[h1][b][center]Straight into the desert.[/center][/b][/h1]

Hayato watched Haas run off and was about to tell Hayate that he was going to stand guard, but before he could say anything he saw Hayate run off after Haas. [color=0072bc]"As I expected..."[/color] Hayato mumbled and started to try and run after the duo as well, though he wasn't as used to running as his sister. Before he knew it, the duo was already out of sight. [color=0072bc]"Stand guard it is!"[/color] Hayato said to himself and took position next to the entrance, ready to ambush anyone who would try to get past him.

Meanwhile, out in the open, Hayate could see a shadow fading into a sandstorm. There was a good chance that it was Haas. Hayate instantly called out Haas's name to try and get a response, trying to confirm whether or not it was Haas. She was still running forward since she knew she was supposed to be chasing someone.

The chase continued for a short while, but as if crossing a line drawn in the sand, she stepped out of the sandstorm. Behind her it continued like normal. In front of Hayate was an old, decrepit building that towered a good bit into the sky. It resembled the main building somewhat, in fact.

Hayate scratches her head thinking to herself [color=00aeef]"Another tower, or is it the same one?"[/color] Hayate thought to herself, remembering the books at home about time travel but quickly shook the thought out of her head. [color=00aeef]"I can't run THAT fast!"[/color] Hayate looked around to check if she could see Haas or anyone else.

Meanwhile, Hayato decided to send out a message saying he was standing guard to Haas in case he starts looking for him, not that he particularly cares. It gives him some to tinker slightly, be it with just a screwdriver.

Hayato didn't get a response from Haas, and Hayate couldn't find anyone. It was hard to make out anything in the dim moonlight and there didn't seem to be anything of note other than the tower. A few minutes passed like this and while nothing happened with Hayate, Haas suddenly flew through the entrance to the Duel Tower backwards, slamming against the floor.

[b][color=aba000]"Ouch, ouch...!"[/color][/b] The boy complained, still in a daze. He rubbed his head and looked around, seeing the familiar reception of the academy. Not only that, but Hayato was still here.

[b][color=aba000]"Hey, what the...? Hayato?"[/color][/b] Haas was very confused, noticeable even in the dark from the way he's shaking his head side to side.

Hayato saw Haas fly back from the front door, surpisising even someone as alert as Hayato. It made him accidentally activate the commentary mode on his Duel Disk, which screamed "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" as loud as it could. He quickly scrambled to turn it off and hoped nobody heard it.[color=0072bc]"What the hell...? Haas, what are you doing here? WHERE IS MY SISTER!?" [/color] Hayato, at first, tried to calmly ask Haas. Unfortunately, his sister came to his mind immediately after noticing she wasn't there. At least Hayato covered his mouth after screaming.

Haas jumped from Hayato's sudden outburst, jumping and holding his hands up. [b][color=aba000]"W-Whoa, what?! Hayate? I don't..."[/color][/b] Haas looked around, seeing she was indeed not there. 

[b][color=aba000]"Oh. [i]Shoot.[/i]"[/color][/b] Haas exclaimed running over and trying to open the slider doors again. Unfortunately, this time they were shut tight and wouldn't open. This was bad. This was [i]really[/i] bad.

Meanwhile, Hayate scratched her head and tried to look at her D-Ceiver. She noticed it wasn't there anymore. [color=00aeef]"Huh? I swore I took it with me... I must have dropped it. This always happens when I run like this..."[/color] Hayate said to herself and slowly entered the old building [color=00aeef]"Well, as part of the investigation group, I suppose to have no other choice than go here..."[/color] Hayate said to herself, pulling out her Blue-Eyes. [color=00aeef]"Please let everyone be safe... I don't know if I am."[/color]

As Hayate delved deeper into the old building she could notice striking similarities in layout to the main one. Even in the dim moonlight she could see the broken remains of paintings and pottery scattered about, with even a rotten desk at around the same place where the one from the main building would be located. She wandered further into the building, finding both a hatch that lead down as well as a staircase that lead up.

Hayate bravely thought to herself [color=00aeef]"What would Big bro do?"[/color] and spent a few seconds to think it over. She figured that he would go to his room, and just like that she foolishly pretended it was the real building. Hayate tried to make her way to Hayato's room, still nervous about everything that is happening while still keeping her Blue-Eyes close to her chest, hoping it would protect her. She heard stories about cards having strange powers of protecting people, like a good luck charm would.

Meanwhile, Hayato sighed and grabbed his bokken. He was hoping to try and use it like a crowbar, even taking out his screwdriver to see if he couldn't disassemble the door itself, but sadly the screws on the door didn't fit the screwdriver he was holding. [color=0072bc]"How unfortunate... what do we do in the meantime? Duel or something?"[/color] Hayato asked, pulling out a set of paper playmats that he got with the structure he started with. [color=0072bc]"Using Solid Vision would wake people up, after all." [/color]

Haas was still busy with trying to open up the door, frantically trying to find a way out into the desert. He did [i]not[/i] like the fact Hayate might've been in trouble because of him. This fact made it all the more confusing to Haas when Hayato suggested a duel, with the boy needed a few seconds to process it.

[b][color=aba000]"Hayato, the heck man?! This isn't the time, your sister could be in trouble! Help me out here,"[/color][/b] Haas asked. He yanked the bokken out of Hayato's hand to give another shot at prying it open, but the boy didn't seem to be able to pull it off alone.

Back at the old building, Hayate didn't seem to have much trouble descending down the hatch. The air was stale and the entire trip felt unsettling, barely any light present except for a faint, orange glow in the distance. Following this trail lead to a room illuminated entirely by candlelight, a circle made of chalk in the middle and creepy red stains covering the walls and floor. The room looked kind of like the gathering area in the dormitories, as it was circular and spacious.

Hayate felt a bit uncomfortable looking around the old, lonely building. She started to feel like she was truly alone, unlike at home where she got calls from her mother at times to keep her company. She slowly decided that she wanted to try and go back out, but after a short walk around she realized that she was already lost. Even though this place looked like the carbon copy of the academy,  she ran out of ideas and became unsure what to do. She looped back around and sat down in the same room she found herself in earlier. Hayate was quite unnerved as she slowly thought about the chance that nobody would be able to find her, looking at her favorite card again. [color=00aeef]"I am not alone, right? You should know, you are the great and mighty Blue-eyes, right?" She asked her card but then sighed to herself. "Cards can't talk, Hayate... why are you doing this...?"[/color] Hayate put her card next to her and started to Hum Hayato's favorite Samurai Anime's theme song, trying to keep her spirits up.

Hayato took his time to check the school map, checking if there were any other exits nearby. He knew most buildings had multiples exits and started to mumble while reading the map. [color=0072bc]"No.. this is an emergency exit as well.... no perhaps.... yes, this might work... is this exit even open...? No, it will take too long..." [/color] As he started to mumble, you could almost hear him getting anxious to try and get to Hayate. It got to the point of almost breaking into a sprint towards a different exit, but he quickly stopped himself to check the map once again.[color=0072bc]"Haas! Help me out here!"[/color] He shouted at Haas, then had a thought. [color=0072bc]"Wait... don't you think it's odd there is no guard at the entrance...?"[/color] Hayato observed. [color=0072bc]" You know... to prevent students from leaving or people breaking in... Heck, it's awfully silent..." [/color] Hayato commented, scratching his head while checking his surroundings

Haas was still struggling with the front door, still not budging and inch even while using the Bokken as a crowbar. After a few more minutes of pointless struggle, he gave up and stomped his foot once in frustration. He dashed over to Hayato, seeing a window just out of reach.

[b][color=aba000]"I don't know... I think they didn't expect anyone to sneak past the dorm security. Anyway, you want to get out through here?"[/color][/b] Haas asked, slightly confused. Did Hayato have some way to open or break the window? ...He wasn't going to use Haas' shoulders as a support, was he?

Meanwhile, Hayate could hear the sound of footsteps coming from one of the hallways. The dim candlelight illuminated a large, shadowy figure emerging from the building's equivalent of the Wind dorm.

[color=39b54a]"Vvvisitttooorsss attt ttthiiisss hooouuurrr? Iii'mmm hooonooorrreeeddd..."[/color]

A drawn out, unclear voice emerged from the shadow. The voice was soft, and almost like a whisper. It didn't even seem to carry to Hayate via soundwaves, it sounded more like the voice came straight from her head.

Hayate looked around once she heard something. [color=00aeef]"W-who is there!?"[/color] She almost yelled, picking up her Blue-Eyes and brandished her Duel Disk. [color=00aeef]"S-Show yourself!"[/color] Hayate called out to the empty halls, still shocked by the whole experience and shuffled her Blue-Eyes back into her deck. She also slotted her deck into her disk, just in case.


[color=39b54a]"Isss theerrreee aaan isssuuueee?"[/color] the voice replied back, the candles starting to move as if a small breeze passed through the room. An almost inaudible laugh floated around in the room, with the shadow extending one of it's arms. It was brown an muscular.

[color=39b54a]"Wwwooonnn'ttt yooouuu joooiiinnn mmmeee?"[/color] the whisper sounded again, with Hayate starting to feel a sense of urgency. Her mind was getting cloudy, starting to be filled with wanting to step into the middle of the circle.

Hayate shook her head, trying to shake those weird suggestions from her mind. [color=00aeef]"N-No, of course I don't want to! You are a creep, you know that!?"[/color] Hayate called out. [color=00aeef]"If I do, who knows what will happen?! Just stay away from me and stay out of my head!"[/color] Hayate shouted, being wary of the room she is in.

[color=39b54a]"Ooohhh, wwweeelll thaaattt'sss aaa ssshhhaaammmeee. Iii wwwaaass hooopiiinggg for liiittttle resssissstanccceee..."[/color]

From out of the shadow stepped a burly man, face covered by a strange mask. His green hair spiked to all sides and two strange metal spikes portruded from his shoulders. On those spikes hung a cape twice the length of the man, causing him to hold part of it in his left hand. A golden belt held up his jeans, which also had a part that extended to the left spike and seemed firmly attached.

[color=39b54a]"Well, if you won't give me your essence by nicely asking, I'll just have to duel you right?"[/color] The voice now clearly came from the man and wasn't as drawn out, him lifting up his right arm to beckon Hayate closer. She got the feeling that she didn't have much of a choice in the matter.

[color=00aeef]"A duel it is then, you monster!"[/color] Hayate called out, [color=00aeef]"Challenger goes second!"[/color] Hayate declared.

[color=39b54a]"Aaah... 'monster' is such a strong word. Call me... Zorc."[/color]

[hider=Duel! Hayato Vs... Zorc?!]
[b][u]Turn 1: Hayate[/u][/b]
Hayate: 4000 LP, 5 cards in hand
Zorc: 4000 LP, 5 cards in hand

Hayate drew her first 5 cards. She knew this was a battle she wasn't allowed to lose, so she scanned her hand. [color=00aeef]"I'll start by setting this monster facedown, with that I end my turn!" [/color] Hayate declared, rather cautious of her opponent.

[b][u]Turn 2: Zorc[/u][/b]
Hayate: 4000 LP, 1 monster,  4 cards in hand
Zorc: 4000 LP, 6 cards in hand

The monster in front of Hayate didn't wear anything resembling a Duel Disk, and his hand seemed to consist of five cards floating in front of him. [color=39b54a]"Then I shall take my turn. Draw."[/color] The burly man swiped to the left with his clawed hand, making a sixth card slide in next to the other five.

[color=39b54a]"If you shall summon, so will I. I summon my Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands!"[/color]

From the ground rose a blueish gray humanoid, who's arm count was enormous. It had a clearly defined shape, but there were hands and fists coming from everywhere: Its chest, its back, its head, etc. Everywhere you looked, all you could see were hands. Those hands also started to clasp together as the being started a prayer, making another card slide in next to Zorc's other cards.

[b]Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands:[/b] 1400 ATK 1000 DEF Level 4 LIGHT Fairy

[color=39b54a]"Manju has mastered his divine training, and aids me in my revival. This is why he adds a certain spell card to my hand... and also why he shall be crushing your monster."[/color]

As soon as the voice faded, Manju opened its eyes. The fists that had been clasped together in prayer were now delivering ten thousand strikes of pain onto Hayate's Set card, which revealed itself to be a frail angel. The poor holy soul got beaten black and blue, exploding into small little particles of light. One thing remained of the Shining Angel, however: A small feather from it's angellic wings. As it touched down onto the ground, it started to softly glow.

As the glow grew stronger another Shining angel appeared in its place 

[color=00aeef]"There is more to come, do not expect me to play some silly Fairy deck!" [/color] Hayate said, attempting to show her superiority, kind of trying to mimic Hayato's dueling style. [color=00aeef]"Anything else?"[/color] Hayate asked rather condescendingly, though it was apparent her voice wasn't build for this.

[color=39b54a]"Is that so? Then show me, little lady, what your deck is truly made for. I shall toy with you for just a bit longer. My turn is over."[/color]

[b][u]Turn 3: Hayate[/u][/b]
Hayate: 4000 LP, 1 monster,  5 cards in hand
Zorc: 4000 LP, 1 monster, 6 cards in hand

"[color=00aeef]Draw![/color]" Hayate declared [color=00aeef]"I'll take care of that Manju of yours and summon myself something else in its place, I activate Soul exchange! and Tribute Summon Darkstorm Dragon!" [/color]Hayate declared with confidence, and though it's not her Blue-Eyes it was still a powerful dragon. [color=00aeef]"I can't conduct my Battle Phase due to this, so I will just follow that up by setting a card and thus ending my turn."[/color] Hayate declared once again, trying to act proud and cocky like her brother.

[b]Darkstorm Dragon:[/b] 2700 ATK 2500 DEF Level 8 DARK Dragon
[/hider]
[hider=Meanwhile...]
"[color=0072bc]TSK, SCREW THIS![/color]" Hayato yelled after many attempts of trying to get out, took off his jacket to and used as a grip for his bokken. He then promptly smashed a window open. "[color=0072bc]We'll frame the Dark Dorm Bastards for this,[/color]" Hayato said, very much frustrated.

[b][color=aba000]"Hayato, what the heck?!"[/color][/b] Haas yelled in surprise, then quickly covered his mouth again. This seemed to have attracted some unwanted attention as footsteps came from the stairwell. Haas looked back up to see Hayato carefully using his bokken as a step, trying to climb out of the window. He succeeded and ran into the desert, not worried about leaving his Bokken behind. Even if it broke, he reveived 2 bokkens just for that situation.

[b][color=aba000]"H-Hey! Wait up, lemme-!"[/color][/b] Haas tried to shout to Hayato, but then the door swung open wildly. To his suprise, it wasn't security that showed up. Two students, seemingly first years guessing from their age, had burst through. Something wasn't right as they didn't even react to the broken window, instead just activating their Duel Disk without saying a word.

[b][color=aba000]"Hayato, you owe me one for this..."[/color][/b] Haas mumbled as he launched his own disk into the air, activating it and starting the duel.
[/hider]
[hider=Duel! Hayate Vs. Zorc, part two!]

[b][u]Turn 4: Zorc[/u][/b]
Hayate: 4000 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T,  2 cards in hand
Zorc: 4000 LP, 7 cards in hand

[color=39b54a]"Oh? A dragon type deck, is it?"[/color] the voice continued, with the figure smiling as it stared down the black dragon. It tried to look intimidating by being kept afloat inside the tornado it created, but Hayate's opponent only seemed amused by it. Another card slid in next to the others floating in front of them, making the manly figure weigh his options. Eventually, they just snapped their fingers as two of them slid down and taunted Hayate.

[color=39b54a]"I'd hate to be a killjoy, so why not let you have your way? I'll set two cards, ending my turn."[/color] Zorc gave a small bow, motioning with his hand for Hayate to continue and take her turn.

[b][u]Turn 5: Hayate[/u][/b]
Hayate: 4000 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T,  3 cards in hand
Zorc: 4000 LP, 2 S/T, 5 cards in hand

"[color=00aeef]Draw![/color]" Hayate declared "[color=00aeef]First things first i normal summon darkstorm dragon[/color]" Hayate tried to declare, but was cut off shortly.

[color=39b54a]"And at this moment, I activate my face-down Trap card: Dust Tornado!"[/color] Zorc retalliated, with Darkstorm Dragon spreading it's wings and causing it's tornado to become a full-blown hurricane. Unfortunately, the wind was too strong for Hayate's face-down. Damage Condenser flipped up and was quickly torn to shreds in the violent storm.

"[color=00aeef]Instead, perhaps I shall just attack you directly![/color]" Hayate declared, gesturing her arm towards the creature she called a monster. Green chains suddenly sprang up from behind Zorc, wrapping around the dragon as it tried to rush forward. The dragon was kept firmly in place, roaring and struggling, but couldn't move out to attack.

[color=39b54a]"I think you'll find my trap card, Fiendish Chain, will do nicely to keep you at bay. Really now, why do you struggle so? Just make it easier on both of us and give up now..."[/color]

"[color=00aeef]No, I Refuse... If I do, who knows what might happen to me.[/color]" Hayate called out, cautious about her situation and checking her surroundings. "Turn end!" Hayate declared after inspecting her own hand.

[b][u]Turn 6: Zorc[/u][/b]
Hayate: 4000 LP, 1 monster,  3 cards in hand
Zorc: 4000 LP, 1 S/T, 6 cards in hand

[color=39b54a]"Such a shame... well, it's my turn. Draw."[/color] Zorc drew his next card by making another hologram slide in and smirked.

[color=39b54a]"It seems the conditions for my revival have been met. How about I give you a gift? I'll summon Luster Dragon."[/color] The creamy backdrop of a Normal Monster card revealed itself once one of the floating cards turned around. It shone, and from it a human-sized, blue dragon emerged. Its scales look like they were made of beatiful sapphires and it's beady eyes looked like small rubies.

[b]Luster Dragon:[/b] 1900 ATK 1600 DEF Level 4 WIND Dragon

[color=39b54a]"Next, I'll play a spell card: Creature Seizure! It switches control of our monsters!"[/color]

Two capsules rose from the ground, opening up and trapping both Luster Dragon and Darkstorm Dragon before they could escape. They glowed a bright green, with a blackish goo pulsating in both of them. After a few more moments, both capsules opened again to let out both dragons on the opposite fields.

"[color=00aeef]Switching monsters!? What are you trying to do?[/color]" Hayate called out, knowing that the dragon he took can't attack. She was still unsure of what her opponents plan was.

[color=39b54a]"Everything in due time. I'll activate another spell: Magic Planter. This way, I free your dragon and get two cards for my troubles."[/color] A cauldron popped up underneath the Fiendish Chain trap card, making the trap slowly sink in and melt. The chains fell off of Darkstorm Dragon, freeing it and sliding in two more cards.

Then, a black mist enveloped the area. The mighty Darkstorm Dragon's roars quieted down as more and more of the mist started to surround it. From Zorc's field, Hayate could see the glowing border of a Spell card. The man slowly walked up to the field, placing one hand on the body of Darkstorm Dragon. The mighty being slowly faded away into nothing, with the black mist gathering in the guantlet of Zorc.

[color=39b54a]"The contract is... complete. I have used your dragon as a sacrifice, and summoned myself to the field!"[/color]

[b]Dark Master - Zorc:[/b] 2700 ATK 1500 DEF Level 8 DARK Fiend Ritual

"[color=00aeef]R-Ritual monster!?[/color]" Hayate shouted. "[color=00aeef]I am not afraid of you! Least... I'm pretty sure i'm not...[/color]" Hayate declared, but quickly backpadeled knowing Zorc's effect from the old 'Duel Monsters' magazines she used to read and tried her best to hide her fears

[color=39b54a]"Very observant..."[/color] Zorc whispered, his expression hidden behind that mask. He walked forward and wrapped his golden gauntlet around Luster Dragon's neck. Slowly but surely, Zorc lifted it up. The gauntlet tightened, choking the air out of the dragon and eventually crushing them.

[b]Hayate LP:[/b] 4000 > 3200

[color=39b54a]"Your struggles are... vain. Now that I am on the field, there's little you can do. I set another card and end this turn."[/color]
[/hider]
[hider=Meanwhile...]
[b][u]Turn ???: Haas[/u][/b]
Haas: 2500 LP, 2 monsters,  2 cards in hand
Student A: 4000 LP, 1 S/T, 4 cards in hand
Student B: 3100 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 3 cards in hand

Haas was staring down his two opponents, both with a Spellbinding Circle on the field and one of them even having their 1900 ATK Alien Shocktrooper staring him down. Haas took a deep breath. He looked over to his trapped Wind-Up Shark and Summoner Monk. Only one thing left to do...

[b][color=aba000]"...And now I overlay my Level 4 Wind-up Shark and Summoner Monk! Come on, Wind-up Zenmaister! Attack his Alien Shocktrooper!"[/color][/b] Haas yelled out, a spring-powered punch going right through one of his opponent's monsters. The Dark Dorm student's life chipped down a little further, giving Haas some breathing room.

[b]Student B LP:[/b] 3100 > 2600

[b][color=aba000]"Dangit, Hayato... you better get this over with quickly!"[/color][/b]

Hayato arrived at a mysterious tower in front of him. At the entrance, he found a stray D-Ceiver with one of his messages he sent out earlier on it. "[color=0072bc]I believe I found the place... I have a bad feeling about this. Rule number one of towers: The damsel in distress is always at the top... at least... I think they are?[/color]" Hayato said to himself, remembering his old anime logic and quickly rushed up the stairs as fast as possible, ready to take on any threat. "[color=0072bc]Just you wait... Big brother is coming to save you![/color]" Hayato said to himself, trying to encourage himself.
[/hider]
[hider=Part 3! Faced with these odds...]
[b][u]Turn 7: Hayate[/u][/b]
Hayate: 3200 LP, 4 cards in hand
Zorc: 4000 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 2 cards in hand

"[color=00aeef]I have Kaibaman... but he is useless without Blue-eyes... but... I... I don't think there is a chance I will get my hands on him... not yet. ...N-No! I can't give up yet![/color]" Hayate closed her eyes to focus her senses, and after clearing her mind she took a deep breath. "[color=00aeef]It's now or never... MY TURN! I DRAW![/color]" Hayate declared, drawing her card and was almost afraid to look at it. Still, she had to and opened her eyes to see in her hand... Her Blue-Eyes White Dragon! "[color=00aeef]I- I got it... I summon Kaibaman...[/color]" Hayate said in a rather normal tone, not as confident as she was a few  turns ago. A heroic-looking man, dressed in a weird white hero costume, appeared on the field. "[color=00aeef]And I activate his effect to Special Summon, from my hand, Blue-Eyes White Dragon!, Mighty dragon with blue eyes, he who represents my hope and dreams, destroy my enemy![/color]" Hayate called out taking her first shot at a chant which suited the current sitation for her "[color=00aeef]Go blue-eyes attack Zorc![/color]" Hayate declared pointing her finger at Zorc.

[b]Blue-Eyes White Dragon:[/b] 3000 ATK 2500 DEF Level 8 LIGHT Dragon

Blue-eyes charged a burst stream of light in its mighty maw, the energy crackling and barely able to be contained. After a few seconds of this, Blue-Eyes launched its Burst Stream of Destruction. Just as it looked like Zorc was about to be hit, they started to chuckle. [color=39b54a]"This weak attack is your hope? How weak. Trap card: Elemental Absorber!"[/color]

Blue-Eyes' stream of light was met by a transparant barrier, which trembled beneath the crushing weight. Since the energy had to go somewhere, it bounced off and hit the ceiling instead. A powerful explosion rocked the entire tower, and some rubble started falling from the ceiling. A gaping hole had been created, at a perfect angle to show the shimmering moonlight.

[color=39b54a]"I banished my Senju of the Thousand Hands, sealing off the attack of Light monsters. And this... has properly set our stage! Hahaha... HAHAHAHA!"[/color]

Meanwhile, Hayato's reaction to the tower being shaken was that he swore he could've heard a dragon's roar alongside it. "[color=0072bc]W-What the heck... that was from below...![/color]" Hayato muttered out and quickly ran down the stairs, naturally checking every floor carefully as he went down, unsure which room or floor it came from.

Back at the duel...

"[color=00aeef]At the very least, from my hand, I will Equip Rider of the Storm Winds to Blue-Eyes! ...And end my turn.[/color]" Hayate called out as a young dragon rider was summoned upon the mighty dragon's back.

[b][u]Turn 8: Zorc[/u][/b]
Hayate: 3200 LP, 1 monster, 1 card in hand
Zorc: 4000 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 2 cards in hand

[color=39b54a]"It's time to end this, don't you think? You've been putting off your sacrifice for a little too long... Draw."[/color] Another card slid in to the back of Zorc, and then a dark miasma started circling the sky above the arena. It formed into the numbers one through six, floating above the duelist's heads. A bit of fire from a candle unplugged itself from it's host and started to circle around in between the numbers.

[color=39b54a]"Young sacrifice! It'll do you well to get familiar with my power. Depending on which number this lands on, I get to destroy something. Now, let destiny play out..."[/color]

The flame jumped from one number to the next, starting at a very fast pace and gradually slowing down. This went on for a few nail-biting seconds, and for the last few numbers it went 6... 1... 2... 3... 4! The flame stopped and the miasma gathered into Zorc's gauntlet, which he immediately hurled towards Blue-Eyes. [color=39b54a]"It seems your dragon becomes the next sacrifice!"[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Rider, protect him!"[/color] Hayate called out. The young dragon rider jumped from Blue-Eyes, shielding it from the miasma by blocking it with her own body. Unfortunately, this also meant that the young girl shattered instead. [color=00aeef]"Rider's effect! If the equipped would be destroyed, she is instead!"[/color]

[color=39b54a]"...No matter, I can use my powers again next turn. I shall amuse you by playing the spell card Gambling Greed!"[/color]

One of the cards behind Zorc revealed itself and glowed, after which a dice launched itself out of it. It scraped the Ritual monster as it passed by, rolling and landing on four. The red liquid that leaked out of Zorc seeped into the floor, after which two more cards slid in.

[b]Zorc LP:[/b] 4000 > 1200

[color=39b54a]"In case you were not aware, I give up my essence depending on what the result of the die roll was, all for two cards. Now I shall set two more, and let you struggle further."[/color]

[b][u]Turn 9: Hayate[/u][/b]
Hayate: 3200 LP, 1 monster, 2 cards in hand
Zorc: 1200 LP, 1 monster, 3 S/T, 1 card in hand

"[color=00aeef]H-here we go...[/color]" Hayate slowly drew her card, unsure of how she was going to win. "[color=00aeef]From my hand... I activate Stamping Destruction and destroy your Face-up Elemental Absorber![/color]" Hayate declared, hoping this would allow her to finish Zorc off. "[color=00aeef]With that, I attack Zorc with my partner here![/color]" Hayate declared once again, pointing at Zorc.

[b]Zorc LP:[/b] 1200 > 700

Blue-Eyes started charging it's Burst Stream of Destruction once more, but Zorc seemed unphazed. [color=39b54a]"...Abosolutely futile. I activate my Spell card: Roulette Spider."[/color]

Zorc's spell rose up and from it flew a cartoony balck spider, with a yellow abdomen and an orange arrow sticking out of it. It latched itself onto Blue-Eyes' eyes, causing it to be blinded and stagger forward to the middle of the field. A spider web then laid out underneath Blue-Eyes, with the multiple open ends pointing towards different things.

[color=39b54a]"The spider will take you dragon for a little ride, and then it will attack on whichever the spider points to. Simple, right?"[/color] Zorc spoke, his expression still masked. The spider started to spin around, with Blue-Eyes being forced to follow. At first the dragon went extremely fast and looked a little silly, but it gradually slowed down and became tenser. Eventually, the last few ticks of the spider rolled over. Right as it seemed Blue-Eyes' attack was just going to misfire next to Hayate, Roulette Spider gave the dragon one last nudge to point to Hayate. Before either player could react, Blue-Eyes fired a Burst Stream straight at Hayate to send her flying.

[b]Hayate LP: 3200 > 200[/b]

Hayate screamed in pain and possibly fear as she flew back towards the wall, making a loud thumping sound as she hit the floor completely speechless. "[color=00aeef]I... I set one card facedown and end my turn...[/color]" Hayate was visibly shaking as she tried to get back up, still trying her best to appear brave, though her act appears to be at its limits. She looked like she was on the verge of breaking down.

[b][u]Turn 10: Zorc[/u][/b]
Hayate: 200 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 0 cards in hand
Zorc: 700 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 1 card in hand

[color=39b54a]"My turn. I'll start it off by using my power to-"[/color] Zorc began to speak, but was soon cut off by dark green chains wrapping around both of his arms and legs.

"[color=00aeef]T-Trap card activates! Fiendish chain![/color]" Hayate declared, still trying to get her composure back. "[color=00aeef]Your effect cannot be used and you cannot attack as long as this is face-up on the field[/color]" Hayate explained, trying her best to keep herself afloat.

[color=39b54a]"I see, as long as it remains on the field? Then I shall activate the Spell card: Dicephoon!"[/color] Zorc retorted, with a tornado crawling up from behind him. The tornado had a dice wildly getting tossed around on it's outer edge, slowly rising to the top. 

[color=39b54a]"This little tornado of mine is unstable, you see. Dependant on the roll of a dice, it might even end up badly... but what are the odds?"[/color]

The dice then suddenly flung out of the tornado and spun around on one of it's corners in the middle of the room. It gradually slowed down, and when it came to a stop, it hand landed on  a 3. Zorc laughed and said: [color=39b54a]"Such a shame. It seems your trap won't work after all."[/color] The chains wrapped around Zorc got shredded up by the violent winds, releasing the man from his bindings.

[color=39b54a]"Now for my facedown: Enemy controller. It changes your Blue-Eyes to Defense Position... and you don't have much left to protect it."[/color] Zorc mocked Hayate as a video game controller floated in from of him. It entered a code consisting of multiple ups, downs, lefts and B's until finally Blue-Eyes succumbed and closed its wings like a shield around itself. Zorc soon followed that up by walking towards Hayate, raising his clawed guantlet.

[color=39b54a]"Any last words to your dragon... and yourself, on my next turn?"[/color]

"[color=00aeef]......[/color]" Hayate remained silent as she realized what was about to happen and simply looked down to the ground "[color=00aeef]None...[/color]" Hayate muttered.

Zorc's guantlet came crashing down on Blue-Eyes, causing the dragon to let out a pained cry. It glowed brightly for a second before shattering in pixels, almost symbollic of what its owner was feeling at the time.

[color=39b54a]"With this last card of mine, I'll set and and my turn."[/color]

[b][u]Turn 11: Hayate[/u][/b]
Hayate: 200 LP, 1 monster, 1 card in hand
Zorc: 700 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 0 cards in hand

Hayate drew her card without making a sound, having lost her spirit. An old memory suddenly came back to her... "[i][color=0072bc]Whenever you're in trouble, just call for me. I'll be there, standing in the smoke, ready to answer your prayers![/color][/i]" but Hayate couldn't say a word. She had already given up on her brother showing up... "[color=00aeef]I set a card... and end my turn...[/color]" 

Zorc chuckled and swung his arm fiercely. [color=39b54a]"If that's the best you can do, then-"[/color]

"[color=0072bc]Spell card! SHIEN'S SMOKE SIGNAL![/color]" a male voice rang out from above, interrupting Zorc.

[color=39b54a]"What?!"[/color] Zorc yelled out in surprise, staggering back.

"[color=0072bc]What's this? Have you lost faith in me already?[/color]" The male voice rang out. Three shadowy figures were outlined inside the smoke, one of which familiar to Hayate. "[b][color=ed1c24]INTRUSION PENALTY: 2000 LIFEPOINTS,[/color][/b]" the third shadow's disk yelled at him. "[color=0072bc]Nnrrgh...! This isn't as bad as that damn scum's stupid device,[/color]" Hayato whispered to himself 

[b]Hayato LP:[/b] 4000 > 2000

[b][u]Turn 12: Hayato[/u][/b]
Hayate: 200 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 0 cards in hand
Zorc: 700 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 0 cards in hand
Hayato 2000 LP, 6 cards in hand

"[color=00aeef]B-Big bro...?[/color]" Hayate muttered, looking up to see her brother standing in clear sight above her.

"[color=0072bc]Yep it's your [i]onii-san,[/i][/color]" Hayato said, comforting his sister after having jumped down. Hayato then turned to face Zorc, and angry scowl on his face. "[color=0072bc]YOU SCUM! HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO MY SISTER![/color]" Hayato yelled in anger, summoning Shinai and Mizuho. "[color=0072bc]These two work pretty well together, I would say! I activate Mizuho's effect and tribute Shinai to destroy YOU![/color]"

[b]Legendary Six Samurai - Mizuho:[/b] 1600 ATK 1000 DEF Level 3 FIRE Warrior
[b]Legendary Six Samurai - Shinai:[/b] 1500 ATK 1500 DEF Level 3 WATER Warrior

Shinai appeared from the smoke where Hayato originally appeared from, wielding 2 crushing clubs. He wore some blue samurai armor and took a defensive pose. Shortly after his appearance, Mizuho appeared in red armor and used what appeared to be hook-like weapons. Hayato had boldly declared his effect without explaining it and watched Shinai sacrifice himself to power up Mizuho, who dashed at Zorc.

[color=39b54a]"WHAT?!"[/color] Zorc yelled in surprise, throwing his cape up in front of him to shield from Mizuho's attack. The female samurai's blades lit on fire as they made contact with Zorc's cape, resulting in an explosion somehow. However, after the smoke lifted, Zorc was still standing there just fine as a card glowed behind him.

[color=39b54a]"...Via the effect of Dimension Guardian, I am not destroyed. You insolent little pest... I applaud you for your efforts, but this duel is none of your business! Leave at once!"[/color]

"[color=0072bc]And what if I refuse?[/color]" Hayato asked, setting 2 cards facedown. "B[color=0072bc]ecause I'm not going to leave.[/color]" Hayato continued taunting him "[color=0072bc]With that, I end with my turn.[/color]"

[b][u]Turn 13: Zorc[/u][/b]
Hayate: 200 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 0 cards in hand
Zorc: 700 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 1 card in hand
Hayato 2000 LP, 1 monster, 2 S/T, 2 cards in hand

Zorc swung his right arm to let a card slide in behind him, glaring at Hayato behind his mask. [color=39b54a]"If you want to provoke me, I shall not fall for it. But your effect is bothersome... So I shall use my own."[/color] Zorc's voice trailed off as the sky darkened again, the same black mist from before floating above all players' heads. The six numbers and the flame started to form, but then...

"[color=0072bc]Enough of your tricks! Trap card activate: Musakani Magatama![/color]" Hayato declared "[color=0072bc]Your effect is negated, you are a fool to challenge an older brother![/color]" Hayato taunted Zorc again, though he was kinda wrong since technically him and Hayato were the same age.

The mist dispersed and a beam of light came down on Zorc, but he simply swatted it aside like an annoying insect. [color=39b54a]"Fine then. Have it your way, but I will not be destroyed due to my Dimension Guardian. If you think I'm done with just that, however, you're wrong: I activate my Cup of Ace!"[/color] Zorc shouted, the spell card flipping around and floating upwards. It stopped just above Zorc's head and started to rotate vertically.

[color=39b54a]"If you think you can beat me, then create that chance. If you manage to stop this card on it's head, I daw two cards. However, if it stops in reverse, you two will draw those cards instead."[/color]

Hayato sighed. [color=0072bc]"3, 2, 1... Stop!"[/color] Hayato did a countdown before he yelled to stop, not really caring wether or not he drew or not though those 2 cards could go in Zorc's favor. The card started to slow down, eventually reaching... the upright position!

[color=39b54a]"Well, that's too bad!"[/color] Zorc mocked Hayato, two cards sliding in behind him. The monster then walked forward again, towards Hayate.

"[color=0072bc]I am your opponent![/color]"  Hayato shouted. "[color=0072bc]Return of the Six Samurai! I bring Shinai back on Hayate's field![/color]"  Hayato called out as the blue samurai that had been sacrificed showed up on Hayate's field, taking a defensive position.

The sky darkened above the heads of all three participants, with a small breeze passing through the open area. The candles lighting the circle flickered and only barely didn't get put out. Zorc slowly turned to Hayato. [color=39b54a]"You... You've been doing nothing but getting in my way this entire time. So if I can't take her out on this turn..."[/color]

Zorc slowly walked over to Hayato, raising his gauntlet. The dark mist that had dispersed gathered once again in his hand, forming a ball that floated slightly above Zorc's head. From behind the man, two identical Spell cards revealed themselves: Graceful Dice. Out of each came a fairy holding a large, blue dice and threw them onto the floor, causing them to spin around in place.

[color=39b54a][b][i]"Dice of fortune, on this day I decree: Take my power and set me free! Bend to my will and tricks, now you shall both land on six!"[/i][/b][/color]

As soon as Zorc stopped chanting, so did the dice stop spinning. Exactly as he had said, they both had a six facing upwards. The black ball of mist grew larger and larger in size, shaking the entire area because of it's overwhelming force. More parts of the roof started falling down as rubble fell around Hayate and Hayato.

[b]Dark Master - Zorc:[/b] 2700 > 4900 ATK

[color=39b54a]"Dissappear from my sight."[/color] Zorc sneered at Hayato as he had the sphere come crashing down on Mizuho, who was completely consumed and engulfed by the mist. Unfortunately for Hayato it didn't stop there, as the ground underneath started to crumble and violently tore up in his direction.

Hayato remained calm as the attack came in. "[color=0072bc]In the end... You are a still a fool![/color]" Hayato taunted Zorc one last time and he was knocked back, though still barely standing. He slowly fell to his knees "[color=0072bc]And that's still all you got, then?[/color]" Hayato asked Zorc, before collapsing himself.

[b]Hayato LP:[/b] 2000 > 0

[color=39b54a]"...This is fine, anyway. All you have is a single set card... I have pretty much won this already. I end my turn."[/color]

As Zorc declared this, Shinai dissappeared in a burst of light. At the same time, Zorc returned to his normal power.

[b]Dark Master - Zorc:[/b] 4900 > 2700 ATK

[b][u]Turn 14: Hayate[/u][/b]
Hayate: 200 LP, 1 S/T, 1 card in hand
Zorc: 700 LP, 1 monster, 1 S/T, 0 cards in hand
Hayato 0 LP

"[color=00aeef]Hayato... Thank you. You gave me enough time to finish this. [i]PREPARE TO SAY YOUR PRAYERS! [b]Draw![/b][/i][/color]" Hayate talked to herself, inspired by Hayato's appearance. It gave her the one turn she needed, as she drew just the card she needed... "[color=00aeef]From my hand, I activate Silver's Cry! This Special Summons Blue-eyes white dragon from the graveyard, [i]revive my mighty white dragon![/i][/color]" Hayate called out as the Blue-Eyes White Dragon rose up in a bright pillar of light, then roared at Zorc. 

[color=39b54a]"W-What?"[/color] Zorc yelled out, staggering back in surprise. [color=39b54a]"...Hah! I still have 700 LP remaining, and I won't be destroyed due to my Dimension Guardian. Even if you attack me, I still won't-!"[/color]

"[color=00aeef]I'm not done yet... I activate my Trap card, Castle of Dragon Souls and Banish a Dragon in my Graveyard to increase Blue-Eyes' strength by 700![/color]" Hayate explained, a tower raising from the ground behind her. A single, shadowy soul circled it which flew into Blue-Eyes' chest to grant him more strength.

[b]Blue-Eyes White Dragon:[/b] 3000 > 3700 ATK

Hayato's fear had completely vanished. She stood in the bright glow of her dragon with a fierce look on her face, slowly raising up her hand. "[color=00aeef]Battle! Blue-Eyes! [i]FINISH OFF ZORC! [b]BURST STREAM OF DESTRUCTION![/b][/i][/color]" Hayate declared, with Blue-Eyes firing his explosive blast towards Zorc.

[color=39b54a]"I-Impossible... For me to come so far...! I can't lose here! [i]I WAS SO CLOSE TO THIS WORLD![/i] DAAAMN YOOUU...!!"[/color] Zorc screamed, right before he was hit by Blue-Eyes' attack. The monster was sent flying way back, leaving a trail of destruction as he flew. All the candles spontaniously flickered out and the ominous circle slowly faded into the ground.

[b]Zorc LP:[/b] 700 > 0

[h2][b]WINNER: HAYATE![/b][/h2]
[/hider]
[hider=The aftermath]
Zorc was slumped up agains the wall as the dark miasma he had been controlling up until now started pouring out of him. The monster raised up his guantlet and clutched the hand that wore it. [color=39b54a]"Kuh... I was given the chance, and all I needed was one more female sacrifice..."[/color] the monster muttered to themselves. He looked up towards Hayato as he mask he wore started to crumble. The first part to go was the lower part, revealing his mouth. Normally one would expect a grimace to be on Zorc's face, but instead Hayate was met with a gleeful grin.

[color=39b54a]"Ah... no matter. I am eternal... I will never go. I'll stay... stay with you. Ehehehe... AHAHAHA! [b][i]AHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA![/i][/b]"[/color] Zorc laughed madly as his body started to disperse faster and his mask crumbled further. As soon as the rest of his face was about to be revealed, he dispersed into nothing but thin air. In place of where he was slumped over, three things were left behind. His card, Ritual Spell and... the guantlet he had worn. It hit the ground with a loud clang, rolling over the duo of cards.

Hayato got up, rubbing the back of his head and looked at the cards on the floor. "[color=0072bc]Hmm... I think I could use these,[/color]" Hayato said before picking up the cards and the gauntlet that was left behind. With the way he looked at the gauntlet, you could tell he was clearly interested in it. "[color=0072bc]I wonder what's up with this...[/color]" Hayato muttered, inspecting the gauntlet. "[color=0072bc]Oi, Zorc! You in there?[/color]" Hayato asked jokingly, even tapping it to try and amuse Hayate who smiled back for a bit.

"[color=00aeef]Hayato, I'm a bit tired... but it's nice you're here. Hey, is it okay if I just call you big bro again like old times?[/color]" Hayate asked Hayato, who faintly remembered telling his sister to just call him by his name ."[color=0072bc]A-Ah, right... I forgot about that... well, nobody was really stopping you from calling me big bro. It was kinda important to keep you away from the press, really...[/color]" Hayato and Hayate conversed for some time. Hayato decided to carry his sister on his back, with Hayato wearing Zorc's gauntlet for convenience's sake. Even though he knew it might be dangerous to do so, he didn't pay it much mind. Soon enough, he found his way back to the tower and met up with Haas again.

Haas was breathing heavily as he stood there, arm still raised from the duel he'd just finished. His two opponents were collapsed on the floor, cards scattered across the floor. Wind-Up Zenmaister had just started disappearing from the field as Haas turned around to see why the front door had suddenly decided to slide open again.

"[color=0072bc]Hey, 'Boss'... I'm back.[/color]" Hayato said, dropping off Hayate. "[color=0072bc]Mission was a success.[/color]" Hayato joked, behaving the complete opposite of how he usually acted around Haas.

[b][color=aba000]"Hayate! Hayato! Oh man, it's great to see you two are safe..."[/color][/b] Haas said, relieved. He looked back to his two opponents, slight concern written on his face.

[b][color=aba000]"I don't know what's up with these guys... Up until a minute ago, they were dueling me like they were posessed or somethin' and then they just... collapsed. Weird, huh?"[/color][/b]

"[color=00aeef]Speaking o[/color][color=0054a6]f which,[/color]" Hayato and Hayate both interrupted. "[color=0072bc]Hayate was, from the looks of it, dueling a ghost of some sorts.[/color]" Hayato explained, as he was told by Hayate. "[color=00aeef]Yes... you see...[/color]" Hayate started to explain the situation to Haas as the trio made their way back to their own dorm rooms.
[/hider]