AN: This chapter is half sub only episodes and half dub episodes and features the duel between Team Ragnarok and Team Shining Storm. As always my own original cards are in bold and reviews are very much appreciated! I hope you enjoy! :)
Ride 7- The New Rivals and the Turning Point- Just Us and Our Duel Runners
(Shop- Saph stands reading a magazine on the WRGP)
Saph: Huh? Duellists from the Realm of the Aesir? What is this? "The WRGP's winning championship candidates, Team Ragnarok are one of the world's Pro Teams in Turbo Duels. The trio composed of Haldor, Dragan and Broder all hold the powers of the three Lord of the Aesir cards. Odin, Thor and Loki… The Gods are said to have mysterious powers and are some of the world's strongest cards. While qualifying for the tournament, they defeated the other teams with their overwhelming power. By combining their abilities and popularity, they became the first Duel Kings since Yugi Moto." Hmph, "kings" my butt. Lyra's not gonna lose to these jerks. Ah, I forgot! Today Lyra and the others are gonna be practicing with their duel runners. (Puts the magazine back on the rack and runs out of the shop.)
(Track- Toru rides his duel runner as Sect comes up to join him.)
Sect: I'm not gonna lose, Toru!
Toru: Don't underestimate the power of the Scrap Menace! (They both race neck-and-neck through the stadium)
(Stadium bleachers. Aura and Misaki are sat watching the duel.)
Aura: Both of them have good skills.
Misaki: It should be alright for when the tournament starts.
(Track- Lyra rides alone)
Lyra: ("The three emperors of Yliaster… They finally shown their faces. They falsified history and came to the Grand Prix. We can't let them destroy the city. I have to help Yusei prevent them from achieving their goal. I have to achieve Accel Synchro! I have to be faster! We will protect New Domino City! In order to protect our future, we'll win this fight!") (Speeds up)
(Daimon Area- Saph runs alone through the streets)
Saph: Am I gonna make it? (She runs down an alleyway to another street and Yoshi rides out down the street, Saph doesn't notice him.)
Yoshi: WATCH OUT! MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! (Saph ducks and Yoshi sways and falls off the runner)
Taro: (Runs over to Yoshi, Jin runs to the Duel Runner and pick it up) Are you okay, Yoshi? (Helps Yoshi up)
Yoshi: Yeah…
Saph: A-Aw, aw, aw… That's dangerous, ya know! (Stands up as Yoshi and Taro run over to her)
Yoshi: I-I'm sorry! My Duel Runner just suddenly spun out of control!
Saph: Duel Runner? (Jinbei wheels the Duel Runner over to Saph and the others) That thing's a Duel Runner?
Yoshi: I'm really sorry.
Jin: There's no reason to apologise Yoshi. It's this girl's fault for suddenly running across the road like that.
Saph: Huh?
Taro: Jin! You okay? No injuries?
Saph: I'm fine! (Goes to run to the stadium falling to her knees, she's sprained her ankle with a graze on her knee.)
Taro: That knee of yours is swollen. We need to treat it straight away.
Saph: Don't worry about it… Something like this ain't gonna… (Tries to walk away but is brought to her knees again.)
Taro: (Puts a hand on Saph's shoulder) Don't push yourself. Our hotel is close to here.
Saph: (Turns to Taro) Huh? (Taro smiles.)
(Hotel- Jin pushes the runner to the car park, Taro carries Saph on his back and Yoshi walks up to the door to open it. In the hotel room- Taro puts a plaster on Saph's knee, Jin looks out the window.)
Taro: There you go.
Saph: Thanks. And by the way, forgive me for asking but… you guys live here?
Taro: We only sleep here.
Yoshi: We came from the country to participate in the Grand Prix. (Walks over with a cup of water)
Saph: Huh? For the World Racing Grand Prix?
Yoshi: (Gives the water to Saph) Yeah, here you go.
Saph: (Takes the water) Thanks. (Drinks the water)
Taro: Our skills are average, I guess. we wanna see how strong everyone else is.
Saph: See everyone's level of skill, huh? So, how did the qualifying round go for you guys?
Yoshi: Great!
Saph: You won! So that means that you guys are gonna be in the tournament finals like us?
Taro: Your team as well?
Yoshi: Ehh, well…
Saph: Oh, I'm Saph. I'm from Team Shining Storm. (Sips some more water)
Yoshi and Taro: Team Shining Storm!? (Jin turns around to the others)
Yoshi: Isn't that Lyra Koto's team?
Saph: Yup. Lyzy's my best friend. Her friend works in a garage near here.
Jin: (Walks over to the others) That's nonsense…
Yoshi: That's amazing, Saph! Being in a team with Lyra. I'm a big fan of hers. I love her strategies! Hey, could you get an autograph for me?!
Saph: S-Sure. Why not?
Yoshi: Really?! Just wait a bit. (Goes into his bag)
Taro: Team Shining Storm… That means that we're rivals. (Yoshi fishes out a pen and pad of paper)
Saph: I suppose it does.
Taro: We're Team Taiyo. I'm the leader, Taro. And these guys are Jin and Yoshi. It's nice to meet you.
Saph: Yeah. Hold on. Wait a sec. are you entering the tournament finals with that Duel Runner from before?
Taro: Of course. It's the only Duel Runner we have.
Saph: Just that Duel Runner?
Yoshi: Yeah, the three of us will use that.
Saph: Eh?! The three of you are using that shabby thing?! (Jin glares at Saph) S-Sorry.
Taro: Forget it, it's nothing you have to apologise over. It may look shabby, but to us, it's a precious Duel Runner. It's a Duel Runner carrying a small piece of the three of us.
Saph: Taro…
Yoshi But we got beat by those guys.
Saph: "Those guys"?
Taro: Remember the guys that appeared during the tournament?
Saph: The Ghost?!
Taro: The Ghost?
Saph: (Nods) Yeah. That's what Lyra and the others called them.
Taro: They broke our Duel Runner. We got beat, so we couldn't move on.
Saph: Then I'll ask Lyra to help.
Yoshi: Lyra!?
Saph: Yeah, she and Misaki will fix it for you! Misaki knows everything about Duel Runners! Shall we go now?
Taro: I appreciate the favour but… we can fix the Duel Runner ourselves. Because that Duel Runner is… what the three of us all chipped in together to build.
Saph: But it's a problem if it's broken. You can't enter the tournament without a Duel Runner, right? Please let us help! My friends can fix it for sure! That way, you guys can enter the tournament finals. So, c'mon and let me ask 'er!
Jin: We already told you that we don't need any help! Every person we run into does nothing but insult us!
Taro: Jin!
Saph: I wasn't trying to do anything like that… I just wanna help you guys out.
Jin: And that's why I'm telling you to mind your own business!
Saph: (Stands up and puts the empty cup down) Okay then, I understand. Then try winning! (Walk outs)
Yoshi: Saph!
Jin: Leave her alone.
(Street- Saph walks alone)
Saph: What's wrong with that guy? He finally found someone to help him and he denies it. (Sees workmen repairing the damage to the city from the Diablo attacks. Hears Team Taiyo come out of the hotel and she hides.)
Taro: We can't let the damage of our Runner stop us from entering the tournament
Yoshi: I know.
Jin: Let's try starting the engine. (They start tinkering with the runner)
Saph: (Walks back around the corner and peeks at them)
Yoshi: As I thought, it's no use.
Saph: (Walks away)
(Toru's Garage- Misaki and Lyra stand near the computers with Saph)
Lyra: Repair a duel runner?
Saph: It belongs to Team Taiyo. They only have one Duel Runner and it was damaged in a duel with the Ghosts. Taro and the others told me to leave them alone, but I can't do that!
Lyra: I understand. Take me there.
Saph: Really?
Misaki: A home-made Duel Runner, huh? That sounds pretty interesting. I'll help too.
Saph: Thanks, you guys!
(Park- Team Taiyo stand on the grass with the Duel Runner)
Taro: There's nothing we can do.
Yoshi: What should we do, Taro? Now we can't enter the tournament finals.
Jin: Damn it! (Notices Lyra, Misaki and Saph) Huh? (The others look at the girls who have just joined them)
Yoshi: Saph… It's Lyra!
Saph: I'm probably out of line here, but if you haven't been able to fix it by now—
Misaki: (Walks over to the Duel Runner) So this is the home-made Duel Runner.
Jin: Don't touch it!
Misaki: Huh?
Jin: We told you that we don't need any help!
Taro: (Puts his hand in front of Jin, smiling at Misaki, then at Lyra and Saph) Thanks, Saph. To be honest, we're completely stuck here.
Jin: Taro!
Taro: Sorry, Jin. I just don't know what else we can do here.
Jin: But why should we ask these girls for help?! Didn't we get this far without asking for anyone's help? It's been just the three of us since the start! Taro!
Taro: Then you don't care if we make it into the finals, Jin?
Jin: Huh?
Taro: We didn't know if we'd win at the start, but we did. It could've just been luck, but we won the next match as well. Then the tournament continued… You may be right. Fighting by ourselves has some meaning. But I would reconsider. I wanna see how far our duel skills take us in this tournament!
Saph: Taro…
Taro: Please Jin. Without this Duel Runner, we can't enter the finals! Jin…
Jin: Do what you want!
Taro: Thanks, Jin.
Yoshi and Taro: Please help us!
Lyra: Right. (Misaki is already tinkering)
Yoshi: Hey, wait, she's already touching it.
Misaki: These are such good materials!
(Toru's garage- Aura enters. Sect and Toru are by the computers.)
Aura: Lyra—
Sect: Ohh, it's Aura. If you're looking for Lyra, she's out with Saph and Misaki.
Aura: Really…? (A few minutes later- Sect is making hot chocolate)
Sect: Exhibition duel?
Aura: To prepare for the tournament finals, Lazar called for Team Ragnarok. (Sect hands her a mug) Thanks.
Toru: He's thinking into this too much. (Sect passes Toru a mug)
Sect: It seems interesting. Team Ragnarok are our next opponents, and they possess the legendary Aesir cards.
Aura: Since we're facing them next in the finals, getting a glimpse of their decks wouldn't hurt.
Sect: Wanna check it out?
Toru: If there's no other choice? Let's do it!
(Park- Misaki and Lyra are still working on the Duel Runner)
Misaki: (Takes out the can with wires) Oh, I see, you've been using this instead of a momentum energy provider.
Lyra: If you don't have a regulator to work with, this is the next best thing.
Yoshi: Um… (Walks over to Lyra and the others and they look up at him) Err… well… W-Would you please sign something for me?! On a book, a piece of cardboard, a card… anything will do! (Shows his deck to Lyra)
Saph: Wow, they're all normal monsters.
Jin: You idiot! Why the heck would you show off your whole deck like that?! (Takes Yoshi's deck from him) You really are dense, you know that?
Yoshi: But I forgot my sketchbook. I don't have anything else for him to autograph…
Jin: Don't make me remind you, these guys will be our rivals in the upcoming duels!
Yoshi: S-Sorry… I won't do anything else…
Misaki: What's this? (Takes out a metal clothes hanger which is bent out of shape)
Saph: A clothes hanger?
Misaki: Why would it be in here of all places?
Lyra: Look carefully, if you have no Y-hook, you bend it like this so it'll fit. (Tinkers with the hanger and Duel Runner.)
Misaki: Ahh, I see now.
Lyra: A long time ago, my dad used the same method to build his Duel Runner.
Yoshi: Your dad did, Lyra?
Lyra: Yeah. He was from Satisfaction Town. He'd use scrap materials to make his Duel Runner.
(Exhibition Duel Stadium- There is a large crowd of people and the MC stands on stage with a microphone. Crow, Jack, Akiza, Sect, Toru and Aura stand with each-other in the crowd.)
MC: It's finally come to pass! The World Racing Grand Prix Finals! There have been deemed the winning candidates! The duellists from the Realm of the Gods! Team Ragnarok! (A spotlight shines on Team Ragnarok as they enter) Team Ragnarok wields the power of Odin, Thor and Loki, the three lords of the Aesir! They are among the world's strongest duellists! This is a pro-duelling team with many legends from the past!
Sect: That's Team Ragnarok, huh?
Akiza: They sure look strong.
Aura: Do you guys thing they really come from the Realm of the Gods?
Crow: Hmph! What "Power of the Gods"?
Toru: Yeah, it's obvious who's superior!
MC: Let's get on with the exhibition duel! The first opponent will be the man who breaks his foes with the hammer of a God! He goes by the name- Dragan!
Dragan: My opponent is you! (Points his finger at Jack) Jack Atlas!
MC: What a decision Dragan has made! Challenging the former Master of faster himself- Jack Atlas! God VS King! This is bound to be an interesting duel!
Jack: Fine! I'll take you on!
(Duel Field- Dragan and Jack stand on opposite sides, each with their duel disks on)
Jack: Bring it on already! I'm going to make sure that you regret choosing me!
(Crowd- Akiza, Sect, Toru, Crow and Aura stand together)
Akiza: Who is this Dragan guy?
Sect: I can feel something devastating in the air…
(Duel Field)
Jack and Dragan: LET'S DUEL!
Dragan: I'll start things off! My turn! (Draws) I summon Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts in attack mode! I set one card face-down and end my turn!
Jack: 1200 attack points? You can't beat me with a card like that! My turn! (Draws) I special summon Vice Dragon! This card can be special summoned from my hand when monsters only exist on your side of the field. When it's summoned by this effect, it's attack points are cut in half. And now, I summon Dark Resonator! And now I'm tuning my level 5 Vice Dragon with my level 3 Dark Resonator! In an inferno of power and might, a blazing new beast is now forged! I Synchro Summon the Red Dragon Archfiend!
MC: It appeared right away! Jack Atlas' ace monster, Red Dragon Archfiend!
Jack: Red Dragon Archfiend, attack Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts! Absolute Power Force!
MC: Dragan has already taken 1800 points of damage! (Dragan LP- 4000 2200)
Dragan: So, this is what an attack from the former king feels like… This alone is make believe!
Jack: What?
Dragan: When Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts is destroyed, I can special summon two Beast Tokens!
Jack: I set a card face-down and end my turn!
Dragan: It's my turn! (Draws) I special summon Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts! This card can be special summoned from my hand when there's a Synchro monster on the field! Now I tune my two level 3 Nordic Beast Tokens with my level 4 Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts! Behold as the Nordic glaciers of old give way, and from the deepest chasms of ice, an ancient and powerful hero emerges, a hero who wields the quaking power of a pounding avalanche! I synchro summon!
(Crowd)
Crow: Here it comes!
(Duel Field)
Dragan: … (His rune eye activates) Behold, Thor, Lord of the Aesir!
MC: It's here! Dragan's ace monster! The God card, Thor, Lord of the Aesir!
(Crowd)
Sect: He's…
Aura: One of the world's awed Lords of the Aesir…! (The building begins to shake)
Crow: What the—?
Akiza: Huh?
Toru: What's happening? (On the Duel Field- Red Dragon Archfiend and Thor both glow and emit light waves)
Sect: Don't tell me… The Crimson Dragon's power is resonating towards the God's own power…! (The clouds outside the stadium turn black)
(Duel Field)
Dragan: Thor, Lord of the Aesir, attack Red Dragon Archfiend! Polarising Pound!
Jack: Red Dragon Archfiend! (He's about to flip his trap but doesn't. The windows crack, thunder is cast down from the sky and the waves rolling on the sea turn violent)
Dragan: Hah!
(Crowd)
Crow: they're beginning to clash…
Aura: Think we'll be okay?
Toru: Run for it! It's collapsing…!
(Duel Field)
MC: Cancelled! The duel has been cancelled! (The monsters vanish and the duel shuts down)
Dragan: I spared you this time around.
Sect: What a monster. (Outside the sky returns to normal)
(Park- Misaki screws the final screw back into the Duel Runner)
Misaki: And that does it.
Saph: Is it fixed?
Lyra: Yeah.
Yoshi: Let's try it out.
Taro: Yeah.
Yoshi: (Dons his helmet and gear, then gets on the Duel Runner, twists the right bar) Wow, it's a lot different!
Saph: Hurry! Hurry!
Yoshi: Right. (Starts up the Duel Runner)
Taro: What acceleration!
Yoshi: A-Amazing! To be in such a speed! And the handling is… Alright! (Swinging the runner around 180 degrees, skidding to a stop before accelerating again past his friends) Yaa~hoo~!
Jin: Is that really our Duel Runner?
Saph: This is great. Now you can enter the tournament finals!
Taro: Yeah. Thanks Lyra, Misaki.
Lyra: (She and Misaki nod) All you guys need to do now is try your best in the World Racing Grand Prix.
(The Next Day- Inside the Stadium- The different teams are lined up on a platform. Lazar stands at the front.)
Lazar: Everyone, I apologise for the wait! We will now release the official World Racing Grand Prix Finals Line-up! In the A block we have… (The A Block Bracket is shown on Screen)
Sect: So, we're in the B Block?
Misaki: Not only that, Yusei and the others will have to go through Team New World before we can.
Toru: So, we're their last line of defense if noting works? No pressure…
Lyra: We have to make sure that we win all of our duels.
Sect: Right.
Lazar: And now, here's the B Block! (The B Block Bracket is shown on screen)
Aura: Huh?
Toru: Oh, no.
Sect: I can't believe we have to fight Team Ragnarok so soon…
Lyra: Team Ragnarok… the favourites?
Toru: Yeah. But hear this, their duellist Dragan almost defeated Jack Atlas.
Lyra and Misaki: What?
Sect: It's true. Whilst you guys were helping out Team Taiyo, me, Aura and Toru went to the stadium to see what the other finalists were made of.
Aura: Dragan was selected for a duel against Jack, fortunately, the duel wasn't finished… but still. Their Aesir cards are… unbelievable…
Lyra: We have to stop Yliaster. I say the best course of action is to allow ourselves to make it to the finals.
Team Shining Storm: Right.
(Evening- New Domino Plaza- Arc Cradle looms over New Domino City. Team Ragnarok stand at the railing)
Dragan: I see now what you were speaking of, Halldor. (In Halldor's left eye, a blue 'F' rune lights up against his iris. In Dragan's eye, a 'P' rune shines green.) This is most troubling.
Halldor: Indeed, it is, Dragan. Most troubling.
Broder: It seems a grave threat is approaching. (His rune eye glows magenta. They look up again toward the Arc Cradle. Lyra, Toru, and Sect ride towards the same plaza. They brake a distance away, looking up at Arc Cradle.)
Toru: Check it out...!
Sect: What is that thing?
Toru: I dunno, but it can't be good. (Lyra puts up his helmet visor.)
Broder: Whatever it is, it is intriguing to know we're not the only ones who can see it. (The three duelists of Team Ragnarok regard them from the shallow set of stairs.)
Lyra: It's Team Ragnarok!
(Halldor regards Team Shining Storm with a stiff frown. Broder smiles slightly, Dragan shows a face devoid of emotion. Lyra, Sect and Toru step forward to face them at the bottom of the steps. All three Rune Eyes light up and Lyra and Toru's marks light up, along with Sect's red Beelze eyes.)
Toru: What's with their eyes?!
Sect: I dunno, Toru; but something's happening that's activating your marks and our seals!
Broder: Ah, yes, we've heard quite a bit about you three. The ones who bear the marks of the dragons!
Dragan: As you seem to have noticed...
Halldor: (Points to his eye) We three bear a mark as well.
Lyra: So those aren't contacts?
Halldor: Enough joking. The safety of our world hangs in the balance.
Lyra: 'Hangs in the balance'?
Halldor: That's right. This mysterious object in the sky, has released a cosmic force that has altered time and space and now threatens our very existence. The object in the sky is an omen for this... Fimbulwinter will be here soon.
Lyra: Fimbulwinter?
Halldor: Yes... it is an event well-known in Norse mythology. It is an epic battle.
Lyra: Wait, what're you saying, that this battle is gonna happen soon?
Halldor: Yes. How soon, I know not... but... I can tell you that I believe this object that we see floating above... has a connection with the duelists who have formed Team New World.
Lyra: How do you know all of this?
Halldor: My eye shows me many things; and one of them is quite dreadful.
Lyra: Huh...!
Halldor: Team New World must be defeated... and that is our mission— the mission of the duelists with the Rune Eyes! Lyra, three bear the Rune Eyes because we bear the power of the three mighty legends. These legends you may've heard of; they were noble, they were righteous, they were the Nordic Gods.
Lyra: The three Nordic Gods? What're you talking about, aren't those just cards?
Halldor: Ah, they are much more than that. The Nordic Gods once existed as flesh and blood. It's true, they are cards now. But cards that still hold the power of the gods themselves! You see, they were sealed in these cards... so they would be available when the world needed them. Well, now they are needed. I know because I saw the threat that approaches. They say the three Nordic Gods, have the power to fend off the gravest of threats. So, we are going to use that power, against the threat that is now fast approaching. After all, this is our duty.
Lyra: We're still talking about the Emperors, right?
Halldor: That is correct, Lyra, they hold the key to everything. Which is why we must face them, because only then, will the full scope of their plan be revealed.
Sect: So, taking on Team New World is why you entered this whole thing?!
Lyra: Listen, guys, we wanna take them down, too. We should all just work together.
Halldor: (Shows his Odin card, and it lights up.) Sorry, but I'm afraid the three Nordic God Cards, don't believe you're an ally worth having, Lyra.
Lyra: What?
Halldor: (Smiles condescendingly.) The person who was going to bring calamity to the world, was your god-father, was it not, Lyra? And since you have inherited his throne, you have it in you to cause the same damage that he did.
Lyra: That's not true! I may have inherited Arcadia's throne, but I don't intend to bring a war like my god-father did! He was bad, and I'm not. I inherited the dreams of my own family, it's why I'm in this tournament, to help psychic duellists over the world like my real dad did, not like my god-father!
Halldor: So you say, but I suppose we'll just have to let our upcoming duel reveal what's what.
Toru: Just forget about these three bozos, Lyra. It's not like we need their help, anyhow.
Dragan: Ah, Toru, I see your diva attitude is just Like Jack Atlas'.
Toru: My what?!
Dragan: You heard me! You're so arrogant I'll bet you still think you really are a championship duellist!
Toru: Are you sure about that? Don't go mocking me, Dragan!
Dragan: I couldn't be more sure, after all, guys like you are the reason I lost heart in duelling.
Toru: I am?
Dragan: Yes! It all started one morning when I decided it was time for me to leave home and make a name for myself as a duelist. However, in order to do that, I would need to find a card that was as strong as my competitive instincts. I soon found what I was looking for. One of the three Nordic God Cards. Thor. My father was there with me. He saw the connection I felt to Thor. And he saw Thor's might! My father was badly injured when the cave collapsed. Luckily, got 'im to a hospital. However, the operations that my father needed to get better weren't cheap. And unfortunately... we had no money. I didn't know what to do... Until... An opportunity presented itself. I couldn't refuse. But at the same time, I couldn't understand why I was selected to be Jack's opponent. Back then, he was a duelling star. But soon I realized— they wanted me to be your opponent because you were a star. See— I was a nobody. They figured I would to what I was told— especially if the price was right. And what I was told... was to lose the match. Losing on purpose was against every instinct I had as a duelist— but with my father's wellbeing on the line, I had to reject those instincts. I had to accept the instructions that Lazar gave me and throw the match!
Toru: You liar! Jack defeated you with pure skill in that duel, that's all!
Dragan: No! He defeated me because he was a product that made Goodwin money, and he wanted to keep making money; but now... it's payback time! Toru, I can see it in your eyes, you know it's true.
Toru: Rrrrggghhh...!
Dragan: Our duel— was a setup! All one needs to do is remember how the events of that day unfolded. Perhaps the crowd was too pumped up to notice, but he must've seen that the fix was in! His moves were pathetic, Toru! I saw a myriad of ways to take him down. But I wasn't allowed to use any of them! The crowd went crazy. That's what they came to see, after all; the star monster of their star duelist— It made me absolutely sick. Seeing the way he was showboating, how he was so full of false confidence— it awakened the competition in me. Suddenly, I found myself wanting to beat him, no matter what the cost. I lost the match... but I won my father's health. I never regretted what I did... but at the same time, I never stopped thinking about what could've been.
Toru: Oh, please— you're just sore! I'll bet you created that whole story just to make yourself feel better! The truth is, though, you lost fair and square!
Dragan: No, Toru, the truth is— if I had used my trump card, I would've won the match.
Toru: You're off your rocker!
Dragan: Enough small talk— we can settle this matter another way!
Toru: Yeah; with a match! So, since we have to duel for the Grand Prix anyhow, this should make things extra interesting! (Dragan's Rune Eye lights up, then Broder's, then Halldor's. The Signer and Beelze marks glow.) Huh?
Lyra: Huh.
Sect: Huh?
Halldor: Then it's settled! Tomorrow we duel to settle things between Toru and Dragan— but even more importantly, to see which of our teams gets to advance to the Grand Prix semi-finals—
Lyra: Where we'll have the chance to take on the real villains— so you'd better believe— we're gonna rev it up!
(Lazar's Office- Lazar playing Mario on DS.)
Lazar: Come onn... get there...! Ooh, yeah... that's it...! (The door slides open and Jack strides in unannounced. Lazar jumps, hides the game, and switches to paperwork. Lazar gasps.) Eeep! Don't you knock?! I'm very busy here!
Jack: I want you to tell me right now, Lazar, is it true what he said?!
Lazar: (Stops scribbling.) He who?
Jack: Dragan, from Team Ragnarok! He said you paid him to throw the match back when we duelled! He said the whole thing was set up.
Lazar: Well, of course it was. (Sees the Jack and quickly scribbles on some paperwork.) Euh, I mean, of course it was a lie, what he said.
Jack: (Leans forcefully on the desk, Lazar cowers.) Quit playing games, runt!
Lazar: (His 'paperwork' is increasingly shaky scribbles on blank paper.) Ahh...
Jack: You did pay 'im, didn't you?! Tell me why!
Lazar: (Starts to sweat) Why? Oh, I wish I could help you out, Jack, but, you see, it was such a long time ago and at my age...
Jack: I see. So, you don't remember. (Jack reaches over and grabs Lazar by his collar, pulling him up nose-to-nose.) Well, maybe I can jog your memory!
Lazar: Ah, no need for that; somehow it all just came back to me! Here's the thing, Jack, back when you faced Dragan you were a big turbo-duelling star. And Director Goodwin wanted to keep it that way; after all, a big name draws a big crowd, and a big crowd draws big cash.
Jack: Huh!
Lazar: Ah, don't take it personally, Jack; it's showbiz! I mean you were still a very good duelist, just maybe not... ooh... (Jack sets him down gently) ...Quite as good as you thought you were. (He watches Jack walk out, then the door shuts behind him. Lazar flops back down into his chair with a sigh of relief.) That's right— and stay out!
(Toru's Garage)
Misaki: I can't believe it's true. I can't believe Goodwin paid Dragan to throw the match.
Sect: Yeah, well, when it comes to that snake Goodwin, I can believe pretty much anything. I just worry about Jack— this can't be too easy for 'im.
Saph: No joke, you guys, so maybe we should all just drop it! Whaddya say, Lyra?
Lyra: Yeah.
Toru: Hey— (Runs upstairs, showing everyone a small box.) You gotta check this out.
Saph: Wait— is that—
Toru: Yep, it's Jack's movie! You know, about his rise to the top? I heard Jack duelled Dragan back in the day and I thought we could watch to prep up! Uh- what's wrong?
Lyra: It's, a long story.
Toru: (Slides open the disc case.) Save it— for after the movie! Heh! (Hands Lyra the video case and puts the disc in the player. Lyra looks at the front of the case.)
Lyra: Hmph...
(Middle of New Domino City. Jack stands on a bridge, slouching, watching LED signs reflect on the water.)
Jack: "(I can't believe Dragan was telling the truth.") (Pounds a fist on the brick.) I was never a duelling champ! (Walks away from the rail, shoulders hunched.) I was a chump... and I always will be.
(Toru's Garage- On the TV screen, is a duelling field diagram with two cards face-down and Top Runner on the field.)
Bruno: Shush! Jack's movie's playing! (Misaki, Aura and Saph watch closely from the couch, Sect and Toru from chairs, and Lyra stands behind them, arms folded.)
Movie Jack: Ha! I see you've been paralyzed with fear! Well don't be ashamed; that's often the case when a weak duelist like yourself faces me!
Movie Dragan: I summon Garmr of the Nordic Beasts!
Movie Jack: My turn now- first, I summon forth Power Breaker from my hand! Next, my level-four Top Runner will tune with that level-four Power Breaker! Behold, 6:00 in an inferno of power and might, a blazing new beast is now forged! I synchro-summon, Red Dragon Archfiend! Take heart, my little amateur duelling friend— Red Dragon Archfiend and I are about to put you out of your misery! Archfiend, attack!
Aura: Twenty-two-hundred points of damage in one attack?
Movie MC: All Jack has to do now is connect with a direct attack next turn, and he'll win this duel!
(Toru turns off the TV.)
Misaki: Did you see that? After Garmr of the Nordic Beasts was destroyed, Dragan didn't try any kind of counterattack.
Sect: Right, yet I remember 'im saying that he could've easily beaten Jack, had he not agreed to lose.
Lyra: And if you notice, Dragan had a facedown card out. A facedown card that he never used.
Misaki: Right. The card he could've won with. Huh? (Jack is walking the stairs.)
Toru and Sect: Huh?
Sect: Hey, Jack.
Jack: (Looks from Aura and Saph, aware something's going on that he's not supposed to know about. Sect scratches the back of his head, and Lyra frowns at the floor.) What's that down there?
Toru: (Jumps. He dashes to pick it up the disc and hide it.) Uh! That? Oh, it's nothing, nothing at all, see, it's gone! I have no idea what you're talking about! (Jack scowls. No one speaks, then Saph breaks the silence.)
Saph: Uh. Look, Jack, it's nothing to worry about. Who cares that some guy let you win. I mean, I'm sure that kinda thing happens all the time!
Jack: Rrrgggh!
Saph: Huh?
Jack: What're you saying, that my entire duel record is built on lies?! That all the skills I thought I had are really just make-believe?! That I'm a giant fraud, a big fat phony full of baloney?!
Lyra: Whoa, Jack—
Jack: That's it, I'm out of here! (Storms downstairs again to go to Poppo Time.)
Saph: I didn't mean that it happens to him all the time!
Aura: Wasn't it cute how he rhymed 'baloney' with 'phony'? (Lyra looks worriedly downstairs.)
(Poppo Time- Jack is sitting in the armchair on the stair landing in the dark, eyes closed, when Lyra enters from the front door to join him.)
Jack: Hey, Lyra. Sorry about blowing my top; this has just been really hard on me. Can you apologise to Saph for me?
Lyra: Of course, Jack. She knows what you're going through.
Jack: Does she? I'm not quite sure I do. See Lyra, as much as I want to be mad at Dragan there's a part of me that can't help feeling sorry for him and all the awful things he had to go through.
Lyra: Listen; you can't keep torturing yourself with this. There's nothing good that can come of it, Jack.
Jack: Maybe; but maybe not. (Pounds his fist on the arm of the chair.) That's the thing—a I don't know what to think! Am I as good a duelist as I thought I was all these years?! Should I be angry at Dragan or just let it go?
Lyra: There's one solution to your problem, Jack. (Jack looks up at Lyra.) At tomorrow's turbo-duel... Toru's gonna face Dragan with all of the strength that he has. Let a duel sort this out.
Jack: (Scowls, nods, and stands; he steps past Lyra, heading upstairs.) So be it, Lyra. One way or another, tomorrow will put this all to rest. (Lyra turns to walk to the door and watches Jack go, smiling slightly.)
(Stadium- The WRGP logo hangs holographically in the air above the site of the match. The duelling tracks of the final round course are a dizzying spiral.)
MC: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the World Racing Grand Prix, where the stakes have never been so high! (The stands are packed with fans of all ages, right up to the rafters. After all, this is the start of the finals before the semi-final round!
(Beside the track- Team Shining Storm stand ready and waiting.)
MC: Team Shining Storm is revved up and ready to go full-throttle against their adversary of the day— Team Ragnarok! (Ragnarok's pit crew is in shades of green, orange, and white. Dragan, Broder, and Halldor await the match.)
MC Can they keep their cool with their polarizing proficiencies and snowball their way to a victory?!
(Lazar's Viewing Platform- Lazar is sat on a sofa, a pair of bodyguards stand at the windows either side of him.)
Lazar: Ohh, sweet winds of destiny, I beg you— Please, oh please, let Toru win this duel, because if he doesn't there's a very good chance... that Jack's going to battle me! And I look so much better in one piece. (One of the suits glances back at him. Lazar clears his throat and rises from the couch to walk to the window.) Hm. What I meant to say, was, you deserve to win, Toru— to right a terrible wrong Jack was dealt! ...Yeah... that's it...
(Stadium- Toru and Dragan are glaring resolutely at each other across the track.)
Broder: The time has finally come, Dragan. (Dragan turns to his teammates.) ...For redemption!
Dragan: Broder... Halldor... thanks. If it wasn't for you two, I don't think I would've ever recovered after I threw that match with Jack. But you both helped me carry on; with my duelling, with my life. (His teammates smile at him) So whatever happens today, I'm just thankful to be a part of Team Ragnarok.
Broder: (Puts a hand on Dragan's shoulder.) I'll tell you what's going to happen, Dragan; you're gonna show Toru and all the world what should've happened all those years back.
Halldor: And as a result of that, we'll win our way to the final match. (Dragan nods.)
(Starting Line- Toru and Dragan take the starting line.)
MC: And our first two duelists have made their way to the starting line! Dragaaaaan and Toru! (Both look straight ahead, resolved.)
(Team Shining Storm Pit Booth)
Saph: Are you sure he's gonna be okay out there?
Lyra: Yeah.
(Starting line- Speed World 2 activates on both screens.)
Duel Runners: Duel mode engaged.
Dragan: All right, Toru— it's time that we settle this once and for all!
Toru: You know what, Dragan? I don't think I coulda said it any better myself! (Countdown clock begins its count.) ("Time to see how good I really am!")
(Team Shining Storm Pit Booth)
Lyra: ("Here we go.")
(Starting Line- The clock turns green, and the two duelists leave the mark, Toru a length ahead of Dragan.)
MC: Team Shining Storm takes the lead!
(Duel Track- Toru and Dragan race out onto it, Dragan still well behind.)
(Team Ragnarok Pit Booth)
Broder: Whoa, Toru isn't wastin' any time!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: That's a pretty good top speed you've got for your runner there— but mine's even faster!
Toru: Way to go, Dragan, it seems you're gaining on me. Just one thing, though— that wasn't my top speed! (They enter the curve and Toru leaves Dragan behind, cutting across his path toward the inside of the curve.) This is!
MC: Toru has rounded the corner first!
(Team Shining Storm Pit Booth)
Sect: Yeah! It's Toru's move!
(Duel Track)
Toru and Dragan: Go time! (They draw their opening hands in unison.)
Dragan: Impossible...! The cards I drew...! They're the same as when Jack an' I duelled before...! It's as if... Fate has stepped in...! (He and Toru fly down the track, out over the ocean.) ("I don't understand. How can this be? The cards I drew... they're the same as what I drew in my match with Jack. It can only mean one thing. Not only do Toru and I want this settled— but a force bigger than us wants it settled as well!")
Toru: My draw! (Draws) Let's get to it. I summon Scrap Chimera! I then end my turn with two face-downs. It's your move now, Dragan! So let's see if you really have what it takes to win; or if you're just all talk, simply a sore loser.
Dragan: ("I am a sore loser— because I never should've lost in the first place!") Now to set things right, it's my draw! (Draws and smiles) Hmph. I summon Garmr of the Nordic Beasts! Next, I'll throw a facedown. (Looks down at the card that would have won him the previous duel, and slots it into place.) Your turn, Toru!
Toru: ("Indeed it is.") And this turn... Will be a powerful one. I summon, Scrap Beast! Now, level 4 Scrap Chimera, tune your strength with level 4 Scrap Beast! Behold— as both these monsters meld into a metal monster formed from Scrap-Iron! I Synchro Summon the Scrap Dragon!
MC: I can't believe it! Toru Kamiminosota has unleashed his ultimate monster in a mere turn!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: The question is...
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: Can he finish Dragan off like he did last time, or will Dragan fend him off?
Broder: Guess we'll find out.
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: I sure hope Toru knows what he's doing here.
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: At last, it's time for some payback!
(Duel Track)
Toru: All right, Dragan— this is what you wanted, right? We're at the exact point you and Jack were at right before ya threw your match! And now, Dragan, I'm going to do the exact same thing- Scrap Dragon, attack Garmr of the Nordic Beasts! Go, Scrap Cannon!
Dragan: I play my face-down! The trap Nordic Relic Brisingamen!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: Whoa!
Sect: Wonder what it does?
(Duel Track)
Toru: A piece of jewellery? That's what you've been waiting to play, for all of these years?
Dragan: Ohh, no, Toru, it's not just some piece of jewellery. It's one with a very special ability; an ability that changes the attack points of one of my monsters to match that of one of yours! And the monster I'm choosing to match is your Scrap Dragon!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: Oh no, so now Dragan's monster is as strong as Toru's!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: But there's more. Since Garmr's been powered up by this effect, if he destroys one of your monsters, you take damage equal to that monster's attack points!
Toru: I what?
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Bruno: But that means—! If Dragan destroys Scrap Dragon, Toru's gonna take nearly 3000 points of damage!
Sect: I guess that Dragan wasn't just a sore loser...
(Duel Track)
Toru: Well played, Dragan; I'm impressed. But your little strategy won't mean a thing if you can't follow through on your next turn. And I don't plan to let you! I play a trap, Imperial Scrap-Iron Wall, so now, because I control a Scrap monster and one of your monster's attack points changed, I can select that monster and destroy it! Go, Scrap Dragon! And Scrap Dragon also gains 700 attack points; and lets me summon a Scrap monster from the grave, but it can't attack this turn! Welcome back, Scrap Chimera! And now Scrap Chimera's attack points are converted into damage! (Dragan LP- 4000- 2700)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: All right! That'll teach 'im to take on Scrap Dragon!
(Duel Track)
Toru: Now, Dragan, perhaps you see— our first match, would've ended precisely as this one did! Hehehehahahah—
Dragan: Oh, but Toru... hehehe, the match hasn't ended, yet. I always knew full well that Garmr would be destroyed. It was the key to the next phase of my plan.
Toru: Plan?
Dragan: That's right; ya see, Toru, since Garmr has perished, I'm now allowed to summon this monster directly from my hand to the field. Now rise, Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts in defense mode! At last, Toru, the real battle begins!
(Team Shining Strom Booth)
Sect: All this time I thought that trap was Dragan's whole plan!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: He never even saw it coming.
Broder: Not surprised; Toru's part of Team Shining Storm and they aren't the brightest of bulbs.
Halldor: Indeed. If they were, they'd be running for cover right now.
(Duel Track)
Toru: I now place one card facedown and end my turn.
Dragan: My draw! (Draws) First, I switch Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts from defense mode to attack mode! And with this switch to offense comes an offensive reinforcement! I can now summon another Nordic Beast from my deck to the field. I'm choosing, this ferocious brute! Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts! And next, since you have a synchro monster on your field, I'm allowed to summon this card from my hand; the tuner monster, Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Aura: Not a tuner monster!
Sect: Oh, no.
Lyra: He's setting the stage to summon Thor, Lord of the Aesir!
Misaki: Of course...! That's why the Brisingamen that Dragan used was so important! It set off a chain of events that made the conditions perfect for his ultimate beast!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: Now, without further ado, Level 4 Guldfaxe, tune with level 3 Tanngrisnir and level 3 Tanngnjostr! Behold, as the Nordic glaciers of old give way, and from the deepest chasms of ice, an ancient and powerful hero emerges! A hero who wields the quaking power of a pounding avalanche! (Dragan's Rune Eye lights up as he looks above him.) Behold— the ultimate— the supreme— Thor, Lord of the Aesir! (The sky has goes purple with moody clouds that crackle lightning. A beam of green light appears with Dragan's monster.)
(MC's Quarter's.)
MC: There he is, Dragan's ultimate monster! The mighty Thor, Lord of the Aesir! I'm so excited I can barely stand it! (He almost falls off the table he's standing on but regains balance.) Whoaaa! Or stand up!
(Back of Team Shining Storm's Booth)
Sly: What's the deal with this monster?!
Seria: Besides being monstrous I don't know!
Sly: I've heard of it card before... but I never thought that it really existed...!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: This card... it changes everything.
(Duel Track)
Toru: So, one of the three Nordic Gods has finally appeared! However, your ace monster has just 3500 attack points. And as you recall, due to my trap, Scrap Dragon's points increased to the same amount! These numbers add up to just one thing, our monsters are still evenly matched!
Dragan: Well, he's about to be knocked off it! I activate Thor's special ability! With it, once per turn, I can negate the special ability of one of your cards and then use that special ability for myself— or I should say, for Thor!
Toru: What?!
Dragan: And, the ability I choose to negate and take is Scrap-Iron Wall, meaning that now Thor, Lord of the Aesir's attack points are boosted by 700!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: Whoa, 4100 attack points!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: What a cruel twist of fate; Toru kept Scrap Wall so that he could keep Scrap Dragon strong, but now, Scrap Wall is what will do Archfiend in!
Halldor: Not just Archfiend— Toru too, and all of Team Shining Storm.
(Duel Track)
Dragan: I've been waiting for this moment, Toru; ever since I let Toru win our first match all those years ago. And now, the moment is here! Thor, Lord of the Aesir! Attack Scrap Dragon! Go, Polarizing Pound!
Toru: Uuuuuuuaaaaaagggghhhh...! (Toru LP- 4000- 2800.)
MC: Oh, my word! Toru's ultimate monster has been mashed! And all it took was a single swipe from that super-powered hammer-swinger!
(Lazar's Viewing Platform- Lazar is pressed up against the glass, then falls over.)
Lazar: And I'm- neeext!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: Fight, Toru. Yes, it's true that Thor is strong— now you be stronger!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: Hmph. Look at him; he's done-for.
(Duel Track)
Dragan: There's no question now, Toru; the duelist Jack thought you were was nothing but a great big lie created by Goodwin. Heheheheh. The truth hurts, doesn't it! Well, don't worry— Thor is about to put you out of your misery— for good!
(MC's quarters.)
MC: Toru's ultimate monster has been mashed- and all it took was a single swipe from that super-powered hammer-swinger!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: There's no question now, Toru— the duelist you thought Jack was, was nothing but a great big lie created by Goodwin! I place two cards face-down and end my turn!
Toru: Ugh... come on. Don't let 'im get to you, Toru, focus on the match. ("Focus on how to take that bludgeoning behemoth down! Because if he goes, Dragan goes with 'im, and then, I'll have won back Jack's pride and Team Shining Storm will be well on its way to winning this match!") My turn! (Draws)
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: My, my. Toru still thinks he's in this.
Broder: Reality will set in soon enough.
(Duel Track)
Toru: First I summon the tuner monster Scrap Goblin in defense mode! Next, I switch Scrap Chimera to defense as well! Finally, I'll place one card face-down and end my turn.
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: Toru's fortifying his position! But it won't do any good.
(Duel Track)
Dragan: You fool, Toru! Do you really think you can protect yourself from a God Card? My turn! And first, I'm activating my Nordic God Thor's special ability! With it, I can use your Top Runner's ability to increase Thor's attack points by 600!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: So now he's even stronger?
Aura: That's right, Saph; Thor's ability lets him power up each turn.
Misaki: And Dragan's not done yet.
Lyra: Ugh...!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: Next I play the trap card, Nordic Relic Mjollnir! With Mjollnir, not only can Thor battle twice this turn, but he deals you 1000 points of damage for every monster that he destroys in battle!
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Oh, my! This high-intensity matchup has just gone hiiiigh voltaaaage!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: Now, Thor, Lord of the Aesir, attack Scrap Goblin! Go, Thunderbolt Bludgeon!
Toru: (Life-Points 1800) Aaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhh! (He and his runner go spinning backward, thrown out of control. He rights himself but doesn't push ahead, now far behind Dragan.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Uh-oh! Looks like Toru has been jostled out of control; and is drifting wildly down the duel track!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: Steady it out, Toru!
Misaki: He's fine.
Sect: But just barely! Something's up, Lyra.
Lyra: Yeah. It's like the damage Toru took was real.
All: Huh?
Aura and Saph: Wait, whadya mean, real!
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Whooaa! Unless this duel-caster is dreaming, it looks like Thor's power packs a very real punch!
(Behind Team Shining Storm's Booth)
Seria: But how is that possible when he's not even a psychic duellist? I checked! I can't believe it...
(Team Shining Storm's Booth)
Sect: Lyra, we gotta do something!
Aura: Yeah, Sect's right.
Lyra: Agreed. The question is, what? (Look toward the opposite booth.)
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: How disappointing. I was almost certain that it would appear... that there would be an epic clash. Oh well, I guess Thor simply scared it off.
Broder: No worries. There's still plenty of battle left to behold.
(Duel Track)
Dragan: For my second strike, Thor will now attack your Top Runner! Go, Thunderbolt Bludgeon! (Thor's hammer connects with Scrap Chimera, and Toru skids backward once again, gritting his teeth as his life-points drop to 800. He spins, going into a cloud of dust on the track, hidden from view.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: Toru, oh no!
(MCs Quarters)
MC: Toru is hit again! Can he come back from such a slamming assault?!
(Team Shining Storm Booth- Sect bangs a fist on the table)
Sect: This just isn't fair! Toru's taking real hits out there!
Saph: Real hard hits.
Aura: Uhh, Lyra? What're we gonna do? Toru can't take much more of this.
Lyra: It's fine… Toru can handle it.
Aura: What? You're just gonna sit there and watch him get hurt?
Misaki: Lyra knows what she's doing. And so does Toru.
Aura: I hope so…
(Duel Track)
Dragan: Had enough, Toru?!
(Lazar's Viewing Platform- Lazar falters back from the window and collapses onto the couch.)
Lazar: Oh no...! He's lost! Ugh! Toru's lost! Huh! (stands up) And he's going to blame me! I've got to pack my bags! I've got to hide out somewhere! Maybe grow a moustache!
(Team Ragnarok's Booth)
Halldor: Hm. One Shining Storm member down, a mere two more members to go.
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Aura and Saph: Hold on!
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Toru hasn't lost! He's weathered the wallop and looks rarin' to go!
(Duel Track)
Toru: Sorry, Dragan, but if you're lookin' to take me down, you're going to have to do a lot better than that!
(Lazar's Viewing Platform- Lazar is pressed up against the window again.)
Lazar: Hooray, Toru's still in this! No more moustache...! Ohh...
(Director's Blue Room)
Lester: Hohoho! My, this is so exciting! But then of course, watching humans squirm always is! (Kicks his feet and laughs. Primo and Jakob sit silently.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth- Aura and Saph sigh with relief; Lyra and Misaki remain apprehensive.)
Saph: Toru had me worried there!
Sect: Yeah, me too, but we should know never to count him out! Heheh!
Aura: Yeah.
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: I must admit, I'm impressed.
Halldor: Indeed, Broder; he's plucky. It seems this duel means as much to Toru as it does to Dragan.
(Duel Track)
Dragan: So be it, Toru! If you want me to dish out even more punishment, I'll be happy to accommodate you! Just remember, though, you asked for it!
Toru: Is that right!? Well you should remember something as well, Dragan— in a duel punishment can be dished out both ways, pal! I play my trap, Call of the Haunted, and with it, I can bring out a ghost from the past, because I'm bringing back Scrap Chimera! And since Chimera was brought back, I can also summon back my Dragon!
Dragan: Rrrghh…
Toru: You didn't really think this duel was over, did you?!
Dragan: Hm!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: Toru went to great measures keeping those two tuners out. Clearly, he's planning to summon a synchro monster. And I say go right ahead; no monster stands a chance against Thor! I place one card face-down and end my turn!
Toru: Then now it's my turn! So here goes! (Draws) First, I play the effect of the field spell Speed World Two! Now by removing 4 speed counters, you take 800 points of damage— for each speed spell card in my hand!
Dragan: (LP- 2300- 1500) I see, Toru, since you can't hurt Thor, you've set your sights on my life-points instead.
Toru: Wishful thinking, Dragan; not only can I hurt Thor, but I will, too! Right now! Here's your first helping of punishment— I activate Scrap-Iron Wall's effect in the grave, therefore, I can reduce my chimera's attack points down to the level of a monster in my hand, and speaking of that monster, I'm summoning him, Scrap Mind Reader!
Dragan: So, you brought 'im back to battle simply to use as a great big shield?
Toru: If only you were so lucky, Dragan.
Dragan: Say what?
Toru: (Raises a fist, and brings it to his chest, his fist lights up and so does the rest of him.) Dragan— I want you to look very closely upon me. D'you see this glow? It's the glow of my raging spirit! My Phoenix Soul! (On the back of his neck, his seal lights up.) Level 1 Scrap Mind Reader, tune with Scrap Chimera and Scrap Dragon!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder and Halldor: Oh no!
(Duel Track- Toru brandishes his Wing Sign and raises his palm to the sky— in it appears a card.)
Toru: Behold as the stars high above in the sky, and the fire deep down below in the earth, collide in an earthly explosion to synchro-summon— Scrap Phoenix Dragon!
Dragan: Hah...!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Aura: That thing's huge! There's no way Toru can lose now!
Sect: Awesome!
Lyra: All right! Time to turn this duel around, Toru! Let's go!
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Absolutely astounding! Two titans are about to go toe-to-toe!
(Director's Blue Room)
Lester: What is that monster? (Primo leans forward.)
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: (He and Halldor watch the duelists race past. Broder is typing hastily on his console.) I've never seen that beast before! I have no data on it! (He and Halldor both look up, stunned.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: Lyra... where'd Toru get that card?
Lyra: Satisfaction Town. It's... a part of who he is.
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: The Scrap Phoenix Dragon! My rune eye... (His rune eye lights up) senses a great deal of power!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: Lyra— look!
Lyra: Scrap Phoenix Dragon and Thor— it's like they're squaring off!
(Duel Track- The two shields keep kicking off sparks.)
Dragan: Seems today you've decided to unveil a new monster! So be it! Let's just see what 'e's got! Now, Toru— do your worst!
Toru: Impossible. See, Scrap Phoenix Dragon gains 500 attack points for every tuner monster that's in my graveyard. Right now, I have two; Scrap Beast and Scrap Mind Reader, so Phoenix powers up by 1000!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: 4500 attack points?
Sect: Phoenix is the stronger monster!
Lyra: Right. Thor, Lord of the Aesir, has just 3500 attack points. So that means, if Scrap Phoenix Dragon attacks and destroys Thor, 1000 of damage will be dealt, and Dragan'll have just 300 life-points left!
Misaki: And the best part is, on the next turn Toru will've accumulated four speed counters, so if he uses Speed World Two's effect—
Sect: Then no matter what monster Dragan has out on defense, Toru can still deal him 800 points of damage!
Saph: And that's more than enough to beat 'im in this duel!
Aura: Mm-hmm.
(Duel Track)
Toru: Now, Scrap Phoenix Dragon, attack Thor, Lord of the Aesir! Go, Phoenix Soul Strike!
Dragan: It seems you still don't understand. The three Nordic Gods aren't simply duel cards, they were once real and ruled the earth! Therefore, their power's real as well— and the likes of you will never vanquish it! I play my face-down— Raging Sacred Curse! I'm only allowed to activate this card when a god is present on my field— a god like Thor! And because he is, I can now reduce one of your monster's attack points by two thousand!
Toru: Oh no, Scrap Phoenix Dragon!
Dragan: Oh yes, and the monster affected by Sacred Curse can't be disaffected with any of your spell or trap cards!
Toru: No!
Dragan: Next, I activate another trap card, Solemn Authority! Now, until my second standby phase, Thor, Lord of the Aesir isn't affected by the effects of any trap cards that you may seek to ensnare him with.
Toru: Ugh...
(Team Shining Storm Boot- Sect hits the counter with his fist.)
Sect: Oh, great! And things were looking so bright! Now so long as Thor is on the field, not only can Toru not use a spell or trap card to power up Scrap Phoenix Dragon—
Misaki: But he can't activate any trap card against Thor, Lord of the Aesir, either.
(Duel Track)
Dragan: Accept it, Toru— you've been outmanoeuvred, outmatched, and straight-up out-duelled!
Toru: You're wrong!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: Poor Toru; he's clearly in denial. After all, Thor has 3500 attack points, and Toru's Scrap Phoenix Dragon now has but 2500. When this battle concludes, Toru will take 1000 points of damage. And since he only has a mere 800 left, he'll lose!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: It's over, Toru! Go, Thunderbolt Bludgeon!
Toru: Seems like it's all coming down to this! So, if you're with me, guys, let me know! (Brandishes his Wing Sign and it lights up.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Aura and Saph: We are!
Misaki: We're here.
Lyra: Feel us—
Sect: And the bond we share!
Lyra: Go, Toru!
(Duel Track)
Toru: I activate my face-down card, the trap Scrap Rebirth! With it, I release Scrap Phoenix Dragon!
Dragan: You're dumping 'im?!
Toru: That's right- because due to Scrap Rebirth's effect, by sacrificing Scrap Phoenix Dragon, I can then bring back Scrap Dragon from my graveyard, and this time it's equipped with Scrap Rebirth. However, when I get rid of Scrap Rebirth, Scrap Archfiend must leave the field with it!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: How's this happening? I thought Scrap Phoenix Dragon could no longer be affected by Toru's spells or traps!
Lyra: He can't be; but Toru didn't use his trap's effect on Scrap Phoenix Dragon. Ya see, Saph, in order to use Scrap Rebirth, Toru had to release Phoenix as a cost.
Misaki: Uh-huh— and now Dragan's finally gonna pay the price!
(Duel Track)
Toru: Rise up- mighty Scrap Dragon!
Dragan: Huh! That was very clever, to dismiss phoenix, Toru. However, Scrap Dragon has just 3000 attack points! Thor, Lord of the Aesir overpowers him by 700!
Toru: We'll just see about that!
Dragan: Huh?
Toru: Ya see, Dragan, Scrap Rebirth has a second effect; by sending a tuner monster and Rebirth to the grave, I'm allowed to summon the synchro I first released! So, guess who's comin' back!
Dragan: Oh no!
Toru: (Shows Scrap Searcher.) Now this card from my hand, along with Scrap Dragon and the Scrap Rebirth out on my field, will be sacrificed so a great power can rise once more! Now— without any further ado— return to the duel, mighty Scrap Phoenix Dragon! And due to Phoenix Dragon's special ability, an additional 500 points're infused into his attacking total for every tuner monster in my graveyard! So, since I have three— Scrap Searcher, Scrap Mind Reader, and Scrap Beast— Red Nova Dragon's assault capabilities are upgraded by a power-packed 1500!
Dragan: 5000 attack points!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: Amazing...! By sending Scrap Phoenix Dragon to the grave and then re-summoning him to the field, Toru was able to sidestep the effect of Raging Sacred Curse! (sits) I've never witnessed such a strategy before!
Halldor: And to make matters worse, Phoenix is now stronger than Thor. Much stronger!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: Way to go, Toru!
Sect: Now, take 'im down, buddy!
(Duel Track)
Toru: I intend to! Scrap Phoenix Dragon, attack with Phoenix Soul Strike!
Dragan: (LP- 900- 0) Aaaghh...!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: (Gasp)
Broder: Dragan!
(Duel Track- Dragan's runner vents open up, pouring steam. As he glides down the track, Toru pulls even with him, is fist in the air.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: And the duel between Toru and Dragan has been decided! Behold, your victor!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: Yeah!
Aura: All right!
Saph: Awesome, right on!
Sect: He did it! Toru won, Lyra!
Lyra: Yeah. (Lyra, Sect and Misaki bump fists. Aura, and Saph high-five)
Misaki: All right!
(Lazar's Viewing Platform)
Lazar: Toru... won...?! Ugh... I'm so relieved that he's not going to knock me out that I could just pass out! (Flops on the floor.) Ugh...
(MC's Quarters)
MC: This crowd is going completely crazy for Toru!
(Duel Track)
Dragan: Well, it seems that you and Jack Atlas truly are a champions, Toru Kamiminosota.
Toru: Dragan, this duel with you has taught me not to care about titles anymore. There's only one thing that really matters now— where all my focus is.
Dragan: And where's that?
Toru: It's getting to the Grand Prix finals and helping to stop Team New World.
Dragan: I see... (Dragan looks down at his runner console, then closes his eyes.) It would seem that you and I are not all that different. After all, it's become quite clear that we both have the same ultimate goal. But Toru... only one of us can reach that goal, and even though I do respect you now, I can't let it be you! It will be my team, the team with the Rune Eyes! (Rune Eye glows) Team Ragnarok!
Toru: What's this?!
(Behind Team Shining Storm's Booth.)
Sly: What's that shaking!?
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: He's back?!
Misaki: Yeah, it sure looks that way!
(Duel Track)
Toru: What is going on!?
Dragan: I may have lost, but Thor has not. You see, when a god on the field is destroyed and sent to the graveyard he's summoned back to the field during that turn's end phase!
Toru: He's what?!
Dragan: That's right, Toru Kamiminosota, your mighty Scrap Phoenix Dragon may've won this early battle, but the war is far from over! Oh, and when Thor is re-summoned due to this special ability, you take 800 points of damage!
Toru: Aaaaaaaagggh...!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Aura and Saph: Huh!
Lyra: He's drifting away!
(Duel Track- Toru can barely lift his head after enduring that attack, he's is all but fainting in his seat.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: Toru— no!
(MC's Quarters.)
MC: Dragan is out! But Toru Kamiminosota is hanging on by a thread!
(Team Ragnarok's Booth- Steam from Dragan's runner fills the air as it halfway careens into Team Ragnarok's pit stop lane. A pit technician runs from Dragan to Broder, who's already ready and waiting on his runner, and hands him the relay sticker. Dragan encouragingly calls across to Broder as the latter slaps the sticker onto his arm.)
Dragan: Finish 'im off, Broder!
Broder: Heh! That shouldn't be a problem, thanks to the God Card ya left in play for me! (Thumbs-up, he peels out and enters the duel.)
Halldor: A great weight has been lifted from your shoulders, Dragan.
Dragan: I guess. I gave that duel everything I'm made of; guess I'm not made of much!
Halldor: Hmph. I sense bitterness in your voice.
Dragan: It's just that Team Shining Storm is really strong.
Halldor: But we are the ones who fight with the strength of the Nordic Gods. Strong they may be, but— Shining Storm will grovel before us three. (Broder zooms out onto the track.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Wheeling in for Team Ragnarok is a warrior named Broder! This snickering upstart is known for using transformation cards, which has earned him the nickname, 'the Trickster'! But will tricks be enough to stop Shining Storm?! Let's find out!
(Duel Track- Broder catches up to within shouting distance of Toru, he rises halfway off of his seat and extends an arm toward Toru.)
Broder: It is truly an honour to meet you, Toru Kamiminosota— let's do this! (Draws.) I place two cards face-down— then activate the big dude's special ability! Which means Thor, Lord of the Aesir, negates Scrap Phoenix Dragon's special ability! Now their attack points are equal. Thing is, my team has a saying— 'never run around thinkin' that you're equal to a god'! To show you why we say that, I got some mutually-assured-destruction action just for you, Toru Kamiminosota! It's time for the titans to clash— go, Thunderbolt Bludgeon! (Toru and Broder are launched airborne, barely staying on their runners. Broder hits the ground swerving widely and enjoying himself a lot.) W-whoa! Wha! Whooo! All right! (Toru spins a few times and rights himself) I end my turn. But, don't think you're off the hook, dude! (The ocean parts and Thor rises from it.) Even though Thor, Lord of the Aesir was destroyed and sent to my graveyard, it resurrects during the end phase, and delivers 800 points of damage! (Thor zaps lightning down onto the track, and Toru dodges around it; it catches him)
Toru: (LP- 100-0) Nnngghhh!
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Whoa! Toru Kamiminosota has been eliminated! He. Is. ouuuut!
(Duel Track- The vents on Toru's runner gush out steam, Toru comes off the track through a duel gate on the side. Broder salutes cheekily over his shoulder as they both come in through the Stadium.)
Broder: See yuh! (Postures for the crowd.) People of Domino City! That— is how you get it done! (The crowd cheers.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: So even if you manage to destroy that God Card…
Lyra: It rises back up. And then hammers out some significant damage. That's gonna be a problem.
(Toru rides in, breathing heavily, as Sect puts on his helmet. Aura and Saph rush to his side.)
Sect: Toru— you okay?
Toru: I'm fine, but— those impacts were real... (Pulls the sticker off and hands it to Aura.) Don't do anything dumb.
Sect: (Takes the sticker from Aura.) Yeah, yeah...
(In the Crowd)
Itsuki, Tsune, and Annie: Sect! Hey Sect!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: Huh? (Looks up to see his kids holding up the banner.)
(In the Crowd)
Itsuki, Tsune, and Annie: Tear it up out there, Sect!
Annie: We're with you, Sect!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: Then there's no way I can lose!
(In the Crowd.)
Tsune: We know you can win!
Itsuki: We're rootin' for ya!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: ("I can't let those little nerds down...")
(Stadium- As Broder rides back into the stadium, he hears the cheering and spots the kids. Then he decisively looks straight ahead. Aura and Saph watch him and Thor pass as Sect rides out onto the track behind them.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: The scariest thing about these God Cards is that each member of Team Ragnarok... has a one of their own.
Lyra: Hopefully Sect'll keep that in mind. It's bad enough dealing with one Nordic God— (Looks at her palm) I'd hate to see Broder somehow bring another one to the field.
(Track- Sect rides through the duel gate and into the lane.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: You know him— you love him— wheeling in for Team Shining Storm is none other than, Sect! (Broder sees Sect's face on his runner screen as his opponent catches up to him.)
Broder: 'Sect', huh? Kinda name is that?
Sect: The kind you're gonna remember! Let's go! It's my turn! (Draws) ("I can't play any traps against this god monster 'cause a' that Solemn Authority he's got in play.") In that case, I guess I'll have to wing it! Literally! I summon Hell Acid Fly! When this monster's been successfully summoned, I can destroy one spell or trap card on the field, say bye-bye to that trap of yours that was protecting Thor! But there's more, see, when I successfully destroy a card with Acid Fly's ability, I'm allowed to take half the points of a monster on your field and add 'em to my Fly's! Go, Abyssal Vacuum! Next I'll activate the effect of Hell Toxic Moth in my hand, see, when I have another one in my hand, I can summon out both Moths out in attack mode! And like a group of bees, these monsters will combine their powers together! I tune my two level 3 Hell Toxic Moths with my level 2 Hell Acid Fly! I synchro Summon Beelze King of Dark Dragons! Beelze, Take down Thor, Lord of the Aesir! (Broder LP- 4000- 2750)
Broder: Rrrrrggghhh...
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Whoa-a, talk about coming out swinging! In one move, Sect has defeated Broder's Nordic God, and managed to land a critical blow!
(Team Shining Storm Booth- Toru has taken Lyra's seat.)
Lyra: Nice!
(Duel Track)
Sect: That god a' yours may be invincible, but so is Beelze, and in the end there's only so much damage you can take.
Broder: I've been wounded! I'm losing already! Ahh, just kiddin'!
Sect: Hm?
Broder: An apple a day keeps the damage away, my friend, and by activating The Golden Apples trap card, I can regain all the battle damage I took this turn!
Sect: Aww, no way!
Broder: Hmhmheheheh! (Life-points 2750- 4000)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: So wait... Sect's attack was pointless?
Aura: We're right back where we started!
(Duel Track)
Broder: Next, I can summon one Malus Token whose attack and defense points are equal to the damage I just took!
Sect: Great, so he regained his life-points, and now he's got a monster with 1250 attack points!") I place two cards face-down and end my turn!
Broder: This is the end phase— so the mighty Thor rises up from the great beyond! And, due to Thor's special ability, you take eight hundred points of damage!
Sect: (Life-points 4000- 3200) ("I gotta do something about that God Card!")
Broder: You just don't get it, Sect; your fate has been sealed, bro! With every monster, spell, and trap that you play, you take one more step towards your own defeat! It's my turn, Sect! But before I can make a move, the effect of my Solemn Authority trap card ends, since this is the second standby phase!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: Good. Now Sect can use a trap card against Thor if he needs to.
Lyra: However...
(Duel Track)
Broder: My Thor's ability will make up for that loss! Not only can the big man negate Beelze's special ability, he can also snag one of its abilities to use as his own! I'll take the whole 'can't be destroyed in battle or card effect' thing.
Sect: Rrrrghh...
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: Without having that special ability...
Lyra: Sect's monster won't be able to survive an assault.
(Duel Track)
Broder: Now I'll attack Beelze with Thor! Go, Thunderbolt Bludgeon! (The hammer connects with Beelze, and Sect and his runner are propelled through the air to land harshly against the bowled edge of the track. Sect rides back down onto level ground, scraping against the track.) Now, I'll attack you with my Malus Token!
Sect: Uuuggghh...! (Life-Points 4000- 2250)
(Crowd)
Tsune and Itsuki: Look out, Sect!
Annie: Be careful!
(Duel Track- Sect's wheels spark, he regains his balance and zooms forward, smiles.)
Sect: I've been waiting for this moment!
Broder: Hm?
Sect: Because, when a monster on my field is destroyed by battle, I can activate the effect of Hammerhead Ant from my hand and can special-summon Beelze straight from my Extra Deck! And since Hammerhead Ant was sent to the graveyard, I can activate the Insect Horde trap card! When an insect on the field is sent to the graveyard, I can use Insect horde to show you an insect in my hand and then send one monster on your field back to your hand!
Broder: Thaat's a bummer.
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: And since Thor is a synchro monster, it returns to Broder's Extra Deck instead of his hand! So now, in order to summon a Nordic God, Broder's gotta meet the summoning requirements all over again!
Lyra: And that's not gonna be easy. Sect set that trap up perfectly!
Saph: Another great move by Team Shining Storm!
(Duel Field)
Sect: Oh, and by the way, Broder, I now regain life-points equal to your Nordic God's attack points— so hurry up an' send that big god a' yours packin', would ya?!
Broder: Nah; don't think so!
Sect: Huh?!
Broder: I reveal my trap! With Nordic Relic Laevateinn, I can destroy one monster that defeated another monster in battle this turn!
Sect: Uh-oh.
Broder: So I'll destroy Thor before I let you benefit from its destruction!
Sect: Oh no, then that means— Thor's gonna hit me with another 800 points of damage!
Broder: Ya know, I have to admit, your little ruse was a clever one. I almost started to think you were genuinely makin' bad moves. But in the end, you just can't out-trick a true trickster like me, ma friend.
Sect: A trickster can't be out-tricked, huh? Guess that goes for both of us, see I grew up in the Satellite and everyone always used to shun me for who I really was. I was abandoned so I turned to tricks to try and make friends, but it only made things worse… but then I met Yusei and Jack and eventually Lyra and Toru and the rest of my team, and they're my friends 'cuz they wanna be, not 'cuz they're afraid!
Broder: I see, but that won't be enough to stop us, let alone Ylisater!
Sect: Rrrgggh...
Broder: Next, I place one card face-down. And now Thor rises again! (Thor rises and lightning explodes around him and crashes down all around Sect and on the track; he weaves and dodges.) And with Thor back in play, you lose 800 life-points!
Sect: (LP-Points 2250- 1450) Yaaaah-aaaaaaggghhh...!
(Team Shining Storm Booth- The team watch Sect ride after Broder on the monitor screen; he weaves unsteadily.)
Toru: Broder had a trap waiting to prevent that God Card from being sent to his Extra Deck.
Lyra: Huh.
(Team Ragnarok Booth.)
Dragan: Very impressive. Broder has found a way to obliterate Thor twice already.
Halldor: Only he would conjure up such a reckless strategy— Broder's playing games with the gods.
(Duel Track- Broder and Thor head back toward the stadium, Sect a good few curves of the track behind.)
Sect: ("My last few life-points— I'm in the danger zone! If he's got 2 Speed Spells in his hand, I'm a goner next turn!")
Broder: You're headin' to full-on wipeout, Sect!
(Crowd)
Tsune, Itsuki and Annie: You can do it, Sect!
(Track)
Sect: Huh?
(Stadium- As Sect rides into the Stadium, he sees the kids holding their banner as they ride past, Broder looks toward it, too.)
Sect: Thanks guys...
Broder: Those little tykes are the reason you're in this, aren't they. Their hope gives you strength. But you're still not strong enough. You can't be allowed to fight Yliaster. I'm the only one who can protect the children!
Sect: 'Protect the children'? Whadya you mean?! Who are you?!
Broder: They used to call me The Seeker. I was a treasure-hunter, a lone wolf. I'd gotten a tip about a galley, sunken off the coast of a small, uncharted island in the tropics. When I surfaced from my dive, I discovered that the island was not uninhabited. They were orphans, children who were displaced due to the conflicts tearing the nearby countries apart. Through an underground pipeline, they had found each other. They had learned that this island was a safe place. They were alone; they had no one to take care of 'em. When I met them... everything changed. My wandering days, were over. Suddenly, this lone wolf, had a pack. We looked after one another; we took care of each other. I'd never been happier. Soon, I learned the stories about the wars that ravaged their homelands. Every single conflict could be traced back to some secret group, some group that operated in the shadows, and behind closed doors, manipulating the world in a never-ending quest for money, and power! As long as this secret group keeps doing its thing, the children of the world will never be safe!
Sect: 'Secret group'?! Are you talking about—
Broder: Yliaster. I knew I had to stop them... but I didn't know how. And that's when I first met Halldor and Dragan. They showed me true power, and I realized that vengeance was within my reach. With the help of the Nordic Gods, I could bring Yliaster down! I'm here to defeat Yliaster, Sect— and I, too, am doin' it for the kids!
Sect: I hear ya.
Broder: My one chance to get to those bullies is right in front a' me, and so close! No way am I lettin' someone weak like you take it away!
Sect: I'll show ya weak! (draws) Right here, right now! I summon Armoured Bee! And then I activate Malevolent Mayfly's effect in my hand, see, if I summoned a level four insect monster this turn, I can summon Mayfly with its level at three! And when I do this, I can draw two cards from my deck! (Draws 2 cards) I'm activating the Speed Force speed spell! When I have at least 4 speed counters, Speed Force stops you from destroying cards on my field with a Spell or Trap until the end phase of my next turn!
Broder: Rrrrgghh...
Sect: And now, due to Armored Bee's special ability, Thor, Lord of the Aesir's attack points are cut in half! And with that outta the way, I'll tune Malevolent Mayfly with Armoured Bee! I synchro-summon— Dark End Dragon! And now, Beelze, King of Dark Dragons, attack Thor, Lord of the Aesir— with Beelze Carnival! (Broder LP- 4000- 2950) I end my turn by placing one card face-down.
Broder: Is that the best that you can do?! Sect doesn't respond. That's too bad. 'Cause Thor rises once again! (Thor rises) An' just like before, you lose 800 life-points! (A rain of lightning down to the track.)
Sect: Actually... things're gonna go a little different this time.
Broder: They are?
Sect: I activate a face-down- Corpse Fruit of the Dead!
Broder: Oh no!
Sect: Now instead of me taking damage, I get that many points back!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: So long as he's got Corpse Fruit out on the field, he can stop Thor from dealing damage when he resurrects!
(Duel Track)
Broder: Mmm, you got some tricks of your own, I see! Nice little move! But you're too busy worryin' about the god looming in front of you to see the real threat.
Sect: Whadya mean by that?
Broder: Heheheh— let's find out! (Draws) I summon, Ljosalf of the Nordic Alfar! Ljosalf's special ability grants me the power to summon a monster from my hand whose level is equal to the combined levels of Malus Token and Ljosalf! I summon the tuner monster Svartalf of the Nordic Alfar!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: A tuner monster! Not good.
Toru: That, Lyra, is an understatement.
(Duel Track)
Broder: Now, my level-five Svartalf of the Nordic Alfar tunes both my level-one Malus Token, and my level-four Ljosalf of the Nordic Alfar! I synchro-summon, Loki, Lord of the Aesir— the ultimate trickster!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: Incredible! (Misaki gasps.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Whooaa, shock and awwwe! We've got two Nordic Gods on the field here, people!
(Duel Track)
Broder: Hahaha! Now this is what I'm talkin' about! Thor is truly great, but I wanted to fight with my own god. Loki is the master of mischief, the king of trickery! Now I've got two Nordic Gods— it's over for you, Sect! Loki, Lord of the Aesir, take out Beelze, King of Dark Dragons!
Sect: I hate to break it to ya, but this is far from over! I reveal my trap; it's Necro Dimension! Now, if Beelze is out on my field and you attack, I can activate this card's power— and remove all your monsters in attack mode from play!
Broder: You what?!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Aura: If they're removed from play, they can't resurrect!
Lyra: This was Sect's plan all along! Broder played right into it!
(Duel Track)
Sect: You probably thought that I thought that you couldn't summon another god to the field— but I was hoping you would! So I could take 'em both out.
Broder: No...! What will I do?! Oh, wait a sec, what'm I sayin', I'm good to go! 'Cause I'm still five steps ahead a you.
Sect: What?!
Broder: Check out Loki's special ability; when Loki attacks, he can also negate and destroy one card in your spell an' trap zone. So much for Necro Dimension.
Sect: Aw, man.
Broder: I'm sorry, Sect; but I'm gonna bury your Beelze. Go, Vanity Blast! (Sect LP- 1450- 1150) Heheheheh. And now for my other god— (side-skids) Thor, Lord of the Aesir, pulverize Dark End Dragon! Go, Thunderbolt Bludgeon! (Sect LP- 1150- 250. Sect winces as Thor pounds his monster.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: I don't think Sect saw that coming! Suddenly, his field is empty and he's got two Nordic Gods staring 'im down!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Aura: No way...
Saph: Is there anything he can do?
Lyra: I dunno.
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Sect's got 250 life-points left—! No cards— none!— and nothing standing between him and the power of the gods! Someone, tell Sect— he's done-for!
(Duel Track— Sect's head is bowed, eyes closed, teeth clenched.)
Broder: 'S all over, Sect. You can fight n' struggle all you want, but against Thor an' Loki? It's all in vain! And now? You've got no monsters on your field! No cards in your hand; and only 250 little life-points standin' between you and defeat. Go ahead an' admit it— your wings're clipped. Team Ragnarok's goin' to the Semi-Finals! We're the ones who're gonna take on Yliaster!
(Crowd)
Girl: Broder!
Woman: Team Ragnarok is amazing!
Man: Yeah!
(Stadium)
Broder: Sweet victory is mine!
(Crowd)
Man: That guy's so far-out!
Girl: You're radical, Broder! (From the railing at the bottom of the stands, the five kids look up at the anti-Shining Storm crowd, intimidated.)
Man: Go, Broder!
Girl: I love you, Broder!
Annie: (Turns to Itsuki.) Um— isn't it gonna make Sect sad that no one is rooting for him?
Itsuki: Whaddaya talkin' about? We're still here; and we're still rootin' for 'im!
Annie: But uh, there's only three of us. He can't even hear us!
Tsune: Mmm-hmm. (Itsuki looks doubtful for a moment, then looks down toward the track.)
(Team Ragnarok Booth- Halldor and Dragan sit at the counter, watching Broder show off for the crowd. Both amused. Sebastian stands at Halldor's shoulder.)
Dragan: Look at Broder taking a victory lap.
Halldor: This battle hasn't been decided; he shouldn't give in to overconfidence.
(Team Shining Storm Booth- Aura and Saph watch the monitor over Misaki's shoulder; Toru sits at the other, while Lyra frowns at the monitor over their shoulders, arms folded.)
Misaki: This is bad.
Saph: Sect can still come back from this, right?
Aura: He can, right?
Toru: Life-points left is life-points left! This duel is not over until it's over.
Misaki: Yeah, um... normally I'd have to agree with you, Toru, but from where I'm sitting this is looking pretty much over. (Aura and Saph look at each-other. Toru sighs bitterly through his teeth; this does look bad. Over her shoulder, Lyra watches the action resolutely.)
Lyra: Maybe not. It all depends on Sect. One wrong move, though— and he's finished.
(Stadium- Broder waves at the crowd, Sect doggedly watches Broder. The two runners glide to the end of a track, exit via a duel gate, and turn onto a freeway headed straight for the bright stadium lights.)
Broder: You're finished, Sect! You can't take out two God Cards in your state! Go ahead and surrender.
Sect: I don't think so! (Draws)
Broder: Alrighty then. You wanna drag your loss out a little— be my guest. (Sect's gaze on Broder's back is intense, as they ride back through the stadium; the crowd is chanting 'Broder! Broder! Broder!'. The banner is still raised.)
Itsuki: Keep fightin', Sect!
Sect and Broder: (Gasp)
(Crowd- Itsuki is raising both poles of the banner, as high as he can lift them.)
Itsuki: You can win this, Sect!
(Duel Track)
Sect: What're you doing up there?!
Broder: Get down, kid! (The two riders zoom past Itsuki and the banner.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: Look up there! (Lyra, Toru and Aura look in the same direction as Misaki)
(Crowd- Just in time for Itsuki to lose his balance on the railing between the crowd and the track, and fall forward.)
Itsuki: Aaaahh! (At the last second, Trudge catches him by the back of the collar and lifts him back into the stands.)
Trudge: Gotcha! (The whole little incident has caught the attention of the stadium.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Whoa-whoa-whoa! Looks like some enthusiastic fan tried to climb over the railing. Looks like he'll be okay, though!
(Duel Track)
Sect: How could he be so careless? 'Least he's all right.
Broder: (Watches with a frown.)
(Crowd.)
Trudge: Not cool! You have to obey the rules when you're watching a match!
Annie: We're so sorry, it's just that—
Itsuki: We wanted Sect to hear us, so we wanted to call out to him from closer! I didn't mean to distract anyone, Officer Trudge.
Trudge: (Scratches his head) Huh...? Kids these days...
(Duel Track)
Broder: Those kids did that just for you...
Sect: I know they did. And that's why— I'm gonna win this for them!
Broder: ("An entire arena cheering for me... but those kids cheering for Sect? That's the real deal.") (Smiles, closing his eyes)
Sect: I'm gonna activate Speed World Two's special effect. By lowering my speed counter by seven, I can draw another card from my deck! (Goes to Draw) It's all or nothing at this point. I draw! (Draws— but doesn't flip it, eyes narrowed.) I place two cards face-down— and end my turn! Attack me and find out what I'm made of!
Broder: ("Interesting. He put his entire hand face-down. Still, he's got barely any points and no monsters. Whatever he's up to now, he's just stalling. I've got this in the bag!") It's over an' you know it! If I draw a speed spell on my next draw, I can use Speed World Two's effect to slam you with eight hundred points a' damage! I've got you cornered!
Sect: So then stop talkin' and make your move.
Broder: Hmhm.
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: Listen to him. With the way Sect's trash-talking— I'm starting to think he's got something.
Misaki: I know; but it all depends on what Broder draws next.
Aura: Please don't be a speed spell, please don't be a speed spell!
(Duel Track- Broder leaps off the next upward bend in the track and lands riding.)
Broder: It's my draw! (Sect rises and leans forward in his seat. Broder checks his card, and growls under his breath, adding it to his hand.)
(MC'S Quarters)
MC: Look at that! It seems Broder came up a little empty!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: You can breathe now, Misaki. (Misaki breathes a sigh of relief. Lyra nods slightly.)
(Duel Track)
Sect: Hmph.
Broder: Oh well! Whatever! I guess I'm just gonna have to finish you the old-fashioned way. ("I'm good. I'm- I'm still in this. All I gotta worry about are those two face-down cards a' his. Okay... with Speed World Two active, I can lower my speed counters by 10, and activate the effect that'll destroy one of his face-down cards. And then there's Loki. Even if he activates a trap when he attacks, Loki can shut the trap down!") (Sect doesn't move, his gaze intense, driven.) ("But wait— Sect knows all this. He's just tryin' to get me to sacrifice ten speed counters, so that I'll be more vulnerable when Lyra Koto takes over. ("That's what those face-down cards are all about! They're just a bluff. Then again, we're at the point where speed counters aren't as crucial. So even though Sect's trying to cripple me on his way out, all he's really doin' is leavin' a scratch.") All right— I'll play it your way, Sect! I activate Speed World Two's effect! By lowering my speed counter by 10, I can destroy one card on your field! (Red Fire appears around the two decorative horns on Broder's runner, and arcs back to strike Sect's flipped face-down, "Insect Wings". Sect looks stricken, as black feathers drift through the air with its destruction.)
(MC's quarters)
MC: The carnage keeps coming as Broder obliterates one of Sect's facedown caaaaards!
(Duel Track)
Broder: Time for the final blow. This's totally been good fun an' all, but now Loki attacks you directly! Say good- bye, Sect! (Loki whirls, gathering purple and black power at his fingertips. Sect lets out an anxious groan, eyes on the impending attack. Power is streaming into Loki's hand from all directions. Loki gathers the power into his palm then raises his pointer fingertip and aims it at Sect.) Now Loki, attack!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Halldor: Something isn't right.
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Lyra: Come on...!
(Crowd)
Kids: We're with you, Sect!
(Duel Track)
Sect: I reveal my trap card— Insect Wings! Since you sent Loki in to attack, I can use Insect Wings to stop it! All I have to do is remove an Insect monster in my graveyard from play!
Broder: Ya played it safe by slappin' down two a' the same card! But unfortunately for you, you forgot about Loki's ability! When Loki attacks, he can negate the activation of one of your spell or trap cards, and then destroy the card! Loki's attack will now proceed as scheduled. It's bedtime, Sect, say good night!
Sect: As long as my friends root for me, I'll keep on finding ways to come up with miracles.
Broder: You've got a miracle? So where is it?
Sect: Right in my graveyard! I activate Hammerhead Ant's second special ability!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: Amazing! He totally baited Broder with an empty field, so he could spring a trap from his graveyard!
Toru: That's an incredible ambush!
(Duel Field)
Sect: During the battle phase of your turn, when I have no monsters on the field, I can remove Hammerhead Ant to summon one synchro from my graveyard. You may have me down, Broder, but you don't have me out just yet! 'Cause I'm bringing to the field, Beelze, King of the Diabolic Dragons!
Broder: Very well-played. I have to admit, ya actually surprised me this time. However, Beelze has 3000 attack points, while Loki has 3300. The situation hasn't changed; you've still only got fifty life-points; you're still goin' down. You managed to bust out a little surprise, but I'm still one step ahead a' ya! Apologize to your little fan club, 'cause you're about to lose right in front of 'em! Go, Vanity Blast!
Sect: You're the one who's about to disappoint his fans! I activate the Insect Wings trap card from my graveyard!
Broder: You're playing a trap card from your graveyard?!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: He can do that?!
Halldor: Yes, apparently, he can!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: I knew Sect had something planned! I knew it!
(MC's Quarters)
MC: This duel just keeps on twisting and turning! I can barely take it!
(Duel Track)
Broder: Wait, that's the trap? But those are the cards I just destroyed!
Sect: That's right, pal- Insect Wings shows its true potential when there's two copies in the graveyard! By removing 'em both from play, I get the power to destroy both of our synchro monsters! But the best part of all a' this is that I can also dish out damage equal to Loki's attack points!
Broder: No way...!
Sect: Way, and it's all 'cause you destroyed my traps while they were facedown.
Broder: You tricked me! You set up a trap and I walked right into it.
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: Incredible! He actually turned the tables!
Saph: I've been saying this whole time that there's no need to worry.
Aura: No, you haven't!
Lyra: Impressive, Sect! So that's what you were aiming for.
(Crowd)
Itsuki: I so totally knew he could do it!
(Duel Track)
Sect: I told you earlier to attack me and find out what I'm made of— Well this is what I'm made of, right here!
Broder: It takes guts to take on two God Cards with nothin' in your hand! I know what you're made of, now you're gonna find out what I'm made of! This one's for the kids... (His Rune Eye shines brighter.) I reveal my trap card! Dromi the Sacred Shackles! When a god is out on the field, and one of your monsters leaves the field due to an effect, Dromi hits you with damage equal to the difference in their attack points! Loki's got 500 more attack points than your dragon— so you get to enjoy a whopping 500 points a' hurt!
Sect: Are you serious?!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: So, does this mean that, eah...?!
Misaki: It looks that way, because both effects are still active.
Toru: So, we're talking about—
Misaki: Mutual destruction.
Lyra: Ggghh...!
(Duel Track- Broder and Sect are riding through dense smoke and fog from the blast.)
Broder: Your little buddies gave you the strength to fight on against all odds, just like my little dudes're what drive me forward.
Sect: Yeah, who knew, Broder! You and I have a whole lot in common. (Sect LP- 0. Broder LP- 0.)
Broder: Loki... you'll have to go on without me. (A narrow rip opens in the sky against the brooding purple clouds, and yellow light shines from it. Loki pulls open the rip, revealing swirling green clouds, and retakes the field, every bit as strong as before. The two gods floating above, the two eliminated riders zoom through the duel gate and back toward the stadium, smiling.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: That was amazing; the frenetic clash of the tricksters has ended, and in a final shocking twist, it's ended in a draw!
(Crowd)
Man: Wow, what a rush!
Itsuki: You're incredible, Sect!
(Stadium- Side by side, the two riders enter.)
Broder: Your teammate is in for the duel a' his life; Halldor's a tough customer!
Sect: And so is Lyra! (They share a challenging smile over their shoulders, and roar into the bright stadium lights.)
(MC's Quarters)
MC: This is it, ladies and gentlemen! In their respective pits, the last duelists are waiting! They'll both cruise into this duel with 4000 life-points; but Team Ragnarok has two God Cards summoned onto their field! Lyra is forging into this fray with an overwhelming disadvantage!
(Team Shining Storm Booth- Halldor speaks to Lyra via their runner screens as she gets on.)
Halldor: Well, Lyra, this is destiny's moment. Now, whom will she favour?
(Team Ragnarok Booth Halldor blinks, and when he opens eyes, his rune shines.)
Halldor: The future of the world stretches out before us, shrouded in fog. Destiny will soon shine her light and shatter the fog. Which path, will she reveal? The path walked by we with runes in our eyes, or the path walked by those bearing
(Team Shining Storm Booth- Halldor speaks through Lyra's runner screen)
Halldor: The mark of the dragon?
Lyra: (Her sign lights up on his arm, as though in response to Halldor's words. Lyra looks at it grimly.) Do me a favor, Halldor; leave destiny outta this. Now it's just you and me— and the cards we play. (Dons her helmet.) Nothing else matters! Now let's do this! (Sect pulls into the pit booth. Aura and Saph approach Sect, while Toru stands near Lyra's runner and Misaki makes a last-minute adjustment to one of Lyra's wheels. Sect pulls the relay sticker from his arm and passes it to Lyra, who attaches it to her shoulder.)
Sect: Be careful out there.
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: 'S all you, Halldor!
(Duel Track- Lyra and Halldor nod, kicking off in unison onto the track)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: (Watches Lyra go, then groans, nearly collapsing. Toru catches him.) Aaaghh...!
Toru: Sect!
Sect: (Smiles up at Toru with a weary wink.) You weren't kiddin', were ya, Toru. When those big gods attack, the damage is pretty intense.
(MC's Quarters)
MC: We've reached the end of the preliminary finals! It all comes down to what promises to be an incredible duel! Who will emerge triumphant? Lyra Koto? Or will it be Halldor? It's time to find out!
(Track- Lyra and Halldor speed along, alternately nosing ahead of each other.)
Lyra: The first move's mine! (Draws) I summon Dewdark of the Ice Barrier in defense mode! And since he's on the field, I can summon out my two Priors of the Ice Barrier! Next up, I'll play two face-down cards and end my turn!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: Three monsters already? Man, Lyra's not wasting any time, is he!
Misaki: It was a smart opening. He's got to build a good defense against those God Cards!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: I can't believe Team Shining Storm was able to drag Halldor out to duel. We have seriously underestimated these guys.
Broder: That's totally my bad. I shoulda been able to take Sect out; I had 'im, but I got cocky.
Dragan: Not true. You never had 'im. These guys're good, Broder. But they're no match for Halldor! I mean, I've never even seen anyone rattle this guy. Halldor is a true genius; he's operating on a whole different level.
(Duel Field)
Halldor: It's my turn now! (Draws)
Lyra: Maybe— but first I reveal my trap! It's Monster Chain! Using this card's power, I can negate one battle phase for every monster out on my field! Since I've got three monsters out, we can't attack for three turns. ("Loki's trap-destruction ability activates when he attacks. This ought to hold him off for a while.")
Halldor: Do you honestly think that you can bind the gods? Your cheap parlour tricks are meaningless!
Lyra: Uh-oh.
Halldor: I summon the Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant tuner monster!
Lyra: What're you gonna do with that?
Halldor: My Valkyrie is simply a herald, Lyra! Because when she's successfully summoned, I can send two cards from my hand to my graveyard in order to summon two Einherjar tokens, in defense mode!
Lyra: No way! It can't be!
Halldor: It can be. Prepare to be in the presence of greatness! Valkyrie, tune with both of the level 4 Einherjar tokens! Divinity rises! Behold, the ruler of all things! I synchro-summon the ultimate Nordic God, Odin, Father of the Aesir!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: He's gotta be joking!
(Duel Track)
Lyra: Amazing...! He's got three God Cards. Then this will take everything I've got!
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Absolutely amazing! He's finally appeared, the third Nordic God, Odin! Now, Team Ragnarok has their three mightiest cards all on the field at the same time, and ready to wreak some serious havoc! How will Lyra Koto possibly prevail against these powerful foes?!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: I don't know, seeing as how we haven't even been able to take down one yet. This is awful.
Sect: I'll say. Thor negates a monster's special ability and absorbs it... Loki negates the activation of a trap during the battle phase of a turn... And Odin?! Well— I'm not quite sure what Odin can do yet! But I'm betting that it's something big, especially seeing as how he's got the most attack points out of those three behemoths!
Toru: But don't forget, Sect; the effect of Lyra's trap card Monster Chain is still in effect. And as long as it is, neither Lyra or Halldor can attack for three more turns. Which gives Lyra some time to come up with a plan to win this.
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Ahh, Lyra Koto, I will admit you were wise to play a trap that would stall our match! However, now that Odin, Father of the Aesir, is out, you would be wise to re-strategize! You see, Odin isn't just a god; he's the ruler of the Nordic Gods! He's more powerful than Thor and Loki; and certainly, more powerful than your little trap!
Lyra: My trap...?!
Halldor: That's right, Lyra; but don't take my word for it, observe as I invoke Odin's ability! The ability to take any spell or trap card that's on the field and being put to use against a god, and completely negate it!
Lyra: My Monster Chain!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: Seems that Halldor is going to end this here.
(Duel Track)
Halldor: And now, Lyra— behold! The awesome power of the Nordic Gods! First up is Loki! And next, Thor will unleash his fury on you! And finally, Odin, Father of the Aesir— let loose your might! All the monsters on your field have been destroyed, Lyra; the only thing left to target now is you— and target you, I shall.
Lyra: Well, then— I'd better make a move!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: I can't believe it! All the monsters on Lyra's field are gone!
Misaki: Meaning now, she's the only one to take out! This is bad.
Sect: Man! I can't believe Lyra's trap backfired the way it did! It'd be one thing if both Halldor and Lyra couldn't attack for three turns, but with Odin's ability, Halldor can attack whenever he pleases!
Misaki: Lyra's got to level the field... if that's even possible at this point.
Toru: Lyra is going to make it possible!
Saph: Yeah! She'll find a way, for sure!
Aura: Mmm-hmm. If there's anyone that can pull it off, it's Lyra!
Misaki: Well, guys... we'll soon see.
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: This contest is all but over.
Dragan: Agreed, Broder. No duelist stands a chance against a Nordic God, let alone three.
(Director's Blue Room)
Lester: The battle between Team Ragnarok and Team Shining Storm is better than we could've ever hoped! Just look at the Circuit surge! At this rate, once we reach the final match, the connection will be teetering on the edge of full completion! And so will our master plan!
(Duel Track)
Halldor: I now place one card face-down and end my turn! Lyra, I've waited a long time to arrive here... At the verge of victory... A very long time. So, as my butler Sebastian had instructed, I began to train, traveling the world looking to hone my duelling skills. And to see the world as it truly was. The majesty... As well as the desolation. It wasn't always easy... But it was always insightful. I began to view the human condition in a new way; and in turn, I began to view myself in a new way. You know the rest of the story; I found the others who would wield the power of the Nordic Gods alongside me. So, you see, Lyra? It's been a long and arduous journey to arrive at where I am now. And that is precisely why you find yourself where you are now. Because you're an obstacle in my way to save the world! But you won't be in my way for long! The Nordic Gods are seeing to that! There's no withstanding them! Which is why I now offer you a chance to end this with at least some of your dignity intact! I offer you the chance to surrender! Otherwise, you'll take the full force of these three chilling powerhouses!
Lyra: Is that so? You know, perhaps it's time I tell you a little tale of my own, Halldor. Ya see— you're not the only one who's come all the way to the Grand Prix to fight for something!
Halldor: What do you mean, Lyra?
Lyra: You know what I mean. My heart didn't want to believe what you said could be true; but then I remembered a dream about my dad. In it, he warned me... About a great danger.
Halldor: (Looks up at the sky) Huh?
Lyra: (Looks the same way) Huh! I think I know what that thing is now; it's my god-father's shadow!
Halldor: Your god-father's shadow?!
Lyra Ya see, I was born on the same day that the Arcadia Movement was founded. Was it coincidence? Or was it something much more? Something that has to do with the Koto clan? And even though the death of my family was not my father's fault, he was a part of it. So maybe there is something about my bloodline that brings doom and despair— and if that turns out to be the case— then I'll do whatever I can to stop it, ya see, I've realized something important— nothing will ever change what happened to my family; the only thing I can control— is what happens next! So that's just what I plan to do!
Halldor: I see...
Lyra: So, to answer your question— no, Halldor, there's no way I'll ever surrender! (Her mark glows, then expands and vanishes.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth- The team gasp.)
Sect: It's coming...!
(Duel Track- Six blazing streams of red light are come across the surface of the ocean; they bounce upward and pour into Lyra. Halldor watches her as the mark of the crimson dragon starts to glow red.)
Halldor: What in the world...?! That's the mark of the Crimson Dragon!
Lyra: Yes; because he's the only one strong enough to take on your Nordic Gods! (The top card of her deck starts to glow gold) Now then— it's my turn! (Draws- Majestic Dragon) I play the Speed Spell- Angel Baton! Since I have at least 2 speed counters, I can draw two additional cards from my deck by sending one card in my hand to the graveyard! (Discards Blizzed, Defender of the Ice Barrier) Next, I summon forth Wanderer of the Ice Barrier!
Halldor: It's a tuner monster! She's planning a synchro!
Lyra: And now that he's out, I can summon this monster from my hand, kindly welcome Ghost of the Ice Barrier! And since she was summoned this way, I can summon a level 3 or below monster from my graveyard, and I choose, Blizzed, Defender of the Ice Barrier! Next up, due to Wander of the Ice Barrier's ability, because a monster was summoned from my grave, I can summon 2 more monsters from my hand, I choose Majestic Dragon and Yuki, Guardian of the Ice Barrier! But I'm not through yet! Wanderer of the Ice Barrier, tune with Ghost of the Ice Barrier and Blizzed, Defender of the Ice Barrier! Lord of Ice and Herald of the Ice Barrier! You I look up to most! I Synchro Summon— the synchro monster, Brionac- Dragon of the Ice Barrier!
Halldor: Your ultimate beast! But it doesn't matter; Brionac Dragon is still no match for my three Nordic Gods!
Lyra: Heh. That's where you're wrong!
Halldor: Wait, what exactly is going on?!
Lyra: Now, Brionac Dragon of the Ice barrier and Yuki, Guardian of the Ice Barrier, tune with Majestic Dragon! You were wrong when you called Brionac my 'ultimate beast', Halldor! This is my ultimate beast! I now synchro summon— the Majestic Brionac Dragon!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: Yes! Lyra!
Sect: She's actually done it! She's harnessed the power of the Crimson Dragon!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Broder: What on earth is that?!
Dragan: Dunno. That card's not in our system!
(Duel Track)
Halldor: There's something about that beast...! This monster is the incarnation of the Crimson Dragon! No matter. She cannot attack!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Aura and Saph: Huh...?
Aura: Halldor's right, the Monster Chain trap Lyra played hasn't expired yet!
Sect: Yeah, and, until it does, Lyra's monsters can't make any offensive moves.
(Duel Track)
Lyra: Now, Since Yuki was used to synchro-summon, I get to make an additional draw! (Draws- Wave Rebound.) ("All right!") Next, I throw down a face-down! Then— end my turn. And now that I have, I activate a facedown. The trap Stay Force! Now by paying 1000 life-points during the end phase of my turn, I can negate my dragon's ability that makes him leave the field! It's your draw now!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: I smell a rat. Lyra's planning something.
Broder: You worry too much, Dragan; our Nordic Gods're gonna end this here and now. And there's not a thing Lyra can do about it!
(Duel Track)
Halldor: It's my turn! (Draws) Dear Lyra— I applaud your effort to keep fighting, but, as you can see... Odin outmatches your Dragon by 200 points! And even if he didn't, you'd better believe that I've taken precautions that will secure my victory regardless! Precautions such as this one. I activate a trap card, Odin's Eye! And I'm afraid, Lyra, that your Majestic Brionac Dragon's special ability isn't able to negate the effect of this card!
Lyra: It's not?!
Halldor: That's right! When a god is on the field, nothing can negate the gaze of Odin's Eye! And that being the case, this trap activates! Now, by negating the abilities of a God Card, I am allowed to look at your hand, or a face-down on your field! And I think I'll choose to look at— your face-down, Lyra! I see! How interesting. Your face-down card— is Wave Rebound! That means that on this very turn, if a synchro was summoned from the graveyard, you could negate that summoning— and then you could deal damage equal to what that synchro's attack points were. Ahh, now I think I know what you and your little dragon were planning to pull on me, Lyra! Why, my Rune Eye lets me see the future! I would use Odin and you would follow with Majestic Brionac's ability and Wave Rebound. A very cunning scheme you have planned. And I do believe if you manage to execute your scheme at this present moment, you'll win the duel. However— I think you know quite well I won't be letting that happen. Not a chance! Not since I've seen it coming!
Lyra: Hggghhh... ("Looks like it's back to the drawing board.")
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: It's quite remarkable, really. As impossible as it is for Lyra to win this, she still endures.
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Ahh, Lyra, this is how it should be. Perhaps it's not as exciting for the crowd, but I assure you, it's exciting for me! After all, the very best part of a chess match such as this, is the moment the players just sit and strategize! And given the present state of this duel of ours, well— that's what we must do now. I place one card face-down and end my turn! It's your draw!
(MC's Quarters)
MC: Well! You heard it from Halldor himself— seems these two duelists can't do a thing until that Monster Chain trap snaps! Then, and only then, will a winner emerge!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: If only Lyra had been able to get off her trap!
Toru: But she didn't get it off, Sect, and that's that. It's like he said, you can't change the past, but you can control what happens next. 'Course by that logic, Halldor can, too.
Misaki: The good news is that due to Lyra's Stay Force trap, Majestic Brionac Dragon can stay out three more turns.
Saph: But ya have to remember, Misaki, Monster Chain's effect will end on Lyra's next turn. And when it does... there're gonna be some serious fireworks.
Toru: You can say that again, Saph, because that'll be the moment when all of this is settled! Will Lyra win— or lose?
Sect: It all comes down to this!
(Duel Track- Lyra prepares to draw.)
Lyra: It's my turn! (Draws) First I use the effect of Speed World Two. Now by removing seven of my Speed Counters... I can draw an extra card! Next, to sustain the effect of the trap Stay Force, I'll pay 1000 life-points. Now Majestic Brionac Dragon no longer has to leave the field. With that, I end my turn.
Halldor: It's my draw... Now then. Time to end this once and for all! That's right, Lyra— I know the prevailing wisdom has us all waiting for Monster Chain to expire, but it's like I said—
Lyra: Huh?
Halldor: The best part of a duel, is when the players take time to strategize. Well I have strategized, Lyra; and now I'm ready to implement that strategy! So here it comes. Odin, Father of the Aesir! I activate your special ability! Go, Command of Rune!
Lyra: What?!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: He's using Odin's power after all?!
Sect: But why, Lyra's all set up to exploit it!
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Now, the Monster Chain trap that is affecting Odin is negated!
Lyra: Then I play my Majestic Brionac Dragon's effect! As you well know, Halldor, when you activate Odin's ability, I can release Majestic Brionac Dragon and negate that ability! Then all the cards on your field are destroyed! That is the power— of Ice Drive!
Halldor: Heheheheh... I'll now place a card face-down and end my turn. Which means we're at the end phase. And my Nordic Gods return. Ha! So rise! Thor! Loki! And of course, mighty Odin!
Lyra: You asked for it, Halldor, I play my trap! Wave Rebound!
(MC's Booth)
MC: Simply sensational! Due to Wave Rebound, all of Team Ragnarok's Nordic Gods will be waving their last goodbye! And now, Halldor will take damage equal to the attack points of all three of those clobbering conquerors!
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Tell me, Lyra, are you happy with your plan? Because I am happy with it! In fact, I couldn't be happier, and do you know why?
Lyra: Huh! I think you're about to show me.
Halldor: I activate a trap from my graveyard.
Lyra: A trap from your graveyard?!
Halldor: That's correct. Gjallarhorn! This trap unleashes its effect, only when six feet under! And it's quite the effect. (The horn blares) Do you hear that, Lyra? That is the sound of your complete and utter destruction! That's the sound of victory, and it is getting louder. Lyra— prepare to feel the full wrath of the Nordic Gods! Sorry, Lyra, but due to Gjallarhorn, your Wave Rebound won't be making any waves at all! You see, Gjallarhorn puts a stop to any effect that prevents the revival of my Nordic Gods; but there's more! At the end of my third turn, all the monsters I have on the field are removed from play, and you get hit with the total of their attack points!
Lyra: No way!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: That means, at the end phase of every turn, those three Nordic Gods will return to the battlefield! This Gjallarhorn really does sound the alarm for Lyra.
Toru: Especially if you add up the attack points of those three gods. Lyra could be taking over 10,000 points as direct damage!
Sect: Unh?! This is just awful! Lyra just went from the girl to beat, to the girl getting beat!
Misaki: No joke. Just look...
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Now then, since Thor has returned, you take 800 points of damage!
Lyra: (LP- 2000- 1200) Gggghh-yaaahh-aaaggghh!
Halldor: And since Loki has returned, I can now add one trap card in my graveyard to my hand. And the card I'll be selecting is— the trap Odin's Eye! You know what that means! (The sun shines through the clouds, Lyra anxiously watches over her shoulder.)
(Duel Track)
Broder: Just look at Lyra's face. I do believe she realizes how dire the situation is. Heheh!
Dragan: She'd better. Halldor's never lost once Gjallarhorn's been thrown.
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Next, thanks to Odin and his special ability, I get to draw one card from my deck! Ah— very nice. Now, I'll end my turn and since I have, Gjallarhorn's counter becomes one! A counter that is the countdown to your demise, Lyra! Especially since, at this very moment, the effect of your Monster Chain trap— is snapped! Your move, Lyra. Perhaps your last!
(MC's Booth)
MC: Unbelievable! Team Shining Storm's most dynamic duelist Lyra Koto, has fiercely fought off Team Ragnarok, but it's all been for nought! And now, you'd better believe the rest of Team Shining Storm's stomachs are in knots! After all, this duel will be over, unless Lyra can muster a miracle comeback!
(Track)
Lyra: ("As long as Halldor has "Odin's Eye" out, he'll be able to see my cards, and right through my strategies! But wait...! Maybe I can use this to my advantage! After all, what you see isn't always what you get!") (Prepares to draw.) My turn! (Draws) And first I'm summoning, Ice Phantom! When Phantom is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, I can summon Brionac from my grave in defense mode. Furthermore, if I then remove Ice Phantom from play, I can then lower Brionac's defense points by 400, and make it invincible to any attacks you dare throw its way! I then end my turn with a face-down.
Halldor: I see what you're planning! I'll even break it down for you, step by step. Since Phantom's ability activates from the graveyard, Thor won't be able to negate it!
Lyra: Huh...!
Halldor: Then if my three Nordic Gods attack, you'll simply revive Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier from your graveyard, and be able to survive the onslaughts due to his hardy defense. In fact, thanks to Ice Phantom's ability, you can survive my gods' attacks three times and still keep Brionac.
Lyra: That's right!
Halldor: However, you forgot one thing; it's my turn, and my speed counter is up to ten! And so that means... I can activate Speed World Two's effect now; so, by removing ten speed counters, I can destroy one card on the field! The card that I choose to destroy- is that Phantom!
Lyra: And since you have, Phantom's ability now activates; so, what happens next is just as you called it. I can summon Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier from my graveyard!
Halldor: Now, Thor— attack!
Lyra: I play Phantom's second ability! Just as you predicted. By removing Phantom from play and lowering Brio's defense points by 800, he can't be destroyed in battle!
Halldor: Go, Thunderbolt Bludgeon! Now your turn, Loki! Go, Vanity Blast!
Lyra: Once again, I activate Phantom's ability!
Halldor: And that's the last time you will, Lyra. Don't you see? Brionac doesn't have enough defense points to save himself and stick around. You are one move short due to my speed counters. And now, blast that Dragon of the Ice Barrier off the field, Odin! Go, Sacred Scepter Slash!
Lyra: I play Guardian of the Ice Barrier's graveyard effect! Since my monster in defense mode has been attacked, by banishing Yuki until the end phase, Brionac gains 1500 defense points until this turn's end phase! Now Phantom, activate your ability!
Halldor: Oh no!
Lyra: Thanks for takin' some shots for the team, Brionac.
Halldor: Well, I have to admit to you, Lyra— I am ever so impressed with how resourceful you have become. You've been down so many times, but never quite out. But that will now change— I summon Jormungand the Nordic Serpent to your field!
Lyra: My field...?! What's this?! What's going on here?!
Halldor: I'll tell you what's going on here, Lyra. When a god is on my field, I can summon Jormungand from my hand to your field in defense mode! Then, if Jormungand switches to attack mode, you take 3000 points of damage! Next, I activate my face-down— the trap Gleipnir, the Fetters of Fenrir! Due to Gleipnir, when a god is on my field, I can add Fenrir the Nordic Wolf from my deck to my hand! And then, again, thanks to the gods, I can summon Fenrir from my hand to your field in defense mode— and I'm not just crying wolf! Rise, my pet! Now, when your turn's battle phase begins, Fenrir switches all monsters on your field in defense to attack mode! Also, from this point on, both players take damage from any battle involving Fenrir.
Lyra: Say what?!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: That is one tough card combo!
Saph: Wait, how's this a combo?
Toru: Because, Saph, during the battle phase of Lyra's next turn, Fenrir forces monsters from defense to offense, which means that— which means that— Jormungand switches to offense, and Lyra takes 3000 points of damage!
Saph: What?!
Aura: Oh no!
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Next, I place one card face-down and end my turn! And since I have, Gjallarhorn's counter becomes two.
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: This is bad! Gjallarhorn's counter has just one spot left!
Aura: Ohh, Lyra...!
Saph: Unless she does something soon about Jormungand and Fenrir, she won't even last until that spot.
(Duel Track)
Lyra: ("The card Halldor just placed face-down has to be Odin's Eye! I'll have to play this carefully.") (Prepares to draw) My turn now! (Draws) I play the trap, Hope For Escape! Now, since I have less life-points than you, Halldor, by getting rid of 1000 of them, I'm then allowed to draw one card for every thousand-point difference in our life-points. (LP- 1200- 200) And since the difference between us is more than 3000, I'm allowed to draw three cards from my deck!
(MC's booth)
MC: Whoa! Lyra is taking a titanic risk here! If she can capture the cards she covets, will it be worth it?! We'll see! After all, she has now just 200 life-points left!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: 200?! So pretty much, a strong gust of wind could end this duel now!
Saph: Oh no!
Aura: Lyra...!
Toru: The only good news is that Halldor's speed counter is still at one. Which means there's no way he could play an effect that'll take out Lyra's last points.
Sect: That's true, but since on Halldor's next run Gjallarhorn's effect will activate, Lyra has just one last move to win this and it begins now!
(Duel Track)
Lyra: ("Time for me to rev things up!") It's my turn, Halldor! And I summon Healer of the Ice Barrier! And with that done, I'm now gonna summon another monster simply by removing one that I already have from play! So now Jormungand make way for Different Ice Barrier Sprite!
Halldor: But wait...!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: All right! That move changes everything!
Misaki: Yeah, now Halldor's Nordic combo won't work against Lyra!
(Duel Track)
Lyra: Different Ice Barrier Sprite, now rise and tune with Healer of the Ice Barrier! Behold as the power of a typhoon and a scale surge toward each-other and collide to create— The synchro— the tuner— the mighty, Tatsunoko!
Halldor: A synchro-tuner?
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: What's Lyra planning?
(Duel Track)
Lyra: Next I play Healer of the Ice Barrier's ability. Because Healer was used to synchro-summon, I now gain 800 life-points! (LP- 200- 1000) Now I play the Speed-Spell— Moray of Greed! And since I have two speed spells from my deck! (Prepares to draw, and pauses a moment over her deck.) The key to winning this duel now isn't just skill, it's speed… (Draws three cards and looks at them) And I just got a whole bunch of it! I can feel the strength of my friends. They're all here, lending me their power. (She closes her eyes and plunges forward into a world of streaming purple and white lights, the mark of the Crimson Dragon burns in the air. Lyra feels herself drifting through a blue and white void, wrapped in a white mist from the neck down.) ("This acceleration; it's not just coming from my duel runner, but inside me as well!") (Slowly opens her eyes, ahead of her is her blank card.) It's like I'm moving towards my evolution at lightning speed! And my evolution is moving towards me, too! High-Speed Trishula Dragon?! A clear mind… (A drop of water drips into a pool, and ripples spread from it. Lyra's eyes snap open.)
(Team Shining Storm- Team Shining Storm wear expressions of shock.)
Toru: Could it be?! No way!
(Duel Track)
Lyra: I tune level 3 Tatsunoko with my level 6 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier! Let the spirit of ice transcend into an aurora of destiny! (Brionac, above her gives off multicoloured sparks from its wings. The two accelerate on a shining road of light, surrounded by flecks of tuning green.) Where it can become all-powerful! Go, Accel Synchro! (Her eyes glitter with rushing stars, Lyra raises her blank card, the picture shines and reveals itself from the card's surface. Lyra and Brionac vanish from the glowing path.)
Halldor: What in the world! (A green light appears behind him, and High-Speed Trishula Dragon is the first to soar out of it and past Halldor, Lyra riding beneath.)
Lyra: Appear, High-Speed Trishula Dragon! (Lyra's Dragon glides a wide arc and comes to rest gliding above Lyra and her runner.)
Halldor: High-Speed Trishula Dragon...?! That's Lyra's most ultimate monster!
Lyra: Now from my hand I'm playing the Speed Spell - Star Force! With this card, so long as I have four or more speed counters, I can remove one monster on my field from play! And then I can choose to give one monster on my field a supercharged powerup until this turn's end phase! So, the monster I'm removing— is Fenrir! And since Fenrir is level ten, I get to power up my High-Speed Trishula Dragon by 1000!
Halldor: 4300 attack points...! This could pose a problem.
Lyra: A bigger problem than you realize, Halldor! Because now High-Speed Trishula Dragon's ability activates— which means I get to check the top five cards on my deck for "Ice Barrier" monsters! (Pulls 5 cards; Numbing Grub in the Ice Barrier, Salvage, Dai-Sojo of the Ice Barrier, Royal Knight of the Ice Barrier, Coralised, Eisbahn.) I have three; and I'm afraid for you, that means I'm now allowed to wage three separate attacks! Now then— let's get to it! High-Speed Trishula Dragon, attack! (High-Speed Trishula splits into three. 1 goes into Thor, dives, and crashes right through the god's chest, leaving a hole straight through behind it- Halldor LP- 4000- 3200. The second attacks Loki, and collides with Halldor LP- 3200- 2200. The third attacks Odin, a big hole appears in Odin's chest, and the yellowish dragon crashes through his back. Odin evaporates, leaving the hole sliced through him behind to crackle in the air. Halldor grips his runner handles hard, LP- 2200- 1900. He opens his eyes, his rune burning.)
Halldor: You will pay for that, Lyra...!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Saph: Uh-oh! Halldor's turn!
Aura: Yeah, and he sure looks mad.
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Like a bug on my duel runner windshield, you just keep hanging on, refusing to accept that sooner or later, you're going to hit the pavement!
Lyra: The only thing that's hitting the pavement, are these two face-downs!
Halldor: Which means it is the end phase of this turn, and because it is— Guess who's back! That's right, Thor has returned— which means you take 800 points of damage! (Lyra LP- 1000- 200.)
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Sect: Lyra!
Toru: Her points are back down to 200 now.
(Duel Track)
Halldor: And now Loki is back, so I get to add a trap card in my graveyard back to my hand. And as you can see, the trap card I've selected, is Gods' Shackles Gleipnir! Finally, Odin returns to the field, letting me draw one card from my deck— but that's not the end of it; don't forget, now that we're at the turn's end phase, your dragon's attack points return to normal! And now it's my turn! (draws)
(MC's Booth)
MC: What a back-and-forth battle this has turned out to be! It's anyone's guess what happens next!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: Anyone's guess? It's clear as a bell what will happen! Or perhaps I ought to say, clear as a horn.
Broder: That's right. Gjallarhorn will soon blare, and since it'll be for the third time, Lyra's outta time!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: Think Lyra has what it takes to win, Sect?
Sect: (He's clenching his fist so hard it shakes.) Ya know what, Toru, I think we're all about to find out...!
(Duel Track)
Lyra: ("It all comes down to this last round- and I wouldn't have it any other way!") Bring it on, Halldor!
Halldor: Aren't you peppy for someone who is about to lose!
Lyra: If I lose, at least I'll know I did everything I could to win.
Halldor: Oh, please— that's the way failures speak! But I suppose that fits, because you have failed. And now I'm going to make it official. Then, at long last, all of the world will recognize something as an ironclad fact! — And that is— the Nordic Gods can defeat all who oppose them! Even your fledgling synchros! Observe! I summon Tyr of the Nordic Champions! Next, I activate the trap card Odin's Eye!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Misaki: Not that card...
Sect: Now he'll see right through Lyra's hand again...!
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Remember, Lyra; you can't negate the activation of Odin's Eye when a god is on the field. Of course, I have to negate my gods' abilities in order to use Odin's Eye, but that's a small price to pay! Next up, I play Tyr's ability! Now, by releasing Tyr, any attacks you were thinking of throwing my way won't do my gods any harm! In other words, the penalty that comes with using Odin's Eye is now gone!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: I love it when he saves his best moves for last!
(Duel Track)
Halldor: Now then, by the divine power of Odin's Eye, let's see that face-down!
Lyra: That's just what I was hoping for! I activate my trap— Trick Ice Mirror! Due to this card, when your trap activates, I can activate its effect as though it was my own! And the trap effect that I'll be taking is that of Odin's Eye!
Halldor: Oh no!
Lyra: And this means your gods' abilities are negated once more!
Halldor: Fine— what's it matter!? Even without his ability, Odin has 4000 attack points, which is more than enough to take down your High-Speed Trishula Dragon! But don't take my word for it— see for yourself! Odin! Attack!
Lyra: I play High-Speed Trishula's ability! Now by removing High-Speed Trishula from play during your turn, the attack of one of your monsters is negated!
Halldor: So what!? Your field is now empty, Lyra; I'll simply have one of my other two gods attack you now!
Lyra: I play the trap Zero Force! Now, Halldor, because my monster left the field, your three Nordic Gods are about to lose all of the power and might they each possess!
Halldor: That can't be! But if their points are 0- they can no longer attack!
Lyra: And don't forget, at the end phase of this turn the effect of your Gjallarhorn trap activates. And that means all monsters on your field will be removed from play, and that I take damage equal to the combined attack points of those monsters. However, since the attack points of your three gods now total just 0— I won't be taking any damage at all.
Halldor: No way...!
(Team Ragnarok Booth)
Dragan: (Pounds his fist on the pit booth counter.) Not fair...! Lyra's outmanoeuvred the gods!
(Team Shining Storm Booth)
Toru: And since the gods have been removed from play, Halldor can't bring 'em back!
Aura and Saph: Huh?
(Duel Track)
Lyra: Now that we've reached this turn's end phase, High-Speed Trishula Dragon rises again! And with his rise comes your fall! Now go, High-Speed Trishulas! Ataaaaack!
Halldor: Ggggghhh-hhh-hhh—! (LP- 1900- 0)
(Team Ragnarok Booth- Dragan is hunched over the counter, despairing. Broder's eyes are wide.)
Dragan: Ggh! We're failures!
Broder: Rrrrrrrrrgggghhhh...! (Above, the sky is cleared of clouds, and is now a radiant blue. Halldor's runner is streaming steam; Lyra passes him and rides ahead, determined and smiling.)
(MC's Booth)
MC: Simply sensational! The duel is over! Lyra has done it! And it's off to the Semi- Finals for Team Shining Storm!
(Ride 7- End.)
