Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Duellist League ❯ Battle Stage 12; Seperate Journey's! The Harpies Mistress ( Chapter 12 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Battle Stage 12: The Harpie's Mistress

Katsuya and Serenity Jyoonouchi stood at the apex of the crater; Serenity brushed some hair behind her ear, closing her eyes to enjoy the breeze. Jou smiled looking around, “Hey, there it is!”

Serenity jumped, “What, what is it?”

Jyoonouchi pointed to a large tower in the distance surrounded by tall trees. Serenity squinted, “Katsuya, are you sure that's where we need to go?”

“Of course I'm sure, let's go!” Jyoonouchi announced marching down the hill. Serenity sighed and stared enviously at Anzu and Yuugi moving down the hill towards their gym before following Jou.

Serenity pursued Jyoonouchi down the hill to a compacted dirt path. They walked for another hour until Jou claimed he'd found a short cut, Serenity sighed and dutifully followed. After two more hours of wandering around the forest Serenity stopped collapsing to the ground, “Katsuya, we're lost aren't we…”

“Nah, we…” Jou said walking in a small circle, “Are lost, you're right…” Jyoonouchi said sweat dropping. Serenity moaned in frustration sinking back to the ground, “KATSUYA, YOU BAKA!!!”

“I was sure this was a short cut…” Jyoonouchi explained by way of an apology. Serenity groaned and stood, Jou shrunk away to avoid getting a slap upside the head from his irate looking little sister. Jyooonouchi raised an eyebrow as a sudden wind blew through the area. Serenity shivered as a screech echoed through the forest area. Jou looked around warily still recalling the incident several days before, when Gazelle (Earth/Beast/4 ATK/1500 DEF/1200) almost tore Serenity's throat out.

Out of the trees another screech resonated through the trees, before Jyoonouchi could speak a speeding blur emerged from the trees. The siblings barely had time to separate before Harpie Girl (Wind/Winged Beast/2 ATK/500 DEF/500) struck. Jyoonouchi rolled to a stop and looked up, the Harpie Girl lunged at Serenity, out of nowhere a Winged Sage Falcos (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/4 ATK/1700 DEF/1200) emerged and struck down Harpie Girl, it screeched angrily and flew back into the forest. The Winged Sage rose into the air and flew towards the trees. It stopped beside its master; the person hid their face in the shadows. A feminine giggle came from the person before she leapt from the branch and began running into the forest.

“Hey!” Jou yelled scrambling to his feet in pursuit of the girl, Serenity jumped up running after the two.

Jyoonouchi pursued the girl through the forest area leaping over logs and ducking several low branches, after several minutes of running Joey came to a halt at the border of the trees. Seconds later, Serenity stopped beside him leaning with her hands on her knees, “Katsuya… why did you do that?”

“I thought… whoa…” Jou began walking out of the trees, “Serenity, check this out.”

Serenity followed her brother out of the trees and her draw dropped. The two were standing on the edge of a circular canyon, at the bottom the waters raged, flowing into a canal on the far side of the canyon. Seemingly suspended in mid-air was a large rock, it stretched across the top of the canyon leaving only a medium sized gap between the forest and the ledge. Tall thick tree trunks lined the perimeter of the rock preventing viewing of the interior.

Serenity stared in awe, “Pegasus is amazing…”

Jyoonouchi snorted, “So amazing dat he stole Gramps soul and almost killed Yuugi…”

Serenity bit her lip, “Oh yeah…”

Jyoonouchi glanced around, “There.” He said indicating to a rope bridge nearby, one end was connected to the ledge, the other was connected to a platform attached to the trees. As the two stepped onto the platform they discovered that it followed the radius of the tree. The siblings walked around to the far side of the tree to discover a city in the trees. Each tree contained several levels of housing with rope bridges interconnecting each tree.

“This place is fantastic.” Serenity gushed.

Jou shrugged, “Its ok.”

The two crossed a rope bridge into the city, Jyoonouchi carefully examining the city for signs of the gym or the Duellist Centre. Serenity looked around the city, the people wandered around the various levels of the city. Jou walked around the levels scratching his head, “Where the heck is this place..?”

Serenity cleared her throat, Jou spun around to find his sister standing under a sign that read “Duellist Centre”. Jyoonouchi sweat dropped, “How did I miss that…”

As the two walked into the Duellist Centre, a Hitomi popped up from behind the reception desk, “Oh hello, welcome to the Duellist Centre.”

Jou smiled, “Hi, do you know where the gym is?”

Hitomi nodded, “Of course, however, before I tell you, I must ask that if you win you return here after.”

“Ah, ok then.”

Hitomi smiled, “Then, the gym is in the very centre of the city, be careful, the gym leader here is well trained and highly skilled duellist.”

Jou grinned, “He won't beat me.”

Hitomi frowned slightly, “Good luck then.”

Jyoonouchi nodded and returned outside; he looked across the city to a trunk in the centre. It rose higher than any of the other trees and was twice as thick. Jyoonouchi boldly walked through the city and pushed aside the doors of the gym.

“My name is Katsuya Jyoonouchi and… where the hell is everyone?”

The gym was a long darkened hall; at the far end was a large door that stood the height of the room. Serenity came up beside her brother and sighed, “Katsuya maybe…” Jou raised his hand and Serenity fell silent. The door at the far end of the hall creaked open, the girl from the forest slipped between the cracks of the doors.

Jyoonouchi's eyes widened, “Hey!”

The girl took off through the door with Jyoonouchi and Serenity in hot pursuit. The girl led the two through a series of corridors that steadily increased in elevation. Jou and Serenity eventually stopped at a small circular room; in the centre extending up through the ceiling was a ladder. The two climbed through the cylindrical tube through the centre of the tree.

Finally reaching the top Jyoonouchi discovered himself on a platform in a canopy of trees. He looked around for the girl, “Where the hell did she go..?”

As if in answer to his question, music specifically I'll Fly Away by Bond began playing from hidden speakers in the canopy. The wind increased causing blossom petals to swirl. Out of a hidden door a tallish long haired blonde with Violet eyes and crimson lips, dressed in a white corset and Amethyst jacket with matching skirt and thigh high stiletto boot emerged, a crimson duel disk on her arm.

Jyoonouchi gapped in shock, he hadn't seen this girl in months, he was beginning to doubt whether he would ever lay eyes on her again, until this moment. Serenity stared in joy and surprise, but also somewhat in fear of what she may have planned for her big brother.

“Hello Katsuya, it's been a long time.”

“M-Mai, what are you doing here?”

Mai laughed slightly, “As thick ever Katsuya, I'm the gym leader in Bellerophon or haven't you noticed?”

Jou paused for a moment, “You, but I thought that girl…”

“Oh you mean Lina, she's quite capable, however, I am the senior duellist in this gym.”

“That's fine and all, but I want to know, where have you been all this time, where did you go after we defeated the Orichalcos?”

Mai frowned, “Yuugi and the Pharaoh Katsuya, you, you moron were in the belly of the Leviathan.”

Jyoonouchi returned the frowned, “Don't remind me.”

“Let's get on with this ok, you're here to challenge for my Rose Badge, I accept your challenge, let's duel.”

Jyoonouchi nodded, “Ok Mai, let's duel.”

Katsuya Jyoonouchi Life Points: 8000

Mai Kujyaku Life Points: 8000

::Jou::

“I draw;

1. I summon a monster, per the summoning conditions I must summon it face down in defence mode;

2. I play two cards face down, your move Mai.”

::Mai::

“I draw;

1. I summon Amazoness Paladin (Earth/Warrior/Effect/4 ATK/1700 DEF/300) in attack mode;

2. I play two cards face down and end my turn.”

::Jou::

“I draw;

1. I flip summon Mystic Swordsman LV4 (Light/Warrior/Effect/4 ATK/1900 DEF/1600) into attack mode.”

“I think you should know, my Amazoness Paladin's effect activates halving your monsters attack (ATK/850).”

Jou frowned, 3. “Fine, but that's bad news for you Mai since Mystic Swordsman LV4 was a flip summon I can sacrifice it to summon Jinzo (Dark/Machine/Effect/6 ATK/2400 DEF/1500) in attack mode.”

Mai smiled, “Sorry Katsuya, Amazoness Paladin… (ATK/1200).”

4. “Damn it… I end my turn.”

::Mai::

Mai smiled, “I draw;

1. I summon Winged Sage Falcos (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/4 ATK/1700 DEF/1200) in attack mode;

2. I play Harpies Feather Duster (Spell) to destroy all your Spell and Trap cards;

3. Now I play A Feather of a Phoenix (Spell) to return Harpies Feather Duster to the top of my deck;

4. Winged Sage Falcos attack Jinzo;

5. Amazoness Paladin attack!”

Winged Sage Falcos attack destroyed Jinzo; Amazoness Paladin's attack inflicted 1700 points of direct damage to the opponent.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 8000

Katsuya Jyoonouchi LP: 5800

Jou frowned, “Mai, you didn't answer my question…”

“Katsuya, don't stall for time, make your move.”

“Don't avoid the question then…” Jyoonouchi snapped back Mai responded with a scowl as Jou began his turn.

::Jou::

“I draw.” Jou began before Mai interrupted.

“Would that be Jinzo Katsuya?”

Jyoonouchi scowled, “How'd ya guess…”

“I'm psychic remember?”

1. “Yeah, yeah, I play Masaki the Legendary Swordsman (Earth/Warrior/4 ATK/1100 DEF/1100) in defence mode;

2. Amazoness Paladin's effect activates (ATK/550);

3. Nuts, I play one card face down and end my turn.”

::Mai::

Mai smirked, “I draw;

1. I summon Harpie Lady 1 (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/4 ATK/1300 DEF/1400) in attack mode;

2. Its effect increases the attack of my Wind monsters three hundred points (ATK/1600);

3. Now I play Stop Defence (Spell) to switch your monster to attack mode;

4. Winged Sage Falcos (ATK/2000) attack Masaki the Legendary Swordsman;

5. Amazoness Paladin, Harpie Lady 1 ATTACK!”

Winged Sage Falcos attack destroyed Masaki the Legendary Swordsman; Harpie Lady 1 and Amazoness Paladin's attacks inflicted 3300 points of direct damage to the opponent.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 8000

Katsuya Jyoonouchi LP: 1050

Jou smiled slightly, “You haven't lost your touch Mai.”

Mai's face hardened for a moment, “And you've lost yours Katsuya…”

::Joey::

Jyoonouchi frowned again, “We'll see, I draw;

1. I play Snatch Steal (Equip/Spell) ta take your Winged Sage Falcos;

2. Winged Sage Falcos attack Amazoness Paladin!”

Winged Sage Falcos attack destroyed Amazoness Paladin.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 7700

Katsuya Jyoonouchi LP: 1050

Serenity hid a smile, she'd remained silent during the match, she wanted Jou to win. At the same time, regardless of what had happened in past Mai was still her friend. Serenity didn't want her to lose either.

::Mai::

“Not bad Joseph, I draw;

1. Since my turn has begun I gain…”

“Nope, dis activates my Bad Reaction to Simochi (Continuous/Trap) to turn da increase in your life points into a decrease.”

Mai frowned, 2. “Clever, I play Elegant Egotist (Spell) and sacrifice Harpie Lady 1 to summon Harpie Lady Sisters (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/6 ATK/1950 DEF/2100) in attack mode;

3. Now that Harpie Lady 1 is gone from the field Winged Sage Falcos loses its points advantage;

4. After adding Gust Fan (Equip/Spell) to increase Harpie Lady Sister's attack four hundred and decrease its defence two hundred points (ATK/2350 DEF/1900);

5. I attack!”

Harpie Lady Sister's attack destroyed Winged Sage Falcos.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 6700

Katsuya Jyoonouchi LP: 400

Jyoonouchi frowned, he knew he had to take a more aggressive stance in this match, but so far Mai had done an exceptional job of limiting his options. He wanted to talk to Mai, he knew he wasn't going to talk his way out of the duel, he didn't want to. All Joey wanted was to tell Mai… something.

::Jou::

“I draw.” He said placing the card in his hand, his face remained blank as the wheels turned in his mind.

1. “I summon Gearfried the Iron Knight (Earth/Warrior/Effect/4 ATK/1800 DEF/1600) in attack mode;

2. Now I play Release Restraint (Spell) ta sacrifice Gearfried the Iron Knight to summon Gearfried the Swordmaster (Light/Warrior/Effect/7 ATK/2600 DEF/2200) in attack mode from my deck;

3. I add Fusion Sword Murasame Blade (Equip/Spell) to Gearfried the Swordmaster to increase its attack seven hundred points (ATK/3400);

4. This also activates Gearfried's special ability destroying your Harpie Lady Sisters;

5. Gearfried the Swordmaster ATTACK!”

“Sorry Katsuya, I activate Windstorm of Etaqua (Trap) to switch your Gearfried into defence mode.”

Jyoonouchi scowled, `what the heck do I have to do, no matter what I try she has an answer…' “Ok Mai, that was clever, let's see you back it up.”

::Mai::

“Very well Katsuya, I draw;

1. I play Rising Air Current (Field/Spell) to increase all Wind Monsters attack five hundred points and decrease their defence four hundred points;

2. I summon Cyber Harpie (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/4 ATK/1800 DEF/1300) in attack mode;

3. Rising Air Current activates (ATK/2300 DEF/1900);

4. Cyber Harpie ATTACK!”

Cyber Harpie's attack destroyed Gearfried the Swordmaster.

“Is that backed up enough for you Katsuya?”

::Jou::

“That's funny Mai… I draw;

1. I play Monster Reborn (Spell) to revive Gearfried the Iron Knight;

2. Now I can play Monster Recovery (Spell) and combine Gearfried the Iron Knight with my hand and deck I shuffle and draw five cards into my hand;

3. I play Pot of Greed (Spell) to draw two cards into my hand;

4. Now I summon Dark Blade (Dark/Warrior/4 ATK/1800 DEF/1600) in attack mode;

5. I equip Dark Blade with Kiryu (Dark/Dragon/Union/5 ATK/2000 DEF/1500) to increase the attack and defence nine hundred points (ATK/2700 DEF/2400);

6. Now I play Polymerization (Spell);

7. To fuse Red-Eyes Black Dragon (Dark/Dragon/7 ATK/2400 DEF/2000);

8. And Meteor Dragon (Fire/Dragon/5 ATK/2000 DEF/2500);

9. To summon Meteor Black Dragon (Fire/Dragon/Fusion/9 ATK/3500 DEF/2000) in attack mode;

10. Now I add Lightening Blade (Equip/Spell) to Dark Blade to increase its attack eight hundred points (ATK/3500);

11. Meteor Black Dragon attack Cyber Harpy;

12. Dark Blade ATTACK!!!”

Meteor Black Dragon's attack destroyed Cyber Harpie; Dark Blade's attack inflicted 4700 points of direct damage to the opponent.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 2000

Katsuya Jyoonouchi LP: 400

Jou exhaled with relief as Mai scowled, “Mai…”

Mai sighed, “What is it Katsuya?”

Jyoonouchi paused, “No, just take you turn…”

::Mai::

Mai frowned again slightly, “Very well, I draw;

1. I play Monster Reborn (Spell) to revive Amazoness Paladin in defence mode;

2. I summon Amazoness Chain Wielder (Earth/Warrior/Effect/4 ATK/1500 DEF/1300) in defence mode;

3. I play one card face down and end my turn.”

::Jou::

“I draw;

1. Sorry Mai, I activate Kiryu's other special ability ta summon Kiryu to allow Dark Blade (ATK/2600) to attack directly;

2. Dark Blade ATTACK!!!”

Dark Blade's attack inflicted 2600 points of direct damage to the opponent.

Katsuya Jyoonouchi LP: 400

Mai Kujyaku LP: 0

Mai's face hardened slightly, “Congratulations Jou, you've earned the Rose Badge of the Bellerophon Gym and you've been credited two thousand Duellums.” She explained throwing him the badge as she left.

“Mai wait…”

Mai stopped, “What is it Katsuya?”

“I need to say… I'm sorry…”

Mai turned in shock, “F-For what?”

“I was stupid that night on da blimp, maybe if I hadn't been so stupid and told you what I really saw in that dream, you might have listened to Yuugi and me… I'm sorry Mai, for everything, that's what I wanted to say…”

The two were silent for several moments before Mai turned and walked away. Jou sighed, “Let's go sis.” As Jyoonouchi began to leave, Serenity looked from where Mai had just left to then back to Jyoonouchi, she shook her head sadly and followed him out.

Mai watched from the shadows wiping several tears from her eyes, her friend Lina watched quietly, “Are you ok Mai?”

Mai exhaled, “I'm fine Lina, I'm just, thinking.”

As Serenity and Jou exited the Gym Joey smiled, “Let's blow this joint, I got to rub this in rich jerks face.”

Serenity sighed, “Jyoonouchi, we've got to stop in at the Duellist Centre remember?”

“Oh yeah, that's right.”

The two crossed the city, Joey marching proudly into the Duellist Centre displaying his new Rose Badge. Hitomi looked up and smiled, “Congratulations Mr. Jyoonouchi, as a reward for obtaining your first badge I present you with the Duel Monsters Tracker.” Hitomi explained handing Joey a black PDA type device. “It will indicate all living and holographic duel monsters in a certain area, among other features.”

“There are living duel monsters? That might explain the Harpie Girl…”

“Doesn't explain why she attacked us…”

Hitomi frowned, “Were you on the path?”

Jou went slightly sheepish as Hitomi and Serenity sighed, “She attacked the two of you because you had invaded her territory, the Harpie's in this area are quite territorial.”

Jyoonouchi nodded, “Oh… I guess that explains it, thanks Hitomi.”

Jou and Serenity walked through the city to the bridge that would take them to the route to the next city, “Katsuya Jyoonouchi, you're such a baka…” A voice called out from behind them. Jyoonouchi and Serenity spun around to discover Mai standing of the platform behind them, a backpack around her shoulders.

“Wha-what?”

“Don't tell me your hearing is going with your brains, I said you're a baka… you were a baka yaro that night on the blimp, but…” A smile crossed her face, “Since when have I ever listened to anyone but my bad self?”

“Mai…” Jyoonouchi began before Mai cut him off, “Hon, a lot of what happened is my fault, don't beat yourself up about things you had no control over, I realized a long time ago that you were the one person who had cared no matter what. It's time for the past to be the past.”

Joey smiled, “You're right Mai, you… want to come with?”

Mai smiled, “Well, I thought you'd never ask.”

As Jyoonouchi and Serenity cheered happily as Mai joined their journey. A dark individual watched and listened from a high branch, “The past may be the past Mai dear, but the past, can also be prologue, as you will all soon learn…”

To Be Continued…

A/N: Fans of the Anime might be interested to learn that in the Manga version of the Battle City Blimp arc Mai doesn't actually appear in Jyoonouchi's dream. Take what you will from that. Also, this is the last chapter of Main revisions, thank the deities, there are too many to name. Until Next Time, Cya.