Ride 11- Dark Signs- Shadows of Doubt- Destiny Dead Ahead! Ruler of the Netherworld, Dark King- Jack Atlas!


(With Jack. He's on a hill overlooking Satellite, heading out into a rocky wilderness with no buildings.)

Jack: ("Don't you worry, Carly. If you're out there... Nothing will stop me from finding you!") (Rides up a steep cliff and flies off the top of it like a ramp. He lands on a cliff and pivots to the side as he brakes. He looks out over the landscape; in the distance, he sees the Hummingbird control unit.) ("Well, well. What have we here? Yes, this must be it. Where you've been hiding. And where I'll save you, Carly...") (He holds her broken glasses in his palm, staring at them.) ("I don't know how you became a Dark Signer, but if I have anything to say about it, you won't be one for long.") (Closes his fist and looks at the tower.)

Jack: Carly, I know you're in there! I've come to help you! If only you'll let me. Carly! (He hears Carly's runner. Jack looks at the sound. Carly skids out from behind the tower, and rides toward him.)

Jack: No— it can't be!

Carly: But it is. (She lands a few feet from the other side of Jack's runner, hits the ground riding, and draws a large arc around to brake nearby. She removes her helmet.) I've been waiting for you... Jackie.

Jack: Carly. Who did this to you? Tell me.

Carly: Who, Jack? You must be joking; the answer is so obvious. You are the one responsible.

Jack: No, you're mistaken! I'm the one who's trying to save you.

Carly: Please, in the end you chose to cut me off because you thought I was one of the paparazzi!

Jack: Huh? Paparazzi...?!

Carly: That's right.

Jack: Argh, that's not true!

Carly: Oh, yes, it is. If only you'd been a little nicer, Jackie.

Jack: Don't you see, I was just trying to protect you; that's why I always kept you at a distance! (he clenches his fist) Carly— I didn't want you to get involved, I didn't want you to get hurt!

Carly: Well, you failed. And now, it's my turn to even the score! Face, it, Jackie— I'm a Dark Signer because of you.

Jack: Wrong, Carly. But it will be because of me that you're rid of this dark scourge! I will do whatever I must to release you of it.

Carly: Really? Well, I'm afraid there's only one way to do that, Jackie. And in case you're in the dark as to what way that is... (Her mark glows) ...Allow me to enlighten you! (Purple fire shoots up around them, they sweep back and forth across the landscape, until standing in one bend of a track. Jack grimaces, Carly has her helmet on again.) The stage is set. And now only one thing remains. (Realigns her runner to a starting position) We duel. But I should warn you, this goes both ways. (Takes off riding, Jack follows.) You win, I return to how I was. However— should I win, you become a Dark Signer like me. So? Whadya say?

Jack: I say bring it!


(With Akiza and Mina. They noticed the hummingbird insignia.)

Mina: Check it out!

Akiza: Someone's duelling.

Mina: Must be Jack...!


(With Carly and Jack, they race onward.)

Carly: I'm so pleased you accepted my challenge, Jackie. A big-shot pro duelist like you facing an amateur like me? For a minute, there I was afraid facing me would be beneath you.

Jack: Who says it's not!

Carly: Ah, that's the Jack I know, arrogant until the very end! And this will be your end. Now, then— allow me to get things started! I activate the Speed World field spell!

Jack: My, my, aren't you in a hurry to lose! Very well. Let's do this! (Presses a button on his runner console; a ring of light spreads out from them)

Carly: Ah, the irony. Before I was chasing after you and hanging off your every word, but now— things have gone full-circle. Now you're the desperate one!

Jack: That's right, desperate to get the old Carly back— and there's no way I'll be denied!

Both: Let's duel!

Carly: Whoever's first to turn the corner coming up gets to make the first move.

Jack: ("If that's how you want to play it, fine! Time to take this into overdrive!") (He grips his steering handle hard, and floors the footpad, gaining on Carly and about to pass her. As he draws even, she swerves over and rams him from the side, forcing him off the road and into the wall of fire. He bounces off it, swerves a bit, and skids a lot, falling behind.)

Jack: Waa-argh!

Carly: Hahahahahahahahaha. Problem? (Turns the corner. Jack follows.)

Carly: Looks like the honour's mine. Here goes! (Draws. Her hand consists of; Fortune Lady Earth is on top, next to Class Change, Fortune Lady Light, the trap card Inherited Fortune, and Fortune Lady Water. We don't see what she drew.) First, I'll summon Fortune Lady Light in defence mode! So, Jackie-boy, it looks like the first move has been made. Time to see what my deck's got planned for you next. Hahahahaha. Finally, I'll place one card facedown (Enlightenment). That's it for my turn; now show me what you've got, Jackie!

Jack: With pleasure! (Draws. He looks at his card for a moment.) I think that'll do for now.

Carly: That'll do? But you didn't summon a monster or even place a face-down! Oh, wait. I get it. You're still wracked with guilt, aren't you, Jackie? For what you did. For how you gave me the cold shoulder when I needed you the most. Well, that's too bad. (Draws) Don't you see? Just because you won't attack me doesn't mean that I won't attack you! And now I'll sacrifice Fortune Lady Light to bring out a pair of monsters that'll do just that. You see, when Lady Light leaves the field, I'm allowed to summon any monsters from my deck just so long as they have Fortune Lady in their name! So, come on out, Fortune Lady Earth and Fortune Lady Dark! In case you were wondering, their attack points are equal to their levels multiplied by four hundred. And since Earth's level is six and Dark's level is five, that means their attack points are— well, you do the math!

Jack: 2400 and 2000! But that means if I take a direct hit from both of them, my life-points will be...

Carly: Hmph! Quite diminished. Too bad for you!

Jack: (Grits his teeth) This is gonna hurt.

Carly: Ohh, I'm counting on it! Let 'im have it! Go, Cursed Thorn! (Sharp spikes shoot up on the track. Jack rides through them, taking a hit from each one.)

Jack: Argh! Argh! (Spins and weaves backward.)

Carly: But the fun's not over yet! Round two! Go get him, Lady Dark!

Jack: Do what you will... But I believe in my heart the Carly I know is still somewhere deep inside you! And I'm going to do whatever I must to find her, bring her back out, and do away with you! So, I'll start by summoning Ogre of the Scarlet Sorrow! Unfortunately for you, Crying Ogre's attack points are equal to the amount of damage I took from that last attack! And since you attacked me twice, he gets to automatically battle the second monster that struck me— so go to it!

Carly: (Weathers the damage taken, smiling.) Well, well, Jackie. Guess you're going to be putting up a fight after all, eh? In that case I think I'll play this facedown and end my turn. Ya know, it's best this way. After all we've been through, it would be such a shame to take you down without some resistance! This way I can really savour watching you squirm; and believe me, with what I have planned, you're about to squirm big-time!


(With Akiza and Mina. The car rolls through a misty, rocky wilderness. Akiza, in the passenger seat, is watching the glowing red mark on her arm as they drive)

Akiza: ("Jack Atlas may be one of the best duelists in the world, but if he really is facing a Dark Signer, that may not be enough.") (Looks up at the mark of the hummingbird burned into the sky on the other side of the rocky hills.) ("Dark Signers play by a whole different set of rules— and they play for keeps.") I hope Jack knows what he's doing.!

Mina: Of course, he knows what he's doing! As long as he plays his game, he'll come out on top! (think) ("I just hope he can stay focused! After all, I know he's had a lot on his mind lately...")


(With Jack and Carly)

Jack: All right, it's my turn! (Draws) ("Ogre of the Scarlet Sorrow and Fortune Lady Earth have the same number of attack points, which means if they battle, they'll only destroy each other. But that's about to change! (Looks at his hand.) I summon Power Supplier in defense mode! Due to Power Supplier's special ability, Crying Ogre gains four hundred attack points.

Carly: Not so fast, Jackie! I play a trap— it's called Bending Destiny, and it returns Power Supplier to your hand!

Jack: No way!

Carly: Yes, and I'm afraid there's more. It negates Supplier's effect as well.

Jack: ("Not good. Now not only will Crying Ogre be useless this turn; next turn when Carly's Fortune Lady Earth's attack points increase, he'll be a sitting duck for her. And he'll no doubt shed some real tears after her assault! I can't let that happen!")

Jack: I place one card face-down and end my turn. (Changing Destiny.)

Carly: Another lame move. I expected so much more! Here, lemme show you how it's done! I hope you're ready! Huh! (She draws.) On second thought, no one could be ready for what I'm about to play!

Jack: Quit your yapping and duel!

Carly: Hm. All right, if you insist. But you asked for it! First things first; Fortune Lady's level increases! And when her level increases, so do her attack points, to twenty-eight-hundred! And did I mention Fortune Lady's special ability? Oh, wait, I forgot; you're sick of my yapping, so why don't you just look down at your life-points and see for yourself, 'cause there's about to be four hundred less of them!

Jack: Argh!

Carly: And now, to deal with that Ogre! Go, Cursed Thorn! (Sharp metal thorns shoot up from the ground.)

Jack: Ah-Argh...! (Weaves back and forth as he falls behind. Spins once, and comes to a halt. Carly rides back around and parks opposite him.)

Carly: Hahahahahahaha!

Jack: (Shaking, he slowly sits up, he clenches his fist; his mark glows.) That's right, laugh— while you can!

Carly: Oh, don't tell me, Jackie; you've already lost your sense of humour? We've only just begun.

Jack: Indeed, we have, and don't you forget it! There's a long way to go, and it's gonna be rough going for you!

Carly: You still don't get it, do you? The question of who wins and who loses this duel has already been answered by the cards; just as the question of why I was chosen to be a Dark Signer was answered by the cards. But you don't have to take my word for it... (Looks at the face-down Enlightenment.) ...The cards will speak for themselves.

Jack: You've gone daft!

Carly: Don't believe me? Here— take a look! I activate my trap!

Jack: (Winces, blinded by the light.)


(With Sect and Aura.)

Sect: Oh, Yusei... Lyra… They're- They're—

Aura: There gone! (They look down at the Reactor. Crow and Seria run onto the ledge and join them.)

Crow: Yusei!

Sect: NO! Lyra and Yusei have just gotta be all right!

Crow: And they are. They're survivors, that much we know. Of course, what we don't know is where this glowing lake of light took 'em. (They all stare down into the Reactor...)


(With Yusei and Lyra. They come to, standing on a crusty, reddish piece of ground, surrounded by darkness. They stand, groaning with pain, they look around.)

Yusei: Where in the world...?

Lyra: What is this place? (They look out across the landscape; in the distance, the terrain fades from purplish-red to purplish-blue, and spikes upward into mountains. Yusei looks at his own hands.)

Yusei: Well, we're still in one piece. (White, glowing, ghostly heads start poking up from the ground, surrounding them. Yusei and Lyra look around, startled.) Huh? Where're all those things coming from?! Ah!

Lyra: Huh? What the hell are they?! (One of the ghosts grabs Yusei's wrist. More are advancing on them. Yusei starts to panic and tries to yank his arm away.)

Yusei: Argh! Let go of me! Beat it! (The ghosts close in around them, and more are approaching from every direction.)

Lyra: Ugh! Ugh! Stay back! Stay back! Argh... (They watch them move closer and closer. One ghost grasps Lyra's right arm, and her dragon sign glows under its hand.) Lyra: Argh... argh... argh! (She gasps aloud.) Wait a sec! (Looks out at the phantoms.) Could these be the spirits of the people who disappeared when the original Ener-D Reactor had its meltdown?!

Yusei: Well if they are, they don't seem to be very big fans of us, that's for sure! Argh! (Notices they're sinking, the ground at their waists, as though standing in quicksand. The spirits advance on them.)

Lyra and Yusei: Argh! Heeeeelp! (Their cries echo into darkness...)


(With Jack and Carly in the Darkened World. Jack opens his eyes and the first thing he sees is Carly as a Dark Signer, standing over him. He closes his eyes, then opens them again.)

Carly: Yoo-hoo, wakey, wakey, Jackie Jackie. (Through the windows, the skies are purplish-red.) Don't worry if you feel a bit groggy; I know I did, after.

Jack: (Sits up, turns to her. His outfit matches hers.) What? After what?

Carly: After I became a Dark Signer, of course.

Jack: (Notices Carly's mark glowing on his right arm.) No- no! This can't be!

Carly: But it is. I welcome you to the shadows, Jackie!

Jack: What've you done to me?! (Looks past her and sees a mirror.) My eyes, they're... they're as black as the night!

Carly: An improvement, I'd say. I did try to warn you; or, don't you remember? Once I attacked with Fortune Lady Earth it was all over. The mystical power of the Dark Signers had infected you... You're one of us, now! Your transformation is complete, now, Jack— and so is the world's!

Jack: How does me becoming a Dark Signer affect the world?

Carly: In every way, you can imagine. Your allegiance to the shadows has shifted the balance of nature. Now the oceans boil and the skies are forever dark.

Jack: Dear me...! It's... it's...!

Carly: Beautiful. Of course, the Signers might disagree, but since they can only challenge our reign once every five thousand years, they'll just have to deal with it, or pay the price like their monsters already have. And it's a steep price, indeed!

Jack: Yes, I think it's all coming back to me. All the destruction, all the devastation, all paving the way to this delightful new paradise!

Carly: Paradise, indeed, because in this new world, you are the supreme ruler, the dark king! All that you see before you is yours.

Jack: As it should be. Hmhmhmhmhmhm, what a fool I was before as my former self! Counting on friends, fighting for what is good! What a joke! This is where I belong! This is what destiny had planned for Jack Atlas!

Carly: How right you are. And it was in the cards the whole time, like I always said. Actually, it was in one card to be exact— Enlightenment.


(Back where we left the duel, we see Jack stare at Carly's activated facedown, mesmerized, as it glows.)

Carly: It changed everything— remember? That's right, Jack, this was the same card that made me realize why. Why I was chosen to become one of the Dark Signers. And the reason was so I could face you in a duel. Face, you and defeat you, so that you could become what you were destined to be— the dark king! And how fitting it is that this is the card I do it with! When activated, it allows the monster that destroyed your monster to attack a second time! It's over, Jack— you've lost the duel! Destiny has been fulfilled!

Jack: (Begins to slump in his seat, hypnotized and dazed.) My destiny... fulfilled... (As he leans, the broken glasses drop from inside his jacket, fall to the floor.)

Carly: But enough about the past, it's all ancient history now. And as you can see, all traces of that wretched time are no more.

Jack: Indeed. Struck from the earth as soon as our duel ended. Huh? (Notices Carly's glasses sparkle on the ground.)

Jack: ("Wait... those're... Carly's! But how? Unless— ") We're still in the present, and this has all been one big trick!

Carly: (Gasp)


(Duel field, Jack snaps out of his trance.)

Jack: Meaning our duel isn't over yet! Meaning I can play this! Changing Destiny! This trap card negates your monster's attack! (A translucent shield of glowing light shatters the metal spikes as they approach, and the Enlightenment card disappears.)

Carly: No, wait. Sure— maybe that was all an illusion, but, Jack, it could be a reality! Don't you see, that's what the future holds for you if you give in to the darkness!

Jack: (Picks up Carly's glasses.) I'm not giving anything to the darkness, in fact I'm taking something back! Carly— the real Carly, you got that?! (Shows her the glasses. She gasps.) So, get ready!


(Meanwhile, with Yusei and Lyra. They're still sinking into the ground. Some phantoms seem to be pushing on their shoulders and head so they sink faster, as they fight to stay above the surface.)

Yusei: Urgh! Urgh! Nnngh...

Professor Fudo: Stand down! Oh, lost spirits of the Netherworld. It is not yet their time! (The spirits around Yusei and Lyra evaporate into showers of purplish-red sparkles. The space around them glows, and they rise out of the ground. They keep rising into the air, floating opposite Professor Fudo, silhouetted in a bright light behind him.) Yusei. There is still much for you to do back in the Satellite Sector.

Yusei: Hey, who... are you...?

Lyra: ("Is it me or am I seeing double?")

Professor Fudo: Someone not to be questioned. (The light shines brighter, and Yusei and Lyra shield their eyes.)

Yusei and Lyra: Hu-urgh! Urgh!


(With Jack and Carly. They face each other on their runners. Jack has just activated Changing Destiny. Jack holds up Carly's glasses.)

Jack: I know you're still in there, Carly.

Carly: Huh...?!

Jack: You may be a Dark Signer on the outside, but the real you is still there inside— the girl who wants to make the world a better place! And I'm gonna get her back.

Carly: Yes... Jack— no! This is the real me! (Turns and rides away. He rides after her.)

Jack: Carly, wait!

Carly: Wait for what, Jackie, more of your mind games? It's my destiny to be a Dark Signer and yours as well; together we shall rule the world! I showed you what the future holds, don't you see?! It's pointless to resist!

Jack: You're wrong! The future hasn't been decided for either of us yet! You may've fooled me with that illusion, but you also showed me the light!

Carly: Urgh!

Jack: That's right— when I was lost, you were there to help me find my way! Those words of yours ring out truer now than ever, and that's why I'm not going to give up! Not to mention why I played that Changing Destiny card; ya see other than negating your attack, Changing Destiny has a second ability! And once activated, either your life-points receive a nice little power boost, or my life-points get completely run over by its effect. And the choice is yours, Carly.

Carly: Mine?

Jack: That's right, and since Fortune Lady Earth has twenty-eight-hundred attack points, either you regain fourteen hundred life-points, or I take fourteen hundred points of damage. So, go ahead, think it over! (Carly side-skids a bit around the corner, Jack pursues.)

Carly: ("There's nothing to think about. He only has eight hundred life-points left; if I make him take the damage, the duel will be over.") You fool! Why did you even bother negating my Lady Earth's attack?! You knew it would just come to this.

Jack: Yes— to you making a choice, and like I said, I believe the real you is still in there!

Carly: Uh...!

Jack: And that she'll make the right choice! So, what's it gonna be, Carly! (They make a sharp turn; heading around more corners. Carly grins sinisterly.)

Carly: ("It will be as I've said all along. I will win this duel; you will become a Dark Signer. And together we will rule a new era of darkness! Now— to make it official!") (She looks back, and points.) I select the option that deals damage to— (She gasps.) To... to... To your... I select the option that leaves your life-points untouched. (Jack's trap glows, and causes her to shine bright with turquoise sparkles trailing behind her. Carly opens her eyes— they're clear and white.)

Jack: Carly...! (He speeds up to ride beside her.) Is it really you?!

Carly: (Looks over her shoulder.) I think!

Jack: Oh, thank goodness, you're back!

Carly: I'll say. I'm so sorry for everything I've put you through here, Jack.

Jack: No, i-it's not your fault! That dark energy you were inflicted with is to blame! But thankfully, it seems to be gone now.

Carly: (Smiles) At last! (Winces, her mark burns. She grips it with her hand, groaning and gasping. Dark energy flows from it, surrounding her.)

Jack: Carly! What's happening?!

Carly: You didn't really think it would be that easy, did you?! When you are marked with the darkness, you are marked for life! (Lifts her head and screams; the purple fog around her forms itself into the shape of Aslla Piscu.)

Jack: So, then! You're the monster that's pulling the strings on all of this!

Carly: Quite right. And I'm not finished with Carly yet! (Her eyes close for a moment, then open again, glowing purple. Veins stand out on the edges of her cheeks.) Destroy him! (Pulls ahead and Jack chases her.)

Jack: Release Carly!

Carly: Only if you manage to beat me in a duel, Jackie! So, let's get back to it! I play Curse of Fate! When this card's in play, I can place two curse counters on my Fortune Lady Earth. Then, by removing a counter, I can deal you damage without attacking. However, since my Lady Earth already attacked, I have to wait until next round to play it! Next, I'll end my turn by playing two face-downs. Hahaha! Your move— but this time don't waste it on trying to get Carly back, that's not happening! Hahahahahahaha! (They ride around two corners.)

Jack: Very well; then I'll just remove you from Carly the old-fashioned way— I'll knock you out of here with sheer force! Here goes! Since there are monsters only on your field, I can summon Vice Dragon from my hand. But since I'm summoning him by way of his special ability, his attack and defense points are halved! Next, I'll summon Dark Resonator from my hand! And as you're about to see, it resonates quite nicely with my Vice Dragon! That's right— level 3 Dark Resonator tunes level 5 Vice Dragon, and synchro-summons the ravenous Red Dragon Archfiend!

Carly: Quite a mighty beast! In fact, a personal favourite of mine. Shame that he won't be staying for too long. I activate the trap, Class Change! It increases my Fortune Lady Earth's level by 1; and since her level increased, she also gains four hundred attack points, making her stronger than your dragon. Hahahaha! But as good as her first special ability is, Jackie, her second one is even better! It deals four hundred points of direct damage to you! Let 'im have it! (A bolt of electricity is fired at Jack. He moans and gasps.) Hahahahahahaha! Your life-points are like the flame on a flickering candle. It's just a matter of time before the darkness takes hold!

Jack: If that's the case, I think I'll buy some more time! Go, Speed Spell - Half Seize! Now since I have three or more speed counters, half of your monster's attack points are deducted and added to my life-points! And that means my Archfiend is back on top of the food chain!

Carly (Possessed): A lucky move.

Jack: Sorry, but, my flame; It's not burning out anytime soon! In fact, things are about to get really fired up! Red Dragon Archfiend, attack! (Carly rides through a world of fire.) ("There. Please tell me that released Carly!") (As they ride around another corner, Carly veers off the track, and screams, into the fire around the track.) Ohh! Carly! Carly, no!


(With Sect, Aura, Crow and Seria wait for Yusei and Lyra to appear.)

Crow: They're down there somewhere. Yusei! Lyra!


(Void. With Yusei and Lyra.)

Yusei: I just don't get it. Some mystery man saves us from a gang of grabby ghouls, and then, vanishes without a trace? (In the darkness ahead of them, a single light glimmers. It grows to become a bright light.)

Lyra: maybe not without any trace. Where's that light coming from? Or better yet, who? We have to find out. (They walk toward the light. They reach the bank of a calm river, no longer in the black void, standing in a wasteland of pebbles, littering the ground and riverbank.)

Yusei: Oh, well. Looks like this is the end of the road.

Professor Fudo: No. (The light shines again above the river.)

Yusei and Lyra: Huh?

Professor Fudo: This is just the beginning for you, both! (As the light grows, it becomes golden, and resolves itself into Professor Fudo.)

Lyra: Why'd you save us from those spirits earlier?

Yusei: Who are you?

Professor Fudo: Who am I? Do you mean to tell me... (The light fades a bit) you don't recognize your own dad?

Lyra: Huh!? WHAT!?

Yusei: Father? But you're—

Fudo: Listen to me, Yusei. There's not much time. There is still much for you to do back in the Satellite Sector. (He begins to drift away. Yusei takes a few steps forward.)

Yusei: Wait— whadya mean?!

Professor Fudo: My son, you are destined for great things! (He keeps drifting away, Yusei runs after him, splashing through the water. The bank behind reflects the light after it has faded.)

Yusei: Father!

Professor Fudo: But you must rise to that greatness, if you are to achieve them.

Yusei: Father, don't leave me!

Fudo: My son, I never have. I will always be with you. (Vanishes into the darkness.)

Yusei: No! Father, come back! (The scene turns to white light.)


(Above the Reactor, Seria, Crow, Aura, and Sect watch in awe as a column of white light shoots up from the Reactor.)

Seria: Look! Up top there! Is that... (In the column of light above them, Yusei and Lyra appear, floating, their eyes closed.)

Aura and Sect: Yeah, it's Yusei and Lyra! (Yusei and Lyra, still unconscious, drift down slowly. They land gently in their companions' outstretched arms.)

Crow: Yusei, Lyra open your eyes!

Sect: Say something!

Aura and Seria: Are you okay? (Yusei and Lyra open their eyes; their friends' faces light up.)

Sect: Hey there!

Yusei: I'll remember what you said, father. (He and Lyra sit up straight.)

Crow: Uh, you feeling okay, Yusei?

Yusei: What?

Seria: Uh, what exactly happened down there?

Sect: Hey, give 'em a break, would ya! They're just a little shaken up, that's all! (Yusei smiles.)

Lyra: We're fine. Thanks for looking out for us, you guys.

Crow: (Nods.) No prob. Now to look out for the rest of the world, and there's no time to spare!

Sect: In that case, we'd better get a move on!

Lyra: ("Meaning that Dimension Scream I had at the Arcadia Movement may turn into reality… we'll just have to wait and see…")

Yusei: Right! We have to seal the remaining two towers by sunset or the king of the netherworld will resurrect! Let's move!


(With Jack and Carly. They ride along, Carly in the flames and Jack, panicked.)

Jack: Carly! What's happening?! Please! Please! Talk to me! Are you all right?!

Carly: (Her runner reappears out of the fire next to him, he moves away, looking over. For a moment, it looks like she's back, she winces with pain, then she opens her eyes.) Argh!

Jack: Argh!

Carly: There is no Carly!

Jack: You lie!

Carly: Now— let's continue. I activate Inherited Fortune. With this trap card in play I'm allowed to summon two more Fortune Ladies next round, to replace the one you destroyed during this turn!

Jack: Next I'll play a facedown. That's all for now. (He grits his teeth.) ("Time's running out. I have to do something— but what?!")

Carly: My draw! (Draws- Fortune Lady Wind.)

Jack: ("That last attack left Carly weaker than ever; one more strike and I could lose her for good!")

Carly: First, due to the effect of Inherited Fortune, I get to summon two Fortune Ladies! Rise, Fortune Lady Wind and Fortune Lady Water! Next, I'll activate Water's special ability! It allows me to draw one card for every Fortune Lady on my field; and since I currently have two, it looks like you're in double trouble! (Draws- Aslla Piscu and Earthbound Release.) Hehehehehehehe! Oh, yes! I've been waiting for this moment!

Jack: Huh!

Carly: I release Fortune Lady Water and Wind, and summon the all-powerful, the almighty—

Jack: The what?!

Carly: Oh, Jackie, simply imagine your worst nightmare and you'll have your answer! Behold, as five thousand years pass and a portal to the netherworld opens! Behold the terrifying manifestation of what will be when all of the spirits of the Satellite are swallowed by darkness!

Jack: ("Sounds like I'm about to get a sneak-preview of what's to come should the Dark Signers get their way!")

Carly: I see the fear in your eyes, and you're wise to tremble! Descend— Earthbound Immortal Aslla Piscu! Behold, the Earthbound Immortal Aslla Piscu! This is but a taste of what the rest of the world has to look forward to! Now, prepare to feel the wrath of the shadows!

Jack: ("If that behemoth strikes me, I'm done-for! There's only one chance.") I summon forth Battle Fader! Fader can be summoned whenever I'm attacked directly; and, thanks to its special ability, this round's battle phase ends, and your attack is cancelled!

Carly: Grr. Guess I'll just settle for a face-down, then! Your move! And it will be your last!

Jack: Then get ready, because you had better believe I'm gonna use it to save Carly! After all, I'm not the only one she means something to— you see Carly made me feel something nobody else ever has! I didn't realize it at first, but she made me believe in myself! (They coast around another corner, entering a winding stretch.) When she did, I could believe in others. By reaching me, Carly reached so very many of us! (Puts a hand to his heart.) And I can feel every last one of them with me right now! You may have the shadows on your side— but I have the light! (Jack and his runner start to glow a faint red.) What's this?


(With Yusei and the others. Yusei and Lyra gasp aloud, sensing Jack.)


(With Akiza and Mina. Akiza gasps.)


(With Yusei and he others. Lyra watches the mark fade from her right arm, standing on the bottom step of the stairs back to the surface; Sect, Seria, Aura, and Crow are crowded around to stare.)

Lyra: My mark; it faded.

Sect: Weird; the same thing happened to Yusei.

Crow: (Turns and looks; Yusei's mark is gone.) Hey, what's goin' on?


(With Akiza and Mina. Akiza watches her mark fade.)

Akiza: It's Jack... I can feel it...


(With Jack. The mark of the Crimson Dragon appears on Jack's back. Jack sees it out of the corner of his eye.)

Jack: ("My friends! I can feel their power inside me! I can feel their strength! Huh!") (Notices the top card of his deck glowing.) ("And I'd say something's telling me to put it to good use! So, let's!") (Draws) Majestic Dragon! But if I use this, then...

Carly: Then you'll win, Jack.

Jack: (Looks at Carly; her eyes glowing with evil.) Carly...! Is that you?!

Carly: Yes— I'm here!

Jack: (Closes his eyes and finds himself standing in a blank void. Carly is there with her back towards him.)

Carly: You must listen carefully.

Jack: Of course!

Carly: You've done all you can, but it's time you forgot about me.

Jack: Don't say that!

Carly: Now, you must do what you can to save the world. There's too much at stake not to!

Jack: Rubbish! Just hold on, I'll find a way to save you yet!

Carly: No! You have to win this duel and win it now!

Jack: But if I attack, then you'll be lost to the Netherworld! (Jack grits his teeth as she speaks, wrestling with himself; this is really painful to hear.)

Carly: And if you don't, I'll still be under the Dark Signers' control. Should the darkness win this match, a lot of people will be absorbed into the shadows! You must do this, for me!

Jack: Carly... If these are your wishes, then very well. I'll do as you say.

Carly: (Turns around.) They are, Jack. Thanks.

Jack: ("Here goes, Carly. This one's for you!") Now, then— let's give it to those Dark Signers! I summon Majestic Dragon! No attack points, no problem; because thanks to 'im, my level-eight Red Dragon Archfiend and level-one Battle Fader are tuned up and tricked out to synchro-summon something that has some serious bite! That's right— from out of these three comes one! And he's got one thing on his mind— taking you down! I give you the Majestic Red Dragon!

Carly: Ugh! And the saving starts now, because Majestic Red Dragon negates the ability of your monster— and then he gains the attack points of those monsters until the end of the turn! In other words, the almighty power of your Earthbound Immortal Aslla Piscu...

Jack: ...Is now mine! And to the tune of 6500 attack points!

Carly: You won't attack me, you'll hurt little Carly!

Jack: You're right, and I won't let her make that sacrifice. ("At least, not alone. Which is why I still have a face-down to play. Shockwave. When it's activated, if a monster on the field is destroyed then both players take damage equal to that monster's attack points. And since I can use Shock Wave to destroy Majestic Red Dragon, Carly and I will both take enough damage to lose this duel at the same time! It's what must be done! We'll be together again soon, Carly. Not the way I had hoped, but together nonetheless, and that's the only thing that matters!")


(White void.)

Carly: Oh, Jack, you're wrong! You have another destiny in store! Remember? (She is standing with her back to the building at the top of the tower and to the setting sun. She draws a single card from the deck she's holding in her hand, raises it high, and looks at it; what does her Fortune Deck say this time? Jack, alarmed to hear this, tries to act fast, goes for the button to activate his facedown.)

Jack: No, Carly! It's already done!

Carly: I activate the trap, Earthbound Release!


(Duel field)

Jack: (Jack stops short of the button, shocked.) What?! But...

Carly: With this in play, all monsters on the field are destroyed. And then you take damage equal to all their attack points! In other words, Jackie— you've lost! Face it, Jackie, you've lost! With Earthbound Release out, all monsters on the field are destroyed, and you take their attack points as damage!

Jack: You're wrong! My dragon's ability is still in play, so your effect is negated and you take the damage, not me. But why would you make such a careless move unless—! Unless, of course! It's Carly! She must've used the last bit of strength she had to force your hand, and save me! (Huge explosion. There's nothing except the glinting of Majestic Red Dragon's eyes. Jack's dragon flies from it, and blasts a fireball at Carly; she rides straight into it...)


(White void)

Carly: I told you, Jack. You have another destiny in store for you. And as much as I appreciate you willing to sacrifice everything for me, it's important that you fulfil it. After all, you're going to be king, Jack!

Jack: (He's realized he can't stop her.) Carly!


(Duel Field.)

Carly: (Rides into the fireball. Flung free of her runner, she lands on the ground and moan. The fire vanishes from the earth, as though never there. The Hummingbird mark fades from the sky.)


(With Akiza and Mina. They notice the disappearing sign from a distance.)

Mina: The geoglyph is disappearing! The duel must be over!

Akiza: (Her mark reappears.) And it looks as though Jack's won.

Mina: All right! I knew that he'd do it! ("How could he not? He's the best there is!")

(With Carly and Jack. Jack flings aside his runner and helmet, and hurries to Carly. He gently shakes her as she lies limply in his arms, unconscious.)

Jack: Carly! Carly! Just hang in there, Carly. You hear me?

Carly: (Opens her eyes; dazed and blank, and looks at him.) Yes, Jack... I hear you.

Jack: You're gonna make it through this.

Carly: I know... Jack... I will... but not here.

Jack: No, don't say that. Look; I saved these for you. (Takes her broken glasses from his pocket and places them on her face. She smiles.)

Carly: Ahh...! Thanks, Jack... But I don't want you to worry about me. Even though the netherworld is calling for me, I-I'll be all right. I'm not scared. And you shouldn't be, either. We'll be together again, someday.

Jack: You're right. I'm going to do whatever it takes to bring you back. I'll never give up hope, and I'll never stop fighting for you, Carly!

Carly: I know, Jack... That's why you're my number one...! Now then, I'm afraid it's time I get going... (They hug again, she turns grey as he embraces her.) ("Goodbye, Jack…") (Now entirely charcoal-grey, wisps begin to evaporate, until Jack is only hugging air. Her glasses clatter to the ground. Jack snatches at the air, then hunches over, shaking with emotion as he kneels on the ground.)

Jack: Carly... (Clenches his fist, and slowly gets to his feet, looking at the sky.) I won't ever forget everything you did for me... (A shower of purple sparkles flit through the air.)

Carly's Voice: And I won't forget you, Jack! You see? I told you I'd be all right!


(With Lyra and the others. They top the stairs out of the reactor. Crow, notices something as he reaches the top, and hurries forward.)

Crow: Huh...?! Check it out, Yusei!

Aura: Do you think this means that Jack won his duel?

Sect: Yeah, sure it does!

Yusei: Then there's just one tower left to seal. And I have a bad feeling it's gonna be the most difficult one of them all!