Domino City Streets: Late Evening…
Yugi, Sunset, and Joey were officially entered into Battle City and cuurently walking down the road until they came to a fork.
“Well guys, I got to get going.” Joey declared. “My sister Serenity is having her operation tomorrow, and I told her I’d stay at the hospital tonight.”
“Wish her luck from all of us.” Yugi voiced. “I’m certain everything will turn out just fine.”
“Got it.” Joey nodded. “Later guys.”
Joey took off.
“I hope he will be alright.” Tristan voiced. “Going to the hospital isn’t going to be easy for him.”
Yugi and Sunset looked at him as part of them going off on their own adventure meant they weren’t in the loop on what their other friends had been up to.
“Right, Joey’s mother will be there.” Tea noted. “Separating the pair like she did really tore him up.”
“Yeah, the guy hasn’t spoken to his mother since.” Tristan agreed.
“That’s terrible.” Sunset shook her head. “Looks like I’m not the only one who has issues with their mother.”
“Don’t worry for I shall make sure the Wheeler family reunites once again!” Tristan declared.
“Aren’t you getting a little carried away?” Tea asked.
“Nah this checks out with how similar Tristan and Joey can be.” Sunset sighed exasperated. “Perhaps worry about potentially dating your friend’s sister after she’s over this current ordeal. Also, please do not go forcing things as family is complicated.”
Boy did she understand that last part with the life she’s led. As for Tristan, he sweated at what Sunset said.
Alleyway
“I better hustle.” Joey was cutting down the travel time by moving through the alleys to get to the hospital. “I promised Serentity I’d be there, and I’ve never let her down before.”
Unfortunately for Joey, three figures wearing the same cloak Keith had, though he didn’t quite notice that fact given his mind was elsewhere, were standing in his path.
“Excuse me.” Joey attempted to go around, but one of them blocked him. “Eh, what’s the big idea? Out of my way, I’m in a hurry.”
“You won’t be going anywhere for a while.” The figure, Seeker, declared.
“What do you freaks want with me?” Joey asked.
“You’re feisty one, Joey Wheeler.” Seeker chuckled. “I see you’ve never met a Rare Hunter. We stalk our prey and take what we desire. In this case, it is your Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Now, prepare to duel for it.”
“They only mentioned one of my Red-Eyes, so it looks like they don’t know I got three now.” Joey realized. “How do you know about my Red-Eyes? Look, just step aside.”
“If you’d like to leave in one piece, do as we say.” Seeker declared. “Duel me.”
“I doubt you’re just going to let me take another route without one.” Joey noted the guy’s accomplices flanking his sides. “I accept.”
“Then, let the hunt continue.” Seeker moved aside his cloak revealing a duel disk. “We’ll duel by Battle City rules. That way when I win, I can lay claim to your Red-Eyes Black Dragon. I suggest you prepare yourself.”
“Let’s get this over with.” Joey took out his new duel disk. “I got somewhere to be.”
“Time to Duel!”
Hospital: Serenity’s Room
Serentity was trying to relax while her mother straightened up some flowers; however, it was proving impossible as she tossed and turned in her bed.
“Serentity, what’s the matter dear?”
Serentity sat up. “Well, I guess I’m just terrified of getting this eye operation.” She smiled and looked at her mother. “I know once Joey gets here, I’ll feel much better. He should be on his way now.”
“Joeseph is coming?”
Alley
(Joey 4000/Seeker 4000)
“Alright, I’ll get this party started.” Joey drew. “Perfect. I’ll send my Red-Eyes Black Dragon(LV 7) from my deck to the grave as the requirement to special summon my Red-Eyes Black Meteor Dragon(LV 6/2000/2000).
A bipedal, black as night Red-Eyes appeared spreading its dark red wings out.
“Red-Eyes Black Meteor Dragon?” Seeker stared at the beast. “Looks like he might have managed to get a full on Red-Eyes deck to go with his dragon.”
“When my Red-Eyes Black Meteor Dragon(LV 7/2000/2000 effect) is summoned in this way, his level increases by 1.” Joey declared. “That’s not all as I’ll normal summon Red-Eyes Baby Dragon(LV 3/1200/700) in defense mode.” A baby version of the dragon appeared. “I’ll finish out my turn with a set card.”
“It’s the predator’s move.” Seeker drew. “I’ll start by activating The Dark Door which is a continuous spell that only allows either player to attack with one monster per turn. I’ll then set 1 monster to end my turn.”
“The way you’re playing doesn’t make you seem like much of a predator.” Joey drew. “I’ll now activate my set card Red-Eyes Fang with Chain which can equip itself to any 1 Red-Eyes monster I wish, and I wish for it to go to my Meteor Dragon.”
“That card changed nothing in your monster’s stats.” Seeker commented.
“That’s not what this trap does.” Joey smiled. “It allows any monster its equipped to two attack every Battle Phase which turns my dragon into the real predator of this duel. Meteor Black Dragon, show him a double helping of your Meteor Fire Blast!”
Meteor Black Dragon fired off two spheres, one after another, of pitch-black flames. The first decimated the face down Hannibal Necromancer(LV 4/1400/1800) while the second hit Seeker lowering his life points (Joey 4000/Seeker 2000). Seeker had a dark look on his face at that.
“With that, I’ll set 1 card to end my turn.” Joey declared. “What you got?”
Seeker drew. “I have Graceful Charity which allows me to draw three new cards at the cost of then discarding two.” He chuckled. “I got just what I need as I activate Dark Hole to obliterate your two monsters.”
“Gah!” Joey smiled. “Nice try, but my set card was Red-Eyes Spirit which allows me to target any Red-Eyes in my grave and special summon them. Thanks to how Meteor Black Dragon was summoned, I can call upon one of my Red-Eyes Black Dragon(LV 7/2400/2000).” The original black dragon with red eyes appeared.
“Be that as it may, your dragon, anything currently in your hand, or whatever you draw next will do nothing.” Seeker declared. “For I have Swords of Revealing Light. In the next three turns, you won’t touch my life points. Just as added insurance, I’ll set one monster to end my turn.”
Hospital
“Where is Joey.” Serenity was currently alone in her room and had curled her knees into her chest as time continued to tick on. “He said he’d be here. He’s always been there for me before.” She tucked her head between her knees. “I hope he’s alright.”
She started to sob as the weight of the situation was getting to her.
Alley
“There’s someone who needs me, so I intend to end this duel right now.” Joey drew. “You said I couldn’t touch your life points, but I think there’s a way you haven’t accounted for. It’s something this new deck of mine does quite well.”
“Gr, you’re just bluffing.” Seeker retorted. “My defenses are absolute.”
“You sure about that?” Joey smirked. “I activate Inferno Fire Blast. In exchange for my Red-Eyes Black Dragon’s attack this turn, which he can’t even use due to your swords, this card dolls out effect damage equal to my Red-Eye’s original ATK. That’s 2400 coming to your face!”
“No!” Seeker was now stunned as Black Dragon fired on him. “NO! GAAAAAH!”
(Joey 4000/Seeker 0)
The two Rare Hunters that had accompanied Seeker were stunned his deck lost, so Joey was free to approach his opponent who’d collapsed to his knees in disbelief.
“Alright, you made this a Battle City duel, pal.” Joey declared. “That means you got to fork over a card.”
Seeker clenched his fist and glared at Joey. “Never!”
“Fine, be a sore loser.” Joey walked past him. “I don’t got time to wrestle my prize from you anyways, and my deck don’t need the boost.”
Once he was past the Rare Hunter, Joey began booking it to the hospital. Shortly after he left, Seeker stared at the ground stunned he lost. Suddenly, his attention was drawn upward as he heard pained grunts.
He went wide eyed as both his men were laid out. The culprit was a teen with aqua blue eyes, long, blond hair in a pony tail, and light blue eyes. He wore brown loafers, blue jeans, and a long sleeved, light blue shirt. He didn’t know it, but this was Blue Blood.
“Who are you?” Seeker asked.
“I’m someone who overheard that guy giving up his reward and decided to collect.” Blue suddenly shot out his arm catching the Rare Hunter by his cloak before lifting him up. “Of course, you refused to give it, so I think taking you with your deck will suffice.”
“What, is this?” Seeker questioned as darkness slinked around his body.
“Relax, you’re a prize now.” Blue Blood smiled. “This won’t end you. In fact, we’ll be helping you better utilize Exodia in turn for your services.”
Mere moments after, Seeker vanished. The Drytron user got what he came for, so he strolled away from the scene. No doubt this put him on watch as far as the Rare Hunter’s Leader was concerned, but he didn’t particularly fear retribution.
“If the leader is smart, he’ll realize that.” Blue Blood shrugged. “If he’s not, he’s welcome to waste resources on someone who’s not really interfering with him that much. Either way, the choice is his.”
New York: Park, Morning…
Rob was taking a walk through the park and entered a tunnel only to come across three figures in purple cloaks standing at the other end. He didn’t like the looks of this, so he began to turn around only to spot two others enter the tunnel.
“If this is a mugging attempt, I’d advise against it.” Rob moved his glasses. “No matter how successful you assume you are, you’ve been on camera since I spotted you, and all information is sent back to my personal laptop. No matter what happens, this won’t end well for you.”
“You’re a smart one, but Rare Hunters have thrived for years.” The RH stated. “We stalk our prey and take what we desire. In this case, that would be your Digital Bug Rhinosebus. I’ll tell you what, I like your intelligence. Best me in a duel, and you have my word you’ll be free.”
“I can only take him at his word on that, and there’s no telling how good that is.” Rob figured it was worth a shot as what would be the point of issuing a duel in the first place? “Very well, I’ll accept those terms.”
“Let’s Duel!”
(Rob 4000/RH 4000)
“Since you decided to corner me, it’s only fair I take the first move.” Rob drew. “I’ll go with a set monster and card to back it up. Your move.”
“Time to get to work.” RH drew. “I’ll summon Batteryman Solar(Level 4/1500/1500).” A white battery man with solar panels appeared. “If he’s summoned in any way, I can send 1 thunder monster form my deck to the grave. Now, I shall attack your face down monster.”
“Well, points for having the courage to attack, but I’d say it was hardly the right choice in this instance.” Rob declared. “You just attacked into my Digital Bug Cocoondenser(LV 3/0/2000) which is too strong for your current monster.”
A digital white cocoon appeared fending off the attack (Rob 4000/RH 3500).
“Looks like I just walked right into that.” RH hummed. “I’ll set one card myself before ending my turn.”
“That would mean it’s my turn” Rob drew. “I’ll summon my Digital Bug LEDybug(LV 3/500/0).” A digital ladybug appeared. “Now, I construct the overlay network with my two level 3 monsters. With this monster, I start taking control from my opponent. Xyz summon Digital Bug Scaradiator(R 3/O 2/1800/1400).” A digital dung beetle appeared.
“I’ll shut that play down by activating my face down Call of the Haunted allowing me access to any monster within my grave.” RH declared. “I call Thunderclap Skywolf(LV 7/2500/2000) I sent via Solar’s effect.” A wolf imbued with the power of storms appeared.
“Ah, he pitched his stronger monster with the intent of then summoning him to the field with a special summon.” Rob noted.
“Now, my wolf’s special ability activates.” RH continued. “Since he was special summoned from the grave, all face up monsters you control are destroyed.” The wolf howled and Rob’s monster was struck by lightning. “All I must give is my Battle Phase the turn it is activated, but that is something I would have lacked anyways.”
“That was a clever combo; however, people often make attempts to eradicate my field which is why I take precautions like Xyz Reborn which allows me to special summon any Xyz monster from within my grave and give it this card as an overlay unit.
Come on back, Digital Bug Scaradiator(R 3/O 1/1800/1400). Now, I’ll show you one of his effects through destroying Solar.” Scaradiator rolled his fan over Solar destroying him (Rob 4000/RH 3200). “Once every turn, this monster has the potential to gain an overlay unit.
All he must do is destroy a monster in battle and send it to the grave. Your Solar fits the bill becoming an overlay unit on Digital Bug Scaradiator(R 3/O 2/1800/1400) which pretty much puts me right back where I started. I’ll then set another card to end my turn.”
“You clearly know how to use your deck, but just how powerful is it?” RH drew. “I activate Double Summon allowing me to conduct two summons this turn. I’ll use both for Thunder Sea Horse(LV 4/1600/1200)x2.” Two sea horses made of lighting appeared.
“Now, I overlay my two Level 4 monsters to bring about a warship that can fetch the best from my extra deck. Xyz summon Dreadnought Dreadnoid(R 4/O 2/2200/1000).” A large battleship appeared.
“More often than not, the difference between a Rank 3 and a Rank 4 is slim.” Rob commented.
“The difference between the ATK of the various ranks can be; however, effects are often where ranks matter.” RH declared. “Observe as Dreadnoid blows your monster off the field!” Dreadnoid blasted Scaradiator destroying him (Rob 3600/RH 3200). “His effect activates.
Since it destroyed a monster by battle, I can rebuild the overlay network with Dreadnoid to bring about any Rank 10 or higher machine Xyz monster from within my extra deck. I call upon the destroyer that lays waste to my opponent.
Xyz summon Superdimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer(R 10/O 3/5000/2000).” A purple and gray robot roughly the size of Blue Blood’s strongest Drytron appeared. “Since it’s the Battle Phase, this card will decimate your bug followed by my wolf taking what remains.”
“Before you initiate that attack, allow me a few words.” Rob stated. “I’ll admit, you’re better than a good few I’ve dueled. Your strategy to dump Skywolf and resurrect it seemed inspired; however, it’s clear you only did that as the effect lead you to.
It wasn’t your idea, but you still got points for pulling it off. At the end of the day, you’ve shown your hand of inexperience. I activate my face down Parasite Worm. When my opponent summons a monster, this card destroys it and deals them damage equal to their ATK.”
“What?” RH was stunned.
“You heard me.” Rob pointed at the machine. “This duel is over, but it is a pity I could not properly show off even one of my extra deck monsters. Sometimes, that is how the duel goes. Parasite Worm, do it.”
A small worm lept from the card and burrowed a hole through the larger machine destroying it in one fell swoop (Rob 3600/RH 0). With the duel won, Rob proceeded along his way. The Rare Hunter, speechless, merely stepped aside to allow him to leave.
“I don’t think it’s mere coincidence that these Rare Hunters showed up now.” Rob thought. “Seto Kaiba’s tournament might just be plagued by them. In the end, coming to a tournament filled with duelists is asking for trouble on their end.”
Domino City: Hospital, Night…
“Don’t run in the halls young man!”
Joey ignored the receptionist. He was already here later than he wanted to be, so after checking in with her, the Red-Eyes user was running straight to his sister’s room. He did end up stopping as his mother was at Serenity’s door. The two of them staired at one another.
“Joseph…”
“It’s…uh…nice to see ya ma.” Joey managed.
“It’s nice to see you to son.” His mother smiled at him. “You made it just as she said you would.”
The door to the room opened as Serentity stepped out and hugged him. “Joey, I was getting worried when you weren’t showing up.”
“I’m sorry sis.” Joey hugged her back. “I was running here from the registration office when these creeps suddenly got in my way. All I could think about was coming to be here for ya, but those punk wouldn’t leave without a duel. I went with wrapping it up as soon as possible.”
“I was worried something bad had happened to you, and I’ve been scarred about what’s to come tomorrow.” Serenity was tearing up now. “I just…I...”
“Hey, it’s all going to be okay Serenity.” Joey pulled back before laying his hands on her shoulder. “Your big brother ended up just fine and is here now to support you.” He gave her a smile. “Don’t worry about tomorrow’s operation because I know it’ll be a success.”
Serentiy sniffled a bit and wiped her eyes as she managed to smile. Even though they’ve been apart, merely talking to her brother when things were hard always made her feel better. The fact that he was here in person only made her feel even better.
“You always know what to say.” Serenity then hugged him again.
Their mother smiled at them which Joey saw and managed an awkward smile back. Despite how much it hurt being separated from Serenity, as well as the feelings that brought on which were directed at his mother, part of him knew it was the best-case scenario.
Serenity was younger, so Joey would take her leaving in a heartbeat than having her live with dad. Weather that be with Joey being there or having their situations reversed. Still, even admitting that to himself wouldn’t erode his negative feelings right then.
Domino City: Battle City Tournament Day, Morning…
Muto Apartment…
Yami was currently in control. “We’ve assembled a powerful deck.”
“It’ll have to be for what’s to come.” Yugi stood by currently transparent. “At this point, all we can do is believe in it.”
Yami nodded. “This tournament will be unlike any challenge we’ve faced before.”
“I think we’ll make it through just as we did the last tournament.” Yugi smiled. “We’ve learned a lot from before, during, and after it which has led us to this point. Everything we experience from here to wherever destiny brings us will only add to that.”
“Every opponent we face imparts ever valuable experience weather we win or lose.” Yami took the deck and held it out to Yugi. “With all that in mind, are we ready to do this?”
Yugi put his hand over the deck. “I’d say we are.”
They switched with Yugi taking over.
Joey’s Apartment
“This new deck ran great against that Rare Hunter.” Joey was currently sat in his apartment. “With it, I know I can lend a hand to Sunset and Yugi. Repay them for everything they did during Duelist Kingdom.” He was about to leave before someone crossed his mind. “Serenity!”
He immediately phoned her hospital room since he couldn’t possibly leave to attend Battle City without checking up on her. The phone only rang briefly before someone picked up.
“Hello, Serenity Wheeler’s room?” Tea answered.
“Tea?” Joey questioned confused. “What are you doing in my sister’s room?”
“Sunset asked me to come keep your sister company since you’ve all been busy preparing for Battle City.” Tea responded. “Here, you should portably speak with who you were likely calling for.”
“Thanks for looking out for my sister, Sunset.” Joey thought as he heard the phone exchanging hands on the other end.
“Hey Joey.” Serenity stated happily. “Your friend Tea has been great, so don’t worry about me, alright? Just get out there and duel your hardest.”
“Right, sis.” Joey responded. “While I’m out there kicking butt, you focus on recovering.”
“I will.” Serenity responded. “Bye big brother.”
He heard the phone being passed back to Tea. “Rest assured, I’ll take good care of your sister Joey, so you do your best to help Yugi & Sunset.”
“Thanks for this Tea.” Joey responded genuinely. “I’ll be sure to.”
He hung up the phone feeling ready for the coming duels.
Sunset’s Apartment
“I did my best to incorporate the new Masked Hero strategy with my old Elemental Hero strategy, so this has to be my best, overall deck.” Sunset holstered her deck. “All that’s left is to let the duels play out.”
At this point, there was no doubt to be hard, and no turning back from this path. Sunset had come too far with the friends she’s made to even think about not competing. There was still a part of her that hopped to take the whole tournament to.
With all that on her mind, she stepped out of her apartment only to see Helios standing to the side of her doorway leaning against the wall. “Helios?”
“Hey Sunset.” Helios nodded. “Heading off to compete in Kaiba’s Torunamnet?”
“Yeah, there’s a lot at stake.” Sunset responded.
Helios understood and figured something was going on after he noticed Yugi and Sunset from the rooftop. While he had no idea what his sister was involved in now, he could make some educated guesses based on what he’s heard from her.
“Considering time is of the essence, I won’t ask for details, but if you need me during this at any point, I’ll be a phone call away.” Helios informed.
“I appreciate that.” Sunset voiced genuinely. “What about you? Are you competing?”
“No.” Helios responded. “Soren, I, and an ally of ours who arrived recently are going to instead stake out the tournament. If our mother truly has anything to do with Duel Monsters, a tournament like this would be too good an opportunity to pass up.”
“If something comes up you can’t handle, I’ll be a phone call away as well.” Sunset voiced.
“Appreciated.” Helios got away from the wall before taking out a card and handing it to her. “Here, I don’t know if you can use this, but I got it from a pack. If nothing else, it’s only really fit for your deck.”
With his piece said, the Battlin’ Boxer user took his leave while Sunset looked at the card. “Winged Kuriboh LV 6.” She was amazed at its effects before slotting it into her deck. “It could come in very handy, Helios.”
With that, duelists new and old were gathering across Domino City as a tournament grander in scale than Duelist Kingdom was set to begin.