Ba-Ku-Ra! chapter15

Chapter 15: Right of Entry


It took only mere moments to arrive at the dueling field, and much to the group’s confusion as well as initial suspicion, there was not a Battle Box in sight. Instead, the stoic CEO introduced a much more interesting device. A much smaller and handheld prototype duel disc.
It took only a moment more for the CEO to give a slap on beginner’s instruction before the two took their respective places and the duel began. As Yugi’s mighty Curse of Dragon and Kaiba’s Ryu-Kishin appeared onto the field, it was very apparent that this duel would prove interesting.

“He already improved on the Battle Box…” Ryou breathed, awed by the new life sized and very realistic beasts as they snarled their challenge.  Even the Spirit of the Ring found himself amazed by this fact as he observed the more natural field,

“I agree… They look very much like the real thing. Almost as if they have form…” he commented as he watched the snarling creatures commence their battle. The thought brought a smirk to his mouth as he imagined his mighty Ka applied to such a device, ‘Works fine by me~’

The duel only got more intricate and heated as the two duelist traded turns, neither duelist holding back nor letting the other stay in the lead for long. It wasn’t until Kaiba had summoned his Genie and Lamp combo that the duel had tilted and stayed favorably for the CEO of 1,500 against 1,200.

Yami Yugi bit back any inkling of frustration he might have expressed and continued on, more than determined to win the duel. Drawing his next card he smirked as the cards turned to him his Mystic Box, “Your Genie-Lamp Combo is through Kaiba!” He called as he hurled the duel disc onto the field, his Dark Magician emerging to to face his opponent, “I play the Magic Card “Eye of Truth! Now I can see which cards of yours to destroy!” he declared, the card activating accordingly as Kaiba’s cards spun to reveal themselves. Yami’s eyes widened in surprise at what Kaiba had in his hand,

‘The Blue Eyes White Dragon!!’ Ryou gasped in confused surprise as he observed the Legendary beast, ‘Why hasn’t he played it…?’ he wondered. Surely the duel would have been solidly in Kaiba’s favor had that Dragon been played. It was one of the most powerful monsters ever made!

Jonouchi clenched his teeth and growled, “I knew it, Kaiba had a Blue Eyes!”

Anzu gave only a mild sigh of relief as she spoke, “It’s not that bad. At least he doesn’t have all three in hand!”

Ryou gasped in shock, “He has THREE!!?” looking back to the duel he found his pulse quickening in worry for his friend, ‘This is bad…’

Anzu nodded to her clearly worried friend and spoke determinedly, “He can beat it. He’s done it before, he can do it again!”

Ryou merely looked on at the duel, thinking uncertainly to himself, ‘Yes, because he had Exodia before…’

Akefia merely looked on at the duel, the appearance of the White Dragon obviously a foreboding occurrence. Even from where he stood, the creature did indeed hold an air that only a strong creature would have. He couldn’t help but chuckle to himself before voicing what even Ryou himself thought deep down in his heart, “My, my… this duel is all but over already.”

Despite the imposing threat, the duel continued in stride and Yugi felled Kaiba’s lamp combo as promised. But the CEO was set and waiting and dealt the Yami a crushing blow with a Crush Card Virus, effectively eliminating any and all monsters of 1500 attack or more in the Yami’s deck.  

Steadfast as ever, the Yami fought back fiercely with powerful magic cards, which in turn were countered by Kaiba’s traps which countered or healed the damage, stretching the duel into an increasingly tense one.
//LP: Yami-1200 Kaiba-900//


Kaiba grinned broadly as he began his turn. Despite the gap in life points and his opponent’s Horn of the Unicorn equipped Grifford (attack-1900)) he knew the tide was about to change, ‘Now you’re at my mercy, Yugi! At last!! Heh-heh, I’ll summon one dragon first. Merging them will take a turn.’ He mused before hurling the disc onto the field, “Come out, Blue Eyes!”

In a flash of bright light and powerful rush of wind, the giant form of the legendary white dragon took its place on the field and bellowed its challenge. //Blue-Eyes:att.3000//

Kaiba grinned victoriously as Yami visibly tensed, “This is it, Get ready. Burst Stream of Destruction! Trash monster DIE!”

In a blast of blinding white energy, Yami’s monster was reduced to ash, his life points plummeting to a mere 100, making Yami grit his teeth tightly as Kaiba chuckle at the precarious position of his opponent, “That was close wasn’t it? Good. Mweh-heheh, now it’s your turn.” He said in a smooth and rather mocking tone as Yami reached to draw.

Yami blinked and hummed, “I play this card in defense mode. I end my turn…” he replied as a giant stone solder appeared, arms crossed and crouched protectively before him.
//Giant Soldier of Stone: Attack:1300 Defense:2000//

Kaiba stood grinning at the display. The moment all too perfect as he watched his opponent struggle in the corner he’d efficiently pushed him into, cowering in the shadow of the mightiest of his creatures… but he wasn’t done with him. Oh no… this was only the beginning, “Yugi… From the moment I tasted defeat because of you, I hungered for victory that was never satisfied until now.” he grinned broadly, ‘I’ll teach you the true meaning of suffering…’ he mused smugly as he began his turn and activated his magic card, “Now Blue Eyes… POLYMERIZE!!”

Much to everyone’s surprise and dismay, two more blue eyes were revealed in Kaiba’s hand and the dragon on the field was enveloped in a powerful light. As the light of fusion died away everyone stared in awe at the Blue Eyes White Dragon that now sported three heads. The new dragon then gave a terrifying roar that shook the onlookers to their core, Seto Kaiba laughing in triumph, “The Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon!! Mha-ahaha! What do you think? Look Yugi! Isn’t it beautiful? The world’s strongest killing machine!”
//Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon: Attack 4500//

Ryou stared up at the massive creature that stood bearing down on his friend in shock, sweat dampening his forehead, ‘He fused them, together… All three Blue Eyes!! I’ve never seen attack power that high!!!’

Akefia likewise stared at the new monster in amazement, “That beast is powerful indeed…” he hummed, a smirk tugging at his mouth as he looked on at his mortal enemy, the situation now beyond bleak for him in the wake of Kaiba’s well lain traps. But given the still defiant glare in his enemy’s eyes he huffed in amusement, “Let’s see him slay this beast… if he can~.”

Ryou bit his lip at his Yami’s words and gripped the ring tightly as he watched on in increasing distress. One blow was all it would take and his friend would lose everything! Much to his growing apprehension as well as relief, Yami managed to survive the mighty dragon for a few more turns despite his thread of life points. All the while he could feel his heart pounding away in dread as Kaiba continued to pin Yami into a corner that was becoming increasingly difficult to defend.

“Ha-Hahaha!! Yugi… the weight of a crushing defeat I’ve carried. It will be yours at the end of this duel when I defeat you! My dragon is unbeatable! It’s raw power will crush anything you summon!!” he laughed mockingly , reveling in the moment, “I’ll make you crawl in humiliation.”

Yami had only to listen to Kaiba, teeth grit as he felt sweat pickle his entire body. Things were far too close in terms of losing this duel. And for what was at stake, losing was not an option. Looking to his deck he gave a silent prayer to the Heart of the cards and drew…. Looking at the card he gave a triumphant smirk as he looked back at his opponent, “Kaiba, I just drew the ultimate card.” He could only chuckle as Kaiba’s triumphant expression altered to one of cautious confusion, “See for yourself. I make this my main monster!”

Ryou and the group watched on, hopes rising at their friend’s confident voice… But as the light faded smaller and smaller, everyone was left staring in more confusion than ever as a tiny fluff ball with large eyes and small claws appeared hovering just off the ground.
//Kuriboh: att-300 Def-200//

‘K-Kuriboh!?’ Ryou managed, his mind trying to make sense of what he was seeing, blinking several times to ensure he was seeing things correctly, ‘That’s the weakest monster in the game!! Has he lost it!?’ he thought frantically as he looked to his friend dumbfounded. A sharp laugh from within the ring alerted him to his Yami’s sheer amusement at the new development,

“He must be joking… A ball of hair!? THAT?? HAHAHA!!!” that had to have been the biggest spit in the face he’d ever seen. One that he found hilarious and one that the priest obviously recognized as he visibly twitched in anger.

“Yugi, you have every right to give up but… of all the monster to play. Kuriboh? That big eyed piece of TRASH is the lowest level monster! NO one ever puts that in their deck! Is this some kind of joke!? How dare you insult me!” he snapped, his voice even but clearly irate.

Yami Yugi simply smirked in response, the reaction one he well expected, “You’re wrong Kaiba. Kuriboh is my trump card! Here I go!” with that he flipped a magic card, “I play “Multiply”! It duplicates any monster with 500 or less attack!” on cue, the single Kuriboh was suddenly not alone any longer as what appeared to be hundreds of the little furballs appeared on the field. Yami chuckled as a fluffy wall now stood between himself and the might of the dragon snarling at him, “You’re right, this monster is a low level with only 300 attack. But be warned, it has special powers.”

Kaiba simply growled in return, “More monsters only means more corpses!” he snapped, “ATTACK! Ultimate Burst!” he called, his dragon immediately shooting out a powerful blast… An explosion sounded as the blast made contact, but much to the shock of Seto Kaiba, the wall of Kuriboh’s stood strong, his opponent completely unharmed as several more Kuriboh’s taking the place of the ones destroyed in the initial blast.  Even the onlookers stood in startled shock as the little monsters remained standing.

Akefia found himself staring, completely dumbfounded, “…….You… Must be joking.” He managed.

‘The holograms registered it so… Apparently not. I hardly believe it myself.’ Ryou managed.

“Heh-heh, my Kuriboh combo won’t stop unless you kill them all! Wipe them ALL out then you can kill me. Until then, I activate my second combo! The combo that’ll slay your dragon!” Yami declared as he took his turn, “I play Living Arrow! It lets me play one of your spell cards! And I’m using Polymerization to fuse one of my monsters to yours!”

Kaiba blinked in confusion at the declaration. But his expression quickly turned horrified at the sight of the skeletal mammoth protruding from his mighty dragon’s torso, ‘H-He contaminated my Ultimate Dragon with his worthless monster!’ he thought frantically, his teeth gritting as the brilliant scales of his beast began to tarnish and rot before his eyes.

“Mammoth Graveyard has 1200 attack, but being a dark monster and your dragon a light monster, the fusion is unstable. Each turn your dragon will rot from the inside out losing 1200 attack points!” Yami announced strongly as he pointed to Kaiba, “Now you’re losing Kaiba!”

“And just like that he turned the tables…”Akefia muttered as he looked on, feeling himself twitch as the duel proceeded. The mighty dragon dying slowly, weakening into the Yami’s favor. He had been on the very edge of defeat, and with one single unexpected move had altered everything, ‘He will be one hell of an opponent to be sure… Best not underestimate ANYTHING he throws…’ he thought rigidly as the once mighty dragon fell to a mere 900 attack..

Kaiba stood stiffly in growing dread as his life points dropped to 400 as Yugi’s Celtic Swordsman decapitated one of his once proud Dragon’s heads off. As the head fell to the ground he found himself feeling the unbearable pain at the thought that he’d once again failed to save his brother. The one chance was slipping out of his hands quickly… the only family he had was being lost to him. No… That, like loss was unacceptable. It was an option only paid with death… Eyes trained on Yugi, he slowly and smoothly backed up, “I have nothing left to lose,” he declared as he stepped onto the ledge of the wall much to everyone’s shock, his eyes growing cold and detached as though dead, “If you strike me again I will die…I will gladly die for the cards!”

“You dirty creep! Making a bluff like that to keep Yugi from fighting full force!! Spoiled brat!!” Jonouchi growled in fury, wanting nothing more than to rush onto the field and kick his ass himself… but given the rules he was forced to stay put.

Ryou listened to his friend’s outburst as he looked on at Kaiba, the look in his eyes catching his attention. Looking only a moment longer Ryou’s eyes widened in shock before turning very grim, “He’s not bluffing…” he breathed.

Akefia hummed at his host’s observation, nodding in agreement, “A good eye,” he commented as he too read the look in the Priest’s eyes, a look he was all too familiar with, “He means every word of it…” Looking back to Yugi, Akefia’s eyes narrowed, “If he attacks, he will kill him….” he glared as he watched his enemy, “HE will take that opportunity…”

Ryou bit his lip knowing the Spirit’s words to be true…after all. What choice did he have? He had too much at stake not to take the attack.

“Yugi…” Kaiba continued, his tone cold and serious, “If our positions were switched, I would have pushed you off the edge without a second thought.” He smirked slightly as a flash of anger cross Yugi’s face, “But I didn’t say I was giving up, you killed one of my monsters, I can draw a card.” he declared as he drew a card and revealed Monster Reborn, “I play this card to bring back one of my Blue Eyes.” Immediately one of the heads sprung back to full life with a loud roar, strength fully restored, “It’s fused to the rest so it can’t attack this turn… Your turn Yugi,” he replied grimly.

Yami Yugi stood in place, his mind a tangle of what to do as he observed his opponent. In one blow, he would most certainly win… but in that same instance, the force would undoubtedly send Kaiba to his death. Was he willing to take a life to win a duel??

“YUGI! Cut my throat with your card!!” Kaiba growled furiously as Yugi hesitated.

Yami stood only a moment more when he brought to mind what he was fighting for… if he lost, he would lose Grandpa, ‘I can’t lose… I can’t lose!!’ he thought firmly as he grit his teeth, “I’ll do it Kaiba!” he called, his Swordsman quickly taking stance…. But a sudden surge from within caused Yami to freeze in place, caught off guard as his host Yugi fought his way back into control screaming for his Swordsman to stop… the fact making Ryou blink in confusion.

Akefia looked on at what was to be the final move, only partially satisfied to be able to see one of the fools put into his place when the attack was suddenly cut short. The pause made the small portion of satisfaction disappear to be replaced with confusion that matched that of his Host. What was he doing??

Kaiba’s eyes flashed as he seized his move, “I win… BURST STREAM!!”

In one last flash of light, Yugi’s unprotected Swordsman fell and the duel came to an end as the last of Yugi’s life points were wiped away, the monsters disappearing from the field leaving the two combatants in their respective places, Yugi on his knees clearly horrified and broken over what had just happened and Kaiba looking on in disappointment.

Standing on the sidelines, Ryou felt his blood run cold in pure shock at what he’d just witnessed, ‘Yugi stopped the other him…Why?? Yugi’s Grandpa… Does he realize what he did!?’ he thought frantically in confusion, the hair on his body prickling at the thought.

Upon hearing his host’s declaration, Akefia found himself even further confused than he had been previously, victory “He sacrificed his only opportunity to save his Grandfather to save an enemy? What is this?”

Ryou mentally shook his head slowly, not fully aware that his Spirit had actually spoken, ‘I don’t know… I don’t understand…’ he thought slowly as the others rushed to their friend, an argument immediately ensuing against Kaiba as he stepped down from his ledge, ‘Why’d he spare him when his Grandfather was at risk…?’ Ryou wondered frustratedly. How could he have made such a decision?!

Kaiba huffed as he addressed the clearly angry girl before him, “I never said I gave up Mazaki, in fact I said I didn’t. I tested Yugi and he failed. He doesn’t have what it takes to win.” He replied coldly, Anzu immediately bristling in anger, “The world won’t always play fair Mazaki so you can’t always expect it too. Even duelists must learn to make sacrifices in such situations.” He remarked before she could retort. He paused as he spotted the white haired boy standing just behind the group looking on at the scene quietly, his eyes telling him something that contradicted his quiet appearance. He then smirked and gave a chuckle, “H-Heh, you’d be surprised what some people are willing to do given the right moment. Why don’t you ask him what he would have done?”

Anzu blinked in confusion for a moment before she followed Kaiba’s gaze and was surprised to see he was looking toward Ryou. Her brows furrowed even further when she noticed a strange look in his eyes, one she was not familiar with, “Bakura…? What is he talking about?”

Ryou flinched as he looked around at the group who was now all staring at him questioningly. For a moment he said nothing, but then he closed his eyes and looked away, “I’m sorry Anzu… But,” he took a deep breath and looked back up at his friends before locking eyes with Seto Kaiba, an uncharacteristically cold gleam in his eyes as he spoke, “I would have made that attack.” He declared, his voice unwavering.

The group of his friends were struck completely silent, stunned at the declaration but more so at the fact that the silverette had left no room for them to doubt that he meant otherwise. The fact was striking that the quiet and gentle friend they knew would even consider such an option.

Ryou looked on at his friends and could feel their shock and possible apprehension at his words, the fact causing the cold gaze he had held fade into one of pain as he felt his heart sink, “I’m sorry but…” he paused, his voice cracking briefly as he was forced to gather himself from painful thoughts and memories, “I’ve lost too much… I can’t afford to lose my Father!!” he clenched his fists tightly, wishing to cry but forcing the urge away, instead shaking as he continued, “I wouldn’t have liked making that choice but…. I came to save my Father. I won’t lose him!” with that he looked away from his friends, unable to meet their gaze at what he was willing to do.

Anzu stared in shock at Ryou Bakura, his words themselves the upmost truth. He’d meant every word he said and would likely never take it back… but on those words she could also feel a radiating pain in them, bringing to mind that his Father was all he had left, the fact softened her eyes as he looked away, “Bakura…”

A cold chuckle drew the attention of the group as Kaiba once more turned to leave, “Your friend has more guts than you Yugi… I’ll leave Pegasus’ remains for you Yugi!”

As Kaiba walked away, the small group was left in a tense and rather awkward silence… the group left in the murk of defeat as they attempted to figure out what to do… Ryou stood off just so feeling somewhat alienated at the moment, uncertain if his outspoken honesty was best considering what he and his friends had been through in the past leaving an air of uncertainty within him…

Within the Ring however, the Thief King watched on in silence, fascinated by the surge of emotions his Host radiated. Despite his host’s obvious soft heart, he had a will that was proving remarkably resilient. Resilient enough to earn his silent impressed approval with an unseen smirk as he knew that the Boy would not let his journey here come to an end when he’d come so close.

For several minutes Ryou stood by along with the others trying to snap Yugi out of his stupor. It was without a doubt what had happened had been hard, that much Ryou was more than aware of… but the fact that he seemed to have completely given up was too much…

“C’mon Yugi we still have time!” Jonouchi urged firmly, hoping the force of his words would break through, “There has to be some duelist’s left over to get more star chips!”

Ryou was just nodding and about to agree when the Castle Guard spoke up at the offer, “It’s too late! See that boat?” he asked pointing towards the docks, “It’s full of duelists who lost their Star Chips. All except you guys!” he added pointedly prompting the realization that there were no longer any more chances; the fact making Ryou’s heart sink for his friend, “In other words the finalists have been decided! The first is already inside, the second is your friend here.” he added motioning to Ryou who now had mixed emotions at the fact… But then he felt himself perk inwardly. Even if Yugi didn’t make it in, He had… so there was still hope!

“Is Kaiba the third?” Honda asked pointedly. Surely if not there had to be some form of exception…

“No, he’s a special guest of Mr. Pegasus, he’s not in the tournament. The Third finalist said something about going to get the fourth. Once they arrive you’ll be escorted off the island.” The guard declared prompting Yugi’s friends to tense and grit their teeth.

Ryou was just about to speak up to Yugi about his offer when the sound of high heeled footsteps and a feminine voice cut him off, “There you are Yugi!” Mai Kujaku called as she joined the group. Her initial smile faded away as she immediately took note of the group’s sullen demeanor and quickly honed in on Yugi and noticed almost dead away that he was missing five star chips, “Yugi you’re not disqualified are you?” she asked in surprise. Her answer came when Yugi remained silent, his eyes still downcast to which she huffed and began sifting in her pocket, “I won’t except that!” she declared.

The group immediately perked in pleasant surprise as she held her hand open before the young duelist, six star chips sitting in the palm of her hand, “In case you messed up I got extra star chips.” she explained with a small playful smirk, “I want my rematch you promised me Yugi!”

Akefia gave a halfhearted chuckle as the Kujaku woman made her appearance but more so at her offer, “Go figure… she does seem the type to allow her pride to speak for her.”

Ryou nodded inwardly at the comment but nonetheless looked to his looked to his friend, excited at the stroke of luck that had been given… but blinked as his friend looked up, his voice somewhat weak,

“I can-” he began, but was cut off by the older duelist,

“I don’t know what happened, but never mind your pride! You own me that duel. Are you going to keep your promise or not!?” she demanded before taking the boy’s hands and placing the star chips into them, “And what about your reason for being here!?”

Ryou smiled and nodded in approval as he saw the light flick back into Yugi’s eyes, nodding encouragingly as he looked to him and then his friends, “Okay. I’ll take your star chips!” Yugi declared as he got to his feet.

Ryou beamed brightly as he his friends began reassuring Yugi happily, his spirits livened at the sight and happy that now he wouldn’t have to go in alone and leave his crestfallen friend behind.

With that the group turned towards the gate, Mai Kujaku being the first to step forward, “Here are ten Star Chips!” she declared, the guard nodding and allowing the door to open.

Ryou gulped in excitement as his heart hammered away… this was it.