Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Altered Destinies ❯ Chapter 14 ( Chapter 14 )

This is my first attempt at a Yu-Gi-Oh fanfiction so please be kind in your reviews, if you review. I might not have many of the characters in character. On another note I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh and never will. I don't know whom it is that owns Yu-Gi-Oh and besides giving these unknown parties credit for making such a kickass manga/anime, I don't really care. Also, I don't have any money right now so, no one can benefit at all when it comes to suing me.

I came up with this idea when I read a couple of stories that I have read on fanfiction.net. One was recently taken off for some reason but it had been a good story. The other focused on the series if Yugi had been born a girl. I decided to take my shot at this kind of story but using Seto Kaiba. I will only mention this once so pay attention:

/Backslash/ - a conversation between a person and their spirit. i.e.: Yugi to Yami and vice versa.

//Double Backslash// - the person is thinking.

-Altered Destinies, Chapter 14-

Kaiba opened the door to the museum and entered the hall to find the Egyptian woman that was on the television inviting her to a private exhibition. //That must be her.// Seto thought as she started over to her host for the moment. //This better be good if she interrupted me during business.// The business girl stopped with one meter separating her from Isis.

"Good evening Ms. Kaiba," Isis said. "I'm glad that you could meet with me on such short notice. I do hope you'll find what we have here is interesting."

"I'm so sure about that Ms. Ishtal," the brunette said in a sarcastic, "and my first question before we get right down to business is where are all the other guests for this exhibit?" //I do recall that she invited me to a showing.//

"This is a private exhibition Kaiba," Isis explained. "You were the only one invited here so that I could do some business with you. You can go whenever you want and the security guards are only sealing this place off because we've had a string of attempted robberies. The artifacts here came from a tomb that no other archeologist or Egyptologist was ever successful in recovering from." //Mainly because of the curses of the game of darkness that protect the tomb itself.// "And many would like the chance to get their hands on them, especially with one particular item. Please follow me if you want to find out more about what I called you here for." Isis motioned her guest to follow her further down the hall. A few minutes passed by before Isis spoke up, "So Kaiba, do you believe in destiny and reincarnation?"

//What is this nonsense about?// Seto thought about the question. "Does it really even matter with what this is all about?"

"Well I am certain you have heard all about how Pegasus came up with the idea of Magic and Wizards," Isis said.

"He got the idea from his travels throughout the world," Kaiba mentioned. "Different areas of the world spawned different concepts of cards. Japan gave birth to the Spirit Monsters, Greece gave the new Amazonesses, and Egypt spawn a set that I just recently fought, Gravekeepers."

"Actually Kaiba," Isis interrupted her blue-eyed guest. "Egypt is the very origin of his ideas for the game itself. During his travels in the land of the Pharaohs, he came upon ancient stone carvings that depicted Ancient Egyptian Sorcerers and Kings playing these games with real monsters. With that basis, Pegasus traveled the rest of the world looking for other signs of monsters born from the Dark Realm. Only his Toon World idea was original. Now back to Ancient Egypt, these monsters waged war and a brave Pharaoh would lock away these monsters in stone tablets."

"So," Seto said. "Is this getting somewhere? I do have other important matters to attend to."

"That may be so," Isis said. "But it is very important that you know the full history of Magic and Wizards: Duel Monsters and it will be very important for you as a person and duelist as well." Seto scoffed at the last statement. "Anyways, sorcerers and priests soon discovered a way to summon these monsters out of the tablets that sealed them and control them. Games were then created around these tablets and were used for all sorts of reasons. Land, money, possessions, and even social status among other things." The two reached a darkened room and the black-haired girl stopped. "Ah, we're finally here. This is the most important part of the exhibit for you to see. A tablet that depicted a battle to determine the sixteenth Pharaoh. The winner of this battle was gouged out of the tablet. Many of ancient monsters have evolved to match today's ideas, but a total of six have remained unchanged since this battle. You're search for answers will end right here." She motioned for Seto to continue into the room and the CEO stopped in front of a wall that had a stone tablet blanketed by the darkness of the room.

The light turned on and the contents of the tablet revealed, Seto could only stare at the tablet in awe. "All of these monsters look like duel monsters as you say. Also, they don't look like any duel monsters that I have seen."

"Chances are you haven't any but two of monsters on this tablet," Isis said. "These games were used to determine the next Pharaoh at the time. The winner was gouged out as I said." Isis motioned to a chunk of stone missing at the bottom. Seto's attention was elsewhere on the tablet.

//Black Magician.// Seto thought. //That can't be right, and it looks like it has been summoned to battle.// Seto moved her blue eyes down to see a familiar, spikey-hair figure with a pyramid-shaped pendent hanging from his neck and a crown on his forehead. Rage filled Seto at the sight. "YUGI!!! HE'S THE PHARAOH? NO WAY IN HELL CAN THAT BE RIGHT!!!!"

"You are correct that is Yugi and he is the Pharaoh at the time," Isis answered. "But that isn't the most interesting part. Look at the whole tablet closer and you will see."

Seto looked around on the tablet for what her host was suggesting before her eyes rested on a figure across from her nemesis. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that man looks just like me."

"Actually," Isis said. "She is you Kaiba. You and Yugi have had a rivalry as old as civilization itself. It is no surprise that your duels with Yugi are on such a high level. Even Death-T with Exodia. Destiny cannot be avoided cause history repeats itself eventually. I wouldn't be surprised if the Priest here had parents that disguised her as a boy as well like your parents did to you. That, I believe, answers the question in your head about you being a female and the image carved here looks male."

//How did she know that I was going to ask that question?//

"However," Isis said. "What I really wanted to show you is higher up on the tablet. That will be your clue as to this is about."

Seto looked back up to the tablet, this time above the inscribed battle and the sennen puzzle surrounded by the images or three tablets. Each tablet had a unique monster and Seto could only stare and shiver in anxiety of the sight. //What is this feeling? Those three seem very familiar in a ways. I've heard the rumors of the cards with the same images, but it feels like I've known them even longer than that. She is right about one thing. Those monster, despite being mere carvings, are radiating their power like they are alive.// "I've heard rumors of these cards before. It was said that Industrial Illusions created three cards that could actually affect competitors physically, but those were only rumors."

"Oh those three are real and so are their power," Isis said. "In fact, Pegasus couldn't recreate the ancient dueling game without them, but they were too powerful for him when he finally found them. He had them buried many years ago so that no one could find them and he had me do it so that if he was tempted to find them again that he wouldn't be able to."

//Cards that even Pegasus had feared.// Kaiba thought to herself. //That is just what I need to avenge my defeat at Yugi's hand.// A thought quickly came across her mind. //Wait a minute. She said that Pegasus had her bury the cards so that no one could find them. That means only she knows their location, but why reveal something that she claims is dangerous. Something is up.//

"Pegasus did try to find the cards once again, but he failed," Isis continued with her speech. "Even if he did find their location, it would've been too late. They were recently discovered and taken from their hiding places, but I managed to retrieve one before it was too late."

"The cards have been found," Seto said not believing her ears. "Who was it?"

"It was the criminal organization known as the Ghouls," Isis answered. "I believe you have heard of them."

"Yes," the brunette said disdainfully. "An elite group of rare card hunters. They hunt down the rarest and most powerful cards to build powerful decks and they also run a counterfeit ring with those cards to make a huge profit. Many good duelists have lost their reputation because of these fake cards. Many attempts have been made to catch these crooks but have had no results and the organization seems to get bigger and bigger. What does this have to do with me?"

"If you want to get those cards," Isis said. "We are going to have to set up a tournament. Have the best duelists around the world attend. The Ghouls would easily be ensnared."

"Of course," Seto said. "So many high ranking duelists in one location would be too tempting to pass up. They would come in droves and some of them might participate. They would expose themselves to capture very easily." //Especially if you make the participates bring their rare cards.//

"I wish you the best of luck," older woman said reaching behind her dress and pulling out a card. "But before you go, I would like you to have this. It will ensure the attraction of the Ghouls with the god cards in their decks." //One of them will definitely be Malik.//

Seto looked down at the card that was offered to her and her eyes widened. A picture of a blue humanoid monstrosity appeared on the card. A blue background on the card with the boxes that displayed attack and defense strength at 4000 each. "Obelisk no Kyo Shin Hei. Are you sure that you want do that? You do know that a card this just doesn't show up in a person's hand. I could easily walk out of here and you would never see it again."

"Oh don't worry about that," the blue-eyed lady reassured. //You won't be able to hold onto that card when I am through with you.// "You will give that card back to me in the future. I have foreseen it myself."

"Oh spare me the Cassandra act," Seto said turning her back to her host. "All this talk about magic, past lives, and destiny are a waste of time."

"I'll say this once more," the Egyptian said. "I will expect Obelisk back and when this tournament is over, you will believe in destiny and in your past."

"I doubt that," and with that, Seto took to leaving the museum. //How dare she make such bold declarations? This past life and destiny stuff has no impact on the modern world. Just superstitious nonsense made up by worthless people to justify their existence.//

Little did Seto know, was that someone was watching her. It was the usual kind of observer though, for this observer was watching from inside Seto's soul. A decrepit, near decaying male figure, missing his left eye was watching the scene. "I can't believe my luck. One of the Pharaoh's own weapons is now in my hands. This will be payback for what happen five thousand years ago." The figure turned around to see the heart of the person he now inhabits, which had been shattered a few months ago. "Not only revenge against him, but also against her. The girl with the White Dragon made my child take to the path of light when my child was destined to rule this world in darkness. They made her weak with the concepts of friendship. Secretly, I have tried to manipulate Seto's new life in this time to have her accomplish the destiny that only I alone have the right to set. However, Pharaoh-yo had to show up and destroy her evil side once again. I then had manipulated Pegasus to stage Duelist Kingdom so that I could undo the damage." The figure smiled wickedly. "It was easy to do. Manipulate everything so that Seto's anger would cloud her better judgment so that she would lose to Pegasus and have her soul imprisoned. When Pharaoh-yo won and Pegasus freed the three souls, I used the eye's power to transfer myself here once again. I just wish I could do something about that girl's replacement. That black-haired brother of his complicates things right now. I have a barrier around her heart to prevent her emotions of light from shining through, but that boy's presence allows for some of her useless "love" to shine through. Now with Obelisk, this girls feelings of anger and hatred to the events that happened in her past will consume her and not even that pathetic boy can stop my child path to darkness once again. Bwhahahahahahahah.//

Evening time came for the next day at the KaibaCorp labs. The designs for the new duel disk system were simple and the project was done in near record time and Kaiba was ready to test out the new system. "Okay Ms. Kaiba," a lab technician said. "All systems are go for the test of the new duel disk system and for the god card's power. The rules are the old standard Junior Rules of Magic and Wizards, but with double the life point count (LP: 4000.) Kaiba vs. Duel Robot. You may begin when ready."

Mokuba was watching his sister with concern and a little fear as the duel was about to start. //What is going on with Neesan? It seems like that demon of gaming has returned, but I thought Yugi destroyed it. I don't want her to be angry and hateful anymore. That side seems to slip for a little bit but now with that god card, it seems to be making a comeback. Please don't revert back to that person once again. You've even given up on the Blue Eyes. You are taking on your own deck with all three of those dragons.//

//It's time to see what a god card can do.// Seto thought as the robot started with a Blue Eyes White Dragon. "I draw one card, then I set one card down and play Dark Hypnotist Lucifer to the field in defense and invite Blue Eyes into a dark sleep." A dark, shadowy figure appeared on the field (4/1500/1800,) and with a wave of its hands, the dragon fell asleep. //These dragons have failed me for the last time. They have brought me more defeat than insure my invincibility like they should have. First was that old man's card that destroyed itself, then came Exodia, and then even with the ultimate monster, the Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon, I still couldn't beat Yugi. Even Pegasus won easily. They need to be disciplined for their constant failures and I will give it to them. Tom Coughlin has nothing on me when it comes to strictness.//

"Analyzing Dark Hypnotist Lucifer's special ability and preparing countermeasures," the robot's voice rung. "Draw one card and summon Lord of Dragons to the field." Seto's eyes widened at the new move. "Effects of the Lord of Dragons prevent all Dragon sub-types from being the target of Magic, Trap, and Monster Effects. Blue Eyes White Dragon awakens from its slumber. End turn."

"I draw one card and play Iron Golem in defense," Kaiba said and another monster shows up (5/1900/2200.)

"Determined opponents strategy of protecting her life points, now preparing counter measures by playing Dragon Calling Horn on Lord of Dragons."

"Oh no, that allows the robot to summon any two Dragon Sub-Types from its hand," Kaiba said as two more Blue Eyes White Dragons appeared.

"Commence attack," the Duel Robot said. "First Blue Eyes take out Lucifer, the second beats Iron Golem, and the last dragon along with Lord of Dragons attack directly." The four monster power up and fire their attacks.

"I activate Attack Cancellation to negate all attacks aimed in my direction," the attacks stopped just before connecting. //That bought me some time. This must be how Yugi felt just before he summoned Exodia. Staring down the potential threat of three Blue Eyes White Dragons with only one more turn left. If I don't get Obelisk on the field this turn, I will lose this duel in two more turns.// The computer had to end its turn and Kaiba drew her next card. "I summon Obelisk to the field." A super tall giant took to the field much to the awe of the onlookers (10/4000/4000.) "Now I use its special ability and sacrifice Iron Golem and Dark Hypnotist Lucifer." Kaiba's new monster grabbed the other two in each of his fist and it seemed that their souls were sucked into him. "Now attack my great beast, attack with God Hand Crusher." Obelisk raised its fist as it prepared for attack. Throwing a punch, all the monsters on the Duel Robot's side were destroyed, including the three Blue Eyes White Dragons (DR: 0.)

"Overload, Overload, Overload." The Duel Robot exploded from the damage it took from the attack. Miraculously, the cards it used were unharmed.

"It destroyed all four monsters with a single punch and reduced the opponent to zero life points," Mokuba commented. //What kind of monster has been unleashed?// The young boy ran out from the observation booth to greet his sister. "Hey Neesan, that new monster is awesome. I bet you could beat anyone with that monster."

//Not quite.// The older sibling thought. //Unless I have two monsters on the field when I summon Obelisk, it is just a 4000-attack point monster. Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon can beat him easily.// "Now we've got to determine the rules of this tournament. Let's go to my office."

"How are we going to figure out the rules for the dueling," Mokuba asked. "I don't see what is wrong with the current format."

"It is way to monster based," Kaiba answered. "The junior set of rules that we just used was developed for beginners. I've made my early reputation under the advanced rules. I just had a duel a couple days ago under those rules. I've discovered one thing about both rule settings and that is they're both very broken. The advance rulings give a duelist a huge abundance of resources and many ways around them. The current rules lessen the life point resources, but gets rid of the cost requirements for many normal summoned monsters. I want a rule setting that gives enough resources to be managed, but not enough resources to unbalance the duels. First rule modification will be the life points."

"Okay," the black-haired kid said. "What is the problem here with it?"

"Duels end to fast with the 2000 life points," the tall girl said. "Not only that, but many cards become too risky like Early Burial and Mischievous Demon Twins. Some cards, like Injection Angel Lily become nearly impossible to use. However, at 8000 life points, the cost of 1000 life points to discard two cards, or the cost of 2000 life points to increase the attack strength by 3000 during the damage step of the battle phase, is kind of ridiculous. Those are two great examples of overpowered effects with so little of a cost. Industrial Illusions are thinking about bringing back the old system of dueling, but they will be banning cards from tournament play. Lily and the twins are definite victims in this case.*"

"They are thinking about banning cards," Mokuba commented.

"Yes, because there are too many cards that have been released that have too great of an effect at too little of a cost," Seto answered. "Some of the expected banned cards can be corrected by limiting the Life Point access. 4000 life point is probably the best plateau to use. A 1000 life point cost is a bargain and no longer highway robbery and a duelist would have to think about using such an effect because they cut a bigger portion of their life points. Now with life points taken care of comes monster summoning."

"Now what?"

"Special summons are a problem," Kaiba replied. "There can be any number of special summons in one turn. To act as its own limit, all special summon monsters have some kind of requirements. This would be all well and good if it was for the fact that 90 percent of all special summons are so easy to execute. Normal summons can only be done once per turn and will employ a sacrifice rule. I believe that any monster that requires a fusion card or almost any monster resurrected or summoned by non-ritual magic cards will require that they wait one turn before attacking. Any monster that has a special summon requirement that sacrifices monsters or evolves a monster can attack when they are summoned. Finally on this subject, any monster that has a normal summon requirement of a three monster tribute are consider special summons because it will be difficult to keep a monster on the field that long." The two siblings go on to discuss the rules further as well as other details of the tournament.

-To Be Continued-

* - It is official in Japanese tournaments by Konami. The banned list now has official occupants. This was because too many people were abusing certain powerful cards and one of these banned cards was for its sheer annoyance factor. The list includes:

Injection Angel Lily
Cyber Pod
Fiber Pod
Yatagarasu
Mischievous Demon Twins (Delinquent Dou)
Change of Heart
Thunder Bolt (Rageki)
Harpy's Feather Sweep
Distressing Decisions (Painful Choice)
Imperial Decree (Imperial Order)

I am certain someone as noticed who the figure inhabiting Seto is. This idea came from chapter 334 or 335 on the Yu-Gi-Oh manga scanlations at Jenniyah's site. Next chapter starts the Battle City tournament and Kaiba goes hunting for a group of cheating brothers.