The next chapter is here! Quite a lot going here with a special surprise!

Chapter 25: Forces Collide - Quadruple Threat

In Luca, standing on a balcony overlooking the city was Sephiroth. He was looking down into the city and seemingly enjoying the sea breeze blowing through his silver hair. A knock at the door interrupted him as a Guado entered the room.

"Maester, we are prepared to leave to join the Crusaders at Operation Mi'ihen" spoke the Guado giving the Yevon prayer sign.

"I shall join you shortly. I have a matter to attend to first" Sephiroth replied

Needing no further words, the Guado promptly left the room. Almost seconds later after the door had closed a dark humanoid shape seemed to form in the shadows of the corner of the room.

"Your late" Sephiroth said not turning round.

"Apologies Maester" A woman's voice purred "Travelling during the day for me is quite bothersome as you can imagine"

"Regardless..." he said trailing off "I expect they will stay at the Travel Agency. Find him there, and challenge him. But I suggest you hurry, other forces are moving against us and aimed at him. Whatever else you wish to do is at your discretion"

"Excellent" She purred once more. "I have been in need to rebuild my doll collection" She said before the shape seemed to fade away.

Once she had gone, Sephiroth finally moved as he went to a nearby table with his duel disk on it which he quickly attached to his arm.

"Kaiser... Consider this my gift to you. Something I have known you always wanted. Your revenge"

Somewhere, in what appeared to be a dark dank cave, in the dark was sitting a figure. Pyreflies were flying around at their own accord, and sat panting heavily against a wall appeared to be a human figure. As a pyrefly passed his face it was revealed to be Elan, back in his human form, but looking as if he hadn't eaten for several weeks. The skin seemed to be pulled tight over his face.

"I hate you... I hate you... I hate you" he kept repeating over and over.

As he spoke the pyreflies seemed to converge as two ghostly figures took shape before him. One was standing and the other was laid on the floor

"This... isn't over" Elan spat.

"Oh yes it is!" Kaiser declare as his eyes shone bright blue.

Growling in rage at being reminded of his previous defeat, Elan snarled and lept to his feet and slashed at Kaiser's form which his hands passed clean through as he fell to the floor. Grunting, the two ghosts dissappeared as he put his head in his hand in despair.

"Why? Why can't I beat you?!" He shouted into the air

"Jyan ja jaaaaaaaaaan!" echoed out across the cave suddenly in reply.

Snarling, Elan looked up to see Vector in his human form strolling casually across the cave towards him as if was walking across a beach.

"I see why they call this the Den of Woe" Vector said sniggering "Its all cosy and lovely" he laughed

"And it looks like im here now until I starve!" Elan retored back "Theres no way out!"

Vector simply chuckled for a moment until Elan seemed to put the pieces together

"Your here to let me out?" Elan asked.

"Of course I am! What do you take me for?! Some sort of monster?!" Vector said not resisiting chuckling on his last statement

"Cut the bull shit Vector" Elan said narrowing his eyes "You want something in return, so get on with it"

"You wound me so!" Vector said clutching his heart "But now that you mention it... I need you to duel someone"

"You can tell me its Kaiser, I wont loose to him again!" Elan replied quickly

"Oh it isnt. Im afraid Kaiser will be indisposed as per this delightful scheme. I need you to go after someone else"

"Who?" Elan asked puzzled

"Well that would be..."

After the duel had ended, there seemed to be silence in the air as Tallia was breathing heavily on the ground after the last attack by Neos, while on the sidelines, Yuna and the others seemed shocked at such an outcome. Several seconds seemed to pass that felt like hours before there was movement. It was Belgemine, and she stepped forward as she began to clap, Allia joined a few moments later before soon everyone spectating was giving a round of applause at such a duel.

"Magnificent" She spoke "Such a wonderful end to our contest, and a landside victory to your side Summoner Yuna"

"Thank you Lady Belgemine" Yuna said giving the Yevon prayer bow.

As Tallia struggled to get to her feet, her sister helped her up

"Im really proud of you" Allia smilled.

"Dont be" Tallia replied softly, her eyes now closed once more "Destiny was served, nothing more. I was simply a mere link in its chain"

Before I even had a chance to react I had lurched forward as Tidus had come barrelling forward and jumped on my back.

"You won! Kaiser takes it all again!" He laughed

"Get off!" Was all I could say struggling.

After a brief struggle he managed to dislodge himself, while avoiding my retribution as Yuna and the others had joined me at this point.

"That was a wonderful duel" She beamed

"Its Tara and her deck you need to thank" I said taking her deck and handing it to her "I couldnt have done it without them"

"Like I said" Tara said speaking "They got you back" She said, as for a few moments I saw Jaden and Jesse stood behind her who smiled and nodded in agreement.

"I believe that concludes our meeting today" Belgemine said joining our group "It has been a very educational experience all round. I wish you and your party well Summoner Yuna" She said bowing, before she took her leave.

Allia and Tallia bowed also before they quickly followed after Belgemine. Leaving our party alone once again.

"We should keep going also, we have a long walk ahead of us" Lulu said looking towards the horizen.

"Your right Lulu, lets get everyone!" Yuna said

A short while later we were all back on the Mi'ihen Highroad heading towards our next destination. The walk had been largely uneventful, except for the odd Fiend attack that was quickly dispatched. Plus several of the group found it amusing that I had attempted to attack Tidus for his earlier behaviour, however I gave up pretty quickly as he was too fast for me to catch.

In the end I had ended up at the back of the group with Tara to which we were discussing her duel, mainly the behaviour of the Cyberdark monsters.

"So you were suprised?" I said

"Quite..." Tara said thinking back. "It was almost like they were asking me to use them... and to show me they are not what I think"

"I have never believed there was such a think as a good or bad monster. Its us that make them that way" I reply. "Which I think is why they realised that when they were under your control"

"Your right" She replied with a smile. "So when we eventually have our rematch I wont be disgusted with them like our first match"

"Me either" I said smiling "But we have a long way to go before that"

"Yea about that..." She said trailing off.

It was at this point she took out Magma Neos from her Extra Deck, where she seemed to stare at it for nearly a minute before she spoke again.

"Kaiser... you are here to help us arent you?" She asked suddenly

"Whats brought this on?" I asked suprised. "You know I am"

"And when you get back your memories... you'll tell us more about yourself?" She asked.

"Yes?" I said not sure where this was leading.

"Then thats all I need to know" She said putting the card away and walking off.

Puzzled as I watched her walk away, I seemed to go on autopilot as I tried to wonder why she had asked me all that. As the day progressed on we eventually came upon a structure. It was circular in shape and brightly coloured with an orange dome on the top. Above the door was a strange language which I recognised as Al Bhed. Around its perimeter was a wide open area with many people and Chocobo's being ridden.

"We rest here" Auron said as we approached

"But, this is an Al Bhed shop!" Wakka protested quickly

"Is that a problem?" Auron said turning to look with a raised eyebrow

"They don't believe in Yevon, and in Luca they... They kidnapped Yuna!" He responded

"Where were her Guardians and Duelists?" Auron questioned

Groaning as he realised he had no answer, Wakka rubbed the back of his head while Tidus began to whistle innocently. A second later I felt Auron's eyes fall onto me.

"Dont involve me!" I say protesting innocence.

"Sir Auron's just concerned about your health" Yuna interjected suddenly.

"I'm not tired one bit!" Wakka said folding his arms.

"Well I am" Auron replies before walking away to the building.

"So I guess its decided" Yuna said as he entered the building.

"I am not resting here!" Wakka continued.

"Wakka..." I say "Seriously, dont make a fuss will you. Im tired after my duel as it is"

"As am I" Tara added sternly "And im sure Yuna is too after her match" She said to which Yuna nodded

At this point Tara walked behind Wakka and pushed him forward towards the shop

"So get yourself in there now!" She said sternly.

Even as he protested Tara kept shoving him harder and harder as she slowly got him into the shop.

"Tara's really scary when shes angry" Tidus said cringing

"Be glad that wasnt for us" I snigger.

"Its not like Wakka doesnt deserve it" Lulu said as she entered the shop

"She's a close second" I say as the rest of us follow.

Sitting on some ruins a way back on the Highroad, Belgemine and her duelists were talking.

"Your thoughts?" Belgemine asked the two sisters

"Both possess great power" Tallia said "I could sense it from both of them as the dueled"

"Plus the fact both of them adapted to each other's decks so well was impressive" Allia added

"Summoner Yuna too was strong, even for a novice" Belgemine continued. "In our next meeting, I have already devised a way to test them further"

"How?" Allia asked

"You shall see, but I expect you to use your own deck the next time Allia" Belgemine

"With pleasure" Allia said with a smile "I dont intend to loose to Tara again"

"You will reverse opponents next time, you will have the pleasure of dueling Kaiser"

"Even better" Allia said smirking.

"There is... there is something else" Tallia said softly. "I do not belive Kaiser is of Spira"

Both other women immediately looked to Tallia

"What do you mean?" Belgemine asked.

"The aura of everyone I have ever met has been similar... his was different from anyone else I have ever met" Tallia said

"Dont you think its just because hes The Dark Warrior?" Allia asked

"No... I am certain" Tallia replied

"Well then" Belgemine said crossing his arms "Perhaps on our next meeting we will test that out also"

The rest of the afternoon was peaceful and uneventful. After a short snooze, I found myself in the main shop area sat round a table with Maechen and Shelinda enjoying a coffee. After a while chatting about various subjects, we ended up talking about our establishement, which was Mr Rins Travel Agency.

"Mr. Rin's shops are all over Spira" Maechen spoke "They are quite convenient when you're on the road"

"Quite" I said, raising my cup "Plus they even created a blend of coffee in my honour which they have asked me to name. They plan to distribute it across thier travel agencys"

"Really?" Maechen asked "I trust you have picked a suitable name?"

"It does" I say taking a sip, savouring the taste "Blue-Eyes Mountain. Jack would approve" I snigger

"Who is that?" Maechen asked

"No one" I snigger again. "Though I must confess I didnt think the Al Bhed would make such good coffee"

"I've heard that the proprietor, Mr. Rin, is an Al Bhed" Shelinda spoke "But I was very relieved to find that he keeps nothing sacrilegious here. It appears that he is actually very respectful"

"The Al Bhed arent everything they are made out to be" I said putting my cup down. "Try and bear that in mind. Thats all I ask" I said to her

"Of course I will Mr Dark Warrior!" She responded

"Kais... oh never mind" I say sniggering.

At this point Tidus came stumbling into the foyer from our room

"Well look whats emerged" I say with a smile

"As if I could sleep!" He said. "Want to take a walk?" He asked

"Sure" I said finishing my coffee "Its been a pleasure" I say to my two companions as we all parted ways.

As we exited the Agency the sun was setting a deep gold in the distance on the surface of the water. The view was quite spectacular. However, Lulu interrupted our thoughts

"This might be the last time we can rest like this" She said. "So make the most of the view" She said

Nodding, I pushed Tidus forward who squealed as we walked into the golden light.

"Check it out!" He said

"That sunset was different from the one I saw in Kilika. It was quiet... and almost gentle" Tidus narrates.

"At the time, It was so peaceful seeing that sunset... Little did I know what a hell of a night I would have to endure" I narrate

As we walk towards the sun, we slowly ascend towards a grassy bluff overlooking the water. Yuna was sat there with her back towards us.

"Whatcha up to?" Tidus asks as we approach

Hearing her squeal for a moment and begin to fumble, I know what she is doing.

"Probabally enjoying the view you idiot" I snigger

My words gave Yuna enough time to compose herself before she spoke as we all looked into the sunset

"Pretty..." She said simply

"Sure is" Tidus said

"I wish I could live in a place like this" Yuna continued. "Peaceful... Living with a smile on my face every day" She said

"And all the Chocobo's around to pet" I smile

"You can, once you both beat Sin, right?" Tidus asks

There was a second where I caught Yuna's glance at me, as we both knew the implications. She then spoke a second later

"But then a new Sin will be born anyway."

"Well then, you can two just beat it again!" He replied

"I wish we could" She sighed.

I feel a shiver run down my spine at her solemn words, as I think back to what Auron said.

"Hey, you can! Trust me!" He exclaimed "You two are the best Summoner and Duelist out there!"

Once again catching her gaze, we quickly look away from each other at the implications of what the future held for us.

"Yuna, why does Sin always come back?" He asked after a few seconds

"Sin is our punishment for our vanity. And it will not go away until we've atoned"

"How do we do that?" He asks "What did we do that was so bad in the first place? Was it using lots of machina or something? Oh... Wait, was that such a bad thing, really?"

"It's funny..." She said thinking "Ever since I was young, I never questioned it. But now that you ask me if it is that bad or not...I don't know. There are so many things I don't know... What do you think Kaiser?" She asked

"You know my feelings" I reply with a sigh "How can we say Machina is bad with what I wear on my arm?" I say holding up my duel disk "And the monsters that I use are Machina based. It doesnt make sense one can be good and the other bad"

"I guess" Yuna sighs.

"Well then" Tidus said "Looks like we all agree!" He then put his hands together as im prayer before speaking in a strange voice "Ooooh…...Such thinking is very unbecoming of a Summoner and Duelist" He said with a wink "Sound like Mika?" He smirked

"That's not very nice, you know!" Yuna said giggling

"You've practiced that far too much" I say shaking my head.

"Your just jealous of my acting skills" Tidus replies with a snigger, to which I growl in response. "You know... During a game, you have to think of blitz and nothing else, you know? You can't think, "That's a cute girl in the fifth seat from the right." And you can't be thinking about where you're going to go on that date, because the minute you do, that's when you lose!"

As he finished he looked at us both, and seeing like he had lost Yuna along the way and I was just glaring at him he stammered while continuing

"You see, uh, guys, what I mean is, you really shouldn't worry, you know? After we beat Sin, that's when you can worry about the future." he finised

"I guess" she says quietly.

As we all then glance towards the ocean, minutes seemed to pass before Tidus spoke again

"But, Yuna, how are you supposed to beat something big like that? You gonna use Kaiser's monsters to soften it up?"

"I'm stood right here you know" I say glaring at him

"The Final Summoning" She replied interrupting. "It's the only way to defeat Sin. The only way. With it, we can call the Final Aeon. That's the goal of the pilgrimage. The Fayth of the Final Summoning lies waiting in the far north, to greet Summoners and thier Duelists that complete their pilgrimage. At the world's edge..." She said giving the Yevon Bow "In Zanarkand"

"In Zanarkand?" Tidus immediately picked up on

Realising what she had said, she began to stammer as I jumped in

"Yes, she meant there" I say

"She means the ruins of a city destroyed a thousand years ago" A voice spoke up

All eyes immediately turned round and saw Auron leaning on a ruined pillar on the side of the road, observing us all.

"Your suprisingley stealthy" I notice to which he snorts in response

"You sure it's ruins?" Tidus said to Yuna

"That's what I've heard" She said softly

"You'll all see it for yourselves soon enough" Auron spoke up "Yuna, come back inside." He says before turning and leaving.

"You will go with us...to Zanarkand?" She asked TIdus

"Yeah, I'll go" He said almost down beat "I'll go to Zanarkand to see it with my own eyes"

At that point, we all began our slow walk back into the travel agency.

"I knew it couldn't be my Zanarkand. But I had to make sure" Tidus narrates

"There was something about what Yuna had said just now... it truly sent a shiver up my spine... Could this be my fate?" I narrate

As we entered the Travel Agency, we were immediately spotted by Lulu and Wakka at a table who beckoned Yuna to join them, who gave us a parting smile before departing. I could see Kimahri was standing at the table waiting for Yuna, while Tara seemed to be sat at a table with Cali and seemed to be talking about Dueling.

"Kaiser"

Looking around, For the voice I was puzzled. I couldnt see anyone, or more to the point no one that could have said my name

"Did you hear that?" I said to Tidus

"Hear what?" He said

"Nothing" I say shaking my head

"Kaiser... you need to go home now!"

My eyes widened this time as I heard it as clear as day.

"I'm going to our room" I say suddenly, leaving Tidus bemused at my departure.

As I staggered into my room, I looked round for something, anything at all to guide me further. But there was no one, or nothing there. I felt my eyes become very heavy, as I slowly laid down on my bed as I fell to sleep.

My eyes opened slowly, and as my vision cleared I saw from the sky that I appeared to be in my soul room. Standing up, I see nothing was in this void as usual, and nothing further to guide me.

"Zane? Kaiba?" I say out loud.

I received no response, not even Syrus or Hassleberry seemed to be around, but I knew that I was on the right track. Curiously after a moment, I did spot a small pedestal with a clear orb on it with what looked a shimmering mist inside it. I was about to examine it further when the sky began to move and contort. A second later a tear seemed to open in the sky itself showing my somewhere else. Curious, I look up and see that its a field. Just then several objects came into view as my heart almost stopped at what I saw.

It was a beautiful day in the field, the sun was shining and the birds were singing. It was a great day to be sniffing around at everything in sight. Well, thats the theory behind what dogs do for most of their time, as five spaniels were sniffing everything they could.

Two figure's seemed to be approaching them as they continued thier business.

"Come on spans, its time to go home" Said Joji.

Since half of them seemed to pay him no notice, Kaiser's mother laughed as they continued thier walk. But a few moments later a laugh seemed to pierce the air as the dogs began to bark in unison at a dark shape forming on the field. As the form came together it was a male humanoid with wings who was recognised straight away.

"Vector!" Joji gasped

"Oh what a wonderful day for a walk with the poochies! ... and then for a nice demise!"

"Go away Vector! Dandy isnt here!" Joji retored

"Oh but its not him I want! Its you! I want him to suffer in the most painful way for interfeering in my business. And thats by making you suffer!"

"You get the fuck away from him Vector!" I scream into the sky "You come for me if you want to, but leave him alone!"

"Dandy will stop you!" Joji shouted back, while his mother tried to move away quietly with the spaniels.

"Kaiser will do nothing of the sort!" Vector chuckles "He's no where possibly near to help you now!" He said before snarling and forming dark energy in his hands which he then threw at the young boy and his mother.

My eyes widened as I realised I had to do something, even if it wouldnt work. My duel disk activated immediately and I drew a card which was slapped onto the tray

"Go stomp that cowardly bastard! Blue-Eyes!"

A second later a blue energy ball emerged from the disk flying up to the sky, where it began to form into the mighty dragon. It flew straight into the portal and disappeared.

Kaiser's mother screamed at the approaching energy lance, while Joji threw up his arms for defence.

"Dandy! Help us!"

A hiss and roar echoed throughout the field as the dogs all stopped barking abruptly as the energy seemed to strike something head on as it exploded outwards covering the surroundings in dust. Joji opened his eyes and lowered his arms to see a massive blue and white form infront of him. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. Kaiser's mother who had fallen to the floor in fright, was currently standing up as she saw the creature before her. Rather oddly the entire group of spans seemed to be sat wagging thier tails at it.

"Isnt that?!" She gasped

"It is! Dandy sent his Blue-Eyes to save us!"

Actually looking quite suprised for a moment, as Blue-Eyes was glaring down at him, Vector began to laugh.

"Ho ho ho! Not so toothless after all are you Kaiser?! Sending your dragon all the way from Spira!"

Blue-Eyes responded with a roar and swung its tail round to strike at Vector, who lept into the air to dodge and land a good distance away. Blue-Eyes turned its head to look at the small boy, before it began to dissapate into pyreflies.

"No! You cant go!" Joji said in fright

However, Blue-Eyes turned back into an energy ball the flew towards Jojis arm and entered it. A second later in a flash of light, he was armed with both a duel disk and a deck. Realising what it meant, the Disk activated a second later as Joji stood ready.

"If you want to fight Vector then I'll duel you!" Joji declared.

Vector regarded this for a moment before bursting into hysterical laughter

"Oh this is even better! I can do so much more with this! Your on!" He declared as the gems on his arms began to form into a duel disk as he readied himself.

"Duel!"

Vector: 8000
Joji: 8000

Retrieving my Blue-Eyes from my duel disk, I give it a smile

"Right, that should keep him busy for a while. Now how the hell do I get up there?"

I had simply thought about flying up there, but I doubted the physics from Blue-Eyes crossing over to another world and me doing it were that simple. Last time it had taken direct intervention to get me home. Looking around, I see on ground level a small tear in the distance. Seizing my chance, I dashed forward running towards it with all my speed. As I edged closer, I see that there was infact a figure stood before it, blocking my path. Stopping up short I ready my duel disk.

"If you know whats good for you then get the hell out of my way"

I observe the figure seemed to be clad from head to foot in a black robe and a black mask. Looking somewhat like a Barian covered form. Two arms came from under the cloak as one as wearing a duel disk too, which quickly activated.

"Fine" I say drawing my opening hand "Lets get this over with quickly if your some lackey of Vector"

"Duel!"

Kaiser: 8000
Enemy: 8000

In Luca, a woman was stood in a doorway as the din of children laughing and talking could be heard. She clapped her hands loudly

"Lights out time children!"

On cue, the children ceased thier activitys and retired to thier beds. Smiling, the woman turned off the light before closing the door

"Good night children" She said with a smile.

Turning over in his bed, Nomi snuggled himself into the pillow before closing his eyes. However a small squeak made him open them as he smiled

"Good night Kai" Nomi said with a smile

On the bed side table was Kai's card, as the small hamster was stood there in his ghostly form with his wings, giving them a flap before he dissappeared. Closing his eyes again, Nomi felt himself drifting to sleep...

"Nomi"

His eyes snapped open immediately as he recognised the voice. Trying his best to be quiet, he got out of bed and moved to the window. Looking down into the courtyard, was Elan, still in his human form who gave a wicked smile and beckoned Nomi to him. Immediately picking up Kai's card, Nomi headed downstairs and into the courtyard. As he went through the front door, Elan was still stood in place waiting for hi. Standing a few metres away from him, Nomi noticed the changes to his skin, as Elan sniggered.

"Is that look the way to greet an old friend?" Elan asked

"We were never friends" Nomi replied.

"True... but we can be" Elan said licking his lips

"No chance. I wont be friends with bullys like you!" Nomi retorted

"I was hoping you would say that" Elan smirked his eyes suddenly turning feral.

He launched forward a hand outstretched to grab Nomi by the throat, as the young boy shrieked in fright. However a second before he would make contact a bright light seemed to intercept Elan's hand. Grunting in frustration, Elan re-doubled his efforts but the light would not let him closer and in the end he jumped back in defeat. The light then died down to reveal it was Kai, who with a squeak flaped his wings to land back on Nomi's shoulder, who was visibly shocked at the sight.

"I must say im impressed" Elan spoke up "Kaiser didnt leave you defenceless after all, he left you that thing as a bodyguard. Even out of a duel its still just as strong"

Nomi could not say anything, he was merely looking at the small animal on his shoulder who was returning his gaze. Giving a squeak of unspoken words, Nomi nodded in response as Kai began to dissolve into pyreflies, which quickly travelled down the boys arm to form a duel disk which activated.

"Kai says we should settle this in a duel!" Nomi declares.

"Oh?" Elan said as his own duel disk activated. "You seriously want to loose to me so badly again?"

"I have Kai with me! I wont loose with him!" Nomi replied defiantly.

"Well lets see about that"

"Duel!"

Elan: 8000
Nomi: 8000

Back in the travel agency, the entire group had gathered around a table and were eating an evening meal.

"Should we grab Kaiser?" Tara asked. "I doubt he has eaten today"

"Im not sure" Tidus said "He seemed really freaked out earlier and said he was going to our room"

"I hope hes ok" Yuna asked concerned.

Before they could carry on the conversation further, there was a loud scream from outside the Travel Agency. The group had leaped from the table within seconds and headed outside, armed with thier various weapons.

In the dark on the bluff were Tidus, Kaiser and Yuna had been earlier was Cali. Her duel disk was activated as she seemed to be staring down a woman infront of her who was stood on the end of the cliff. Cali's mother seemed to be unconscious on the floor behind her. She had long green hair stretching down to her knees, pale skin and was wearing a thin dark purple dress with a split up the side. But suprisingley she seemed to have a golden duel disk that looked like bat wings currently active.

"I promise you dear that if you tell me where he is I shall forget your challenge and leave you in peace" The woman said

As the others approached the scene, Yuna quickly moved behind Cali to her mother to treat her.

"Shes alright, just unconscious" Yuna said

Tidus, Auron and Kimahri stood before the woman with their weapons drawn.

"And who are you supposed to be?!" Tidus spat

"I am Camula, and I have no need for the likes of you!" She said.

A second later squeaking began to echo all around them as a swarm of bats seemed to descend from no where, biting and clawing at the group. Flapping thier arms to get them away, the bats seemed to be forcing them away from Cali who remained un harmed. Lulu raised her arm as she cast a Fire spell into the swarm which squeaked in pain before flying away to form a barrier between them all.

"Now then" Camula said re-addressing Cali "Tell me where Kaiser is and no one else will be harmed"

"No!" Cali retorted "Kaiser will help us beat Sin! I wont let you near him! No one will!"

"If you want a duel!" Tara said stepping forward activating her duel disk "Then you can take on me!"

"Maybe next" Camula smirks. "For now this child has decided to challenge me, and if she has no useful information then I will be forced to dispose of her"

Drawing her opening hand, Cali did the same as Tidus was furiously trying to get past the bats.

"Someone do something!" Tidus shouted

"Go get Kaiser!" Yuna shouted

"Oh?" Camula said hearing. "Well it looks like I will get my feast after all, but for now its time to teach you, insolent child a lesson" Camula smiles

"Duel!"

Camula: 8000
Cali: 8000

Kaiser: 8000
Enemy: 8000

My opponent drew thier opening hand silently, before drawing a card indicating they were going first. They seemed to study thier hand for a moment before setting a monster face down, then rather suprisingley activating five continuous spell cards which appeared on the field. For a moment I stand silently awaiting an explanation from my opponent, but all I recieved was a wave of thier hand, which I believed to signal the end of thier turn. Shaking my head that it seemed like my opponent would be mute in this match, I peer across the duel field to read thier effects. As I did I became more and more worried.

They were all infact similiar, each revolving around a type of monster I controlled during each of my End Phase, and each card being named as the summon method followed by the word Penalty. For each card, if I did not control a Ritual, Effect, Fusion, Synchro and XYZ monster I would take fifteen hundred points of damage. Assuming I controlled none of these at the end of this turn I would take a massive seventy five hundred points of damage, an amount that was not acceptable to take so early on in a duel.

The plus side was the instant I summoned a monster that the card listed, the spell card would be destroyed and we both would draw one card. I knew I could summon each one of those monsters easily, however there was a problem.

Glancing down at my hand I see it cant be much worse for a typical bad hand. I had draw all three of my Blue-Eyes, Rank-Up Magic Soul Force and the White Stone of Ancients. While I could summon the White Stone to destroy one card, the rest I could do nothing about with my current hand. Reaching down, I draw a card for my turn, which was Pot of Greed. I immediately play it and reach down hoping for something to turn this around...

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Echoed out around my soul room.

My eyes immediately shot forward to my opponent who had not moved, clearly it couldnt have been them. But who? Looking around I see nothing for several moments as my eyes glance around the darkness, before several spot lights seemed to turn on in the sky as a figure with his arms outstretched was illuminated. Sporting green hair on top with red underneath, he wore goggles on his forehead with a white jacket draped around his shoulders with an orange shirt and dark green trousers with deck boxes built into them.

"Your gracious host, Yuya Sakaki will now call this duel to welcome our lastest entrant into the world of Entertainment Dueling!"

I chuckle for a moment before speaking. "So I consider this my lesson?" I ask

"Of course you do! So now let us find out if our hero can get out of this field! His opponent has really piled the pressure on to force him into a corner! He needs five different monster types to prevent critical damage in a single turn, perhaps he needs a method to summon multiple monsters at once?" Yuya declares.

He then held foward a Pendulum that was around his neck, which the crystal shined. Looking down I see the top of my deck was shining, to which I respond by getting ready to draw my cards.

"Lets see if our hero can create a miracle!" Yuya declared.

"The fun has just begun!" I declare as I draw my cards in a blue and silver arc. Turning them over, I see they are indeed what I expected them to be. Looking towards Yuya, I nod in thanks before continuing my move.

"With my scale zero Cyber Soul Orb Dragon and my scale thirteen High King with Eyes of Blue, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

Setting the cards on the outside of the monsters zones on my duel disk, they both registered while the word PENDULUM formed between the two, as to my side on the field, two blue cylinder of lights appeared as two shapes formed in each. The High King with Eyes of Blue was an elderley man holding a blue sword dressed in typical regal ware as a large number 13 appeared below him. While the Cyber Soul Orb Dragon seemed like a smaller version of Cyber Dragon, that was coiled around a silver orb with a number 0 below it.

"And now! Our hero can summon multiple monsters between level zero and thirteen simultaneously!" Yuya declared.

"Soar!" I declare "Pendulum of my dark soul! Draw a shining line across the sky for the monsters that bring forth my light! Pendulum Summon! Now swing into action! My beloved monsters!"

Between the two scales, a large circular portal opened as several beams of blue and silver light shot out to take the forms of my monsters on the field.

"First we have the Tuner monster White Stone of Ancients!"

White Stone of Ancients 600/300

The White Stone seemed to be like a small White egg that was stuck inside a stone, but it clearly shone with hidden power.

"And now! By the power of the suns light! Form into a creature of radiance! And by the power of the soul, may the living legend arise! Appear! Monster of my soul! Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"

Blue Eyes White Dragon 3000/2500
Blue Eyes White Dragon 3000/2500
Blue Eyes White Dragon 3000/2500

As all three dragons formed on the field, they hissed and roared as my opponent stood unfazed, while one of the Enemy's spell cards shattered. The enemy silently drew a card while I did the same.

"Thats one down!" Yuya spoke "Can our hero now remove the last four from the field!?" Yuya asked no one in particular.

"Easily done!" I declare "I play Rank-Up Magic Soul Force! This card now uses one of my Blue-Eyes and this card in an overlay! Rank up XYZ Change!"

With a roar, one of the Blue-Eyes and Soul Force transformed into blue light streams that flew into the air, before shooting back down to the ground inside a galaxy shaped hole that had formed.

"Darkness of my deepest soul, take root from the darkest plane below, and bring forth darkness that covers the light!"

As I spoke the galaxy shaped hole began to turn blood red in colour and swirled faster and faster...

"XYZ Summon!"

... before exploding outward in a shower of pyreflies.

"Arise from the dark! Rank Eight! Soul Numbers Ten! Blue-Eyes Demon Dragon!"

What formed on the field looked like Blue-Eyes but that had been spliced with a bat, with the dragon itself black in colour with its wings looking leathery and fleshy, while its tail had actually been replaced with a sythe on the end. Its claws had become feral talons as it now licked its lips with a very long elongated tongue.

Soul Numbers Ten: Blue-Eyes Demon Dragon 2500/3000 OLU 2

Again the opponent did not even react as another of his cards were destroyed and we both drew.

"Next I Tune my level eight Blue-Eyes White Dragon and the level one White Stone of the Ancients!"

Forcing itself free from the rock, the white stone somehow propelled itself into the air to which Blue-Eyes immediately followed it.

"Gentle soul from on high, glide down from the gates of eternity, and shine your light down upon the unworthy!"

The green synchro gate began to form as Blue-Eyes shed its form and transformed into its eight level stars as it passed through the single synchro ring...

"Synchro Summon!"

...Exploding in a flash of light, the sky began to open as a white light and form began to descend.

"Descend in radiant light! Level Nine! Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon!"

Forming in a symphony of light, appeared the altered dragon. It was mostly transparent in appearance, giving it an almost ghost like appearance. Its white pure body was mostly unchanged, but its claws and various spikes on its wings had become brown in colour.

Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon 2500/3000

As another card was destroyed and we both drew, I continued.

"Next is the Ritual Spell Chaos Form! I tribute my remaining level eight Blue-Eyes left on the field and perform a Ritual Summon!"

Blue-Eyes roared as it began to dissolve into Pyreflies as a large hexaganal metallic gate appeared on the field behind me. The pyreflies flew towards its doors which began to draw open to reveal the monster behind it.

"Anger of the god of war, infuse the white dragon with the fury of your mighty fists to bring destruction in your name!"

As the door opened, the silhoutte of a massive creature could be seen in the shadows as bright blue eyes began to shine in the darkness.

"Ritual Summon!"

Two metal clad hands grabbed either side of the gate to force its way through...

"Dragon of Fated Fury! Level Eight! Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon!"

... and thrust itself through the door onto the field. Blue-Eyes entire body had been covered in shining blue armour, as it screeched in fury as it touched down on the field, clenching its fists in readyness.

Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon 4000/0

As the next card was destroyed I practically ripped the top card from my deck already knowing what my next move was.

"Now for the finale! I activate Dragons Mirror! I banish from my field or graveyard, fusion material monsters to fusion summon! With that in mind, I banish all three of my Blue-Eyes White Dragons's from my graveyard!"

As the three cards popped out of my graveyard, the three Blue-Eyes appeared briefly on the field for a second as I held my arms out wide...

"Power that transcends power! Take form into a Dragon of unparalled fury! By the evolution of my soul, may it take flight!"

... before the fusion vortex formed and were quickly drawn inside it...

"Fusion Summon!"

... as I flung my arms back together in fists to clash together.

"Now appear! Level twelve! Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!"

In a roar and explosion of pyreflies, the mighty fusion dragon appeared on the field. All three heads hissing and roaring as they looked down at my enemy.

Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon 4500/3800

"And our hero completes the show!" Yuya said as the final card was destroyed and we both drew "Summoning all the different monster types in a single turn! Even Reiji would be impressed!" Yuya declares.

As my four dragons snarled and roared at the enemy across the field, who remained stoic in response despite the overwhelming disadvantage, I had just one thought in my mind.

"Wait for me Joji... im coming to save you!"

The art of Pendulum has arrived! Since Arc-V has finished and I really enjoyed the series, I felt a fitting introduction was required. Next chapter we have a quadruple duel. See you then!