FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

*** I claim absolutely no ownership of Yugioh. Creation gets credited to Kazuki Takahashi and Konami for the Manga/Anime and the Games respectively. This is merely fan fiction.

Also, like my other stories, all 3rd party characters belong to their respective owners. Please don't use them without mine and their permission.

Finally, this story will contain adult material of both a heterosexual and homosexual nature. If you're not a fan of that (which is weird since come on most of you like it), then this isn't the story to read.

***

Two weeks have passed since Lucian's first victory, and things have gotten better since then. Lucian's skill had slowly started to blossom as a duelist, even though he gets cocky at times. Uncle James's club had gotten a little more notoriety since Ryan and Lucian have dueled on the scene, and had gotten a few more of the neighborhood kids to come to the club.

One afternoon the friends were once again at the club. Lucian and Adair were busy playing against other club members, while Ryan and Loboron were busy playing each other. Ryan had promised to teach Loboron more of the game, who was quickly getting into the game. Ryan had two face downs and a Zombie Warrior in attack mode. Loboron had one face down card and Silver Fang on the field, both monsters evenly matched in offense, and it was Ryan's move.

Loboron LP. 2000 Ryan LP. 6850

Silver Fang: Level: 3 Attack: 1200 Defense: 800 Zombie Warrior: Level: 3 Attack: 1200 Defense: 900

"Alright, my turn to draw," Ryan began and smiled at his hand, "and now I'll sacrifice my Zombie Warrior in order to summon the Summoned Skull."

Summoned Skull: Level: 6 Attack: 2500 Defense: 1200

"Ah," the Wolftaur replied as he watched on Ryan's move.

"Now I shall have him attack your Silver Fang." Ryan said.

"Hold on," Loboron said, "I think I'll activate my trap card now." He explained and flipped his trap card over. "It's called Negate Attack, and it stops your battle phase this turn and ends your attack."

"Pretty good move," Ryan commented and flipped over one of his face downs, "but not good enough. I now activate the trap card 7 Tools of the Bandit. See by sacrificing 1000 Life Points I can negate the trap you just activated. Now my Summoned Skull can continue his attack uninterrupted."

Loboron LP. 700 Ryan LP. 5850

"Oh wow," Loboron began, "I didn't see that one coming. At least I still have another turn since you used your only monster."

"Yeah you'd think that wouldn't you," said Ryan, the wolftaur looking at the human surprised, "but you forgot my other facedown." The human flipped his other facedown over to reveal a magic card.

"Wait, you can set magic cards face down too?" Loboron asked.

"Yep," the human nodded, "this is a neat card too. It's called Last Will. What is does is allow me to special summon a monster with 1500 or fewer attack points from my deck since a monster from my side of the field was sent to the graveyard this turn, and I choose the Mammoth Graveyard."

Mammoth Graveyard: Level: 3 Attack: 1200 Defense: 800

"Uh oh," said Loboron.

"And by attacking your life points directly, that wins me the game."

Loboron LP. 0 Ryan LP. 5850

"Oh man, you beat me again," Loboron said, "I guess it's only natural, you're light years ahead of me."

"Don't be so down on yourself," Ryan replied, "you're learning fast, and you're getting better. Sure you didn't see my counter attack, but you're using your cards together to form a strategy, and you accomplished that in less than two weeks. That's much faster compared to Lucian."

"Hey I heard that," Lucian said, ear flicking a little as he faced the other two, "and for your information I can duel circles around Loboron anyday."

"Maybe but that's irrelevant," Ryan shrugged and turned back to Loboron, "just keep practicing and you'll get better in no time."

"Thanks Ry," the wolftaur replied smiling.

"I am curious about one thing though," Ryan began, "I've notice you use Silver Fang every single duel that we've played together, is it your favorite card?" Loboron nodded shyly.

"At the moment yes," he searched through his deck and picked out the card in question holding it up, "it just seems so cool, especially being a wolf myself. I know it sounds a little dorky."

"Not at all," Ryan replied smiling, "I think it's great you have a favorite card, it shows the dedication you have for your deck."

"Really?" Loboron tilted his head a bit, "what about you? What's your favorite card?"

"Me?" Ryan repeated and thought for a bit, "I don't know yet. Personally, I don't think I have a favorite card yet."

"Yet?" Loboron asked.

"Yeah well you see," Ryan began, "A heavy chunk of this deck still belongs to my Uncle James, and I'm glad I got his deck, but I just don't feel like we connect yet, like something is missing."

"So in other words," Adair began as he approached the other two, having finished his duel, "you're waiting until the deck is customized to be your own before you find who your favorite card is."

"Exactly," the human nodded.

"Speak for yourself," Lucian said, also having finished his duel, "my deck is indestructible. I don't need to do anything else for it."

"That's where you're wrong Mr. Canad," Uncle James said having returned to the counter from the house.

"What do you mean?" Lucian asked.

"It's quite simple," Uncle James began, "you all have improved a little bit, and I'm glad to see that, but you all have a long way to go. You especially Lucian, you haven't changed your deck at all since we helped you prepare for the duel against Joe Byrd."

"That's right," Ryan chimed in, "that deck has gotten you through a few duels, but it's still just a starter deck, it needs to be further customized before it can really tear through the competition."

"Indeed," Uncle James said, "I was just like you when I was younger, fresh and eager to get out dueling. But I lacked the deck and heart to do so. So what I did was build my deck to reflect myself."

"Reflect yourself?" Adair asked curiously.

"That's right," Uncle James explained, "see when a professional duelist cares about something in their lives, it can very heavily influence what their decks will consist of, and when enough of your heart is put into your deck you can truly become a champion. Just like how Loboron has his Silver Fang and Adair has his Dark Magician, so to should your decks reflect your passion. Seek out more cards, and customize your deck not so it just becomes another strong deck, but so that strong deck becomes you."

"I see," Ryan nodded, "I think I get what you're saying. You're saying we should put our entire beings into our decks if we want them to be truly strong."

"Exactly," Uncle James nodded. Lucian jumped in excitement.

"Then new deck here I come," Lucian said, "I'll make you proud. I just need to know what cards really scream me. I better head to the card shops at the mall before they close."

"Hey I'll go with you," Loboron said bowing to Ryan and Uncle James, "thank you for everything, I had a great time."

"No problem," both humans replied and waved the two goodbye as they hurried out.

"I hope he doesn't get too carried away," Adair commented, "Lucian's tournament is tomorrow, and he needs to concentrate if he's going to beat his rival school."

"I think he'll be fine," Ryan replied, "he's hot headed and careless, but he's strong, and I think he'll make a good samurai."

"I suppose you're right," Adair said, looking at the human and scratching the back of his head, "um Ryan?"

"Yes," the human faced the ferrox.

"Would you like to go someplace with me for lunch tomorrow?" he asked, "maybe the burger joint up the street?"

"Really?" Ryan asked and thought for a minute, "well sure why not? I don't have a lot of money on me though, I bought a couple booster packs earlier and was planning on opening them during lunch tomorrow."

"Oh that's ok," Adair said, "I can cover both of us, and you can bring your packs with you, and maybe we can open them together."

"Sure sounds like fun," Ryan smiled, "I can't wait."

"Yeah me neither," Adair replied, the ferrox hiding a blush under his fur, "Anyway I should get going soon, it's about dinnertime for me."

"Alright," Ryan said walking Adair to the door, "have a safe walk home."

"Thank you Ryan," Adair said and walked down the street, really looking forward to the events of tomorrow.

***

Later that night, Adair was sitting in bed, unable to sleep, he was too excited. He had wanted to go to places alone with Ryan for a while now. It's not that he didn't like his other friends, but the feelings between him and Ryan seemed different somehow, he didn't know how to describe it. He laid back, thinking to the time when he and Ryan met.

It was back in intermediate school, Adair had moved from another state and was sitting outside the principal's office where his parents were. As he was sitting there, that was when he saw Ryan for the first time, being escorted by his teacher to the chair right next to him. The human had gotten into a fight with another kid, and would later get detention for it, but to that point he was waiting for his turn in the principal's office. That was when Ryan introduced himself.

"Hi are you new here?" Adair was surprised at the sudden curiosity of the human. He was inquisitive, but very polite, something Adair liked very much about it. After introducing each other they had quickly become friends, but that whole time there was always this different feeling inside him, even when they were kids, that attracted Adair to Ryan. The ferrox in the present sat up and looked out the window.

"I hope he thinks I'm not being creepy or anything," he said to himself.

Meanwhile, Ryan himself was quietly sleeping in his bed, nearly dead to the world in his tranquility. Oblivious even when his room suddenly got colder, and another presence made itself known in the room. It was physically there, but somehow it made a presence in the human's room, and slowly crept to one of the booster packs that Ryan had bought, and changed one of the cards that were inside the pack, before disappearing.

The only thing Ryan did in reaction was roll over a bit in his sleep.

***

The next day went by as normal, school periods passing by slowly until the lunch bell rang. Adair had stepped outside and sat on a rock under a tree, where they had agreed to meet. He only needed to wait a few minutes or so before he spotted the human approaching him with a wave.

"Hey there," Ryan said, "sorry I'm late, Lucian wouldn't stop bragging about the booster pack he bought last night."

"It's ok," Adair replied, "let's go. We only have 45 minutes to eat and get back." Ryan nodded and the two headed off side by side. Adair was happy to be able to spend time like this, but at the same time he had to ask. "Are you alright just going alone like this? Maybe Lucian and Loboron would've liked to tag along?" Ryan saw his concern and smiled.

"Nah," Ryan said, "Lucian is busy practicing in the gym and Loboron went with one of his teachers to help with an errand."

"Oh I see," Adair said.

"Besides," the human continued, "it's not every day that I get to spend some time with you alone." The ferrox looked at Ryan curiously, but smiled inwardly at the response.

"Thanks Ryan," he said.

"Anytime," Ryan replied. The conversation remained casual after that, until they got to the burger joint and got their lunches. They found a small two person table in the corner to get a little privacy. Once there they began eating their lunches, and halfway through their burgers Adair chimed in.

"Hey Ryan," he began, "why don't you open up your packs and see what cards you get."

"Alright," Ryan said setting down his burger and wiping the grease off his hands with a napkin, then pulled the packs out of his pocket. He looked at the packaging again for a bit before carefully opening them up and looking at the 10 new cards he got as a result.

"Get anything good?" Adair asked.

"Well I see a couple good ones," Ryan replied as he flipped from card to card, then came across one that caught his eye, "hm, what's this?"

"What is it?" Asked Adair, "can I see?" Ryan didn't reply though as he stared at the card with great curiosity, he couldn't really explain but somehow he can feel the card calling out for him. Not that Ryan didn't mind, it looked like a really strong card.

"Well, this should make a nice addition to my deck," Ryan smiled and took the card in question and a few of the others and pulled out his deck, adding them in, and swapping a couple out in the process.

"Awe, you won't show me?" Adair asked.

"How about I surprise you with it in the next duel I play?" Ryan smiled, "it's more fun that way."

"Well ok," Adair said nodding.

"Until then," Ryan said, taking one of the cards he switched out and another from his pack and gave it to Adair, "take these, I think these cards will work better with your deck."

"Seriously?" asked Adair as he looked at the cards, "Neo the Magic Swordsman, and Book of Secret Arts?"

"Yeah, those should work well with some of your other spellcasters, including your Dark Magician," Ryan explained.

"Sure," nodded Adair, "thank you very much I'll add them in right away." He pulled out his own deck and added them in, taking another look at his Dark Magician in the process; it was different from the other ones that were popularized in media. This dark magician had pure black armor and pale blue skin, and contrasting white hair. He put his deck away after a bit and smiled at Ryan, as they finished up their lunch.

***

After school ended the group met up at their usual spot. Lucian had most of his gear with him. Every year the area has a big tournament with styles of combat locking head to head. Today was that day, and Lucian looked confident and determined, but also serious to win the tournament. They had no idea they were being watched the entire time.

At the tournament, Lucian quickly rose through the ranks, winning every challenge he faced at that time until he got to the final round. It was him against lemur, this one skilled in Ninjitsu, and this match got real close.

The crowd wasn't a very large one, but the turnout was definitely decent, and the group was cheering Lucian on from the stands. Ryan looked around occasionally at the crowd, recognizing only very few of them. Other than themselves and Lucian's sensei, there weren't very many other students there. But what did catch the corner of Ryan's eye was the pink cat they'd seen before. Whoever she was she had taken an interest in Lucian, Ryan was sure of it.

As he turned back to the match Lucian had disarmed his opponent and won the tournament. The three stood up and gave their ovation to their friend, who accepted his trophy with great happiness. After the award ceremony was over though, the group had met up with Lucian and his sensei.

"Hey Lucian great show," Loboron commented.

"Thanks," Lucian replied, "that last match was tough but I managed it."

"You definitely improved over last year," Adair said.

"Yeah, we should celebrate, why don't we head to the club and celebrate with pizza?" Ryan suggested.

"Yes, sounds great I'm starving," Lucian smiled. But his sensei put a hand on his shoulder.

"Not just yet," the elderly owl replied, "there is one thing I wish to discuss with Lucian back at our dojo. He can follow you later."

"Really?" Lucian asked tilting his head, "what is it?" The owl smiled.

"You shall see, this is a private matter," he replied and Lucian shrugged.

"I'll catch up later guys," he said.

"Don't worry we'll wait up for you," Ryan replied and the group headed off back to Uncle James's place. In the meantime, Lucian and his sensei returned to the dojo, the cat holding his trophy tightly in hand.

"So what is it exactly you wanted to discuss Sensei?" Lucian asked.

"Follow me into the back young one," he said, and Lucian did so, carefully setting his stuff down and slipping his shoes off. In the back rested an old shrine, much like the Shinto shrines back in the sensei's home country of Japan. Lucian stepped in carefully, aware of the lore behind the shrines and stood next to his master, who kneeled down in front of the altar. The calico cat's ears twitched a bit and followed suit.

"Lucian Canad," his sensei began, "you have done well in your training thus far, but this is only the beginning. Today you have proven yourself worthy to take on the next step and truly embrace the samurai tradition. You remember the legends of the samurai that have been passed down from generation to generation, do you?"

"Yes master," Lucian nodded, begin as respectful as he could be in this sacred ground.

"The legends talk of a dark time in Japan, where evil spirits and dark forces threatened to engulf the land, when there raised Six Legendary Samurai, who took up their blades against the forces and brought the land back into the light. Their styles of combat were then passed down to their descendants, for centuries until the day where we are now."

"Yes master," Lucian repeated, "but what is this leading up to?"

"You should listen, because this directly applies to you," Sensei explained and continued, "see, this great myth became adored by the creator of duel monsters himself, Maximillion Pegasus. He created duel monster cards based off the legends and gave them to me in honor of our heritage. Now it's time that I continue the tradition of passing our style down, by giving you these cards."

"Really?" Lucian asked.

"Now this won't be so quick," Sensei continued, "I will only give you a few of these cards to get you started. As you further along with your training you'll earn more of these cards to help bolster your deck. All that is asked is that you use them in your deck, and make us proud." Lucian smiled, this was the part of his life he treasured most, and to be able to symbolize that in his deck was dream come true. He jumped up and hugged his master tightly.

"Thank you sensei," he nuzzled lightly, "I promise I'll make you proud."

"It's alright little one," he patted his back lightly and let go, carefully taking a couple cards off the shelf and handed them to him, "you may start with these two, then we'll work our way up. Also, make sure to wait until you duel before you show them to anyone." Lucian nodded and took the cards graciously and added them to his deck. "Now, you should hurry, you wouldn't want to keep your friends waiting now, do you?"

"Of course not," he gave a bow and headed out, "goodnight sensei." The owl followed Lucian to the entrance as he headed out, quickly getting his shoes back on outside and running towards Ryan's place. He closed his eyes quietly and spoke aloud.

"Dear ancestors, I pray that you'll watch over that boy and help protect him from the dangers of this world."

***

Lucian managed to arrive by sundown, just before the pizza was delivered to the club. A few other club members were there along with the usual gang, who were happy to join in the celebration. As they were enjoying their meal Loboron approached Lucian.

"So kitty," Loboron chuckled, "what did the Sensei want to tell you so badly?"

"It's private," Lucian said.

"Private," Loboron repeated, "that's very unlike you; you must have gotten something special."

"Watch it wolf boy or you'll get a face full of pizza," Lucian replied.

"Oh come on you can tell us," Ryan teased, putting an arm on his shoulder and pinching his cheek.

"Not you too Ryan," Lucian said, "ok I'll tell. He gave me a couple of Duel Monster cards."

"Really?" Adair asked curiously, "can we see?"

"Not until the next time I duel," Lucian said, "these cards are very special to me and I promised I would wait."

"Sounds like you're well on your way to making your new deck," Uncle James said.

"I think that's great that you think of these cards highly," Ryan commented, "instead of waiting though, how about we duel now."

"Really Ryan? You sure?" Lucian asked.

"Of course," Ryan commented, "I have a few new cards too that I'd like to take for a spin, and what better way than by a fun duel between friends." Lucian looked at his close friend and smiled, nodding.

"Alright Ryan," he replied, "You're on." Both players grabbed their decks as a space was made to allow them to duel. As they were shuffling their decks though, they weren't aware of the figure that had been following them all day watching through the window. He had overheard of the talk of Lucian's new cards and decided to take advantage of it. He quickly jumped and charged through the window, shattering it instantly, and the sound of broken glasses caught everyone by surprise.

"What the-?" Ryan asked before being cut off, the figure rushed up to them, cutting right in between them and snagging Lucian's cards right out of his deck, before busting out the front door.

"Hey!" Lucian shouted, "those were my new cards, after him!" He rushed out the front door, looking down both sides before finding and following the guy down.

"Lucian wait up!" Ryan shouted who followed behind, with Adair and Loboron close behind him. The guy was fast, running down the street before quickly ducking behind an alleyway. Fortunately, the gang was able to keep track of him while following; they followed for a little while until the chase led them to an abandoned warehouse, where the guy ran in. The four stopped in front, looking at the building in curiosity, wondering why he would run in there.

"I don't have a good feeling about this guys," Adair commented, "why would he run in there?"

"He must be trying to hide," Lucian said, "let's run in there and grab the son of a bitch already."

"Easy there Lucian, Adair has a point." Ryan began, "think about it. If he was really trying to get away he'd probably outrun us, he was fast enough. He wouldn't run inside a building like this with us plainly seeing him. I have a feeling that there might be a trap inside waiting for us. We should tread carefully.

"Ryan's right," Loboron commented, "I'm betting whoever this guy is took the cards as bait to lure us in."

"Grr," growled Lucian, "alright, but the longer we stand out here, the more likely he'll be to get away." The group kept together and walked inside slowly. As they looked around they were surprised at what they found. Smack dab in the middle of the area was a dueling arena, dimly lit by the warehouse lights, with the figure standing next to it chuckling.

"Welcome duelists," His voice rang out, "welcome to my abode, is it to your liking?"

"Looks more like it needs an interior designer," Lucian commented, "now show your face already, unless you're a coward."

"Careful who you make demands to kitty," he said, stepping out of the shadows, "you might be surprised who you try to hunt, some fish are known to bite you know." What stepped out of the shadows was a powerful looking shark, his bright blue skin reflecting well by the light. He was tall, nearing seven feet, and buff as hell, his pecks and abs shown clearly by the grey sleeveless muscle shirt he had on. He had black leather pants, boots, and a pair of gauntlets on his hands. Boy did he look intimidating to the group, who took a collective step back.

"Woah he's bigger than we thought," said Adair.

"Look what do you want from us?" Ryan asked, "all we want is our friend's cards back. We're not looking for trouble."

"But I am, Ryan Lewis," the shark replied.

"How do you know my name?" the human asked curiously.

"Let's just say I've taken an interest in you," the shark began, "don't worry your precious cards aren't in danger. The last thing I'd want to do is bring harm to any cards, but this was the best way to get you to meet my demands is all."

"So what do you want already?" Lucian asked, "I want my cards back now."

"Oh you'll get them back I promise," the shark said with a toothy grin, "if your furless friend here agrees to duel me."

"So a duel is all you want?" Ryan asked.

"That's right, and if you refuse you'll never see these cards again."

"Alright then, you want a duel, you got one."

"Careful Ryan," Adair said, "I don't trust this guy."

"Your ferrox friend is wise," the shark commented, "the hunter has now caught its prey, and now you're about to be dragged into the briny deep. Now step onto the red dueling platform right next to you so we can start." The shark jumped onto the blue end on his side, the human taking out his deck and stepping onto the red platform, both sides rising up to the top.

"Who are you anyway?" Ryan asked, "Why go through all this trouble just to duel me?"

"I don't really go by any names but you may call me Razor," the shark explained as the platforms begin rising. "As for why all the trouble, it's my job to put duelists in these situations. I'm a freelance professional, hired by others to duel for specific purposes."

"So you make a living dueling?" Loboron asked, "Be careful Ryan."

"Don't worry Loboron," Ryan replied setting his deck on the deck portion of the duel stand. The machine took the deck inside and shuffled it for Ryan before coming back out in a nice clean stack. "Now before we begin, please keep your end of the bargain and give Lucian back his cards. I won't draw until you do."

"That's fine," Razor replied, "I have you right where I want you anyway so here." He took the cards and tossed them right at Lucian, who caught them skillfully in his hand, thanking his lucky stars that the cards were completely undamaged.

'That's really strange,' Ryan thought, 'this guy forces me to duel but suddenly gives the cards back, just like that? Something really is off with this guy. Does he really just want to duel me, or is something else going on?'

"There, now I kept my end up Mr. Lewis, are you ready to duel?" Razor asked.

"You got it, Let's duel," Ryan replied.

"I like your confidence," Razor stated, "It's refreshing. Most people are too intimidated by my good looks to respond like that. But enough talk-"

"Duel!" Both players shouted, the Arena fully coming to life and displaying both players life points.

Ryan LP. 8000 Razor LP. 8000

"Wipe the floor with him Ryan," Lucian shouted, "show him whose boss."

"Alright," Ryan began drawing a card, "if you want to see me duel so bad I'll move first. I set one monster face down in defense mode, and place one card face down. That will end my turn." The human set the cards on the field, the respecting squares in the arena flashing yellow to signify the cards are present.

"I admire your courage Mr. Lewis," Razor commented, "but that move was predictable. But I like a man who has confidence, if only you were a few years older. But enough talk, my draw." He drew a card and examined his hand. "Since I know your card is a trap of some kind, I'll blow it all away with the Mystical Space Typhoon magic card." The arena suddenly erupted in a storm, causing Ryan to hold onto the railing, his shirt blowing in response to the wind, as a lightning bolt erupted and blasted the trap card away.

"Damn," Ryan commented, dropping the card into his graveyard.

"Now that such a nuisance is gone," explained Razor, "I now summon the Great White in attack mode." He set the card, and a holographic wave of water appeared on his side, a powerful looking shark emerging from the water, putting up its dukes and ready to battle.

Great White: Level: 4 Attack: 1600 Defense: 800

"Now go Great White, and sink your teeth into his face down monster," Razor commanded. The shark charged and destroyed the facedown monster with ease, sending that card to the graveyard in effect akin to shattering glass.

"Hang in there Ryan, we're right here to support you," Loboron encouraged.

"That's all for now," Razor said, "It's good to know that you got a set of cheerleaders leading you on."

"Leave them out of this Razor," Ryan said, "this is between you and me now remember. And I'm not going to let one move get me down." He drew a card from his deck and examined his hand. "I summon La Jinn, the Mystical Genie of the Lamp in Attack Mode." A powerful looking green genie appeared on Ryan's side of the field.

La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp: Level: 4 Attack: 1800 Defense: 1000

"And that's not all," Ryan said, "Next I shall give his dark powers a boost with the magic card Malevolent Nuzzler. This will boost my monster's attack power by 700 points.

La Jinn: Attack: 2500

"Now La Jinn, my wish is your command," Ryan asserted, "and I command that you attack and destroy his Great White." The genie did just that, blowing a powerful purple breath and silencing the Great White, wiping it off the battlefield and damaging Razor's life points.

Ryan LP. 8000 Razor LP. 7100

"That's all for now." Ryan stated.

"All indeed," the shark smirked, "I like you, I'll enjoy playing with you more. That was only one of the many underwater creatures I have in store for you."

"Sounds like he's using an aqua themed deck," Adair said, "I hope Ryan knows what he's doing."

"He's the best among us Adair," Loboron commented, "he'll be just fine." Razor drew his card.

"My move then," he said, "and I shall end by placing one card face down and ending my turn." Ryan looked really confused.

'Wait what?' he thought as he drew his card, 'why would he end his turn without summoning a monster. Whatever that face down of his is, it must be quite dangerous. I don't have anything in my hand that can circumvent it if it's a trap card.'

"What's Ryan thinking so hard about?" Lucian asked, "With no monsters on the field, Ryan can devastate his life points."

"I think that's the big issue," Adair commented, "Ryan must be worried about that facedown he played."

"Ah," Lucian realized looking at Razor, then Ryan, "now that you think about it, I bet Ryan's figuring out a way to avoid triggering it."

'I'm sure he avoided summoning on purpose to goad me into attacking him directly, so he can spring it. So I might be able to avoid activating it if I don't attack this turn. Then again, with no monsters, this could be a good time to attack if he's bluffing,' Ryan shook his head a bit as he thought, 'no, after he returned Lucian's cards so straightforward, it's very unlikely that he'd bluff a move like that. Still, I might be able to summon another monster to bolster my forces, and I have a card in my hand that's sure to give my genie some assistance.'

'Good, the young human is thinking his moves through,' Razor thought, 'just as I'd expect from him, at least when he makes his move it'll be an entertaining one.'

"Alright, my move," Ryan began, "and I summon the Mystic Lamp, to back up my La Jinn."

Mystic Lamp: Level: 1 Attack: 400 Defense: 300

"You should be careful with your trinkets," Razor replied, "You never know when a torrent might come to wash it all away, because by summoning another monster, you triggered my trap."

"What?" Ryan shouted in surprise.

"I activate Torrential Tribute. This trap card activates when you summon a monster, and completely destroys all monsters on the field. And since you're the only one with monsters, you're the only one who suffers the consequences." A huge tidal wave suddenly emanated from the displayed trap card, shaking the arena and consuming the whole field, washing both of Ryan's monsters away.

"Oh no," Ryan said, "I'm defenseless now."

"That's exactly right Ryan," the shark replied, cracking his knuckled and flexing his chest in the process, "you didn't look before you leap, and now the denizens of the deep shall eat their fill of you."

"Ugh," Ryan replied and looking at his hand again, "I set one card face down and end my turn."

"Hang in there Ryan, minor setback," said Lucian, "don't let this over muscled fish brain get to you."

"That coming from a wimpy looking kitty that needs to hit the gym more."

"Who're ya calling kitty shark boy?" Lucian quipped, before being held back by Loboron.

'That wasn't good,' Ryan thought, 'but hopefully my Trap Hole trap card will help achieve the same effect. The effect isn't widespread as his torrent was, but the second he normal summons a monster, this will leave him wet behind the ears.' Razor drew his next card.

"It's my move now," he stated, "and you're about to feel the wrath of many sea creatures who attack as one. Or better yet, unite into one; I play the magic card Polymerization."

"A fusion summon?" Ryan asked.

"You got it," Razor replied, "I now combine Zone Eater, Fairy Dragon, and Amazon of the Seas together, in order to create the powerful Aqua Dragon." The three smaller monsters in question appeared on the field, before melding together in a vortex and revealing a strong looking blue dragon.

Aqua Dragon: Level: 6 Attack: 2250 Defense: 1900

"Wow that looks powerful," Loboron commented, "my poor Silver Fang would get drowned in an instant."

"Go Aqua Dragon," Razor proudly commanded, "Attack his life points directly with Sea Serpent Hydro Blast!" The dragon charged up a bright blue blast with its mouth and sent it hard and fast right to Ryan's terminal. The human held fast and covered his eyes, before looking at his console and watching his life points drop.

Ryan LP. 5750 Razor LP. 7100

"And to end my turn," Razor said, "I'll set one card face down. Good luck facing down this hungry predator."

'No kidding,' Ryan thought drawing his next card, 'because Fusion summons count as special summons and not normal summons, I couldn't activate Trap Hole. I'm going to need to find some other way to take down that monster. I can still use it whenever he summons another monster to help slow his forces down but at this point; it's lost its potency.'

'He didn't activate his face down,' Razor thought, 'It must not be effective against my Aqua Dragon, which must mean he couldn't use it against him and is saving it for my next monster. That must mean the trap card is Trap Hole. That gives me an idea.'

"I set one monster down in defense mode and end my turn," Ryan said.

"Hang strong Ryan," Adair cheered, "we believe in you."

"That's a shame, I hoped for more Mr. Lewis," Razor said drawing a card to refill his otherwise empty hand, "oh well, time to bolster my forces. I summon Aqua Madoor in attack mode." When he set the card down, a masked mage arose from another watery effect on the arena, making its presence known.

Aqua Madoor: Level: 4 Attack: 1200 Defense: 2000

Ryan seized the opportunity.

"You just triggered my trap card," Ryan announced and flipped it over, "Trap Hole."

'I knew it,' Razor thought.

"By normal summoning a monster with more than 1000 attack points, this trap card instantly destroys it." The monster as a result disappeared just as quickly as it came. "Your Aqua Madoor is no more." This only got a chuckle out of the shark. "Why are you laughing?"

"Because your strategy was once again predictable," Razor explained, "when I noticed you didn't activate your card when I summoned Aqua Dragon, I concluded that you couldn't use it because Aqua Dragon was special summoned to the field. My guess was correct, so I led you into activating the trap, leaving your defense monster once again defenseless. Aqua Dragon, Sea Serpent Hydro Blast!" The dragon repeated the attack from before blowing the monster clean off the field, revealing its form before fading. "Ah..."

"Thanks for that," Ryan said, "you activated Sangan's special ability, allowing me to pick a monster card from my deck with 1500 attack points or less and add it to my hand." Ryan picked up his deck and searched for an appropriate monster, finding one in particular and adding it to his hand, then set it back on the terminal, which automatically reshuffled his deck for him.

"Pull whatever weak monster you want," Razor commented, "it won't be strong enough to handle my Aqua Dragon. With that attack my turn ends here."

"Then it's my move, draw." Ryan said as he drew his card and examined his hand, thinking carefully again.

'The card I just drew is Red Medicine, which might help recover some points while I bring up another defense. He has no cards in his hand so he might not draw any new monsters if I'm lucky, so I can get some stronger forces out on the field.'

"I activate the magic card Red Medicine," the human announced, setting the card on the field, "This nifty card will restore 500 points of damage to my life points that I sustained."

"Not bad," Razor said, then gave a toothy grin, "or was it? I activate my trap card, it's called Bad Reaction to Simochi. Now instead of gaining life points my skinny little friend, you take damage equal to what you would have normally gained?"

"What?!" Ryan shouted in surprise, watching his points drop even further.

Ryan LP. 5250 Razor LP. 7100

"And by the way, don't even think about trying to restore your points again," Razor said, pointing to the field.

"Wait," Loboron looked on the field, seeing the card still face up on the display, "the card is still there, what's going on?"

"It must be a permanent trap," Ryan responded.

"Good Ryan, you're a sharp kid, just like my pearly white teeth," Razor chuckled, "and these, along with my dragon are looking forward to chomping the remainder of your life points, so make your move."

"Grr," Ryan grimaced, "I set one monster face down in defense and end my turn."

"Thank you," Razor said drawing his card, "it's my move then. And I activate the Pot of Greed magic card, giving me an extra free two cards." He drew the two cards to his hand before discarding Pot of Greed. "Next I'll give my dragon an extra boost, by granting it the equip magic card Power of Kaishin, boosting his attack and defense points by an extra 300." Another pool of water formed in the arena, leaving a foot of water on the arena, while an aura of water surrounded the dragon, it's points rising up.

Aqua Dragon: Attack: 2550 Defense: 2200

"And now, to move the duel along and force your monster into battle with the Stop Defense magic card, forcing your face down defense monster into face up attack mode." Razor explained, revealing Ryan's monster to be Air Marmot of Nefariousness.

Air Marmot of Nefariousness: Level: 4 Attack: 400 Defense: 600

"Oh shit," Ryan muttered to himself.

"Now Aqua Dragon, eliminate his little squirrel with Sea Serpent Hydro Blast." The dragon obliged, unleashing its powerful attack a third time, obliterating Ryan's monster, the human shielding his eyes again, before watching his life points plummet even further behind.

Ryan LP. 3100 Razor LP. 7100

"Oh no," Adair replied, "Ryan's in trouble."

"And that concludes another turn," Razor said eloquently, "and to be honest, I was hoping to see more from the young man who defeated the state champion. I hope this wasn't a waste of time Mr. Lewis."

'I'm running out of points fast,' Ryan thought, 'I better draw a good card this turn, or I might not get another chance. Come on deck, help guide me to victory.' Ryan drew his card and looked on in surprise. 'Wait, it's that card I got earlier. I can feel it calling to me once again. Did it hear my plea and come to my hand just in time?' Ryan observed the rest of his hand with his new card, 'Wait, this is just what I needed.'

"What's Ryan looking so surprised about?" Loboron asked.

"If you ask me," Lucian said smiling, "it looks like our buddy there has just got his second wind."

"Hm..." Razor looked on, "well are you going to make a move or forfeit?"

"Oh I'll make a move alright," said Ryan, slamming his card down with a new face of confidence, "I summon the Archfiend Soldier in attack mode." Ryan's field opened a shadowy hole, before a quick figure suddenly leaped out of it high into the air, and landed swiftly on the ground as the hole faded. It was a strong looking demon, its head fashioned with the skull of a ram, his body outlined in purple muscle and a skeletal frame, a fiendish green cap flowing behind him. The mysterious new monster drew a crooked strong looking blade, holding it ready for combat.

Archfiend Soldier: Level: 4 Attack: 1900 Defense: 1500

"That all?" Razor asked, "I compliment his nice set of muscles, but his firepower leaves little to be desired."

"Maybe now it isn't." Ryan smiled.

"Hm?"

"But when combined with another card, his strength will rise above opposition. Go Archfiend Soldier, and equip yourself with the Axe of Despair!" the human set the magic card down on the field. The soldier sheathed his sword back and held his hand out, summoning a devilish axe into his hand, filling him with greater power, and even growing his muscles a little as his points rose.

Archfiend Soldier: Attack: 2900

"Oh no," Razor flinched a bit.

"Oh yes!" Ryan shouted, a new wind of adrenaline flowing through him, as if energized right alongside his monster in perfect symbiosis. "Go Archfiend Soldier; slay his dragon with Crooked Decussation!" The monster charged at amazing speed, slicing through the dragon onto Razor's terminal, before turning around and slicing the dragon again, who cried out in pain as a bright light emanated from the slash points, and shattering the monster to nothingness.

"Alright!" Ryan's friend shouted in unison.

Ryan LP. 3100 Razor LP. 6750

"And that's just the beginning," Ryan said, "next move I'll bring my next attack. Thanks Archfiend Soldier." The soldier turned to face his summoner and nodded, this surprised Ryan a bit. 'Wait did it just nod at me? Does it actually acknowledge me or is it a reaction of the holographic technology?' Razor drew his card and frowned.

'This card is no good, without my dragon I'll need to scramble to find a new strategy.'

"Alright," he said, "I set one monster face down in defense mode and end my turn."

"It looks like Ryan is the one with the upper hand suddenly," Loboron commented with a smile.

"Alright Ryan! Knock them dead," Lucian said.

'So this is the card he was waiting to show,' Adair thought, 'it's no wonder; it's quickly becoming my favorite monster in his deck too.'

"Then it's time for me to strike again," Ryan said drawing his card and smiling, "yes, my luck is turning around. I'll start by summoning the monster I brought to my hand earlier with Sangan, The Ancient Brain." Ryan bolstered his forces with the next monster, a small wizard with its brain visible for all to see.

The Ancient Brain: Level: 3 Attack: 1000 Defense: 700

"And next," Ryan said setting a card on the field slot, "for my next new card, I play the field magic spell Yami." The area around the field suddenly got darker, a dark aura emanating on the field and brightening up Ryan's two monsters with a purple stream of energy.

"What's going on?" Razor asked.

"Simple," Ryan explained, "I've covered the field in a blanket of darkness, powering up all fiend type monsters on the field by 200 Attack and Defense points."

Archfiend Soldier: Attack: 3100 Defense: 1700 Ancient Brain: Attack: 1200 Defense: 900

"Grr," Razor growled as he saw Ryan's monster grow stronger. Since his monsters were aqua type monsters, they wouldn't receive the same bonus.

"Now go Archfiend Soldier," Ryan shouted, "Crooked Decussation!" The soldier gave a wicked battle cry and charged again, destroying the weak sea creature with little effort. "Now Ancient Brain, attack his life points directly." The brain charged an electrical spell with his brain, launching it right at his terminal. Razor growled as the attack his, watching his life point meter drop.

Ryan LP: 3100 Razor LP: 5550

"That does it for now," Ryan said, concentrating on the field at hand, now with a definite setup.

"Wow what a move," Lucian commented, "but why didn't Ryan destroy the monster with his weaker monster? That would've allowed Ryan to deal more damage to his life points."

"I'm no expert," Loboron explained, "but I think Ryan wanted to make sure he defeated the creature, to guarantee his other monster unleashing a successful attack."

"That's right," Adair said, "the monster Ryan just destroyed was a weaker sea monster called Fiend Kraken. Its defense even after the boost would've still been higher than his Ancient Brain. So if Ryan attacked with Ancient Brain instead, it would've wasted the attack, and caused Ryan battle damage too."

"I see," Lucian nodded, "looks like Ryan really is ahead of the game now, if he's thinking like that." Razor drew his card and thought a bit, before nodding to himself.

"I set another monster in face down defense mode and end my turn," the shark said. Ryan smiled a bit and drew his next card.

"It's my turn now. And now Archfiend Soldier, take down his next monster." The next move became a repeat of last time, laying waste to Razor's monster, only one thing caught Ryan off guard. "Wait, that's not an aqua monster."

"You're right, but this nice little monster will give me a hand. See when Skelengel is flipped up its effect activates, allowing me to draw one card."

"Whatever floats your boat Razor," Ryan commented, "because it's about to get another hole to leak through. Ancient Brain, attack his life points directly."

Ryan LP. 3100 Razor LP. 4350

"That ends my turn for now," the human finished, allowing the shark another move.

"Now this is more what I was hoping to see," Razor said drawing his card, "you're not half bad Mr. Lewis."

"Thank you," Ryan smiled, "you're pretty good too."

"Wait they're complimenting each other?" Loboron asked, "Guess we don't have anything to worry about after all."

"Yes you've done well," Razor smirked, "but these last couple turns have just been the eye before the storm. I play the magic card Raigeki."

"OH NO!" Ryan shouted in surprise.

"Oh no indeed," Lucian said, "Raigeki instantly destroys all monsters on Ryan's field." A sudden bright thunderstorm pierced through the darkness, striking both monsters and wiping them clean off the field.

"No! Archfiend Soldier!" Ryan looked on, seeing his field completely wiped clean of monsters.

"Now that the field is wiped clean of monsters let's start anew shall we?" Razor asked, "By repeating an earlier move I made. I summon another Great White in attack mode."

Great White: Level: 4 Attack: 1600 Defense: 800

"Go, attack his life points directly." Razor commanded, the shark piercing through the darkness and biting Ryan's terminal, causing Ryan's life points to drop again.

Ryan LP. 1500 Razor LP. 4350

"Damn," Lucian said, "and Ryan was just starting to turn things to his favor and gain a lead."

"What do you say to that Mr. Lewis?" Razor said, but Ryan instead decided to smile, the human laughing a bit.

"I'd say this duel is still in my favor," he replied.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I can still turn this around," Ryan said, drawing his card and looking at the two spells in his hand, "I start by activating my own Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw 2 cards to my hand." Ryan drew the two new cards, and smiled as he saw what he drew.

"What did you draw?" Razor asked.

"The cards that will win me this duel that's what," The human replied, "I play the magic card Soul Exchange. This allows me to use monsters on either of our fields and sacrifice them as if they were my monsters for tribute."

"What?!" Razor looked on in surprise.

"Behold," Ryan said, "I sacrifice your Great White in order to summon my Summoned Skull!" Ryan set the monster on the field, the shark monster disappearing and bringing out Ryan's classic monster on his side of the field, also powered up by the Yami field spell.

Summoned Skull: Level: 6 Attack: 2700 Defense: 1400

"And finally," Ryan began again, "I activate the Monster Reborn magic card. This will allow me to bring back my Archfiend Soldier from the graveyard." Razor watched on as Archfiend Soldier returned to the field just as it appeared before, this time, bringing his blade back out to do combat again.

Archfiend Soldier: Level: 4 Attack: 2100 Defense: 1700

"And with your field empty," Ryan proclaimed, "I can now attack you directly. Go Summoned Skull, summon your lightning to strike his life points." The Summoned Skull charged a lightning attack with his claws, and sent them right to Razor's terminal, the shark shielding his eyes from the light.

Ryan LP. 1500 Razor LP. 1650

"And now," Ryan continued, "Archfiend Soldier, end this duel!" The Archfiend brandished his blade and charged right at the terminal, leaving double slash in the shape of an X on the shark's terminal, before jumping back to his original space. The field then started to disappear to its normal state as Razor Life Points ran out.

Ryan LP. 1500 Razor LP. 0

"Alright! Way to go Ryan!" Adair complimented. The others joined in as Ryan gathered his cards and stepped down, setting the deck back together and carefully back in his card case.

"Well that was a close duel, but it looks like I pulled through," the human said.

"Pulled through, you wiped the floor with shark boy," Lucian replied, "the way your new monster tore up the dueling field was unreal, I can't wait to see it in action again." Ryan scratched the back of his head as Razor stepped off his terminal with his deck tucked away.

"Good job on your victory Mr. Lewis," Razor commented, folding his arms.

"Thank you Razor," Ryan complimented, "but next time, you don't need to break my window and steal my friend's cards in order to duel. You could've just come right in the front door and asked."

"I'm afraid I needed to challenge you this way specifically, to see how well you handle under pressure."

"You mean this was a test?"

"Exactly, and by defeating my test deck, you've passed with flying colors. As a result I've been instructed by the person who hired me to give you this envelope." The shark pulled out a plain white envelope and tossed it to the human, who caught it midflight.

"What is it?" he asked, looking at it.

"I can't say," Razor said, "just following orders from whoever signs my paychecks. Which reminds me," he pulled out a small wad of cash and tossed it to Ryan as well, "sorry for breaking your window, this should cover it." Razor then turned to walk away, leaving the four kids alone.

"A test?" Adair said, "for what reason would he go through so much trouble just to test you Ryan?"

"And what did he mean by test deck?" Loboron followed up.

"I think it means he wasn't using his real deck," Ryan said, to the others chagrin, "I think he used a weaker deck in order to test me is what he meant. As for what he was testing for," Ryan looked at the envelope, "I have a feeling we're going to find out once we open this envelope."

"Until then let's go back to the club," Lucian said, "I only had 4 pieces of pizza and I'm starving."

"You're a bottomless pit Lucian," Loboron said, with the others joining in with some laughter, as they headed back. Ryan pulled out his new Archfiend Soldier card and examined it closely. He could still feel its presence, even after the duel ended. He didn't know what to think about it, but at the point it didn't matter. What did matter was that he now had a new favorite card.

***

Sometime shortly later, Razor was found in a downtown alleyway, walking away from a dealer with his payment in hand, heading toward whatever his next job would be. The person he dealt with stood there, pulling a phone out of his pocket and calling his boss.

"Yeah it's me," the figure replied, "I did what you instructed. According to the mercenary, the boy in question passed the test."

"Very good," the voice on the receiver responded, "it looks like the pieces are in place, and the next plan is about to begin. Did Razor boy give him the letter?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, it's good to know that there's still good help when you know where to look. Return to me at once, I have another task for you."

"Yes sir," the figure replied before hanging up, and heading down the opposite way of the alley.