Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Duellist League ❯ Battle Stage 20; Seperate Journey's! Beneath the Surface ( Chapter 20 )

Author's Note: Thanks to everyone that has reviewed. If you're one of the dozens who are reading this and not reviewing, please do, I like hearing everyone's thoughts on the story. And I know there are at least some of you out there.

 

Battle Stage 20: Separate Journey's! Beneath the Surface

 

Anzu staggered slightly under the weight of Jyoonouchi as they struggled back to the surface of Suzaku after Jyoonouchi's battle against its Gym Leader in the volcanic chamber. The charred remains of Jyoonouchi's white shirt clung to his sweaty body as Anzu pushed the doors of the gym open throwing Jyoonouchi up onto the ground panting. Jyoonouchi was alive but had fallen into a semi-conscious state since Anzu dragged him from the volcanic chamber; he had only the vaguest awareness of what was happening around him.

 

“Come on Jyoonouchi, ofh, you're a terrific lump, you, need, to, stop, eating, junk, FOOD!” Anzu yelled dragging Jyoonouchi clear of the hole.

 

Anzu could see the Duellist Centre nearby; she pulled Jyoonouchi to his feet and dragged him inside the carbon copy building of all the other Duellist Centres around the Shuba region. Hitomi, sitting at her desk was immediately out of her seat and by Jyoonouchi's side seeing his injured state. Taking Jyoonouchi's weight, Hitomi carried him into a small infirmary locking the door behind her and engaged the in-treatment sign.

 

It was several hours, the sun descending below the horizon before Hitomi emerged. Anzu was quickly out of her seat, “How is he?”

 

Hitomi smiled, “He's fine, the burns on his skin are extensive, but my treatments have healed most of them, he'll be fine in a day or two.”

 

Anzu nodded, she considered stopping in to see how he was, but she decided she needed some air. Walking out towards the edge of town Anzu stopped short of the volcano. Staring up at the mountainous structure she was reminded of the sudden and tumultuous eruption that had occurred recently in her own life. Anzu wondered if she shouldn't just stop adventuring and start again somewhere away from all the problems that had destroyed her hopes and dreams for the future.

 

“Sorry, gym's closed for the day.” A voice sung out snapping Anzu from her thoughts. Anzu spun to see Amy, the gym leader standing a few metres away, in the moonlight Anzu was truly struck by how beautiful Amy was, something she'd never considered before, “I, ah, wasn't here to duel.”

 

“Oh good, I was hoping I wouldn't have to turn down that friend of yours so soon after defeating him.” Amy responded walking past Anzu to stare up at the volcano.

 

“Turn down, why?” Anzu responded angrily.

 

Amy smiled, “I'll answer that, but not here, follow me.” She said turning and walking back towards the city, Anzu followed, just interested enough to see where Amy was going. Amy led Anzu back to her stately Kantei just inside the city limits, Amy showed them into a sitting room and closed the door for privacy, “I'm sorry Anzu, but he can't win, even if he tried again he'd fail, I'm just looking out for his best interests.”

 

“That's not fair, Jyoonouchi should have another chance to prove himself!”

 

“Maybe, but not from me, it's my policy.”

 

Anzu slid a little closer to Amy, “Isn't there anything I can do to change your mind, Jyoonouchi needs another chance.” Anzu pleaded, Amy smiled leaning into Anzu's face, their lips meeting in the middle. Instead of recoiling Anzu closed her eyes and opened her mouth allowing Amy's tongue entry, but Amy broke the kiss moving back only inches, “Stay with me tonight and I'll give Jyoonouchi all the rematches he can handle.” She whispered, Anzu nodded immediately wanting more contact from Amy's heavenly body.

 

The moon rose high into the night's sky as Amy rolled off of Anzu and lay next to her while the naked Anzu crawled up and lay with her body pressed against Amy's for warmth, “Can I ask you something Amy?”

 

“Of course Anzu-chan.”

 

“Would you really have denied Jyoonouchi a duel if I hadn't slept with you?”

 

Amy sighed, “Probably not…”

 

“So this was a rues to get me into bed?” Anzu shot sitting up looking down on her naked lover.

 

“Well, not a rues… Anzu!” Amy yelled sitting up, Anzu was now in tears grabbing her clothes from the floor, “I gave myself to you, I trusted you, I thought you might like me, but I, was, nothing, but, a, cheep, screw!” Anzu yelled throwing Amy's clothes at her to punctuate her words.

 

“Anzu, no, let me explain!”

 

“Explain, explain what, how I was manipulated into sex by some girl I just met who's sole interest was getting into my pants no matter what?” Anzu yelled pulling her shirt down over her chest.

 

“You think I want a one night stand with every chick who comes through Suzaku?” Amy responded angrily, “I have no interest in men and all the girls I meet are duellists, they're just passing through, they're not interested in a relationship, maybe a one night stand, but I have to stay, and they move on… I hate being alone…” Amy began crying curled in a ball on the floor, she jumped feeling a pair of soft arm cradling her, Amy looked up meeting Anzu's eyes, “I'm sorry, I didn't know…”

 

Amy turned away, “Yeah well now you do, so get lost like everyone else, I don't want your pity…”

 

“I'm not offering pity, I'm offering to be the person to end your loneliness.”

 

“Amy looked around, “What?”

 

“Anzu smiled, “I don't want you to be alone anymore.”

 

“What about Jyoonouchi?”

 

A twinkle entered Anzu's eyes, “I have a plan.”

 

The sun slowly rose over Suzaku as Anzu walked back to the Duellist Centre, entering she saw the familiar form of Katsuya Jyoonouchi sitting in the café surrounded by food, “I see you're back to normal.”

 

Jyoonouchi swallowed, “Yep, but I thought you weren't talking to me?”

 

“I will, if we don't talk about what happened.” Anzu responded picking some food off his plate.

 

Jyoonouchi nodded, “Yeah ok, hey where were you last night?”

 

Anzu got up and grinned, “Wouldn't you like to know.” She responded walking away and upstairs.

 

“Yeah I would, that's why I asked…”

 

An hour later Anzu and Jyoonouchi were in the lobby, Anzu had showered and changed into a fresh teal sleeveless button up shirt, denim short shorts and white thigh high stocking with platform shoes, “Are you sure you're up to another duel?”

 

Jyoonouchi nodded, “Oh yeah I won't let anything stop me this time.”

 

They marched out of the Duellist Centre and back to the gym quickly descending into the heart of the Volcano where Amy awaited them, “Well, I didn't think I'd see you again.”

 

“I'm here for a re-match!” Jou announced.

 

“I don't usually grant rematches, but in this case I will on one condition, if I win you'll leave Suzaku and not return, and your companion stays here with me.”

 

Jyoonouchi raised an eyebrow, “Why?”

 

“I have my reasons.”

 

Jyoonouchi glanced at Anzu who nodded, “Fine, but if I win, Anzu gets to decide what she wants of her own free will.”

 

“Very well.”

 

The coin toss went Amy's way.

 

Amy Life Points: 8000

Jyoonouchi Life Points: 8000

 

::Amy::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I'll summon Robotic Knight (Fire/Machine/4 ATK/1600 DEF/1800) in defence mode;

 

2. And play two cards face down to end my turn.”

 

::Jou::

 

“I draw;

 

1. Snatch Steal (Equip/Spell) allows me to take control of you Robotic Knight;

 

2. But it won't be around for long, I sacrifice it to summon Jinzo (Dark/Machine/Effect/6 ATK/2400 DEF/1500) in attack mode;

 

3. I'll add Amplifier (Equip/Spell) to negate the negating of Trap cards on my side of the field;

 

4. Two cards face down.”

 

::Amy::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I'll summon Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4 (Fire/Dragon/Effect/4 ATK/1600 DEF/1000) in attack mode;

 

2. Now I can play Stampeding Destruction (Spell) which only activates when a Dragon sub-type is on the field, this card allows me to destroy one Spell or Trap card on the field;

 

3. The thing about Amplifier is that when it's destroyed so is Jinzo;

 

4. I add Axe of Despair (Equip/Spell) to increase Horus's attack one thousand points (ATK/2600);

 

5. Horus attack!”

 

“That activates Ordeal of Traveller (Continuous/Trap) now you select a card from my hand and call the type.”

 

“Second from your right, Spell card.”

 

“Nope, monster card, which by the effect of Ordeal of Traveller returns Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4 to your hand.”

 

Amy smiled, “You're learning, good.”

 

“Oh, I learnt plenty from our last duel, I'm not making the same mistakes twice.” Jyoonouchi replied determination lit his eyes.

 

Amy's smile widened, “Good.”

 

::Jou::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Axe Raider (Earth/Warrior/4 ATK/1700 DEF/1150) in attack mode;

 

2. Axe Raider ATTACK!”

 

“Whoa, you're coming on all hot, let's let Sakuretsu Armour (Trap) cool you off by destroying your attacking monster.” Amy replied with a smirk.

 

“Damn it…” Jou swore, behind him Anzu smiled which Amy responded to with a wink.

 

::Amy::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Invasion of Flames (Fire/Pyro/Effect/3 ATK/1300 DEF/1200) in attack mode;

 

2. I'll add Salamandra (Equip/Spell) to increase Invasion of Flames attack seven hundred points (ATK/2000);

 

3. Invasion of Flames attack!”

 

“I activate…”

 

“Not so fast, when Invasion of Flames is normal summoned no Trap cards can be activated.”

 

Invasion of Flames attack inflicted 2000 points of direct damage to the opponent.

 

Amy LP: 8000

Jyoonouchi LP: 6000

 

Jyoonouchi chuckled, “Cool, I haven't had this much fun in ages.”

 

“Good, I'm glad to hear it.”

 

::Jou::

 

“I draw;

 

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

 

2. Release Restraint (Spell) sends Gearfried the Iron Knight from the field to summon Gearfried the Swordmaster (Light/Warrior/Effect/8 ATK/2600 DEF/2200) in attack mode;

 

3. Gearfried the Swordmaster attack!”

 

Gearfried the Swordmaster's attack destroyed Invasion of Flames.

 

Amy LP: 7400

Jyoonouchi LP: 6000

 

::Amy::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I play Polymerization (Spell);

 

2. To fuse Masaki the Legendary Swordsman (Earth/Warrior/4 ATK/1100 DEF/1100);

 

3. And Flame Manipulator (Fire/Spellcaster/3 ATK/900 DEF/1000) from my hand;

 

4. To summon Flame Swordsman (Fire/Warrior/Fusion/4 ATK/1800 DEF/1600) in attack mode;

 

5. I'll also summon Blackland Fire Dragon (Dark/Dragon/4 ATK/1500 DEF/800) in attack mode;

 

6. I'll add Fusion Weapon (Equip/Spell) to Flame Swordsman to increase it's attack and defence fifteen hundred points (ATK/3300 DEF/3100);

 

7. Flame Swordsman attack;

 

8. Blackland Fire Dragon attack!”

 

Flame Swordsman's attack destroyed Gearfried the Swordmaster; Blackland Fire Dragon's attack inflicted 1500 points of direct damage to the opponent.

 

Amy LP: 7400

Jyoonouchi LP: 3800

 

::Jou::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Dark Blade (Dark/Warrior/4 ATK/1800 DEF/1500) in attack mode;

 

2. I'll add Kiryu (Dark/Dragon/Union/5 ATK/2000 DEF/1500) as a Union monster to increase Dark Blade's attack and defence nine hundred points (ATK/2700 DEF/2400);

 

3. And Sword of Dragon Slayer (Equip/Spell) to increase its attack an additional seven hundred points (ATK/3400);

 

4. Dark Blade attack Blackland Fire Dragon!”

 

Dark Blade's attack destroyed Blackland Fire Dragon.

 

Amy LP: 5500

Jyoonouchi LP: 3800

 

::Amy::

 

“I draw;

 

1. Now you've done it, Backup Soldier (Trap) activates when I have five or more monsters in my graveyard, Backup Soldier allows me to revive up to three monsters from my graveyard to the field;

 

2. Welcome back Masaki the Legendary Swordsman (Earth/Warrior/4 ATK/1100 DEF/1100);

 

3. And Flame Manipulator (Fire/Spellcaster/3 ATK/900 DEF/1000);

 

4. And Blackland Fire Dragon (Dark/Dragon/4 ATK/1500 DEF/800) all in attack mode;

 

5. Masaki the Legendary Swordsman and Flame Manipulator are sacrificed to summon Ultimate Obedient Fiend (Fire/Fiend/Effect/8 ATK/3500 DEF/3000) in attack mode;

 

6. I'll end my turn by switching Blackland Fire Dragon to defence mode;

 

“Oh, great…”

 

“You remember my little friend, he's such a sweetie, and you have nothing to defeat it.”

 

::Jou::

 

“We'll see, I draw;

 

1. Stop Defence (Spell) switches Blackland Fire Dragon to attack mode;

 

2. Dark Blade attack!”

 

Dark Blade's attack destroyed Blackland Fire Dragon.

 

Jyoonouchi LP: 3800

Amy LP: 3600

 

::Amy::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I play a card face down;

 

2. Grateful Charity (Spell) lets me draw three cards but forces me to dis-card two to the graveyard;

 

3. I'll play another card face down and end my turn.”

 

::Jou::

 

“Right, I draw;

 

1. Dark Blade ATTACK!”

 

Dark Blade's attack destroyed Flame Swordsman.

 

Jyoonouchi LP: 3800

Amy LP: 3500

 

::Amy::

 

“Thanks Jyoonouchi, I draw;

 

1. I'll play one card face down;

 

2. And activate Harpie's Feather Duster (Spell)…”

 

“That's what I was waiting for, I activate Gryphon Wing (Trap) which reverses Harpie's Feather Duster onto you.”

 

3. “Kid, you've lost again, Ultimate Obedient Fiend, ATTACK!”

 

Ultimate Obedient Friend's attack destroyed Dark Blade.

 

Jyoonouchi LP: 3700

Amy LP: 3500

 

As Ultimate Obedient Fiend's attack hit, it created waves in the lava in addition to the pressure created by the monster. The lava bubbled beneath them as Amy smiled, “Want to give up now?”

 

“No way, I have one more draw.”

 

“Have it your way.”

 

::Jou::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I play a monster face down in defence mode;

 

2. That's it.”

 

::Amy::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I play Nobleman of Crossout (Spell) to destroy your face down monster.”

 

“Hayabusa Knight (Earth/Warrior/3 ATK/1000 DEF/700).”

 

2. Ultimate Obedient Fiend ATTACK!”

 

Ultimate Obedient Fiend's attack inflicted 3500 points of direct damage to the opponent.

 

Amy LP: 3500

Jyoonouchi LP: 200

 

::Jou::

 

“I'm not finished yet, I draw;

 

1. Polymerization (Spell);

 

2. Fuses Meteor Dragon (Fire/Dragon/5 ATK/2000 DEF/2500);

 

3. And Red-Eyes Black Dragon (Dark/Dragon/7 ATK/3500 DEF/2000) from my hand;

 

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

 

Amy stared up at Meteor Black Dragon and smiled, “It's impressive, but not very effective, it's a stalemate.”

 

5. “It was a stalemate, Demotion (Equip/Spell) and Fusion Weapon (Equip/Spell);

 

6. Demotion (Equip/Spell) reduces the equipped monsters level two stars, and two lowers the level four stars (Level Stars: 5);

 

7. And Fusion Weapon (Equip/Spell) increases the attack of Meteor Black Dragon fifteen hundred points (ATK/5000);

 

8. Meteor Black Dragon's attack destroyed Ultimate Obedient Fiend.

 

Amy LP: 2000

Jyoonouchi LP: 200

 

Amy stared up at Meteor Black Dragon, she could barely pull her eyes away to look into Anzu's. Amy could feel the disappointment radiating from her, but Anzu didn't look away, rather she nodded and smiled, “Ok Jyoonouchi, my move.”

 

::Amy::

 

“I draw;

 

1. Flame Ruler (Fire/Pyro/Effect/4 ATK/1500 DEF/1600) defence mode;

 

2. Your move.”

 

::Jou::

 

“I draw;

 

1. Warrior Dai Grepher (Earth/Warrior/4 ATK/1700 DEF/1600) attack Flame Ruler;

 

2. Meteor Black Dragon ATTACK!”

 

Warrior Dai Grepher's attack destroyed Flame Ruler; Meteor Black Dragon's attack inflicted 5000 points of direct damage to the opponent.

 

Jyoonouchi LP: 200

Amy LP: 0

 

Amy shielded herself as dust and molten rock flew around her, the concussion so strong it knocked Amy off her feet. The lava beneath them bubbled and withdrew becoming darker in shading, dust was shaken loose from the ceiling as Anzu ran over to Amy.

 

“I lost…” She whispered being helped to her feet by Anzu.

 

“Yeah you did.” Jyoonouchi confirmed approaching.

 

Amy smiled, “Not bad kid, here this is yours.” Amy said removing a badge from her jacket, “You've earned yourself the Blaze Badge and three thousand Duellums which will be credited to your account.”

 

“Cool.”

 

“As for Anzu…”

 

“I won which means Anzu gets to choose…” Jyoonouchi began, but Anzu cut in, “I'm staying here Jou.”

 

“Wha… why?” Jyoonouchi asked in shock, Anzu looked away, “Without Yuugi… I don't belong anymore, I can't face him if he hates me, but here, with Amy I could make a fresh start.”

 

“With Amy…” His eyes drifted over to said girl a perverted smile spread across his face, “So that's why you didn't come back to the Duellist Centre last night…” Anzu nodded blushing, “Brings a whole new meaning to being out all night.” Jyoonouchi replied grinning to which Anzu punched him, “Hentai baka.”

 

“Honey… you're trembling…” Amy noted putting her arms around Anzu. Anzu shook her head, “No I'm not.”

 

Before Amy could respond a loud cracking sound drew their attention, a fissure had opened in the wall leaking lava into the room. “Oh shit… we have to get to the surface!” Amy yelled taking Anzu's hand making for the stairs.

 

“What's going on?” Jyoonouchi yelled following them, as he left the slab a large rock impacted it breaking the chains, the slab colliding with the lava.

 

The three entered the stairwell the doors slamming behind them, “The duel has stirred the volcano, it's erupting!” Amy yelled taking the stairs two at a time, they could hear the walls crackling and crumbling around them. Steam erupted from the cracks as the doors exploded below. Fire rushed towards them as they hit the surface door bursting through out onto the ground the fire roaring up after them like a demon from hell before the door slammed closed.

 

Standing the three had their first good view of the surface. The sky was made black by ash; the air was made almost unbearably warm by the lava which was beginning to spew from the volcano's mouth, “If we get back to the city we'll be safe.” Amy announced.

 

“How do you figure that?” Jyoonouchi yelled over the cracking ground beneath them as they began running again. Amy looked back at him, “Just trust me!”

 

They made it back into the city as the lava began flowing down the mountain towards them. The city was showing earthquake damage from the volcano's underground disturbances. Amy, Anzu and Jyoonouchi ran into the Duellist Centre to find Hitomi working at a computer terminal, “Hitomi, the volcano's erupting, what are you doing?” Anzu freaked.

 

“Backing up my computer files.” She replied calmly.

 

“Now? We could be dead soon, we have to evacuate!” Jou yelled, Hitomi glared sternly, “The evacuation has occurred, your gear is by the door, as is Amy's.” Anzu grabbed her's and Amy's bags as Jou grabbed his. Hitomi removed the computer's hard drive and rose from her seat, “Let's go, follow me!” The three followed Hitomi out into a small garage where a four-wheel-drive waited for them, gunning the engine Hitomi floored it out of Suzaku as the lava encroached on the city limits.

 

Hours later Anzu, Amy, Jyoonouchi and Hitomi were on a cliff overlooking the lava soaked reminants of Suzaku. The walls had stopped the lava flows, but only just. The molten rock was beginning to cool but it would be months before it would be safe to enter. Hitomi walked up from the car, “I've spoken to Mr. Crawford and explained the situation…”

 

“Bet he's pleased…” Jyoonouchi mused.

 

“Quite…” Hitomi replied turning to Amy, “Since Suzaku is now gone I've been told to inform you that your services are no longer required.”

 

“I'm fired?”

 

“Basically yes, I'm sorry, I have to go.” Hitomi explained bowing to the three stepping into the four-wheel-drive and driving away leaving Anzu, Amy and Jyoonouchi on the cliff, “What will you do now?” Jyoonouchi asked of Amy.

 

“I don't know, go back to the US I guess.” Amy replied when Anzu placed a hand on her arm, “Don't go, stay and travel with us.”

 

“I thought you were going to stay with me?” Amy asked, Anzu ducked her head, “Well…”

 

Amy sighed, “You wanted to stay close to… Yuugi didn't you?”

 

Anzu nodded, “A little, but I don't want you to go anywhere either.”

 

Amy pondered the request, “I don't know Anzu…”

 

“Come on, going home is a drag, this is where the excitement is.” Jou said with a grin.

 

Amy sighed, “Alright I'll stay.” She decided hugging Anzu.

 

“Yeah! No point in staying here now, back on the road.”

 

To Be Continued…

 

Author's Note: I took some creative licence with Backup Soldier in this chapter, the actual card returns the monsters to the hand rather than the field. Cya next time. Linkin-Phoenix