Chapter XIII: Kaiba's Ultimate Weapon
"Ranma, do you really think this will work?"
It was late at night in Vest. Ranma and Hotaru were in their room, a map of the world laid out between them on the table. On either side of the map was one recovered piece of the god Exodia's power, locked within a pair of cards.
"I think it should work Hotaru-Chan."
"Well if you think this idea of yours will work..."
In actuality the idea was Yami's. He recalled the use of a pendant to find an item by holding it over a map until it pointed somewhere. Yami believed by using the puzzle and focusing on the next Exodia piece they would know where to look. Ranma should have doubted the ability that this would work. Should have, but didn't.
Ranma has had a shape-shifting curse, dozens of fiancées, challenges from the woodworks, seem magic items like the Nan-Ban Mirror, and fought three hundred (Or so) martial artists, a yeti-riding-bull-holding-eel-and- crane, the eight headed Orochi, a descendant of a dragon, and a demi-god. Then add in the more recent weird stuff, being summoned by god, being placed in a land with a magical card game, learning he had one half of a spirit of a guy three thousand years ago, learning that the OTHER half of the spirit was locked inside a puzzle he solved, and going on a quest to collect the power of a god...
So in reality using a pendant over a map was quite normal.
"Well, let's give it a try."
Focusing his mind he held the puzzle over the map and pictured the next piece of Exodia in his mind, using the other two pieces as an additional focus. Within a few moments the puzzle faintly began to glow. Afterwards the puzzle began to point this way and that, before finally settling on a mountain range in another continent.
"The Old Fort Mountain Range. That is where we're going."
"It's across the sea though. But maybe the next town has a boat."
"I guess come morning we're going to Fishermen's Port. We'd better get some rest Hotaru-Chan."
---
"Yes. This will be perfect!"
A young boy with long black hair and purple eyes looked on as his brother removed and added cards to and from his deck. Standing at half his brother's height, but with waist long black hair wearing a purple tunic and white pants, Mokuba Kaiba watched as his brother placed his deck back into it's holder.
They were currently in their castle in the center of Dracon City.
"Big Brother, are you sure this will work?"
His brother, Seto, answered with a grin. "I know it will Mokuba. Over the past two days I've learned something new about my Blue Eyes White Dragons. And when I catch up to that peasant again, he will be crushed like grain in the grinder."
"All right Big Brother!"
Their conversation was interrupted as a knock sounded on the door.
"Enter." Commanded Kaiba. One of his servants entered the room a message in one hand.
"Sir. I apologize for anything I interrupted."
"Get to the point."
"Yes sir. We have just received a message for you, from Lord Maxamillion Pegasus of Mangus."
"Pegasus? Let me see that."
Kaiba quickly took the message from him. Pegasus ruled the Country of Mangus on the continent to the south. Because of the current political standpoints no country was at war with each other, allowing the leaders of each country to be a little buddy-buddy. Still it was rare that a leader would contact another one, even rarer for Pegasus.
Still Kaiba took the message seriously. And after he read it he grinned.
"What is it Big Brother?"
"It seems Pegasus plans to hold a Shadow Games Tournament. And he wants me to enter."
"Really?"
"Yes. This will be perfect! I will be capable of testing my revised deck before I crush this Ranma Yu-Gi-Oh once and for all!"
"Great! When do we leave?"
"I will go alone."
Mokuba looked up as his brother ready to plead his case, but Kaiba held up a hand to stop him. "No arguments Mokuba, I need you here to rule Dracon while I'm gone."
Mokuba let out a sigh, but nodded. "I understand."
"Sir." The servant said. "Shall I ready a vessel?"
"No need." With that Kaiba walked over to the balcony. He then held a card out in front of him.
"Arise Blue Eyes White Dragon!"
Once his dragon materialized they took off for Castle Pegasus in Mangus.
---
Two days of travel had led Ranma and Hotaru to Fishermen's Port. The approached the dock and looked around. There were European style vassals with sails, much like those from the seventeen hundreds. The dock was a standard one as well, as far as Ranma could tell. Soon they found the dock master in a hut near the dock.
"Hello sir."
"Eh? Oh, hi there me lad, what can I be doing for you?"
Ranma gestured out to the ships in port. "Is there any ships going to the continent to the south."
The dock master looked at a sheet on his desk before answering. "Well, there be a passenger ship, the Bluenose, that be going to Spray Town on the Whale Islands, then that same ship be going to Port Sapphire on the north-west coast of that continent. That what'cha be needing?"
"Yes, it should do."
"All right then, look along the dock, when ye find the Bluenose talk to her Captain, he's the one ye need to make arrangements with."
---
The man knocked on the door and waited.
"Come in."
The man opened the door and walked in. He noticed the long table with a white cloth and his employer was seated on the far end. Walking around the table until he took a seat to the man's left he addressed him.
"Hey Pegasus, you called."
"Yes I did. So nice of you to come Marik."
Pegasus looked over at the man he employed and smiled. The man had unruly silver hair and his blue eyes had an almost maniacal gleam to them. He wore a simple sleeveless shirt and black cotton pants and a travelers robe.
Hidden inside that robe, however, was an artifact of power, the Millennium Rod.
Pegasus sipped at his wine before talking. "So, how is Bones project going? Does he have it yet?"
"Not yet boss, it seems the thing is deeper than we planned."
"Oh well, that's fine. His slaves will uncover them eventually."
"Agreed. But what is so important about this one card."
Pegasus smiled as he poured himself more wine, filling an extra glass and handing it to Marik.
"Not that one card. A set of five."
"Five." Marik blinked. "Five cards?"
"Yes. The five cards of Exodia's power."
Marik's eyes went wide as he looked at Pegasus. "Exodia? The GOD Exodia? Bones is digging up a piece of him?"
"Indeed. I already possess one of those cards. And I know there is another person seeking Exodia."
"Another person? Do you want me to strike him down?"
Pegasus laughed out loud as Marik began to look angry. "What is so funny?"
"My dear Marik, you don't understand. The person in question is the bearer of the Millennium Puzzle. It can't be anyone else."
"The Puzzle?"
"Oh yes, and that makes it so delicious. My spies tell me he's coming to Mangus right now, no doubt to seek the piece that Bones is digging up."
"Then what will we do?"
"Simple. We will let him collect Bones piece, or have Bones take any pieces he already has. We'll let him do all the hard work."
"I see. We let him collect the other pieces for us."
"Exactly." Pegasus sipped some more wine before continuing. "And since the five parts are useless individually he will need to seek us out, and then we will take all the pieces from him.
"Then I can summon and enslave Exodia himself! And with a god at our disposal the world is but a prize to conquer."
Marik swallowed some of his own wine, allowing himself to grin widely. "Excellent. What else should I know?"
"Nothing save the tournament I will hold soon. If I time it right the Puzzle Bearer will have all the time he needs to enter with three or even four of pieces of Exodia in his possession. Even if he doesn't want to enter, I... know a way to convince him."
Before anything else could be said the door burst open showing a uniformed man, Croquet, looking a little scared. "Sir! We've spotted a Blue Eyes White Dragon, coming straight for the castle!"
Calmly Pegasus placed his wine down and stood up. "That must be Kaiba. I see he got my invitation. Well, let's go meet him."
---
Going through her daily jog Akane decided that today sucked. Her pets were sold off (And everyone in Nermia heard about it, from Akane yelling at her father), Kuno was being a bother, well more so than usual, and Ryoga...
She wasn't sure what he was up to.
Worst of all their Dojo, the Tendo Dojo was LEVELED! It would take weeks to rebuild the structure back to where it once was.
"Oh well." Akane said, looking on the bright side of things. "At least we haven't had Kodachi around."
That wasn't thunder in the background, that was Murphy (God of Bad Timings, Second Class Limited) laughing.
"OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!"
Akane froze. That wasn't just a laugh. That was a 'Am-I-Slightly-Or- Totally-Insane-I-Think-Totally-Is-Correct' voice of one Kodachi Kuno, complete which really annoying laugh (tm).
"There you are harridan! Your family will pay for the false disrespect to my Ranma-Sama! OH-HO-HO-..."
Somewhere Murphy laughed as well.
A much more tolerable one though.
---
Despite being told to let the dragon land the guards of Castle Pegasus were worried.
Then again, having a legendary engine of destruction land inside a courtyard would do that to anybody.
Except Pegasus, who knew that the engine of destruction wouldn't destroy his Castle.
A man, Seto Kaiba, hopped off the dragon of legend and recalled it. Pegasus approached him.
"Welcome to my home Kaiba. While I am glad you showed such haste in arriving here, you could have taken your time."
"I'm not one for waiting."
"Too bad, the Tournament isn't for awhile yet. You may, however, use my Castle to rest and live in until then."
"Very good then. How many people will be in the Tournament?"
"The tournament will be single elimination starting with sixteen people."
"Who's in so far?"
"Currently yourself, Mai Valentine and an associate and friend of mine Marik Ishtar. I have sent a few more invitations, I haven't had any replies though."
Kaiba grinned a bit. "Well, is there another spot open?"
"Possibly. Are you suggesting someone?"
"Yes actually. A man called Ranma Yu-Gi-Oh."
---
Standing aboard the ship Bluenose as it sailed towards the Whale Islands Ranma and Hotaru relaxed on board.
"Seems like a quiet trip so far, huh Ranma?"
"I know. I hope it stays that way until we hit the mainland."
"Yeah. Hope The Whale Islands are interesting too."
Somewhere Murphy smiled.
---
Kaiba walked down the street in Gray Stone, the city directly outside of Castle Pegasus. His intent was simple. Find someone to challenge so he could try out his new deck. Simple as that.
Hence why he was in the park, also called 'Duelist Square' since Duelist congregate here to trade, duel and challenge one another.
Kaiba looked around. He wanted someone experienced to duel. Someone with a unique deck. He spotted a man in a light purple tunic with matching light purple hair. Deck in holster at his side, talking, or rather gloating, to some people near by while leaning against a tree.
'Perfect.' Kaiba walked towards him, like a hunter on the move.
"... so I manage to CREAM that guys monster, I mean it only had two thousand attack points, so..."
"Excuse me."
The purple haired duelist looked over to his right. Standing there arrogantly was a brown haired man with a deck in one hand.
"You are a duelist, are you not?"
"Ya." Purple haired said. "You making a challenge?"
"Of course... Mister..."
"Den Kombine, The Master of Fusions."
---
Thunk- Thunk- Thunk- Thunk- Thunk
Whip- Whip- Whip- Whip- Whip
Akane Tendo was making a strategic removal of her own person from the field of directed ill will so as her person may not be reduced to scavenger dining later.
Translation: She's running away from someone trying to kill her. Namely Kodachi. And her clubs and ribbons.
"Stand still so I can take your life harridan!"
Kodachi grinned as the one called Akane tripped and fell onto the sidewalk. This was it, the time for her to remove the one that hurt her Ranma-Sama so... She leapt upon the chain-link fence to boost her up high for the final blow with her club...
Except the fence in question gave way. With nothing to push off of Kodachi fell from the fence, her club being tossed high from her surprise.
Into the water.
Once Akane got up she survived the situation, then smiled.
'Yes! Still number one in Nermia!'
As she held her self-celebration Gravity took note of Kodachi's Club still in the air. Gravity gave it a firm yank.
Self-celebration was cut short as a blunt object nailed Akane in the head. She then entered la-la land.
---
"Let's Duel!"
------------ Kaiba: 2000 Den: 2000 ------------
Kaiba smirked at his opponent as he drew his five cards. "Since I'm in a generous mood, I'll allow you the first move."
Den smirked back as he drew his own hand. "Very well. I'll start with the Darkworld Thorns, in Attack Mode!"
Playing his card Den summoned a large blue plant that looked like a Venus Flytrap. (1200/900)
"Your move Kaiba."
Smirking as he played his own card Kaiba announced his move. "Battle Ox, in attack mode."
The beast warrior arose, a pig like beast in armour and a wicked sword. (1700/1000) "Attack that plant Battle Ox." With a charge and a roar the plant monster was cleaved in two.
------------ Kaiba: 2000 Den: 1500 ------------
"A hefty loss in the first move."
"Maybe, but that bothers me not."
"Hmm?"
"I now play... Polymerization!"
Kaiba blinked at his opponent. "Wha?"
"Unlike what many believe I can sacrifice two monsters from my hand to fuse them as one! So I offer Queen's Double and Hibikime to summon the fusion monster... Empress Judge!"
Arising to the field in swirling power, she came. Robes that wrapped around her chest and fell to her ankles, and burning red hair, with a ruby in her forehead and purple tattoos on her face. One hand held a sword. (2100/1700)
"Attack with Judgment Sword!" Charging forward the Empress did just that, destroying the beast warrior.
------------ Kaiba: 1600 Den: 1500 ------------
"Not bad, huh? And my deck is full of monsters that I can fuse together to create some of the most powerful monsters around."
"Not bad. But now I make my move... And I summon the Black Dragon Jungle King in attack mode. (2100/1800) I end my turn."
Drawing his next card Den nodded. "Our monsters are evenly matched... I will pass this turn."
Kaiba drew a card and nodded. "I play a card face down and use Invigoration, to empower my Jungle King. (2600/1800) And now... I destroy your Empress Judge, with Dragon Acid Breath!"
The giant dragon of black roared and spit forth acid, destroying the Empress.
------------ Kaiba: 1600 Den: 1000 ------------
"Damn you Kaiba..." Den drew a new card then grinned. "Well, I'll just create a new monster by playing another Polymerization, this time offering Tainted Wisdom and Ancient Brian, to summon the Skull Knight!"
Arising to the field was a warrior with bony armour and shield, as well as a saber. (2650/2250) "Attack with Hell Skeleton Slice."
Kaiba reached for his down card. "Not so fast... I activate Reinforcements, to temporally add five hundred more attack power to my Jungle King. (3100/1800) Counter with Dragon Acid Breath!"
Acid met Hell Warrior, and Hell Warrior melted away.
------------ Kaiba: 1600 Den: 550 ------------
"It seems your losing monsters as they come out Den... Some Fusion Master you are."
Den growled as he drew a new card. He noticed that the Black Dragon Jungle King returned to it's twenty-six hundred attack power. "Very well then, I will now play my final Polymerization to fuse two Thunder Dragons together! This will create the Twin Headed Thunder Dragon!"
Den's new monster was a long four legged and wingless dragon. It had a second mouth above it's first and a long golden horn. (2800/2600)
"Now my Dragon... Imperial Thunder Strike!"
Summoning it's power into it's own horn the dragon sent out bolts of purple lightning into the Jungle King.
------------ Kaiba: 1400 Den: 550 ------------
"Looks like I'm still in the game Kaiba."
"Not for long." Kaiba drew his next card and grinned. "I place a card face down and summon the all powerful, BLUE EYES WHITE DRAGON!" (3000/2500)
As the mighty dragon rose to the field Kaiba gave his order. "Destroy that thing with White Lightning Attack!"
Charging up it reserves of power the Dragon of Legends let loose, annihilating the smaller Twin Headed Thunder Dragon.
------------ Kaiba: 1400 Den: 350 ------------
"I'd say your done for Den." Kaiba smirked at his unnerved opponent. "No un-fused monster of yours can withstand my Dragon, and all of your Polymerization Cards have been exhausted. You are finished."
Den drew from his deck... then gave a smirk of his own. "I'd say not Kaiba. There's more than one way to fuse a beast. I play the Field Magic Card, Fusion Gate!"
Kaiba looked at his opponent with concern. 'A field magic card huh? Hmm... Field Magic Cards are useable by both sides of the field. But I never heard of this... Fusion Gate before."
"Fusion Gate is like having a permanent Polymerization. Allowing me to fuse Meteor Dragon with the Goddess of the Third Eye!"
"What kind of monster would that make, they have no similarities?"
"Your right Kaiba, but Goddess of the Third Eye is a special monster that can take the place of any other monster in a fusion.
"In this case she will replace the Red Eyes Black Dragon and fuse with Meteor Dragon... so prepare yourself Kaiba, for... Meteor Black Dragon!"
Arriving in a burst of power was a monster like a purplish-black dinosaur with wings. However veins were visible across it's scaly skin, glowing with molten lava. (3500/2000)
"Now my monster... destroy the Blue Eyes White Dragon with Meteor Fireball Attack!"
The super-heated monster threw a large fireball at it's foe, but Kaiba flipped a card over. "I will counter with Waboku, a card that will negate the damage from your attack."
With that a halo of white light surrounded the Blue Eyes White Dragon, saving it from the attack.
"Cute Kaiba, but it will only last a single turn."
"A single turn is all I need."
"Huh?"
"First I play the Lord of Dragons, and grant him the Flute of Summoning Dragon to summon my other two Blue Eyes to the field from my deck."
As the Lord of Dragons used the Flute a portal opened up to allow the other two Blue Eyes to enter the field. As they stepped on to the field each Blue Eyes began to glow and slide towards each other.
"Wha-Wha-What's going on!?"
"You forget, that Fusion Gate can be used by both sides of the field, allowing me to fuse my Blue Eyes White Dragons into a single monster."
"WHAT!?"
The three dragons were then surrounded in light as they merged and grew. Were as a single Blue Eyes stood about two stories tall this creature stood at double that stature. Wings grew larger and most importantly instead of a single head upon a single long neck, there were three heads upon three long necks.
"You now have the honor and privilege to be the first to face the most powerful monster ever summoned in the Shadow Games! May I introduce to you... Blue... Eyes... ULTIMATE... Dragon!" (4500/3800)
"No-No-No WAY!"
"And now... I attack with Neutron Blast!"
The three heads pooled all of their power to one point and collected it, before firing a blast at the Meteor Black Dragon that not only consumed it, but also blinded Den to the point that he felt as if he was looking at a super nova going off.
------------ Kaiba: 1400 Den: 0 ------------
As Den collapsed to the ground Kaiba walked away, very pleased with himself. 'That was hardly worth my time. But still, it was an excellent test of my new monster. And with the Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon at my disposal... nothing that Ranma Yu-Gi-Oh has can stop me!
'Beware Ranma! The Blue Eyes Prince shall avenge his defeat!'
---
"There it be Captain! Shall we attack the ship?"
"Nay matey. Nay."
"But sir... we're Pirates and..."
"Don't ye think I know THAT!?"
"Then..."
"Worry not... We will attack it, but not now. When it reaches port in Spray Town we can raid it and the port at the same time! We can fill our coffers to their limits!"
"Aye! It be good workin' under a Captain like ye-self Captain Mako."
"And don't ye forget it!"
---
Duelist Profile: Den Kombine
Deck Style: Fusion Masters Deck
Favorite/Best Monster: Meteor Black Dragon
Other Monsters: Empress Judge, Skull Knight, Twin Headed Thunder Dragon
Info: Known to be brash and arrogant, Den has devoted his life to fusing monsters together and learning all the combinations he can.
Author's Notes: Well, looks like Kaiba showed off his new Ace. And Pegasus and Marik seem to be looking for Exodia too. And I guess Mako's out to give Ranma a headache or two. OK, the few things to note: I'm not sure how Empress Judge looks like exactly, the card only shows her face and bare shoulders. The rest I made up on creative liberties. For those of you not in the know, yes fusions can be made from the field and hand. And Fusion Gate does work like that. (Only it removes the monsters used in the fusion, Polymerization only sends them to the graveyard) And just so you know, the REAL Bluenose was a Nova Scotia sailing ship built for racing. By the time the ship retired it had won every race it was entered in. I believe that's all. And please, comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Next Chapter: A Whale of a Duel! Captain Mako Tsunami vs. Ranma Yu-Gi-Oh!
"Ranma, do you really think this will work?"
It was late at night in Vest. Ranma and Hotaru were in their room, a map of the world laid out between them on the table. On either side of the map was one recovered piece of the god Exodia's power, locked within a pair of cards.
"I think it should work Hotaru-Chan."
"Well if you think this idea of yours will work..."
In actuality the idea was Yami's. He recalled the use of a pendant to find an item by holding it over a map until it pointed somewhere. Yami believed by using the puzzle and focusing on the next Exodia piece they would know where to look. Ranma should have doubted the ability that this would work. Should have, but didn't.
Ranma has had a shape-shifting curse, dozens of fiancées, challenges from the woodworks, seem magic items like the Nan-Ban Mirror, and fought three hundred (Or so) martial artists, a yeti-riding-bull-holding-eel-and- crane, the eight headed Orochi, a descendant of a dragon, and a demi-god. Then add in the more recent weird stuff, being summoned by god, being placed in a land with a magical card game, learning he had one half of a spirit of a guy three thousand years ago, learning that the OTHER half of the spirit was locked inside a puzzle he solved, and going on a quest to collect the power of a god...
So in reality using a pendant over a map was quite normal.
"Well, let's give it a try."
Focusing his mind he held the puzzle over the map and pictured the next piece of Exodia in his mind, using the other two pieces as an additional focus. Within a few moments the puzzle faintly began to glow. Afterwards the puzzle began to point this way and that, before finally settling on a mountain range in another continent.
"The Old Fort Mountain Range. That is where we're going."
"It's across the sea though. But maybe the next town has a boat."
"I guess come morning we're going to Fishermen's Port. We'd better get some rest Hotaru-Chan."
---
"Yes. This will be perfect!"
A young boy with long black hair and purple eyes looked on as his brother removed and added cards to and from his deck. Standing at half his brother's height, but with waist long black hair wearing a purple tunic and white pants, Mokuba Kaiba watched as his brother placed his deck back into it's holder.
They were currently in their castle in the center of Dracon City.
"Big Brother, are you sure this will work?"
His brother, Seto, answered with a grin. "I know it will Mokuba. Over the past two days I've learned something new about my Blue Eyes White Dragons. And when I catch up to that peasant again, he will be crushed like grain in the grinder."
"All right Big Brother!"
Their conversation was interrupted as a knock sounded on the door.
"Enter." Commanded Kaiba. One of his servants entered the room a message in one hand.
"Sir. I apologize for anything I interrupted."
"Get to the point."
"Yes sir. We have just received a message for you, from Lord Maxamillion Pegasus of Mangus."
"Pegasus? Let me see that."
Kaiba quickly took the message from him. Pegasus ruled the Country of Mangus on the continent to the south. Because of the current political standpoints no country was at war with each other, allowing the leaders of each country to be a little buddy-buddy. Still it was rare that a leader would contact another one, even rarer for Pegasus.
Still Kaiba took the message seriously. And after he read it he grinned.
"What is it Big Brother?"
"It seems Pegasus plans to hold a Shadow Games Tournament. And he wants me to enter."
"Really?"
"Yes. This will be perfect! I will be capable of testing my revised deck before I crush this Ranma Yu-Gi-Oh once and for all!"
"Great! When do we leave?"
"I will go alone."
Mokuba looked up as his brother ready to plead his case, but Kaiba held up a hand to stop him. "No arguments Mokuba, I need you here to rule Dracon while I'm gone."
Mokuba let out a sigh, but nodded. "I understand."
"Sir." The servant said. "Shall I ready a vessel?"
"No need." With that Kaiba walked over to the balcony. He then held a card out in front of him.
"Arise Blue Eyes White Dragon!"
Once his dragon materialized they took off for Castle Pegasus in Mangus.
---
Two days of travel had led Ranma and Hotaru to Fishermen's Port. The approached the dock and looked around. There were European style vassals with sails, much like those from the seventeen hundreds. The dock was a standard one as well, as far as Ranma could tell. Soon they found the dock master in a hut near the dock.
"Hello sir."
"Eh? Oh, hi there me lad, what can I be doing for you?"
Ranma gestured out to the ships in port. "Is there any ships going to the continent to the south."
The dock master looked at a sheet on his desk before answering. "Well, there be a passenger ship, the Bluenose, that be going to Spray Town on the Whale Islands, then that same ship be going to Port Sapphire on the north-west coast of that continent. That what'cha be needing?"
"Yes, it should do."
"All right then, look along the dock, when ye find the Bluenose talk to her Captain, he's the one ye need to make arrangements with."
---
The man knocked on the door and waited.
"Come in."
The man opened the door and walked in. He noticed the long table with a white cloth and his employer was seated on the far end. Walking around the table until he took a seat to the man's left he addressed him.
"Hey Pegasus, you called."
"Yes I did. So nice of you to come Marik."
Pegasus looked over at the man he employed and smiled. The man had unruly silver hair and his blue eyes had an almost maniacal gleam to them. He wore a simple sleeveless shirt and black cotton pants and a travelers robe.
Hidden inside that robe, however, was an artifact of power, the Millennium Rod.
Pegasus sipped at his wine before talking. "So, how is Bones project going? Does he have it yet?"
"Not yet boss, it seems the thing is deeper than we planned."
"Oh well, that's fine. His slaves will uncover them eventually."
"Agreed. But what is so important about this one card."
Pegasus smiled as he poured himself more wine, filling an extra glass and handing it to Marik.
"Not that one card. A set of five."
"Five." Marik blinked. "Five cards?"
"Yes. The five cards of Exodia's power."
Marik's eyes went wide as he looked at Pegasus. "Exodia? The GOD Exodia? Bones is digging up a piece of him?"
"Indeed. I already possess one of those cards. And I know there is another person seeking Exodia."
"Another person? Do you want me to strike him down?"
Pegasus laughed out loud as Marik began to look angry. "What is so funny?"
"My dear Marik, you don't understand. The person in question is the bearer of the Millennium Puzzle. It can't be anyone else."
"The Puzzle?"
"Oh yes, and that makes it so delicious. My spies tell me he's coming to Mangus right now, no doubt to seek the piece that Bones is digging up."
"Then what will we do?"
"Simple. We will let him collect Bones piece, or have Bones take any pieces he already has. We'll let him do all the hard work."
"I see. We let him collect the other pieces for us."
"Exactly." Pegasus sipped some more wine before continuing. "And since the five parts are useless individually he will need to seek us out, and then we will take all the pieces from him.
"Then I can summon and enslave Exodia himself! And with a god at our disposal the world is but a prize to conquer."
Marik swallowed some of his own wine, allowing himself to grin widely. "Excellent. What else should I know?"
"Nothing save the tournament I will hold soon. If I time it right the Puzzle Bearer will have all the time he needs to enter with three or even four of pieces of Exodia in his possession. Even if he doesn't want to enter, I... know a way to convince him."
Before anything else could be said the door burst open showing a uniformed man, Croquet, looking a little scared. "Sir! We've spotted a Blue Eyes White Dragon, coming straight for the castle!"
Calmly Pegasus placed his wine down and stood up. "That must be Kaiba. I see he got my invitation. Well, let's go meet him."
---
Going through her daily jog Akane decided that today sucked. Her pets were sold off (And everyone in Nermia heard about it, from Akane yelling at her father), Kuno was being a bother, well more so than usual, and Ryoga...
She wasn't sure what he was up to.
Worst of all their Dojo, the Tendo Dojo was LEVELED! It would take weeks to rebuild the structure back to where it once was.
"Oh well." Akane said, looking on the bright side of things. "At least we haven't had Kodachi around."
That wasn't thunder in the background, that was Murphy (God of Bad Timings, Second Class Limited) laughing.
"OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!"
Akane froze. That wasn't just a laugh. That was a 'Am-I-Slightly-Or- Totally-Insane-I-Think-Totally-Is-Correct' voice of one Kodachi Kuno, complete which really annoying laugh (tm).
"There you are harridan! Your family will pay for the false disrespect to my Ranma-Sama! OH-HO-HO-..."
Somewhere Murphy laughed as well.
A much more tolerable one though.
---
Despite being told to let the dragon land the guards of Castle Pegasus were worried.
Then again, having a legendary engine of destruction land inside a courtyard would do that to anybody.
Except Pegasus, who knew that the engine of destruction wouldn't destroy his Castle.
A man, Seto Kaiba, hopped off the dragon of legend and recalled it. Pegasus approached him.
"Welcome to my home Kaiba. While I am glad you showed such haste in arriving here, you could have taken your time."
"I'm not one for waiting."
"Too bad, the Tournament isn't for awhile yet. You may, however, use my Castle to rest and live in until then."
"Very good then. How many people will be in the Tournament?"
"The tournament will be single elimination starting with sixteen people."
"Who's in so far?"
"Currently yourself, Mai Valentine and an associate and friend of mine Marik Ishtar. I have sent a few more invitations, I haven't had any replies though."
Kaiba grinned a bit. "Well, is there another spot open?"
"Possibly. Are you suggesting someone?"
"Yes actually. A man called Ranma Yu-Gi-Oh."
---
Standing aboard the ship Bluenose as it sailed towards the Whale Islands Ranma and Hotaru relaxed on board.
"Seems like a quiet trip so far, huh Ranma?"
"I know. I hope it stays that way until we hit the mainland."
"Yeah. Hope The Whale Islands are interesting too."
Somewhere Murphy smiled.
---
Kaiba walked down the street in Gray Stone, the city directly outside of Castle Pegasus. His intent was simple. Find someone to challenge so he could try out his new deck. Simple as that.
Hence why he was in the park, also called 'Duelist Square' since Duelist congregate here to trade, duel and challenge one another.
Kaiba looked around. He wanted someone experienced to duel. Someone with a unique deck. He spotted a man in a light purple tunic with matching light purple hair. Deck in holster at his side, talking, or rather gloating, to some people near by while leaning against a tree.
'Perfect.' Kaiba walked towards him, like a hunter on the move.
"... so I manage to CREAM that guys monster, I mean it only had two thousand attack points, so..."
"Excuse me."
The purple haired duelist looked over to his right. Standing there arrogantly was a brown haired man with a deck in one hand.
"You are a duelist, are you not?"
"Ya." Purple haired said. "You making a challenge?"
"Of course... Mister..."
"Den Kombine, The Master of Fusions."
---
Thunk- Thunk- Thunk- Thunk- Thunk
Whip- Whip- Whip- Whip- Whip
Akane Tendo was making a strategic removal of her own person from the field of directed ill will so as her person may not be reduced to scavenger dining later.
Translation: She's running away from someone trying to kill her. Namely Kodachi. And her clubs and ribbons.
"Stand still so I can take your life harridan!"
Kodachi grinned as the one called Akane tripped and fell onto the sidewalk. This was it, the time for her to remove the one that hurt her Ranma-Sama so... She leapt upon the chain-link fence to boost her up high for the final blow with her club...
Except the fence in question gave way. With nothing to push off of Kodachi fell from the fence, her club being tossed high from her surprise.
Into the water.
Once Akane got up she survived the situation, then smiled.
'Yes! Still number one in Nermia!'
As she held her self-celebration Gravity took note of Kodachi's Club still in the air. Gravity gave it a firm yank.
Self-celebration was cut short as a blunt object nailed Akane in the head. She then entered la-la land.
---
"Let's Duel!"
------------ Kaiba: 2000 Den: 2000 ------------
Kaiba smirked at his opponent as he drew his five cards. "Since I'm in a generous mood, I'll allow you the first move."
Den smirked back as he drew his own hand. "Very well. I'll start with the Darkworld Thorns, in Attack Mode!"
Playing his card Den summoned a large blue plant that looked like a Venus Flytrap. (1200/900)
"Your move Kaiba."
Smirking as he played his own card Kaiba announced his move. "Battle Ox, in attack mode."
The beast warrior arose, a pig like beast in armour and a wicked sword. (1700/1000) "Attack that plant Battle Ox." With a charge and a roar the plant monster was cleaved in two.
------------ Kaiba: 2000 Den: 1500 ------------
"A hefty loss in the first move."
"Maybe, but that bothers me not."
"Hmm?"
"I now play... Polymerization!"
Kaiba blinked at his opponent. "Wha?"
"Unlike what many believe I can sacrifice two monsters from my hand to fuse them as one! So I offer Queen's Double and Hibikime to summon the fusion monster... Empress Judge!"
Arising to the field in swirling power, she came. Robes that wrapped around her chest and fell to her ankles, and burning red hair, with a ruby in her forehead and purple tattoos on her face. One hand held a sword. (2100/1700)
"Attack with Judgment Sword!" Charging forward the Empress did just that, destroying the beast warrior.
------------ Kaiba: 1600 Den: 1500 ------------
"Not bad, huh? And my deck is full of monsters that I can fuse together to create some of the most powerful monsters around."
"Not bad. But now I make my move... And I summon the Black Dragon Jungle King in attack mode. (2100/1800) I end my turn."
Drawing his next card Den nodded. "Our monsters are evenly matched... I will pass this turn."
Kaiba drew a card and nodded. "I play a card face down and use Invigoration, to empower my Jungle King. (2600/1800) And now... I destroy your Empress Judge, with Dragon Acid Breath!"
The giant dragon of black roared and spit forth acid, destroying the Empress.
------------ Kaiba: 1600 Den: 1000 ------------
"Damn you Kaiba..." Den drew a new card then grinned. "Well, I'll just create a new monster by playing another Polymerization, this time offering Tainted Wisdom and Ancient Brian, to summon the Skull Knight!"
Arising to the field was a warrior with bony armour and shield, as well as a saber. (2650/2250) "Attack with Hell Skeleton Slice."
Kaiba reached for his down card. "Not so fast... I activate Reinforcements, to temporally add five hundred more attack power to my Jungle King. (3100/1800) Counter with Dragon Acid Breath!"
Acid met Hell Warrior, and Hell Warrior melted away.
------------ Kaiba: 1600 Den: 550 ------------
"It seems your losing monsters as they come out Den... Some Fusion Master you are."
Den growled as he drew a new card. He noticed that the Black Dragon Jungle King returned to it's twenty-six hundred attack power. "Very well then, I will now play my final Polymerization to fuse two Thunder Dragons together! This will create the Twin Headed Thunder Dragon!"
Den's new monster was a long four legged and wingless dragon. It had a second mouth above it's first and a long golden horn. (2800/2600)
"Now my Dragon... Imperial Thunder Strike!"
Summoning it's power into it's own horn the dragon sent out bolts of purple lightning into the Jungle King.
------------ Kaiba: 1400 Den: 550 ------------
"Looks like I'm still in the game Kaiba."
"Not for long." Kaiba drew his next card and grinned. "I place a card face down and summon the all powerful, BLUE EYES WHITE DRAGON!" (3000/2500)
As the mighty dragon rose to the field Kaiba gave his order. "Destroy that thing with White Lightning Attack!"
Charging up it reserves of power the Dragon of Legends let loose, annihilating the smaller Twin Headed Thunder Dragon.
------------ Kaiba: 1400 Den: 350 ------------
"I'd say your done for Den." Kaiba smirked at his unnerved opponent. "No un-fused monster of yours can withstand my Dragon, and all of your Polymerization Cards have been exhausted. You are finished."
Den drew from his deck... then gave a smirk of his own. "I'd say not Kaiba. There's more than one way to fuse a beast. I play the Field Magic Card, Fusion Gate!"
Kaiba looked at his opponent with concern. 'A field magic card huh? Hmm... Field Magic Cards are useable by both sides of the field. But I never heard of this... Fusion Gate before."
"Fusion Gate is like having a permanent Polymerization. Allowing me to fuse Meteor Dragon with the Goddess of the Third Eye!"
"What kind of monster would that make, they have no similarities?"
"Your right Kaiba, but Goddess of the Third Eye is a special monster that can take the place of any other monster in a fusion.
"In this case she will replace the Red Eyes Black Dragon and fuse with Meteor Dragon... so prepare yourself Kaiba, for... Meteor Black Dragon!"
Arriving in a burst of power was a monster like a purplish-black dinosaur with wings. However veins were visible across it's scaly skin, glowing with molten lava. (3500/2000)
"Now my monster... destroy the Blue Eyes White Dragon with Meteor Fireball Attack!"
The super-heated monster threw a large fireball at it's foe, but Kaiba flipped a card over. "I will counter with Waboku, a card that will negate the damage from your attack."
With that a halo of white light surrounded the Blue Eyes White Dragon, saving it from the attack.
"Cute Kaiba, but it will only last a single turn."
"A single turn is all I need."
"Huh?"
"First I play the Lord of Dragons, and grant him the Flute of Summoning Dragon to summon my other two Blue Eyes to the field from my deck."
As the Lord of Dragons used the Flute a portal opened up to allow the other two Blue Eyes to enter the field. As they stepped on to the field each Blue Eyes began to glow and slide towards each other.
"Wha-Wha-What's going on!?"
"You forget, that Fusion Gate can be used by both sides of the field, allowing me to fuse my Blue Eyes White Dragons into a single monster."
"WHAT!?"
The three dragons were then surrounded in light as they merged and grew. Were as a single Blue Eyes stood about two stories tall this creature stood at double that stature. Wings grew larger and most importantly instead of a single head upon a single long neck, there were three heads upon three long necks.
"You now have the honor and privilege to be the first to face the most powerful monster ever summoned in the Shadow Games! May I introduce to you... Blue... Eyes... ULTIMATE... Dragon!" (4500/3800)
"No-No-No WAY!"
"And now... I attack with Neutron Blast!"
The three heads pooled all of their power to one point and collected it, before firing a blast at the Meteor Black Dragon that not only consumed it, but also blinded Den to the point that he felt as if he was looking at a super nova going off.
------------ Kaiba: 1400 Den: 0 ------------
As Den collapsed to the ground Kaiba walked away, very pleased with himself. 'That was hardly worth my time. But still, it was an excellent test of my new monster. And with the Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon at my disposal... nothing that Ranma Yu-Gi-Oh has can stop me!
'Beware Ranma! The Blue Eyes Prince shall avenge his defeat!'
---
"There it be Captain! Shall we attack the ship?"
"Nay matey. Nay."
"But sir... we're Pirates and..."
"Don't ye think I know THAT!?"
"Then..."
"Worry not... We will attack it, but not now. When it reaches port in Spray Town we can raid it and the port at the same time! We can fill our coffers to their limits!"
"Aye! It be good workin' under a Captain like ye-self Captain Mako."
"And don't ye forget it!"
---
Duelist Profile: Den Kombine
Deck Style: Fusion Masters Deck
Favorite/Best Monster: Meteor Black Dragon
Other Monsters: Empress Judge, Skull Knight, Twin Headed Thunder Dragon
Info: Known to be brash and arrogant, Den has devoted his life to fusing monsters together and learning all the combinations he can.
Author's Notes: Well, looks like Kaiba showed off his new Ace. And Pegasus and Marik seem to be looking for Exodia too. And I guess Mako's out to give Ranma a headache or two. OK, the few things to note: I'm not sure how Empress Judge looks like exactly, the card only shows her face and bare shoulders. The rest I made up on creative liberties. For those of you not in the know, yes fusions can be made from the field and hand. And Fusion Gate does work like that. (Only it removes the monsters used in the fusion, Polymerization only sends them to the graveyard) And just so you know, the REAL Bluenose was a Nova Scotia sailing ship built for racing. By the time the ship retired it had won every race it was entered in. I believe that's all. And please, comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Next Chapter: A Whale of a Duel! Captain Mako Tsunami vs. Ranma Yu-Gi-Oh!