This is my fic from YCM, which to my amazement has recived some positive feedback. However, as the average of comments is once a year, i decided it would be nice to get more than one persons (I tip my hat to your Neo) feedback. At least, I hope.
So, prologue time.
And then, without further ados.
Waiting for all the critisizm, hopefully most of it constructive. It will be nice to know what everyone thinks, aside from Neo. I know his views many atime. Though please feel free to comment still Neo.
Also, anyone know how to put links on bits of text?
So, prologue time.
- 'Prologue. ':
- Sigma Alpharius headquarters – Location, twelve miles south- south east of Caliban, in the town of Ashton. 5:50pm Wendesday 18th July.
Ashton was a quiet place. Located on an island, a mile off the coast from Caliban, it was an assortment of terraced houses in a grid iron pattern, dating back to the 1600’s. You could fit the entire population of the town within a double decker bus. It was a place very much behind times, the most recent building was a post office built in 1989, and only three people in the entire town owning a TV. That was until Sigma Alpharius, a multinational corporation had built there headquarters, a million pound skyscraper in the town, on top of the twenty million pound purchasing of the island in the first place.
And since then, the entire population of the town has been complaining. Complaining about the noise, the pollution, the constant flow of ships to and from the island, and the vehicles that drove through the town to the headquarters. Complaining about rumours of eviction from the island. It would be over by the end of the day.
…
An alarm blared through the SA building. Doors locked, and blast shields lowered on all the glass. The building was under attack. Fifty armed guards rushed through the building, searching each floor methodically. As they went, the trapped staff fled behind the guards. The claxon was deafening, so much so that it could be heard clearly in the town itself.
People walked outside shouting, searching for the sound of the noise. A stream of terrified people ran, screaming. The towns people simply muttered to themselves and went about their day. Publicity stunts like this had happened before.
The guards had reached the top floor. The doors opened, and the sight inside was unlike any they had seen before. Blood had sprayed the room, the walls, the glass, and carpets soaked in the red river flowing from the headless body of Ibram Cain, the CEO of Sigma Alpharius. A faceless figure, female with in a tight black body suit that seemed to ripple like the ocean stood holding the CEO’s head. A crystalline purple blade extended from a device on her left hand. Her head snapped to face the guards, her motions catlike.
“Hands in the Air! Move and we will shoot.” One guard shouted, raising his assault rifle, and putting the woman in his sights. The woman’s mask rippled violently, and slowly took on the shape of a jesters mask.
“You….” The voice that spoke was not a woman’s voice, but the kind that would appear in nightmares, rasping and cold. She stepped forwards, over the corpse.
“DON’T MOVE.” The Guard shouted. The woman stopped, and her head cocked to the side.
“This… is only the beginning…” Her hand darted to the device on her hand, and a red light flashed twice. The guards opened fire, their guns roaring. White light exploded outwards, and the guards screamed in pain, flesh stripping away from bone. Glass shattered, and the light flowed onwards, spreading out of the building.
In Ashton, people had seconds before the light consumed them. Shadows were burnt into walls before they to vanished under the heat. The explosion could be seen a hundred miles away, and only there people could see it for what is was. A mushroom cloud blooming upwards into the sky…
And then, without further ados.
- 'Chapter One. ':
Caliban – Micheal Hopkins Stadium. 4:48 pm Wednesday 18th July.
A maximum capacity crowd. A hundred thousand fans. A million viewers across the country. Maybe a billion across the world. And all them were cheering. Cheering the name of current Russian Duelling Champion Dimitri Vevelosky, currently waiting in the stadium changing room. This was his night, no one else’s.
Dimitri had been the runt of his family. He was the youngest of four sons and three daughters, and had been the shortest and weakest for years. His parents had always used him for the worst tasks on the farm back in the colds of Siberia. They said I was worthless, but look at me know. His name was known across the world, people would ask for his autograph when they saw him. And what of his family… Stuck on a farm in the bitter cold wilderness, living in poverty. Dimitri pulled his worn fur coat closer to his body, nightmares of the nights trapped in the barn house drifting back. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer, the suns golden rays piercing into the otherwise dank changing room from the window. It was his night. Nothing would change that.
Dimitri.
“No… not you again.” Dimitri said, opening his eyes. The same voice had been following him, haunting him wherever he went. Not even his dreams were a safe place. He sighed and stood.
Dimitri…
A shadow passed in front of the sunlight. Dimitri spun around, the voice coming from beside him now.
“Who-Who is there?” Dimitri said in his native tongue. The shadow moved once again, and Dimitri was bathed in the light again. His breaths were rushed, heart rushing. A door slammed and Dimitri jumped.
“Mr Vevelosky, it’s time.” Said event organizer, a small young man in his early twenties with greasy hair. Dimitri sighed in relief.
“Very well.” His English was heavy and slurred, a much different sound to his Russian tongue. Dimitri walked out of the room, the door held open by the organizer. As he moved to follow in Dimitri’s wake, a locker slammed shut. The organiser stepped away from the door, looking for anyone else in the room.
“Hello? Anyone there?” He asked. Silence. He walked further away from the door, double checking. Finally he dismissed it simply as the wind, and turned. The door had closed. He moved to open it but touched something cold, something invisible. He backed away. The air began to move like water in a pond, and he found himself staring into a faceless woman. He opened his mouth to scream, but found no sound could emerge from his throat, only blood. He looked down, and a green crystalline sword was dug into his neck. The faceless figures skin rippled, and within moments the event organizer found himself staring into his own eyes. The last thing he ever saw.
Dimitri took his walk of glory. The long walk towards the duel field at the centre of the stadium, renovated for duelling in the place of football. The crowds roars became a symphony as he set foot on the grass. His opponent took the walk at the same time, both players staring down there opponent. A psychological battle.
“Welcome Ladies and Gentleman to a clash between champions.” Said the commentator, his voice ringing out from the loudspeakers, hyping the crowd. “In the blue corner… We have Russian Champion Dimitri Vevelosky.” A spot light flashed onto Dimitri, the majority of the crowds cheering all the harder.
“And in the red corner, we have the Caliban champion, Alex White-Run.” A small group of fans screamed his name, before being drowned by the repeated chanting.
“Dimitri! Dimitri! Dimitri!” The two duellists reached the field at the centre, and the cheers of the crowd died. Both stood in silence.
“You are one I am here to crush?” Dimitri asked. The smack talk, yet another psychological battle.
“No. I’m the guy who’s here to beat you back to Russia.” Alex said laughing at Dimitri’s attempts. He was yet another young man, a skinny teenager from the looks, and yet he already had a reputation for being one of the best.
“I would welcome that. The weather would be an improvement.” Alex just laughed.
“Wow… That one was really good. I’m quaking in my boots.” Alex activated his duel disk, a standard issue, stainless steel, Sigma Alpharius model. Dmitri did likewise, and both players drew the starting hand.
“Let this Championship match begin!” The announcer shouted, and the crowd cheered.
“Age before Beauty. And since you’re neither I’ll go first.” Alex said before drawing. “I set two cards, and then I summon Cardcar D (800/400).” A flat blue racing car whirled into life before bursting apart into light.
“And I tribute him to draw two cards, which moves my turn to the end phase.”
Dimitri drew. One turn in, and he was one card down on the stranger. That will change.
“I summon Mermail – Abysspike(1600/800).” An armoured merman, much like a swordfish rose from a swirling portal of water. “Since I did so, I may discard a Water monster, and add a level 3 water monster to my hand.” Another swirling whirlpool appeared, a blue human-fish hybrid rising briefly to fire a crossbow bolt at one of Alex’s face downs. “As Atlantean Marksmanwas was sent to the grave for the activation of a water monster effect, I can destroy one set card you control.”
“Shame you picked a bad one.” Alex had a confident smirk on his face. See if you are confident after this.
“Abysspike attack this whelp.” The mermaid lunged forwards, armoured fists raised.
“Nope. Memory of a Rival. I take damage equal to your monsters attack, it gets banished.” Abysspike punch hit with a dull thud, knocking Alex back(4000-2400). Abysspike then vanished in a consuming white light. “And at the end of your next turn, I gain control of him. For a Russian Champion, you aren’t that good so far.” Alex said, yawning. Dimitri set two cards before ending his turn.
“I start with Photon Sanctuary. I get to special summon two photon tokens, downside is I can’t attack with them, synchro with them, or summon stuff other than light monsters.” Two orbs of bluish light rose next to Alex, before vanishing. “And I tribute my two tokens to Special Summon Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon as they both have 2k attack points. (3000/2500)” A colourless prism rose, slowly expanding outwards to reveal a shimmering sapphire dragon, ruby streaks upon its slowly unfurling wings. It let out a triumphant roar, and landed on the ground with a thud. The crowd roared at the sight of Alex’s signature monster.
“And then I normal summon Alexandrite Dragon. (2000/0)” A equal impressive dragon flew into the stadium, its hide encrusted with gems. It took its place next its more impressive cousin.
“Galaxy Eyes, attack. Photon Stream of Destruction.” Alex shouted, and the dragon breathed a stream of sapphire flames towards Dimitri.
“The winters in Siberia are warmer than your Dragon’s flames. Face down, Damage Diet. All damage I would take is halved this turn.” The face down flipped up, and the flames of Galaxy eyes died as they struck Dimitri, who stood strong and let them pass around him. (Dimitri 4000-2500).
“Alexandrite hit him again.” Alexandrite roared and took flight towards Dimitri, the beat of its wings causing Dimitris’ coat to flap wildly. The Dragon slashed Dimitri, knocking him back with a grunt. (Dimitri 2500-1500).
“Is that all you have? I must tell my comrades they have little to fear.” Dimitri said, faking a laugh. The crowd were losing their faith in him, the constant cheering of Dimitri fading out to a new sound.
“ALEX. ALEX. ALEX. ALEX.”
“Looks like the crowds finally cheering the right tune. I’ll chuck a pair of face downs to end my turn.” Alex said smugly.
Dimitri…
“No… not now.” Dimitri whispered, drawing his card. His hand was shaking, in fact he nearly dropped the card he drew.
“Russian dude. You high or something?” Alex asked, and Dimitri shook his head.
“Not your problem little boy. I think the crowd needs a reason to cheer again.” He bellowed, chuckling to himself.
“You talk big.” Alex said smirking.
“I never talk without being able to support what I’m saying. I show you. I start by summoning Deep Sea Diva, and since I summon it, I get to special summon a level 3 or lower sea serpent from my deck. Rise Atlantean Armed Solider. (0/1600).” A purple mermaid rose from yet another whirlpool, and with a click of her fingers, and another blue fish-human hybrid appeared next to her, a shield in either hand that combined to form a more threatening fish face. Now, from the looks of things now, he could easily summon Neo Galaxy Eyes next turn if he has Kaiser in his hand… and he is obviously a competent duellist… it may be best to throw my own signature into play.
“I use Armed Soldier’s effect. I am allowed to summon an additional level 4 or lower Sea Serpent. Atlantean Marksman, take aim again.” Another blue fish warrior appeared, crossbow aimed directly at Alex. “And now it’s time. I set one card, and I tribute my three monsters. Rise from the depths, Atlantean Dragon Poseidra (2800/1600).” The three monsters burst into water, and formed a pool, a dark shape moved with the pool, before bursting upwards, a spray of water in all directions. The creature, a sea dwelling armoured dragon, howled at its enemy. Water dripped down its blue scales, its trident tail crashing back into the water.
“My two Atlantean effects activate, Marksman Destroys one of your set cards and Armed Solider destroys your Galaxy Eyes.” The two fish rose beneath their master, one of them spearing the left face down with its bolt, and the other ramming towards the Sapphire Dragon.
“Face down activate, Safe Zone. Galaxy Eyes is safe.” The second face down card flipped, and Armed solider bounced off the toughened hide of Galaxy Eyes. A white aura surrounded it.
“Silly man, your dragon is doomed none the less. Poseidra, Roar of the Ocean.” The Dragon roared, the sound echoing around the stadium, followed by rushing water. A wave of chilling water spread across the field, its every motion linked to the roar of Poseidra. It washed every spell and trap off the field, and the aura that protected Galaxy Eyes tore it away as it went.
“Every spell and trap card on the field is returned to its owners hand, and as safe zone disappeared, so too does your Dragon. Since 3 cards were returned, all of your monsters lose 300 attack for each card returned.” The water froze, locking alexandrite dragon in place. (Alexandrite 2000 – 1100/0).
“Poseidra, attack.” The dragon swam forwards, and reared up above Alexandrite. Alex laughed, caught in the dragons shadow.
“Oh come on. You’re playing a Photon deck. What’s the ultimate support for a light monster?” Alex spun one card in his hand, and Dimitri swore. “Do your work Honest.” An angel rose in front of Alexandrite dragon, bathing it in light, raising its power. (Alexandrite 1100-3900/0) Poseidra smashed its weight downwards, only to be knocked away by Alexandrite. Poseidra exploded into fragments. (Dimitri 1500 - 400)
Dimitri… You will…
Dimitri spun around, the voice seemed to come from behind him. He was panting, the cries of the audience dying down.
“Russian dude. Seriously man, this ain’t funny.” Damn it Dimitri, pull yourself together. You are on television. Don’t let your problems come out now. It’s all in your head.
Dimitri… You must…
“I set two cards. Make your move boy.” Dimitri said. Alex looked at him confused, but carried on anyway. A white light flashed, and Mermail – Abysspike, the armoured merman from before appeared next to Alex.
“If you say. I’ll make it quick so you don’t embarrass yourself any more. I release my two monsters to advance summon Photon Kaiser (2000/2800).” The two monsters vanished, and a knight, glittering golden armour, hooked sword in one hand, and a deep blue shield in the other took their place. A second Knight followed suit.
“Since I normal summoned Kaiser, I get another one from my deck. And now I’ll give these people a show. Overlay level 8. Descend, Number 40: Gimmick Puppet Heaven’s Strings (3000/2500).” WHAT?! No Neo Galaxy… Damn it I had prepared for it…but not this. The two monsters burst into a white light, which rose upwards into a galaxy style portal. A requiem began to play, and a red glow filled the stadium. Slowly, it descended. It towered above all other monsters that had been summoned so far, the peak of its solitary wing higher than the stadium itself. A fallen angel, broken and discarded drifted into view, a look of horror forever etched on its gothic visage. The ground shook as it touched down.
“You’ll be finishing nothing boy. I activate my face down, Atlantean Roar. Return Deep Sea Diver, Marksman, and Armed Solider.” The three monster reappeared, the two fish warriors, and the purple mermaid, all in a defensive stance, and all standing defiant against the towering Dragon in front of them.
“Heaven’s Strings attack Diva. Crush the fish.”
“Zeus’ Breath. Attack is negated. And you take 800 damage. You haven’t won this turn.” A wave of water rose up, separate Heaven’s Strings from its opponents. Diva burst through, striking Alex in the chest before retreating. The crowd were once again chanting for Dimitri. Heaven’s Strings should have been a game ender. Now it was sitting useless. (Alex 2400-1600)
“This turn being the key words. Number 40, Requiem Strings!” The Gimmick puppet absorbed on of its overlay units into its sword. The music slowly grew to a crescendo, a portal opening above the field. Red strings descended, wrapping around the three sea serpents. “All your monsters have gained a string counter. In your end phase they will detonate and you lose 500 for each.” He set two cards. I need a good draw here… the right card… He obviously knows Poseidra could resurrect from the grave… I need something better... Something less obvious...
Dimitri drew.
“I activate effect of Genex Ally Birdman in my hand, by returning card on my field to hand, it gets special summoned. (1400/400).” Deep Sea Diva was struck by a sudden gust of wind, blowing it back into the card. In its place, a small robotic parrot appeared.
“Now, I tune level 3 Birdman, with level 3 Marksman. Dragon of the Ice Barrier, Brionac rise. (2300/1400)” Birdman flew into the air, breaking apart into three green rings, Marksman swam into the rings, breaking down into three stars. A lance of green light shot through, and a new beast was born. The stadium felt colder, breaths visible. A white dragon, held aloft on wings of ice slid down from the skies, snake like body twisting as it moved. It roared, the sound reminding people of winter days. It settled on the ground, rearing up to be as tall as its opponent.
“I activate Brionacs effect. Discard card, and I return card on field to hand.”
“Safe Zone. You are unable to target my Gimmick Puppet. Obvious Russian dude.” A white aura surrounded the puppet, shielding it from the Dragon opposite it.
“You played into trap. I return my own Armed Solider to my hand. And then discard it to activate Brionacs effect again. Armed Soldier’s effect also activates. Say goodbye to both your face down, and safe zone. And as Safe Zone goes… So goes your Puppet.” The dragon reared back further, drawing the air around it in. It exhaled and flapped its wings, and a snowstorm consumed the field. When the storm ceased, Brionac stood alone, roaring in triumph.
“Well done. Game is yours.” Alex disengaged his duel disk before the attack could be declared, and walked over towards Dimitri.
Something exploded, and the crowd screamed. A white light filled the sky, and a wave of force battered the stadium, throwing everyone to the ground. A row of sets gave way, collapsing downwards, throwing the occupants in all directions. A mushroom cloud blossomed in the distance. Dimitri groaned, winded by the force. His head slowly turned, and he saw a shadow, a living shadow dart across the open field.
“Dimitri… It has begun… “ Said the voice.
Only this time, it wasn’t a dream. Dimitri turned his head, ears ringing from the blast, and saw the event organiser standing over him.
“Dimitri…” He said, his voice had changed, the same haunting voice he had heard every day for a long, long time.
“You. You’re-“ Dimitri started, before stopping. The event organiser rippled, and he morphed becoming a faceless woman, a living shadow.
“Dimitri… You are to come with me… Refusal will result in the death of all those present.” To prove her point, a blade slid out of the device on its right hand, slick with blood. The assassin- that was the right word for it- looked around, a predator analysing the situation before it commits to the hunt. Dimitri stayed down, and the Assassin looked at him again.
“Dimitri… You will come with me by force if necessary… and everyone here will die as a result…” Dimitri stood slowly, clutching his side in pain. He’d felt something snap when he landed. He limped away, following the assassin.
Security rushed onto the field, guns raised at the Assassin. The five men looked unused to carry fire arms, hands shaking, one fiddling with the safety. Another swore as the clip slid clean out of the gun. The Assassin cocked her head, and with a flick of her wrist, the blade fired out of the device, striking the first guard in the throat. He collapsed onto his knees, and then fell to the side. Two of the guards fled, screaming in terror. The Assassin rushed forwards, her movements a blur. One guard fired, but the woman stepped to the side, her every motion faster than Dimitri could see. The guard fired again, same result. She grabbed the pistol from his hand before he could fire again, grabbing his throat and lifting him into the air with one hand. She fired two shots. The fleeing guards collapsed. The Assassin cocked her head once again, and the head of guard she held mirrored it, neck snapped. The last guard fell to his knees, pleading for his life, tears stream streaming down his face.
“Please… Please don’t kill me. Please don’t kill me. Please don’t kill me.” The Assassin leant down, and picked up its blade. Its back was to the last guard. Dimitri blinked, and in that time the assassin had turned to face the guard, who now lay face down in a slowly growing pool of blood. She gestured for Dimitri to follow. Dimitri walked slowly, feeling sick at the sight. If I try and run… she will kill everyone. He threw up as he walked past the dead guards, the think metal tang in the air.
Dimitri caught up with the assassin at the exit to the stadium. A lone black jeep was waiting at the entrance, door open like a set of black gates.
“What-What do you want with me?” Dimitri asked, voice quivering. The assassins blank stared at Dimitri. She raised her hand and he flinched. No violence, she simply pointed at the jeep.
“Enter… or they die…” The clock above the entrance to the stadium entrance rang, the sound ominous. “Enter… before the sixth chime.” Dimitri turned, shaking-
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The steps seemed to drag for eternity. He was approaching death most-
three-
likely. He reached the bottom of the steps finally, and turned his head towards the ocean, the orange-
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bloom of the mushroom cloud, far off in the distance. He wondered who had been unfortunate enough to get caught in-
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the blast. With one final sigh, he stepped into the jeep, and the door slammed shut behind Dimitri Vevelosky. The Jeep turned away from-
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the stadium, its destination unknown. And amidst the chaos of a nuclear strike on the island of Ashton, no one had noticed the disappearance.
Waiting for all the critisizm, hopefully most of it constructive. It will be nice to know what everyone thinks, aside from Neo. I know his views many atime. Though please feel free to comment still Neo.
Also, anyone know how to put links on bits of text?