Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Duellist League ❯ Battle Stage 41: Re-Match! Restoration of Kings - Part 4 ( Chapter 41 )

Author's Note: Thanks to Anime-Ruthless, DJ Rodriguez & Dragon Ninja 1138 for reviewing, just so we're clear this chapter as some of you might assume is not the end to the story, but more on that later.

 

Battle Stage 41: Re-Match! The Restoration of Kings - Part 4

 

“Yes Hikari, it's time everyone knows, no more lies, no more deception, you could have won it, easily, but you chose not to. You threw the result of the Ceremonial Battle and because of that I still exist. The King of games is a coward!”

 

Atem's voice rang in the air, Yuugi dared not look at anyone, he could feel the shame and contempt they felt for him without having to look. Only one question could be asked of him at that second and the only one brave enough to ask was Anzu, “Why Yuugi…?”

 

“Why… because… I wasn't strong enough, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't protect you… I love you Anzu, but I'm so… scared of not being strong enough to protect you…”

 

“Yuugi…” Anzu whispered letting him continue, tears running down his face, “I told you once that I can't stay the way I am, the way I am, I can't protect you. I said some day I was going to be stronger, strong enough not to lose to Yami.”

 

Anzu nodded, “I remember.”

 

“Standing that day on the battlefield I realized… I would never be strong enough, I could never protect you.” He looked to Atem, “I'm sorry Abiou, I never wanted to earn your anger, but I knew you were strong enough to protect Anzu and I knew she loved you. I'd hoped you two would have been happy, and I would know that Anzu, my love, would know the happiness she deserved.”

 

There was silence for several moments, then an opinion from an unexpected quarter made himself heard, “You're a fool Yuugi.” Kaiba announced locking eyes with Yuugi, “All this time you've been preaching shit even you don't believe, give me a break.”

 

“Seto, that's…”

 

“Silence Yuugi, I will be heard, you've always said that real strength comes from within. But the one time you need your inner strength you hide, you, the one with more inner strength than anyone I've ever met. The one who can see passed the charade we all hide behind to the real human beings beneath and make all of us, even me; realize what we're truly capable of. We never would have realized if you'd always hidden your inner strength, look inside Yuugi Mutou and realize the strength you desire to protect the ones you love has always been there, it's the trust you have in your friends and the belief that no matter what, they'll always be beside you.”

 

“He's right Yuugi, part of being stronger is knowing you sometimes have to stand together as well as on your own.” Anzu added.

 

Yuugi looked down at his feet, “You're right… I, never saw it that way.”

 

“All you had to do was talk to us Yug, we all would have listened and helped.” Jou added.

 

“I thought you'd hate me…” Yuugi whispered, Serenity walked closer to the barrier, “Never Yuugi, we could never have hated you for this, we're… disappointed you never told us, even Yami, how you felt, it could have been solved without the need for all this. But, it's something we're all going to have to live with, we should have realized, we're sorry Yuugi.”

 

Yuugi shook his head, “I lacked the courage to face what I did and who it hurt, you were right Yami, I must atone. I want to finish, I need to see if I have the strength to face my sins, if I don't after this, then I will die.”

 

“Yes Hikari, let's finish this…” Atem responded, his face now unreadable.

 

Yuugi Mutou LP: 5500

Pharaoh Atem LP: 5500

 

::Yuugi:: (Swords of Revealing Light, Turn: 3)

 

“I draw;

 

1. I send Queen's Knight and Skilled Dark Magician from my graveyard to summon Chaos Sorcerer (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/6 ATK/2300 DEF/2000) in defence mode.”

 

“Naughty Hikari, you know full well what happens when a monster is summoned to your side of the field, Osiris's special ability activates wiping two thousand points from whatever mode its in and since Chaos Sorcerer only has two thousand defence points its destroyed.”

 

“Great…” Yuugi muttered staring into the eyes of the divine beast, Atem laughed, “You can't win Yuugi, no one can kill a God, not even you.”

 

Anzu looked to Sugoroku, “Is that true?”

 

Sugoroku shook his head, “No, Yuugi still has a chance if he has the right cards, I worry though Anzu, if Yami has one god…”

 

“He probably has the other two, if he faces Ra, Yuugi really is finished…” Mai responded drearily.

 

“Maybe…” Sugoroku whispered.

 

“You know we can hear you, it may be a Mirror Wall, but it's not sound proof, so, do you mind?” Yuugi retorted before returning his gaze to Atem, “It's still my move Yami and I have one more card to play.”

 

“Oh?”

 

2. “Delinquent Duo (Spell) by sacrificing one thousand… life points this card randomly, selects one card from your hand discarding it to the graveyard, then, I select a card and its, discarded to the graveyard as well…” Yuugi explained his breathing becoming more ragged and un-even as more of his life points were drained. (LP: 4500).

 

3. “Dark Magician attack!”

 

Dark Magician's attack destroyed Sky Dragon of Osiris (ATK/2000 DEF/2000).

 

Pharaoh Atem LP: 5100

Yuugi Mutou LP: 4500

 

“That's impossible, you can't kill a God!” Atem spat angrily.

 

“Funny, I thought I just proved you could.” Yuugi retorted smugly.

 

::Atem::

 

“Never cross the gods, they do not forgive slights easily, I draw;

 

1. I play Different Dimension Capsule (Spell) this card allows me to search my deck for a card and remove it from play, during the second standby phase after this card is activated this card is destroyed and I add the card removed from play to my hand;

 

2. For now though I'll play this face-down in defence mode;

 

3. And end my turn.”

 

::Yuugi::

 

“You have to do better than that Yami, I draw;

 

1. Dark Magician attack!”

 

“Your attack flips my second Gravekeeper's Guard (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/4 ATK/1000 DEF/1900) face-up in defence mode;

 

2. Its effect activates sending Dark Magician back to your hand.”

 

2. “That destroys Tomb of Magic's activating its special ability increasing my life one thousand points (LP: 5500);

 

3. I'll finish by summoning King's Knight (Light/Warrior/Effect/4 ATK/1600 DEF/1400) in attack mode.”

 

Yuugi Mutou LP: 5500

Pharaoh Atem LP: 5100

 

::Atem:: (Different Dimension Capsule, Turn: 1)

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/4 ATK/1800 DEF/700) in attack mode;

 

2. Kycoo destroy!”

 

Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer's attack destroyed King's Knight; Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer's effect activates removing two cards from the opponent's graveyard.

 

Yuugi Mutou LP: 5200

Pharaoh Atem LP: 5100

 

Yuugi felt his legs weaken under him as the life points dropped. He could feel every point being drained, he wasn't sure how long his battered body would last but he hoped it would be long enough.

 

::Yuugi::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Obnoxious Celtic Guard (Earth/Warrior/Effect/4 ATK/1900 DEF/1200) in defence mode;

 

2. I add Horn of Light (Equip/Spell) to increase its defence eight hundred points (DEF/2000);

 

3. I end my turn.”

 

::Atem:: (Different Dimension Capsule, Turn: 2)

 

“I draw;

 

1. Different Dimension Capsule is destroyed bringing the card removed from play into my hand;

 

2. Gravekeeper's Assailant (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/4 ATK/1500 DEF/1500) in attack mode;

 

3. I end my turn.”

 

::Yuugi::

 

“I draw and end my turn.”

 

Anzu blinked, “Why isn't Yuugi fighting?”

 

“Maybe he can't.” Serenity speculated.

 

“Or he doesn't want to.” Mai pondered.

 

Serenity raised an eyebrow, “Why would he do that?”

 

Mai shrugged, “Your guess is as good as mine hon, I'm just offering a theory.”

 

::Atem::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/4 ATK/1500 DEF/1500) in attack mode;

 

2. I end my turn.”

 

::Yuugi::

 

“I draw and end my turn.”

 

Atem laughed, “Hikari, if you're waiting for death I'm happy to give you a faster option, simply concede and the Shadows will take your life.” He explained, but Yuugi's expression remained unchanged.

 

::Atem::

 

“Have it your way Hikari, I draw;

 

1. I sacrifice Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer, Gravekeeper's Assailant and Spear Soldier to summon Giant God Soldier Obelisk (Divine/Divine Beast/12 ATK/4000 DEF/4000) in attack mode;

 

2. Stop Defence (Spell) switches your monster into attack mode for one turn;

 

3. Heh, heh, Obelisk, ANNILATE!”

 

“You might have Obelisk, but I have Nutrient Z (Trap) increasing my life four thousand points (LP: 9200) before you attack.”

 

Giant God Soldier Obelisk attacked Obnoxious Celtic Guard.

 

Yuugi Mutou LP: 6600

Pharaoh AtemLP: 5100

 

Yuugi screamed as he had his strength and then some returned and then robbed from him again in a matter of seconds. He stood hunched over, sweat dripping from his face; his friend's yelled support from the sidelines. Yuugi straightened and signalled thumbs up in their direction.

 

::Yuugi::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I switch Obnoxious Celtic Guard into attack mode.”

 

“Are you planning to attack me with that?” Atem mocked, Yuugi grinned, “Not right away, first I'll bring a God into play.”

 

“What!”

 

2. “I play Monster Reborn (Spell) to revive Sky Dragon of Osiris (Divine/Divine Beast/12 ATK/X000 DEF/X000) in attack mode for this turn.”

 

Osiris appeared above Yuugi growling menacingly, Atem was left seething, “How can you control a God?”

 

Yuugi smirked, “I was you, get it?”

 

Atem growled, “Damn it!”

 

3. “I have five cards in my hand giving Osiris five cards in my hand giving Osiris five thousand attack and defence points (ATK/5000 DEF/5000);

 

4. Osiris obliterate;

 

5. Go Celtic Guard!”

 

God Dragon of Osiris's attack destroyed Giant God Soldier Obelisk; Obnoxious Celtic Guard's attack inflicted 1400 points of direct damage to the opponent.

 

The attack from Osiris hit Obelisk like a nuclear detonation, the fall out threw everyone to the ground. The force was so great it shook the room sending cracks through the floor and into the walls. Yuugi shook his head dust falling off him onto the floor, his vision clearing, “Everyone ok?”

 

The gang nodded dusting themselves off, but Sugoroku sat breathing hard grasping his left arm with his hand. Yuugi's eyes softened losing their charcoal hue, “Grandpa?”

 

Sugoroku waved his hand, “I'm fine Yuugi, finish the duel, please…”

 

Oh, kay Grandpa…” He responded reluctantly turning to Atem who was struggling back to his feet his body shaking, “Let's play!”

 

Yuugi Mutou LP: 6600

Pharaoh Atem LP: 2600

 

::Atem::

 

“Lets, I draw;

 

1. I summon Gravekeeper's Vassal (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/3 ATK/700 DEF/500) in defence mode;

 

3. I end my turn.”

 

::Yuugi::

 

“You're in trouble Yami, I draw;

 

1. I play Tribute Doll (Spell) by sacrificing Obnoxious Celtic Guard from my field I can summon Dark Magician of Chaos (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/8 ATK/2800 DEF/2600) in attack mode but it cannot attack this turn;

 

2. But by summoning Dark Magician of Chaos I can return one Spell card from my graveyard to my hand;

 

3. I end my turn.”

 

::Atem::

 

“Yeah, I draw;

 

1. I summon Gravekeeper's Curse (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/3 ATK/800 DEF/800) in defence mode;

 

2. When it's summoned it inflicts five hundred damage to your life points; (LP: 6100)

 

3. I end my turn.”

 

Yuugi Mutou LP: 6100

Pharaoh Atem LP: 2600

 

::Yuugi::

 

“I draw;

 

1. The card I brought back last turn was Double Spell (Spell) to this time activate Stop Defence (Spell) from your graveyard as my card to switch your monsters to attack mode this turn;

 

2. Dark Magician of Chaos attack Gravekeeper's Vassal!”

 

Dark Magician of Chaos's attack destroyed Gravekeeper's Vassal.

 

Yuugi Mutou LP: 6600

Pharaoh Atem LP: 500

 

Atem collapsed into a shivering heap as his life points dropped below one thousand points. He lay in this position for a full minute before rising to a kneeling position, he looked suddenly frail and drawn, his cheeks sunken in, his face was pale. Yuugi took a step towards him, “Yami, I…”

 

“It's my move!” He announced his voice dry and raspy.

 

::Atem::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Gravekeeper's Watcher (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/3 ATK/1000 DEF/1000) in defence mode;

 

2. I also play Nightmare Cage (Spell) this stops both from attacking for two turns;

 

3. I end my turn!”

 

“Wow, if Yuugi can last two turns, he might win.” Anzu theorised hopefully kneeling besides an ailing Sugoroku.

 

Seto nodded, “Maybe, if the Pharaoh doesn't summon Ra.”

 

“Yuugi beat it once, he can do it again.” Jou responded his voice betraying a hint of doubt.

 

::Yuugi:: (Nightmare Cage, Turn: 1)

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Skilled White Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/4 ATK/1700 DEF/1900) in defence mode;

 

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

 

::Atem:: (Nightmare Cage Turn: 1)

 

“I draw;

 

1. I play Cost Down (Spell) by discarding one card from my hand to the graveyard all monsters in my hand are reduced two level stars;

 

2. I summon Gravekeeper's Chief (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/5 ATK/1900 DEF/1200) in attack mode;

 

3. I end my turn.”

 

::Yuugi:: (Nightmare Cage, Turn: 2)

 

“I draw;

 

1. I summon Double Coston (Dark/Zombie/Effect/4 ATK/1700 DEF/1650) in defence mode;

 

2. I end my turn.”

 

::Atem:: (Nightmare Cage, Turn: 2)

 

“I draw;

 

1. Witness, the end of existence, I sacrifice Gravekeeper's Chief, Watcher and Curse to summon Winged God-Dragon of Ra (Divine/Divine Beast/12 ATK/???? DEF/????) in attack mode;

 

2. It's attack and defence are determined by the combined attack and defence of the three monsters used to summon it (ATK/3700 DEF/3000);

 

3. What will you do Hikari?”

 

::Yuugi::

 

“I'll draw;

 

1. And switch Dark Magician of Chaos into defence mode;

 

2. And end my turn.”

 

::Atem::

 

“Heh, I draw;

 

1. Winged God-Dragon of Ra destroy Double Coston!”

 

Winged God-Dragon of Ra's attack destroyed Double Coston.

 

“I'll destroy every monster you have Hikari, give up!” Atem yelled his eyes flaring violently.

 

Yuugi smiled, “No, not this time, this time I'll win, I'm going to do what I should have done two years ago and end this once and for all.”

 

::Yuugi::

 

“I draw;

 

1. I sacrifice Skilled White Magician to summon Dark Magician Girl (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/6 ATK/2000 DEF/1700) in attack mode;

 

2. I activate my face down card Sage's Stone (Spell) to summon Dark Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/7 ATK/2500 DEF/2100) in attack mode;

 

3. Now I play Black Magic Ritual (Ritual/Spell) and send Dark Magician of Chaos from the field to summon Magician of Black Chaos (Dark/Spellcaster/Ritual/8 ATK/2800 DEF/2600) in attack mode;

 

4. I'm not finished Yami, I reveal Spellcaster's Trinity (Spell) when Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl and the Magician of Black Choas are one the field together Magician of Black Chaos's attack becomes five thousand points until the end of the turn;

 

5. Magician of Black Chaos ATTACK!”

 

Magician of Black Chaos's attack destroyed Winged God-Dragon of Ra.

 

The Magician's attack left nothing that would say a battle had taken place except for the sizeable dent in the floor where the attack hit. So powerful was the force that the dent glowed red with heat for several minutes after the attack had subsided.

 

Yuugi Mutou LP: 6100

Pharaoh Atem LP: 0

 

Atem lay spread eagle on the floor, unmoving, Yuugi ran to his side gathering the Pharaoh in his arms. Colour and fullness had returned to his skin but he was very weak, a white halo surrounded his body, he opened his eyes, “Hikari… I'm, I let the darkness take hold, I'm so…”

 

“Shhhh, I know you are Abiou, we forgive you, I'm sorry as well, sorry that I wasn't strong enough…” Yuugi replied, tears flowing from his eyes. Atem smiled, “But you were, Hikari, you won, I'm so proud of you.”

 

Yami, I, I…”

 

“I know Hikari, but it's my time, I have to go, look…” Atem gestured with his eyes to the portal of white light forming several metres away from them. “They're ready for me now Yuugi, you're already strong enough to protect everyone, you only need to believe.”

 

“You, I, how, I don't know how to express what I feel…” Yuugi admitted embarrassed, Atem smiled, “I do.” He grabbed Yuugi's neck pulling him into a deep lingering kiss, Yuugi closed his eyes holding his Abiou until Atem broke it smiling, “Thank you Hikari, for everything.”

 

Yuugi smiled, “Thank you Yami.”

 

Atem's eyes drifted from Amethyst to Azure as he stared into Anzu's tear stained eyes, “Anzu-chan…”

 

She dove into his arms kissing the Pharaoh hard, tears falling from her eyes, she pulled away grabbing Yuugi's hand, “I loved you Yami, I will miss you.” Atem laughed, “I loved you too Anzu, but you love Yuugi. You two bring out the best in everyone around you, make sure that never changes. I'm glad I was able to live again, if only because you were my friends, thank you.”

 

Atem faded into white light, which streamed into the portal until he was gone leaving the two teens in tears but with smiles and memories. But Mai had to bring them back, “Yuugi, hurry, its Sugoroku, he's in trouble.”

 

“Grandpa?”

 

To Be Continued…

 

Author's Note: Before you ask, Spellcaster's Trinity is a card I created. Another small note is that this chapter marks five hundred written pages thus far. Thanks to everyone who's contributed so far.