Yu-Gi-Oh! Destiny's Horizon Turn 75: Shifting the Mind

[ShadowBlade]

Eh, I think I'm finally over...most of the angst I felt with this chapter, as well as my attention to reading problem...with a "live reading" approach! Haha. My friends and I tend to read stories on Skype with success often enough, so maybe it's something new to try.

Anyway, here's the start of the next arc. I will be out for most of the day, but I will have to get to the DYH sites soon to update cards and the episode guide soon anyway.

Enjoy, everybody! It's a bit longer again to compensate for the wait.

* *

Cerulean, named by the City of Scenes; or the lush, breathtaking continent of mountains, lakes, and plains. In this place, the eye widens, the vast citizens skipping about in a realm of entertainment, education, and technology. Holozone is God of Ceremonies, leading hundreds of thousands of duelists – their champion, Achilles Elias - to unparalleled heights. It is here that Holozone and Kai Nation seek the best duelists to compete in the new Arcadia Vault; here that the war between Synchro, Anti, and Arms Sparks new cards, play styles, and mechanics to rise to the main event; here that dueling may yet become a world in itself.

Resonant, named by the Old Capital; or the endless forests and lakes squeezing its few villages. In this place, the eye sleeps, the limited citizens prancing about in a world of medicine, astronomy, and biology. Holozone is rising, leading thousands of duelists – their champion, Peter Foxx – to their destinies. It is here that the adventurous Glyde Quin and Kendra Culver vengefully launch their assault against the corrupted Nyxus Alliance; here that the conniving Gallagher Foxx strives to bring his image throughout all continents; here that valuable artifacts of the Old Era are being pieced together to create the G-Gate.

Sunset, named by the Orange Metropolis; or the outskirts of dirt and sand. In this place, the eye remains eternally awake, the numberless citizens darting about in a universe of socialization, culture, and psychology. Holozone is Champion of Entertainment, leading tens of thousands of duelists – their champion, Eve Steelheart – to their destinies. It is here that the spiritual Blaine Fenix seeks both his past and future; here that even the Undergods can be threatened; here that the Deities and Negative Three can finally be put to rest…

A tall, wide man sat upon his throne, studying his blackened world with sharp, glowing eyes. Stars glittered both above and below his skies; twisting and inverted paths of dirt made up his ground; moats of dancing lava surrounded his 100-story tower, pointed horns and chains dangling from its many broken windows and cracked walls. In this world, he was supreme ruler; his word meant everyone bowed and bended to his every whim; his hand meant the judgment of life or death; his stare meant creation of destruction.

But as he stared over his vast realm, something ate at his mind; it poked, prodded, and probed every one of his thoughts; yet its triviality annoyed him more than anything. He normally did not show bother; he normally did not bend; he normally did not lift a finger. But this time was different; he finally had reason to pay attention.

His daughter's tears meant the ascent of his rage.

…Here that feuds are fought with the mind instead of firepower.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Destiny's Horizon
Season 3: Parting the Past

**
OP - Take Back the Fear
**
Arc 2: Ji Perfect Victory
Turn 75: Shifting the Mind

Questions unanswered, sighed Blaine Fenix, staring at his frazzled, brown hair in his apartment’s bathroom mirror; after enough combing and water, his parted style finally returned to him. He brushed off his black t-shirt and long jeans before venturing into the open living room, spotting Emily reclining on the couch and snacking as she watched television. Blaine was drawn to the image on the large plasma screen, recognizing the crescent symbol of the continent Cerulean.

“And today,” announced the male reporter, “Holozone and Kai Nation opened the elevators to their latest project – the Arcadia Vault. The structure advertised as ‘clashing with the heavens’ will serve as the first skyward stadium for duelists of all ages. Brand-new Riding Duel tracks both inside and outside of Arcadia Vault will keep everyone on their feet as an unprecedented 120,000 fans will be able to gather and watch their favorites compete.”

Blaine and Emily stared with awe as the camera panned to the large, metallic and glass dome rivaling the clouds; limitless banners and blimps for popular duelists and cards were already hovering around the phenomenon to decorate its otherwise cold appearance. But greenery also grew at the support structures on the sides, masking the elevators that led back through the clouds to the below world.

“Channel 139 was able to get an exclusive interview with none other than Holozone R&D Supervisor Xeratul Okamoto himself.”

Now the shot was of a tall, slender gentleman with his streaked, shaded hair worn down. He donned his dark-red work suit and jet black pants, placing his dyed and crimson eyes directly at the camera.

“Arcadia Vault is the next evolution of this Duel Utopia,” Mr. Okamoto insisted with a confident beam. “Most didn’t believe Holozone and Kai Nation could work together on such a major project, but with our own goals in mind we were able to complete one collective one.”

The camera returned to its panning of the dome as the reporter continued, “The opening to this monumental structure will be this weekend and commemorated with an inaugural match for the ages.”

Mr. Okamoto was onscreen again. “This can’t just be any match,” he deemed. “This has to be the biggest opening match we can offer. We’re pitting Cerulean Grand Champion Achilles Elias against the only man to have won the Grand Championship on all three continents. That’s right, folks; we found him. It’s going to be Achilles Elias versus none other than Grieger Quin!”

The reporter droned on. “Immediately following that announcement, history was made again as over 100,000 tickets were sold in a mere two days to see the once in a lifetime matchup. Duel enthusiasts from all three continents will be attending the event as world traveler Grieger Quin has agreed to come out of hiding and put on a show one final time!”

As the camera returned to Okamoto, he was laughing proudly. “If anybody could ever be considered World Champion of the Second Era, it would be Grieger Quin. This is the dream match that cannot be missed for anything. People from all over the world are going to see this living legend compete against Cerulean’s top superstar, and it’s going to tell them what Arcadia Vault should mean for Duel Monsters.”

Emily’s spoon fell from her mouth as she mumbled, “All three continents…? That guy must be invincible…!” She began wincing, glancing over at a calendar hanging by the front door’s closet. “Why do they have to open it this week? We won’t even get to see Cerulean for another month!”

Blaine produced a sympathetic frown, patting her on the back. “At least they are broadcasting it,” he countered.

But she slumped down, nearly buried in the couch. “Yeah, but it’s not the same.”

He lightly chuckled, walking into the kitchen and filling a glass of water. He peered outside the window to Sunset, mildly depressed to see thick thunder clouds filling the city’s heavens and sprinkling a plethora of showers. Cerulean seemed so much better by comparison with its Arcadia Vault sitting atop the clouds and showing off the endless blue skies; but Blaine knew those skies would return to Sunset as well. The world was the same no matter where someone went.

The Emily popped off the couch, adjusting her beige top and skirt; she glanced at her pink-dyed hair in a small mirror, scanning for any unsightly hint of blonde; content with none, she skipped into the kitchen and caught Blaine by surprise with a tap on the shoulder.

“So you’re finally gonna talk to him today huh?” she asked.

A quick nod came from her unofficial sibling as he reminded her, “Koro agreed to meet me at Glade Park. I am still interested in leaving this place, but I must at least seek some answers about who I used to be.” He took a sip of the water while thinking of the white-haired and red-eyed Z-Hunter. “Even if he only has one detail for me, I can still find a clearer picture.”

But he was also cautious, hearing another older and wiser voice in his head. “When one digs into the past,” self-proclaimed sensei Kenzo would say, “one may not be pleased with what one finds.” Blaine knew that Kenzo would only watch out for his best interests; but in particular, he seemed weary of what answers might bring. Would Blaine be content with them or find out something he should have never wanted to know? The teenager could never answer himself straight while constantly thinking about it; his mind would wander in both positive and negative directions, relentlessly convincing him of things that were likely not true. But he had no alternative but to let his mind run rampant; without answers, there was no good or bad logic.

“To prove something,” Kenzo-sensei would tell him, “one needs statements.”


---------------
The vile Kajidoh Nolan also stared at the Arcadia Vault as its glorious presentation left him with a sour taste. The short deviant in tattered, violet robes kicked away from his bony throne, pacing around in his underground board room.

“Those fools are going to eat it all up!” he exclaimed to his tall, muscular associate Tomko. “Every last one of them; just because someone like Grieger Quin wants to hog the spotlight one final time, they’re going to brag for ages about their little battle!” He slammed both hands on the large table between him and his lackey, dipping his head until he saw nothing but his wild hair, similarly tinted to his clothes. “But with nothing on the line – no Deities, no Negative Three; they’re just going to use this match for a spectacle!?”

Tomko spun several of his cards on the table, occasionally flicking one with a thumb. “So you’re tellin’ me you ain’t watchin’ it?”

Kajidoh’s bloodshot eyes glared impatiently at the physical specimen. “Of course I’m going to watch it you idiot!” He tapped his hands together while grinning with his crooked teeth. “To be the best, I have to study the best; and Kajidoh Nolan is going to be recognized as the best.”

Tomko blew a bubble with his gum, letting it pop and fly back into his mouth. “Yeah, well, you ain’t gettin’ competition like that in this dump – not unless you’re goin’ after Eve.”

“Gaaah, I grow tired of that annoying little…” Kajidoh let his voice trail off before suddenly blurting, “Always getting in the way of everything and pretending she knows everything that’s going to happen.” He pounded on the wall next to him. “Lilith should’ve finished her off when she had the chance; now we have to stand around with those idiots at their fullest strength while we’re running around down here with scraps!”

“Quite true,” echoed another deep, masculine voice from afar.

Kajidoh and Tomko were suddenly at their guard, facing the doorway to their hideout. But as they stared with surprise, the looming figure drifted into the room with lazy and casual movements. His short, white hair matched the bright tint of his long pants and several designs on his otherwise black jacket. Stepping right in-between the two derelicts, the adolescent reached for his glasses and carefully adjusted them before landing an eye on his own chapped hands.

“Eve Steelheart and her little pets have acquired a secure state,” Engo Twilight decreed. The former protégé of the now-extinct Nightwalkers casually slid his hand along the table, snatching up one of Tomko’s cards; the boy stared at it before tossing it aside and placing his arms behind his back. “However, while Eve has served as the eyes and ears for our chosen rivals and manages to casually slide through the cracks of the Final Fate, her greatest strength also has the uncanny ability to become our greatest advantage.”

Huffing impatiently at his former rival, Kajidoh swerved and leaned on the other end of the table, staring him straight in the eye. “And just what do you mean by that?”

“Her knowledge of the Deities can suddenly transform into paranoia, which can fester and be the undoing of her pets’ highest power.” He gently waved his left arm. “If we assure this chain of mental growth, the chosen duelists are reduced to nothing.”

Kajidoh was unimpressed with the answer. “Always Vath’s little bookworm apprentice…I’m tired of your little doublespeak mishmash language play!” He smacked the table again. “If you want anything from us, you’d better

Bored enough to entertain the request, Engo closed and opened his hand to suddenly reveal the legendary Super Polymerization card; he slapped it on the table and cupped his hands around it. “You are aware of this card’s power –”

“Yes,” Kajidoh interrupted. “Get on with it already!”

Slightly tempted to leave, the white-haired adolescent continued, “Now, assume I have knowledge of everything regarding this card, and suppose my aim is to utilize this card in your demise. Your first instinct is to…” He glimpsed at the deviant, trailing off as he awaited an answer.

Kajidoh blinked twice. “What kind of question is that!? Steal it of course! With that kind of card, I would only be even more powerful!”

Engo let loose a nod before picking up the card and placing it in Tomko’s hand. “Very well; absconding with the power meant to undo you obviously is advantageous when placed in your hands instead; however, getting close enough to these Deities to make away with them may be troublesome at best.” He pointed to the card resting in the confused Tomko’s hand.

“Yes…? That’s the problem you fool! We have to beat them!”

“Let us now consider that instead, Tomko possesses this card.” He paced around Tomko. “Tomko perhaps has been chosen to wield this card despite that I am more aware of what it can accomplish. You, Kajidoh, seek the destruction of Tomko, but this card and others like it make it a difficult task.” He spread his arms and tilted his head to the low roof of the board room. “Now consider that I am aware you want to steal Super Polymerization from Tomko, and that I may feel the card is unsafe in Tomko’s hands as a result. My possible moves are…”

Kajidoh bit his lip as he lost himself in the swirling art of Super Polymerization. Several moments passed before the deviant widened his eyes with surprise and glee. Now fully interested in what the former Nightwalker had to say, he answered, “Get Super Polymerization before I do.”

Engo lowered his hands and swiped back his card from the muscular thug. “Ergo, if Eve Steelheart can be convinced the Deities are unsafe in the hands of Blaine Fenix and others…”

A sinister grin overcame Kajidoh as he finished, “She’ll take them herself! Gah-ha-ha-haaah!”

Tomko, however, raised a hand in defiance. “Yeah-yeah, smart plan and all, but here’s somethin’ you gotta…” He waved his index and middle fingers. “…consider. She ain’t gonna believe anything we say or do about those cards.”

The white-haired boy swayed his head from left to right. “But of course, it would be less than wise to even reveal such a concept; however, she can be led to this conclusion – Blaine Fenix, Thief Zin, and Amana Twilight must not maintain control of the Deities while more cunning forces exist.” He blinked, the area around him fading as he thought aloud. “The number of opponents seeking the Deities can be infinite; to fully ensure that none steal the Deities, the best course of action is to remove the Deities. But while removing the Deities in her mind is victory as it prevents us from utilizing them, her allies no longer have the benefits of the Gods’ messengers in battle.”

The excited Kajidoh stroked his chin. “Those fools wouldn’t have anything able to stop us!” He leered at his own deck. “Bermuda would annihilate all of them!”

Although Tomko nodded at the validity of the plan, he could not help but nudge his partner in crime. “But uh…I thought your whole thing is lookin’ for the best possible opponent. If you take Blaine’s Deity card away, he ain’t the opponent you want anymore.”

Disappointed, but forced to admit his lackey was correct, Kajidoh had to dismount from his high horse. “Naaah, he’s nothing to me without that Deity of Ra in his deck!”

Engo tilted his head with intrigue. “Then, Kajidoh, you must inquire unto yourself.” Super Polymerization landed safely in his pocket as he turned away from the gentlemen, trekking out of their underground lair. “Between glory and victory…” He swiftly exited, keeping his eyes on the slimy Surface of the sewers. “Which do you desire more?”

The crazed derelict sought to retort, turning his head only to find that Engo was already out of sight.

---------------
As the sun climbed high, though still masked by the storm clouds, Blaine wandered through Glade Park with the hood up on his black jacket. His Disk Arm and cards tucked safely in his pockets, the eager teen aimlessly searched through the small forests of the popular landmark until finally Stumbling upon a familiar sight – Koro Shunmei’s drenched, white hair and his proud, red eyes. Koro had his cape and long, dark suit, but let the rain pelt his noggin as he lazily reclined on a park bench.

“Yo,” greeted the Z-Hunter, though remaining seated. “Didn’t think you’d show.”

Blaine let out another light smile, wondering, "Why is that?"

Koro shrugged. "Somethin' about gettin' a history lesson from a Z-Hunter don't quite seem right if you know what I mean." He kicked up his feet, resting his dueling equipment on his chest as he laid eyes on the cloudy skies. "Well, guess you've wanted to know this stuff for a while."

Blaine nodded. "If you know anything about who I was, I would appreciate the information."

Koro laughed as he waved his arms, kicking off the bench and reaching for his Disk Arm. "Aight, aight, I get it; but remember, you owed me a rematch."

Blaine retrieved his own Disk Arm, equipping it and shuffling his deck. "I would be more than glad. A deal is a deal." His Disk Arm's display lit up with his Life Point score; the Holo Mat also materialized, producing a transparent shield to block out the rain. Five cards were pulled into Blaine's hand as he stared down the bandit in front of him. "So, I guess my first thought is wondering how exactly you knew me from back then."

(Koro: 4000) (Blaine: 4000)

Koro snatched six cards from his deck, smirking at the Monster Card on the far-right. "Aight, let's kick this thing off."

A deep howling echoed throughout the area as a gallant, thick-furred wolf ascended to the field. Surrounded by white flames to match its fur, the wolf viciously gazed across the battle zone with its faded, yellow eyes.

“Startin’ with AniGuardian – Wolf Blust (1700/1000)!” His spirit gave out a triumphant roar as he flicked another card into his back row. “Aight, I’m done after this set card.”

Blaine hummed to himself as he gaped at Wolf Blust, though his thoughts were not on the duel. “So –” he started again.

But Koro suddenly interrupted. “You ever wonder why I was surprised to see you here?”

Blaine nodded, taking a sixth card. “Not only that, but you referred to me by my last name.” He blinked. “But Fenix was not my last name…Emily –”

“Yo, I know all about that. The boss laid it on me.” Koro brushed his arm to the side. “But I’m tellin’ you man, it was your last name when I knew you. Em’s didn’t make nothin’ about your name.”

* *
Several schoolchildren darted into a colorful classroom, the walls lined with posters of animals and mountains; several plants grew by the windowsill at the back, where the excited, young female teacher stood and bowed to greet her new pupils. She nodded at them as they wandered through her door, Blaine and Koro among the group.

Blaine held a red lunch box and thermos, nervously pacing through the room and glimpsing upon each of the walls; the light, blue and green colors put him at ease; but most of the students knew each other from second grade already; he knew nobody. Quietly, but swiftly, he proceeded to the back of the classroom and took refuge by a desk positioned furthest from everyone else. He calmly sat in the cold, blue chair, tapping his lunch box and hoping nobody would make eye contact.

But Koro smelled fresh meat; his eyes were already on the new kid and he had no intentions of letting Blaine hide from the rest of the crowd. “Hey new kid!” he shouted in his high tone. “C’mere!”

Blaine was already slouching, his cover blown; still, he managed to stand, his knees shaking as he cautiously approached the confident and smirking Koro. “H-Hello,” he slowly greeted.

“Wha’s your name?” Koro crossed his arms as a small gang joined his side.

“B-Blaine. Blaine Fenix.”


* *
Koro was slapping his knees as he doubled over, pretending a tear dropped from his eye as he chortled. “Man,” he huffed between his laughs, “I still remember that face you gave me, like you were expectin’ me to beat you up or somethin’. Crap was priceless man.”

Blaine scratched the back of his head in confusion. “So Emily did not name me,” he realized. “I suppose that was a bad assumption to make. I should have asked her.”

But Koro’s laughing fit was finally calming down; he was getting over the spat of storytelling, inching his index finger at Blaine as he called, “Yo move.”

Reaching to his deck and nodding, Blaine pulled out another card; his fluttering emotions were suddenly put to rest as he stared at Isulei; it took only seconds for his Soul Monster to land on the field, giving rise to the pale girl with the dark dress and bright hair. “I summon Isulei (200/0).”

Koro scoffed at her appearance. “Didn’t think you’d bring her out so soon - not like you man; that’s gonna be a mistake.”

Blaine gave off a light shrug. “Well, this is a special occasion.” He pointed to Wolf Blust. “Besides, you have called your own favorite monster this quickly, and I sense that your bond with it matches mine with Isulei.” He put his hand on his chest, staring at his feet. “Tell me that this bond is not superficial.” He glimpsed at Koro, noting the bandit’s wide brow and perplexed frown. “Do you know if Isulei truly is my Soul Monster?” he rephrased.

Another lighthearted scoff came from the bandit, this one followed by the snap of a finger. “Guess somethin’ really did mess you up if you don’t even know that,” he figured. Turning his attention to Wolf Blust, he shrugged. “Tellin’ you the truth – dunno if it’s your Soul Monster or not, but I sure as heck can tell ya that you loved that card.”

* *
Students gathered around Blaine and Koro as the recess bell sounded. The two eagerly brought out their Duel Monsters decks, Blaine quickly snatching the first card in his hand and throwing it on the wooden table.

“I summon Isulei!” he shouted proudly, though his confidence quickly dipped as he heard several snickers behind him.

He’s serious? Koro thought as he stared at his own hand, waiting for the childish laughter to die down. “Guess you don’t have a lot of good cards yet, huh?” He watched Blaine’s head dip closer to the table. “Well hey, lemme show you some good ones then.” He slapped a monster of his own on the table. “I’m attackin’ your monster with this!”

“Ooh, Luster Dragon,” mulled one of the other elementary students.

Blaine nearly twitched as he managed to spot the score on the monster. “1900…?” he winced. Suddenly wiping the frown from his face and replacing it with determination, he pulled out another card from his hand. “Yeah, well I can play this then!”

Koro scratched his head, shrugging. “Wha’s that? A trap? You gotta play from your field man –”

“Nuh-uh, it’s Star Pendant! I can play it from my hand and now Isulei stays on the field and I don’t take any damage!”

[ShadowBlade]

* *
Koro was still staring at Wolf Blust. “Guess I can’t give ya crap for that anymore,” he sighed. “Doin’ this whole AniGuardian thing taught me a lot of respect for the Duel Monsters.” He turned to the side, muttering something under his breath. “Didn’t really get what a favorite or Soul Monster was supposed to be; just wanted to overpower everythin’ and be the best duelist – y’know, that whole cliché crap every kid wants to do when they first start playin’.”

Blaine nodded, his intrigue growing. “So I see,” he confirmed. “Your involvement with the AniGuardians has helped you see the bond that can be formed between duelist and monster.” He patted Isulei’s card. “I am glad to hear that I always treasured her, though; even when searching through my deck for the first time, seeing her card put some kind of ease over my mind.” He shook his head. “I guess right now I do not understand exactly what the borders are between our world and the Spirit Realm, but after having to use the Xero Freeze artifacts, it has me thinking about what I would like to study later on.”

“Yeah, guess these cards do more for us than we thought.” Koro leered between his deck and his opponent, finally hollering, “So you gonna make your move or what!?”

Blaine snapped out of his trance, facing his hand cards again. “Of course. When Isulei is Normal Summoned, she has the ability to attack directly.”

Isulei quickly lunged across the field, Wolf Blust charging and missing her as she soared over the beast. Isulei landed, swiftly striking Koro in the side of the head with a kick. The bandit wavered, rubbing the ache and stepping back a bit.

(Koro: 4000 ---> 3800) (Blaine: 4000)

“Pah,” Koro sputtered. “Frickin’ direct attacks…”

* *
The young Koro bit his fingernails as he stared at the recess table; his Luster Dragon (1900 ATK), Gemini Elf (1900 ATK), Mechanical Chaser (1850 ATK), La Jinn (1800 ATK), and Insect Knight (1900 ATK) filled his side of the field, whereas only Isulei (200 ATK) and the Mist Body Equip Spell Card were on Blaine’s. But even with all his monsters’ power, Koro could not manage any damage on the new kid. He had no choice but to continue drawing and passing, his graveyard filling with monsters he was forced to discard on the End Phase; meanwhile, Blaine continued to tap his Isulei card and attack directly each turn.

(Koro: 4000 ---> 3800 ---> 3600 ---> … ---> 400 ---> 200) (Blaine: 4000)

Blaine counted the number of cards in his hand, proclaiming, “I’ve got seven again, so I gotta discard before I end.” He threw another Trap Card into the growing pile on his right.

“Yeah I know you got seven!” Koro shouted, his anger boiling over at this point. He turned to his cohorts for help, only to find they were just as nervous and clueless as him. Dang it, he murmured to himself. There’s really no way to do damage to him? He stretched his brain as he reached for his deck. C’mon man! There’s gotta be a way!

“Koro’s gonna lose with his best stuff!” jeered one of the third graders.

Koro set his angry, red eyes on the child. “Shut up!” He ripped the card out of his deck, gaping at the other six Monster Cards in his hand. “This one’s gonna be it…!” But he was left with no options and a flustered, wide mouth as he peered at the final card – Wolf Blust. “N-No, another monster!” He leaned across the table as the other students laughed at him, determined to bring about a comeback. “You’re really sure five attacks in a row don’t do nothin’ against it? What about if I summon a monster with bigger than 2000?” He desperately read through all his cards and Blaine’s, hoping for a way out of the mess.

Blaine nodded in affirmation. “No damage unless Isulei is beaten in battle!” He was reclining in his chair, relaxing at the exponential growth of his popularity by just playing one monster with 200 attack points. The anxiousness that had plagued him at the beginning of the day had all but vanished; in some ways, he almost wondered if Koro was letting him win the duel on purpose.

But Koro’s twitching eyes told another story. “I can’t…I can’t do nothin’!” Koro exclaimed, throwing another Monster Card into his graveyard.

“Okay, now I draw.” Blaine took another card from his deck. “I will have Isulei attack you again. I think…” He peered at the clouds as he started counting in his head, tapping his fingers together twenty times. “Yeah, that should be all your Life Points!”

(Koro: 200 ---> 0) (Blaine: 4000)

“What the heck!?” Koro slammed his cards on the table, several of the monsters from his grave sliding onto the field. “There’s – there’s no way! You gotta let me try again! C’mon man!”

* *
Koro rubbed his cheek again before retaking his position ahead of Blaine. “Think it’s pretty safe to guess that’s your Soul Monster,” he decided. “Your whole deck was built around it back then.”

Blaine nodded in appreciation, taking two more cards and setting them in his back row. “Good to know,” he admitted. “I will set two cards face-down and end my turn.”

Koro took another card from his deck. “Don’t know what you’re so worried about really. You use the card anyway, so why’s it matter if it was or wasn’t your best stuff back then?”

A bit taken back, Blaine shook his head from left to right. “Well, that is not my only concern. I am trying to complete the whole picture of my past.” He rubbed the back of his head. “I do not suppose you could tell me anything more than just school? Did you know my parents? Any of our other friends that might know something?”

A nod came from the bandit as he studied his hand cards. “Aight, I get whatcha mean now. Didn’t know nothin’ about your parents though, sorry.” He turned to the raining heavens as he considered the other questions. “I mean, we did have friends, but it ain’t exactly gonna be easy to track ‘em down to ask anythin’ like this.”

Blaine’s intrigue only grew as he tilted his head to the side. “What do you mean? Are they not your friends anymore, or did we have a fight with them?”

A light chuckle came out of Koro’s lungs; his concentration on the duel was broken as he thought about Blaine’s concern. “Well uh…” he started, finally beginning to understand something about his old friend. “Guessin’ you’re missin’ a big part of the picture here. You like…know we ain’t from around here right?”

Now Blaine’s full attention was on the bandit. “I actually thought we were from this exact area.”

Koro shook his head. “Dang…” he sputtered with a gulp. “Dunno how to break this to you man, but we ain’t even close to bein’ from around here.” He spread his arms in innocence as he took a couple of steps backwards. “Yo, I don’t even know how you ended up here, but we ain’t even from Sunset man.” He paused, waiting to see if Blaine could either soak it in or somehow figure out what he meant.

But the spiritual adolescent was as in the dark as ever. “Do you mean another block –”

“Cerulean.”

Blaine froze.

But Koro’s head waved out of disappointment again. “Totally thought that’s why you and Em’s were gonna ditch for there man. Would’ve told you sooner if I knew you were in the dark about that.”

Blaine held his head, squinted eyes as he tried to run through all the other memories he had to make with Emily. “But that cannot be,” he insisted. “Sunset has always felt like home; it feels like where everything began.”

A sympathetic shrug came from the bandit. “Well uh…it ain’t.” He reached for the Field Spell in his hand, tossing it into the far-left zone on his Holo Mat. “Aight, I’m playin’ Spirit Space.”

Blaine and Koro were brought into a world filled with trees and rainbows, yet blackened heavens loomed overhead; numerous shooting stars flew throughout them, occasionally giving off fireworks as they collided.

Yet Blaine’s interest was not on this new field; instead, he remained eternally perplexed. “Cerulean,” he mumbled aloud. So if Emily and I travel to Cerulean, I would actually be returning there…? He tipped his head and put his eyes on Koro. “You mentioned a while back that I was a wilder child just like you.”

“Yeah.” Koro was already plotting his next strategy, opening his deck and searching through it as the Spirit Space card glittered lime. “Usin’ Spirit Space’s effect by the way.”

“So we were part of a gang or something?”

“Yup.”

“Whose?”

“Nagano.” Koro’s eyes flickered as he snatched a card from his deck.

* *
Blaine and Koro, now freshly graduated from grade school, scampered through busy streets covered in tall, white and silver buildings. Letting out several quiet giggles as they snuck into a parking garage, they pulled out two thin access cards from their pockets. A rusted door sat at the back of the garage, not a car in sight; the two kids rushed up to it, sliding their access cards through the slot and entering as the door crept open. It quickly shut behind them, locking them in a room filled with other kids, several older gentlemen, and one man seated on a tall throne at the back of the room; everyone, including the leader, had their decks and Disk Arms.

“Ey!” hollered one of the older goons, grabbing Blaine and Koro before rubbing their heads. “You guys better be ready for the big tourney today, cause Wallace is gonna win this one baby!”

“Stop it!” Koro spat, escaping the man’s grip. “And as if! I’ve just added some big time monsters to my deck! Ain’t nothin’ gonna stop me from winnin’ this time!” He leered at Blaine, still in Wallace’s bear hug. “And that means you too!”

Blaine rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say,” he sighed.

* *
Koro snickered under his breath, still able to feel those crushing hugs. “Good times,” he deemed. “We’d mostly go play with the guys or somethin’, but we did uh…do some bad things a few times.”

“Nagano,” Blaine repeated, the name now permanently etched into his brain.

“Aight, so get this; if I have an ‘AniGuardian’ monster when I play Spirit Space, I get to search my deck and call another one to the field.” He flicked the card out of his hand, clamoring, “I call AniGuardian – Aero Garudon (1200/700)!” A strong gust of wind blew through one of the trees as a small condor with green and white-patterned wings suddenly shot out of it, settling on the bandit’s forearms for a perch.

Blaine glanced up, caught off guard as he saw Koro throwing up his arm and launching the bird straight at him.

“And now Aero Garudon attacks directly for half damage!”

Blaine instinctively raised his arm in defense as the bird’s talons cut at him, forcing him back several steps before he regained his footing.

(Koro: 3800) (Blaine: 4000 ---> 3400)

“Ah, like that?” Koro proudly crossed his arms. “Spent some of my Duel Points and gave Aero Garudon a bit of a boost. Now instead of havin’ to use Tower of Trees, I got that ability written right into my monster!” He extended his arm again, letting the condor find its perch once more.

Blaine rubbed his arm. “So I see.”

“But I ain’t done yet.” He pointed to his beast. “Wolf Blust, attack that Isulei!”

Wolf Blust howled again, this time sprinting full-steam at Isulei. The pale girl gulped as she lifted her arms to a defensive state, suddenly surrounded by the light of a small shield. Wolf Blust’s claws ricocheted off the shield, the beast unhappily diverted and returning to Koro’s side.

“I activate Relinquished Retreat.” Blaine took a card out of his deck as his Continuous Trap Card shimmered. “Once per turn, this card can negate an attack if I send a Tuner Monster from my deck to the graveyard as payment.” He spun around the monster briefly, depositing it into his grave. “I send Jump Guardian to the graveyard.”

Koro snapped his fingers, but kept a playful smirk. “Guess it’s always gonna be about protectin’ her.”

“Anyone I can,” Blaine countered.

He nodded. “Yeah, figured you might say that. Always were a softy back then too…guess it cost both of us.”

Blaine blinked. “What do you mean?”

The Z-Hunter suddenly swerved is head to the left, cackling nervously. “Eh, just uh…yeah.” He took two more cards from his hand, tossing them to the grave. “Anyways, I’m gonna play my Spirit Space’s effect.”

Blaine lowered his head, suspicious of Koro’s dodge; but now it was just a matter of waiting for the right time to take the information. He carefully watched Koro’s play as two stone tablets descended from the sparkling heavens, slowly embedded into the bodies of Wolf Blust and Aero Garudon.

“By sendin’ some ‘Emblem of the’ cards from my hand, I can call any of the ‘AniGuardian Guide’ spirits restin’ in my monsters.” He pointed to the images of two Spell Cards as they withered away. “I’m sendin’ Emblem of the Pack and Emblem of the Freedom, so now I can call the ‘AniGuardian Guide’ forms of my monsters.” He raised a fist. “This is the evolution of my spirits!”

The loyal wolf and condor were soon engulfed in bright flames as stone insignias dangled over them; Wolf Blust’s was a fang, whereas Aero Garudon’s was a talon. As Koro’s spirits returned, they each bore their respective insignia on their forehead; they were much larger and thicker, with golden rings wrapped around their claws. The beast howled to the moon while the condor spread its majestic and white-glowing wings.

“AniGuardian Guide – Blustedo (2400/1000)!” He darted his eyes to the right. “And my new spirit, AniGuardian Guide – Garudonex (1900/700)!”

Evolution…? Blaine leered at the two monsters as they circled their master.

“And since I can do that during my Battle Phase, it’s time for round two!” He took glee from Blaine’s wide and surprised eyes. “Aight, first thing’s first – my monsters gettin’ their effects from Spirit Space. So now I can use their full strength.” He pointed forward, Gardonex wasting no time in sprinting across the field. “So that means Gardonex can attack you directly!”

Blaine raised an arm in defense, but was quickly thrown backwards as Gardonex’s new, sharper and wider claws collided with him. He shook off the hit, mulling over how to combat these new creatures.

(Koro: 3800) (Blaine: 3400 ---> 1500)

“Then,” Blaine started, “I will respond by playing Guardian of the Sphere (0/0).” He threw a card from his hand, giving rise to the long, snake-like body of a red and orange dragon; its tiny, human-like hands grasped a violet ball, nearly matching the shade of the beast's wide and clawed feet. A snort came from the similarly colored nose, its golden manes flapping as it also curled into a round shape.

Koro flinched as he watched the large dragon flaunt its size and zip around his Spirit Space. “The heck does it do!?” he wondered.

Blaine tapped the card on his Holo Mat. “When I receive 1000 or more Battle Damage, this monster can be Special Summoned from my hand; next, it receives defense points equal to the damage (0/0 ---> 1900).”

“Aight.” Koro nodded, his fears of the monster’s ability washed away. “Guess that’s pretty good, but unless it can block this next attack…”

“One more monster effect.” Blaine sent a second card onto his field. An orange, mechanical head surrounded by tin foil joined the teen's dragon. “Once my opponent has used a monster effect, I can Special Summmon Monster Scanner (0/0) and store that effect.” He nodded in the condor’s direction. “I will copy and store Garudonex’s ability to attack directly. Later, by sending Monster Scanner to the graveyard, I can let one other monster take on that effect.”

He’s tryin’ to be sneaky. Koro glared at both fields. His evolved Blustedo was already prepared to strike, its snarl strengthening and its claws impatiently tapping together. “Aight then, let’s see Isulei survive this one! Blustedo, let ‘er have it!”

Blustedo growled as it lunged forward, its claws now pointed directly at the pale girl. Isulei flipped over the first attack, spinning around and attempting to strike the beast in the side of the head; however, Blustedo was just as fast, sidestepping to the right and preparing another slash. Isulei faltered, unable to avoid this one; but a sudden wall of fire rose between the two fighters, repelling the claws and chasing away the evolved wolf.

“The crap!?” hissed Koro.

Blaine revealed his Trap Card, calling, “Phoenix Rebirth; with this card, a Level 3 or lower monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and it reduces all Battle Damage to zero.” He shot a gaze at his graveyard. “Plus, at the End Phase, all Level 3 or lower monsters that were destroyed by my opponent this turn can be Special Summoned from the graveyard.”

Koro was left confused, countering, “Guess that’s fine, cause there haven’t been any destroyed this turn; you just sent one with your other trap.” He shot another nod at his monster, adding, “But yeah, Blustedo’s effect still goes off since it attacked; that’s 100 damage for each Level on the attack target.”

(Koro: 3800) (Blaine: 1500 ---> 1400)

The red-eyed bandit studied his opponent’s field, now focusing on Isulei and Guardian of the Sphere. Eh, but Relinquish Retreat’ll make a combo that can return Jump Guardian to the field. But that’s only seven; he needs eight if he’s goin’ for Arisen, and that’s if he Synchs at all. He’s got that Monster Scanner, but if he Synchs with it he can’t copy the direct attack effect he took. What’s he doin’ over there…? He anxiously tapped the final card in his hand, finally throwing it down. “Aight, then Remove Trap is takin’ out your Relinquish Retreat.” He deposited the card into his grave as a large bear trap clamped around Blaine’s first Continuous Trap, crushing it to bits. That’ll stop him from recyclin’ Jump Guardian. He waved his arm. “It’s your go.”

Another card shot into Blaine’s grasp, the teen mulling over his options as he glanced between his three monsters. “Activate Spell Card - Reasoning,” he finally decided.

“Reasoning, huh?” Koro let out a light chuckle. “Aight, so I guess a Level and you start dumpin’ your deck to the grave until you find a monster. If it ain’t the Level I guess, you get to summon it.” He mockingly stroked his chin for a moment, quickly shouting, “I pick Level 3!” He held down his head, figuring, The only way he’s getting Arisen out is if he pulls a Level 3 Tuner. He’s got that Star Pyxie, but he’s gotta dice roll for that to work, so it’s gotta be worth the risk.

Blaine sent five cards to the graveyard before turning around another monster. “Level 1,” he announced. “Holy Sprite (0/0).” Hundreds of miniature, pink stars fluttered out of Blaine's card, sporadically dancing between each other and occasionally colliding to produce glistening beams.

Tuner, Koro acknowledged. I was right, he missed –

“Now, Holy Sprite’s effect activates.” Jump Guardian’s image suddenly appeared behind him. “By selecting one Tuner Monster in my graveyard, I can have Holy Sprite copy its Level Stars. Jump Guardian has three.”

Koro grumbled. Crap, he had a third way to do it!?

“Next, I activate Guardian of the Sphere’s effect.” The monster let out three separate, red glows. “By lowering its defense points, I can activate one of two effects. For each 500 points lowered, I can increase this card’s Level by one, or inflict 500 damage. I activate the former once and the latter twice (1900 ---> 400 DEF; Level 3 ---> 4).”

Koro gritted his teeth as the dragon breathed fire on him twice; he pulled his cape over him, murmuring to himself as his Disk Arm’s display flashed twice.

(Koro: 3800 ---> 3300 ---> 2800) (Blaine: 1400)

“Now, I tune my Level 1 Isulei and Level 4 Guardian of the Sphere with my Level 3 Holy Sprite.”

Koro shot up. “So you are gonna Synch!?”

Blaine already held his monster from the Extra Deck. “Each time I play this card, a little bit of fear disappears from my heart.” He widened his brows. “Hell Blaze Dragon has kept a shadowy veil over me ever since I ‘awoke’ into this world. But if playing this card is the key to quelling it for just a bit longer, I will do what I must to keep it at bay.”

The red-eyed bandit turned away, guilt beginning to fill his mind.

“Take me beyond the horizon, where glistening stars pass through the majestic skies and glimmer endlessly.” Blaine closed his eyes, held down his head, and spread his arms. “Return the unrest soul to a golden land of harmony.”

Long, white hair spun in unison with golden jewelry dangling from the tan arms and thin body of a young female. A short, brown skirt and similarly colored sleeve attachments danced with her rapid movement. After one more backflip, she threw her straight sword into the Surface and landed perfectly on its tip. Staring at it with sharp, emerald eyes that matched the jewel strapped to her forehead, the female descended towards the resting weapon.

“Synchro Summon.” Blaine opened his eyes and lifted his head to stare at the enchantress. “My shining dawn - Arisen (2300/1800).” His Monster Scanner was already withering away. “By sending Monster Scanner to the graveyard, Arisen gains the ability it absorbed; she can attack directly.”

Koro huffed again, the direct attacks more than a constant Taunt at this point. “Yeah-yeah, like always.” He smirked. But that ain’t enough to win, and Garudonex can always attack directly next turn.

“Remiser Flunge…!”

Arisen kicked off her weapon, snatching it in the same motion and rotating until she landed; the girl sprinted across the field, sword in hand as she avoided confronting both spirits with her swift movements. She swung at Koro, only to suddenly disappear; the red-eyed bandit gaped about in shock, turning to Blaine for answers.

“Cancelled your own attack…!?” Koro assumed.

“Improving it.” Another Trap Card appeared, this time from Blaine’s graveyard. “Spirit Up activates; by removing this card from play, the attacking monster receives 700 attack points (2300 ---> 3000 ATK).”

“W-What!?” Koro immediately turned to his face-down card. Focus Force…only works if an ‘AniGuardian’ is attacked. That means –

Arisen had already appeared behind Blaine’s opponent, balancing on her sword once again. Koro turned, almost in fear as he met eyes with the enchantress; she leapt off the weapon a second time, kicking its blade into him and bringing him to his knees.

(Koro: 2800 ---> 0) (Blaine: 1400)

Blaine folded away his dueling gear, thanking Arisen with a bow as she withdrew her weapon. He began taking his cards off the Holo Mat and putting away his gear, observing the tranquility of Spirit Space before it could vanish.

Koro grumbled loudly, but also could not keep from laughing as he thought about all his matches with Blaine. He took off his Disk Arm, but did not remove any of the cards from it or his power field; Spirit Space and his monsters remained. “Frickin’ direct attacks,” he exhaled once again, this time followed by a louder laugh. “Every time…”

“It was still a good game,” Blaine insisted.

“Yeah-yeah, I know. Just wanted to beat you before you ran off.” He shrugged his shoulders, accepting Blaine’s hand and standing. “Guess I did kinda walk into that one though. Can’t beat a master at his own game.”

Blaine offered a light smile. “Powering up my lower level monsters has –”

“Yeah, it’s your thing.” He reclined on the nearest tree. “Guess we all gotta evolve our own way.”

Blaine nodded. “You seem pretty interested in the evolution of your Duel Monsters.”

“Surprised you haven’t done anything with Isulei actually.” He stared at his space, figuring, “Just 200 attack. I mean yeah, you can summon it and stuff, but those abilities clash man. Don’t you have anything better for her after all this time? You’ve gotta have enough Duel Points.”

Another tilt of the head came from Blaine. “I suppose I do, but changing her never quite seemed right.”

“Pah.” Koro waved his arm in disgust. “So you’re just gonna let everyone get ahead of you while you mess around with the same old crap?” He pointed to Blaine’s deck. “Guess you can get new cards and stuff, but still, gettin’ better ain’t just about buyin’ packs and stuff anymore.”

Blaine found it hard to acknowledge that logic, though he was still willing to put it in the back of his mind. “Maybe,” he finally let out. But his mind was still centered towards getting as much information as possible. He sat near a tree opposite his old friend, wondering, “You avoided something earlier. I still feel you are doing it now.”

Koro took a long, deep breath; he figured Blaine would not let it go, but then again, he probably should not. “Aight,” he sighed angrily. “You got me man. Guess I haven’t been truthful with ya the whole way. But as long as you’re huntin’ around for this crap, I guess I might as well…”

Curious, Blaine blinked twice. “What do you mean?”

Koro had to take several moments before admitting, “I know how you got –”

A sudden, violent rumbling interrupted the bandit as Spirit Space began to fall apart. The two duelists immediately stood and glanced around, suspicious as the field gave way to a darker, colder space; this one was littered in winding dirt paths and had sporadic patches of lava looming around it. The two stood on a single patch of grass that had large rocks dangling around it, setting their sights on the enormous tower ahead of them.


**
RANDOM DESTINY’S HORIZON TRIVIA

Credit to Synchro101 for Phoenix Rebirth and Holy Sprite. I just messed around with the names and effects a bit.

“Emblem of the” isn’t exactly the best series name to fit together by an effect. I didn’t quite think that through in the past, haha. The main reason Spirit Space exists is because I was not pleased with the speed of the AniGuardian deck and wanted Koro to have at least one more AniGuardian Guide card appear. But I also didn't want to stretch this duel out, so I gave both players rather good opening hands.

The "Scanner" series is a small set I've had tucked away for a while now, but I finally decided to give them to Blaine. There will also be a Magic Scanner and Trap Scanner, but they will follow slightly different methods and patterns to be used.

I still have mixed feelings on how well the flashbacks and information mixed with the duel. While I did want to give Blaine and Koro their rematch, some of the stuff seemed to come off as a bit forced. But maybe it still works. Koro has no reason to use “riddle language” anyway, so I just treated it like a Q&A session.

Overall, I guess this episode kind of reminds me of BTZ's Season 5 opener in that it doesn't seem like my best work, but maybe it's just because I went into some unfamiliar territory. I mainly had to get a couple things done, but I guess after this month-long break I feel a little better about it, so we'll just roll with it.

[Arvin]

Stupid cliffhangers. Please post quickly. And i'm first to respond yay

[ShadowBlade]

Haha, sorry, I have a mean habit of overusing cliffhangers. ._. Luckily, in my long absence I've managed to finish most of 76 anyway. Now hopefully I don't run into motivation problems again.

Thanks for posting, though! Glad to see some new faces around here.

[GuardianBlaK]

you will continue to write episode 76, or face Orochi's Wrath!!!!!!!!!!

lol. great start to Season 3. the flashback's in between the regular duel between Koro and Blaine was cool. i was picturing chibi versions of both of em. lol.

I wonder if both of them will meet the evil dude who sits in the dark tower. haha. Im still wonder what the heck happened to Blaine to lose his memory. stupid cliffhangers... :P


until next episode!

[ShadowBlade]

Challenge accepted! Naw, hopefully it won't come to that, haha.

Looks like I had the better of myself again, bleh. But chibi DYH? Oh boy. >.> <.< Sometimes I wonder what goes through that mind of yours, BlaK. Then again, I guess I'm one to talk.

Sorry I haven't been around to duel lately. Haven't really felt like it. =/ But thanks for dropping by and posting. I'll see you next time for more cliffhangers. >.> <.<

[synchro101]

If introductions to arcs can kill then i just died... loved it! anyway you finally posted. can't say much right now except for the fact taht im thankful for phoenix rebirth and holy sprite being used... I dont remember holy sprite dont XD. I wonder which turn of the story i made that card... i might check later. Anyway that was a chapter. Peace synchro!

Additional Comment:

If introductions to arcs can kill then i just died... loved it! anyway you finally posted. can't say much right now except for the fact taht im thankful for phoenix rebirth and holy sprite being used... I dont remember holy sprite dont XD. I wonder which turn of the story i made that card... i might check later. Anyway that was a chapter. Peace Shadow!

[Bobby Mercer]

I hear and feel ya when you talk about angst and frustrations with certain chapters. I know the upcoming #7 of UTL has been a pain for me because it reads like a detour, but there are scenes within it that are vital to the story and can't fit anywhere else. But I suppose chapters like that are going to happen, espescially in longer stories such as this.

That opening has to pertain to Jay, right? That whole scene just smells of him, espescially the talk of that tower and him being god wherever he is. I could be wrong and maybe you're referrencing a character you've introduced already in DYH and I missed it, but put me down for a sandwich on that being Jay anyways .

Blaine reminds me of Hellboy in a way. Both have uncertain pasts, both unsure if they want to know the truth about themselves, and both having curiosity getting the better of them and pushing for answers anyways. The biggest thing I took away from the handful of revelations we got was that he's actually from Cerulean, yet feels that Sunset is his true home. Perhaps life wasn't so grand on Cerulean, espescially if he was involved in gang life, and Sunset was the fresh start he needed? And I have half a feeling that Koro wasn't referrencing Isulei when he said "Guess it's always gonna be about protectin' her."

One hiccup I did see was that you referred to Emily as "The Emily" in one early scene. Not sure if that sentence started out as one of your identifiers (the blonde and so on) and you changed it or what, but other than that I didn't catch any others. The duel was strong, Kajido is scheming, and we end in a cliffhanger. All is well in the land of DYH.

[Worry Seed]

Here it is! I was looking all over for this.

Hmm. Maybe you feel this is not your best stuff since you're coming off the high of last episode which was closing out an arc? It's kinda like comparing a Granny Smith to a Red Delicious IMO. In the end they're both apples but it's a matter of taste. For me you starting a new arc is what I prefer since I don't have to play so much catch up.

I'm OK with your cliffhangers, or as OK with a cliffhanger as I can be. They are more traditional in that you hope you know where it's going and all you have to do is wait it out. Unlike Bobby's which are indirect at best in that you don't realize you're going off a cliff until you've hit bottom. I'm also OK with you using flashbacks as they really help me out if they have material from a part of the story I've missed.

[SebastiaanZ]

Yeah thats definitely Jay or Jay related in the opening scene. The 100 story tower plus the fact that Lilith is a LoCascio and she saw the tower after her duel with Emily. Besides you wouldn't return Yami Marik from the "death" for a second time. Plus I would be right from the beginning. 😄

I'll keep this very short since I am typing this on my iPhone. I am on a vacation in Hungary. I loved this turn, and more and more Blaine past related is unveiled. I hope to see those CACSs from Koro soon. 😄

See you for 76!

[Ryo4ever]

nice very nice, very very nice! i love aniguardians! hope this is not the last we see of koro.

so are we going to see 76 anytime soon? or are we facing another break?

[ShadowBlade]

Prepare, my little spirits...

Er, wait, that's Bobby's line. In any case, just so everybody knows, 76 is more or less done and I'm just going to be combing through it today while I work on 77. I'm sure it's apparent by now, but I haven't exactly been having the easiest time writing lately. I've been over these reasons before, so I won't really bore anyone with the details again.

But I am at least engaged in the ideas I'm coming up with; I just have trouble putting it on Word lately. >.> <.< Hopefully I can find a way to get over it, make this arc as fun as I think it can be, and get on with it.


Let's go through the comments (though I do have to kind of rush through them because I have to attend a math workshop for the upcoming semester; I will be teaching one class at Purdue, and two at a nearby Ivy Tech campus).


Synchro: Haha, indeed. I've been trying to go through some of the cards people have submitted to me (as far back as 2010) and trying to find places to throw them in, mainly as a thanks for reading. But some of them also have legitimately fun and good design.


Bobby: Haha, well, if it puts any more faith in your sandwich, that person has not been introduced in DYH yet.

I'm not terribly familiar with Hellboy, but I get the sentiment. I've actually figured out something I'll have to do based on your other observation; there will simply be chaos everywhere and it's up to these characters if they acknowledge it or try to run from it. But yes, you do have an interesting take on the life thing, haha, though I'm not exactly trying to paint Cerulean as a paradise; it's mainly just him seeking the knowledge at this point. Also a nifty little thought on Isulei, haha.

The Emily is not pleased that you revealed her identity. >.> <.< Dun dun duuuuun.


Worry: Hmm, that could be. I used to feel similar things on BTZ after a big duel, so you could be right. I think it's also due to my lack of motivation for putting things on paper lately, so I'll try to get over it, haha.

I use cliffhangers quite often, so I was mainly poking fun at that. But yeah, I do enjoy using them as long as they're actually leading somewhere. Flashbacks are another thing I tend to enjoy, though I never really found a consistent use for them; so I just toss them in whenever I feel it's necessary, haha.


Seb: Haha, seems you have your own sandwiches to start betting. But it definitely wouldn't be Yami Marik anyway since I am done with canon characters.

Hope you're having fun on your vacation (assuming you haven't already come back).


Ryo: Hopefully soon!



Thanks to everybody for dropping by. Sorry again for having to come back abruptly and rush through the comments, but let me know if I missed a point you wanted me to further elaborate on.

No formal preview, but Turn 76's name is Hunters' Remorse. See you then!

[SebastiaanZ]

Well I am back I think I'll reserve a bigger comment for 76, seeing how it might be released soon.

[Ryo4ever]

so ... how ar things going? are we going to see 76 anytime soon, wanna see more!

[Arvin]

Yah shadow, ur just leaving us hanging :/

[ShadowBlade]

Sorry, yeah, I know the wait has been terrible. ._.

Since the start of the semester, I've had ideas for something and took time to focus on that instead. I don't think forcing the YGO stuff has been getting me anywhere, so I'm kind of sitting back and tagging on things only when I feel like it.

Everything I do is kind of sporadic at the moment, so I'm trying to see if I can create some kind of day-by-day schedule to keep it a little more controlled. It will likely also help trick my mind into getting motivated to do certain things I've been neglecting, YGO not being the only thing by far.

Hopefully I will update soon and jump back into it. Until then, thanks to anybody who isn't yet completely infuriated with me.

[Arvin]

you has been forgiven.

[synchro101]

LOL. Shadow it's cool. But we need you.. School for me starts in 2 days... come back shadow!!

Synchro 101 out! *starts to tear up* "Come back shadow!" he screams into the darkness.

[ShadowBlade]

All right, so just as an update, my writing time will pretty much be eaten up by having to grade tests for the next day or two. All my class assessments fell around the same day and the Ivy Tech exams are of significant size.

So as a convenient date, let's plan for the 17th because...yep...another year has passed, and it'll be the 6th anniversary of BTZ.