Yu-Gi-Oh! Future's Advent Turn 2: Resounding Conflict- Clash of Ideals!

[Tempest Star]

I know that a lot of you have waited two months or so for this chapter and for that I do apologise. Now that I have a new pacing system in place I shall be hoping to post a new chapter every 2-3 weeks if not sooner. Unfortunately I will not have the available time to post a chapter a week like other people can. I am also aware that this is a day later than I advertised to people but I had a few complications which had to be ironed out. If you see any errors then please feel free to point them out to me in a respectful and constructive way. As always ignore the auto-tags where they should not appear and enjoy!

Yu-Gi-Oh! Future’s Advent
Turn 2: Resounding Conflict- Clash of Ideals!

**
OP- In the Shadows
**
Chicago, 1862

Pouring rain lanced the paved streets of the ancient industrial city as bitter winds howled through the dark black and star studded sky. As the shining moon rose to its fullest point and settled amongst its peers, its image became super imposed over the rooftops; the chimney stacks of the buildings mere dots in comparison to its great size.

A small group of three men rushed through the streets, their boots clanging on the stone paving as they ran, eager to escape the wrath of the torrential downpour. Outfitted in beige cord trousers, white shirts and tartan caps these factory workers had just finished their Shift and were impatiently searching for somewhere to dry off, have a beer and eat a hearty meal.

As they rounded a corner and noticed the welcoming, friendly glow of an inn fire beaming at them through an open window the men jumped for joy and patted each other on the backs. However, their excitement soon turned to suspicion as they noticed a figure approaching them from the shadows, his confident strut and tall structure enough to make them take a wary step backwards.

“There is no need for alarm gentlemen.” A calm and soft voice rang out from the direction of the hidden man, bouncing off the walls of the brick structures that surrounded them, and reverberating around the street.

The mysterious man drew closer to the startled workers, lifting his arms from his sides in an inviting fashion. As he did so the clouds above parted and the moon was revealed in all its glory, luminous blue and grey light exposed, its gleam radiating across the surfaces of the city. The shadows around the man began to disperse as he stepped out into the open, moonlight playing across his face and glistening off his flowing white hair.

He was dressed in grey leather boots and dark brown trousers, a black shirt neatly tucked into his waist band in order to cover his upper body; white patterns evident on its surface. His tall thin frame was clad in a long bright red coat, a thick grey belt holding the attire together and the look finally finished with white tassels on the breasts of the outfit. The man also had tanned skin and chocolate brown eyes, his face chiselled and perfectly designed. A light smile played along the figure’s lips as he stood, bathing in the moonlight, his eyes locked on the awe struck men in front of him.

“I have no interest in harming you,” the figure continued, slowly folding his arms together.
“I merely require information, then you may continue on your way.”
“Um ... sure.”

The shorter man was the first to recover from the initial shock and reply to the man’s request. He donned a dirty, brown jacket over a white shirt and appeared older than his companions, short grey hair and a grey moustache apparent on his features. His two companions were both much younger and taller than him, both bearing shaved heads and large muscles on their chests and arms. They donned similar jackets but were instead dressed in tight white t-shirts, braces strapped across their fronts.

“Thank you, your cooperation is appreciated.” The man’s smile strengthened as he turned to the shorter gentlemen and addressed him. “I am searching for the residence of a certain family.”

“Well... who are they?!” One of the taller men suddenly blurted out as he regained his confidence and took a menacing step forward.

“My apologies,” the figure replied turning to face the larger man. “I forget that the rain and darkness are not as natural to yourselves as they are to me. There is nothing more relaxing for myself than a casual walk in the elements themselves.”

The men looked at each other in confusion before snickering to themselves whilst the calm figure remained still and emotionless, waiting patiently for them to finish. After a moment of reflection he spoke again, his voice still silvery and sweet.

“The house which I seek is the residence of the Vaughan family.”

“Ah, the Vaughan’s. Yes I can direct you there,” the older man replied delving into his memory for the proper directions. After a few more minutes of discussion the figures parted, the mysterious man traversing up the street away from the drinking establishment as the three figures dived into its interior, glad to be out of the rain and away from the unusual stranger.

“I wish that I could spare you.” The man muttered to himself as he briskly walked up the paved road, pushing his hands deep into his coat pockets. “However, I have one rule that I must obey at all times...”

As the figure sighed and gritted his teeth he sped up the pace of his walking, the bar noticeable in the distance over his left shoulder. A sudden explosion rocked the foundations of the building behind causing it to shudder and shake, glass spewing across the sidewalk and brick falling to the ground below. The street shook as a second, and then a third explosion rocked the inn reducing it to a pile of smouldering rubble and burning flames; the Inferno quickly reduced to a whisper by the pouring rain.

“Leave no witnesses.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

New York City, Present Day

Max tossed and turned in his bed as he pushed the thick white pillow over his head, attempting to block the shrill beeping noise that filled his ears. As his sleepy eyes slowly opened and his blurred vision solidified he reached over to the bedside cabinet beside him and tapped a button atop the small alarm clock causing it to cease its intense ringing. Stifling a yawn the young adult stretched his muscles and blinked away the remnants of sleep.

“What’s wrong?” Aimi stirred as she was woken by the movement, rolling onto her side so that she could view her lover. She was still half-asleep and did not care for the interruption of her beauty sleep.

“I have work,” her partner replied lifting up the covers and swinging himself out of the bed. “First day remember, I can’t be late.”

He chuckled to himself as he picked up the clock and stared at its display screen which read ‘6.30AM’. A good thing that I set the alarm for so early, he thought, at least it gives me two hours until I have to be at work. Plenty of time to wake up, sort myself out and be out the door by eight.

“Ok,” the young woman responded, pulling the covers back over herself and settling into their calming warmth. “It’s my day off so I don’t have to be up for a few more hours, try to be quiet please.”

“Sure.” Max leaned over her resting body and kissed her on the forehead before collecting his belongings and leaving the room.

“Good luck,” she called after him as he approached the bathroom; within less than a minute she was soundly asleep once more.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Ah, the glistening morning sun.”

Max basked in the light of the early morning as he stepped out of the front door and onto the sidewalk, the sunlight bouncing off the concrete. As he walked along the pavement the sun glittered off the walls and windows, its soft light dancing across his face and bathing his skin in a healthy glow. He was dressed in a slick and fitted dark blue suit and white shirt, a sky blue tie and black shoes completing the outfit. His normally messy and flowing hair was tied up in a ponytail and his face was clean shaven and smooth.

Seconds later, after fumbling around in the parking garage, Max was on his way. Cruising along the highway in a small red Renault Clio he smiled to himself as he observed the rapidly moving scenery.

I’m sure that Aimi won’t mind me borrowing her car, he mused to himself, after all she did say that she didn’t have work today. I can’t really go to work on my D-Wheel; the students will get jealous of their new professor. The newly appointed teacher laughed lightly at his joke as he flicked on the radio and turned off at the next intersection, soon following road signs that read ‘New York Duel Academy, Route 51’.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“Good lesson kids! Don’t forget your homework assignments and there will be a pop quiz on the finals of the Battle City tournament next time so swat up.”

Max sighed a breath of relief as the final bell of the day rang and the students filed out in dribs and drabs until he was left alone in the classroom. He sank down into his chair and leant back into it, his head rolling back into a relaxed position.

Phew, I made it! That was tough but hopefully things will get easier now that we have all got to know each other and they have adjusted to me. The suave teacher reflected on the day to himself as he attempted to catch his breath and reorder his thoughts. Tomorrow is another day, he continued on, and now that the nerves are over and done with I should feel more confident about myself.
“Time to make a move”, the collected Wind duelist muttered to himself as he stifled a yawn and stretched his weary muscles awake. Just in time for the debriefing meeting then I can be on my way, he observed as he glanced over to the wall mounted digital clock which ticked over to read ’15.50’.

Gathering his suit jacket and satchel bag he left the room and started to make his way down the vast white hallway, heading in the direction of the faculty staff room. As he approached the end of the corridor a ringing melody started to issue from the brown bag slung over his right shoulder. Collecting his mobile phone from the bag Max’s face began to form into an expression of suspicion as the screen read ‘Unknown Caller, Number Blocked’.

Hesitantly the youth flipped open the device and pressed the green button situated at the top left corner which read ‘Receive Call’. “Hello,” he warily answered.

A brisk and creepy breathing could be heard on the other end of the line, subtle but also apprehensive. A voice began to speak, the tone unrecognizable and mechanical sounding, which indicated that a sound muffler or voice synthesizer was in use by the caller.

“Maxwell Vaughan. Do not speak, just listen. Your life is in danger but I cannot help you if I am bombarded by meaningless questions like ‘Who?’ or ‘How?’. If you understand then simply say yes, if you attempt any other type of communication then I shall merely disconnect the call.”

Confused and slightly scared Max stopped and sidled his way to one side of the corridor so that he was out of sight of the hallway’s end, and anyone who may have approached him. He quickly analysed the situation in his mind, his thoughts running over the previous days events.

This could be a hoax, he thought to himself, it is entirely random and may have absolutely no bearing on what happened yesterday. Coincidences do happen. However, on the other hand, he does sound sincere and if someone is targeting me then Aimi may be in danger too.
Deciding that he should at least hear the stranger out the youth returned the phone to his ear and replied instantly. “Yes.”

“Good.” The voice returned again, a hint of relief evident in the tone.

“These are the facts as I know them, do with this information what you will. I shall assume that you are aware of the criminal organisation known as the Black Bandits. Your opponent Reece was a member of this organisation and although they do not care well for their own, their employer is dead set on acquiring the technology that he was unable to obtain for them. I have reason to believe that they will attempt to apprehend you in order to arrange an exchange, the hero for the prize. Be on your guard and if any more information arises I will contact you again, please do not attempt to contact me.”

Stunned by the information which he had just been presented with Max took a deep breath before managing to utter a reply into the mouthpiece. “Thank you.”

“You have friends Maxwell,” the ominous stranger answered, his voice now becoming rushed and frantic. “I shall act as your guardian, as you are too great of an asset to lose. Heed my words: a challenge shall be issued and a great battle shall ensue, these shall be the darkest times of your life, but if we succeed then the struggle will be worth it. Contend with your past, become at peace with yourself and look forward to the future.”

As Max struggled to comprehend the philosophical and cryptic message which the voice of the stranger was delivering to him the messenger spoke out once more, this time his voice was more calmer and clear.

“You cannot fight these battles alone my prince. Steel your mind, splintered thoughts will get you no were. Defend yourself and exceed your limits, as I know that you can.”

Confused and in awe Max attempted to formulate a reply but the words were unable to form in his mouth. He shook his head as the voice became more faint and distant, the messenger leaving him with one final thought before the line disconnected.

“ We all have many destinies but fate is not absolute and history can be altered. Serve the emissaries of time themselves, and anything is possible. Long live the avatar.”

As Max’s phone beeped to inform him that the contact had been ceased he flipped down the cover to learn, to his astonishment, that the time read exactly as it had five minutes ago. As the youth looked more closely at the display his eyes widened in surprise as he realised that the call had not even registered on his contact log. It was as if it had never happened...

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Max pondered the words of the mysterious messenger as he drove home, the light blue sky starting to turn starry black as the sun descended below the horizon. The debriefing meeting had taken longer than expected, even more so due to his abrupt lateness, and it was well after 5pm when he had finally been able to leave.

This situation is rather rare, the youth contemplated as he steered the vehicle along the highway, but it worries me nonetheless. Am I going mad or did that conversation actually happen? It just makes no sense to me at all.

The street lamps began to pop on one by one along the carriageway as the lone car made its way down the road, the only other vehicles being stationary and safely parked. The night air poured in through the open window, stale and cold, as the sun vanished from sight entirely.

Am I to believe that the Black Bandits, as bold and well equipped as they are, shall risk disturbing the order of things in order to just kidnap one meaningless teacher.

The flustered youth continued his analytical observations, lost in the tangled thoughts of his own mind, and as such did not notice the dark black van emerge from the shadows until it was too late. The large vehicle was painted pitch black and possessed tinted windows and a tinted windscreen; its headlights had been switched off in order to mask its approach.

Max twisted his head and gasped in shock as the larger vehicle suddenly swerved into him, the force of the impact pushing his car a few feet to the left. As he pulled the steering wheel back under his control the van attacked again, aggressively smashing into the side of him. With a burst of adrenaline the terrified hero slammed his foot onto the accelerator causing his small automobile to roar into life. Picking up speed he coursed away from the assaulting van, leaving it to realign itself back on the road. However, within seconds it was hot on his tail, the distance between the two quickly diminishing as the black menace closed in on its prey.

This can’t be happening! Max panicked as he glanced in his rear view mirror at the approaching behemoth. That guy was right, they would risk it, but for what?! How is this worth it?
As he struggled to stay ahead of his pursuers the youth aimed his ride towards the nearest exit only to swerve straight back onto the road again as two D-Wheels burst from the darkness. The two riders swerved their bikes to a stop, creating a barrier, as they stopped his approach to the slip road behind.

Max realised as soon as he set his sights back on the road that this was not going to be a positive scenario. Two more of the black D-Wheel’s sped up on the highway in front of him, sliding to a stop in order to block his escape. Behind him the black van had closed in and was now ramming his back bumper in an effort to either force the driver to a stop or flip him off the road entirely.

This is not going to end well! The youth’s thoughts sprang up as his mind screamed with panic. Somebody is going to get hurt, and with the way that this is going that person is going to be me! They really mean business!

With one last burst of confidence the defiant young man slammed on his brakes, swerved to one side so that his car was lying sideways across the road and floored the accelerator aiming himself at the barriers themselves. If I can’t go through them then I’ll just have to risk the forest below!

However, the criminals were not going to let their prey escape that easily as the van screeched to a halt and the passenger door was viciously kicked open. A bulky figure emerged, dressed in a black combat suit complete with boots and a padded vest, a balaclava was pulled down over his face to conceal his identity. The man caught a large steel device which was thrown to him from the cockpit of the van and mounted it on his shoulder, the scope aimed at the back of the retreating vehicle. With a grunt the man fired his weapon, a thick grappling hook attached to a long thin wire, which launched out of the created smoke. With a loud crack the hook pierced into the back of the car and latched itself to the vehicle. The man laughed as he pushed a red button on the hilt of the launcher causing a powerful electrical surge to shoot through the cable and into its target.

“Damn it!” The trapped education worker screamed out in frustration as electricity surged through his car’s systems and Sparks erupted from the controls. With a hiss and a thud the vehicle shut down entirely causing it to slide to a stop against the barrier, the necessary momentum needed in order to shatter it gone.

Max stumbled out of the vehicle, his eyes stinging and blinded by steam, to be caught off guard by a sudden blow to his face. Adrenaline soaring through his body and defence mechanisms setting in he manoeuvred himself into a backwards roll as he fell landing on his feet in a crouched position. The attacker was one of the D-Wheel riders, a lean built but sturdy man, his helmet held in one hand to reveal his face which was also clad in a balaclava.

“There will be none of that!”

An authoritive voice resounded around the area as another figure stepped out from the side of the van, the sound of his voice causing all the men to take one step back and become alert. The figure was dressed in the same uniform as his companions but did not possess a balaclava, his face free for all to observe.

He had pale pink skin and a well carved face, long spiky red hair springing out from his head and covering his eyes; the edges were a lighter tint similar to a ginger colour. Although the figure’s face was revealed he still donned a pair of dark black sunglasses which covered his eyes, and from the authoritive way that he stood and the red crest which was patched onto his shoulder pads it was evident that this man was the leader of the crew.

“We will give our guest a chance to prove himself,” the figure stated, stepping forward to put himself between Max and the men. “If he is worthy then we shall know that he is the real deal.”

“But boss,” the rider stuttered, flinching when the figure turned to face him. “What if he wins? We aren’t going to let him go are we?”

“Of course not you idiot, we are merely testing his spirit. My employer must know if he possesses certain qualities, a side task which was added to our new agreement. That bumbling fool Reece may have messed up the job but he did do us a favour, in exchange for more information our client has agreed to overlook the failure and offer us a new deal.”

“And a lot more cash!” The men chuckled to themselves as the rider blurted out his thoughts.

“Yes, and more cash,” the figure assured them. “But money is inconsequential to me at this point. I am more driven by curiosity.”

The man turned to face Max and offered him a hand; hesitantly the youth took it and was swiftly pulled to a standing position. The black clad gang members all looked at each other before backing away from the two men and forming a large circle around them. One of them detached a black Duel Academy issue duel disk from one of the D-Wheel’s and threw it into the circle, allowing it to land at Max’s feet.

The cornered teacher stared at the device on the ground, cocking his head as he heard a familiar click. Raising his head he was stunned to see that the gang leader had already attached his own duel disk to his arm, a sleek blue and grey model, and was loading a deck into the Deck Zone.

“You don’t really have much of a choice,” he calmly stated flaunting the device. “If you do not wish to participate in our challenge then we shall merely apprehend you by force and be done with it. Don’t get me wrong, you’re coming with us either way, but I am giving you a chance to save yourself the pain and make this more clean.”

A challenge? Max mused as he leant down and picked up the duel disk. It seems that they are set on kidnapping me either way but if I duel him then I may be able to stall for time. Maybe someone will pass by and cause a disturbance, I merely need a small diversion in order to escape.

Deciding that this was the best course of action he equipped the device and slid his deck into place. It is getting late anyway, if I am not back momentarily then Aimi will worry and start a search for me.

“A wise choice,” the figure declared as the two devices activated simultaneously sending multi-colored lights flickering around the surrounding area.

“Allow me to introduce myself Mr. Vaughan. I am Ricky, sub-commander of the Black Bandits. I apologise that our founder could not be here tonight but he has more pressing matters to attend to.”

“Interesting,” Max muttered to himself as he slid five cards into his hand. “Information like that is too important to just give away my overconfident friend...”

However his thoughts were interrupted by the confident gangster as he marked a start to the competition.

“Gentlemen, I am the Angel of Darkness and I shall be your entertainment for tonight!”

“Let’s duel!” both men hollered as their solid vision generators roared into life.

(Max: 4000) (Ricky: 4000)

**
Character Profile:

Ricky Armstrong
Age: 23
Build: Athletic/Slim
Deck Type: Machina Gadget Variant
Career Highlights: 2x Ohio State Champion; Sub-Commander of ‘The Black Bandits’.
Favourite Card: Machina Fortress
Ace Card: Cyber Guardian Eros
Trivia: Although a young age for his high position in the criminal gang ‘The Black Bandits’ Ricky reached his rank due to his ruthless and cold personality. He demands respect from his men at all times and strikes fear and uncertainty into their minds when they question his orders. However, this side of him is usually hidden as he enjoys the thrill of the duel and always sees it as entertainment for himself and his cohorts.

[Tempest Star]

Card of the Day:

Machina Fortress
EARTH
Level 7
Machine/Effect
You can discard Machine-Type monster(s) whose total Levels equal 8 or more to Special Summon this card from your hand or Graveyard. When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, select and destroy 1 card your opponent controls. When this face-up card you control is targeted by an opponent’s Effect Monster’s effect, look at your opponent’s hand and discard 1 card from their hand.
ATK/ 2500 DEF/ 1600
(http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Machina_Fortress)

**
“I’ll be taking the first move,” the gang leader declared as he swiftly pulled a sixth card from his deck. “And I’ll start out with this, Yellow Gadget (1200/1200).”

“Yellow Gadget?” Max wondered as the monster began to form on his opponent’s field.
The small stocky monster resembled a one-eyed android with a glass lens displayed over his only optical sensor. A large grey gear was mounted on his back and he sported a shiny silver gear piece as a helmet; also the edges of his armour shimmered with a green glow.

“That’s right.” Ricky smirked as he introduced his first protector, a new card ejecting itself from his neat pile of deck cards as he spoke. “When this card is normal or special summoned I can add one Green Gadget from my deck to my hand.”

Interesting, a searcher card. The calm defendant mused as he watched his adversary replace the card he had just played with a new one. By generating hand advantage this means that he will be able to stay ahead in the number of resources that he will be able to utilise. I may have to play conservatively in this match; any sudden strategies that fail could leave me wide open.

“I’ll also make things more exciting for us by placing two hidden resources face down.”

The criminal chuckled as he selected two more cards from his full hand of six and pushed them into his duel disk. As all of the participants observed the browned backs of two reverse cards shimmered into existence, backing the stocky yellow android.

“That’ll do for now,” he continued on causing ‘End Phase’ to flash on both player’s displays. “Let’s see what you have kid.”

“With pleasure,” the cornered youth replied as he drew his own sixth card. ‘Standby Phase’ flashed on both duel disks shortly followed by ‘Main Phase 1’.

“Not much of a hand,” he muttered to himself analysing his set of offerings which contained only two monster cards. “Guess this will have to do.”

“Alright, let’s crank this up a notch!” he shouted slamming the card onto a Monster Zone. “Serve me now Sonic Shooter (1300/600)!”

A green portal opened in front of the youth, his confidence now rising. A winged figure soon emerged from the portal, his body was a pale blue with grey tints and he sported golden bracelets on his arms and abdomen. White feathery wings flaunted from his shoulders and a silver helmet was strapped around his head, a set of smaller wings protruding from that as well. Finally, the figure had chiselled muscles across its chest and razor sharp talons replaced its hands and feet.

“Not bad, not bad indeed.”

The gang leader smirked as one of his set cards flipped face up; the art depicting a junk crusher with vicious metal teeth, the small figures of Green Gadget and Mechanicalchaser evident in its mighty jaws.

“Your monster may have surpassed mine,” he gloated as the powerful jaws of the machine erupted from the ground around Sonic Shooter, “but my trap card will cut him down to size with no effort at all.”

A counter already, now this is more unexpected than I had originally imagined. The teenager’s calculative mind ran through the scenario which was taking place before him with careful precision as he observed the jaws snap shut with a crash and shatter his monster into pieces. If his deck is able to take the lead in such an early turn then my combos may prove to be no match for the constant speed of his strategy.

“Mechanical Trap Hole,” Ricky introduced as he pulled the card from his duel disk and deposited it into his graveyard slot. “This card allows for activation if my opponent normal summons or special summons a monster with 1000 or more attack points and I control a face-up Machine type monster. I can negate that summon and destroy the targeted monster.”

“So it would seem,” the suave duelist replied as he studied his remaining hand cards, “but if it is a combo battle that you want then I will be more than willing to oblige.”

“I should hope that you shall.” The black clad criminal chuckled as he performed a mock bow to his adversary, earning a flurry of laughter from his cohorts. “You’re rumoured to be good kid, so show me what you’ve got. I want only your best in this challenge, don’t disappoint me.”

Max frowned as he pulled a card from his hand and slid into one of his open Spell/Trap zones. “Trust me, I shall not. I intend to fight this battle to the end, no matter the outcome.”

His stance became confident and his expression stern as the green backed card sprang into view next to him, its art depicted a collection of musical notes floating along the cloud covered sky. A lightning bolt was apparent at the top of the image underneath the right hand side of the card’s title indicating its class as a Quick Play card.

“Quick-Play Spell Song of Resonance,” he explained as the card emitted a healthy green glow from itself which soon solidified into a portal. Sonic Shooter soon stepped out from the swirling vortex and took his place next to the defiant duelist, his arms folded in a judgemental fashion (1300/600).

“I can chain this card’s activation to the destruction of one of my monsters by an opponent’s Spell or Trap card effect,” the Wind collector continued on as he explained the effect of his card to his challenger and the surrounded audience. “I am then permitted to revive that monster from the graveyard and then destroy one of the opponent’s monsters with a level class equal to or lower than the summoned monster.”

As the assembled spectators watched on in awe, the Bandit commander winced as sharp edged feathers erupted from Shooter’s outstretched wings and pierced his Yellow Gadget causing it to explode into holographic dust. His face appeared flustered for a moment before he took a sudden step backwards and lifted his head to the skies, laughter erupting from his shaking figure.

“You had me for a moment there kid,” he chuckled as his victim looked on in surprise and suspicion. “I almost lost it, but you’re right, I did ask for your best and I am glad to be receiving it. Let’s see the dueling spirit that burns so deep inside you Maxwell, let us see the real you.”

His personality surprises me so much, what is it about this guy? Max struggled with his thoughts as he allowed his shoulders to relax slightly and squeezed his hands closed in order to stop his body from trembling. He has chosen such a dark occupation and associates himself with criminals and delinquents but he acts so care free and happy, perhaps this is a ruse in order to hide his true dark nature. It is of no consequence, due to his thrill for the hunt and my own stalling I should be able to maintain enough time to make my move.

“It’s still your turn,” Ricky commented as he flicked his hand in order to indicate in the direction of his opponent. “That can’t be all that you have.”

“Of course not,” Max retorted in a calm voice as he snapped out of his deep flurry of thoughts and selected two cards from his hand. “I shall also set two reverse cards and end my turn.” ‘End Phase’ flashed on both players duel disks as the two cards formed behind the duelist’s winged guardian.

“Excellent!” the ecstatic villain exclaimed as he ripped a new card from his deck and added it to his hand cards giving him a total of five cards to work with. “Now the real fun can begin!”

The cammo clad figures chuckled and muttered amongst themselves as they stepped back slightly in order to widen the circle, obviously aware of what was to come next. Max raised an eyebrow as he observed this action, curious as to what card could make them act in this way.

“I normal summon Green Gadget (1400/600),” the criminal commanded, returning the trapped hero’s attention to the match, as he placed a card from his hand onto a Monster Zone and a new figure began to form before him. The figure was a new android, covered in gears and bearing a lone optical sensor similar to its previous counterpart. However, this machine was much more bulky and muscular looking and had broad powerful shoulders, a red glow surrounded the edges of the figure’s armour.

The surrounded teacher mused as he observed the monster flaunt its strength. These Gadget monsters seem to be the main component of his deck strategy, they allow him to retain hand advantage and ensure that his hand is always stocked with at least one monster card at all times. He truly is a resource based duelist.

“As you already know by now I shall assume, when summoned my Gadget allows me to add a copy of one of its brethren from my deck to my hand, in this case Red Gadget.” Ricky continued his play as a new card ejected from his deck, which he swiftly took and slid into his hand cards, before selecting another card and holding it up for everyone to see.

“Next I’ll follow up with a Spell card, Unstable Bargain,” he mentioned as it flashed into play on his side of the field. “This card allows me to special summon one monster from my graveyard but that monster does come with a few drawbacks, hence the name.”

A multicoloured ellipsis opened next to him and folded in on itself as his previously slain Yellow Gadget returned to the field, stepping into place next to its brother (0/0). “As I say,” the gang leader chuckled, “my monster does come with a few restrictions. Its attack and defense points are each reduced to zero, its effect is negated and finally if it is removed from the field it shall be removed from play.”

What an unusual play, what will that accomplish in the long run. Max studied his opponent’s facial expression carefully as he thought, attempting to read his poker face but with no such luck. Why would he summon his monster but take away all of its worth?

“You may be wondering why I summoned a monster with zero attack points,” the ecstatic duelist pointed out as he tapped a card in his hand with his index finger, “and the reason itself is quite simple. My monster may not be able to deal any damage to you but it can be useful to me in other ways, for this instance as a sacrifice.”

“It can’t be!” Max exclaimed as his devious opponent spun the card around and pushed it high into the air; the holo-foil markings and glittering gold title made it apparent that the card was extremely rare.

“That’s right,” his adversary retorted as he savoured the look on the young man’s face. “Binding Fission, the new replacement for fusion summoning after Polymerization was decommissioned. With each and every duelist running the new and more reliable Synchro mechanic fusion summoning became obsolete and along with it the cards used to support it. Binding Fission was released as an attempt to revive this lost art but a factory accident left only five of them in the entire world, my employer was fortunate enough to be able to acquire one of them.”

Impossible! It’s just not realistically possible! The stunned teenager’s mind screamed with panicked thoughts as he watched his opponent’s sneering expression as he lowered the card from its high position in the sky and slammed it into his duel disk. These Black Bandits are much more influential than I gave them credit for if they can possess such a rare and powerful card. If they so wished they could have the drive and the resources in order to become modern incarnations of the Ghouls.

“It seems that I have touched a nerve my dear Maxwell,” the smug criminal stated as his card shimmered into view next to him. “Perhaps you underestimated the purpose and ability of our little organisation, just like everyone else.”

The teen’s resolve strengthened as he answered the villain’s question. “That may be so but no matter what I or anyone else thinks, that is a conversation for another time. At the present we have a duel to continue.”

“As we do.” The reply echoed throughout the area as a blue glow emitted from the rare card which stood proudly next to its owner. “I shall choose at this time to activate the first effect of my Binding Fission, by sending fusion material monsters from my field to the graveyard I am permitted to perform a Fusion Summon.”

As the spectators watched on in awe and the two duelists straightened their stances the two stocky Gadget monsters glowed with a shining aura as the light from the spell card widened in order to engulf them. As the bluish light touched their armour the metallic figures began to distort and dissolve as their two bodies moulded together in order to form one gigantic behemoth.

When the smoke cleared the new monster was revealed in all its glory, its height reaching to over ten feet. Apart from his last remaining face down card it was the only resource the crazed gang member had in play as Binding Fission and the two gadget’s were stripped from his field. The beings tall figure was bulky and strong and he was clad in what appeared to be a metallic diving suit complete with a glass helmet and heavy armoured pads. Although its left hand appeared to be a giant fist, its right hand was replaced with a gigantic spinning drill. Wide glowing yellow eyes peered out from the giant’s helmet as it clanged its feet on the ground.

“Behold my fusion monster, Golden Gear Warrior (2600/2200)!”

“Such a powerful figure,” the teen muttered as he craned his neck to see the full height of the creature. “I shall assume that it requires the fusion of two of your Gadget monsters as materials?”

“Yellow Gadget and one other Gadget monster to be exact,” Ricky replied as he snickered at his opponent. “If you think it’s powerful now then let’s see how you like its true strength. Golden Gear Warrior, crush his Sonic Shooter!”

Maxwell stepped back in unease as the great monster’s gears rumbled and its eyes burned with a bright light. As it took a powerful step forward and raised its drill, ready to strike him, he fumbled with his duel disk just managing to thumb the activation button for one of his face down cards.

“I counter with a trap card,” he panted as the reverse card flipped face up and his Sonic Shooter shattered into dust. The art on the card depicted Birdman Joe being struck by a powerful bolt of lightning.
“Activate Icarus Attack, by tributing my Shooter which is classed as a Winged Beast type monster I can destroy two cards my opponent controls. I shall select to destroy your only two cards in play.”

Two bolts of lightning descended from the calm heavens as Icarus Attack faded away, the first striking Ricky’s reverse card and vaporizing it whilst the second collided with his Golden Gear Warrior causing a huge explosion. However, when the smoke and debris cleared the mighty machine was still standing and the crazed delinquent was holding up a card in his free hand. As Max leaned forward to take a closer look he was stunned to see that the card was Green Gadget.

“Nice try,” he called as his guardian regained its balance and started its assault again. “However my Gear Warrior’s effect saves it from your counter, by removing one of its fusion material monsters in my grave from play I can save it from destruction by the effect of a spell or trap card. Now Golden Gear, finish your attack!”

The collected Wind duelist cringed and braced himself for the coming damage as the drill of the great warrior came crashing down before him and caused a large Earthquake around his position. Winds blew violently around him and soil flew up from the road’s surface as he was pushed back several feet by the blast.

(Max: 1400) (Ricky: 4000)

The observing gang members cheered and hollered as their boss’s monster completed its assault and stepped back to his side of the field. The gang leader smiled and chuckled as he folded away his remaining hand cards and folded his arms.

“That will be enough punishment for now kid,” he slyly remarked. “I’ll now end my turn.”

“My move!”

Max managed to make his exclamation sound like he felt more confident than he actually was as he coughed from the settling dust that shifted around him. However, his eyes lit up as he set his sights on his drawn card which depicted a slender female figure dressed in an elegant blue robe with long black hair falling over her face. Excellent! I may not be able to mount an offensive play at the moment but this card may allow me to maintain a stable defense.

A smile played at the corner of the youth’s mouth as he placed the card on his duel disk in a horizontal position. As the monster zone accepted his offering, the feminine figure made her debut to the playing field as she stepped out of a glowing blue portal and took a kneeling stance in front of her master. The reflection of the moon could be seen above her left shoulder and a small dove was knelt on her right shoulder, its wings folded in a peaceful fashion.

“I shall normal summon Heaven’s Defender (0/1500) in defense position and immediately end my turn.”

“A desperate move,” the cunning villain sneered as a new card was added to his hand. “No matter though because this turn you will fall to my famous combo attack.”

“Combo attack?” Max wondered as he watched his opponent reach for another card which had just ejected from his deck.

“That’s right. Firstly, once per turn during my standby phase, my Golden Gear Warrior allows me to search one level four Machina monster from my deck and place it straight into my hand. Then I shall offer that card along with my Red Gadget in order to activate a monster effect from my hand.”

What kind of a play is this, his deck has so many strategies it seems. Maxwell narrowed his eyes as he watched his sly opponent place two monster cards from his hand into the graveyard, Red Gadget and Machina Defender, before turning around a third card from his hand. Maybe he aims to perform some kind of summoning.

“Activate monster effect,” Ricky continued as he pushed the card onto his duel disk. “By sending Machine type monsters whose combined levels equal eight or more from my hand to the graveyard I am permitted to special summon this monster.”

A mismatched three wheeled tank took to the field in front of its controller, a small head evident at its top and large blue arms attached to its tractor treads. This machine was colored blue, white and red and also bore a large laser cannon mounted atop its right shoulder. As it rumbled forward to join its mechanical companion a red lighted targeting system flipped over its eyes.

“Allow me to introduce my pride and joy,” the proud duelist proclaimed whilst performing an open armed bow. “Machina Fortress (2500/1600).”

The youth smiled as he watched his opponent’s monster take to the field, able to appreciate the pride that he felt for the beautiful monster. As he analyzed the tactics of his captors plays he suddenly came to a startling revelation.

“Power Play,” he mumbled to himself, “his deck is based around the concept of Power. It has strategies to deal with any situation but the main focus is to swarm the field with powerful machine monsters and beat the opponent into the ground.” Well two can play at that game, my deck can produce surprising results as well.

“Machina Fortress, crush Heaven’s Defender.”

The tank like machine responded to its master’s command promptly as its laser cannon charged and fired a rapid shot at the blue clad maiden. However the image of the moon behind her expanded as the blast approached and created an electrical force field which deflected the attack.

“What the ...!” he exclaimed as he watched his monster return to a passive state.

“You’re not the only one with removal effects,” his adversary remarked as his Sonic Shooter slid out from the graveyard and he placed it into his pocket. “Heaven Defender’s effect; by removing one Wind monster in my graveyard from play it can’t be destroyed in battle and any damage I would receive is reduced to zero.”

“Ha! That may be so but even if your monster’s effect is continuous you have no more monsters to remove. Golden Gear, do the honour’s!”

The giant behemoth lunged forward again and crushed the cowering girl into glittering particles with his mighty fist as Maxwell stepped back from the shockwave again.
“So many tricks but so little success,” the gang commander laughed as he savoured his victory. “Turn end once more, I do so love to watch you suffer my lad.”

“Actually you fell right into my combo,” the suave youth revealed as he placed his hand on the top card of his deck. Let’s just hope that I can draw the right card, don’t let me down now deck.

“Draw!” Soaring winds blew around the location as Max ripped the card from his deck and held it up to his eye in order to verify its identity. Yes, Herald of the Whispering Winds! Thank you lady luck.

A calm but confident change overcame the cornered duelist as he selected a second monster card from his hand and tossed it onto a monster zone. “I shall use my normal summon this turn in order to call on this being, Desert Storm Paladin (400/200)!”

The young warrior who next appeared was clad in dark brown desert gear and battle worn armour. Short but straight blonde hair flowed from his head, a light brown coat thrown over his shoulders. Finally, the figure held a long black broadsword in its hands which was decorated with spikes and carvings.

“What is that monster going to do against me?!” Ricky gloated as he sneered at the small knight. “It has hardly any attack points and doesn’t even have a decent defense score.”

“Now, now,” Maxwell retorted as his warrior let out a shrill battle cry and slammed the blade of its sword deep into the earth. “You of all people from what I have seen should be able to appreciate the skill of a good combo.”

As the earth broke open, the desert warrior lowered his hand into the chasm he had just formed and pulled out Heaven’s Defender (0/1500), his hand locked around her wrist.

“When Desert Storm Paladin is normal summoned successfully I can special summon one level 3 or lower monster from my graveyard in attack position in exchange for negating that card’s effects.”

As the teen’s confidence rose he placed another monster onto the field, the famous figure of Herald of the Whispering Winds (800/1100) taking to the field clad in her luscious purple komodo. He wasted no time in quickly declaring his intentions as his Herald joined hands with the other two monsters in the form of a circle and they all began to sing.

“I tune my level two Herald with the level three Heaven’s Defender and the level one Desert Storm Paladin.”

As the singing intensified the beautiful diva broke apart into two glowing white stars which spun into rings and surrounded the remaining two monsters, which soon broke apart into stars themselves. A shining green light engulfed the ritual as a tall figure stepped out from its centre and floated down to the field; clad in a flowing green coat and wielding a dragon carved staff Andromeda let out a piercing battle cry as his long green hair blew in the wind.
As his warrior descended Max began to chant in order to mark his presence.

“Binding winds form a new force, lift up my spirit and carry me to victory. Synchro Summon! Soar to my aid, Sky Guardian Andromeda (2400/1600)!”

“Impressive! The ace monster that defeated Reece.” The stunned criminal grinned as he eyed up the gallant being which had just been summoned. “Your monster is flawed though, it does not have the necessary power to stand up to either one of my mighty machines.”

“Or so you think,” Maxwell chuckled as the essences of his three fallen monsters became imbedded into the staff of his warrior. “My Andromeda gains a three hundred attack bonus for each Wind monster that resides within my graveyard and also holds a new trick which I’ll save for later.” (Andromeda: 2400 ---> 3300)

“That’s more like it!” Ricky retorted as he viewed the growing power of Andromeda. “Show me your true potential.”

Potential? Max’s thoughts raced back to the previous phone call as he wondered the meaning of both the mystery caller and his opponent’s words. No! I must keep my mind on the match. Distractions can not be permitted in a situation this hazardous.
“Andromeda! Destroy his Golden Gear Warrior now, let’s get that piece of rusted tin out of here. Wind Charge Strike!”

With a flurry of movement and speed the green clad warrior dove for his target, spearing the base of his staff deep into its chest. As the android battled for its life the mage dodged its swiping arms before retracting from his position. With a burst of strength he tore the staff from the robot tearing off a large portion of metal and circuitry as he did before charging a large energy blast in his free hand. With a grunt he flung the electrical bolt at the machine causing it to collapse to the ground and finally explode in a storm of energy and ash.

(Max: 1400) (Ricky: 3300)

“Humph.” The robot’s owner grumbled as his prized monster was slain before him, before flicking a new card onto his duel disk. “You may have destroyed my Golden Gear Warrior kid but its final effect shall now activate, when taken down in battle I can special summon one Gadget monster from my graveyard.”

When the smoke and steam cleared a new monster was crouched down in a kneeling state where its guardian had fallen. This monster had the same armour and body build as its predecessors but was coloured red and was surrounded by a yellow glow.
“Red Gadget (1300/1500),” the delinquent introduced. “However, with Yellow Gadget removed from play I have no card for it to search and the effect of Gear Warrior states that it must be played in defense position and can not have its effect changed manually.”

“I’m not done yet,” the overconfident education worker claimed as his reverse card flipped face up to reveal a trap card. “I shall move to my Main Phase 2 and activate this trap Synchro Prominence. If I control a face-up Synchro monster I can deal 1000 points of damage to the opponent.”

The trap glowed with a white light as it shattered and embedded itself into Andromeda’s staff. With a flick of his wrist the mage redirected the blast to the growling gang commander who let out a scream of rage as he was flung backwards onto his back by the force of the impact.

(Max: 1400) (Ricky: 2300)

“I’ll set up one reverse card and leave it at that.” The challenged hero panted as he brought an end to his turn and realized that he was catching up to his opponent’s early advantage.

As the back of a set card materialized behind his mage with a chime, Max raised his head as he heard the sound of a card being torn from a duel disk with great force. As he looked up he saw the normally cheery villain back on his feet, a new card held in one hand and a look of frustration evident on his facial expression.

“I’ve tolerated you up to now kid,” he roared as a Quick-Play Spell took to his field. “But I will be made a fool of no more. You are good but you won’t beat me! Activate Limiter Removal!”

Machina Fortress rumbled and clanked as the world renowned broken speedometer made its appearance causing its attack score to sky rocket. (Fortress: 2500 ---> 5000)
“Limiter Removal doubles the attack points of all my Machine type monsters until the end phase,” he spat stabbing a finger in the direction of Max’s valiant magician. “Take him out!”

The bright laser beam engulfed the field once more, its more forceful approach relevant as it reflected the increase in Fortress’s strength. As the energy bolt crashed into Andromeda the wizard folded his arms together in order to withstand the attack and then dispersed it around him. When the debris finally cleared the mage was left still standing, not a scratch on him.

“No! How do you keep avoiding my assaults?!” The angered villain roared with annoyance as he clutched at the cards held in his hand, noticing that not only was the magician unharmed but also his adversary’s life points had not been reduced at all. “You should have been defeated by that attack!”

“Normally I would have.” Maxwell wheezed as he laid the palms of his hands on his knees and leaned forward, the exhaustion that he was feeling from the duel beginning to show. “I did warn you about a new trick that my Andromeda had acquired though and now that effect has saved me.”

“And what effect would that be?” the criminal asked as he calmed himself from the ordeal, noting that another monster had been removed from Max’s graveyard.

“When Desert Storm Paladin is used as Synchro material for a Synchro Summon it allows that monster to gain the effect of a monster that was also used for that summon for as long as that card remains in my graveyard. Therefore I allowed Andromeda to copy the effect of my Heaven’s Defender.”

“By removing a Wind monster in your grave from play you can negate your monsters destruction and reduce any battle damage to zero,” Ricky recalled as he watched his cunning opponent place his Herald of the Whispering Winds into his pocket. An impressive move I must admit despite my anger and unfortunately my deck doesn’t run removal cards so I can’t exclude Heaven’s Defender from the game at this time.

“Yes,” the exhausted adult replied. “Unfortunately, with one less monster in my graveyard that means that my Andromeda loses 300 attack points but you also bear a set back, during the end phase all your monsters will be destroyed by the adverse effect of Limiter Removal.” (Andromeda: 3300 ---> 3000)

“A problem that is easily remedied,” the bandit leader remarked as another card ejected from his graveyard, this one a trap card. “I shall activate the effect of my Steel Knight Defense which you destroyed via the effect of your Icarus Attack. By excluding this card I can prevent my Machine type monsters from being destroyed by card effects this turn.”

He had a counter prepared already. Max’s face formed into a frown as he analyzed his captor’s words. Even if he had destroyed my Andromeda he could have saved his monster and would have been free to attack me next turn if I had no monsters.

“I’ll set two cards and then pass the turn over to you Max.” The familiar chime of two set cards forming snapped the teen out of his thoughts as his opponent emptied his hand of cards. “Let’s make this the Last Turn.” (Fortress: 5000 ---> 2500)

“With pleasure!” With a last burst of energy Max tore the next card out of his deck and instantly pointed his hand towards his opponent’s field.

“Andromeda! Shatter his Fortress with Wind Charge Strike!”

“I don’t think so!” Ricky retorted as one of his reverse cards opened, the art depicted a small stocky knight hiding behind a large wooden shield. “Activate trap card, Counter Shield!”

“Counter Shield, not another rare card!”

“That’s right,” the bandit replied as his men chuckled and cheered for their glorious leader. “By releasing my Red Gadget I can increase the attack of my Fortress by his defense points as a permanent bonus, in this case 1500 points.”

As Andromeda dove for the tank like android, his staff raised ready to strike, the small red robot flew in between the two in order to block their conflict. Shortly after it shattered into red particles which embedded into the cannon of the grand machine as its attack score increased once more. (2500 ---> 4000)

“Now my monster has surpassed yours,” the thief chuckled as he stared his opponent down. “Do you dare continue your attack?”

“I do!” Max smiled as he turned around the final card in his hand and pushed it into his graveyard. “I activate the effect of a card from my hand, Glory Hunter. By discarding this card during the battle phase I can increase the attack points of a battling Wind monster I control by 1000 points until the end of the damage step.”

The thieves murmured and grimaced amongst themselves, turning quiet as they noticed their leader’s fierce expression. An Honest for wind monsters, now that is something that I did not expect. His stern expression hardened as he made a mental calculation. Not only that but his monster is also a wind monster itself so Andromeda will gain a new bonus.

“Andromeda,” the weakened duelist cried out as he struggled for breath. “Reap the rewards of your sacrifice, take this offering and use it!” (Andromeda: 3000 ---> 4300)

With a confident expression on his face the great mage lunged forward once more and stabbed at the monster with his blade, able to severely damage it. A last lunge from his staff dismounted its laser cannon and a final energy blast reduced the creature to rubble. However, as the remains of the android fell and smoke billowed out from its carcass a stray piece of debris sailed through the air and impaled the warrior through the chest causing him to fall to the ground and shatter on the hard surface of the highway.

“Fortress’s effect,” Ricky explained as he took a kneeling stance on the road. “When this card is destroyed as a result of battle I can destroy one card my opponent controls. Now we are both defenceless.”

(Max: 1400) (Ricky: 2000)

“That may be so but this duel is now over!” Maxwell retorted as he reached for the activation button on his duel disk.

“I agree!” Ricky retorted as he also thumbed the activation of his set card.

“Reverse card open!” They both exclaimed in unison as their face down cards flipped up at the same time, both letting out a simultaneous musical chime.

The gathered spectators all gasped in unison as they stared at the rare sight which had occurred before them. Max’s card depicted an image of the earth being struck by an asteroid the size of the moon whilst Ricky’s card depicted a futuristic city on the banks of a flowing river.

However before either of the duelists could explain the effects of their cards a tearing wind blew through the surrounding area knocking everyone to their feet. As the two men fell to the earth violently their duel disks deactivated, the images of their cards dissipating, as ‘Duel Cancelled’ flashed on their displays.

“What’s going on!”

The gang leader began to bellow orders as he noticed his men fumbling with their gear and attempting to stand, only to be blown to the ground again.

“Secure the area!”

As the winds intensified he found himself pinned down on his front, the air cutting at his back like knives. With a grunt he managed to turn himself on his side and looked up, finally able to locate the source of the disturbance; a large white helicopter descending from the clouds. Just as the chopper levelled above the highway a rope ladder was thrown down from the vehicle to Max’s position.

A shrill voice echoed over the sound of the engine as Max reached for the harness.

“I suggest that now would be a good time to leave Max my boy.”

“You don’t need to tell me twice!” Max shouted back as he grasped hold of the safety line.
I don’t know who these people are or whether they want to rescue me or not but anywhere has to be better than here.

“Stop them!” Ricky commanded as he observed the scenario take place before him, but it was too late.

With a swish the chopper was up and away, the road soon left far away; a mere dot in the distance. As Max looked back he swore that he could see the figure of Ricky standing in the centre of the road shaking his fist, his men milling around him packing up their gear frantically. He was broken out of his thoughts by a sweet sounding voice as a hand was held out from the helicopter’s doors.

“Aren’t you going to join us my boy. Its very rude to shy away from your hosts you know.”

As Max reached the top of the ladder he slipped and lost his grip slightly, the offered hand forced to jutt out and grab him by the arm. With a heave of strength the figure pulled him up into the helicopter and aided him to a seat.

When Max looked up after catching his breath he was surprised to see that the man was dressed in a dark red pin striped suit and a bow tie with long silvery white hair flowing down his face, one of his eyes covered by it. His mind racing back to old history lessons he had learnt, newspaper clippings, magazine covers and news broadcasts the youth’s mouth dropped open in shock as he realised the identity of the man who now stood before him.

“Don’t worry, you’re safe now Max my boy.”

Maxwell just managed to utter the name of the person, although in disbelief as he was, before exhaustion took his body entirely and he lapsed into unconsciousness. Only a name, but a name so influential that there was no one alive who had not heard it at least once.

“Pegasus...”

**
END- Run this Town
**

Future’s Advent Trivia

For those of you who have been here a good many years then you will hopefully understand the homage which I have played at the end of this chapter. The introduction of Pegasus into this story is a deliberate reference in honor of a former Pojo resident, fan-fic author and a close friend of Shadow's Swmsymetry, who used Pegasus as a main character in his own fiction. It was this story along with the works of Shadow, XERO, Sep and Airaxen which gave me the inspiration to create my own story.

As promised the word count did significantly increase for this turn and I hope that I shall be able to keep it up. I have a story to tell but I can't do that without your help, the reader. I am a keen author but am having trouble with inspiration for CAC's so if you would like to submit your own archetypes or just individual cards to Future's Advent then contact me via PM and I'll be glad to use them. Comments welcome!

[027982]

Impressive chapter my friend I have a few archtypes I can suggest if you wish.

[Xeros.]

Yay! Now I have another story to enjoy alongside DYH, Infinity Hunter, Eternal Night, and 09.

Interesting, so Max's ancestry is from the Industrial Revolution. I like bringing the past into stories. And I was a bit surprised to learn Max's job as a teacher. Perhaps it's because I viewed him as a young teenager.

And I sense that mysterious man in the beginning and the one who called Max may be one and the same. Just my early speculation, heh. And those Black Bandits do seem like the Ghouls indeed. Except they aren't using counterfeit cards....or are they!?

I enjoyed the duel between Ricky and Max. I am guessing there will be more Gadget fusions due the fusion materials of Golden Gear. Only one thing of the duel disappointed me. Max....where is his Max Warrior!? Just kidding. But you get the point. I liked the abrupt ending to the duel and am wondering what are those traps you described.

The appearance of Pegasus at the end is also a surprise, but I am wondering where you will go with this. I take you have strayed off 5D's somewhat?

Anyways, I look forward to the next episodes.

[GuardianBlaK]

well it's about time!! why must you take so long to post a chapter!? hmm? oh....nvm, i was talking about myself. lol. =D

nice to see the next chapter on this. Interesting intro. Not sure how i feel about the "Morpheus" character that Max was speaking to earlier. That person knows too much, and might be our hero's ultimate enemy. I dont trust him! lol.

How old is Max, anyway? He's got to at least be 18, right? He is on his own in this world, living with his girl and working as a teacher at the NY Duel Academy.

The Gadget Fusion/Machiners deck was cool to see. I actually thought about making CAC's for gadget fusions, but decided to go another route. anyways, my other question is how old is Pegasus in this story? I'm trying to figure out the time of events, related to the anime, manga so where i know to fit this at. hahah.

til the next chapter!

[Son of Vulkan]

Heh, good to see Pegasus. Like the others, I didn't expect Max to be a teacher. But well, the Gadget Deck was awesome!

Seeya next turn.

~son of Vulkan

[Tempest Star]

Thanks for the comments so far everybody, I will try to answer them as quickly and as efficiently as possible. I also forgot to remind people at the start of the episode that if you don't understand any particular points then it may be a good idea to go back and read Chapter 1 again.

027982: I'm glad that you were impressed and enjoyed the chapter my friend. That would be entirely fine if you would like to submit some archetypes, merely choose the ones you would like to appear in the story and send them to me in a PM.

XERO: I'm pleased that you class my story as one of your favourites alongside Infinity Hunter, DYH etc Slayer, that really honors me. And we are only on Chapter 2, so far .

Max's ancestry is indeed from the era of the Industrial Revolution as I too like bringing past events into a story. Although you all may think of Max as a teenager, which is deliberate to highlight his slightly childish nature, he is actually 21 years old according to his bio hence why he lives with his girlfriend and has a job as a teacher.

I am glad that you enjoyed the duel. As for those mysterious trap cards? You will have to wait until the future to find out hehe. Oh Slayer, the puns, the puns *lol*. Max can't use Max Warrior in every duel! As for your speculation, you will just have to wait and see...

GuardianBlak: Thanks for popping by buddy. I did apologise for the long wait involved haha, but that does raise the point: when will your next installment be? I like the anology of comparing our mystery caller to Morpheus, you may do well to not trust him! As for Max's age and occupation info, see the above reply to Slayer.

Thank you for your kind words on the Machina/Gadget deck, there will hopefully be more Gadget fusions coming at some point. Ah cool, well if you have any left over ideas from those CAC's then maybe pop them to me for submission if you wish? I like variety in my decks and to keep the reader involved in the project as well . I will answer all questions on Pegasus and timelines etc at the end of this post.

Son of Vulkan: Thanks for the comment Vulkan. I'm glad that you liked the Gadget deck and the appearence of Pegasus.

Now I shall answer the questions relating to the timeline of this piece and Pegasus's appearence. However, to not give away any plot points you're only getting the bare basics haha. This story is set at the begining of Yu-Gi-Oh!
5D's series 3 (episode 65 onwards) but I have removed the WRGP/Yliaster arc and replaced it with a new plot (so Fortune Cup/Dark Signer Arcs have already happened here). Anything which happens after this point is therefore effectively a new timeline. As for Pegasus: the fic is called Future's Advent after all so take your own views on that. Is it Dimension Distortion, robotics, time travel? Make your speculations and all will be revealed in good time.

I will update the episode guide and CAC's when I get a chance and expect a preview next week at some point.

[ShadowBlade]

Gadget Fusions...well, I must admit it's a nice breath of fresh air instead of the usual, "Hi, I'm Blue Gadget. I search all the other Gadgets!" Begone, awful cliche!

Gold Gear is rather impressive, both in ability and the way you described it.

I was a bit worried with the mysterious call to Max that you were going to delve in another rather simple cliche, but luckily you avoided it with what you've ended up doing. Though, while I am pointing out similarities to things, I have to say that the way you ended this duel does in fact remind me a lot of the first Yusei / Jack duel. I'm not sure if you had your inspiration from there or not, but eh. It doesn't hurt the game at all; it was just the first thing I recalled when reading it.

Besides, Max and Ricky should be allowed a proper rematch anyway. Sonic Shooter certainly did linger around quite a bit, haha. It's a little funny, actually; despite the auto tags being right there in my face the first few times it popped up, I nearly forgot it was a real card.

I could buy Max being a teacher at 21. I'm more or less a teacher and I'm 21, haha, so I didn't see anything too suspicious there. I am surprised the mystery caller was so easily able to get to him, though, but I may have misinterpreted just what phone it was on which he was called. Usually when a school is called, you have to go through a main office before getting to the extension. But eh. It's no big deal and certainly not any detail worth complaining about anyway. The plot moved forward well enough in that scene.

On a side note about the teacher thing, I chuckled at the comment where Max didn't want to make his students jealous of the D-Wheeler. Despite how simple and random that comment is, it actually gives us quite a bit of insight into your world and a few common things about it.

I don't know what it was, but Max's comment before the duel intrigued me about his thought process a bit. Realizing that it was late and Aimi would start looking for him was a nice bit of mental strategy, if even a bit simple again. I guess I'm too far driven into strategic notions that I pick up on odd things like this. Oh well.

For the duel, I have to do say I enjoyed it. Gadgets and Machina are always fun to see, even if they've turned into metadecks on more than one occasion. Fortress is still probably my second favorite out of that series. I feel Max should give Freebird a shot, but that's up to you. I don't care much for Icarus Attack, but since these are vintage decks anyway I suppose it's passable, haha. Here comes the anti-meta thinking.

Heaven Defender is nice as well and, even though its ability reminds me of its similar Blackwing Synchro counterpart, I think you designed it nicely with that small restriction of requiring a Wind monster to remove. It ups the Ante a bit and doesn't make it seem as invincible. It almost makes it seem like a lower-ranked Armored Wing, which in itself is good card design.

As for writing itself, I see you did a lot of polishing this time around and made sure a lot more things were in tip-top condition before presenting it to us. So, I doubt you'll have much of a problem with that anymore, but I'll try to point out stuff as I see and remember it (because we all know how my memory works on occasion).

Also, I do feel Swm would be happy to see Pegasus running around in another story. Hopefully one day soon I'll see him running around on MSN again.

Good work, Tempest. I will see you for Turn 3.

[Tempest Star]

Thanks for stopping by Shadow. Now that I have caught up on DYH I am now ready to answer my own comments . Thanks for stating that the presentation and word length are now much better, I am pleased that I was able to improve that.

I was in fact actually thinking of the first Jack vs Yusei duel when I planned this match but I didn't intend for it to become so close to the original (apart from the fact that it was a Ground duel). I'm also glad that you were pleased and even impressed with Golden Gear Warrior, I just thought that fusions were the best way to go if I wanted to improve the Gadget archetype.

I can also buy Max being 21 and a teacher as I myself am also 21 and a teacher haha. That is sort of where the comparison came from if you catch my drift. As for the phonecall, it was on Max's mobile phone and not the school phone line so that should clear a few things up. Also, mystery callers who can block their own calls explains the rest. Thanks for the insight and kudos on the mental strategy and Max's character, every little bit of praise does help.

On to the duel: don't worry, a rematch is definitely in the works somewere if even just one. I think we have all become adjusted to the auto-tags now so we don't notice when a real card appears so much lol. With the idea of a vintage style deck though, I wanted to use current cards that people had forgotten about as well as my own CAC's. Icarus Attack was just a last minute thought but I doubt that I will use it that much and I may give Freebird a shot, we shall see.

Now it's preview time! I said that we would have a new chapter hopefully every 2-3 weeks and it has been 2 weeks if my memory serves correctly so I am aiming to get this up by this time next week. That way you guys can have two treats to enjoy; this and the new 5D's episode (I really am intrigued to see how Team Ragnarok utilise these new Divine Polar Gods to their full potential).

Next time ...

As Max struggles with the knowledge he already possesses and the knowledge which he is being offered, he finds that he must come to terms with a personal history which he had attempted to bury. Will this new information help or hinder our young savior and what is the meaning of Pegasus's involvement? Meanwhile; worried about Max's disappearence, Aimi makes her way down to the New York Police Department, only to find it deserted. At a loose end and distraught, what will she do when approached by a dangerous figure who threatens her loved ones?

All will be revealed in Future's Advent Turn 3: Legacy of a Hero.

[027982]

Divine Polar Gods? I cant wait for chp three.

[Tempest Star]

My apologies Mr. Numbers, I am afraid that you have misread my post. The Divine Polar Gods are an archetype of Divine Synchro monsters which will be making their debut in Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's next week, they were just a passing comment and not part of the preview.

That doesn't mean that they may not make a future appearence though .

[027982]

Well Tempest as for my cards feel free too use any cards in my two sigs.

[Airaxen]

I really did swear I posted a reply. Funny how memory works...

Using an already established archetype and supplementing or creating cards to link two existing archetypes is something fun to do I feel. Least I do that with my favorite black sheep archetype of Venom cards and make them work in some way I see fit. Wonder when they errataed the card so you couldn't keep the double ATK boost. I think I still have one of the original batch...

At the same time I feel that not a whole lot has happened I realize this was the start of the plot arc where everything ignites and blammo stuff happens. Truth be told I can't exactly piece together this tran of thought, rather it just dangles in my head so maybe you can make sense of it.

Last thing that stuck with me as this was my second time reading the chapter I ended up reading that phone call and the bit at the end in Pegasus' dub voice. Man that brings back some memories.