//------------------------------// // Duel Monster Quest: Part III // Story: An Equestrian Element // by Quillion9000 //------------------------------// The Ruins Sunset, Penumbra, Yugi, Nostalgia, and Mokuba clambered aboard Raidraptor – Arsenal Falcon who then began to ascend prompting the people on Sin Lau to cheer. In return, Sunset, Yugi, and Nostalgia all waved back at that while Penumbra was more reserved. Mokuba merely stared towards the castle. “We’re coming big brother.” Virtual Pod Room Joey, Tristan, and Tea were slowly starting to lose ground as the security got closer and closer to getting in. by this point, they’ve already broken the lock and could start opening the door. Anytime they stuck a foot or leg it, Tea wacked it with a metal pipe Joey found forcing them out. “We’re getting in there, you little thumb suckers!” “No way.” Tristan declared firmly. “Our friends are on a rescue mission, so we won’t let you yank them out.” “If you ever get passed this door, we’ll do everything we can to hold you back.” Joey added. “Tristan and I are used to some tough scrapes while Tea will use that metal pipe to hit more than your legs and hands.” Skies Arsenal Falcon was closing in on the castle, but there was a clear problem as it seems their window to enter obstacle free had officially ended. “It’s not as many as those who attempted to attack the castle, but that is still a rather large swarm.” Penumbra commented. “Alright, everyone at the ready!” Yugi declared. “Attack Elemental Hero Gusting Avian(ATK 1800).” Sunset declared. The green suited hero with wings began the assault. “Lend him a hand, Dark Magician(ATK 2500).” Yugi ordered. The purple robbed spellcaster began blasting the monsters. Mokuba drew two cards. “Blue-Eyes White Cat will give my Ferret a tune up to synchro for 8. I call upon the radiance locked within my extra deck. Synchro summon Blue-Eyes Wyvern(ATK 2500).” A wyvern, bestial Blue-Eyes monster appeared before tearing monsters to shreds. With Penumbra’s one monster already out and not able to attack due to them being on it, this left Nostalgia to bust out his monster. “I activate the effect of my Dimensional Destruction Blade allowing me to special summon VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Canon(ATK 3000) from my extra deck at the cost of losing his effects.” A large mech appeared with the equipped blade and began helping to mow down the opposition. Even with all this help, Arsenal Falcon wasn’t entirely safe. Air mines bombarded him from below shaking up the Raidraptor and sending his passengers falling to their butts. “Yugi, look out!” Penumbra shouted. A Whiptail Crow saw this as his chance and moved straight for Yugi while Dark Magician looked back. Sunset was the nearest, on her knees. Fortunately, despite it being years since she walked like this, she managed a four-legged leap putting her in the path of the strike. “Sunset!” Yugi yelled in worry. She took the strike sending her crashing into Yugi (Sunset 450). This would not register any life point damage to Yugi. Not even a moment later, Dark Magician and Elemental Hero Gusting Avian landed the killing blow together on that monster. Yugi got out from under Sunset and immediately drew a card. “Swords of Revealing Light!” This blocked off the remaining horde as Yugi looked at Sunset worriedly. “Are you okay?” “Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Sunset assured as she managed to sit up. “I tried to draw one of my defensive cards to at least minimize the damage, but I didn’t have the time.” She smiled. “Still, I knew you’d have done the same, so I don’t regret it.” “Sunset…” Yugi smiled at that. “Sorry to break up the moment, but with those monsters held off, we’re rapidly approaching the castle.” Penumbra informed. “Yeah, we’re about to make land fall!” Nostalgia added. “I don’t think that’s the case yet!” Mokuba screamed. “Multiple Solar Flare Dragons are coming from the castle!” “Arsenal Falcon, evasive maneuvers!” Penumbra tried. The warning came too late as they kamikazed into Arsenal Falcon. While one wouldn’t bring down such a powerful monster, a multitude of them could. He was now currently doing his best to stay together until his duelist and her friends were safe; however, that wouldn’t last long. “Everyone, return your monsters and gather around me!” Yugi yelled. Penumbra was the only one unable to return her monster because his fate now lied in the game’s graveyard. Everyone then got in as close as possible to the guy. “Hang on!” Yugi drew. “Blue-Eyes White Dragon(ATK 3000).” There was a flash of light from Yugi’s card as Arsenal Falcon finally shattered. Fortunately, he had done what was intended because the white dragon with blue eyes had appeared catching all five members of the group. Nostalgia sighed. “That was a close call.” “Quick thinking Yugi.” Sunset praised. “Thank you for holding it together, Arsenal Falcon.” All Penumbra could do was stare where her monster had been. “Because of you, we made it.” Blue-Eyes now flew the group onto the castle. Castle of Dark Illusions The whole group got off Blue-Eyes, and Yugi recalled it before they started running inland. This eventually put them within a darker forest than where any of them began. “Don’t know how I feel about another level reusing a forest.” Nostalgia commented. “Keep your guard up.” Penumbra reminded him. “Look.” Mokuba stated as the whole group came to a stop. “It’s three Cocoons of Evolution.” “There’s also a lot of buzzing ahead.” Sunset noted. “I’d wager that’s not the cocoon’s.” She was right as a swarm of insect monsters flew up and were now coming right at them. “I got this.” Mokuba drew. “Attack Alpha, the Master of Beasts(ATK 3000).” A lion the size of a Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and with multiple horns growing from its mane, went to work tearing through quite a few of the insects. Then, a Man-Eater Bug(ATK 450) jumped out of the brush and latched onto it’s back blowing up. Alpha was destroyed. “Alpha!” Mokuba yelled. “With him gone, the bugs are moving in!” Sunset shouted. “If ever there were a time to use the last of my wide spread destruction cards.” Yugi drew. “I activate Mirror Force!” Every attacking insect was obliterated in one, fell swoop lighting their bodies on fire. While this did clear out the prior swarm, it had an unintended consequence. “The fire is disturbing the cocoons.” Penumbra stated. “I got this one!” Nostalgia drew. “I activate Monster Reborn to revive ABC-Dragon Buster(ATK 3000).” The large machine monster with a yellow base as well as green and blue dragon heads appeared. “Hopefully that monster can do something to the three Great Moths(ATK 3500) that just appeared.” Mokuba voiced. “His effect certainly can help before then finishing it out with two other cards.” Nostalgia drew Card Destruction, Limiter Removal, and Air Crackling Storm. “I first activate my monster’s special ability. By discarding one card from my hand, he can banish one Great Moth. Next, I equip him with Air Crackling Storm which gives any Machine monster I control a second attack if he destroys a monster by battle. Thanks to Limiter Removal doubling his ATK until he can’t attack no more, this will end the encounter. Go Buster Devastation!” ABC-Dragon Buster(ATK 6000 effect) The first Great Moth was obliterated to the point nothing could go to the grave while the next two were swiftly destroyed shortly after. Board Room The Big Five had been observing the group’s progress, and the fact that they’ve made it this far meant it was time for decisive action. “I say it’s time we terminate this rescue mission.” Gansley declared. “With how things have gone, we shall bring this game to its final level ourselves.” They all stood in agreement with that. Cavern The group made it to a cavern. “This place really is huge.” Nostalgia commented. “At the rate we’re going, it’ll take…” He stopped talking, and everyone stopped walking, as a portal suddenly opened just ahead. It deposited the very man they were meant to rescue. He was rather confused by this turn of events since he’d just been shackled moments ago. “Seto!” Mokuba exclaimed in joy before running up to and hugging his brother. “We finally found you!” “Mokuba?” Seto was stunned. “How did you…” His gaze quickly settled on the ragtag group his brother had arrived with before specifically settling on Yugi and Sunset. “I can’t believe Mokuba went to them for help. He could have gone to anyone else but them.” Seto did not like to owe people, no matter what it was they did for him, and he particularly didn’t like owing the same people once again. Regardless of his feelings on the matter, it didn’t stop the rest of the group from joining them. Unfortunately, someone began to laugh. “Congratulations gamers.” Crump declared. “You’ve made it to the final level.” “Correction, slime ball.” Seto gave a small smile. “You freed me which forfeit’s the game to us. The mythic dragon wasn’t summoned, so it’s over!” “It’s all over alright.” Johnson chuckled. “Though it’s for all of you rather than us.” Suddenly, the cavern was gone leaving them in the mainframe. “What is going on?” Nostalgia asked. “They’ve rewritten the program and are summoning the mythic dragon themselves.” Seto explained shocked. What appeared before them was Five-Headed Dragon(ATK 5000) which was a colossal dragon with five head representing five of the known attributes. Fire, water, earth, dark, and wind. This appearance prompted Yugi to switch with his other self. “Stay close everyone.” Yugi declared. “We’ll win or fall together.” “Okay, that is quite the monster.” Nostalgia commented. “Suck it up.” Kaiba retorted. “Destroying that monster is the only way out of this.” “Seto Kaiba is right.” Penumbra put her hand on her deck. “Since that is a fusion monster, I…” She suddenly stopped as the three monsters she drew were instantly destroyed. “What!?” “That was another bit of reprograming on our end.” Leichter’s voice rang out as an image of Lord of D. appeared beneath them. “We call it Dragon’s Seal.” Johnson informed. “It makes dragon types the only useful Mosnters. Everything else is sent to the grave with only ritual monsters even making it onto the field due to a lack of time to program against them. Even if you get them out, the seal renders them inert. Additionally, this seal makes any battle damage from monster’s who don’t share or exceed the original attack of our monster 0. In short, there is not a thing any of you can do! We will wipe you out one by one forever trapping you within this game’s graveyard!” Mokuba, Sunset, Penumbra, and Nostalgia all paled since this meant they had nothing. Even the two that could do something about this were beginning to realize their own limitations, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t try. “You dare challenge me to a battle of dragons?” Kaiba laughed at that. “You should know better.” He drew. “I call Blue-Eyes White Dragon(ATK 3000).” “Two of them are better than one.” Yugi drew. “I summon my own Blue-Eyes White Dragon(ATK 3000). These two dragons are more than your monster’s ATK, so let’s see if you were telling the truth about your field’s protection.” Yugi/Seto shouted, “Attack with Burst Stream of Destruction!” Both Blue-Eyes blasted Five-Headed Dragon at once, but it ended up achieving nothing. “We didn’t lie about a single ruling.” Johnson retorted. “That isn’t to say we couldn’t have forgotten to inform you prior about a string of code that we removed. Without it, we can now wipe out your teammates, who have no dragons, with direct attacks.” “Even among them, the proper target is clear in Mokuba.” Gansley declared. “Wait, no.” Kaiba went wide eyed at that. “They wouldn’t.” One of the heads fired on Mokuba, but to the shock of everyone, Nostalgia suddenly acted. He pushed the kid out of the way and ended up taking the blast in his place (Nostalgia 0000) Nostalgia fell to his knees shaking. Penumbra ran to him. “Nostalgia!” “Sorry everyone.” Nostalgia hung his head as he began to fade. “Guess this is the end of the road.” He managed a smile. “Still, it was one heck of an adventure.” Just like that, he was gone. “We need a new tactic.” Seto declared. “Yes, with our dragons alone we won’t win this.” Yugi agreed. “Even the best fusions we could bust out alone couldn’t overcome this due to the field’s protection. That said, I think I know how we end this.” “What are you talking about?” Seto asked. “For as strong as that dragon might be, there’s one creature we could summon together than can beat it.” Yugi drew two cards. “I activate Chaos Form which requires I tribute monsters whose levels equal or exceed the level of the ritual monster I’m about to bring out. My Blue-Eyes White Dragon will serve as the full tribute meaning I can bring about a monster whose level eight or below. With his sacrifice, I bring about one of the soldiers of chaos. Ritual summon Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier(LV 8/3000/2500).” A blue warrior in immaculate blue, gold, and red armor appeared before immediately being forced to his knees. He was encircled by electricity rendering him useless. “Weren’t you listening when we told you only Dragon type monsters would be useful?” Crump laughed. “Now, your monster can’t attack and can’t receive help from spell/trap cards. All you’ve done by busting out a monster we didn’t fully account for is offer us a target.” “They didn’t account for ritual monsters?” Penumbra thought stunned. “Then that means whatever Yugi is cooking up might just be the only way to beat them.” “Say goodbye to your ritual.” Johnson declared. “No, he won’t!” Penumbra stepped into the path of the blast. “I’m taking this attack instead!” “Penumbra!” Yugi yelled. She was struck in Super Soldier’s place (Penumbra 0000) resulting in her collapsing to the ground. “No!” Yugi exclaimed. “Whatever you’re planning, I can’t see it Yugi, but you already beat me before.” Penumbra looked at him. “Whatever you got in mind, I know it’ll work.” She vanished as well making Yugi clench his fist. “Kaiba, this might be our last chance to work together.” “No way.” Seto declared firmly. “You’re a good duelist, but the things you’re saying now don’t make any sense.” “Yugi is a good duelist which is why you should trust him in this scenario.” Sunset argued. “I don’t need to do anything either of you are arguing for.” Seto retorted. “I’ll find my own way to win this battle.” “You will win nothing for two of your group are already gone.” Gansley declared. “Now, we’ll make it three.” “Kaiba, call your ultimate dragon!” Yugi yelled. “If Yugi’s asking for it, then just do…” Sunset tried. “Silence!” Seto declared. He turned to face the destruction of his dragon head on; however, Mokuba noticed something. “Seto!” He ran in and pushed his brother. “They were aiming for you; not your dragon!” The attack washed over him reducing his life points (Mokuba 0000). “Mokuba!” Seto used in distress. “Seto…” Mokuba managed as he stumbled forward. “No…” Seto held out his arms to catch his brother, but he dissipated upon hitting them. “Mokuba!” “Kaiba, your brother’s sacrifice doesn’t have to be in vain.” Yugi declared. “We can still win this, but we must work together. I have a plan to defeat this beast. Please, have faith and bring out your ultimate monster.” Seto was shaking slightly before looking up with an expression of absolute determination. “Alright.” He drew two Blue-Eyes and a fusion spell. “I activate Ultimate Fusion to access any Fusion monster that list Blue-Eyes White Dragon or Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon as material. In return, all I must do is shuffle said materials back into my deck from my hand, grave, and/or field. I’ll shuffle the Blue-Eyes White Dragon on the field with the two I hold. Feast your eyes on true devastation. Fusion Summon Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon(ATK 4500).” The three-headed colossal, white dragon with blue eyes appeared roaring. “You better know what you’re doing Yugi because I do not want this to be a wasted move.” “Fools, that dragon is five hundred original ATK short of doing anything to us.” Johnson declared. “He is not the end point we are reaching for.” Yugi retorted. “Together, we will create a power strong enough to destroy the mythic dragon.” He drew. “Go, Polymerization. I offer my Soldier as material.” “I’ll add my Ultimate Dragon as the second.” Seto added. “Combine!” Yugi/Seto declared. “Behold, Dragon Supreme Knight(ATK 5000) and his awesome powers.” Yugi declared. Super Soldier was now riding Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, and he lifted his sword causing the entire monster to glow with a holy light. Four transparent Blue-Eyes and one Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon appeared behind the new monster feeding it a small fraction of their power. “What’s going on?” Nezbitt asked. “Something is even happening to our dragon.” Leichter declared. Purple energy flowed off Five Headed Dragon as well merging with the other energy. “Dragon Supreme Knight gains 500 attack multiplied by every dragon in the grave and on the field.” Yugi declared. “In the memory of Nostalgia, Penumbra, and Mokuba, we shall topple your beast!” Dragon Supreme Knight(ATK 9000) “Attack, Dragon Supreme Knight!” Kaiba ordered. “Dragon Saber Blast!’ Yugi continued. All three dragon heads fired while the soldier on the back blasted his energy, and it all merged into a rainbow beam heading for the opposing monster. “We activate the last effect of our field.” Johnson declared quickly. “By abolishing it, our dragon’s ATK now doubles!” Five Headed Dragon(ATK 10,000) Yugi and Seto both went wide eyed at that. “That won’t work out like you Hope!” Sunset spoke firmly as she drew from her deck. “I activate Battle Fusion. When any attack is declared involving a Fusion Monster on our side, they gain ATK equal to the opposing monster’s until the end of the damage step!” Dragon Supreme Knight(ATK 19,000) The resulted in the blast destroying the powered-up dragon. Not even a moment after they were gone, the area they were in completely vanished. Sunset, Yugi, and Seto were dropped into a black void screaming. Castle The remaining trio slowly came to back at the castle where everyone was cheering. That prompted them all to stand. “What?” Yugi questioned. “Where are we?” Seto added. “You did it!” “You slayed the dragon!” “Our heroes.” Adena had approached the trio. “What you have done will keep our lands safe forevermore.” With the three of them now out of danger, the weight of what had been lost in that battle weighed on each of them. “We’re not the ones you should be cheering.” Yugi voiced solemnly. “I-I can’t believe they’re all gone.” Sunset voiced sadly. Seto was shaking, angry at himself for what he let happen to his brother. “There shouldn’t be any cheering at all.” “Fear not.” Adena voiced. “The loses you all suffered would be too great for anyone, no matter how strong they were, to bear.” Her words caught all their attention before they were stunned by Adena transforming into Mystical Elf. “Remarkable, the princess was actually Mystical Elf.” Yugi noted. “She is chanting a mystical spell to bring back our friends.” There was a beam of light that landed just before the remaining trio which deposited Penumbra, Nostalgia, and Mokuba. “They’re back!” Yugi cheered. “They are!” Sunset added. Seto smiled. “Mokuba!” “Big brother!’ Mokuba cheered as he ran to embrace him. Yugi and Sunset both celebrated Penumbra and Nostalgia’s return before a portal suddenly opened nearby. “It’s the exit portal.” Seto moved towards it. “Let’s go Mokuba.” “Wait a moment, are you really this keen to simply brush over everything?” Penumbra asked. “I’m brushing over everything because I never asked for any of your help.” Seto did look back at two certain people. “Yugi and Sunset, I will offer gratitude to the two of you. In the end, the three of us made a good team, but don’t think it means we’ll partner up in reality.” “Very well.” Yugi smiled. “I will say, despite whatever grudge you still hold against me and the others, perhaps you can start looking at us as friends rather than adversaries.” “Take it from me, Seto.” Sunset added. “A life without friends is empty.” “Hm.” Kaiba turned away form them. “Come on Mokuba.” Mokuba followed. “I’m coming.” “I can’t believe him.” Penumbra voiced. “He’s a real cheery guy.” Nostalgia voiced sarcastically before smiling. “Still, I’m glad we did this.” “Thank you, brave heroes.” Mystical Elf voiced. “Your deeds will always be remembered here.” “I think we will always remember what we went through as well.” Yugi voiced. Sunset nodded. “Agreed.” With that, the remaining four stepped into the exit portal. Virtual Pod Room “We’re in!” The security busted on through prompting Joey and Tristan to stand ahead of Tea who tentatively held the metal pipe she’d been given. Joey and Tristan both rushed forward pushing against the security and were just about ready to start throwing hands. “Bring it on!” Tristan yelled. “We already told ya, you’re not getting at those pods!” Joey added. Before things could escalate any further, the pods opened. “What!?” Sunset sat up groggily. “Sunset!” Tea exclaimed happily. Yugi and Mokuba followed suit. “Yug!” Joey declared. “You guys made it back.” The trio joined the three of them while the security began to step back. “Seto Kaiba is back as well.” Yugi informed. “He’s probably already out of his pod as we speak.” “No, he can’t be!” “Without you guys to guard your boss’, I’d say they’re about to experiance worse than the intended firing he was going to give them.” Mokuba declared. “He’s right! We got to get back!” The men booked it from the room. “We did it!” Tea declared joyfully. “Bunch of wimps.” Tristan insulted. Suddenly, a side door opened as Nostalgia and Penumbra exited that room. Penumbra was dressed in a robe like the one she wore at Duelist Kingdom. Nostalgia wore a dark blue cap, blue sunglasses, grey pants, a dark green shirt, and a blue lettermen jacket with gray sleeves. “Penumbra was here?” Tea questioned. “Who the heck is that guy with her?” Tristan added. “That’s a long story we’ll tell you later.” Sunset voiced. “For now, that guy is Nostalgia, and he’s alright in our books.” Yugi added. “Hey, is everything good?” Nostalgia asked. “Despite not knowing what all happened in there, I’d say it’s fine now.” Joey declared. “It’s because of you guys.” Mokuba declared genuinely to everyone. “Thank you for everything you all did to make rescuing my brother possible.” Everyone smiled at the kid. “Ah, stop it.” Joey laughed. “Now, get out of here. Your brother probably wants to see ya.” “Right.” Mokuba nodded as he ran out of the room. “Thanks again guys!” Despite everyone needing to catch each other up on what happened, the mission to rescue Seto had ended on a positive note. The Big 5 have been soundly defeated and knowing Kaiba, they weren’t about to get off easy.