Castle: Duel Arena Drytron
After seeing Shining Armor being led away, Luthor took that as his cue to head on in, so he walked up to the blue side ready to finally achieve something regarding this loathing he had for Blue Blood. He was firm in not slotting the seal into his deck though.
No matter what he felt towards Blue Blood, he had decided that breaking his employer’s orders was off the table. He would do nothing to jeopardize their deal. While he didn’t think simply beating Blue Blood would make anything alright, it’d sure feel good.
“Then again, all I have to take him on is his word, and he’s already proven how solid that is.” Luthor couldn’t help but think.
Fortunately, he wouldn’t have to think further on that as Blue Blood held true to his word and came walking down the opposite walkway. At the same time, Croquet came out onto the balcony where Pegasus had watched Mektaveus duel Keith. He naturally remained standing.
“You’re actually going to duel me?” Luthor asked.
“I did say I would.” Blue Blood retorted.
“Oh yeah, your word holds so much weight.” Luthor declared sarcastically. “My brother is still dealing with the ramifications of that job we did with you. Because of you, every time he duels it puts others at risk, and he can’t enjoy it like he used to.”
“You and your brother accepted the risks.” Blue Blood retorted. “I even paid in full, up front, for your services.”
“You didn’t inform us of the full risk associated with the job.” Luthor retorted.
This was more information than any of the onlookers have gotten since Luthor first saw Blue Blood at the castle.
“What do you think happens now when his brother duels?” Tristan asked.
“I don’t know, but I’m starting to understand why Luthor is angry with him.” Arctic voiced. “If Thunder couldn’t duel because of something we’d have never interacted with otherwise, I think I’d feel like he does.”
Even though Luthor had his own issues, Arctic could empathize with the desires of an older sibling wishing their younger sibling could do what they loved. Joey and Mektaveus could follow the same frame of empathy even if they didn’t necessarily like it.
“I think we could spend forever going round and round with this.” Blue Blood commented. “What’s say we just let the duel do the talking?”
“Fine by me.” Luthor returned.
“Let’s Duel”
(Luthor 2000/Blue Blood 2000)
“Since I challenged you, I’m taking the first turn.” Luthor drew. “I’ll keep it simple with one set monster and one set card before ending my turn.”
“My turn.” Blue Blood drew. “I activate Drytron Nova. In return for only being able to summon monsters that can’t be normal summoned or set and accepting that the monster I summon through this effect will be destroyed, I can special summon any Drytron I wish from my deck.
I’ll choose Drytron Gamma Eltanin(LV 1/2000/0).” A bipedal lizard machine with huge boosters on the back appeared.
“A level 1 monster with 2000 ATK!?” Joey exclaimed in shock. “What the heck was Pegasus thinking with that?”
“When he dueled Sonata, Pegasus said he made plenty of strong level 1 monsters to enhance the fun of the game.” Arctic informed.
“They often are monsters to look out for.” Yugi commented.
“Given who Blue Blood is, I’d say he has a very good reason for using the deck he does.” Sunset added. “That monster does seem to come from the same line as those giant monsters we saw in the distance that first day on the island to.”
“Keep up Luthor because this immediate effect I’m about to utilize is shared by all level 1 Drytrons.” Blue Blood proceeded. “I can tribute any 1 ‘Drytron’ or Ritual Monster, from my hand or field, to special summon any ‘Drytron’, once per turn, from my hand or grave.
I’ll tribute Gamma to special summon Drytron Alpha Thuban(LV 1/2000/0) from my hand.” A bipedal lizard machine with wings and blades for arms appeared. “Of course, using this effect means I must summon them in defense position.”
“Then what’s the point of that when your monsters don’t have any defense?” Luthor questioned.
“Simple in that every level 1 Drytron comes equipped with their own effects that only work when they’re summoned this way.” Blue Blood continued. “This monster just so happens to allow me access to any Ritual Monster I wish from my deck.
Also, as I explained, every unique Drytron has the same summoning requirement. Now, I’ll tribute Alpha Thuban to special summon Drytron Gamma Eltanin(LV 1/2000/0) from the grave.” A bipedal lizard machine with huge boosters on the back appeared.
“This is sounding like a dangerous archetype.” Bakura commented.
“I don’t think this is where it stops.” Sunset voiced.
“Now, Gamma’s effect activates allowing me to special summon any ‘Drytron’ with 2000 ATK I wish from my grave, and they aren’t restricted to defense.” Blue Blood continued. “I’ll bring back Drytron Alpha Thuban(LV 1/2000/0). Just like that, this duel is over.”
“Over?” Luthor questioned. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, all I really needed was the Ritual Monster I choose, but I figured I shouldn’t waste cards.” Blue Blood informed. “I now activate the ritual spell Meteonis Drytron. Unlike every other ritual, this one doesn’t count levels.
In fact, I can access any Ritual Monster through simply using machine type monsters whose total ATK equals or exceeds the ATK of the monster I intend to summon. In this case, I need both my monsters for 4000 ATK.”
That news stunned everyone watching.
“D-Did he just say he’s ritual summoning a 4000 ATK monster?” Bakura questioned.
“There’s someone else with cards near the strength of Kaiba?” Joey questioned.
“I offer up Gamma Eltanin and Alpha Thuban as the materials fulfilling the requirement. I call upon fire power that effortlessly dispatches my enemies without ever touching their field. Ritual Summon Drytron Meteonis Gemenids(LV 12/4000/4000).”
A colossal, bipedal mech with a shield on one arm and a gauntlet on the other appeared. Sunset, Yugi, Joey, Tea, and Tristan all sort of recognized this monster due to its similarities to the two they saw shortly before the two on one duel against Blue Blood.
“I’d been thinking those monsters we saw that first day on the island belonged to Blue Blood.” Sunset commented. “That power certainly explains the size.”
“Never let it be said Pegasus didn’t create some monstrous Level 12 monsters.” Thunder commented.
“What is that?” Luthor questioned.
“Gemenids here is a monster I rarely bring out, but I figured you’ve been asking for it.” Blue Blood informed. “All but one of my Drytron Ritual Mosnters have effects that kick in if the total levels used to summon them are 2 or less.
The two monsters I used happen to correlate to that. This allows him to utilize his ability which is exactly what I said it is. He can bypass your current field to deal damage. More specifically, he deals you 2000 life points of damage.”
“How does someone avoid that?” Tristan asked.
“Having a card that negates effects or effect damage would do; however, you’d then need to deal with that monster quickly which isn’t particularly easy.” Yugi voiced.
“Stealing the monster would likely be effective since I imagine a monster with an ability like that wouldn’t have much in the way of protection.” Arctic added remembering how Pegasus overcame Sonata. “Though you’d need some prior card to protect you for a turn.”
“Monsters like that usually need to be face up to get their effects off, so having a card that could flip it face down would be another solution to defend for a turn.” Sunset declared. “I think there are also cards that can flip it to gain you life points as well.”
“By the looks on Luthor’s face, I don’t think he has a card like that in his hand or on the field.” Mektaveus informed.
That was the truth as Luthor was for once devastated.
“Gemenids, end this with life point devastator!” Blue Blood declared.
Gemenids smashed his gauntlet down on Luthor, but since Blue Blood didn’t want to inflict real damage here, it acted as if any normal hologram would by merely depleting his life points (Luthor 0/Blue Blood 2000).
“Even with proper counters, the fact that Blue Blood has two more, perhaps even more, monsters like it in his deck says a lot.” Yugi voiced seriously. “Blue Blood is not an opponent anyone should take lightly if they face him.”
“By the official stipulations both duelists agreed to, they forfeit. If they wish it, they can remain to observe the tournament.” Croquet announced. “Additionally, by proxy of them forfeiting, the four duelists progressing to the semifinals will be Yugi. Mektaveus, Joey, and Sunset.”
“I’ll be taking my leave.” Blue Blood announced before simply walking away.
He’s already completed what his employer wanted, and while this was a nice diversion, it was about time he finally head back.
“This isn’t over.” Luthor got over his shock as his resolve to defeat Blue Blood was now stronger than over. “You won this time, but just wait until Master Dartz’s plan comes to fruition. You’ll be one of the duelists I hunt down with my deck stronger than ever.”
Croquet looked at Luthor. “What is your decision?”
“I’m done with this island.” Luthor walked off his own way. “I’m taking the personal boat I came in on and casting off.”
“With that matter decided, the four remaining duelists shall be expected at dinner where will determine tomorrow’s match ups.” Croquet announced. “All honored guests, of any remaining competitors or Pegasus, will also be welcome to partake of the food as well. That is all.”
What had once been a large group of competitors and guests had now been whittled down to Sunset, Yugi, Mektaveus, Joey, Bakura, Tristan, Tea, Arctic, Thunder, and Sonata. At this point, it was abundantly clear that this tournament was starting to reach its conclusion.
Dining Room: Late Evening…
Despite three more duels now needing to take place, the vastly emptier dining room table gave everyone a sense of finality. It confirmed that come tomorrow, one of the remaining four duelists would win this tournament and the shot at Pegasus.
Of course, an emptier table didn’t stop Tristan, Joey, and Mektaveus from repeating the night prior in that they were once again chowing down. Despite everything that’s happened, those three had no less of an appetite. Everyone else ate rather normally.
Soon, Croquet entered the room. “On behalf of Master Pegasus, I’d like to congratulate our four finalists and welcome them to the last phase of Duelist Kingdom. I trust you have your playoff entry cards?” That drew confused looks. “In your invitations you received two cards.
Glory of King’s Hand and Glory of King’s Opposite Hand.” He showed them off. “You must have at least one of these on you to compete in the final tournament. If you show up without one of them, you will be disqualified.”
“That’s what they’re for.” Yugi commented.
“Each card conveys a unique prize.” Croquet continued. “Glory of King’s Hand is needed to claim the cash while Opposite Hand allows you to challenge Master Pegasus. Now, turn your attentions to the monitors where tomorrow’s randomly selected matches will be revealed.”
1. Mektaveus vs Sunset
2. Yugi vs Joey
“We should have been prepared to see friends going at it, but I don’t feel it.” Bakura noted.
“It’s certainly harsh.” Tristan agreed. “No matter who wins their matches tomorrow, those guys will then have to face each other. It’s just not going to get any easier. In the end, any one of them could take on Pegasus.”
“I guess, but wouldn’t it be easier for them all to just flip coins to decide a winner?” Tea asked. “Then, we could get the match with Pegasus first thing tomorrow.”
“I don’t think any of us would accept that.” Mektaveus responded. “I’ll admit, I didn’t enter this tournament expecting to make new buds, but things have a funny way of working out. Leaving our duels up to a coin toss just isn’t my style.”
“I also think we need to play this tournament out and push each other in every duel.” Sunset added. “The person who ultimately comes out on top is the best one to take Pegasus down.”
“Wait a second…” Yugi began uncertainly.
“Listen Yug.” Joey interrupted. “At this point, there can’t be any doubts. All four of us worked hard to get to this point, so anyone who has even the smallest of doubts should just suck it up. At this point, no matter whose dueling, give it your best and play honorably.”
“Sorry, you guys are right.” Yugi nodded as he couldn’t help but think of the long road all of them traveled just to reach this point. “The goal now is to overcome Pegasus, so we’ll push each other to discover who deserves that chance.”
The other three duelists nodded in solidarity with his words. Come whatever may tomorrow, only the absolute best of them will win.
“Looks like they’re all geared up to duel.” Arctic commented with a smile.
“Gah, I know what’s at stake, but I’d have loved to be where they are now.” Thunder commented.
Sonata giggled and patted his back. “Maybe the next tournament.”
“With this, the duels are set.” Croquet bowed. “Tomorrow, three of you will find your journeys ending in failure.”
Pegasus’ Personal Room
Pegasus scanned his newly created deck into his systems and initiated the process. Through working on these new cards, and compiling this deck, he came up with a new use for Kaiba-boy’s technology that should help put things back in his favor.
“I’ll admit that you offset me Shining Armor; however, I should also thank you for it led me to a new path forward.” Pegasus chuckled. “Now not only will the day after the finals be about claiming the Millennium Puzzle, but it shall also be a test run of my new systems.”
Canterlot: ???, Next Morning…
A teenager girl sat within her room compiling what data she could gleam from the various duels taking place on Duelist Kingdom. She had sapphire blue hair, with a maroon and violet streak, up in a bun and violet eyes behind glasses. She currently wears the Crystal Prep uniform.
“This tournament has been rather strange as I do not recall any prior one being a day behind in terms of getting information to the people invested.” The girl noted to herself. “With half of them actually having footage while the other half are just duel boards, it only adds to the strangeness.”
She felt as though there were puzzle pieces missing which in turn prevented her from piecing together just what this meant.
“Twilight!” The voice of a young boy called out suddenly.
“Spike?” Twilight questioned.
Before she could even stand, Spike ran through her open doorway. He had messy green hair with matching eyes. His attire consisted of blue jean shorts, a dull yellow shirt underneath a purple jacket, and purple sneakers.
“Spike, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked.
“Have you not seen the latest battles that came in for yesterday’s Duelist Kingdom matches?” Spike asked.
“No, I was just finishing up with the data from the day prior to what we’d get today.” Twilight responded. “Why? What’s happened?”
“It’s Shining Armor.” Spike responded. “He lost in the Top 12.”
“Spike, that’s ridiculous.” Twilight retorted not believe him for a second. “Shining is a champion duelist with a consistent deck while Yugi Muto’s is nothing more than a hodge podge that shouldn’t function. By all accounts, the data from that rematch he had with Seto Kaiba is proof.”
“Twilight, I’m being serious.” Spike retorted. “If you don’t believe me, look up their duel for yourself.”
“Oh, very well.” Twilight sighed as she turned back to her computer and began working to get the duel up. “I’ll take a look at this duel just to proof there is no way a duelist like him could have beaten our brother.”
Twilight did watch through the entire duel only to stare on in disbelief as Yugi Muto somehow overcame her brother with a combination of that new illusion archetype and a Black Luster Ritual monster.
“See, I told you Shining lost to Yugi Muto.” Spike stated. “It was pretty cool too what with those monsters I’ve never seen and that Black Luster of his.”
“No, this is impossible.” Twilight stared at the result unable to believe it. “Duel after duel, Yugi Muto somehow wins with his hodge podge deck which has no consistent theme. By all accounts, that duel with Kaiba should have set the record straight, yet he somehow overcomes Shining.”
“In hindsight, I was too excited to realize what bringing this to Twilight’s attention would do.” Spike suddenly realized.
He was now mentally kicking himself for being so amazed by the duel that he didn’t think how Twilight would take it.
“It defies all logic which this game is clearly based off of.” Twilight retorted. “Without a consistent deck and strategy, this is statistically impossible.”
Spike sighed as he walked out of the room leaving her to it. “Yep, I brought this on myself.”
Twilight didn’t even notice as she was now scouring all of Yugi’s matches to figure out where she went wrong in her conclusions. Like any time prior to this, she wasn’t seeing what was wrong with her logic. She was now going to be at this for hours.
Domino City: Evening…
Helios was sitting in the hotel room flicking through his deck as he awaited Soren’s return. He never saw himself getting into the game when he was younger, but everything changed with what his mother did. Whatever his life could have been, he didn’t regret where he was now.
His gaze turned to the doorway as it opened, and Soren stepped in. “So, what have you found?”
“Well, our contacts can trace your mother’s finger prints all over this Sunset Shimmer’s living situation which does add validity to your thoughts.” Soren stated.
“See, I knew it was her.” Helios jumped to his feet. “We got to…”
“Keep calm.” Soren interrupted. “You’ve jumped the gun before, yet it’s never worked out. I admit you might be right this time, but that’s another reason why we need to play this carefully. You got to remember that even if you are right, she wouldn’t have much in the way of memory.”
Helios looked down before taking a deep breath. “Alright, what do we do?”
“I’ve got my people working on quietly taking over her affairs.” Soren stated. “Even if this isn’t the right person, no one should be indebted to that woman. They should have it taken care of by Duelist Kingdom’s end. When she arrives at Kame Game, we’ll be there at a distance.”
“Alright, we’ll do things your way this time.” Helios responded.
“Thank you.” Soren patted his shoulder. “If things look promising, you can go up to her, but do exercise caution. People usually understand when I explain, but I’d rather you not put yourself in a situation where that is necessary.”
“Right, I promise I won’t cause a scene.” Helios stated. “I just…” He collapsed back into his seat. “It’s been so many years.”
“I know buddy.” Soren voiced in true understanding.
Duelist Kingdom: Hallways, Morning…
Everyone made their way down the hallway together after waking up though Sunset obviously noted Sonata was staying far away from her, like usual, while clasping Arctic’s hand to keep herself comforted.
“Only those dueling today will be allowed on the arena floor, so the rest of us will need to head on up to the balcony now.” Tristan voiced.
“Good luck to all of you and may the best duelist win.” Thunder voiced.
All four duelists nodded before Tristan, Bakura, Tea, Arctic, Thunder, and Sonata took their leave. The four finalists then made their way inside a small room with the statue of a pegasus being the only decoration. Said eyes of the decoration suddenly glowed green.
“Attention! Attention!” It was Croquet. “The play offs are about to begin.” The wall with the statue opened revealing the arena. “All finalists should now enter the duel arena.” They filed in. “Now for your host, Maxamillion Pegasus.”
Opposite them, Pegasus came out to the place he’d been at yesterday to observe Mektaveus’ duel with Keith. Croquet and Kemo were flanking him.
“Yugi, Joey, Mektaveus, and Sunset.” Pegasus greeted as he walked to his chair. “I welcome you all to the playoff arena. This is where the last duels of Duelist Kingdom will be waged. Only one of you can emerge victorious and win the three million dollars.”
“Yug and Sunset have already offered to give me the money if they win.” Joey thought. “Still, that doesn’t mean I can give any less than my best.”
“Of course, the second prize is the victor getting the opportunity to face me; however. Shining Armor caused quite the commotion yesterday requiring a little change in plans.” Pegasus voiced.
“Are you backing down because Shining got under your skin yesterday?” Tristan called out.
“Hardly.” Pegasus smiled. “The winner will still get their battle with me; however, I have a little addition I’ll reveal when the time comes. Nothing unfair mind you, but the four duelist should still be aware of there being something different to come.”
“What does the victor even get if they overcome you?” Arctic asked.
“Whoever bests me will be awarded one wish.” Pegasus responded. “Provided whatever they desire is within my vast power to grant, it will be done. Before any of those prizes, I will say that the winner of this preceding tournament shall be granted rank number one in the world.”
“Whatever you have planned now for the end of the tournament, it’s not going to matter.” Sunset declared. “Whichever of us wins will take you down.”
“You have been quite the feisty one, Sunset Shimmer.” Pegasus chuckled. “I’m hoping you at least make it to the finals, for that would make what I have planned more exciting Now, enough talk.” He took his seat. “I wish you all luck. May the best duelist win.”
“The first duel shall now begin.” Croquet announced. “Mektaveus Armaldo vs Sunset Shimmer. Duelists, proceed to the arena.”
Sunset took to the red side while Mektaveus took to the blue side.
“Before we begin, both must show one of the two cards required for participation.” Croquet ordered, so Sunset showed King’s Hand while Mektaveus showed Opposite Hand. “Both qualify, so the duel may proceed.”
“Despite the circumstances, I’ve still made it all this way.” Sunset thought. “From here on out, aside from those who left, it’s only the best of the best meaning I got to go all out.”
“I always imagined being here with the bud I brought, but life has a funny way of working out.” Mektaveus smiled. “Despite the person across from me not being the bud I arrived with; I’m still facing a bud all the same. To me, there’s no better way for this to go down.”