Making Connections

Previously....

            "I can't believe this Rogue guy showed up and monkied with our Duel Disks. What kinda nutcase does 'dat? Wait'll I get my hands on him. He's gonna go down faster than a Duelist's Life Points after a direct attack!" shouted Joey.

            "Easy, Joey. We all want to take him down just as much as you do," assured Yugi.

            "As usual, Wheeler, you're always the last to figure things out. Rogue is ruining the reputation of my Duel Disks and my company. Assuming they actually exist, they're going to feel the worst of my wrath," remarked Kaiba.  

            "Ah, there you guys are. I was hoping I'd find you somewhere in Domino City. Word on the street is things are going haywire with Kaiba's Duel Disks," called Pegasus as he came over.

            "Who are you?" asked Yusei.

            "I heard about a tournament years ago where you took souls of some Duelists. Why should we trust you?" remarked Jack.

            "A time so very long ago and besides, you'll need me more than you realize," recalled Pegasus.

            "How's that?" questioned Jack.

            "Before I found you guys, I was researching Duel Monsters and found a link to the past like the events before. As you may already know, Duel Monsters started 5000 years ago where Shadow Games were played for high stakes. However, there's indications that three Duelists existed even further back in an era known as the Dawn of the Machines. They were able to see mechanical Duel Monsters wandering around to claim the very land we stand on as their own," started Pegasus.

            "and what Duel Monsters were these?" asked Yusei.

            "They were special ones called Meklords, powerful machines capable of widespread destruction wherever they went, similar to the Egyptian God Cards. No one knows for sure how they got there, but they had to be stopped and that's where these three Duelists come in. They were known as Jacob, Lester and Primo. They used their powers to deactivate these mechanized machines and send their parts to the far reaches of the Earth. Now it seems they've been made into cards that steal Synchros from other Duelists," continued Pegasus.

            "They're Team New World from the World Racing Grand Prix tournament Jack and I were involved in. They were a major threat to everyone even after the events were finished. Sounds like they're back to take care of some unfinished business," realized Yusei.

            "Then perhaps you can be useful in taking them down again and saving New Domino City?" suggested Pegasus.

            "You can bet on it. We won't let a single person suffer their wrath. We'll divide and conquer them," assured Yusei.

            "There's something else you should know. They're behind the Duel Disk fiasco currently affecting our city. Rumor has it these three are going to destroy the whole city unless Synchros are eradicated for good," added Pegasus.

            "I'd like to see them try and get past The Master of Faster. I'll run them over myself if I have to," remarked Jack.

            "We should get reinforcements just in case. Let's go find Akiza and Crow," suggested Yusei.

            '"Are they friends of yours, Yusei?" asked Pegasus.

            "They were on our team at the World Racing Grand Prix back when we first faced these three. They'll be more than trustworthy for this mission," replied Yusei.

            "Well then off we go on another dangerous adventure," laughed Pegasus. [Meanwhile....]

            "So nice of you all to piece that much together, but I can guarantee this. You've only scratched the surface with what we have planned. Synchros will be erased and we're going to make sure everyone using them will be punished severely. You all have no idea the cards you beat the first time around have been heavily upgraded. When we next meet, you'll be the first to fall, Yusei. Your reign as champion Duelist will come crashing down in one final Duel, but first, your little friends will pay the price for your meddling affairs. The clock is ticking to the end of New Domino City........for good!" confirmed Jacob.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Synchro Strike

In Domino City...

            "I can't believe this Rogue guy showed up and monkied with our Duel Disks. What kinda nutcase does 'dat? Wait'll I get my hands on him. He's gonna go down faster than a Duelist's Life Points after a direct attack!" shouted Joey.

            "Easy, Joey. We all want to take him down just as much as you do," assured Yugi.

            "Wrong, Yugi. I'm far more eager to beat them than anyone in Domino City," corrected Kaiba.

            "WHAT!? Kaiba never comes along with us unless there's something serious going on, oh wait, there is so never mind," commented Joey.

            "As usual, Wheeler, you're always the last to figure things out. Rogue is ruining the reputation of my Duel Disks and my company. Assuming they actually exist, they're going to feel the worst of my wrath," remarked Kaiba.

            "That's why we're all here, Kaiba. We're after the same villain here so it's logical to work together, just like we did with Dartz," agreed Yugi.

            "Yeah, you two, well mostly Yugi crushed Dartz back there, twice even and now it's time for us to do the same to Rogue, and anyone he may be working for," nodded Tristan.

            "Heh. When is it going to get through to you guys that I never need help and never ask for it?" questioned Kaiba.

            "Typical Kaiba," muttered Tea`.

            "We're not getting anywhere by arguing so let's keep an eye out for anything unusual," stated Yugi. [Meanwhile....]

            "Figures I introduce a brand new way to Duel and someone is mucking everything up with Duel Disks. I've got to figure out a way to stop them. Maybe Yugi boy and his friends can help? Or there's those new kids on the block Yusei Fudo and friends? Oh why not, they can work together as only good protagonists like them know how. Now, where could they be?" thought Pegasus. [Elsewhere...]

            "Yusei, you think the rumors about Synchros being back are true? I mean we used them, but that was last year and we haven't seen a single Synchro Monster since," asked Rally.

            "If they are, then we'll have to contend with a wide range of new cards, and possibly new strategies," replied Yusei.

            "New strategies? Hardly, Yusei. Don't you remember we practically invented Accel Synchros and Double Tuning? I don't think there's a single new strategy left out there, let alone one that could actually beat any of us. They'll be down before they can lay a finger on my Life Points," scoffed Jack.

            "Plus they won't get by my Life Stream Dragon, or Luna's Ancient Fairy Dragon," smirked Leo.

            "We did beat the Dark Signers after all," added Leo.

            "All we have to do is keep our eyes and minds open and be prepared for any strategy that comes our way," assured Yusei.

            "Yusei, is your Duel Disk glowing?" questioned Jack.

            "Glowing? What could that be from? Maybe it's linked to the Crimson Dragon?" pondered Yusei.

            "It sure isn't a nightlight given that it's daytime," noted Leo.

            "Of course it's not a nightlight, Leo. They don't make Duel Disks as nightlights," remarked Luna.

            "Well they could at any time and I wouldn't be surprised," countered Leo.

            "Wait a sec, there's a chip underneath. I can't get it off," continued Yusei.

            "Who'd be dumb enough to put a computer chip under a Duel Disk?" asked Jack.

            "More importantly, why," stated Yusei.

            "Ah, there you guys are. I was hoping I'd find you somewhere in Domino City. Word on the street is things are going haywire with Kaiba's Duel Disks," called Pegasus as he came over.

            "Who are you?" asked Yusei.

            "My apologies. I'm Maximillion Pegasus, owner of Industrial Illusions," revealed Pegasus.

            "I heard about a tournament years ago where you took souls of some Duelists. Why should we trust you?" remarked Jack.

            "A time so very long ago and besides, you'll need me more than you realize," recalled Pegasus.

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Cyber Network (Part 3)

Previously on Yu-Gi-Oh...

            "I activate Cyberdark Impact!!. This allows me to return Cyberdark Edge, Keel and Horn in my Grave to my Deck and bring out Cyberdark Dragon (1000 ATK) in Attack Mode," said Zane.

            "Not much of a monster with only 1000 ATK points," noted Alexis.

            "It won't have that ATK for long because for each monster in my Grave, it gains 100 points. Since there are 13 monsters in my Grave, it gains 1300 ATK! Cyberdark Dragon's ATK rises to 2300. Plus, I can equip it with a Dragon from my Graveyard and add that monster's ATK to Cyberdark Dragon and I'll choose to give it Infernal Dragon! Cyberdark Dragon's ATK rises to 4300. Cyberdark Dragon, take out Cyber Angel Dakini!" declared Zane.

            "I activate my other face-down card, Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your equipped Infernal Dragon!" responded Alexis. Infernal Dragon is destroyed and Cyberdark Dragon's ATK drops to 2300.

            "I'll counter with Limiter Removal (Info) to double my monster's ATK this turn! declared Zane. Cyberdark Dragon's ATK rises to 4600 and Dakini is destroyed, bringing Alexis down to 3900. I'll end with 1 card face down, thus destroying my Cyberdark Dragon due to Limiter Removal," finished Zane. (Hand: 0 cards) Cyberdark Dragon is destroyed.

            "Since Cyber Tutu is still in play, I'll let her have another dance on your Life Points! Zane's LP drops to 3300. Next I'll Tribute her for Cyber Prima (Info) (2300 ATK) in Attack Mode and end my turn," said Alexis. (Hand: 1 card)

            "Let's see how you like this! I'll bring back your Dakini (Info) (2700 ATK) with Monster Reborn (Info)! Cyber Angel Dakini appears. Since it's been Special Summoned, it takes out your Cyber Prima! Cyber Prima is destroyed. Dakini, attack Alexis directly! Alexis' LP drops to 1200. That'll do for now, and with only 1200 points left, you can't take much more," announced Zane. (Hand: 0 cards)

            "You don't know how much I can take, Zane. Thanks to Owner's Seal (Info), I get Dakini back. Dakini moves back to Alexis' field. Cyber Angel Dakini, deal Zane some retribution! Zane's LP drops to 600. Now you have half the LP I do so you're in deeper trouble. Take your last shot, Zane. (Hand: 1 card)

            "Oh believe me I will and Card of Sanctity (Info) will help me get there. We both draw cards until we have 6 cards in our hands. Then Burial from a Different Dimension (Info) returns my 3 Cyber Dragons to my Grave. Next, I'll use Cybernetic Fusion Support (Info) to banish them again by paying half my Life Points. His score drops to 300. This allows me to bring out Cyber End Dragon (Info) (4000 ATK) in Attack Mode. This is where it ends, Alexis. Cyber End Dragon, take out her Dakini and end this Duel!" announced Zane.

            "I still have a card to play and it took this moment to release it. I play Cyber Counter (Info) to banish Cyber Tutu from my Grave to deal you 1000 damage since you're attacking me directly with a Fusion Monster. It's going to be a draw, Zane!" declared Alexis. Both their scores drop to 0.

            "Well played, Alexis. I must admit I didn't see that coming. Even  with all the extra cards I drew you still managed to find a way to win," admitted Zane.

            "Thanks, Zane, but it was your Fusion Summon that let me make that counter. Anyways, did that work for our situation?" replied Alexis.

            "Doesn't seem like it. I still can't get the chip out," confirmed Zane.

            "Of course you can't get the chip out. That's my own design and beating me is the only way to free your Duel Disks. So sorry, but your work was for nothing," snickered Lester as the trio appears.

            "You've crossed paths with the wrong person. Identify yourself, pronto!" yelled Zane.

            "That's not a polite way to ask. Besides, we're not in a giving mood so you can forget about having normal Duel Disks again," added Primo.

            "I believe I can offer a solution. Forfeit your Synchros to us and we can remove the chips from your Duel Disks," suggested Jacob.

            "What do you have against Synchros?" asked Alexis.

            "They're the world's undoing as I figured out years ago. There's a special machine called the Ener-D reactor and with Synchro Summons running amok, the machine went crazy and caused widespread destruction to the nearby town of New Domino City. For one bizarre reason, they've come back thanks to your friend Pegasus and he must be stopped or there's going to be much more devastation than ever before," answered Jacob before the trio disappears.

            "We're going to need help to beat them, but let's find Pegasus first. He may have just the solution we're looking for," thought Zane.

The Cyber Network (Part 2)

Previously on Yu-Gi-Oh...

            "Anyone else feel the sudden jolt from their Duel Disks?" asked Alexis.

            "That may not matter. There's only one way to find out whether any of our hypotheses are correct. We Duel," answered Zane.

            "I'll Summon Cyber Knight (1000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Due to its ability, I can send 1 monster on my field to the Graveyard and Special Summon a Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck so I send Blade Skater to my Grave for Cyber Angel Mecha-Supreme (2200 ATK) in Attack Mode," declared Alexis.

            "Looks like it was a waste since your monster is weaker than Cyber Laser Dragon," protested Zane.

            "Oh yeah? Well it just so happens Cyber Angel Mecha-Supreme has three abilities. Once of which is activated if she's Special Summoned using Cyber Knight's effect. By Tributing Cyber Knight, Cyber Angel Mecha-Supreme can attack you directly and gains 1000 ATK until the end of your next turn. Mecha-Supreme's ATK rises to 3300. Mecha-Supreme, let Zane have it!" shouted Alexis.

            "I send my Tuner monster Cyber Incarnate (Info) to the Graveyard to negate your direct attack. Plus, you take 1000 damage," countered Zane. Alexis' LP drops to 6000.

            "How am I supposed to beat him now? I'll Set 2 cards and end my turn," finished Alexis. (Hand: 2 cards)

            "I activate Overload Fusion (Info) to banish Fusion Materials in my Graveyard for Chimeratech Overdragon (Info) (? ATK) in Attack Mode. Since I banished 6 monsters, my Chimeratech has 4800 ATK. Chimeratech's stats change to 4800. Let's see your Mecha-Supreme stand up to Chimeratech's assault. Plus, it can attack the same number of monsters as the number of Fusion Materials used to Summon it and that's a total of 6 monsters. Chimeratech, take out Cyber Angel Mecha-Supreme!" announced Zane.

            "Now it's time to activate another of Mecha-Supreme's abilities. If she's being attacked by a monster whose original ATK is more than double her's, she cuts the ATK of that monster in half! Chimeratech's ATK drops to 2400.

            "Not bad, but your monster is still beaten," protested Zane. Mecha-Supreme is destroyed and Alexis' LP drops to 5800.

            "Make your move, Alexis," concluded Zane. (Hand: 0 cards)

            "Oh I will, starting with my face-down Call of the Haunted (Info) to revive Cyber Angel Mecha-Supreme (Info) (2200 ATK) in Attack Mode. Next, I use Machine Angel Ritual (Info) to Tribute Mecha-Supreme for Cyber Angel Dakini (Info) (2700 ATK) in Attack Mode. Due to Dakini's effect, you lose Chimeratech Overdragon. Chimeratech is destroyed. Cyber Angel Dakini, attack Zane directly! Zane's LP drops to 5300. That'll do for now," said Alexis (Hand: 1 card)

            "I'll use my Pot of Greed (Info) Spell to draw twice. Then I'll Set 2 cards and end my turn," responded Zane. (Hand: 0 cards)

            "I'll play Cyber Tutu (Info) (1000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Alright, Cyber Tutu, dance your way to Zane's LP! Zane's score drops to 4300. Now it's your turn, Dakini. Attack Zane directly!" announced Alexis.

            "I've got a Trap! It's Power Wall (Info) and it lets me send the top cards of my Deck to the Grave and reduce the damage by 100 per card. I send 27 cards to the Graveyard!" countered Zane.

            "I'll end my turn," said Alexis. (Hand: 1 card)

            "I activate Cyberdark Impact!! (Info). This allows me to return Cyberdark Edge, Keel and Horn in my Grave to my Deck and bring out Cyberdark Dragon (Info)

(1000 ATK) in Attack Mode," said Zane.

            "Not much of a monster with only 1000 ATK points," noted Alexis.

            "It won't have that ATK for long because for each monster in my Grave, it gains 100 points. Since there are 13 monsters in my Grave, it gains 1300 ATK! Cyberdark Dragon's ATK rises to 2300. Plus, I can equip it with a Dragon from my Graveyard and add that monster's ATK to Cyberdark Dragon and I'll choose to give it Infernal Dragon! Cyberdark Dragon's ATK rises to 4300. Cyberdark Dragon, take out Cyber Angel Dakini!" declared Zane.

            "I activate my other face-down card, Mystical Space Typhoon (Info) to destroy your equipped Infernal Dragon!" responded Alexis.

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Cyber Network (Part 1)

[In Battle City...]

            "Anyone else feel the sudden jolt from their Duel Disks?" asked Alexis.

            "Yeah, but what could it mean?" asked Jaden.

            "It's probably not good, figured Syrus.

            "Someone is obviously meddling with them and is using us to make that happen," figured Zane.

            "Well we gotta' find them and make them pay for it," concluded Jaden.

            "We don't even know where to start," stated Syrus.

            "We can start by lookin' at the Duel Disks. The enemy must be usin' us as guinea pigs in order to find somethin' out," replied Hassleberry.

            "Well there's nothing obvious that's different with the Duel Disks," noted Aster.

            "Or is there? Look underneath," remarked Sartorius as he looked underneath his Duel Disk.

            "There's definitely some kind of chip but I can't seem to remove it," said Alexis.

            "Maybe it'll come off  if we Duel?" asked Syrus.

            "Doesn't that seem too easy? I'd bet that the chip won't come off without the enemy's help. They planted them there to probably not only force us to play by their rules, but also track where we go," figured Aster.

            "We've got bigger problems," protested Zane.

            "Yeah, my Duel Disk is activating by itself and is forcing us to Duel," agreed Alexis.

            "Worse than that, it's drawing us into a cyber network," corrected Zane as the gang disappear.

            "How can you tell, Zane?" asked Syrus.

            "Easy. There's images of various Cyber monsters around on the walls, up on the ceiling and even on the floor. It may have something to do with why Alexis and I are being forced to Duel each other. We both use Cyber monsters," explained Zane.

            "Yeah, but yours are Machine and mine are Fairies. They're not quite the same," protested Alexis.

            "That may not matter. There's only one way to find out whether any of our hypotheses are correct. We Duel," answered Zane.

            "Alright, let's Duel then," agreed Alexis.

            "I'll go first with Cyber Valley (Info) (0 ATK) in Attack Mode. Next, I Set 3 cards to end my turn," said Zane. (Hand: 2 cards)

            "For my turn, I'll play Blade Skater (Info) (1400 ATK) in Attack Mode. Blade Skater, take out Cyber Valley!" declared Alexis.

            "I use Cyber Valley's effect. By banishing it from my field, I can draw 1 card and end your Battle Phase," countered Zane.

            "I'll Set 1 card to end my turn," finished Alexis. (Hand: 4 cards)

            "With my turn, I'll play Cyber Dragon (Info) (2100 ATK) in Attack Mode without Tribute since you control the only monsters on the field. Next, I Summon Proto-Cyber Dragon (Info) (1100 ATK) in Attack Mode and activate my face-down Photon Generator Unit (Info) to Tribute them for Cyber Laser Dragon (Info) (2400 ATK) in Attack Mode. Laser Dragon, attack her Blade Skater!" announced Zane. Blade Skater is destroyed and Alexis' score drops to 7000.

            "Don't think I'm out of this yet. I activate Soul Resurrection (Info), allowing me to revive Blade Skater in Defense Mode," retaliated Alexis. Blade Skater appears.

            "I'll Set 1 more card to end my turn," said Zane. (Hand: 0 cards)

            "I'll Summon Cyber Knight (Info) (1000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Due to its ability, I can send 1 monster on my field to the Graveyard and Special Summon a Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck so I send Blade Skater to my Grave for Cyber Angel Mecha-Supreme (Info) (2200 ATK) in Attack Mode," declared Alexis.

            "Looks like it was a waste since your monster is weaker than Cyber Laser Dragon," protested Zane.

            "Oh yeah? Well it just so happens Cyber Angel Mecha-Supreme has three abilities. Once of which is activated if she's Special Summoned using Cyber Knight's effect. By Tributing Cyber Knight, Cyber Angel Mecha-Supreme can attack you directly and gains 1000 ATK until the end of your next turn. Mecha-Supreme's ATK rises to 3300. Mecha-Supreme, let Zane have it!" shouted Alexis.  

TO BE CONTINUED...

Hacks in the System (Part 3)

[Previously on Yu-Gi-Oh...]

            "I'll start my turn with Shrink to halve your Dark Paladin's ATK," declared Kaiba.

            "Not if I use Dark Paladin's other effect first. I can discard 1 card and negate Shrink's effect and destroy Shrink, even during your turn," countered Yugi before discarding a card.

            "Yugi, you took my bait. I wanted you to use up the last card in your hand. Now Dark Paladin can't stop any more of my Spell Cards. I Summon Peten the Dark Clown (500 ATK) in Attack Mode. Next, I'll activate Crush Card Virus to Tribute it and cripple your Deck, not to mention take down your Dark Paladin," stated Kaiba. Dark Paladin is destroyed and Yugi sends the affected monsters to the Graveyard.

            "Here goes! I Summon Silent Magician LV4 (1000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Alpha and Silent Magician, attack Kaiba directly! Kaiba's LP drops to 3700. I'll Set 1 card and end my turn," told Yugi. (Hand: 1 card)

            "That's no threat to me. Face it, Yugi. You have nothing against my Deck! I'll start my turn by playing Blade Knight (Info) (1600 ATK) in Attack Mode," began Kaiba.

            "Still, you drew a card and that gives my Silent Magician 500 ATK and a Spell Counter," interrupted Yugi. Silent Magician's ATK rises to 1500.

            "Should I be impressed? Due to Blade Knight's effect, it gains 400 ATK since I have 1 or less cards in my hand. Blade Knight's ATK rises to 2000. Blade Knight, destroy Silent Magician LV4!" declared Kaiba.

            "Never underestimate the weak, Kaiba. I'm about to show you a thing or two about size. I activate Spellbinding Circle (Info), keeping your monster from attacking," protested Yugi.

            "I end my turn, but you're not going to fair any better," finished Kaiba. (Hand: 0 cards)

            "That's where you're wrong, Kaiba. I play Green Gadget (Info) (1400 ATK) in Attack Mode. Due to its effect, I can add Red Gadget to my hand. Next I activate my hidden card, Ambush Shield (Info), to Tribute Alpha The Magnet Warrior and give its DEF to Green Gadget's ATK! Green Gadget's ATK rises to 3100. Green Gadget, take down Blade Knight! Blade Knight is destroyed and Kaiba's score drops to 2600. Silent Magician, attack Kaiba directly! Kaiba's LP drops to 1600. That'll do for now, Kaiba," stated Yugi. (Hand: 2 cards)

            "You won't win this Yugi. I draw. Silent Magician's ATK rises to 2000. I play Pot of Greed (Info) for 2 more cards. Silent Magician's  ATK rises to 2500. Next I play Ancient Rules (Info), a Spell Card that allows me to Special Summon any Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from my hand and I happen to have a Blue-Eyes White Dragon (Info). Arise my mighty dragon (3000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Now Blue-Eyes, take aim at Yugi's Silent Magician! Silent Magician is destroyed and Yugi's LP drops to 2700. You have only one puny monster left and I don't intend on letting it stick around. Make your move, Yugi," stated Kaiba. (Hand: 0 cards)

            "I will, Kaiba. I Summon Red Gadget (Info) (1300 ATK) in Attack Mode. Thanks to it, I now get Yellow Gadget from my Deck to my hand. Then, I use Gadget Ritual (Info) to send them all to the Graveyard for White Gadget (Info) (3000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Then I use White Gadget's special ability to power it up by Red Gadget's ATK! White Gadget's ATK rises to 4300. White Gadget, take out Blade Knight and end this Duel! Blade Knight is destroyed and Kaiba's LP drops to 0.

            "Hmm, even with Crush Card Virus' effect crippling your Deck, you somehow managed to win. Impressive. I'll have to work on an upgrade to the Duel Disk to prevent this mishap from occurring again. Let's go, Mokuba," remarked Kaiba. Kaiba walks away. [Meanwhile...]

            "Just as I wanted, they Dueled to diagnose the problem. I'm already in the perfect spot to defeat both of them using my specialized Deck that is sure to leave them feeling sick. What they don't know is that they've made the problem worse for the next unsuspecting Duelists," stated Rogue. [Back with Yugi...]

            "Nicely done, Yugi. You always know just what to play and when to play it, even if you're on the ropes," commended Joey.

            "Still, what'll we do with the Duel Disks until Kaiba comes up with a fix?" asked Tea`.

            "I guess we can still wear them but have to keep them de-activated," figured Yugi before de-activating his.

            "I wanna face that creep that did this myself. He's probably cowering in the shadows of some underground lair somewhere. He can't be that tough," declared Joey.

            "We all want to face him, Joey, but I doubt they're as easy to beat as you think. Besides, we don't know if this is one person or an organization like Dartz," protested Yugi.

Hacks in the System (Part 2)

[Previously on Yu-Gi-Oh...]

            "Alright, Yugi, let's do this," declared Kaiba.

            "My move. I activate Magical Dimension to Tribute The Tricky for Dark Magician Girl (2000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Plus, I can destroy your Vorse Raider Vorse Raider is destroyed. Dark Magician Girl, take out Des Feral Imp!" Des Feral Imp is destroyed and Kaiba's LP drops to 7600. That ends my turn," said Yugi. (Hand: 0 cards)

            "I activate Soul Exchange to use your Dark Magician Girl as one of my Tributed monsters. I Summon Kaiser Glider (2400 ATK) in Attack Mode! Dark Magician Girl disappears from the field. Next, I'll do away with your Swords of Revealing Light with Mystical Space Typhoon! Swords of Revealing Light is destroyed. Using Soul Exchange costs me my Battle Phase so I'm done this turn," stated Kaiba (Hand: 1 card)

            "Alright, Kaiba, try this on for size!" declared Yugi.

            "Then let's see what you're capable of," said Kaiba. (Hand: 0 cards).

            "I'll activate Card of Sanctity (Info) to force us both to draw until our hands have six cards. Next, I use Polymerization (Info) to send Buster Blader and Dark Magician in my hand to the Graveyard and bring out Dark Paladin (Info) (2900 ATK) in Attack Mode. As you may remember, Dark Paladin gains 500 ATK for each Dragon on the field and in the Graveyards. With your Blue-Eyes on the field, Dark Paladin is up to 3400. Dark Paladin's ATK rises to 3400. Dark Paladin, take out Blue-Eyes! Blue-Eyes is destroyed and Kaiba's score drops to 7000. I'll Set 2 cards and end my turn," said Yugi. (Hand: 1 card)

            "I'll start my turn with Shrink (Info) to halve your Dark Paladin's ATK," declared Kaiba.

            "Not if I use Dark Paladin's other effect first. I can discard 1 card and negate Shrink's effect and destroy Shrink, even during your turn," countered Yugi before discarding a card.

            "Yugi, you took my bait. I wanted you to use up the last card in your hand. Now Dark Paladin can't stop any more of my Spell Cards. I Summon Peten the Dark Clown (Info) (500 ATK) in Attack Mode. Next, I'll activate Crush Card Virus (Info) to Tribute it and cripple your Deck, not to mention take down your Dark Paladin," stated Kaiba. Dark Paladin is destroyed and Yugi sends the affected monsters to the Graveyard.

            "Even with my Deck infected, I'll still find a way to win," protested Yugi.

            "Not a chance, Yugi. I'll use Petan's effect to banish itself from my Graveyard and Special Summon a second Peten (Info) to my field. A second Peten the Dark Clown appears. Then I Set 3 cards to end my turn," finished Kaiba. (Hand: 1 card)

            "I Summon Alpha The Magnet Warrior (Info) (1400 ATK) in Attack Mode. Alpha, take out Peten the Dark Clown!" declared Yugi.

            "I activate Negate Attack (Info) to prevent your puny monster from making even a scratch on my dark clown," countered Kaiba.

            "I have to disappoint you, Kaiba. I activate Trap Jammer (Info) to cancel out Negate Attack since it's being activated when I attack. Alpha, continue your attack on Peten the Dark Clown!" Peten is destroyed and Kaiba's LP drops to 6100. I end my turn," continued Yugi. (Hand: 2 cards)

            "I bring out X-Head Cannon (Info) (1800 ATK) in Attack Mode. Next, I activate Frontline Base (Info) and use its effect to Special Summon Y-Dragon Head

(Info) (1500 ATK) in Attack Mode. Y-Dragon Head, take out Alpha The Magnet Warrior!" shouted Kaiba.

            "I activate Mirror Force (Info) to destroy your monsters that are in Attack Mode, which is both of your monsters!" responded Yugi. X-Head Cannon and Y-Dragon Head are destroyed.

            "You've survived for now but not for much longer. I end my turn," said Kaiba. (Hand: 1 card)

            "Here goes! I Summon Silent Magician LV4 (Info) (1000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Alpha and Silent Magician, attack Kaiba directly! Kaiba's LP drops to 3700. I'll Set 1 card and end my turn," told Yugi. (Hand: 1 card)

            "If this is what you think will beat me, you're sadly mistaken. Oh right, that's all you can play thanks to my Crush Card Virus," smirked Kaiba.

            "Due to Silent Magician's effect, it gains 500 ATK and a Spell Counter since you're drawing a card," interrupted Yugi. Silent Magician's ATK rises to 1500.

            "That's no threat to me. Face it, Yugi. You have nothing against my Deck!" laughed Kaiba.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Hacks in the System (Part 1)

[Previously on Yu-Gi-Oh....]

            "That's weird. I've never seen that before. What do you think, Seto?" commented Mokuba.

            "There's only one way to know for sure. We'll have to Duel," stated Kaiba.

            "Awesome idea, Seto. Who's going to Duel though?" remarked Mokuba.

            "Obviously I'm going to Duel as it's my product that's affected, and I want you to face me, Yugi," declared Kaiba.

            "Fine, Kaiba," agreed Yugi.

            "Alright, Yugi, let's do this," declared Kaiba.

            "You're on, Kaiba," agreed Yugi. They activate their Duel Disks and streams of electricity appear.

            "Must be a bigger problem that I thought but I'm not backing out of this Duel. I'll start with Cards of Consonance. It allows me to send a Dragon-Type monster with 1000 or less ATK from my hand to the Graveyard, then draw 2 cards. What? Why wasn't it activated?" continued Kaiba.

            "Sounds like this Duel might be even harder to conduct," realized Joey.

            "No, it just didn't register. I re-activate Cards of Consonance!" declared Kaiba. Nothing happens.

            "Maybe the Spell and Trap Card Zones don't work?" asked Tea`.

            "Or maybe it's reversed? Like Spell and Trap Cards are placed in Monster Card Zones and Monster Cards are placed in the Spell and Trap Card Zones?" suggested Yugi.

            "Yugi, that's nonsense. Why would someone alter Duel Disks to swap the slots where cards go?" questioned Kaiba.

            "What other possibility could it be? We've already ruled out that it's a minor technical fault. It can't hurt to see if I'm right," added Yugi.

            "Fine, but don't call me surprised when this doesn't work," agreed Kaiba. He places Cards of Consonance (Info) in a Monster Card Zone and it activates.

            "It worked so that must be at least part of what's going on," concluded Yugi.

            "With Cards of Consonance, I send my White Stone of Legend (Info) to the Graveyard and draw 2 cards. Due to The White Stone's effect, I can add my signature monster to my hand. I think we both know what it is, my Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Next, I play Des Feral Imp (Info) (1600 ATK) in Attack Mode and Set 1 card to end my turn," finished Kaiba. (Hand: 3 cards)

            "Attack Mode? Isn't Kaiba smarter than dat?" asked Joey.

            "If we can only play Monster Cards in the Spell and Trap Card Zone, there isn't a way to specify Defense Mode so it'll have to be in Attack Mode and that means it can't be changed to Defense Mode later. Now then, I draw and Summon The Tricky

(Info) (2000 ATK) in Attack Mode by discarding 1 card. Next, I play Swords of Revealing Light (Info) to block your attacks for the next 3 turns of mine. The Tricky, attack Des Feral Imp!" started Yugi.

            "I activate Shadow Spell (Info) to stop your monster's attack and reduce its ATK by 700," counted Kaiba. The Tricky's ATK drops to 1300.

            "I Set 2 cards to end my turn," said Yugi. (Hand: 1 card)

            "I draw and Summon Vorse Raider (Info) (1900 ATK) in Attack Mode. Your Swords won't last long so I'll Set 1 card and end my turn," said Kaiba (Hand: 3 cards)

            "My move. I activate Magical Dimension (Info) to Tribute The Tricky for Dark Magician Girl (Info) (2000 ATK) in Attack Mode. Plus, I can destroy your Vorse Raider! Vorse Raider is destroyed. Dark Magician Girl, take out Des Feral Imp! Des Feral Imp is destroyed and Kaiba's LP drops to 7600. That ends my turn," said Yugi. (Hand: 0 cards)

            "I activate Soul Exchange (Info) to use your Dark Magician Girl as one of my Tributed monsters. I Summon Kaiser Glider (Info) (2400 ATK) in Attack Mode! Dark Magician Girl disappears from the field. Next, I'll do away with your Swords of Revealing Light with Mystical Space Typhoon (Info)! Swords of Revealing Light is destroyed. Using Soul Exchange costs me my Battle Phase so I'm done this turn," stated Kaiba (Hand: 1 card)

            "Alright, Kaiba, try this on for size!" declared Yugi.

TO BE CONTINUED...