Ride 3- Digging Deeper- Resurrected Souls, New Signs Ablaze


(Arcadia Movement corridor)

Lyra: Man, that was one great day out guys! (Saph throws a milkshake cup into the bin.)

Aura: Yeah, I know, thanks for buying me those new cards, Lyzy.

Lyra: No problem.

Saph: Who's that over there?

Lyra: It's Sect.

Aura: That insect kid that kissed you at the Fortune Cup?

Lyra: What's he doing here?

Saph: Didn't you tell him not to come.

Sect: Lyra…

Lyra: Sect… What're you doing here?

Sect: Because you told me to come.

Aura: She didn't!

Saph: Yeah, so why don't you just crawl back into the hole you came from?!

Lyra: Guys, calm down… This isn't Sect...

Saph: WHAT?!

Aura: What do you mean, 'this isn't Sect'?

Sect: You figured it out, huh?

Lyra: What did you do to him, Sayer!

Sect: Let's just say that Sect you know is gone. That duel with Seria last night gave me an idea. Why talk to someone face to face, when you can have someone else to do it for you?

Lyra: ("Sect…") Duel me. (Readies her duel disk)

Aura: Lyra, you're in no condition!

Lyra: I'll be fine!

Saph: No, you need time to heal your arm, let one of us duel!

Lyra: And what good is that gonna do anyone, huh?! This is my fight, and Sect is my… And Sect is my boyfriend, okay! There. I said it. Sect is my boyfriend! And I'm going to save him one way or another. (Takes her duel disk from her bag and activates it.)

Sect: Boyfriend, huh? Well, if it's a duel you want, then come with me.


(Arcadia Movement- Duel Field)

Lyra and Sect: Let's duel! (Sect LP- 4000 – Lyra LP- 4000)

Sect: If you don't mind, I'll start, (Draws) I draw I summon Armoured Bee in attack mode, I place one card face-down and end my turn!

Lyra: It's my turn! (Draws) To start off, I'm summoning Prior of the Ice Barrier in attack mode!

Saph: Why'd she summon Prior?

Aura: I don't know. Its special ability would've allowed her to bring out another monster beforehand.

Lyra: Next up, I activate the Ties of the Brethren spell card from my hand! So now, by giving up 2000 of my life-points, I can bring out two more monsters with the same type and level as my Prior from my hand, just as their names are different. (Lyra LP- 2000 – Sect LP – 4000)

Saph: So that's what she wanted!

Sect: And what are you hoping to achieve with those three low level cards?!

Lyra: I never thought you'd be one to doubt cards, but I'm actually glad that you asked! I tune my Prior and Secret Guards of the Ice Barrier with my Level 2 Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier!

Aura: A synchro on her first turn?!

Saph: Could it be—?

Lyra: Now watch as these monsters cluster their spirits together, to bring forth the sapphire of the aurora! Watch as I shatter the sky and synchro summon—Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!

Sect: Fine, go ahead, activate Brionac's special ability!

Lyra: I don't wanna, the cards in my hand are precious… Just how my friends are special to me, Sect…

Sect: What…?

Lyra: Now, Brionac, show Sect our true power! Attack Armoured Bee!

Sect: Urgh… (Lyra LP- 2000 – Sect LP- 3300) Are you done yet? (Lyra nods) Fine! (Draws) I summon, Spin Mosquito in attack mode, next by discarding a card from my hand (Great Poseidon Beetle) I can attack you directly!

Lyra: Urk! (LP- 1500 – Sect LP- 3300) Uhhh why are you doing this? If you wanted my power, why not just take it from me the day you kidnapped me?!

Sect: Don't you know? The Ultimate Power of the Koto clan flows within your body. Your ancestors were amongst the three strongest families in the world- one of the others being the Divine Clan- my family!

Lyra: That still doesn't explain why you targeted Sect!

Sect: Pathetic, little Lyra. Don't you understand?! He has a true power inside him that has so much potential that's being supressed, and he doesn't even know it exists.

Lyra: The tournament… That thing I saw… it was shadow miasma… he's a—

Sect: That's right- a psychic beast holder. One of the beasts that resides inside a person's soul. There are six left alive in total and two of those who died were your own flesh and blood!

Aura, Lyra and Saph: What?!

Lyra: My… parents…

Sect: That's right. Though you may be thinking "Why would my god-father want something he has no control of?" the answer to that question, dear Lyra is in the mind.

Lyra: You mean… you're…?

Sect: It's so much easier to control a person through Brain Control than to take something that belongs to them, though you can do what you want. Stop me for all I care. But know this much. You won't succeed.

Lyra: Heh. Hehehehaha! So you're basically admitting to the fact that you're too lazy and you'd rather let people do things for you?! That makes me laugh. You're still that sick and twisted guy who doesn't care about anyone except for himself. That's why you're using Sect. but you won't for much longer, that much I can assure you!

Sect: Lyra…

Lyra: Sect, is that you?

Sect: Yeah, but I can't push him back much longer, so Lyra, please, I beg of you win the battle before it's too late… I came here to save you, but I couldn't save myself… yet alone protect you

Lyra: Sect…

Sect: Shut up! That's enough out of you!

Lyra: ("Sect, I'm gonna help you…") (Draws) I activate Brionac's ability! Now, by discarding a card from my hand to the graveyard, I can return a card on your field back to your hand! I think I'll choose your mosquito! And now, Brionac, as much as I hate to say it— attack Sect directly!

Sect: Hold on! I activate Call of the haunted!

Lyra: Wha—?

Sect: This revives a monster from my graveyard in face-up attack mode. And I choose my Great Poseidon Beetle!

Lyra: Brionac, stop your attack! I activate the Magic Triangle of the Ice Barrier Spell card from my hand! With it, I can show you three Ice Barrier cards in my hand, and then destroy a card on the field! So Great Poseidon Beetle is now destroyed. It then allows me to summon one of the Ice Barriers in my hand, and I'm calling out man's best friend- Defender of the Ice Barrier and set a face-down to end my turn!

Sect: You're stalling?

Lyra: If you wanna call it that. (Smiles)

Sect: Huh? ("Something's up with her face-down…") I play Pinch Hopper in attack mode, and then I'll attack Brionac with him! (Lyra LP- 1500 – Sect LP- 2000)

Saph: Why do that?

Aura: Pinch Hopper's ability…

Saph: So, what's it do?

Sect: Allow me to demonstrate, when Pinch Hopper is destroyed, I can bring out a stronger insect from my hand. I choose Great Hades Stag Beetle!

Lyra: Face-down, open- Eisbahn!

Sect: What?!

Lyra: Surprised? See, when you summon a monster whose attribute isn't water. I can activate this card and change it to defence mode! ("If he had played a card to destroy defender, I woulda been finished. I was a good move on my part...") (Draws) ("I'm sorry it had to come to this, Sect!") Forgive me… I sacrifice defender and summon Via of the Ice Barrier! And now, her special ability kicks in, meaning that she gains 1000 attack points because she was advanced summoned! Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier, attack Great Hades Stag Beetle!

Sect: Urgh…

Lyra: Your turn, Via! Attack Sect directly and save him from the shadows!

Sect: Aaaaaaaaaaarrrghhh! (Lyra LP- 1500 – Sect LP- 0) (Faints)

Lyra: SECT! (Runs to Sect) Are … you alright? (Shakes Sect)

Seria: (Enters) Lyra, what's happened?

Lyra: It's Sect, he's not moving!

Aura and Saph: (Run over)

Saph: What's wrong with him, Seria?

Seria: Let's move him to somewhere more comfortable.

Lyra: Right.


(Lyra's room)

Seria: Okay Saph, can you go and put some cold water on this towel for me? Oh, and Aura, could you fetch me a few bandages?

Aura and Saph: Okay (Exit)

Seria: That gives us some time to be alone…

Lyra: "Mom"…

Seria: I'm sorry this happened. And I'm sorry about last week.

Lyra: It's fine.

Seria: It's not okay.

Lyra: But-

Seria: No buts. I caused this, it's my fault that this all happened to your friend- Sect

Lyra: No, it's not! Don't you get it?!

Seria: Huh?

Lyra: It's my fault that everything happened. It's my fault that Sect is even in this mess.

Seria: Lyra… What do you know?

Lyra: Sect… has always wanted to protect me… He came to New Domino to get me out of Arcadia. All Sect ever thinks of is me…

Seria: Do you know why he always does that?

Lyra: Because he loves me… He feels the desire to protect me, he only wants me to be happy.

Seria: That's not it.

Lyra: Huh? Whadya mean 'that's not it'?

Seria: I think I know the reason why he's here. He wants to be strong, so that you don't need to worry about anything…

Lyra: Huh?

Seria: I've seen it for myself. He has regrets of not being able to stay with you. He blames himself that you walked out on him that day.

Lyra: You know good any well that wasn't my fault! Kyle and my so-called god-father forced me into leaving the Satellite and my friends!

Seria: I know how you feel—

Lyra: No mom! You don't! you don't know a thing about me!

Seria: Watch your mouth, young lady!

Lyra: Urh…?

Seria: I'm sorry about how things turned out, but there's no helping anything that happened in past! Right now, you need to be here for Sect when he wakes up. It's just a light concussion after all.

Lyra: That's good.

Seria: 'Good'? Lyra, injuries are far worse than his. What on earth happened to you? You duelled Sect, I know that much. Or was there a force stronger than any of us causing damage to go beyond the levels of extreme?

Lyra: Seria, please, I need you to look after Sect for me. (Stands up)

Seria: Wait… Where are you going?! I told you that you need to rest and be here for your friend! Were you even listening?!

Lyra: I'm going outside for a breather. (Exits)

Seria: 'For a breather'? Now why does that sound so suspicious?


(Arcadia Movement- Hallway.)

Lyra: ("I've never thought about this before, but it's always like I'm walking down the same hallway time and time again. Huh wait… I've never seen her before? A psychic duellist, no way, if she was new, there's no way she'd come all the way up here. I've never seen her around and she's wearing her own clothes, huh…") (Notices and walks over to Carly, who also notices her)

(Sayer's office door opens, with Sayer and Akiza coming out- Sayer closes the door. Carly is now disguised in a cleaner's outfit and wheeling a cleaning trolley with a white sheet and cleaning products on top, Lyra is underneath the sheet.)

Carly: Huh, oh my, oh no, I forgot to sweep up back there! (Turns around.)

Sayer: Excuse me?

Carly: Oh, erm, yes, sir…? (Turns back around to face him.)

Sayer: Haven't I seen you before?

Carly: (Turns towards Sayer and Akiza.) Oh yeah… I'm the one who… fills in for the fill ins… when they're too sick to fill in for the sick ones?

Sayer: Oh, that's right, well carry on (Exits with Akiza)

Lyra: (Pokes her head out from beneath the sheet) 'The one who fills in for the fill-ins when they're too sick to fill in for the sick ones'? Are you trying to get us caught?

Carly: Yeah, I know.

Lyra: Well, this is Sayer's office.

Carly: Then we're going in! Listen, I said I'd help you if helped me, didn't I?

Lyra: Well, yeah, you did. (Both walk into Sayer's office.)


(Sayer's Office- Carly has taken off the cleaner's outfit which was over her ordinary clothes and is looking through the bookcase with Lyra)

Carly: I have no idea what language this is, but maybe I can find a picture that looks like one of those marks!

Lyra: Listen, Carly, if you're reading a book written in Latin then you have better chance of seeing a pig fly, besides we're not here to read that, we're here to search for clues! (Pulls book out of bookcase which slides to the right.)

Carly: What!?

Lyra: A secret room?! I'll check the books on the top shelves (Takes a book from bookcase and opens one, flicking through it.) Huh? (Falls onto knees. Breathing heavily.)

Carly: Lyra? What's wrong?

Lyra: (Pointing at book) Th-th-th-th-that…

Carly: Huh, say they look kinda like you.

Lyra: Carly… those people are my… my parents…

Carly: What! Are you serious!?

Lyra: Yeah… ("But what is a file about my parents' history doing here?") 'Emisu and Caytharia Koto… Both died aged 35 during a Koto and Kamiminosota clan massacre. Their daughter, Lyra Gracidea Koto aged 8 became my god-daughter two weeks after their funeral, since I am her god-father. However, Lyra does not realise that I was the one who carried out this plot…' What?

Carly: Who wrote that?

Lyra: Sayer, apparently… (Closes her eyes and then re-opens them) Well, don't let my distressed past get to you, carry on looking for what you came for.

Carly: Alright. (Takes a few books down from the shelf, flicking through them.) Okay, weird…

Lyra: Huh?

Carly: I've made a list of all the people mentioned in Misty's story. Some individuals who've gone missing the past few years, and everyone on my list is mentioned in these files, what's this Arcadia Movement really about?

Lyra: If I knew that, we wouldn't be here right now.

Carly: Yeah, I guess…

Lyra: Thing is though… I don't really remember much about my past, only my best friends and the fact that my family all died years ago. And I accidentally dumped my boyfriend whilst knowing what I was doing… ("I should probably not mention the fact that I was under kind control back then…")

Carly: Wow, say erm you wanna (Leans back) Ahh! (Books fall over) Huh? Director Goodwin? Rex Goodwin has lived a life of many lies all stemming from his—

Sayer: (Walks in with a duel disk on his arm) Well, well two little mice…

Carly: Sayer…

Lyra: "Dad" …

Sayer: you two should be more careful, you shouldn't go… scampering where there could be traps…

Lyra: Listen we didn't come here to play any mind games with you "Dad"!

Sayer: What did you come in for then? I understand her motive, but not yours Lyra…

Lyra: Huh?! I came here to… to find out what happened to my family!

Sayer: Ever the liar, aren't you?

Lyra: Wha— Look. I'm the truth, I came to find out what happened to everyone, and then I found this! (Shows Sayer the file her parents were in)

Sayer: That file… Lyra, that's none of your business. Return it this instant!

Lyra: 'None of my business'? It's all of my business! Why didn't you tell me that you killed them?!

Sayer: It only says that I 'carried out the assassination plan', doesn't it?

Lyra: You mean you didn't

Sayer: Only half of the assassination was my fault. There were others involved.

Lyra: Right, but wait, you still killed them! So technically, it's all your fault!

Sayer: And to think, I was actually beginning to like you.

Lyra: Uh…? (Starts shaking)

Sayer: Shaking? Are you afraid?

Lyra: Heh… hehehe… Afraid of you? No way. I AM LYRA GRACIDEA KOTO! You can manipulate the people I trust and love, you can take control of my mind, but when you killed my family, you've crossed the line for the last time!

Sayer: Ever the passionate, aren't you, Lyra. I'll deal with you later.

Lyra: Grr…

Sayer: And you Carly, at first I thought that you were working for Goodwin but judging by your face, I'm guessing that you're riding solo with this brat of mine in tow, but it doesn't matter though because now the two of you have seen what you've seen, I can't let you leave… (Picks up his duel disk and puts it on) In the interest of good sport, allow me to at least to give you both a fighting chance (throws Carly a duel disk) I'm willing to grant you a very slim hope, however, I'll take you both on one by one…

Carly: You wanna duel?

Sayer: You can both try to run or you could duel me… so whadya say? Or I should just lock you both up right now?

Carly: ("I'm not afraid I learned a lot about duelling when I threw down with Jack. And hey, maybe this could be good, I could stop trying to be a reporter… and become the first ever duelling married couple with Jack!") Bring it on! (Puts deck in duel disk)

Sayer: You should've tried to run!

Carly and Sayer: Let's duel!

Lyra: ("Carly… What have you gotten yourself into…?") (Aura, Sect, Seria and Saph enter) Guys!

Aura: I thought you'd be up here, Lyra. What are you doing?

Lyra: I was trying to get some answers and then "Dad" came up and found us in his office without permission, so now Carly here's duelling for our freedom.

Carly: Hi! (Smiles and waves)

Lyra: Never mind that though. Sect, I thought you were gonna be out for a little while? Are you ok?

Sect: I'm perfectly fine! My injuries are all healed and there's nothing to worry abo- (Starts to sway but Lyra catches him)

Lyra: Nothing to worry about, huh? You have got to be kidding me.

Sect: Sorry…

Sayer: The first move is mine; (Draws) I summon Telekinetic Shocker in attack mode. Unfortunately, I can't attack on the first turn of the duel so it looks like you're up little mouse, this is probably the only turn you'll have, so make it count…

Carly: Okay urgh… draw! (Draws) ("The person who draws this card is doomed, I'm doomed? Makes sense 'cuz he's a psychic duelist… and they say they're able to dish out real damage, so if- No! I can't be worried about my fortune now I've gotta do something!") I summon Fortune Fairy Swee in attack mode!

Aura: You, absolute copycat!

Saph: Come off it Aura, she doesn't know what cards you have!

Aura: You're right. But that's always been my opening move!

Lyra: ("I'll remember that she always starts off with a Fortune Fairy during our next match…")

Carly: Then, from my hand I activate the Unacceptable Result, spell card, so now when I summon a Fortune Fairy I can use this card to summon another one to the field, I choose Fortune Fairy Chee! And next up, I'm activating another spell card I play, Luck Loan; I can use this spell to summon another Fortune Fairy from my hand as long as it's not as powerful as the two others on my field, I'll bring out Fortune Fairy Hu!

Sayer: None of them have attack points… It looks like my first little mouse won't be around to bother me much longer, and here I was hoping for a real challenge…

Carly: I'm not as weak as what you think I am Sayer, 'cuz I've got this; Miracle Stone! For every Fortune Fairy on my field, each one of them gains attack points so we're talking 3000 each. Lucky for you they can't attack on the turn this card was activated so I end my turn.

Sayer: Well, well the little mouse has some surprises, but I have some too! It's my move, (Draws Card) I summon Psychic Snail in attack mode, next I play my Emergency Teleport spell, allowing me to summon a psychic monster from my hand or deck and the monster I'm summoning is Psychic Commander!

Carly: ("He's got 3 monsters on his field, but none of them have the strength to take on any of my Fortune Fairies!")

Sayer: You think you've built yourself a solid defence, but I'm afraid you're mistaken, from my hand I activate the spell card known as Psychokinesis so by sacrificing 1000 life points to the power of this card, I can destroy one of your cards… now I wonder which one shall I dispatch of? How about Miracle Stone, soon as your entire defence depends on that card!

Carly: Ahhh!

Sayer: And with that card gone, your little Fortune Fairies lose all their attack points

Carly: Well that's not good…

Sayer: And now, Telekinetic Shocker attacks

Carly: (Her glasses go flying and one of the lenses breaks. As she is slammed into the window behind her, hard enough to crack it. Instead of collapsing to the floor, she is held suspended against the window, several feet from the floor.) Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, ugh, urghhhhhhhhhhh… that hurt… what was that shock…?

Sayer: That was the power of the psychic duel and so is this, go Psychic Snail

Carly: (Carly is shocked again, and the window cracks further, Carly begins to truly fear for her life.) You're not gonna get away with this; Sector Security'll come looking for Carly Carmine!

Sayer: Of course they will; and you'll become another missing person. One more cold case. Sector Security can't touch us… not as long as I know the truth about Goodwin.

Carly: And what truth would that be?

Sayer: Everyone in this town just loves Goodwin he's an honest leader, a model citizen, New Domino City's favourite son. But he has a secret. Director Goodwin is from the Satellite Sector; and that my dear is the least of his secrets.

Carly: I wonder what else he's hiding.

Sayer: Night, night little mouse! Go, Psychic Commander!

Carly: (Gets blasted through the window. She falls in slow motion through the air.) MISTY…! HELP MEEEE…!

Lyra: (Runs to the window, almost dropping Sect, Aura catches him) CARLY! (Turns to Sayer) ("Why did this…") Grrr… Why did you have to do that?! Carly wasn't a threat!

Sayer: Because… It was necessary.

Lyra: 'Necessary'? Gimme a break. It wasn't necessary at all! What you've done is unforgivable! (Her eyes glow blue)

Saph: Lyra…

Lyra: I'm going to make you answer for everything you've done! (Readies her duel disk)

Sayer: A duel?

Lyra: You win; you can punish me however you want. But if I win; we all go home free.

Sayer: What kind of a deal is that? For all I know, if you went free you could do anything with the file.

Lyra: You seem so sure that something's gonna go wrong. Too much of a coward bet everything on this game.

Saph: Game… Lyra, you can't.

Lyra: Don't worry. He only gets what he wants if he wins, and I don't plan on letting that happen!

Saph: Then you can expect me to help ya!

Lyra: Saph?

Saph: How 'bout it, two on one?

Sayer: Fine, I can defeat the two of you at once.

Lyra, Saph and Sayer: Let's duel! (LP- 4000)

Saph: I'll go first! (Draws) I activate the effect of the Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon in my hand. See, by revealing a Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand, I can special summon this card to the field without a tribute.

Lyra: That's a great play and all, but you're going all from the start.

Saph: You think that's going all out? Check this out. I play the spell card; Ancient Rules bring out the original Blue-Eyes! I then end my turn with a face-down.

Sayer: Two high level monsters on the field and a face-down, your strategy is obvious.

Saph: What did you say?!

Sayer: That face-down is obviously protection for your two dragons. Heh, and that obvious strategy will be your downfall! (Draws) To start off, I summon Mind Master in attack mode.

Lyra: ("Somethings up… that monster only has 100 attack points, and what's more… it's a tuner. So that means—!")

Sayer: I now activate the special ability of the Armored Axon Kicker. You see, because Mind Master is out by his lonesome on the field, I'm able to summon this monster from my hand without a tribute.

Sect: But with those two monsters—!

Lyra: He can synchro summon his best monster!

Sayer: That's right! I tune my level 6 Armored Axon Kicker with my level 1 Mind Master! Surge, my black flames of vengeance! Synchro Summon! Come forth— Thought Ruler Archfiend!

Saph: Not so fast, I activate the Champion's Vigilance trap card, with this I can negate the synchro summoning of your Thought Ruler Archfiend and destroy it!

Sayer: Heh. You simple-minded fool!

Saph: What?!

Sayer: I activate my Archfiend's ability! With it, by paying 1000 life-points, I can negate the activation of a Spell or Trap Card that targets 1 Psychic-Type monster on my field, and destroy it! (LP- 4000-3000)

Saph: Ah!

Lyra: Relax, Saph.

Saph: Huh, Lyra?

Lyra: Each time that Archfiend uses its ability, my so-called god-father loses 1000 life-points. So that means, he can only use it's ability another 2 times without completely draining them.

Saph: Ah… huh… Right! And since Thought Ruler Archfiend has fewer attack points than my monsters, he won't be able to attack us!

Lyra: For now, at least.

Sayer: Next, I play the field spell card, Brain Research Lab!

Saph: What does this thing do?

Sayer: I'm glad you asked, see whenever I summon a Psychic-type monster to the field, I place 1 psychic counter on this card, and when I'm activating the ability of a monster that requires me to lose life-points, I can place another psychic counter on this card.

Lyra: So, what do these psychic counters do, exactly?

Sayer: That's for me to know and for you to find out. I place one card face-down and end my turn.

Lyra: Then it's finally my turn! (Draws) I summon Blizzard Lizard in defence mode. I then end my turn with two face-downs ()

Saph: ("Lyra summoned a monster in defense mode with 1800 defense points… Sure, if Sayer had a weaker monster out, it'd be a good strategy but… I just don't think it's gonna work.") Erm, my turn! (Draws) Nice, I activate te Melody of Awakening Dragon spell card from my hand, so, by discarding my Hieratic Dragon of Nebthet, I'm able to add two monsters with 3000 attack points and 2500 defense pints from my deck to my hand, and the monsters I'm choosing are my two Blue-Eyes White-Dragons! But these guys won't be staying in my hand for long, because I'm also playing the Polymerization spell card, allowing me to fuse them together with the Blue-Eyes on the field. I fusion summon- the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!

Sayer: Your best card is out on the field already, is it?

Saph: That's right, and I'm not stopping there, Blue-Eyes, attack his Thought Ruler Archfiend with Neutron Blast!

Sayer: (LP- 3000—1200) I activate the trap card, Telepathic Power.

Lyra and Saph: Telepathic Power?!

Sayer: That's right, so now, Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon is destroyed and I gain life-points equal to its attack points (LP-1200—5700)

Saph: My dragon!

Aura: And that's just the beginning, check out his points— 5700!

Saph: Say what?! How do we take him down now, Lyra?

Lyra: With points of our own.

Saph: Huh? Whadya mean?!

Lyra: You joined the duel without even knowing my strategy, Saph.

Saph: And what's that supposed to mean?!

Lyra: Nothing bad, I assure you of that. See, Blizzard Lizard has an effect of his own, and when activated, I'll be able to short-circuit his life-points for good.

Sayer: A damage effect?

Lyra: Heh. Might be, but back to your turn, Saph, you still an attack left, right?

Saph: Oh yeah! Right! Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon, attack him directly! (Sayer LP-5700—2700)

Sayer: What's wrong, Emerald, need Lyra's advice to duel?

Saph: No! It's through teamwork that we're gonna be able to beat you!

Sayer: Heh. Never mind that, you should be focusing on your own points instead of Lyra's. (Draws) I activate the Premature Burial spell card, allowing me to bring back an old friend—Thought Ruler Archfiend. (LP- 4800)

Saph: But it's weaker than my monster.

Sayer: It might be right now, but not after I activate the Solidarity spell card.

Saph: What does that do?

Sayer: Solidarity is a card which activates when I have only one type of monster in my graveyard. And with it, my Archfiend gains 800 attack points since its type is the same!

Saph: Ohhhhh…

Sayer: And now, Thought Ruler Archfiend, attack Alternative Blue-Eyes White Dragon!

Saph: AH! (LP- 4000—3500)

Sayer: With that, I end my turn.

Lyra: ("Why is he targeting Saph, is it to get under my skin? Most likely… But then, if he really wanted to do that, he'd talk about my dad. Speaking of, why hasn't he mentioned it yet?") It's my turn, I draw! (Draws) But before I ask my turn, I wanna ask you; how did you and my dad meet, and what was it about him that made you want to kill him and the rest of my family off? (Sayer is silent.) TELL ME!

Sayer: If you really want to know, fine. I'll tell you. But you'll have to prepare for the shock of your life.

Lyra: Go ahead. I've dealt with you being my god-father, but I never knew about how that came to happen.

Sayer: (Sigh.) It was thirty-five years ago when we were met, though at first we weren't too fond of each-other, Emisu eventually developed an interest in me. By the time we reached middle school we had developed a friendly rivalry, and we would often spar with one another to test out each-other's strength.

Lyra: But that doesn't explain why you'd want to kill him. I'd understand if you guys were bitter rivals who hated each-other, that would be a clear motive for murder. But why would you kill my dad if you were best friends?

Sayer: Oh, well the answer to that is simple.

Lyra: Then spill! What is it?!

Sayer: Haven't you worked it out yet, Miss So-Called Child Genius? It was because of the rivalry that I wanted to be rid of your father and anyone else that stood in my way!

Lyra: What?

Sayer: Are you aware of the Koto-Divine feud?

Lyra: Yes. My dad told me.

Sayer: Then you should know what it's all about.

Sect: I don't get it. What's this feud all about?

Seria: The Koto-Divne family feud… It dates back to 15th century. During this time period, the world was entangled in endless battles, it was quite literally a battle between different warring states. New Domino City didn't exist back then, and psychic duellists were bands of different militia groups, divided by bloodlines. In that world where constant strife existed, power was everything. The Divine clan was known throughout the world as a military clan with remarkable psychic energy and an ability known as the flame eyes, and they were known for burning everything in their path. And then, there was the "Koto clan of the Ice Barrier", who were said to rival the Divine's not only in strength but with an eye power of their own…

Lyra: The Kotogan…

Sayer: That's right. And their leader, Hanzai Koto was the most powerful psychic duellist of his time. Time and time again, the Koto and the Divine Clans battled one another. However… this endless battle threatened to destroy both families. Members of both sides believed it would be best to band together and create a new organisation, later known as Domino City. But Divine and Koto were always like the powers they represented- fire and water… unable to work together properly. To Dohan Divine- the leader of the Divine clan, this was obvious. But he was betrayed by the others, and left New Domino City… Later, he became an avenger, and challenged New Domino to battle. Dohan and Hanzai's wills clashed in a battle to the death, one so earth-shattering that it left the world itself scarred. And the, Dohan… He had lost to Hanzai. Dohan Divine had been defeated. But that fight is still far from over. You see, I had no choice but to spark a new battle. Dohan Divine's plan remained unshaken…

Lyra: So let me get this straight. You killed my dad and my mom… and the rest of my clan… just so that you could get even for what happened to your ancestor over a thousand years ago!? And if that wasn't enough you now want to destroy New Domino City… No, the world… just so that you can win a battle that took place centuries ago!? It's completely pointless!

Sayer: You don't understand what I'm aiming for. What I desire is not revolution… it's peace.

Aura, Lyra, Saph and Sect: What?

Lyra: What about all of that is peaceful!? I know my dad… and I know my family… and I know that they wouldn't have died the way they did for something like that!

Sayer: You don't understand!

Lyra: Huh?

Sayer: Dohan's revolution is something you never will be able to comprehend. You are a child of the Koto clan and the differences between us are just too great. That's the reason why I brainwashed you, and it is the reason why your family died.

Lyra: Well even if they are, don't think that you'll turn me into a sacrifice for this new world of yours as well!

Sayer: So you plan on defying your own legacy now? Well then, go for it.

Lyra: Gladly! And I'll start by I summoning out Samurai of the Ice Barrier in attack mode! Next, I activate the special abilities of my Prior of the Ice Barrier and my Ice Barrier Ghost, allowing me to special summon them from my hand. Now, I tune my level 1 Ghost of the Ice Barrier with my level 4 Samurai of the Ice Barrier and my level 2 Prior of the Ice Barrier! Herald of ice, you who called forth a glacier and defeated Dewloren's dark army! I synchro summon— Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!

Sayer: Your mother's ace card is it? Well, I defeated her once and I know that I can crush her soul again!

Lyra: ("He might be right. After all, Gungnir has less attack points than his archfiend. But then again… attack points aren't everything.") I activate Gungnir's ability! So, by discarding a card in my hand to the graveyard, I can destroy Thought Ruler Archfiend! I end my turn there.

Saph: Why didn't you attack him directly, Lyra?

Lyra: Because he's still hiding something from me… And I know it…

Saph: I guess, but can we really do this?

Lyra: The question isn't "how?". See, we have to do this, Saph. If not, then the world that we know and love… is doomed…

Sayer: It's my turn now (Draws), I set a card face-down and end my turn.

Saph: Alright, I draw! (Draws) ("He's hiding secrets just like how he's hiding behind face-downs… So I'll just have to put a stop to it!") I can activate the ability of this monster by sending it to the graveyard. I play, Mystical Priestess with the Eyes of Blue!

Lyra: But Saph!

Saph: I know, but it's the only way. Now, by destroying all of the cards I have left in my deck, I'm able to target one face-down on the field and obliterate it along with half of your remaining life-points…

Lyra: But your cards and life-points will be…

Saph: I know. And when they're gone, Sayer will be free to attack me directly with whatever card he wants. Lyra, this is my sacrifice to the better world…

Lyra: Sapphy no…

Saph: I sacrifice all of the cards in my deck to destroy your face-down and half of your life points.

Sayer: Grrr… (Saph LP- 3500—1750. Sayer LP- 4800—2400.) It's over then. (Draws.) You really are pathetic… I summon Psychic Snail in attack mode.

Saph: Not good…

Lyra: Sapphy…

Sayer: And I'm afraid this is goodbye, Miss Emerald! Psychic Snail, attack her directly!

Saph: Ahhhh! (LP- 1750—0.) AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (Gets sent backwards and then falls out of the same hole Carly fell through.) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Lyra: (Turns to the window, she runs over to it and shouts through the broken glass) Sa… SAPPHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! (After a moment, she falls to her knees) Damn it! Why… YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO EXERT YOUR POWER TO THE EXTENT THAT…. Urk… WHY DID YOU KILL SAPH?! SHE DID NOTHING WRONG!

Sayer: Anyone who sides with a Koto is an enemy. You should know that that is my belief.

Lyra: Oh, so just because she's my best friend you go out and kill her? That's just plain wrong! And anyway, you were friends with a Koto, so that may as well mean that you're going to declare war on yourself! Or am I wrong?!

Aura and Seria: Lyra…

Sayer: Your way of thinking is the same as Emisu's, only seeing one thing in front of you. And just like your father, you're a simple-minded fool.

Lyra: You don't have the right to talk about my father in that way... (Clenches her fist.) You've been blinded by power for so long… do you even know what love feels like!?

Sayer: No… And frankly, I don't care about it.

Seria: Wha… What…?

Sayer: You really think that sort of thing matters? Hah. Then I take back what I said about you earlier, you're even more simple-minded than your father. I mean, look at what happened to Sapphire. She's gone. And there's no way to bring back the dead. You were so blind that you didn't even protect one of the people you loved most… Just like how you failed to protect your family!

Lyra: (A tear slides down her cheek and falls to the floor.) Leave my family and friends out of this.

Sayer: You are such a foolish girl, Lyra... Hahahahahahaha hahahahahahaha…

Lyra: Saph… I'ts true that I… I couldn't protect her… But still… I will avenge her along with the entirety of my family!

Sayer: Hah! The fact that you're showing so much emotion during this duel is even more pathetic! It's all about power! You think emotion matters, hah! If you think that, you're even more pathetic than your friend, Miss Emerald.

Lyra: Sayer. Do you know why I display so much emotion in my duels?! It's because I actually have respect for my opponents! I actually care about people, just like my father did! And that's a lot more than what I can say for you! (Her mark glows and her eyes turn blue.)

Seria: ("Lyra…")

Aura and Sect: Lyra…

Lyra: Right… I know what I have to do… (Draws.) To start off, I summon the Ice Mistress tuner monster!

Sayer: But with the monsters you currently have on the field…

Lyra: That's right! This is for my friend! I tune my level 7 Gungnir of the Ice Barrier with my level 2 Ice Mistress! Herald of Ice! You who called forth a storm cloud of hail that brought my father victory! Ravage my opponent as I call forth a hurricane of ferocity! I synchro summon— Trishula, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!

Sayer: T-Trishula?!

Lyra: That's right, the very same card my dad left behind! His will is living inside this dragon and he's back with a vengeance! (Her eyes and her mark shine brighter)

Sayer: The Kotogan?!

Lyra: I activate Trishula's ability, allowing me to select one card from your hand, field and graveyard and remove them from play! So, say goodbye to your, your Research Lab! And since it Research Lab was removed from the field, you take 1000 damage for each counter that was on it! Trishula, knock away that death trap, go, Transcending Aurora! (Sayer LP— 0) (She breathes heavily before struggling to stay on her feet. Trishula looks at her and widens its eyes, before its attack rebounds and hits her, knocking her to the floor and rendering her unconscious.)

Aura and Sect: LYRA! (They run over to her)

Sect: Are you alright?!

Aura: Please! Talk to us! (She shakes Lyra's shoulder but she doesn't open her eyes) Seria! Help!

Seria: (She looks at Sayer lying on the floor unconscious, then at Lyra, then back to Sayer before running over to Lyra, sitting her upright.) I need you two to take Lyra and get out of here.

Aura: Huh?

Sect: You're letting us go?

Seria: (Nods) For the time being, I think it's best that Lyra stays away from Sayer and Arcadia.

Sect: What about you, aren't you coming as well?

Seria: (Looks at Sayer) Not right now. There's something I have to do first. Sect, you carry Lyra; and Aura, take the file that Lyra dropped before her duel. I leave the rest in your hands for now.

Aura: Okay. Come find us when you're done with what you need to do.

Sect: Speakin' of, is there anywhere we can all meet up?

Seria: Lyra's old place. It's been kept in good condition for the last three years. I'll meet you guys there tomorrow and we'll discuss things then.

Aura: Until then, Seria.

Seria: Right. (She puts Lyra's arm around Sect's shoulder and he and Aura leave with Lyra and the file. She closes the door behind them and looks at Sayer.) As for you… You don't know what I could do…


(Hallway. Aura and Sect walk down the hallway. Aura carries the file and Sect supports Lyra on his shoulder.)

Sect: So how do you know we can actually trust Seria?

Aura: We can. I know it. Besides, she's Lyra's godmother, she knows what's best for her.

Sect: I guess you have a point. Urk. My body's killing me!

Aura: That's what ya get for being possessed.

Sect: Oh, shut up! I only did it because I was trying to rescue you guys. That's all!

Aura: And yet you still needed Lyra to rescue you, huh?

Sect: Shut up! Just cuz you couldn' get yourself outta here.

Aura: That wasn't my prob— huh? (She stops walking, noticing Akiza and Misty duelling in the hallway)

Sect: It's Akiza! But wait… who's that duelling her?

Aura: 'Who's that duelling her?!' you mean to tell me that you don't recognise her opponent?! That's Misty Tredwell, the world's biggest super-model!

Sect: She's what?!

Lyra: (Her eyes twitch and then open slowly) Huh? Guys, what happened?

Aura: Lyra?

Lyra: Last thing I remember, I beat Sayer in a duel and when Trishula's attack rebounded… I blacked out.

Sect: Seria let us go. We were on the way to your place when we saw Akiza duelling.

Lyra: Duelling? Duelling who? (Notices Misty) MISTY TREDWELL?!

Aura: Shhh. Not so loud. They just started.

Misty: To tell you the truth, I had hoped it might come to this. A duel should be the perfect chance to try out some of the new abilities that I've recently been offered. You see, you're not the only one here who's keeping a big secret- do not let my perfect face fool you, for I am a Dark Signer, who has come to send you to the netherworld!

Akiza: You're a Dark Signer?! (Misty holds her right arm across her chest, it glows purple in the shape of a lizard. A bright light shines beneath her feet) Ah! My Sign!

Lyra: My mark's glowing too! (When Misty is visible again, she, has undergone a transformation. She still wears the pendant in the middle of her forehead, but beneath her eyes are her dark signer face markings. Her eyes are black.)

Akiza: Huh? What do you want? (The building shakes)

Misty: The truth! And I'll get it, even if I have to shake it out of you!

Lyra, Aura and Sect: Whoa!

(Sayer's office— Sayer and Seria stand at the window. Seria supporting Sayer on her shoulder.)

Seria: What's that strange light down there?

Sayer: I don't know. (The building shakes)

Seria: Ah! (She almost slips away from Sayer when he catches her)

Sayer: Seria! (He holds onto her tightly) Gggh! What's going on!? (Outside, blue lightning strikes. A hummingbird geoglyph centred around the Arcadia building is the only thing left standing around or within it.) Well this can't be good! (Seria looks down at the fire. Sayer runs to his desk quickly, he sits down and gets on the phone.)

Seria: Who're you calling?

Sayer: I need a report on the damage, right now! And get everyone evacuated! (Carly is now stood in the doorway. Sayer stops speaking on the phone.)

Seria: What are you doing?! Get out of the building!

Carly: But I'm here to ask you for a rematch, Sayer.

Sayer: Huh?! I must be seeing things! (There's a bolt of lightning. Sayer drops the phone handset and it lands on the floor.) Okay, you're having a nervous breakdown, it's the stress of your job, it's gotten to you- I hope.

Carly: Stop talking. I'm not some stress-induced hallucination, I'm real.

Seria: But you fell...! (She and Sayer stare at Carly's right arm- her mark glows violet.)

Carly: And they gave me a soft landing. It seems that the Dark Signers are actively recruiting duellists to join their cause. They chose yours truly, and that's bad news for you.

Sayer: Uh, let's just talk about this. (Carly's mark burns. A column of bright light that appears around her, obscuring her from view.)

Seria and Sayer: Carly... ?!

Carly: This is the beginning of the end for you! (Reappears wearing stiletto boots, black shorts covered by a skirt, long in the back and short in the front, a short tank top, black gloves, a duel disk a short black poncho with orange designs and a hood. A triangular mark under her eye. She opens her eyes, and her eye whites are.)

Sayer and Seria: You're a Dark Signer...!

Carly: Prepare yourself for the Shadows! (Activates her duel disk.)

Sayer: So, the little mouse has become a Dark Signer, right? Well, I've already beaten you once today, and I'll be more than happy to do it again!

Carly: I must warn you that I'm not the same person. Since I've joined the Dark Signers, I've grown up. You wanna really see how exciting a duel can be, Sayer? Then why don't you agree to battle me in a shadow duel!

Sayer: Carly, you've got yourself a deal. I guess you forgot that I'm the leader of the Arcadia Movement! And you're no match for my psychic powers! (He and Carly slot their decks into their duel disks, they both draw five.)

Both: Let's duel!

Seria: Be careful, darling!

Sayer: I'll teach you not to mess with me! (Draws) Now watch, and learn! I summon Krebons, in attack mode! Next I'll play Emergency Teleport; let's see if the new-and-improved Carly can handle this card. With this spell, I get to summon a psychic monster; and to keep things interesting, I get to grab him from anywhere in my deck! Meet, Mind Protector! And with Krebons out on my field, well, let's just say this match won't get better for you! Krebons is going to tune Mind Protector into a monster that'll make the end of our last duel seem like a fond memory! I synchro-summon, Magical Android! I know that I can't attack on my first turn, but I'm afraid that not even your Dark Signer powers can stop her special ability! At the end of each one of my turns, guess what I get? 600 life-points for every single psychic monster out on my field! And why don't we get to the good stuff right away? I think I'll end my turn now and reap my reward! (LP- 4000 – 4600) Let's see these Dark Signer powers.

Carly: Careful what you ask for! I'll start with this little field spell. It's quite the revealing card. I play— Future Visions! (The field is veiled with points of light, lighting it up with starlight. The windows behind Sayer and Seria turn black while the space in the office turns into a hue of red, pink and purple.)

Sayer: That's quite the trick.

Carly: Just wait. You see, like it or not, I know your fate, clear as night.

Sayer: Well, Dark Signer or not, miss Carly, you're the same; that Fortune Deck still can't win. New clothes, some purple lighting— but tell me where all this special magic power makes you duel better. You're still the same failed reporter who couldn't blog her way onto a fan site for Jack Atlas!

Carly: Well that wannabe no longer exists. Why report on the past when you can dictate the future? And this card says that your future's not so bright. With Fortune Lady Light on my field, she gets stronger with every round. You see, for each standby phase she's here, she actually gains one more level. That's 200 more attack points, 200 more defence points, and 200 more ways to beat you each and every round! But why stop there, when I can activate my field spell Future Visions! I can use its power to send Fortune Lady Light into the future! Now- it's time for the real fun to begin!

Seria: You mean for my husband! Your field's open to any attack he chooses! Tell me again why the Dark Signers picked you?

Sayer: ("Seria… It's not safe for her to be here…")

Carly: What can I say? They like revenge stories. Now, Fortune Lady Light's ability is automatically activated! You see, as soon as she's no longer on my field, I can summon a new Fortune Lady from anywhere in my deck! I choose, Fortune Lady Fire! And since she's already a level 2 monster, her attack points increase to 400! And then the power of her special ability can—

Sayer: Why bother with such a pathetic card? I think our last battle is starting to take its toll. That monster of yours is no match for the strength of my Magical Android.

Carly: Where are your manners? You should let a lady finish talking before mouthing off! I activate Lady Fire's special ability! As soon as she's summoned, one of your monsters is automatically destroyed! And there's more, dear Sayer. Unfortunately, all of the points of the monster you just lost turn to damage.

Seria: You can't!

Carly: I can and I will, now watch and learn! Destroy Magical Android!

Sayer: (Gets blasted against the window frame next to the shattered hole through the window Seria rushes over to him. LP- 4600 – 2200. Carly chuckles a little as Sayer stays down, winded.)

Seria: Are you alright?!

Sayer: I've n-never felt an attack like that...! That energy just now is unlike anything I've faced before...! Seria… Forget about me… Get out of here while you still can, it's not safe for you anymore!

Seria: You want me to just run off and leave?!

Sayer: PLEASE! If you don't get out of here alive, I'll never forgive myself!

Seria: Sayer… Then why is it different for Lyra?

Sayer: Because… I do are about her… deep down… but… Urk… JUST GET OUT!

Seria: ("I've never seen him conflict with his other half like this…") (Helps him stand up as he grits his teeth) Alright… But just make sure that you make it out alive!

Sayer: I will… (Seria exits. As she opens the door she looks back, Sayer nods and smiles slightly, she nods back and exits.)

Carly: The power of the shadows is limitless.

Sayer: Well, Carly... so is mine!

Carly: Your power pales in comparison to that of the Dark Signers. Fortune Lady Fire, attack him directly! (He's blasted against the wall and falls to the floor again, shaking. LP- 2200 – 1800.) Now that you've had a taste of my power, I'll end my turn with a face-down! Unless you do something and quick, I'm afraid that you're going to lose our little duel, and end up— in the netherworld! (Sayer gasps in horror.)


(Hallway- The earthquake stops)

Lyra: Urk.


(Sayer's Office)

Sayer: Agh! What's this?! Isn't one earthquake enough? (Carly is unfazed.)

(Martha's house- Yusei runs out the back door, his mark glows. He looks at the City, seeing the dark signer marks reflected against the clouds.)

Yusei: That's over New Domino City! My Sign— it's glowing, and that could only mean one thing, a shadow duel's about to start; it's Signer versus Dark Signer, but where?


(Arcadia Hallway)

Misty: If I can't make you reveal my brother's fate, my deck will! I need to know what you and the Arcadia Movement did, Akiza!

Akiza: I don't know how else to say it, but the Arcadia Movement wouldn't hurt or hide anyone! It's only here to help! But if you wanna duel, then I think I should at least defend myself! (Activates her duel disk.) After all, this is my home. And I'm not gonna let some Dark Signer push me around in my own place! (Misty's activates her duel disk and the two slot their decks in.)

Both: Let's do this!

Akiza: I'm first! And I summon Twilight Rose Knight! And lucky for me, I can use his special ability as soon as he's summoned! So now, I can add a level-four or below plant-type monster from my hand, and summon it directly to my field. And I think I'll bring out— Lord Poison! And now I'd like to invite you to witness the royal engagement of my Rose Knight and Lord Poison! Black Rose Dragon, welcome to the game!

Misty: Huh. Impressive. Wielding a powerful beast like that is a testament to why you were chosen to be a Signer. I wonder if your calling was similar to mine? I knew I had one reason to stay alive. I had to find my brother, and take revenge on those who took him from me! So I made a deal. And now, the power of the shadows has given me a new lease on life, and a chance to finally discover the truth! And once you tell me what I want to know, the shadows will envelop you and your deck.

Akiza: Well these three face-downs are going to put a stop to that plan! Your turn!

Misty: Then I draw. I activate the field spell Savage Colosseum. Now as long as this card's in play, every monster that's in attack mode actually has to attack. Not only that, for as long as this card's in play, I get 300 additional life-points every time a monster battles! And to keep things safe, I'll be activating another spell card— thanks to the effect of my Field Barrier, you can't counter my Colosseum, and no other field spell can replace the one I already have in play!

Akiza: ("This piece of ancient architecture might just turn me into history...!")

Misty: Now I'll summon out my Reptilianne Gorgon. And I equip it with this— my spell Attack Pheromone. And now, when my Reptile attacks your monsters, they can't simply hide in defence mode. This card switches them to attack mode whether you like it or not! Now you know how it feels to be in a powerless situation, just like I've been all these years as I struggled to find out what happened to my brother! And this next card should help drive that sentiment home! I cast Molting Escape on Reptilianne Gorgon! Now my monster's practically invincible. Once a turn, she can't be destroyed in battle, no matter how strong your monster is. Not only that, but every time I use this equip effect, Reptile Gorgon gains an extra 100 attack points. Now let's see how all these spells play out; Reptile Gorgon, attack!

Akiza: Hold on! I think the Dark Signers left you a couple cards short of a deck! Even with all those equip spells, you still don't have a chance against my Black Rose Dragon!

Misty: (LP- 4000 – 3000) And now, thanks to my Molting Escape equip spell, Gorgon lives. Not only that, but she gets those extra one hundred attack points I mentioned, evening the playing field just a little bit more!

Akiza: ("I don't get it. All those spells and combos just to add a hundred attack points? What's her real plan?")

Misty: There's one more thing. I haven't yet talked about Gorgon's special ability.

Akiza: What's it do? ...Huh?! (Black Rose Dragon starts to turn greyish-tan.) What have you done to my dragon, Misty!

Misty: Let's just say she's resting for now. You see, Gorgon's special ability freezes her mode, I'm afraid. So she can't defend you or attack, since all of her power has been neutralized.

Akiza: You can't do that!

Misty: Yes, I can. And I did. Now, if you'll excuse me for just this one moment— I'll enjoy my field spell's effect. I get three hundred life-points because I attacked you this round. (LP- 3000 – 3300)

Misty: You can never beat me; be smart and talk. Tell me what you know about my only brother's fate- and I promise I'll make your defeat quick and painless. So what's your decision?

Akiza: I told you already! I don't know what happened!

Misty: I see. Then that leaves me no choice. You know your dear friend Sayer? I'm afraid he's... about to lose his shadow duel!

Akiza: Sayer?!

Lyra: ("My god-father?!")

Misty: And so are you!

Seria: (Enters and sees Lyra) Guys!

Aura, Lyra and Sect: Seria!

Seria: What's going on, I thought I told you to get out of here!

Sect: We were, but then we saw Akiza, and Misty Tredwell showed up and she's a dark signer!

Seria: Oh no!

Lyra: What's wrong?

Seria: Lyra, your god-father's duelling Carly in a rematch but it's…

Lyra: A shadow duel?

Seria: (Nods) Yeah… And now Akiza's gotten herself involved in one too… I'm beginning to think that there's no escape for anyone now…

Saph: (Enters) You couldn't be any more correct, Seria.

Lyra: Huh? (Looks in Saph's direction) No way!

Aura, Sect and Seria: Saph?!

Saph: (Smiles. Lyra has her mouth opened half-way, still in shock that Saph is okay)

Lyra: S-Saph… You're alright

Saph: Oh, please! Save it!

Lyra: Huh?

Saph: I was sent tumbling out of a window to protect you, and this is how you treat me?

Sect: Something weird's going on here.

Aura: I can't help but agree with you there, Sect.

Lyra: Saph. It's not like that… What the heck happened to you?!

Saph: It's like I said, I was sent flying out of the window and you couldn't care less!

Sect: You must've hit your head pretty hard when you fell, 'cuz Lyra won that duel for you! She put her neck on the line for everyone's freedom!

Saph: Does freedom mean dying?

Sect and Lyra: Huh?

Lyra: Saph, listen, what happened isn't my fault!

Saph: I'm not interested in your excuses, Lyra Gracidea Yuki Eliza Koto! I'm only interested in revenge! (The dark dragon mark on her arm glows. A bright light shines beneath her feet, her hair that sweeps up she is completely obscured, in the light. Lyra's mark glows.)

Aura: Ah! Lyra! Your mark!

Sect: ("Lyra has one too?")

Saph: (When she's visible again, she has also undergone a transformation. Her eye whites are now black and beneath her eye is a swirl pattern. She wears a dark signer disk, a pair of black ¾ shorts, black boots, a black long-sleeved turtle neck and a poncho cape with magenta markings similar to Carly's. She smiles menacingly.) So, let's settle this.

Lyra: Saph…

Aura: ("Lyra…")

Lyra: Alright, Saph… If beating you gets my friend back… then let's duel.

Saph: That's the answer I was looking for!

Seria: But Lyra, you can't duel. You're in no condition.

Lyra: I'll be fine, Seria. Besides, Saph needs my help.

Seria: But you don't understand! The damage you take in a shadow duel is so much worse than one in a psychic duel! Believe me, I know! Lyra, you play against Saph and you play for keeps! It's like I told you, Sayer's duelling Carly and the damage is real, it's at least ten time worse than that shadow duel with me or any other psychic duel you've ever faced!

Lyra: YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT?! THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND! And if beating her means returning her back to normal, then I'll do whatever it takes to do it!

Aura: Lyra…

Lyra: I'll be fine, guys, besides, I've been in a shadow duel before… when me and Sayer duelled you, Seria. I can do this! No… I have to do this! For Saph!

Saph: Glad you want to be my opponent. But when we duel, you'll understand what it's like… to be sent plunging into darkness! (Activates her duel disk and slots in her deck.)

Lyra: Too bad I'll never have to experience that when I win! (Activates her duel disk and slots in her deck)

Both: Let's duel!

Saph: I'll kick things off! (Draws) I summon out the Double Coston monster. Then I'll activate the Dragon Ruins field spell! This card allows me to summon an extra monster to the field, provided that it's a level 4 or below dragon. I think I'll choose my level 4 Cave Dragon. That'll do. Let's see what you've got.

Lyra: (Draws.) My turn!

Sect: …Lyra. Are you okay?

Aura: She's not.

Sect: Huh?

Aura: Don't you get it? Lyra's struggling to see the real Saph.

Seria: That's Aura's psychic power, she's able to detect a person's true emotion and determine the cause and effect of it. Right now, it's like Lyra's heart has sank, she's struggling to determine whether the Sapphire in front of her is the Saph she knows or whether it's someone else entirely.

Lyra: I activate the Magic Triangle of the Ice Barrer spell card, which allows me to destroy that Cave Dragon. And since I activated that effect, I can special summon General Raiho of the Ice Barrier. I then normal summon Secret Guards of the Ice Barrier and then activate the special ability of Prior of the Ice Barrier, which allows me to special summon him so long as I don't special summon any level 5 or higher monsters this turn. And since my guards are on the field, none of your monster's special abilities can affect any of my monsters. I end my turn.

Sect: What a move! If Saph summoned another monster and then targeted one of Lyra's with an effect, her monsters are immune thanks to their abilities.

Aura: I wouldn't start celebrating just yet, Sect, Saph's deck is different than usual. See how she's not using any of her Blue-Eyes cards?

Sect: Hey yeah!

Saph: It's my turn! (Draws.) Hehehe.

Misty: It's over for you, Akiza. You won't be able to hide behind the Arcadia Movement for much longer.

Akiza: What're you talking about?

Misty: As we speak, your leader, Sayer, is duelling a new friend of mine, and let's just say that, like you, he doesn't stand a chance of winning his duel!

Akiza: Rrrgh...!

Misty: So— are you ready to tell me what happened to my brother?

Akiza: (Draws) I don't know your brother!

Misty: Fine, then, be that way. I'll get the answers I want sooner or later! And with your dragon's power reduced to nothing, I'll know the truth in no time. And to hurry things along, I'll activate the power of my Savage Colosseum spell, which forces our monsters to battle.

Akiza: Huh?

Misty: And with 0 attack points, your Black Rose Dragon doesn't stand a chance. Now prepare yourself, Akiza; Reptile Gorgon is about to obliterate your beast!

Akiza: (Shields her eyes. LP- 4000 – 2500) My mark... it's trying to tell me something. But what?

Misty: It's telling you to be very afraid, of the Dark Signers' power. (Laughs)

Akiza: I don't understand all this! Why are you so convinced I did something to your brother?!

Misty: 'Cause the last time I saw him he was going on and on about someone, and that someone was you! That's right! He couldn't stop talking about you and how he just had to meet you! Now unless you're gonna tell me what happened to him, make your move!

Akiza: Listen, Misty, I'd tell you something if I knew something but I don't. (LP- 2500 – 2800) So I guess this duel's full steam ahead. And now that I've got your Colosseum's power boost, I'll activate the Synchro Spirits trap, which lets me remove a synchro monster in my graveyard from play, and then re-summon the monsters I originally used to synchro-summon it! So by removing Black Rose Dragon from play, I can summon both Twilight Rose Knight and Lord Poison back to the field in attack mode. And then I'll activate this— the Dimension Reversion trap card, which returns every monster I removed from play to my deck. Black Rose Dragon is back, ready, and waiting.

Misty: Excellent. Now go ahead and bring your beloved Black Rose Dragon back to the field; I'd be more than happy to destroy it a second time!

Akiza: That's not gonna happen, Misty, 'cause I'm activating this trap. With the power of Urgent Tuning, I can summon a synchro monster during my battle phase. So once again, Twilight Rose Knight will be giving Lord Poison a little tune-up! I synchro-summon Black Rose Dragon! But we're not done yet; you see my Black Rose Dragon is so excited after being successfully synchro-summoned, it just can't help but incinerate every other card on the field!

Misty: I'd say that was your endgame this whole time, and you let me destroy Black Rose Dragon. But I don't want to give you that much credit. However, you didn't destroy every card. Thanks to Field Barrier's protection, the Savage Colosseum isn't going anywhere, unlike my brother.

Akiza: For the last time, just 'cause he liked me doesn't mean I know something.

Misty: He said he went to watch you duel, and that he spoke to you afterwards, and that talking to you made him want to join the Arcadia Movement. And then he vanished without a trace.

Akiza: Look, Misty, I'm really sorry that you lost your brother. But, you have to believe me, I had absolutely nothing to do with it!

Misty: I don't have to believe anything, Akiza! And don't pretend you're sorry! I've seen the way you duel, Black Rose! You let your power run wild, you're out of control! Why is it people watching you duel always get hurt? It's because you don't care about anyone other than yourself, isn't that right, Akiza!

Akiza: No, that's not right! I'm a good person!

Misty: Do you care about the people you scared during the tournament? The people who just wanted to watch their favourite duellists duel! But instead—

Akiza: Those people were mocking me and calling me a witch!

Misty: Oh, I understand. So what you're saying, then, is that those people deserved what happened to them... You're saying that you're glad that you scared them.

Akiza: ("Uh! ...What if she's right?")

Misty: My brother watched you duel in the Narrows of New Domino City. He said he spoke to you afterwards, Akiza! You!

Akiza: I don't know, I- I don't remember meeting him, I'm sorry!

Misty: And yet you say you're a good person. Wouldn't a good person remember meeting an excited fan? I don't believe a word you're saying! What happened to my brother?! Did he fail your little entry test and that was that? Why would you tell some boy you don't even know to—

Akiza: I tell everyone I meet to consider the Movement! Because, because if they are like me, I don't want them to go through what— ugh! To go through what I went through!

Saph: Hehehe. I activate the ability of my Double Coston, meaning that I can use him as one sacrifice for the tribute summon of a high level monster. (The earth shakes.)

Aura, Lyra, Seria and Sect: Ah!

Sect: An earthquake?!

Saph: Hah. The awakening has begun. I tribute Double Coston to summon this! My Earthbound Immortal- Drusnik Draakiyo! (The earth shakes wildly and Saph's dark signer mark appears around the Arcadia movement in fire.)

Lyra: Where's your monster, Saph?!

Saph: (Points to the window.) Take a look out there and then you'll see it.

Lyra: Huh? (Looks towards the window.) Ah!

Aura: (She, Sect and Seria look out the window as well.) What the heck is that?!

Misty: Fine. Have it your way, Akiza. Keep on lying and denying, but in the end, you and I both know it was you, and because of that, I'm sending you and your lies to the netherworld! After all— it was you who told my brother to leave his family; you stole him from us! And now, you're going to pay! From my hand, I'm activating the Reptile Spawn spell card. Now, if I remove a reptile monster in my graveyard from play, I can harness Reptile Spawn's power, and summon two reptile tokens. But these little guys won't be sticking around; they will enable me to summon an even greater power! (Her face markings and eyes glow purple) Now, by releasing those two tokens, I can open the door to the netherworld and summon— Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua! (They form into a single ball of energy and float out of the window down the hall, and form an Earthbound Immortal heart in the sky which pulses as air ripples out from it the ground shakes. The signers' marks burn.)

(Wit Yusei)

Yusei: My mark is hurting; just like it did when I duelled Kalin...!

(Hallway. Lyra's group is rocked around by the earthquake; Lyra is worried about her mark as the other three fight to stay standing. A wave or red light appears from Lyra's mark, forming a protective bubble around her and the others.)

Sect: What's goin' on?

Aura: How're you doing this, Lyra?

Luna: I dunno! But we're safe...

Seria: I think this light's like an energy shield or something. (Souls are fly through the air inside the building as well as outside. Everyone watches in awe through the bubble; Akiza shields her face.)

Akiza: What is this?!

Misty: My Earthbound Immortal is absorbing the spirits of Domino City's citizens! But don't worry; it won't absorb you. Because I'm saving you for last! (The heart in the sky shoots a beam of light from the ground to the clouds, creating a dust cloud, revealing Ccarayhua. The building shakes again.)

Akiza: What gives? Where's this monster?! You did just summon one, didn't you?

Misty: Oh, I summoned one all right. Turn around, Akiza!

Akiza: (Shocked, she hears a sound behind her. She dares not to look. For a moment the window is black. Then it is filled disc larger than the window Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua opens its looking through the window at Akiza. Akiza recoils in horror, a hand to her mouth, eyes wide.) Aaaaagh! What— what is that?! (Outside the building Ccarayhua is nearly as tall as the building; it grasps each side of the building with a front foot, its face pressed up against the window of the floor where the duels are happening. It swivels its head, opens its mouth, and roars. Inside, a yell echoes down from Sayer's office.)

Misty: Ya hear that? Your pal Sayer is... well, having a difficult time. (Sayer cries out in pain again.)

Akiza: Huh? Sayer, no!

Seria: What… No…! SAYER!

(With Yusei)

Yusei: ("If one of those Immortals is appearing somewhere in the City, then a lot of people are in danger right now, but... after almost losing to Kalin, I don't think I have what it takes anymore!")

(With Sayer and Carly)

Sayer: What is that? What is happening out there?

Carly: If I were you, Sayer, I'd be much more concerned with what's happening in here.

Sayer: What do your bosses want?!

Carly: All that matters is you're gonna pay for beating me in our last duel! (Sayer braces himself, slightly stiff) It's your move. You've got one more chance to save yourself, one more turn! So, think carefully, 'cause this is it!

Sayer ("These dark powers of hers are much stronger than you anticipated. But you can't lose focus now. Because if you can defeat her, you can capture her! And then, you can convince her to join your psychic army and do your bidding! You can do this; you're the leader of the Arcadia Movement!") (aloud) It's my turn! (Draws- Teleport) ("But you have to be careful. That Future Vision field spell of hers is quite the tricky card. If you summon a monster through normal means, it'll be zapped a few rounds ahead, and you won't be able to fight with it. So, that means you can't use a normal summon. You're gonna have to improvise here (looks at the card he drew) Perfect!") From my hand, I activate the Teleport spell card! When you have a monster on your field, and my field is empty, I can sacrifice 800 life-points to activate this card's power, and then special-summon one psychic monster from my hand. (LP- 1800 – 1000) Kindly welcome Storm Caller to the field. Next, I use an equip spell— Premature Burial. By getting rid of 800 more life-points (LP- 1000 – 200), I special-summon a monster from my graveyard, and boost it with this card. I resurrect, Magical Android. Oh and, since I used a special-summon, your Future Vision field has no effect.

Carly: Hm.

Sayer: Now go, Storm Caller! Attack! Take out Fortune Lady Fire!

Carly: I activate my trap, Slip of Fortune! This card removes the target of your monster's assault, and then negates your attack altogether!

Sayer: That move may've spared you some damage, but I still have Magical Android to attack with, and your field is empty now, so get ready for a direct attack! (Carly LP- 4000 – 1600) And now, I summon— Psychic Commander in attack mode!

Carly: Future Visions' effect activates! So say goodbye to Commander 'cause you won't be seeing it until your next turn! Assuming you even have one!

Sayer: Well, then I'd better make the most of this one, then! By activating Magical Android's special ability, I gain 600 life-points for every psychic monster on my field. (LP- 200 – 1400) ("Now, our points are pretty much equal. If I can hold out for one more round, Psychic Commander will return to my field for my next turn. If I can bring him together with Magical Android, I can synchro-summon my deck's most powerful monster, Thought Ruler Archfiend. And then, I can show this Dark Signer what true power feels like. I just have to hold out for one more round.")

Carly: Mm. It's the end of the line, Sayer. I draw! (Draws) Thanks to the time-traveling effects of the Future Vision field spell and my Slip of Fortune trap card, both Fortune Lady Light and Fortune Lady Fire return to my field. But these two ladies won't be sticking around to play... (They combine into a blob of multi-coloured light and drift out the broken window, on the opposite side of the building from where Ccarayhua and Draakiyo tower. Air ripples out from the blob as it forms into another Earthbound Immortal heart. The building shakes again, Sayer manages to retain his balance.)

Sayer: What's this?!

Carly: (Her mark glows as she raises her Aslla Piscu card) Now, after 5000 years, the door to the netherworld will open again! (her eyes glow purple) And the great Immortals will feed on the spirits of Domino City! I summon Earthbound Immortal Aslla Piscu! (The power emanating from Carly's duel disk forces Sayer back against the wall.)

Sayer: You're a fool! Did you forget about your Future Vision? The moment your monster appears; your own field spell is gonna zap it one round into the future! You won't be able to do anything with it!

Carly: I warned you, Sayer, you had one chance! One turn!

Sayer: What?!

Carly: You're right that my monster'll have to leave the field— but thanks to its special ability, when it does leave the field, it'll take all your monsters with it! And for every monster you lose, you also lose 800 life-points! You're finished, Sayer!

Sayer: Uh... where's this big monster you summoned? (Aslla Piscu's cry is heard from behind him. Outside the window, Aslla Piscu hovers, staring right at him, its huge glowing eyes like a pair of bright street lamps. He turns to look.) No way! I've never seen a monster like this before!

Carly: Yeah, well uh, know what? You never will again, either! (Aslla Piscu lunges in with its long, pointy beak; Sayer yells in terror...)


(Hallway)

Akiza and Seria: Sayer, no! (Outside, Aslla Piscu's beak hits the building, taking out the windows on the adjacent floors as well, it starts a purple fire eating the building. Inside, the empty space several floors up from Lyra and Akiza's duels fill with purple fog and smoke. Among pieces of debris, Sayer falls through the centre of the building, screaming. Akiza and Seria look up, shocked and horrified, they can only watch as he falls past them.) Sayer! (He's gone. Akiza and Seris stand at the railing, staring after him. Lyra's protective shield fades, and the walls crack. Seria looks around.)

Seria: Ugh, this is bad. (She grabs Lyra and Aura, one wrist in each arm and they run, Sect at her heels with the file. Debris falls from the ceiling.)

Lyra: Seria! My duel! SAAAAPH!

Misty: Looks like we're gonna have to finish this another time, Akiza! (Seria stops running at a doorway)

Seria: Akiza! Come on!

Aura: We can't wait, Seria, the whole place could come down any second!

Seria: Run, Akiza! (She runs after the kids, larger pieces of debris falling from above.)


(Outside, Ccarayhua roars and draws away from the building; Draakiyo growls and roars; Aslla Piscu extracts its beak; and they sink back into the purple mist below. The glowing mist vanishes, leaving the night more or less normal again. Seria and the kids run out the front door. Jack rides up and joins them.)

Seria: Atlas!

Jack: What happened?

Tanner: Not sure. But Akiza and Lyra were duelling Dark Signers in there.

Jack: (Looks down) I had a feeling it was them! Where's Akiza now?

Seria: She's... still inside.

Jack: You just left her?! (He rides toward the front door.)

Sect: Wait, Jack, don't! It's too dangerous!


(Inside the Arcadia building, Jack rides through each dark corridor. He stops.)

Jack: Hey— Akiza, you in here?! It's Jack! Akiza! (Carly's glasses then catch his eye.) Huh? (He picks the glasses up.) ("I know these. They look like—") Carly! Carly! Carly, are you in here?! (More debris falls)

Akiza: Jack...

Jack: Huh? (Sees Akiza on the ground. He shakes her shoulder.) Akiza. (Picks her up in his arms) Hang on, I've got you. …Carly... (Exits, the building keeps collapsing.)

(Outside balcony. Carly walks out of the building. Her eyes are normal, she is confused and worried.)

Carly: What? What just happened? How did I get way up here? Ahh...! (Puts her hands to her head) Oh no...! Did I really just duel the head of the Arcadia Movement? Huh? What's with this duel disk? What's this mark on my arm?! What's- going- on! (Falls to her knees) Why am I freaking out like this?! (Cries, forehead to the floor.)

Misty: Carly. Don't be afraid of your destiny.

Carly: (Looks up as Misty appears from a cloud of smoke.) Is that you, Misty?

Misty: (Walks over to Carly as she sits on the ground trembling.) You were chosen, Carly, just as I was chosen.

Carly: Chosen for what?!

Misty: Greatness. You were chosen by the Immortals. When the life you once knew was taken away, you had unfinished business. Something you needed to say or do. The Immortals gave you their power so you could, well, stick around. Same kind of thing happened to me. We're still in this world, but we're not part of it anymore. Not as we once were, anyway. This mark is proof.

Carly: No... (Cries) That's a lie!

Misty: (Kneels and puts a hand to Carly's shoulder.) I understand. It's a lot to take in, I know. Don't worry. You will understand soon. But before you can do that, (Hugs Carly, who cries into her shoulder) You have to figure out— what is your unfinished business, and how can it benefit the Dark Signers!