Cave
The gang, with the addition of Mektaveus for the moment, had been making their way out of the cave, and everyone broke out into smiles upon seeing the light coming from the exit.
“Eh!” Joey declared. “It’s daylight!”
They all broke out in a run for the exit only to stop in shock as something big seemed to be moving in the way.
“Oh no!” Sunset broke into a run for the exit. “We shouldn’t have let Bandit Keith, and his cronies go ahead of us!”
Everyone now realized what this meant and ran after her; however, all of them were too late as the rock sealed the entrance before they arrived. The group of seven attempted to move the boulder with all their might, but it wouldn’t budge.
“Gah, this thing just isn’t budging!” Joey declared as the group stopped trying. “Looks like we’re trapped.”
“I don’t believe that.” Tristan shook his head. “There’s got to be another exit somewhere.”
“Fair point.” Mektaveus agreed.
“Which way do we even attempt to go?” Tea asked.
Suddenly, Bakura’s Millennium Ring glowed and pointed in a direction leading to him following it.
“Bakura?” Tea asked.
“What gives?” Joey added.
Bakura stopped at an offshoot tunnel. “My Millennium Ring is tugging me in this direction.”
“What does that mean?” Mektaveus asked confused as they all ended up following him.
“My Millennium Ring is one of an unconfirmed number of Millennium Items.” Bakura responded. “Yugi, Sunset, and I ended up coming to the conclusion that my item tracks other items, and Pegasus himself happens to have his own.”
“What do you mean?” Mektaveus chuckled. “Are we talking some kind of magic or something?”
“Basically.” Sunset responded receiving an unconvinced, raised eyebrow from the Superheavy Samurai user. “Even if it’s unbelievable, we’d have been wandering without a clue anyways.” She shrugged. “At this point, does it really matter what it is when we’re ultimately moving?”
Mektaveus nodded. “Fair enough.”
So, the group pressed on as they slowly noticed signs of a human touch as opposed to the more natural look of everything aside from the arena.
“Since it looks like we’re goin’ to be walking for a while, you mentioned having your own sister earlier.” Joey broached as he looked at Mektaveus.
If they were going to be walking for a bit, might as well see about talking about something. To Joey, this seems as good a topic as any.
“Not just an awesome little sister.” Mektaveus smiled. “I got a super mom to, but in the moment, I figured talking about our sisters would be the right way to motivate you into that win.”
“Are they the reason you’re in this tournament?” Sunset questioned.
“Pretty much.” Mektaveus nodded. “See, I’m actually the man of the house after we lost dad.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Tea responded genuinely.
“It’s been years since he passed, and while I grieved back then, I like to remember the good times now.” Mektaveus replied with a small smile. “Man, times were good when he was around. I don’t think it’s as big an industry in Japan, but trucking is a way of life back in America.
You can make a career out of it, and dad did just that. It paid enough to give us a cushy life. Then, one winter he was hauling some hogs and ended up driving over black ice. He didn’t survive the impact, and we eventually had to move into a worse part of town.
Mom could no longer stay home to take care of us, so she went into waitressing. She never complains and does her best to be there for us despite the toll those long hours take. Bottom line, everything I do and have done is as the man of my family.
I’ve always been strong, so all I needed was a change in demeanor to reflect on someone tough until it stuck. I found buds in my new environment willing to increase my street smarts and have my back in fights early on that showed why you don’t mess with my kin.
Honestly, I don’t have many applicable skills. I came to assume I’d spend a few years making sure my sister and mom were okay before entering dad’s line of work to provide. Then, I noticed duel monsters wasn’t some fad.
In fact, this game becomes more popular year after year. When I tried my hand at it, I was halfway decent. Considering I want to be around for my family, this seemed like the better option. While I want to be at the top, I’d be content being good enough to provide.”
“Hm, your motivation might be slightly tweaked, but you really can relate to Joey.” Tea noted.
“Yeah.” Joey nodded determinedly. “We’re both lookin’ to take care of the family we hold dear; however, I got my eye on that prize money.”
“I’ll admit that winning the prize money would be a huge boon for my family, but I don’t need it as much as you seem to.” Mektaveus noted. “What’s the deal?”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my sister.” Joey responded. “I managed to keep in touch, and she sent me a tape, before Duelist Kingdom, telling me she was going blind. The doctors have tried everything within the range of wealth she has access to, but none of it worked.
With this prize money, there’s another avenue. An experimental procedure that could prevent her from goin’ blind. That’s why I’m aimin’ to get that prize money. Even though Sunset and Yugi will give it to me if they win, Joey Wheeler isn’t the type to just lay this on their shoulders.”
“Hm?” Mektaveus looked at the two mentioned. “You two really going to give up that prize money if you win?”
“I don’t particularly need it.” Sunset shrugged. “I’m well taken care of.”
“I don’t need it either.” Yugi added. “At least, not more than Joey does.”
“I see.” Mektaveus smiled. “Heh, you guys really are a tight group of buds.”
“All this talk of prize money won’t do any good if we can’t find our way out.” Joey stated. “Are we actually gettin’ anywhere?”
“I think Bakura’s ring is leading us somewhere promising.” Sunset voiced. “We’ve long since left the more natural rocks and ended up somewhere with neatly arranged rocks. That screams man made, and I can’t imagine someone trekking this all here through the place we entered.”
“This also feels a lot more like Pegasus’ handywork.” Yugi surmised.
Suddenly, Bakura’s ring began to exert a small amount of force which seemed like a good indication. “I think we’re coming up on something important.” He ran. “Follow me.”
Everyone followed him until they eventually came to an open doorway. It led to an immaculate, mainly blue and gold, room with a duel arena designed for tag duels. There were also two doors at the other end of the room.
“What is this place?” Tea asked.
“You have entered…”
“…sacred ground,”
“where only duelist…”
“…can be found.”
“Yeah well, we’re duelist.” Joey responded.
“Before you pass…”
“…across this chamber,”
Two bald men, one in orange robes and the other in green, appeared before doing what looked like mock martial arts. It ended with them doing an impressive number of flips in midair while still talking.
“you must agree…”
“…to face the danger.”
They landed side by side.
“So, let the contest…”
“…now begin.”
“Notify…”
“…you next of kin.”
“You’re trapped…”
“…and the doors are all locked.”
They did more poses before speaking as one. “You face the brothers, Paradox.”
“Employed by Pegasus as eliminators…”
“…To take all your star chip indicators.”
“The only ones without star chips among us are Joey and Mektaveus.” Yugi reasoned. “That must mean these guys are specifically challenging them.”
“That doesn’t seem very fair since Joey and Mektaveus haven’t had much time to get to know each other.” Sunset retorted.
“If by some crazy fluke you manage to win…”
“…Why then, a crazy new test shall begin.”
“For over my shoulder, you see a door, and over my brother’s, you’ll see…”
“,,,one door more.”
“The test a choice…”
“…you must make.”
They spoke as one again. “Which of these doors will you take?”
“One door leads to an endless maze…”
“…where you will wonder for all your days.”
“The other door is the path you need…”
“…choose correctly and be freed.”
“Which door leads out…”
“…and which door leads to woe?”
“That is for you to guess…”
“…and the Brothers Paradox to know.”
“Even if Joey and Mektaveus manage to win this match, we could still end up wondering forever?” Tea questioned.
“Bakura, your ring stopped leadin’ us around, right?” Joey asked.
“Yeah, it has stopped glowing.” Bakura replied.
“Then, it looks to me like we got no choice but to grasp at this as our only way out.” Joey looked at Mektaveus. “What do you say? Willing to throw your lot in?”
“I have no problems dueling beside a guy like you; however, I’ll need to make the request that our graves remain separate.” Mektaveus looked at the brothers. “I’ll duel under any other rules provided you can give us that much.”
“Standard rules with the ability to utilize each other’s field will work just fine…”
“Now let us kick your behinds.”
Joey and Mektaveus moved to the blue side while the brothers took to the red.
“You can say that all you want, you Brothers Paradox.” Joey declared. “In the end, Mektaveus and I will clean your clocks.”
“I’ve heard word that eliminators play for keeps.” Mektaveus stated. “Guess that means we can’t be cheap.”
“I’m just hoping those two don’t speak in rhyme all throughout this.” Tristan stated. “The brothers doing it is more than enough.”
“The duels about to being, so it’ll be all about teamwork from here on out.” Tea voiced.
“Right.” Tristan agreed. “We’ll be the team while you two do the work.”
“Enough chatter.”
“It is time we get down to what matters.”
“On our field, you play by our rules…
“…going against them would make you both fools.
“The Brothers Paradox turn this duel into one with a maze.”
“Navigate correctly or expect to be put into a daze.”
The duel field shifted to that of a grid with a large maze between the two sides.
“Now, there shall be no more questions, and no more stalls.” The brothers declared. “The labyrinth calls.”
(Joey & Mektaveus 2000 each/Para & Dox 2000 each)
“Hold your horses.” Joey declared. “I understand how a tag team duel works, but adding in this labyrinth is a whole other story.”
“He’s right.” Mektaveus agreed. “While I said I’d be fine using whatever rules you want, you at least got to explain it when you add something new.”
“The labyrinth is simple.” Para stated. “Every monster will act as game pieces on a game board, and each monster can move spaces equal to its star level. If you use monsters for an Extra Deck summon, you can choose to place the outcome where a material was.
As the masters of this game, we offer you a reward for clearing the maze. Come out on our side, and you can pick one of two doors. Pick right, and we lose. Pick wrong, all monsters you control are destroyed.”
“It’s just like the choice we’ll have to end up making should we get past this game.” Mektaveus noted.
“What kind of lame reward is that?” Joey questioned. “You’ll make us go through this whole maze just to leave us with an alternative win we have no control over.”
“Okay then.” The brothers stated.
“We will give you a clue.” Para stated. “While everything one of us tells you shall be true…”
“…the other will speak nothing but lies to you.” Dox added. “As an added incentive, the doors we guard on the duel field match the doors we guard behind us.”
“That would mean if they understood which door is the one they can use to win, then they’ll know the door we need to take to get out of these caves.” Sunset reasoned.
“You see, this is really quite simple.” Para stated.
“To learn which is the right door…” Dox began.
“You need but ask, nothing more.” Para finished.
“This sounds like a riddle I now.” Joey thought. “Liar…Truthteller…Two doors…The rest was…” Joey smiled. “I think I know the answer from a riddle I’ve heard. It all starts with a fork in the road. Check it. There’s this kid trying to get to a village of truth tellers.
Thing is, there’s a village of liars next to it. The kid doesn’t know where to go, so he ask a villager for directions; however, he doesn’t know from which village this villager hails from. So, the villager says he’ll answer one question. That itself is the riddle.
What should the kid ask to reach Truthteller Village? The kid asks the villager to take him to his village. The truthful guy would take him to his village since he’s always honest. The liar would have to take him there too because that’d be lying. All we need is to know which is truthful.”
“Then proceed.” Dox stated.
“In fact, we’ll allow you each one question.” Para added.
“Okay, like the kid in the riddle, all I need is for you to show me the door you guard.” Joey declared, and they both pointed at Dox’s door. “Bingo! Worked like a charm. Para lies while Dox tells the truth. Now, all you need to do is ask Dox which door leads out.”
“That is sound reasoning Joey; however, there’s a flaw within it.” Mektaveus stated. “Your riddle hinges on one person, a liar or truthteller, while we are dealing with a liar and truthteller. That is why my question is this. If you were your brother, which door would you take to leave this place?”
“I’d go through my brother’s door to leave the caves.” Dox responded.
“I’d take my own door as well.” Para answered.
“There’s our answer Joey.” Mektaveus smiled. “When we make it through the maze, we choose Dox’s door to win this duel.” Both brothers were stunned. “Then, we choose his door to leave this place.”
“He picked the right door.” Para stated stunned.
“Why would you choose my door when I told you it was Para?” Dox questioned.
“The truth teller answering as you have would be a lie because you’d answer truthfully to what your lying brother would say.” Mektaveus explained. “That means I can safely say the answer is the opposite of what you say.
The liar would just say what the truth teller would say, making it a lie. That would mean the answer would still be the opposite of what you say. In short, Joey was close to getting us the right answer, but he asked the wrong question. Understand?”
Most of the gang, as well as Para and Dox, were a little stunned while Tristan and Joey were nodding along. After a little thought, Yugi understood what was said. By coupling that with his understanding of Tristan and Joey, he knew exactly how Mektaveus arrived at his answer.
“Makes sense to me.” Tristan voiced.
“I really was close.” Joey added.
“I can accept he got the answer, but I’m lost on how he arrived at it.” Sunset voiced.
“It’s because they might just be the best guys to have gotten this.” Yugi voiced. “Joey and Mektaveus both have street smarts. Joey once told me there’s always someone looking to mislead you, so you pull from your experience.
That’s exactly what happened here. Joey remembered a riddle that sounded like what the brothers were asking. Mektaveus was then put on that train of thought because he came to trust Joey through what they’ve come to understand about one another.
“You figured everything out; however, a labyrinth must still be crossed before you ever win.” Para voiced.
“Defeating you and ensuring this is the end will make us both grin.” Dox stated.
“You won’t be grinnin’ when we wipe the floor with ya!” Joey drew. “I’ll start things off by summoning Little Winguard(LV4/1400/1800).” A little warrior in blue armor appeared. “My guy will now progress four spaces forward entering your maze.”
“Four spaces, and you’re already in too far.” Dox stated.
“We’ll see about that, but my turn isn’t over yet.” Joey retorted. “I’ll first set one card before ending it. When it’s the End Phase, I can switch my monster’s battle position, so Winguard will be chillin’ in defense during your turn.”
“We shall just see about that for now it is my turn.” Para drew. “I’m activating one special equip card called Walled Movement. This spell doesn’t just grant me a special summon, it forces me to discard one card to turn my normal summon into a special summon.”
Joey remembered a few other cards he’s seen with seemingly terrible effects turning out to be real game changers. “What does all that end up giving you?”
“What it gives me is two fold.” Para voiced. “First, I can special summon Shadow Ghoul(LV 5/1600/1300) from my deck.” A hideous, green monster appeared. “Then, once per turn, I’m allowed to target any one monster my opponent controls within the Labyrinth. If it’s ATK or DEF is lower than Shadow Ghoul’s current ATK, that monster will automatically be destroyed. My opponent then takes damage equal to that difference.”
“That means once per his turn, Para can destroy almost any monster he wishes.” Tea voiced.
“That is some card, yet the card I set last turn has something to say.” Joey declared. “I flip my Celebration of Creation. When a monster is special summoned through a spell or trap, this card negates all effects tied to that creature until the end of the turn and skips to your Main Phase 2.”
“That’s a perfect counter.” Mektaveus smiled. “Now, their Shadow Ghoul can’t touch your Winguard this turn.”
“A perfect counter that may be; our decks have more than one way to make you pay a fee.” Para declared as he set two cards.
“Alright, my turn!” Mektaveus drew.
“Before you continue, I activate a face down of my own Prey of the Jirai Gumo.” Para announced. “Two can play with traps, and this one first summons itself as a monster to my side of the field.” Prey Gumo(LV 5/2100/100) A shadowed version of Jirai Gumo appeared.
“While the field might be a labyrinth, our consoles still display our cards as we would lay them prior.” Para explained. “Once the prior effect has gone off, my trap monster destroys 1 monster my opponent controls in the same column as it.”
“Gr.” Joey sweated a little at that before grinning. “Must have really irked you earlier when I stalled your play.”
“Not at all because your play allowed me to get two monsters out rather than one.” Para retorted. “If anything, the fact that you were skilled enough to do that has only made things worse for your team.”
“Says you.” Mektaveus grinned himself as he drew Para’s attention. “You see, you’re not the only ones who can use the fact that their opponent has a monster on the field to their advantage. I’ll summon Superheavy Samurai Battleball(LV 2/100/800).”
A small, spherical machine samurai appeared.
“What will that monster possibly accomplish alone?” Para asked.
“My Battleball can do a lot.” Mektaveus responded. “Provided I have no spell/trap cards in my grave, and all monsters I control are Superheavy Samurai monsters, I can target any 1 monster my opponent controls with a level. Then, both this card and that card will go to the grave.”
“All you can achieve in your first turn is removing one monster I control.” Para laughed at that. “Even if you get rid of Shadow Ghoul, removing his equip, it will hardly matter. We’re stil better set up than your side managed.”
“I didn’t say that was all to my little guy’s effect.” Mektaveus retorted. “Allow me to show you. Since I sent a Level 5 monster to the grave, through my Level 2 Battleball’s effect, I can special summon any Level 7 Superheavy Samurai from my extra deck.”
“What!?” Para exclaimed.
“You heard me.” Mektaveus declared. “The monster I choose is Superheavy Samurai Stealth Ninja(LV 7/1200/2800) in defense mode. A large, bulky black machine samurai appeared kneeling.
“Whoa, that was some move!” Joey exclaimed.
“It’s not done yet.” Mektaveus declared. “Firstly, a lot of my higher level or more difficult to get out Superheavy Samurai can attack while in defense position and use their DEF for damage calculations in this case. This one, provided I have no spells/traps in my grave, can attack my opponent directly by halving his DEF until the end of the turn. I’ll do that and aim for Dox!”
“I activate my remaining face down Labyrinth Penalty!” Para declared. “This continuous trap negates all direct attacks launched by monsters who have not cleared the labyrinth.” Mektaveus grunted at that. “This card affects us just as much as it does you.”
“I bet it will.” Sunset declared sarcastically. “They probably have that card to make sure their opponents can’t win by direct damage.”
“It is a sound card especially since taking out one duelist here results in the entire side losing.” Yugi noted.
“That’s a cheap trick in my opinion, but I still got one strong monster out.” Mektaveus stated. “I’ll have him move forward seven spaces and end my turn.”
“With three turns having come and gone, you’ve clearly displayed that we must show our brawn.” Dox drew and smiled. “It all start with my Labyrinth Heavy Tank(LV 7/2400/2400).” A blue tank with red drills appeared.
“Is that monster just a big body or does it also have some other effect?” Mektaveus pondered.
“During my Main Phase, this card allows me to fetch one of three specific monsters from my banished zone, grave, or deck and place them within my spell/trap zone.” Dox continued. “I’ll set one of those very cards straight from my deck.”
A box with the symbol for wind appeared on the field.
“A monster that can be played in the spell/trap zone through the effect of another monster.” Mektaveus commented. “Wonder what it is.”
“Almost sounds like Rainbow’s Crystal Beast, but it sure doesn’t look it.” Sunset noted to herself.
“Whatever’s in there, we’ll just have to figure it out when we get there.” Joey stated.
“With everything in place, I shall have my tank advance seven spaces in the direction of your monster.” Dox declared. “Now, I end my turn.”
Pegasus’ Castle: His Room
Pegasus had spent a great deal of time ruminating on the events that had transpired yesterday and even slept on it. By his own hands, the Millennium Puzzle and Sunset Shimmer were on his island. Then, Sonata Dusk, Blue Blood, and Luthor arrived themselves.
Like Sunset Shimmer, weather they blatantly show it or not, the later three seemed to have magic all their own which lie outside the scope of what he’s come to understand as distinctly Egyptian. To his knowledge, two objects and four people had devastating magic here.
“Beyond securing Kaiba Corp. tech, all I was originally interested in was Yugi’s Millennium Puzzle.” Pegasus walked out onto his balcony and stared out over the island. “Could it be that bringing in Sunset invited more than my targets, or is this the result of something else?”
Pegasus’ thought process faltered, and his breath hitched as he saw what seemed to be six, colossal duel monsters appear in a ring around his island. They were cloaked in shadows, but he could never forget those shapes. Never forget what he ended up bringing into this world.
In an instant, the they vanished, and he panted. “No, three of those were never made after what creating the first three did.” He took a deep breath. “Those three cards were given to the right person, and the designs for the later three are back at my mansion.”
As alarming as the thought of any of those who opposed him getting their hands on those cards, or even just the designs, was, nothing of the sort was on the island. The first three were in the hands of someone better suited to guard them than he.
The designs for the remaining three were being safeguarded by the two people he trusted more than anyone else in the world. Beyond that, he wasn’t certain those six gods were even what any of the magically inclined people wanted from this tournament.
“Then, what are their goals?” Pegasus pondered concerned. “Yugi Muto and Sunset Shimmer are the last people to concern myself with beyond my initial plans. The others are truly worrisome. If their motives impact the life I wish to have after my plan, I will step in.
Now that I am close to having her back, nothing will cut the time we’ll have short.” He walked back into his room. “Duel monsters is the key, and as the man who creates the cards, I can always stay one step ahead of whatever may come.”
Duelist Kingdom
Kaiba was nearing what assumed to be the end of his journey.
“I’m almost to Pegasus’ castle, so I got to be on my guard. His goons are everywhere, but they won’t stop me. Nothing will.” He pulled out a duel monster card shaped pendant and opened it revealing a picture of a younger Mokuba. “Nothing will stop me from getting you back.”
“Ah, the famous Seto Kaiba searching for his little brother.” Kemo called out catching his attention. “Now, you’re coming with me.”
He charged Seto, winding up for a punch, only to be elbowed in the gut. Kaiba then grabbed him by the collar before flinging the guy over his shoulder and into the ground.
“Actually, you’re coming with me.” Kaiba restrained the guard. “You’re going to get me into that castle and take me to my brother.”
Caves
“You cleared my field pretty well their Para, but now I’m about to make something you can’t as easily remove.” Joey drew. “That is provided my partner doesn’t mind losing his monster to card effect.”
“Don’t worry about Stealth Ninja.” Mektaveus gave a thumbs up. “If anything, he’s the perfect monster to destroy.”
“That’s just what I want to hear.” Joey smiled. “I’ll start my turn by setting a monster.”
“You spoke about destroying your partner’s monster just to set a card?” Para questioned confused.
“I did say that, but the monster I set isn’t just going to destroy my partner’s monster.” Joey declared. “I activate Book of Taiyou allowing me to target any 1 face down monster and flip it into face up attack position. I’ll flip my face down Cyber Jar(LV 3/900/900).”
A futuristic, malicious jar appeared. “His effect destroys every monster on the field when he’s flipped. Then, we reveal the top five cards of our deck. All level four or lower monster must be summoned in face up or face down defense position. Everything else is added to our hands.”
“I like the sound of that card.” Mektaveus stated.
After all, his main deck was all monsters with only a small portion of that being anything larger than Level 4. While ATK wasn’t the optimal position for quite a few of his monsters, the potential gains outweighed such a small negative.
“Don’t think this is simply your boon.” Para stated.
“We will take this and bring about your defeat soon.” Dox added.
“We’ll see what happens once everyone has had their chance.” Joey declared. “Now, reveal your cards!”
Joey’s cards were: Comrade Swordsman of Landstar, Blue Flame Swordsman, Valkyrian Knight, Red-Eyes Black Dragon, and Supermagic Sword of Raptinus.
Para’s cards were: Kryuel, Stone Statue of the Aztec, Tag Count, Suijin, and Graceful Charity
Mektaveus’ cards were: Superheavy Samurai Drum, Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter, Superheavy Samurai Swordsman, Superheavy Samurai Wagon, and Superheavy Samurai Ward Chief Heavystrong
Dox’s cards were: Sanga of the Thunder, Giant Germ, Monster Tamer, Stop Defense, and One-on-One Fight
“Alright, I special summon Comrade Swordsman of Landstar(LV 3/500/1200), Blue Flame Swordsman(LV 4/1800/1600), and Valkyrian Knight(LV 4/1900/1200).” A squishy warrior, a warrior in blue attire, and a warrior in red appeared.
“All warriors I control gain four hundred ATK because Comrade is on the field. With Valkyrian on the field, he’s the only Warrior-type monster either of you can attack. In other words, keeping him back is going to give my other warriors free passage through your maze.”
Comrade Swordsman of Landstar(LV 3/900/1200 effect)
Blue Flame Swordsman(LV 4/2200/1600 effect)
Valkyrian Knight(LV 4/2300/1200 effect)
“That is actually a rather smart combo.” Bakura commented impressed. “By their own rules of this particular duel, the only way to destroy another warrior, aside from Valkyrian, would be to cross the maze to destroy Valkyrian first.”
“Given that not even a 12 star monster could go through the entire maze, Joey and Mektaveus would have ample opportunity to secure Valkyrian Knight.” Yugi added. “This makes securing a win through the alternative win condition easier.”
“We shall see about that as the duel progresses.” Para went next. “For now, I will special summon Kryuel(LV 4/1000/1700).” A red fiend with wings appeared. “and set Stone Statue of the Aztec(LV 4).”
“Cyber Jar was something else.” Mektaveus smiled. “I special summon Superheavy Samurai Drum(LV 1/300/300), Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter(LV 2/300/600), Superheavy Samurai Swordsman(LV 3/1000/1800), and Superheavy Samurai Wagon(LV 4/1200/1800).”
A blue and gold drum, a red armored samurai with a trumpeter, a larger red armored samurai with a huge hammer, and a green samurai towing a wagon appeared. “Swordsman and Wagon can change battle positions when normal or special summoned, so to defense they go.”
“Your move does not impress.” Dox continued while rhyming off what his brother said before. “I set Giant Germ(LV 2).”
“Now that all our monsters are out, what’s the deal with your set monsters displaying a level above them?” Mektaveus questioned.
“That is another caveat to this duel.” Dox explained. “Any set monster has its level displayed as no monster is prevented from moving based solely on its position.”
“That’s good for you guys, but my turn’s still going.” Joey declared. “I’ll use it to send Blue Flame Swordsman four spaces to the end of the maze while Comrade will move three. Then, I’ll sent one card to end my turn.”
“You had quite the turn, but there is much you should learn.” Para drew.
“If you’re concerned with people learning, allow me to educate you on why my prior monster was the perfect one to be destroyed by Joey’s Cyber Jar.” Mektaveus interrupted. “This is an effect that can activate once per turn during the next Stand-By Phase after his destruction by card effect. I bring back Superheavy Samurai Stealth Ninja(LV 7/1200/2800) from the grave.”
“Whoa, Mektaveus now has a full field.” Bakura commented.
“Yeah, and I bet those little guys are tuners as well.” Tristan added.
“Fill your field all you like, it won’t stop us from serving them to you on a pike.” Dox declared. “Continue your turn brother.”
“Gladly.” Para stated. “Both of you observe as that last turn has given my brother and I everything we need to bring about your downfall. I summon Suijin(LV 7/2500/2400).” A blue monster with the kanji for water appeared. “That’s two pieces to our combo.”
“That monster has a kanji on it just like the box they were able to set prior.” Sunset noted.
“I think it’s a safe bet that the card in the spell/trap zone and that monster are connected.” Yugi added. “That raises the questions of what else is connected to them, and how much more do the Paradox brothers need to gather?”
“Now, I activate the spell Tag Count.” Para declared. “This can only be activated after I have summoned at least 1 monster. It counts the number of monsters my brother and I control. That number would be four. Now, you two must destroy monsters on your fields until you control the same total number of monsters as us.”
“Er, I’m getting tired of you countering my moves.” Joey declared.
Para merely smirked at him.
“Even if you’re tired of it, there’s not much we can do.” Mektaveus stated. “That said, you keep all three of your monsters Joey.”
“Are you sure?” Joey asked a bit surprised.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” Mektaveus smiled. “Remember, Stealth Ninja can return once per turn on any Stand-By Phase. He’ll be back on my next turn, and we’ll still have five monsters to their four before my turn even kicks off.”
“Alright, go for it.” Joey agreed.
“I’m sending every monster I control to the grave except for Superheavy Samurai Drum.” Mektaveus declared.
“With that done, I believe I shall send no monsters through the maze and simply end my turn with one set card.” Para declared.
“Now, it’s my turn!” Mektaveus drew. “Superheavy Samurai Stealth Ninja(LV 7/1200/2800) returns to the field, but he won’t be staying. Drum will give him a tune up to Synchro for 8. Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Ninja Sarutobi(LV 8/2000/2800) in defense mode.”
A bulky blue and black machine samurai appeared. “His effect allows me to target any one spell/trap card my opponent controls, destroy it, and deal 500 life points of damage to an opponent. I’ll destroy the monster set as a continuous spell to deal Para five hundred damage.”
Para: 1500
“Now those guys can’t bring out whatever they were aiming for!” Tristan declared happily.
“Destroying that piece is only a delay.” Para began.
“Come my turn, we will have everything needed anyway.” Dox stated.
“Let’s see if you can back up your words.” Mektaveus stated. “I end my turn.”
“We’ll back up our words alright.” Dox drew. “Your downfall starts now as I activate Monster Reborn to retrieve the monster you sent there on your last turn Kazejin(LV 7/2400/2200).” A green monster with the kanji for wind on it appeared.
Then, I will summon Sanga of the Thunder(LV 7/2600/2200).” A tan monster with the kanji for thunder appeared. “With this, we have the three pieces of our ultimate monster with which we will seal your fate.”
“The third piece, with which we shall now create…” Para declared.
“A monster who will…” Dox continued.
“…annihilate!” Both declared together. “Elements of thunder, water, and wind. Suijin, Sanga, Kazegin, begin. Meld your powers in eternal light; show these fools your unstoppable might.”
“This doesn’t look good.” Mektaveus commented.
“Yeah.” Joey nodded. “They’re busting out something huge!”
The whole group were nervous for the two duelist.
“What is it?” Tristan asked.
“I don’t know.” Tea responded.
“Whatever it is, it’s going to be powerful.” Sunset voiced.
“He is pain beyond description.” Para began.e
“He’ll mark the graves with your inscription.” Dox continued.
“Gate Guardians Combined(LV 12/3750/3400).” A colossal monster with three segments, being the three prior monsters, appeared.”
“That monster is huge!” Joey exclaimed.
“It sure is.” Mektaveus nodded. “Given all the trouble they went through getting it out, I’m better it has one heck of an effect to.”
“Now what do they do?” Tea asked.
“I don’t know.” Bakura shook his head. “This looks bad.”
“Don’t be so down beat Bakura.” Tristan voiced. “If they can’t beat that monster, they’ll never even make it out of the Labyrinth.”
“Way to cheer us all up Tristan.” Sunset commented sarcastically.
“So, you think you can beat us with your big, multiple guy?” Joey questioned. “Well, we’re not giving up. Bring it on!”
“We shall see how confident you are in just a moment.” Dox declared. “First, I’ll activate Stop Defense on Ninja Sarutobi switching him to attack mode.”
“What’s the point of that when no battles can happen until our monsters meet?” Mektaveus asked.
“All will be revealed in mere moments.” Dox alluded. “Right now, I end my turn with a set card.”
Pegasus’ Dungeon
Kaiba got Kemo to take him into Pegasus’ dungeon through a secret entrance and was now having the man lead him to Mokuba. At least, he should have been, but they’ve been walking for quite some time now.
“I told you to take me to Mokuba.” Kaiba demanded. “Not on some endless tour.”
“Patience.” Kemo responded. “These tunnels are honeycombed throughout the entire island. Without me to guide you, you’d be lost for years.”
“Don’t get any ideas.” Kaiba warned.
“Listen slim, I’m bigger and stronger than you are.” Kemo retorted confidently. “You only got the jump on me because you snuck up on me. What’s to stop me stop me from spinning around and knocking…”
Kaiba turned him around, grabbed the guy by the collar, and brought him in close. “Try it, and I’ll drop you where you stand.”
“Well, when you put it that way, nothing would please me more than to reunite you with your brother.” Kemo responded with a sleezy grin.
Kaiba growled before forcing the guy to keep moving; however, it wasn’t long before Kemo stopped. “This is as far as we go.”
Kaiba looked around. “Where’s Mokuba?”
“In Pegasus’ grip just as you’ll be.” Kemo responded.
“Stop playing games.” Kaiba demanded.
Kemo slammed his foot down causing a tile to sink in triggering an alarm. For that, Kaiba snatched the security guard once more before driving his fist into Kemo’s face hard enough to lay him out. Seto then took off down the halls.
Caves
“No matter what you have, we’ll break through it!” Joey drew.
“Let’s see you break through this.” Dox declared. “I activate One-on-One Fight. This turn, every player who controls a monster chooses the one they control with the highest ATK. Then, every monster must do battle.”
All but the brothers were shocked by this play.
“This isn’t good.” Tristan stated. “Those guys are about to take a lot of damage.”
“After this, they’ll be left with barley any life points.” Bakura noted.
“My monster is Gate Guardians Combined.” Dox declared. “With this card in effect, the Labyrinth will momentarily be suspended.”
“This doesn’t make it the Battle Phase, so Blue Flame Swordsman can’t even spare me a few more life points with his effect.” Joey grunted. “Valkyrian Knights is my strongest.”
“Ninja Sarutobi is the only monster I control.” Mektaveus stated reluctantly.
“Kryuel is stronger than Aztec’s three hundred ATK.” Para stated.
“The first monsters to do battle will be Kryuel and Valkyrian Knight.” Dox declared.
Valkyrian Knight rushed at Kryuel and slashed the fiend to pieces Para: 200.
“When Kryuel is destroyed by battle and sent to the grave, I may flip one coin.” Para declared. “If I call the result correctly, I can destroy any one monster on your field.” A coin appeared above the arena and flipped. “I call heads!”
The coin landed on heads.
“Come on, you’ve got to be kiddin’ me!” Joey yelled.
“The result is what it is, so I shall now destroy Blue Flame Swordsman.” Para declared.
“With that out of the way, all other battles shall be carried out.” Dox declared. “Ninja Sarutobi will attack Gate Guardian’s combined followed by Valkyrian Knight. Elemental Surge!”
Valkyrian and Sarutobi were blown into a sphere of water before it was discharged with electricity destroying them both and dealing massive damage (Joey 550 & Mektaveus 250). With that, the brothers laughed.
“You both entered this duel foolishly.” Para declared.
“Still, keep dueling amusingly.” Dox added.
“Just like that, they’ve lost a lot of life points.” Tristan stated worriedly.
“All they have between them is Joey’s Comrade Swordsman of Landstar.” Bakura added.
“Don’t give up on them yet guys.” Yugi stated. “They can still find a way to turn this all around.”
“This is one difficult duel, but there’s got to be something we can do between us to turn this all around.” Mektaveus was carefully scanning the board to see what exactly they had left when he noticed something in Landstar’s card text. “Wait, that monster’s a Tuner!?”
“What are we supposed to do now?” Joey thought as he looked over his hand. “Red-Eyes is the strongest monster in my hand, and he’s well over one thousand ATK too short to defeat that guardian. That’s not even accounting for the fact he’d have to go through that maze.”
“Joey.” Mektaveus stated. “I know it might be a long shot, perhaps it’s even asking a lot, but I have a way we can end this.”
“If you got a plan, I’m all ears.” Joey stated.
“Firstly, if you have it, a one star monster would be perfect.” Mektaveus nodded. “After that, progress Landstar the full three spaces forward. Then, attempt to keep both Landstar and that one star monster safe during Para’s next turn.”
“A one star monster, move Landstar, and keep both on the field.” Joey looked at his hand again before grinning. “Alright, I’m willing to bet it all on that plan. Get ready Paradox Brothers because we’re about to topple that giant.
“I summon Copycat(LV 1/0/0).” A spellcaster in green and blue robes appeared. “This guy might look weak, but his special ability kicks in any which way he’s summoned allowing me to target one monster you control to copy their original ATK/DEF.”
“An effect most devastating to any other monster.” Para declared.
“Gate Guardian is a whole other blocker.” Dox declared. “Up to thrice per turn, when you target any cards I control with effects, Combined can negate those effects and destroy the offending card.”
“Oh no, they just lost the monster Mektaveus said he needed for that combo.” Tristan stated.
“That’s not ideal, but at least we know what your big monster guy can do.” Joey wasn’t worried. “I’ll now equip Comrade Swordsman of Landstar with Supermagic Sword of Raptinus.
This equip has a few effects, but the first can’t be activated while the second is something I’ll explain should it be needed. Finally, I’ll have Swordsman advance three more spaces towards the end of the maze before setting one card to end my turn.”
“My move then.” Para drew. “I will start by activating the set trap Raigeki Break. With this, I can discard one card from my hand to target and destroy one monster of my choosing. I choose Comrade erasing any chance your partner had of making their combo.”
“Should have activated that before the equip.” Joey grinned. “One of Supermagic Sword of Raptinus’ effects is based on the equipped monster’s battle position. When it ATK position, you can’t target the equipped monster with card effects.”
“Then you force my hand.” Para declared. “I activate Prey of Jirai Gumo’s effect from my grave. By banishing this card, I can add any one of the three banished parts of Combined from the banished zone to my hand. The monster I pick is Suijin(LV 7/2500/2400).
I shall then summon him, and I activate Labyrinth Obstacle. At the cost of half my life points, until the end of this turn, I can move a monster I control to right before a monster within the Labyrinth.” Para: 100. “I choose Suijin to impede Landstar allowing him to attack!”
“Yes brother, finish this!” Dox declared.
“Joey better have something to defend against this, or everything is over.” Bakura stated.
“Supermagic Sword of Raptinus’ first effect can now be activated.” Joey declared. “Once during any player’s Battle Phase, I can change the equipped monster’s battle position and normal summon any one monster. I choose Red-Eyes Black Dragon(LV 7/2400/1200).” The black dragon with red eyes appeared.
“What good does that do to prevent Suijin from destroying your Swordsman?” Para asked.
“Like I said, Raptinus’ second effect depends on the equipped monster’s position.” Joey declared. “Because he’s shifted to defense, you can’t destroy my monster by battle.”
“No, this is impossible!” Para shouted.
“His defenses have just been too strong.” Dox stated.
“I…I have no choice but to end my turn.” Para stated reluctantly. “Still, you have failed. Your partner asked for a level 1 monster alongside that tuner. In the end, you wasted your only level 1 monster!”
“Not quite.” Joey grinned. “I reveal my face down Call of the Haunted which allows me to revive any one monster from my grave, and I choose Copycat(LV 1/0/0). This time, I won’t be activating his effect meaning you can’t get rid of him.” He then looked to Mektaveus. “Alright, I managed to do my part, so show these guys what we got.”
“What are you even going to do with those pieces?” Dox asked. “If you ask me, I think you were only bluffing to give your partner false hope!”
“You know, in some respects you are correct.” Mektaveus responded. “When someone has nothing or they’ve run into a wall that can’t be overcome, sometimes false hope is the only thing you can give.” He drew. “This isn’t one of those times.
This next play is only possible because of the partner I had. He managed to keep the two monsters I needed on the field and supplied me with the final piece from his earlier Cyber Jar. I summon Superheavy Samurai Ward Chief Heavystrong(LV 8/1000/3000).
A blue and red machine samurai, just a few inches shorter than Gate Guardians Combined, appeared. “Now it all comes down to this as Comrade Swordsman of Landstar gives Copycat and Heavystrong a tune up to Synchro for 12.”
“You have a Level 12 extra deck monster as well!?” Para and Dox exclaimed in shock.
“The Paradox Brothers are in trouble now.” Yugi smiled.
Sunset nodded. “This is going to be good.”
“When life bears down on comrades or loved ones, I stand my ground to shield them from harm.” Mektaveus declared. “Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Overlord Masurao(LV 12/2100/4000) in defense mode and exactly where Comrade was standing prior!” A colossal white and red machine samurai appeared wielding a sword and with a pompadour.
The Paradox brothers recalled earlier when Mektaveus said all his extra deck monsters could attack in defense mode which made them sweat.
“Yeah, now that’s a monster!” Joey exclaimed.
“This time around, I could only call on my strongest monster thanks to the efforts of my partner.” Mektaveus declared. “As I said, he got that level eight into my hand and trusted my words enough to keep his monsters on the field. That’s why it’s his call.” Joey looked at his partner who nodded. “Bring this duel to a close!”
“Alright then.” Joey grinned. “Masurao, march to the end of the maze and cleave Gate Guardians Combined!” The Superheavy Samurai marched straight to the end of the maze before slicing the fusion monster to pieces Dox: 1750.
“When Gate Guardians Combined leaves the field as a result of an opponent’s card, I can special summon Gate Guardian(LV 11/3750/3400).” Another version of the fusion monster appeared on the field.
“That hardly matters because a monster of ours cleared the maze meaning we can take any door we wish.” Mektaveus smirked. “Before this duel even started, we figured out that riddle. Dox’s door is the door we take!”
Masurao marched up to the door, threw it open, and walked into a brilliant light which reduced Para and Dox’s life points to 0.
(Joey 550 & Mektaveus 250/Para & Dox 0)
“Bet you regret putting us in this special duel now.” Joey declared.
“This duel is ours!” Mektaveus added.
“Alright!” Tea cheered.
“They won!” Tristan added.
“They actually pulled it off.” Bakura commented.
“That means both of them will now have ten star chips.” Sunset declared.
“That was some display of trust and teamwork between those two.” Yugi voiced happily.
Joey and Mektaveus both collected their star chips and filled their gauntlets.
“Alright, finally have ten star chips.” Joey declared happily.
“Yeah, it feels good.” Mektaveus agreed.
The two of them then grinned and fist bumped.
“We lost the duel…” Para began.
…and were made the fool.” Dox continued.
“Our riddle was overcome…” Para declared.
“…Perhaps we should feel glum.” Dox commented.
“In the end, we were taken to class.” They both stated. “Now your group may pass.”
The door forward swing open.
“Alright, we’re all on our way to Pegasus’ Castle!” Joey declared.
Pegasus’ Dungeon
Kaiba bypassed many guards, knocked quite a few out along the way, before finally making it to his brother’s cell. “Mokuba!”
Mokuba looked up in disbelief. “Seto?” His eyes went wide because it really was his big brother. “Seto, it’s you!”
Seto smiled. “Yeah, it’s me.”
“Seto.” Mokuba stood with a smile as he gripped his own pendant. “I always knew you’d come to rescue me. Always.” He moved towards the door only to be restrained by his ankle cuffs. “Gah.”
“Whoa, no need to hurt yourself.” Seto kneeled and began working on the door. “Just give me a moment to pick this lock.”
“Well, well.” Pegasus’ voice rang out. “The brothers Kaiba reunited at last.” Seto turned to see the man himself approaching while slow clapping. “Bravo Kaiba. Bravo. I knew nothing would stop you from getting here.”
“Pegasus.” Kaiba growled angrily as he stood. “If you knew that much, then you must know what I’m about to do to you for harming my little brother.”
“Actually, I believe you aren’t going to lay a finger on me.” Pegasus retorted.
“Why is that?” Kaiba asked.
Pegasus merely chuckled as his Millennium Eye glowed forcing Seto to look away. Mokuba screamed before it eventually petered out.
“Mokuba?” Kaiba turned to the cell, but his brother was laid out on the ground while Pegasus held a card containing the younger one’s soul. “You monster! What have you done?”
“I’ve ensured your cooperation for Mokuba’s soul is beyond your capability to reach.” Pegasus responded. “He shall remain there until you defeat me in a duel.”
“Duel? With you? Now?” Kaiba questioned quickly before agreeing. “Fine, I’ll do it right now. I’ll do anything.”
“Not just yet.” Pegasus shook his head. “You must first earn the privilege, and you can only do it by beating Yugi in a duel. That’s not all. You can’t accept a mere hand out nor him not dueling you at his best. Fail, and your brother’s soul will forever be out of reach.”
Kaiba looked at Pegasus firmly as the creator of duel monsters laughed.