat at times Flash.” Sunset took a deep breath. “I don’t know the whole story, but shortly after you left school, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie stormed off. I overheard they were angry with you and each other.” “Angry with each other and me?” Flash was confused since everything seemed fine just early that day. “How angry are we talking? The usual anger that will blow over or something more?” He didn’t want the group to fall apart. Part of it was the fact that they were his friends, some of the only ones he had, but another part was that the friendship they had with each other was something special. They were all different, yet those differences never seemed to divide them. There were obviously arguments before this, but they always seemed to work it out. The fact that they could accept Flash at all meant something to him. Sure, people found it odd he was their friend, he was a guy, but he never cared what others thought anyway. “I’ll tell you what I can, but I don’t know much…” Sunset began. With Forward Forward was running towards the playground when he heard what sounded like a screaming in the distance. He looked around only to notice no other children, nor the adults within eyesight, seemed to have heard it. “Should I get Flash?” Forward looked at his brother only to see he was busy on his phone. “He seems busy, and since no one heard that scream, it’s up to me to help whoever’s in trouble.” He clenched his fist before taking off. “Sorry bro.” Forward knew he would worry his brother by doing this, but father always said to help someone in need. Hopefully, Flash would understand. He rounded a thicket of trees and saw a soccer field that would normally be empty if it weren’t for the duelists on it. There was a boy, roughly Flash’s age, standing over a defeated duelist. The guy Flash’s age had dark red skin, purple hair, and cyan eyes. His attire was a dark purple suit, and he bore an arrogant smile after grabbing his opponent’s deck. “Well, I won our little duel, so I’ll be taking this as my prize.” The guy declared. The boy flinched. “We didn’t agree on an ante duel.” “No, we didn’t.” He stood and tucked the boy’s deck inside his suit pocket. “Out here, any duel with me is an ante duel. You lost, so your deck is mine.” He smirked. “If you want it back, and happen to have another deck, I’d be happy to wipe the floor with you again.” The boy went silent, but he didn’t have to say anything more as Forward ran onto the scene. “Hey, you big bully! What you’re doing isn’t nice!” The young and older boy looked at him. “If this guy didn’t agree to an ante duel, you have no right to take his deck.” “Oh man, just my luck.” The older boy sighed. “Look short stack, your words mean nothing to me because the only thing I respect is the duel. Unless you want to take me on, I suggest you buzz of.” Forward looked at his deck before nodding. “You know what, a duel is what I want, and I’ll put my deck on the line. If I win, you give this guy back his deck. If you win, you can have my deck, deal?” “Normally, I’m not about crushing a kid, but I’ve seen that look in your eyes on other duelist.” He shrugged. “Might as well get this out of the way.” The guy walked back. “Name’s Nathan Castor. Don’t bother telling me yours because I only care about those who make an impression.” “I’ll just have to make an impression then.” Forward activated his duel disk, a golden energy blade appeared, before he looked back at the defeated duelist. “Get out of here, and I promise he’ll return that deck to you later.” “You don’t have to do this.” The duelist stood. “His deck is unlike anything I’ve seen.” “You’re wrong.” Forward turned back to his opponent who activated a purple duel disk with a green energy blade. “I can’t let him get away with this because no one in my family would. If you’re that concerned, get my brother. He’s at the benches and looks enough like me.” The duelist looked from Forward to Nathan before running off. “You’re having that guy bring your brother into this?” Nathan shook his head. “Just another duelist for me to beat, but let’s focus on you now.” “Bring it on.” Forward grit his teeth. “I’m ready to take you down.” Flash Industries: Magnus’ Office A man with yellow-orange skin, red hair, and light blue eyes sat in his chair going through his deck. He wore a sleeveless crimson red shirt and matching pants while a gray trench coat was hung on the chair behind him. This was Flash Magnus. The man finished his deck, put it together, and gently set it down before turning his chair around to face the large bay window which looked out at the city below. The sun was setting casting everything in a beautiful orange. Magnus took a deep breath. “A day like this is serene.” The door to his office opened and Magnus turned to see two men, who were related, had entered. The first, who was the oldest, was a rather skinny man with light gray skin, dark blue hair, and light blue eyes. His attire was a beige suit. This was Stygian. The other man was a little more muscular with the same gray skin as his brother. His hair was black, and he had light green eyes. His attire consisted of a black suit with the jacket open and sunglasses around the collar. This was Shadow Lock. “Magnus, we came as soon as we could.” Stygian stated, concerned. “What’s going on?” “I thank you for coming my old friends.” He stood and threw his trench coat on. “I’m sorry to ask this of you two, but I’m about to undertake the duel of my life. While I think I’ll come back, I won’t leave my boys without someone should I fail.” Both men were shocked as they now had a general idea what this was about, yet they hopped it wasn’t the case. “Magnus, what are you talking about?” Shadow Lock asked. Magnus walked up to them. “If something happens to me, do you think you two can look out for my kids? “W-what…I mean, of course we would if something ever happened to you.” Shadow stated. “Of course.” Stygian nodded before deciding to rip the bandage off. “This isn’t about who I think it is, right?” “I have a lead on where The Cipher will be, so I’m going to stop.” Magnus declared. “Hopefully, beating him will bring back everyone he’s taken.” He closed his eyes. “Especially Somnambula.” “Wait, you know where The Cipher will be?” Shadow asked. “Then, why are you going alone? We should tell the public and gather a team to take him down. You don’t have to risk yourself.” “You know that won’t work because this guy isn’t your average duelist. He’s defeated so many, with such ease, that he may very well be on a higher level than I, The Phenomenon. If I fail, no one I brought with me could do this. I need to go alone.” “Magnus…” Shadow clenched his fist because he knew his friend was right. “Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrook, Mistmane, Star Swirl, and my dear Somnambula.” Magnus shook his head. “Besides you Shadow Lock, they were the best duelists under me and some of the best friends a guy could ask for. With them gone, you’re the only true friends I have. Please, don’t come after me and look after my boys.” “Begging doesn’t befit you.” Stygian sighed. “Alright, I promise we’ll look after them in the even anything happens, but you must promise us something. Promise you will give The Cipher everything you got.” “I give every duel my best.” Magnus walked out the door. “See you two later.” The door closed behind him, and Stygian frowned as he walked to the bay window. “Sorry old friend, but you simply won’t win.” Shadow turned to the door with a concerned look. “Please, don’t let his duel disk turn up without him.” Park: Soccer Field “Let’s duel!” (Forward 4000/Nathan 4000) “Alright kid, you can pick who goes first because it doesn’t matter to me.” Nathan declared. “I’ll go first!” Forward declared. “I’m starting with Hinotama which deals you 500 life points of damage.” Nathan was pelted by small balls of fire (Forward 4000/Nathan 3500). “Seriously, you play Hinotama?” Nathan chuckled and shook his head. “What a pathetic card.” He wasn’t upset about losing some messily life points. “Got anything better?” “I’ll show you better.” Forward declared firmly. “I activate Arduous Decision. Now I pick up the top two cards of my deck and have you pick one at random. If you select a monster, I can special summon it and add the other card to my hand. Any other card results in both going to the grave.” He drew and held the cards out. “Make your choice.” “This ought to be good.” Nathan rolled his eyes. “I choose the card on the left.” Forward smiled. “You chose Silver Fang(LV 3/1200/700).” A white wolf appeared on the field. “Silver Fang?” Nathan chuckled. “You really don’t get how duel monsters is played these days, do you?” “I know more than you think.” Forward declared. “That bar isn’t high, so it’s likely.” Nathan stated. “Shut up!” Forward shouted angrily. “I activate the other card I was able to add to my hand Black Pendant, and I’ll equip it to Silver Fang(LV 3/1700/700 effect).” A black pendant appeared around the wolf giving him greater strength. “Since Silver Fang was a special summon, I can still normal summon, so I’ll tribute my wolf to summon my ace. Reptilian and machine are one when it comes to Cyber Tech Aligator(LV 5/2500/1600).” A bipedal green alligator with cybernetic, red attachments appeared. “That’s your ace?” Nathan shook his head. “That may have worked in the time of the first King of Games, but it’s worthless these days.” “Keep talking, but my turn is still going.” Forward stated. “Since Black Pendant was attached to my monster when it was sent to the graveyard, you are dealt another 500 life points of damage.” Dark energy washed over Nathan (Forward 4000/Nathan 3000). Nathan crossed his arms. “Are you done, or do you want to continue chipping away?” Forward hated how this guy was talking down to him. Sure, there were many cards these days that could deal damage, but it was a feat to get someone’s life points down this much on the first turn. The least the guy could do was be a little impressed. “I set one card ending my turn.” Forward declared. “Let’s see what you got.” “I’m more than happy to show you how a real duelist takes a turn.” Nathan drew. “In fact, I’m a little miffed this is all just a waste of time, so I’m ending this farce.” “You’re bluffing.” Forward declared with certainty. “You can’t end this in one turn.” “I pity you kid.” Nathan shook his head. “You can’t see how outclassed you are.” Bench Area Flash was leaning against a tree, rubbing a hand over his face. “…Sunset, I’ll have to sort this out with the others tomorrow. Right now, I got to watch my little bro, and my father’s expecting us home soon.” “I’ll try digging up information on what’s happened.” Sunset stated. “Come find me on the roof, during lunch tomorrow, and I should have something.” Flash sighed in relief. “Thank you, Sunset.” “No problem.” Sunset stated. Flash hung up his phone only to see some guy running towards him. This wasn’t anything new, he was the son of The Phenomenon; however, the guy seemed rather panicked. That raised some concern with “Whoa, are you okay?” The duelist came to a stop before him. “Hey, you look like that kid back there, so he must be your little brother, right?” He sounded rather panicked to. “Your little brother is dueling some guy at the soccer field. He has a strong deck and took my deck without an ante rule.” Flash immediately looked in the direction of the soccer field. “Thank you for telling me, but you should get home.” He ran off towards the field. “I’ll make sure you get your deck back.” “Wait, that guy is really skilled!” The duelist called out. Flash didn’t care how skilled this duelist was. If his little brother had even the slightest possibility of being in trouble, he would help him. Soccer Field Nathan continued his turn. “I summon Gladiator Beast Retiari(LV 3/1200/800).” A bipedal, green lizard man with a trident appeared. “Since I control a Gladiator Beast, I can special summon Test Tiger(LV 3/600/300).” A small tiger in battle armor appeared. “Neither of those monsters can defeat my ace.” Forward declared. “You poor child.” Nathan shook his head. “A duelist can do more than merely special summon. Observe as I activate Gladiator Rejection. Now, you can only target my beasts with card effects during the Battle Phase. That’s not all. Once per turn, should a Gladiator Beast be special summoned from my main deck, I can special summon an additional Gladiator Beast of a different type from the monsters I currently control. On that note, I tribute Test Tiger to activate his effect. I can target a Gladiator Beast on the field, shuffle it into my deck, and special summon another Gladiator Beast from my deck. I’ll target Retari returning it to the deck to special summon Gladiator Beast Murmillo(LV 3/800/400).” A blue merman with a turbine appeared. “Since Murmillo was special summoned, I can special summon any Gladiator Beast, provided they are not a Fish like Murmillo, from my deck. Come to me Gladiator Beast Bestiari(LV 4/1500/800).” A green, bipedal birdman appeared. “After using Test Tiger’s effect, Murmillo is treated as though it were special summoned through a Gladiator Beast’s effect allowing me the ability to blast a monster off the field. Say good-bye to your ace.” Forward watched as Murmillo blasted his alligator to pieces with compressed water. “No way.” “You are such a weakling.” Nathan snorted. “You can call me a weakling all you want, but even with those monsters, you can’t end things this turn.” Forward retorted, now a little worried. “I’m nowhere near done.” Nathan sighed. “Observe as two become one through fusion. The beast of the sea with the beast of the air forms a new beast. Appear beast who eradicates my foes defenses from above. Contact Fusion Gladiator Beast Gyzarus(LV 6/2400/1500).”A heavily armored birdman descended on the battle field. “When he is special summoned, I can target up to two cards on the field and destroy them.” “I would use the card I set, but his Rejection prevents me from targeting his monster.” Forward thought as he’d sent the face down Shrink to the grave. “Now Gyzarus, attack my opponent with Feather Bombardment.” Gyzarus took to the skies and rained down feathers on Forward (Forward 1600/Nathan 3000). Before you speak, as this is the Battle Phase, I can now activate Gladiator Beast United. This lets me conduct a Fusion Summon using cards in my hand, grave, or on the field.” “During the Battle Phase!” Forward stepped back, frightened of his opponent. “That means whatever you summon can immediately attack!” “The card does restrict me from attacking with any monster that’s not a Gladiator Beast, but that is hardly a problem. I now combine Gladiator Beast Gyzarus on the field with Gladiator Beasts Octavius and Augustus from my hand. Fusion of the air merge with your fellow brethren from my hand to bring about our ultimate evolution of ariel combat. Fusion Summon Gladiator Beast Nerokius(LV 8/2800/1900).” A huge, hulking multi-winged bipedal bat appeared. “This is the end!” Forward stared up at the monster in shock. “He beat me in one turn.” He dropped what remained in his hand. “I never stood a chance.” Flash rounded the trees and saw his brother was defenseless against a powerful looking Fusion. “Nerokius, show this loser your Supersonic Screech!” Nathan declared. Nerokius flew high into the air before bombarding Forward with sound (Forward 0/Nathan 3000). That got Flash moving as his brother collapsed to his hands and knees. Nathan approached the younger boy and managed to take his deck before stepping back to avoid Flash. Flash stood protectively in front of his brother with a stern glare. “What are you doing to my little brother?” “Ah, you’re his older brother.” Nathan stated. “Name’s Nathan Castor, and your brother challenged me to an ante duel. He lost, so I claimed my prize. End of story. Now, if you’d like to take the same shot, I’m always up for crushing weak duelists, but your deck goes on the line.” Flash looked back at his devastated brother and noticed the tears forming in his eyes. “Forward, is what he says true?” He knelt beside him. “I heard the same story from the duelist who found me, but some part of me didn’t want to believe it. You put up your deck?” “I’m sorry.” The tears flowed. “I was overconfident, and now I lost the deck mom helped me make before…before…” Forward clenched the grass. “I wish she were here.” Flash took a deep breath before bringing his brother in for a hug. That deck was something Forward and mom made on a whim. It shouldn’t have meant more than a fun afternoon, but after she vanished, it took on a whole new meaning. “Don’t worry because your big brother is here.” Flash stood and faced Nathan. “You want a duel? Let’s go. I’ll duel beat you twice and put my deck up each time. First win, you give my bro back his deck. The second will see you return that other kid’s deck.” “You think those are the only decks under my belt.” While Nathan now felt a little bad for taking the kid’s deck, he’d won fair and square. “What kind of a duelist do you take me for?” He moved back the appropriate distance. “Including your brother’s, and excluding the one I use, I got 99.” Flash activated his duel disk, and a blue energy blade shot out. “I’ll duel as many times as it takes to reclaim every deck you got.” Forward knew if anyone could beat this guy, it was his big brother. “Take him down bro.” He then stood and moved to the sidelines. “I’ll be here, cheering you on.” Flash gave his brother a thumbs up while Nathan focused up on what his opponent had said prior “That’s assuming you can even win the first time.” he reactivated his energy blade. “Since your bro went first during our duel, I’ll go first this time.” Flash nodded. “Fine by me.” “Let’s Duel!” (Flash 4000/Nathan 4000) “I’ll start off with Gladiator Beast’s Respite to shuffle two Gladiator Beast from my hand back into my deck.” Nathan began. “Then, I get to draw three new cards.” “Gladiator Beast?” Flash nodded. “I think I’ve heard about them. This is going to be tough, but I can’t give up just as the duel starts.” Nathan continued. “Next, I’ll activate three copies of Gladiator Proving Ground allowing me to add three Gladiator Beast, level 4 or lower, from my deck to my hand. I’ll finish by setting one card. Your move” “He didn’t even summon a monster like last time.” Forward commented. “Yeah, what’s the deal with that?” Flash asked. “You corrected your hand only to summon nothing.” “Oh, I didn’t need to summon anything.” Nathan shrugged. “You’ll see why if this turn goes as I assume. Go on, show me what you got. Hopefully, it’s better than a bunch of boring, normal monsters.” “I’ll show you exactly what this deck is capable of, and what’s more, I don’t need some extra deck to make my deck shine.” Flash drew. “I’ll start by summoning Masked Dragon(LV 3/1400/1100).” A beige and red dragon appeared. “He will attack you directly.” “At least it’s an effect monster.” Nathan smirked. “Since you’ve issued a direct attack, I can special summon Gladiator Beast Noxious(LV 5/0/1000) and I’ll do so in defense.” A bipedal, muscular leopard appeared. “Now, your attack is redirected, and he can’t be destroyed by this battle.” Masked Dragon breathed a stream of fire, but Leopard held his ground blocking the attack with shadows from his claws, leaving things in a stalemate. “Since that’s all you got for a Battle Phase, and Noxious battled, I can shuffle him back into my deck and switch him for any Gladiator Beast except himself. I choose Gladiator Beast Augustus(LV 8/2600/1000).” A bipedal birdman with bat wings and four arms appeared. “Wait, for there is more. Since Augustus was special summoned by a Gladiator Beast, he can special summon a Gladiator Beast from my hand to the field in defense position, but that monster will shuffle back into my deck at the end of the turn he’s summoned. I choose Gladiator Beast Tygerius(LV 4/1800/800).” An old, white leopard in dark purple armor knelt before Nathan. “When he is special summoned by a Gladiator Beast’s effect, I can discard a Gladiator Beast to add another from my deck to my hand.” “I’m starting to sense a trend with your deck, but don’t think those effects scare me.” The opposite was true, but Flash wasn’t about to reveal that. “That said, there isn’t much more I can do, so I’ll set a card.” “This guy, Nathan, has great defense.” Forward thought. “I barely scratched the surface of his power in our duel.” “With the end of your turn, Tygerius is shuffled into my deck.” Nathan did just that. “Now, my move.” He drew. “I activate Gladiator Beast’s Comeback allowing me to special summon a Gladiator Beast from my hand or grave. I’ll choose Gladiator Beast Andal(LV 4/1900/1500) from my hand.” A bipedal, black bear appeared. “I’ll then normal summon Gladiator Beast Murmillo(LV 3/800/400).” A blue merman with a turbine appeared. “He just got three monsters like it was nothing.” Forward declared shocked. Nathan looked at him. “Your brother isn’t well educated in dueling, huh?” Forward hung his head. “Lay off.” Flash declared protectively. “He hasn’t been dueling long.” “Whatever.” Nathan shook his head. “It’s time for the ultimate form of fusion summoning. One without the use of spells. The air, sea, and land come together creating a beast of true might and great power. Come to me great dino of the Gladiator Beast. Contact Fusion Gladiator Beast Andabata(LV 8/1000/2800).” A bipedal dino in dark blue and red armor appeared, wielding a sword and shield, ready for battle. “A level 8 fusion with only 1000 ATK?” Flash questioned. “It may have a high defense, but I’m not buying that as the selling point.” “You’re right on the money.” Nathan declared. “As I said, this monster doesn’t come alone. When he is Contact Fused, I can special summon a level 7 or lower Gladiator Beast Fusion Monster from my extra deck. Join you’re companion dinosaur of superior damage and great stature.” Andabata tore open a wormhole next to him. “Come forth Gladiator Beast Gaiodiaz(LV 7/2600/1500).” A hulking, dino with a battle axe stepped through the wormhole before it closed. “Two fusion monsters in one turn!” Forward thought. “Flash is good, but can he really deal with this without an extra deck?” “Even to someone like you, I’ll admit that’s impressive.” Flash stated. “That said, I’m not going to turn tail and run.” “At least you have bravery.” Nathan stated. “Let’s see if you feel that way in a moment. I activate my face down Defensive Tactics. For the rest of this turn, Gladiator Beast I control can’t be destroy by battle and any damage I take is reduced to 0. This trap is also put in the bottom of my deck rather than my grave.” “With ample opportunities to shuffle, you have a good shot at seeing it again.” Flash stated. “What’s more, you activated that card with a clear advantage leading me to believe your fusions have abilities like your main deck monsters, meaning you want them to attack and stay on field.” “Very good.” Nathan nodded. “You may be a weak duelist, but at least you got a brain. Now, let’s get down to business. I’ll attack with Andabata.” Andabata clashed with Masked dragon, but the dragon repelled the attack. “Gaiodiaz will destroy Masked Dragon with Bestial Charge.” The hulking dino ran at Masked Dragon, slamming into it (Flash 2800/Nathan 4000).” “It’s alright Flash.” Forward called out. “You can recover from this.” “You bet I can because my Masked Dragon has an ability all his own.” Flash declared. “You’re not the only one who can special summon from the deck.” “Just a moment, for my fusion has the added effect of dealing you damage equal to the DEF of the monster he destroys.” Nathan declared. “Gaiodiaz, show my opponent your Defensive Chop!” Gaiodiaz ran forward and chopped into Flash’s gut (Flash 1700/Nathan 4000).” “This guy is unreal.” Flash was legitimately sweating. “When Masked Dragon is destroyed, I can special summon a dragon from my deck with 1500 or less ATK. Come, Armed Dragon Thunder LV 3(LV 3/1200/900).” An orange dragon with lighting fists appeared. “You know, credit where credit is due.” Nathan stated. “You two are pathetic, but your bravery is to be applauded. Now, time to put my Gladiator Beast back in the Extra Deck. With each one, I can special summon two Gladiator Beast from my deck, four monsters total.” “Since they’ll be summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast, that’s four affects you can activate.” Flash stated with wide eyes. “Exactly.” Nathan smirked. “The first is Gladiator Beast Bestiari(LV 4/1500/800).” A green, bipedal birdman appeared. “His effect allows me to destroy that face down of yours. “Second, Gladiator Beast Murmillo(LV 3/800/400).” A blue merman with a turbine appeared. “Murmillo will blast your LV 3 Armed Dragon off the field, leaving you defenseless. Third, Gladiator Beast Hoplomus(LV 4/700/2400 effect) in defense mode.” A bipedal rhino in bulky, tan armor appeared. “Since he was summoned through the effect of a Gladiator Beast, his DEF becomes 2400. Finally, Gladiator Beast Vespasius(LV 7/2300/0).” A bipedal, blue serpent in armor and with a golden sword appeared. “I really was out of my league.” Forward realized. “Just how strong is this guy?” Flash thought. “Could he give father a run for his money?” “If you think this is the end, you are mistaken.” Nathan declared. “I merge the two of the sea with the one of the sky to bring about the ultimate Gladiator Beast. Come to the field sea serpent of overwhelming power. Contact Fusion Gladiator Beast Domitianus(LV 10/3500/1200).” A whirlpool of water appeared on Nathan’s field before a colossal, bipedal serpent, with a trident and armor, appeared. Flash stepped back in shock while Forward was frozen upon seeing this monster. “That monster is stronger than any of my LV 10 Armed Dragons, and I have nothing left on my field.” Flash shook his head and clenched his fist. “No, I can’t give up. My dragons may not be as strong, but their effects will see me through.” “With that, I end my turn.” Nathan stared at Flash. “Make your move, but you won’t overcome my behemoth.” “I have four cards in my hand, but nothing can grant me access to Armed Dragon Thunder LV 10.” Flash looked at his deck. “With one draw, I can change that.” He put his hand on his deck. “We’ll see.” He drew and smiled at what he got. “Perfect.” “Oh, did you get what you need?” Nathan asked. “I got exactly what I need.” Flash looked at his opponent. “Now, I’m putting it all on the line! I activate Star Blast. By decreasing my life point in increments of 500, I can decrease the level of a monster in my hand or on the field by 1 for every 500 life points paid. I’ll pay 1500 life points (Flash 200/Nathan 4000) to decrease the level of Armed Dragon Thunder LV 7(LV 4/2800/1000) by 3 allowing me to normal summon him without tribute or his effect.” A huge, red dragon with silver accents and lighting around its wings appeared. “Brother’s going for one of his best monsters. With him he has a chance.” This brought Forward back to the duel as he smiled. “Go for it, Flash! Show him the strength of your deck!” “Interesting, but I hope this isn’t all you got.” Nathan stated, uninterested. “It’s not because I can take it one step further.” Flash declared. “I send the Armed Dragon on the field to the grave along with one card from my hand to summon a dragon of the highest level. The dragon who reigns over thunder and lighting. Powerhouse of the Levels, heed my call in my time of need and descen. I special summon Armed Dragon LV 10(LV 10/3000/2000).” A colossal dragon, near enough to match Domitianus, appeared before roaring. “You aren’t your average duelist, but you haven’t dealt any damage.” Nathan shrugged. “To top that off, your overgrown lizard is about to be destroyed which will waste all your hard work.” “We’ll see.” Flash declared. “Because my dragon hit the field through his effect, he garners effects based on how much ATK he has upon hitting the field, but the most important one is the ability to discard a card and destroy a monster you control. Your serpent is out of here.” “Go for it, big brother!” Forward cheered. “Just like that, you’ve lost.” Nathan smirked. “Once per turn, my sea serpent can negate the activated effects of a monster and destroy it. Domitianus, Negation Surge!” Domitianus thrust his trident forward, launching a stream of water which tore through the lighting imbued blades Armed Dragon shot out. The attack continued and tore through Armed Dragon like it was nothing, destroying him. Flash and Forward were shocked. Flash looked at the ground. “I…end my turn.” There was nothing he could do since he already used his normal summon, and his hand was left with nothing but monsters. He was beaten. “Flash lost to this guy. Not only did he lose, but it wasn’t even close.” Forward was stunned. “I knew he wasn’t the best, but I thought he stood a chance. Now, our decks are lost. Does this mean everything I’ve learned about dueling is incorrect?” “With that, we have reached our end.” Nathan drew. “Domitianus, Trident Devastation!” Domitianus threw his trident at Flash (Flash 0/Nathan 4000). The Armed Dragon user collapsed to his hands and knees as the massive fusion faded. Nathan approached and held out his hand. “I’ll be taking that deck of yours now.” Flash was a duelist of his word, so he took his deck before passing it to his opponent. Nathan tucked the deck away and walked off without a word. “Perhaps those two have some level of potential.” Nathan thought as he walked on without looking back. “If they overcome this crushing defeat, I wouldn’t mind handing them another at a later date.” Flash stayed on his hands and knees while Forward was trying to make heads or tails of what he was supposed to learn. One thing was for sure, he was seriously reconsidering all he’s learned about this game. Especially if that was the strength you could gain from a different path. Near the Park: On a Hill A gray skinned man with a full mane of black hair and red eyes had stood on this hill, observing both duels. The man wore a long-sleeved black shirt underneath a red sweater vest, black pants, and matching loafers. A ring with the symbol of the millennium eye rested on his finger. With the duels finished, he got in the car before drove away. “I was scouting you, Nathan Castor. While I did see you, I was fortunate enough to scout the sons of The Phenomenon. Flash is a little too strong minded, but his younger brother is a different story.”