YuGiOh! 5D's Sequel: Beyond the Future

by GoldenUmi

10 years after the events of Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, the members of Team 5D's become the target of an underground German organization wielding technology similar to that of Yliaster. Jack and Yusei become the target of vengeance. Aki's past begins to haunt her. Rua and Ruka search for their missing father. Their fates intertwine as the multiple shadows of Urteil reveal themselves.

25. Trust

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Beyond the Future

Chapter 25: "Trust"

---

Yukio could barely make out the reactions of the audience around him as his mind wandered. He had his arms folded tightly against his chest and was noticeably looking down at his feet, lost in thought. It was only through a sudden tap on his arm that he was pulled from his thoughts and back into reality. Yukio lazily turned toward the cheerful Stephanie, who was leaning close to him in his chair, shooting her one of his glares. "What is it?"

"Nothing," Stephanie said with her usual cute smile. "I just saw you daydreaming over there and thought I'd get your attention." Yukio's expression remained flat as he heaved a sigh, used to her personality by now. "I'm not daydreaming."

"Sure you weren't," the woman replied sarcastically, now giving him a stern frown. "Since you were the one who invited me here, I thought you were actually interested in this tournament. But you haven't even been paying attention since the second round began. What's on your mind?"

Yukio shook his head lightly, indicating there was no problem. "It's nothing, really. I'm still just a bit tired, I guess." In truth, Yukio had no interest in any of the D-Wheelers participating in this tournament other than Team 5D's, but he wasn't about to say that in front of Stephanie. She would pester him endlessly with questions.

"Oh," the girl responded rather aloofly before shrugging it off. "Oh well. I guess it's understandable you'd still be tired after what we did together last night." Stephanie tapped her lip nonchalantly, not noticing the blush appearing on Yukio's face. "Don't say things that will lead to misunderstandings," he grumbled, trying not to make eye contact with a few of the people sitting across from him.

"Well, just try to actually enjoy our time together," Stephanie finally said, her cheerful tone returning. She gave a cute giggle before letting go of Yukio's arm to turn back to the ongoing Duel down below.

Yukio sighed again, this time softer and to himself. He did really have something on his mind, though. As he watched Stephanie's smiling face momentarily, he suspected that what happened earlier that morning was the cause behind her cheerful disposition. Mainly, because he invited her to go to the stadium. Also, the realization he made that morning that someone had broken into his home had him slightly worried in the back of his mind.

His mind wandering, Yukio looked back up toward the continuing Duel down below. He then turned back to Stephanie, who was watching the Duel enthusiastically while cheering happily, and couldn't help but smile a bit to himself. The thought was a fleeting one, but he thought that perhaps he could find some peace staying beside the woman…at least for a while. Regardless, he would eventually have to deal with A.D.'s as well as Urteil before he could find any sort of peace.

BREAK

---

Back on the track of the Duel Dome stadium, a stunned silence fell over the crowd as Mukuro's D-Wheel slid across the dirt in a cloud of dust. As he screeched the breaks to stop himself, his eyes were wide and tense; his mouth hung open in shock. Just as Mukuro adjusted his balance, an immense explosion shook the track. Through the resulting flames, his fiery, demonic Monster bit the dust.

[Mukuro's LP: 1750 - 0]

[Exploration's SC: 3 - 1]

"W-We have a winner!" MP finally spoke after finding the words to speak. "In a brilliant upset, Contestant Ace of Team Taiyou has taken down Contestant Mukuro of Team Exploration, earning their team a win and forcing Exploration to fight for two more matches!"

[WINNER – ACE]

[Team Exploration – 2 Wins, Team Taiyou – 1 Win]

"Wh-What in the world happened?" Rua asked, grasping his head with his hands. "It all happened so fast that I couldn't keep up!"

Ruka, looking quite surprised herself, turned to her brother to explain. "Mukuro Enjo tried to dominate the field using his new Monster, Violent Running Roaring Road Guardian, which has an effect that blocks the opponent from attacking any of his Monsters." Ruka paused briefly to bring her eyes back to the track before she continued. "Believing he had the advantage, he then tried to revive Himuro-san's Infernal Oni from the Graveyard. His goal was to defeat Ace using its attack in combination with Speed Spell – Meteor Strike to inflict Piercing Damage." Ruka stopped again to narrow her brows. "Taking advantage of his attack, Ace used Shift to switch the attack to Thud, causing his own Monster to be destroyed instead."

"But even doing that," Rua protested with a wave, "Thud should have only had 1000 more Attack Points than Infernal Oni; 2800. How did Mukuro Enjo lose so many Life Points?"

"Take a close look at the card disappearing on Ace's field," Jack said, pointing toward the Taiyou Duelist. "That's a Trap known as Deal of the Phantom. It's a card that increases the Attack Power of one Monster by 100 for each Monster in your Graveyard. Up until now, Team Taiyou has placed 17 Monsters in the Graveyard, bringing the Attack Power of Thud up to 4500."

"I see," Rua said, processing the situation in his head. "Ace took advantage of the fact that their weak Monsters are destroyed so quickly and sent to the Graveyard. If you think about it, that's pretty clever…"

Mukuro was cursing up and down while he dragged his smoking D-Wheel back over to the Team Exploration pit booth. Sherry tapped her fingers against the hard surface of the table in front of her, looking peeved. "Unfortunately, gentleman," she said in a stiff tone, "it looks like we'll be fighting a bit longer today. I had hoped to end this quickly as to not reveal too many of our tactics, but Team Taiyou proved to be a much stronger adversary than I originally anticipated."

Sherry didn't make eye contact with the returning Mukuro and simply spoke to the other team members. Bummed and disappointed, the middle-aged man carried himself away from his team in humiliation at his failure. Instead, the blonde-headed woman turned to her right hand man, Crow Hogan. "Suit up and get out there, Crow!" she ordered with a bark. "No matter what happens, you have to win this match! We'll be in a shaky position if you don't!"

Crow merely gave the A.D.'s Sub-Leader a thumbs up, his back turned to her as he headed toward the dressing room to change into his Riding Suit. Not long after, Crow was already in his orange and green attire and riding out on the track. Alongside him was the blue-haired member of Team Tiyou, Jinbei, who wore a Riding Suit that matched his hair.

"I still owe Thud some payback for what happened back in the W.R.G.P.," Crow called over to his opponent, who met his eagerness with his own. "And don't think Taiyou will bow to you that easily, Crow Hogan!"

Both D-Wheelers slammed the gas pedals, bursting past the start line with intense speed.

[SC: Exploration 1 / Taiyou 9]

[Crow's LP: 4000]

[Violent Running Roaring Road Guardian: LV8/0/3000]

[Jinbei's LP: 4000]

[Zushin the Sleeping Giant: LV10/?/0] [Attack Position]

[Curse of Dragon: LV5/2000/1500] [Attack Position]

[Dragon Zombie: LV3/1600/0] [Attack Position]

[Lizard Soldier: LV3/1100/800] [Attack Position]

"Since you guys smoked us in the last match," Crow called over the roar of his D-Wheel, "I'm taking the first turn! Draw!" The orange-haired Duelist whipped a card off the top of his deck and added it to his hand.

[SC: Exploration 2 / Taiyou 10]

"Here goes, pal!" Crow cried, slapping a card onto his Duel Disk. "When my opponent controls a Monster while I control none, I can Normal Summon Black Feather – Sirocco the Dawn without release! Attack Position!" Crow's iconic bird Monster took to the track, flapping its wings mightily above Crow's black and orange D-Wheel known as the Black Bird.

[Black Feather – Sirocco the Dawn: LV5/2000/900]

"Then," Crow continued, "when I control a Black Feather, I can Special Summon Gale the Hurricane from my hand!" Joining Sirocco was a smaller bird with blue and green feathers.

[Black Feather – Gale the Hurricane: LV3/1300/400]

"I then activate Gale the Hurricane's effect!" Crow called out, hand in front of face. "Once per turn, it can halve the Attack and Defense Points of one Monster on my opponent's side of the field!"

Jinbei immediately looked concerned by this, but relieved himself when he remembered his Monsters were in Defense Position.

"I target Curse of Dragon!" Crow cried with a wave of his arm. "With its Defense Power cut in half, it's no match for either of my Monsters!"

[Curse of Dragon: 2000/1500 - 1000/750]

Jinbei could do nothing but watch as Gale ripped the weakened dragon into pieces. Following, Sirocco proceeded to do the same to the already weaker Dragon Zombie. Feeling confident with his move, Crow set three cards and ended his turn. Crow decided not to Synchro Summon this turn since he currently had no strategy to defeat Zushin. Thinking for a few minutes, he concluded that he would need to increase his defense with more Monsters above all else. With his resolve as strong as ever, Crow sped along the corner of the stadium before making a complete first lap around the dome.

BREAK

---

Inside the stadium, the Urteil member calling himself Evilz was busy having a heart attack, grasping his chest in shock at the sight of the Monster towering above him. "S-So bright" the messy-haired geek cried, shielding his eyes from the light of Yusha's warrior. "H-How could this have happened?! I'm supposed to be invincible!" Yusha had his hand on his hip nonchalantly, not seeming to understand why his opponent was having a nervous breakdown.

"Y-Your deck! I corrupted your entire deck with my viruses!" Evilz moaned while pointing at his opponent, his hand visibly shaking. "Not only that, but thanks to my Dimensional Fissure Field Spell, all of your Monsters are Banished instead of going to the Graveyard! In combination with my Trap, your best Monsters should all be completely gone! And yet, here you are completely unscathed before me! Where did my calculations fail me?!"

[Yusha's LP: 4000]

[Evilz's LP: 400]

"Look, dude," Yusha said calmly while raising both of his hands. "There's no need to get so worked up. The fact is, even if you infect my deck and Banish my Monsters, I can still Fusion Summon from my Extra Deck." Evilz froze at this comment, realizing he had made a grave miscalculation when formulating his strategy. "D-Damn it!"

"Your field's totally empty right now," Yusha continued, "and The Shining gains 300 Attack Points for every one of my Banished Elemental Hero Monster. Last I counted, you Banished about eleven…no, twelve of them with that Trap Card you used a while back." Yusha slowly counted in his head as he did the math. "So that currently leaves Shining with…"

[Elemental HERO The Shining: LV8/6200/2100]

"6200 Attack Points?!" Evilz finished. "I-I-Impossible! This is completely, utterly impossible!"

"Why do you keep doing that?" Yusha asked, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably. "Well, I guess I better go ahead and finish this. If I take too long, Erin's gonna scold me again…"

"W-Wait!" Evilz shouted suddenly, raising his hands in protest. "If you let me escape, I swear I'll tell you what you want to know! It's not like I'm even that loyal to Urteil!"

"Don't worry," Yusha replied, his tone and expression suddenly more serious. "You can tell us all about Urteil in jail! Go, The Shining! Optical Storm!"

Yusha's hero unleashed a hurricane of light that sent the Urteil member flying across the room, screaming in horror.

[Evilz's LP: 400 - 0]

"Well," Yusha said quietly as his Hero disappeared. "Guess I gotta arrest him." Yusha approached the fallen man with a pair of handcuffs, which he used to lock up his arms.

BREAK

---

Kyosuke Kiryu observed the intense match between Crow and Jinbei from over in his seat in the Team Taiyou booth. Though he was not actually involved in the Duels himself, he had to hand it to the two for being able to drag the Duel on for this long. Both Duelists proved to be equally matched here, each countering the other multiple times throughout the past several turns. It was currently a standoff between two D-Wheelers who knew each other's strategies after being on the same opposing teams during the W.R.G.P. Though they appeared equally matched, Kiryu silently thought to himself that the match was very slightly tipped in Jinbei's favor currently.

Jin, feeling very much the same way himself, used his forearm to wipe the sweat off his forehead. Thud, also called Zushin, hovered above his D-Wheel; its shadow stretching over both participants in a haunting fashion. Opposite to Jin on the field, Crow lowered his hand above his deck as he prepared to draw a card. He seemed to hesitate, hand wavering somewhat over the deck without taking the card. Crow observed the field as he drove along the track, feeling somewhat concerned with Zushin's continuous presence.

[SC: Exploration 3 / Taiyou 2]

[Crow's LP: 900]

[Black Feather – Arms Wing: LV6/2300/1000] [Attack Position]

[Jinbei's LP: 800]

[Zushin the Sleeping Giant: LV10/?/0] [Attack Position]

"Why are you hesitating?" Jinbei asked, pulling up right behind Crow on the track. "Thanks to the effect of the Black Current Trap you used to protect your Arms Wing last turn, you can either conduct your normal Draw Phase this turn or instead add a Black Feather Monster from your deck to your hand. Is Thud really that intimidating?"

Crow gritted his teeth at that comment, eyeing the giant green ogre from the corner of his eye. Up until this point, Crow had been avoiding direct confrontation with Zushin and instead using Arms Wing's Piercing Effect to take out Jinbei's defenses and deal damage through card effects. Now that Zushin was the only remaining Monster to fight against, Crow felt extreme pressure. Zushin was immune to all card effects and its Attack Power was always equal to his Monster's plus an additional 1000. Despite being such a common card, Team Taiyou had earned their fame for being the only group to utilize it in combat.

Now, Crow faced a dilemma. As Jinbei pointed out, Crow was having a hard time deciding whether he should skip his Draw Phase to add a Black Feather to his hand. His strategy with Boras the Sharp that worked in the W.R.G.P. had failed this time around due to Jinbei already anticipating the trick. Crow had been hoping Mukuro could take down Thud, as Crow himself still hadn't come up with a way to take the oaf down. Just as Crow began to lose faith in his victory during this Duel, he suddenly remembered something Yusei said long ago back in the W.R.G.P. about the giant's one and only weakness.

"Thud is only able to negate the effects of the Monster it battles against."

After one final moment of hesitation, a light came to Crow's eyes and he suddenly regained his confidence. His brain started churning once again, several possible strategies pouring into his skull. After a long review, he finally had an answer. Crow yanked his hand away from his deck, turning to look his opponent dead in the eyes. "I use Black Current's effect to add a Black Feather from my deck to my hand!" With one swipe of his hand, Crow grabbed the card he was after and slammed it onto his Duel Disk. "I then Summon Black Feather – Fane the Steel Chain in Attack Position!" Jinbei's expression remained unchanged as the new dark feathered bird flew onto the track, swinging its chain around it.

[Black Feather – Fane the Steel Chain: LV2/500/800]

"Next," Crow continued, "I Banish Himuro's Sinister Oni from my Graveyard, using its effect to make one Monster I control immune to Monster Effects! I select Fane the Steel Chain!" The soul of Himuro's demon possessed the body of Crow's Black Feather, creating a black mist around the creature. "Then," Crow said with a wave of his arm, "I activate Fane the Steel Chain's effect! When battling, it can bypass my opponent's Monsters and attack directly!" Jinbei gasped just as the bird zipped underneath Zushin's scaly legs to strike a direct hit, leaving the Duelist temporarily winded.

[Jinbei's LP: 800 - 300]

"Fane the Steel Chain's Monster Effect then activates!" Crow said with a pump of his fist. "When it inflicts Battle Damage to my opponent, it can target one Attack Position Monster on the opponent's field and switch it to Defense Position!"

"In case you've forgotten," Jin said with a raise of his eyebrow, "Zushin is unable to be targeted by your Monster Effects! This is no different!"

"Wrong, bozo!" Crow shot back. "In case you've forgotten how Yusei beat Thud back in the W.R.G.P., allow me to remind you! Zushin, the Sleeping Giant can only negate the effects of the Monsters it battles against!" Jin stopped short upon hearing this, suddenly looking worried. "Guess you realized what that means, huh?" Crow teased, twirling his finger around in the air. "Since Fane never battled with Zushin directly, the effect still applies! That ugly eyesore's gonna fall to his knees now!"

Jinbei gasped as his giant was forced into a defensive stance, its zero Defense Points glaring and obvious.

"Go on, Arms Wing! Take Thud down once and for all! Black Charge!" Upon Crow's order, Arms Wing dashed through the air at top speed and ran its spear right through the giant's chest. "Thanks to the spirit of Sinister Oni possessing Arms Wing, it has become immune to all Monster Effects! This means that Thud's effect to negate its effect is negated before it can even happen, making this attack hold Piercing Damage! Moreover, Arms Wing gains 500 Attack Points during the Damage Step when attacking a Defense Position Monster!"

[Black Feather – Arms Wing's ATK: 2300 - 2800]

Jinbei screamed in pain as Zushin's giant body burst open in the resulting explosion, the force smashing into the D-Wheeler's body at full force. Jinbei managed to skid to a stop just in time, but the deed was already done.

[Jinbei's LP: 300 - 0]

[Taiyou's SC: 2 - 0]

[WINNER – CROW HOGAN]

[Team Exploration – 3 Wins, Team Taiyou – 1 Win]

As MP and MC excitedly recapped the events, Crow gave a triumphant laugh and pumped his fists victoriously toward the enthusiastic the crowd. As Crow drove past the now defeated Jinbei, the blue-haired Duelist couldn't help but flash him a respectful smile. "That was really smart, Crow. But don't think this is over. Not by a long shot."

"The same applies to you guys," Crow said, his friendly smile mixed with a touch of rivalry. "You don't wanna make Sherry mad. You'll regret it." With those words said, Crow sped off the field to rejoin his team. Jinbei smiled to himself before turning toward his own booth.

Yusei and his friends watched Crow drive back to regroup, all seeming pleased with their friend's victory. "There was no need for any of you to worry about Crow," Yusei said. "He's long since recovered from his loss and is now only focused on victory." The others nodded as they discussed Crow's comeback move excitedly amongst each other.

Crow noticed Sherry speaking over her phone when he finally made it back over to the booth. She acknowledged him with a smile before hanging up. "Good work out there, Crow." The orange spiky-head nodded, placing his hand over his hip. "Never mind that, though. What's going on with the guys out there?"

"Our agents are currently engaged in battle as we speak," Sherry explained, standing up to get ready for the final match against Taiyou. "Fusionist has just reported in. He's defeated his opponent and has apprehended him for interrogation."

"As expected of Yusha," Crow said nonchalantly. "Any word from the others?"

Sherry's expression shifted to a more serious one as she placed her hand over the doorknob leading into the changing booth. "Fusionist is the only one to have reported in. It seems our other agents are having more difficulty than we expected. That's all the more reason why I have to make sure our team wins and progresses to the next match. This is all fun and games for Team Taiyou, but to us this is just another step toward apprehending Murdock."

Crow nodded to the woman, letting her suit up for her upcoming match. Feeling somewhat uneasy from this news, he turned to look over the top of the bleachers into the sky above the open stadium. "The others are one thing, but for even Erin-chan, Raynor,and Elijah to not have defeated their opponents by now… Just what is the deal with these Urteil people?"

At the same time, Taro was just finishing up his preparations for the final fight. Dressed in his red Riding Suit, the leader of Team Taiyou thanked Jinbei for an inspiring match. Jinbei, on the other hand, looked a bit down from his loss. "I'm sorry, Taro. I wasted our strategy…"

Taro noticed his friend's depression and tried to cheer him up by placing his hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Jin! Thanks to you, Ace, and the others, our sun has fully risen! It was only a matter of time before Crow caught on to Thud's weakness. The thing is, though, I anticipated this." Taro finally let go of his friend and hopped up onto his D-Wheel. "I'm the team leader for a reason! Let me handle this!" With that, Taro drove the rusty D-Wheel out onto the track where Sherry was waiting for him, now dressed in her white and maroon Riding Suit.

"Glad you could make it, Team Taiyou leader," Sherry called over to the D-Wheeler. "I respect you guys a lot, but I'm afraid that we just can't afford to lose against you. I'm going at you with everything I have, Taro Yamashita!"

Taro's response was to rev up his engine and dash out onto the track, with Sherry following close behind. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Sherry LeBlanc! I'm looking forward to this!" Taro immediately drew his cards, not wasting a single second to initiate his last ditch strategy. "My turn! I Summon Key Mace in Defense Position! I then set two cards, ending my turn!"

[Key Mace: LV1/400/300]

"Looks like the same old strategy to me," Sherry said with a smirk. "My turn! Draw!"

[SC: Taiyou 2 / Exploration 5]

[Sherry's LP: 4000]

[Taro's LP: 4000]

Sherry only spent a second identifying her card before she placed it on her Duel Disk. "I release Fane the Steel Chain to Advance Summon Angel Knight Parshath in Attack Position!" Crow's bird warrior was replaced by an intense wall of light, in which Sherry's angelic knight manifested from.

[Angel Knight Parshath: LV5/1900/1400]

"Then," Sherry continued, "Arms Wing attacks Key Mace! Black Dash!"

[Black Feather – Arms Wing's ATK: 2300 - 2800]

Just as the bird warrior's lance was about to pierce the Goddess of Team Taiyou, it was met with an invisible force field. Sherry gasped, suddenly catching a playful smirk appearing on Taro's face through her rearview mirror. "What did you do?!"

"I knew a hot-blooded woman like you wouldn't hesitate to attack my Key Mace, knowing exactly what I was going for. Taking advantage of your determination, I laid a Trap known as Turn Jumper Time Wave!" Sherry's eyes widened as the air around her started to bend and swirl abnormally. "So you noticed, did you?" Taro's voice grabbed her attention, and she jerked her head toward him.

"Turn Jumper Time Wave has not only stopped your attack and ended the Battle Phase, but it has set this Duel forward three turns into the future. In addition to that, for the other two Turn Jumper Time Waves I hold in my deck, the Turn Count has jumped forward two more." Taro's smirk widened as he observed his opponent's distressed expression. "In other words," he continued, "Key Mace has now officially been on my field for five of my turns!"

Sherry clicked her tongue, obviously annoyed at the situation. "I didn't even know such a card existed. It looks like you're determined to get Zushin back onto the field as quickly as possible…"

Taro's smile softened a bit, but still subtly mocked his opponent. "That's the plan, Sherry-san."

As this scene occurred, Divine leaned lazily against the very back of the stadium atop the bleachers. He was not paying much attention to the match down below, even yawning and waving his hand in front of his mouth. "Hey, Jophiel," he said through his yawn, "isn't there something we can work on? I could care less about this match." Divine opened his eyes when he received no answer, looking around him in confusion. "Jophiel? Where the hell did that guy go?"

Indeed, Divine's new partner in crime was no longer present.

BREAK

---

Jophiel, in actuality, had left the stadium not long after the first turn of the match began. He was currently walking outside the stadium altogether, heading toward a shadowy alleyway between two smaller buildings right next to the Duel Dome. Jophiel stopped when he saw another man approaching from within the shadows, his face barely visible. "How are you on this fine day, Fred?"

Emerging from the shadows, Mr. Fred gave the well-dressed gentleman a bow. "Oh, just splendid, Mr. Omniel. It seems the lower forces of Urteil have engaged in some entertainment this morning around the area."

"Is that so?" Jophiel asked, a sly smile stretching across his lips. He proceeded to place his hand over his top hat, slouching forward slightly so half of his face was shadowed in the dark alley. "We wouldn't want old Alfy-boy catching on so quickly, right? That's why you gave those men false orders to attack the A.D.'s group."

"I have no idea what you're implying," Mr. Fred replied sarcastically while he adjusted his tie. "All of my orders are in fact genuine. A.D.'s is currently looking for our hideout here in the stadium. It would be most inconvenient if we were to be located so quickly before I can find a new hideout for us." Fred's lips curled up into a devious smirk as he continued, eyes meeting Jophiel's. "And what about you, Mr. Omniel? Are you sure it's okay to leave Divine all by himself in that stadium? That man is quite ill-tempered, you know."

"Fred, Fred, Fred," Jophiel patronized with a wave of his finger. "Divine is a big boy now, you know. Surely I can leave him unattended for a few moments. But if he does make any unnecessary movements, our partnership will come to an end. That's all there is to it." Fred scoffed at this remark, but did not say anything more on the matter. "So," Jophiel continued, "how long before Alf gets his balls in a twist over this whole thing?" The green-haired man ran his fingers over the rim of his hat playfully as he asked this, not sounding the least bit concerned regardless of the answer.

Mr. Fred paused for a moment before looking up at the dark building walls around them. "It's far too late to ask that now, Mr. Omniel. I'm afraid Alf Kappler has been aware of our meetings from the very beginning." Fred shot the Psychic Duelist a glance through the corner of his eyes. "You see, he is able to monitor my movements. I am, after all, his creation."

Jophiel noticed a slight change in Fred's tone as he said this, but shrugged it off. "Oh well, I guess it can't be helped, then. But I'm curious as to why the old fart hasn't made a move yet. Surely even he can't be that arrogant?"

Fred frowned at Jophiel's playful tone lacking any sort of seriousness. "As powerful as you are, Mr. Omniel, you would be best to not underestimate this man. The fact that he hasn't made a move yet is exactly why we need to keep our guard up. He is the type of man who is always three or four steps ahead."

Jophiel responded with a hefty sigh, shaking his head back and forth. "This just won't do, Freddy. I pegged you as someone with more confidence than that." The two men exchanged glares before Jophiel decided to change the subject. "But regarding the content of those documents you gave me last night… Are you absolutely sure the information's accurate? If Alf's really planning something like that, well, even I would have to offer him some praise."

Just as Mr. Fred opened his mouth to speak, he was cut off by an ear-shattering explosion right behind the two. He and Jophiel spun around toward the fresh, gaping hole in the side of the building behind them. They followed the flaming debris toward two bodies lying half beaten on the ground by their feet. Spring and Shadow, both panting hard, struggled to pull themselves back up as Misaki Emu emerged from the flaming hole. As she became visible through the smoke and fire, her brown eyes were noticeably blank and distant, as if she were exterminating a couple of ants.

Jophiel gave a wolf whistle as he observed the woman dressed in red, tight fitting clothes. Her hair was spiked up, different from her usual appearance. "If it isn't Murdock's personal doll," Jophiel said in his sarcastic tone. "Along with two other rats," Mr. Fred added, a disgusted frown coming to his lips.

"D-Damn," Shadow grunted through clenched teeth. "Even I couldn't sneak up on this woman…" Beside him, Spring—or Haruka— was panting hard and sweating considerably. "Even so, this is the best lead we've ever gotten…! We can't allow her to get away!" Spring's Angel Monster hovered above her, dressed in red and orange robes.

[Spring's LP: 1200]

[Angel Saint Meltius: LV4/1600/1200] [Attack Position]

Shadow—or Yung-soo—still kneeling on one knee, wiped sweat from his forehead. "This woman's strategy is designed to cure her opponents. She then turns our own Life into poison…" Beside Shadow was a small demon-like sprite as well as a grey-skinned warrior with crimson red eyes and black armor.

[Shadow's LP: 1800]

[Black Potan: LV1/200/100] [Defense Position]

[Dark Grepher: LV4/1700/1600] [Attack Position]

Misaki glared down at the fallen A.D.'s Duelists with disgust. "Don't even think about going anywhere near Murdock-sama, you vermin!" Standing beside Emu was a gruesome demonic woman with long, purple hair and bat-like wings. There was also a faceless Monster resembling a mirror, which was beginning to fade away into nothingness.

[Misaki's LP: 4000]

[Nurse Reficule the Fallen One: LV4/1400/600]

[Reflect Bounder: LV4/1700/1000]

"Because you attacked my Reflect Bounder with a Monster holding equal Attack Power, both Monsters will be destroyed. But thanks to Reflect Bounder's effect, you will take the total 1700 Attack Power of Dark Grepher as damage!" Shadow screamed as a blast of light crashed into him, sending him flying past Mr. Fred and into the other undamaged building. His body shattered one of the windows, cutting his arm up in the process. "Shadow!" Haruka called out, worried about her friend.

[Shadow's LP: 1800 - 100]

"Dammit," Haruka muttered hopelessly. "If it wasn't for that Shift Trap Card, that attack would have destroyed Nurse Reficule!"

Misaki took a couple of steps forward, suddenly becoming aware of Mr. Fred and Jophiel. Narrowing her eyes in disgust at the two men, she addressed them suspiciously. "What exactly is the meaning of this, Mr. Fred?"

Mr. Fred clicked his tongue, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck in annoyance. Jophiel, on the other hand, was now wearing a sinister grin. He used his hand to push his hat down over his eyes. "What is the meaning of what?"

BREAK

---

At the same time, Sherry was riding nearly metal-to-metal alongside Taro on the track. Taro had placed a 2100 Defense Power Monster called Defense Wall on his field, but that wasn't enough to deter the woman. "I Summon Fleur Synchron in Attack Position!" she said, manifesting a plant-like creature resembling a bulb.

[Fleur Synchron: LV2/400/200]

"I'm Tuning the Level Two Fleur Synchron with the Level Six Black Feather – Arms Wing!" Taro watched intently as green light encompassed the track, uniting the two Monsters into one entity. As the new Synchro Monster gradually emerged from the light, Taro's face was highlighted in shades of green.

(2+6=8)

"Body born from the speed of light, the time for revolution has come! Bring victory into my grasp! Synchro Summon! Sparkle, Fleur de Chevalier!"

As the light dispersed, a knight in shining armor stepped out onto the track. Its red cape blew around it majestically as the friction of the two soaring D-Wheels washed over its armored body.

[Fleur de Chevalier: LV8/2700/2300]

"Then," Sherry continued, "when Fleur Synchron is sent to the Graveyard as material for a Synchro Summon, I can Special Summon one Level Two or lower Monster from my hand!" Sherry grabbed a card from her hand and placed it on her Duel Disk. "Come out, Apprentice Knight!" A female knight with red hair joined Chevalier on the track, running alongside the warrior.

[Apprentice Knight: LV2/1000/1000]

"Thanks to the effect of your Defense Wall," Sherry smirked, "I can't attack any of the other Monsters on your field. In that case, I'll just destroy it first and go after your Key Mace later!" With a thrust of her arm, Sherry sent her warrior into battle. "Go, Fleur de Chevalier! Attack Defense Wall! Fleur de Orage!"

"No you don't!" Taro countered just as the knight approached his Wall Monster. "Trap Card, activate! Gravity Bind! Now your Level Four and higher Monsters can't attack!" A yellow net appeared on the field, blocking off the warrior's sword before it could reach its target. Sherry clicked her tongue in irritation, but was far from beaten. "I activate Fleur de Chevalier's effect! Once per turn, it can negate one of the opponent's Spells or Traps and destroy it! Let's do this once again!"

Upon Sherry's order, the knight slashed through the yellow net, shattering it and leaving Taro's only defense unprotected. Once shattered, Key Mace was left alone and unguarded. "Now you can't stop me from destroying the key to your plan!" she cried. "Go, Holy Knight Parshath! Attack Key Mace!" Following Chevalier's example, the shining warrior named Parshath went on the attack, aiming its sword right for the petite fairy.

Sherry's confidence suddenly shattered when she saw a wide smirk appear on Taro's face. "You fell for my little taunt," he said. "I knew you would use Chevalier's effect to destroy Gravity Bind, so I set my real Trap! Turn Jumper Time Wave, activate!"

Sherry gasped as her angelic warrior was once again stopped in its tracks, the air around the field bending and winding like a snake. "Dammit…"

"That's right," Taro said meeting her eyes with his own as the two D-Wheels were close enough to touch. "Now the Turn Count will move forward another three, plus one for the last Turn Jumper Time Wave in my deck!" Taro chuckled as a time wave enveloped his field. "Now Key Mace has been on the field for ten of my turns! Do you know what that means, Sherry-san?"

Sherry gritted her teeth, realizing there was nothing she could do. "Turn end."

"My turn!" Taro said, drawing his card. "Now that Key Mace has been on my field for ten of my turns, I can release it to Special Summon Zushin, the Sleeping Giant!"

Once again, to Sherry's annoyance, the tiny fairy was absorbed and replaced by the giant green ogre also called Thud. Thanks to its monstrous size, its shadow completely enveloped the two D-Wheelers along with their army of Monsters.

[Zushin, the Sleeping Giant: LV10/?/0]

"Go on, Zushin!" Taro commanded. "Attack Fleur de Chevalier! Thud Punch!" Sherry had nothing up her sleeve to prevent this strike. Due to Zushin's effect, its Attack Power was 1000 higher than her knight's, and its effect was negated. Unable to stop this assault, Chevalier was crushed by the giant's massive fist, and Sherry was sent skidding down the track from the force.

[Sherry's LP: 4000 - 3000]

[Exploration's SC: 8 - 7]

"You don't have the time to recover!" Taro cried over the roar of his engine. "I activate the Trap Card Jin left behind known as Storm Springald! When one of my Monsters inflicts Battle Damage after destroying a Monster on my opponent's side of the field, I can activate this set card on the field or from my hand! By discarding one Monster Card from my hand, I can inflict the discarded Monster's total Attack Power as damage to my opponent's Life Points!"

Sherry's eyes widened as Taro removed one of the cards in his hand and revealed it as Lizard Soldier, a Monster holding 1100 Attack Points. As Taro discarded the card, Sherry was hit by a blast of energy that once again sent her D-Wheel sliding across the dirt track, brewing up a dust cloud all around her.

[Sherry's LP: 3000 - 1900]

Sherry, now panting from the consecutive hits, wiped the dirt stains from her cheek and tried to straighten her posture. "I guess you're not going to make this easy for me," she said, a slight smirk coming to her lips. Taro mimicked her action, driving alongside her once again. "It wouldn't be any fun that way, now would it?"

BREAK

---

Not far from Yusha's location, Erin slid hard across the floor during the force of an attack, using the heel of her foot to stop herself from falling. As the smoke cleared around her, Erin's field was completely empty, which resulted in her taking a Direct Attack. Her opponent, the clown-like Fester of Urteil, had a small rabbit creature on his side of the field that was responsible for the attack, along with two face-up cards on the field.

[Blade Rabbit: LV2/400/300]

Erin frowned, wiping sweat from her forehead as Fester gave a shrewd cackle. "It looks like I may have underestimated you just a bit," she said flatly.

[Erin's LP: 4000 - 3600]

"Indeed you have, A.D.'s brat," Fester said with his hand on his hip. "You seem absolutely shocked that I, Fester the Endless Reborn, managed to actually damage your Life! In case your tiny brain is unable to process what just happened, allow me to recap for you." Fester's colorful lips stretched even wider. "First, my Continuous Spell, Stumbling, forced your Monster into Defense Position. Then my Trap Card, Tragedy, which destroys every one of my opponent's Monsters switched to face-up Defense Position, wiped out the last of your defense!"

[Fester's LP: 4000]

"Hmph," Erin scoffed, still scowling. "Don't get so cocky just because you gave me 400 damage. Now that I know your strategy, don't think you'll be able to hide behind your weak Monsters forever."

"On the contrary, my dear," Fester said with widened eyes. "I said I was going to show you an endless nightmare. Go ahead and Summon another Monster," he chided with a point of his finger. "Using the effect of Blade Rabbit in combination with Book of Taiyou, I'll be able to destroy it in no time! Once that happens, I'll be able to slowly eat away at your Life!" Fester stopped for a drawn out laugh before he continued excitedly. "This is my torture strategy!"

"What a fool," Erin replied stiffly, not seeming the least bit intimidated. "Only a coward would reveal his entire strategy. It's about time I arrested you, Urteil!"

Fester's grin faded upon hearing this. "I'd like to see you try, girl."

BREAK

---

Aki's mouth hung open in shock as the dust settled from the field around Sherry, who was taking quite a beating down below. "Was Taro this strong before?" she couldn't help but ask Yusei, who shook his head. "He was a formidable opponent during the W.R.G.P.," the scientist replied, "but there's no doubt that he's become far more intelligent over the past ten years. Considering the fact that Sherry herself has gotten much stronger, the fact that she's on the ropes right now only confirms that." The rest of Team 5D's averted their attention to Sherry, who was biting her lip in frustration.

[SC: Exploration 4 / Taiyou 4]

[Sherry's LP: 100]

[Holy Knight Parshath: LV8/2600/2100] [Attack Position]

[Shining Angel: LV4/1400/800] [Defense Position]

"Dammit," Sherry grunted as she drew a card that felt useless to her in the current situation. She looked up toward the looming green giant, sweating a bit as she contemplated her field. The A.D.'s Sub-Leader quickly realized that she currently had no Monsters with effects she could use to defeat Thud. She shifted her eyes from the Sleeping Giant over to Taro's confident face, and finally back down to the three cards in her hand. Upon further strategizing, she saw one card that could only delay her loss at best, and the other what she believed to be ineffective.

Sherry reviewed Thud's effect to confirm her hopelessness; immune to the effects of Monsters it battles against, always having 1000 more Attack Power than her Monsters. Though Crow had found the one and only weakness Zushin had, Sherry knew Taro wasn't about to give her the opportunity to utilize it now. No, even if she could, she had nothing in her hand to pull off the trick Crow played.

In that split second, Sherry rode by her team's fort and made eye contact with Crow. Upon seeing his smiling face, she felt her spirits rise a bit. Whether coincidence or not, when the woman glanced down at the card she just drew, a sudden spark went off in her brain. Eyes lighting up, she suddenly realized another weakness of Thud's and saw that the card she thought useless could in actuality turn the Duel around.

Taro noticed the woman's expression soften and addressed her. "You look like you just thought of a plan. I should warn you, though, that I won't fall for the same trick twice."

Ignoring her opponent, Sherry placed her hand over her Duel Disk. "I switch Shining Angel into Attack Position," she said, turning the card from horizontal to vertical position. "Then I set two cards face-down."

"Attack Position?" Taro looked a bit baffled by Sherry's move. "If this is some cheap attempt to lure me into a Trap, you better forget it."

"Then," Sherry went on, cutting him off, "I activate Final Speed World and recover 1000 Life Points at the cost of two of my Speed Counters. I use this effect twice, gaining a total of 2000 points."

[Sherry's LP: 100 - 2100]

[Exploration's SC: 4 - 0]

Taro, his expression tenser than earlier, immediately goaded the woman. "You may think you've prolonged the Duel with that move, but that's hardly the case. My turn!"

[SC: Taiyou 4 / Exploration 5]

[Taro's LP: 4000]

With his new card in hand, Taro revealed it to Sherry along with another one he had in his hand. "I use Final Speed World to damage your Life Points by 800 for each Speed Spell in my hand at the cost of four of my Speed Counters! As you can see, I'm currently holding Speed Spell – Monster Reborn and Speed Spell – Brain Control. Take 1600 damage!" Sherry grunted as she received a blast from Taro's D-Wheel head-on.

[Sherry's LP: 2100 - 500]

[Taiyou's SC: 5 - 1]

Taro and Sherry were both slowing down on the track due to their decreasing Speed Counters. Regardless, the tension was on the rise. "Since you want me to attack so badly, allow me to!" Taro raised his right hand to order his Zushin giant. "Go on, Zushin, the Sleeping Giant! Attack Shining Angel! Thud Punch!" The giant's fist dashed down toward Sherry's angel, intense force building up around its knuckles and creating a visible wind pressure.

[Zushin, the Sleeping Giant's ATK: 2400]

[Shining Angel's ATK: 1400]

"Trap Card, activate!" Taro ignored the woman's counter and did not back down. "Your Traps will have no effect! Continue the attack, Zushin!" The giant let out a roar as it crushed Shining Angel into nothingness, the force of the attack crashing into Sherry's D-Wheel.

"Impenetrable Attack!" Sherry finally called. "During the Battle Phase, I can activate one of two effects. I choose to take no Battle Damage this turn!" Despite not taking damage to her Life Points, Sherry was still knocked around like a rag doll in the force of the attack, leaving her vigorously slamming the breaks to prevent a crash. When she finally slowed down, her red and maroon D-Wheel was smoking considerably, but still riding along the track.

"Even if you survived this turn, you won't be able to keep this up forever," Taro said, noticing her exhausted appearance.

"No," she replied in between pants, "this is about to end now! That attack just now triggered my final set Trap Card, Freedom Release! When a Monster I control is destroyed in battle, I can use this card to return all Monsters on the field to their owner's decks!"

Taro shifted for a moment, but maintained his confidence and retaliated. "I told you already! Traps won't have any effect on Zushin!"

"No, this time it will," Sherry replied, facing her opponent with a forced smirk. "Freedom Release does not target, you see!"

Coming to a sudden understanding, Taro's confident expression melted, his eyes widening. "I see…! Thud can only negate the effects of Spells and Traps that specifically target! In this case, that means…!"

"That's right!" Sherry confirmed Taro's fear, lashing her arm to her side. "Because Freedom Release targets every Monster on the field at the same time, Thud can't negate it! As a result, Zushin, the Sleeping Giant will be sent into your deck and shuffled in, away from your grasp! The chance of you drawing it again by your next turn is as close to zero as it can get!"

Taro balled his hand into a fist as his giant was sucked into his deck, leaving his field completely empty. "I…end my turn," he muttered, no longer feeling confident in his victory.

"That was really smart!" Ruka cried, smiling ear to ear. "Now Taro-san can't do anything to stop her!" Her friends all agreed, complimenting their friend for coming up with such a strategy in such a grave situation. "Hmph," Jack scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "I guess there's a reason why she's so high up the ladder in that organization. She may even be more skilled than Crow." The King then smirked to himself, closing his eyes. "Of course, she's still no match for me."

"My turn!" Sherry said, placing her hand over her deck. "Draw!"

[SC: Taiyou 2 / Exploration 2]

[Sherry's LP: 500]

"I Summon Sage of Silence in Attack Position!" Taro, now quiet and defeated, anticipated his fate as a woman dressed in pink robes appeared on the track, holding her gem-tipped staff up above her head.

[Sage of Silence: LV4/1400/1000]

"Then," Sherry continued with her eyes intense and heated, "by Banishing four Light-Attribute Monsters from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Lightray Daedalus in Attack Position!"

Taro's face tightened as the souls of Sherry's four angelic warriors—Angel Knight Parshath, Chaos-End Master, Necro Fleur, and Shining Angel—whirled around Sherry's Duel Disk before dispersing in a flash of immense light. Emerging from the white inferno was a snake-like creature with blue scales that wrapped around the track. The creature was so large that is coiled beside both D-Wheelers, its sharp fangs pointed right at Taro.

[Lightray Daedalus: LV7/2600/1500]]

Knowing full well that there was nothing he could do, Taro let his hands drop back to his side. "Go on, Sherry-san."

Seeing Taro's smiling face, Sherry couldn't help but respect him. "Admirable spirit, Taro! When this is over, I'll be sending a letter of recommendation to Hayato Maeda on your behalf for admission into Project A.D.'s. You and all of your friends, that is."

"Please don't," Taro replied, his smile broadening. "I decided that this tournament would give me a clear answer on how far we could go as a team. We've done well, but it seems like this is our limit. It's time for us to return to the countryside and try something else. Once this tournament ends, we retire as Duelists."

Sherry paused for a moment before heaving a sigh. "I see. In that case, then allow me to give everything I have to give you a respectable ending. Go, my two Monsters!"

Taro closed his eyes as the two Monsters sent light blasts onto his side of the track, consuming his entire field and blowing him several feet back. Taro slammed the breaks on his D-Wheel, smoke rising all around him from the worn-out engine. "Today," he grunted, turning toward his four other teammates who were tearing up in the Taiyou booth, "the sun sets for Team Taiyou."

[Taro's LP: 4000 - 0]

"Incredible!" MC's booming voice echoed throughout the stadium. "Team Exploration has taken down Thud not once, but twice! After an intense five matches, Team Exploration has now advanced to day two of the tournament!"

[WINNER – SHERRY LEBLANC]

[TEAM EXPLORATION – ADVANCED, TEAM TAIYOU - RETIRED]

Taro passed by Team 5D's on his way back to his own team, flashing each of the five members a smile. "It was thanks to them," he said quietly to himself, "that we were able to participate in so many tournaments around the world. This experience has increased our confidence and also gave us the money we needed to help our families." Taro closed his eyes, rubbing away fresh tears forming underneath his eyelids. "I'm hoping to see either you five or Team Exploration take the title in this tournament."

As Taro pulled into the pit booth for Team Taiyou, the sun overhead seemed to wrap around the five members in an intense light. Yusei nodded respectfully as he watched the Taiyou team, seeming to have understood what Taro was saying without actually hearing him. "It's too bad we didn't get to Duel them during their final tournament," Yusei said, his smile warm and friendly.

Sherry drove back into her pit booth where her teammates were waiting. She smiled at them, even toward Mukuro who had gotten over his loss. "Our battle for the day has finished," she said, her smile fading into a frown. "But our agents are still out there. Crow, did you receive any information while I was Dueling?"

Crow shook his head, flashing the leader's phone to show her that no messages were received. "I'm getting a bit worried, to be honest. They're all very skilled players, but only Yusha confirmed his safety. I'd like to go check on the situation now that we've wrapped up our match here, but…" Crow trailed off, looking a bit hesitant. "Is it really okay for us to do that?"

"Go forth, Mr. Hogan."

The five members of Team Exploration turned toward a gruff, raspy voice. Approaching their booth from behind was a buff-looking man dressed in camouflage army attire. He wore an eye patch over his left eye and had two elongated scars across his nose and half of his face. "It seems it's our turn now, Miss LeBlanc," the man told Sherry, using his finger to point over to the announcement board in the center of the stadium. Sherry and Crow followed his fingers to the bold writing that read:

[TEAM ELEMENTAL VS TEAM RAGNAROK]

"If you are concerned with our agents," the man continued, "leave one man here to observe. As long as one is present, there is nothing stopping the rest of you from assisting the others." The man paused for a moment before continuing. "And if it's their pride you're worried about…their lives are top priority."

"Boris…" Crow trailed off, finding it difficult to look at the man's scarred face any longer. "I understand. What do you think, Sherry?"

Sherry sighed, pinching her nose in an attempt to alleviate an oncoming headache. "Fine. We'll go take a look around to see what's happening. But who will stay behind?"

"Allow me, my lady," Mizoguchi said with a bow. "I will keep you updated on the status of this Duel."

"Okay, then," Sherry nodded. "Then let's get going immediately." Just as she was about to lead the remaining three away from the booth, she stopped in her tracks. "Boris," she addressed the military man. "Don't you dare lose this."

With that, Sherry, Crow, Mukuro, and Himuro left the Exploration booth to scout out the area, each splitting up.

Boris, the leader of Team Elemental, watched the four walk away before turning his gaze toward the leader of Team Ragnarok, Harald. The two met eyes, their gazes piercing and intimidating. "Unfortunately, Miss LeBlanc," he said softly to himself, "even I can't guarantee anything against these men. Their power is immense."

BREAK

---

At the same time, Raynor was knocked a good distance backward in his location toward the rear exit of the interior stadium. Despite taking a painful hit from his opponent, Raynor kept himself up on his feet with a grunt. He was looking a bit more heated than usual. "You're a bit stronger than I expected," the bulky man finally admitted.

[Raynor's LP: 4000 - 2400]

"That is incorrect," the Urteil member known as Aqua said flatly, both his hands positioned on his hips. "Rather, you are much weaker than I anticipated. Do not tell me this is the best a Secondary Ace in A.D.'s can offer. You are boring me to tears here."

Raynor narrowed his eyes at his opponent's arrogance. Three Sea Serpents with green scales and varying weaponry floated on the field in front of Aqua. Additionally, the Umi Field Spell his opponent had activated on the field had filled the floor of the stadium with holographic water. Raynor knew that Umi increased the Attack Power of his Sea Serpents by 200 points each.

[Aqua's LP: 4000]

[Atlantean Dragoons: LV4/2000/0] [Attack Position]

[Atlantean Marksman: LV3/1600/0] [Attack Position]

[Atlantean Heavy Infantry: LV2/200/1600] [Defense Position]

"Thanks to the effect of Atlanteon Dragoons," Aqua explained, "all of my face-up Level Three or lower Sea Serpents can attack you directly. This means, as you would guess, that it makes little difference how powerful your Monsters are. What's more, thanks to the Battle Damage Atlanteon Marksman just inflicted on you, its effect allows me to Special Summon a Level Four or lower Sea Serpent-Type Atlantean Monster from my deck." Aqua, expression as stone cold as always, took the card of his choice out of his deck. "Show yourself, Atlantean Attack Squad!"

Raynor watched as a fourth sea creature wielding a sword popped its head out of the water, aiming its blade right at him. "When I have another Fish, Sea Serpent, or Aqua-Type Monster other than Atlantean Attack Squad face-up on my field, it automatically gains 800 Attack Points!"

[Atlantean Attack Squad's ATK: 1400 - 2200]

"And then," Aqua continued with his emotionless, unwavering expression, "being a Level Three, Attack Squad can bypass your Monster and attack you directly!" Rom watched as the sea creature swam underneath his Beast-Type clad in thick armor, avoiding contact completely and aiming straight for him.

"Trap Card, activate!" Aqua's eyes widened as the card flipped open in front of Rom's feet. "Defensive Tactics! When I control a face-up Gladiator Beast, Monsters I control cannot be destroyed, and Battle Damage I receive is reduced to zero."

Aqua frowned as the strike his Sea Serpent landed wielded no results. "I guess you do have some bite left in you after all. Even so, thanks to the Gravity Bind on my field, all Level Four and higher Monsters cannot attack. The same applies to that Level Six Gladiator Beast you wield. Powerful as it may be, it can do nothing but watch as my Sea Serpents attack its master from below the deep surface of the ocean."

[Gladiator Beast Alexander: LV6/2400/600]

Knowing his opponent was right, Rom stayed silent for a long moment. "Even so, I'll find a way around it eventually."

BREAK

---

Back in the stadium, Rua and Ruka were regrouping with the rest of Team 5D's after visiting the Team Exploration booth. "We went to go congratulate Crow," Rua said with a concerned expression, "but he, Sherry, and the others left for important business. Mizoguchi-san wouldn't tell us what it was."

"Do you think something happened?" Aki wondered out loud. Yusei also looked concerned, but he motioned for Rua and Ruka to sit down. "I understand you being concerned, but all we can do is let them be for now. Their organization is strong enough to handle themselves. If they need our help, they'll ask for it."

"And for now," Jack finished for Yusei, "our job is to observe the matches and have a good idea of our opponent's strategies." The King's words silenced the others, but it was clear that all five members were concerned about what was going on with Project A.D.'s, and Crow and Sherry specifically.

Boris, meanwhile, joined the rest of his teammates over in Team Elemental's booth stationed on the complete opposite side of the stadium. Boris, acting like a military lieutenant, had the other four members lined up. "Listen up, my soldiers. Miss LeBlanc and Mr. Hogan have succeeded in climbing the ranks. In order to ensure that Project A.D.'s has a better chance going up against Urteil, victory in this match is an absolute must! Our agents are currently engaging the enemy as we speak. In order to honor their efforts, we must give this battle our 110%! Is that clear?!"

"Yes, sir!"

All but one of the four members responded with a salute. The fourth member, a slim 19 year old with long, dark blue hair, looked annoyed by the actions of his teammates. "Yulian!" Boris shouted, stomping over to the teen to grab him by the ear. "When I say something, you are to respond! Is that clear, soldier?!"

"O-Ow!" the blue haired Duelist named Yulian cried. "I get it, so let me go already! I said I get it already!"

The third male member, a 25 year old man named Ivan, was getting a kick out of Yulian's struggling, tossing his head back and rolling with laughter. "That's why I say this guy's not suited for this team," Ivan said through his chuckles. Boris eyed his inferior, whose hair was died to match the colors of a flame; dark orange with blue and white highlights at the tips. "Ivan, do not make me come over there!" he hollered, making his subordinate jump. "Y-Yes, sir!"

The two female members of the team rolled their eyes, used to this happening all the time.

"Now then," Boris said, letting go of Yulian's ear. "Get your ass out there, Yulian Novikov! I'm counting on you to give us a good footing in this competition. Do not dare to disgrace me!"

Yulian heaved a lazy sigh, dragging his feet over to the changing booth. "Fine, fine. If it means I can finally relax after all this, I'll do it."

Over in the Team Ragnarok booth, which wasn't far from Elemental's location, the grey-blue haired Harald had his men gathered around to discuss their course of strategy. "According to my Intel," Harald was saying, "Team Elemental consists of five well-known Duelists who each utilize a specific Attribute. They are formidable, but we hold the Gods of Asgard! We shall not fail!"

Leon, the youngest of the five Ragnarok members, was already suited up in his blue Riding Suit with white cuffs around the sleeves. Leon's cousin, Sieg, placed his hand on his shoulder. "Don't look so nervous, Leon. Show these people just how strong you are."

"R-Right…" Leon quietly placed his helmet over his purple hair and climbed onto his D-Wheel. In truth, he hadn't wanted to be a part of this tournament, but his cousin convinced him that it would help increase his confidence. As he rode out onto the track and met eyes with Yulian, however, he didn't feel his confidence increase at all. In fact, Yulian's cold gaze only made him feel more uneasy and unsure of himself.

"Let's see what you've got," Yulian said in a provocative voice. "If you're as strong as the rumors say, I mean."

"We're back, Duel Monsters fans!" MC started. "Our next match will feature the runner-up of the W.R.G.P., the Norway Team Ragnarok that went on to win multiple tournaments after, against the Russian Team Elemental, who have equally impressive records in Europe! Which if these two European powerhouses will emerge victorious?!"

At the start signal from MC, both players were off to compete for the first corner in a blaze of wind.

BREAK

---

Below the bleachers outside the stadium, Sabertooth—or Elijah—gritted his teeth together in agonizing frustration. "Damn this guy…" Elijah balled his fist up and proceeded to shout at his opponent—Absalom of Urteil. "Even if you manage to block all of my attacks, it's meaningless if you never attack me!"

[Sabertooth's LP: 2000]

[XX-Saber Gardestrike: LV5/2100/1400]

"And yet," Absalom retorted, his palms held up in front of his beefy chest, "you appear very much damaged to me. Don't confuse fighting with strategy." The chubby man stomped his two feet down on the pavement, taking on a sumo-like stance. "My one and only mission is to keep you from locating our hideout!"

[Absalom's LP: 4000]

[Total Defense Shogun: LV6/1550/2500]

"As long as I have Spirit Barrier activated," Absalom boasted, "I receive no damage from any of your attacks! Moreover, Total Defense Shogun can attack while in Defense Position! And with the addition of a certain Spell Card, taking down even your Gardestrike becomes easy as pie!" Elijah's eyes widened as Absalom revealed a Spell called Shield and Sword.

"Switch the Attack and Defense Power of all Monsters on the field!"

[XX-Saber Gardestrike: 1400/2100]

[Total Defense Shogun: 2500/1550]

"And attack!"

Total Defense Shogun unsheathed its sword so it could cut the air with a clean swipe. The strike was powerful enough to slice through the air and cut Elijah's clawed Monster in half without the shield-wielding warrior even having to leave its kneeling position in front of its master. Elijah took the same attack that did in his Monster, sending him sliding across the hard pavement.

[Sabertooth's LP: 2000 - 900]

"This is absolute defense!" Absalom roared, pounding his chest like a gorilla. "You won't even scratch me!"

Sabertooth, his arms dripping with blood after scraping against the pavement, slowly rose to his feet. His eyes were bloodshot as anger overtook him. "Now you really pissed me off, ya bloody wombat!"

BREAK

---

Yulian made it around the first corner of the dome stadium, earning his team the first turn of this round. As he prepared to draw his starting hand, he turned his head to shoot Leon a dirty look. "Why the hell did you give me the first corner so easily?" Leon said nothing to this, merely averting his gaze. "Oh, I get it," Yulian sighed. "So you've got no backbone, huh? In that case, this match won't last long! My turn!"

[SC: Elemental 1 / Ragnarok 1]

[Yulian's LP: 4000]

"I Summon Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier in Attack Position!" The air around the two D-Wheelers grew cold and heavy as a blonde-haired warrior dressed in a red robe appeared on the field.

[Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier: LV4/1500/1000]

"I then set two cards face-down, ending my turn," Yulian said, the two card images appearing out on the track. "In Project A.D.'s, I am the one and only high-ranking Duelist utilizing Ice Barrier Monsters. They call me Frosty for this reason," he said, eyes as cold as ice. "Allow me to teach you first hand."

"My turn," Leon muttered, not making eye contact with the younger adversary. Leon drove alongside the A.D.'s member, but did his best not to get too close.

[SC: Elemental 2 / Ragnarok 2]

[Leon's LP: 4000]

"I Summon Garmr of the Nordic Beasts in Attack Position." In front of Leon emerged a red and white foxlike creature that dashed alongside the track beside its master.

[Garmr of the Nordic Beasts: LV4/800/1900]

"Then I set two cards face-down. Turn end…" Leon lowered his head so he was looking down at the ground once his two cards were out on the field.

"My turn." Yulian scoffed as he drew his next card. The two had already completed a full lap by this point, passing along the starting line once again.

[SC: Elemental 3 / Ragnarok 3]

"You really don't come across as very intimidating," Yulian said bluntly. "Are you really part of the famous Team Ragnarok? Granted, you didn't compete in the W.R.G.P., but I'd expect some fight out of you if you're a member."

Leon kept his head lowered, not even replying. "No answer, huh?" Yulian narrowed his eyes, taking the card he just drew and placing it on his Duel Disk. "Then let me force it out of you. I Summon Spellbreaker of the Ice Barrier in Attack Position!" As he did so, a second woman wearing red draped over a blue shirt and pants joined her Ice Barrier comrade on the track.

[Spellbreaker of the Ice Barrier: LV4/1200/2000]

"Go, Spellbreaker! Attack Garmr of the Nordic Beasts! Freezing Sword!" Drawing her blue-hilted katana, Spellbreaker lunged forward and brought her sword down on the red fox. As she was about to make contact, Garmr head-butted her blade and shattered both Monsters simultaneously. A bit taken aback by this, Yulian turned to see a face-up card revealed in front of Leon's D-Wheel. "A Trap? When did you activate it?"

"Nordic Relic Brisingamen," Leon said, his eyes still looking at the ground. "This card lets me select one Monster you control and one of my Monsters. It made Garmr's Attack Power equal to the original Attack Power of Spellbreaker, 1200. Since they both had the same Attack Power, they were both destroyed without us taking any damage…"

Yulian clicked his tongue at this. "I guess you had more fight in you than I gave you credit for. It's time for round two."

BREAK

---

Out in the parking lot a short distance from where Elijah's Duel was still ongoing, Precious—or Jewel—was fighting on equal ground with her opponent, Riley. Her match had been going back and forth for a few turns now, but she finally managed to even the score.

"Not too shabby for a spoiled brat," Riley said through clenched teeth. "But don't think this will continue."

[Riley's LP: 3000]

[Broww, Huntsman of Dark World: LV3/1700/800] [Attack Position]

[Zure, Knight of Dark World: LV4/1800/1500] [Face-Down Defense Position]

"As long as I have my Field Spell, The Gates of Dark World, all my Fiend-Type Monsters gain 300 Attack Points!" Riley reminded his foe, spit flying as he shouted the line.

"Oh, pull your lip over your head and swallow," Jewel grumbled, her Australian accent more noticeable than usual. "Gaining Attack Power means nothing if you can't attack. In case you forgot, you bloody galah, my Level Limit - Area B Spell Card forces all Level Four and higher Monsters into Face-Down Defense Position!"

[Precious' LP: 3000]

[Fire Princess: LV4/1300/1500]

"And thanks to my Royal Decree," Precious said with a naughty smile, "all of your Traps are negated. It's about time I teach you your place, you peasant!"

BREAK

---

Leon, eyes still facing the ground, pressed a button to activate his second face-down card as the two D-Wheelers sped along the track. "Gleipnir, the Fetters of Fenrir," he said. "It lets me add one Nordic Monster from my deck into my hand." After adding the desired card into his hand, Leon took another card out and placed it on his D-Wheel. "I Summon Vaettir of the Aesir in Defense Position." Appearing on Leon's field in a puff of green smoke was a small elf-like girl with pointy ears and a white dress.

[Vaettir of the Aesir: LV3/800/1000]

"Now it's Defense Position without attacking?" Yulian asked, raising his shoulders matter-of-factly. "You're a real disappointment."

"Turn end…"

Yulian shook his head at Leon's lack of response. "Well, it's my turn now, and I'm going to get you to look at me! Draw!"

[SC: Elemental 5 / Ragnarok 5]

[Yulian's LP: 4000]

"I Summon Defender of the Ice Barrier in Defense Position!" As Yulian spoke, a fox, this one lighter in color than Garmr, dashed out on the track. This creature had blue armor around its neck and on its tail.

[Defender of the Ice Barrier: LV3/200/1600]

"Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier," Yulian called, not wasting a single second. "Attack Vaettir of the Aesir! Freezing Curse!" Clapping its two hands together, Pilgrim created a blast of ice that encased Vaettir and shattered it. Leon looked as if he was about to say something before the attack hit, but lost his confidence and let the attack go through.

"Hey," Dragan called over to Sieg. "Why didn't he activate Vaettir's effect?"

Sieg turned to face his brown-haired teammate. "If he had, he would have taken that attack directly. It seems like he's still too frightened to make such hasty moves." Sieg bit his lip, obviously a bit frustrated himself. "If he had, though, he would have had another Monster next turn… Come on, Leon. Get your act together out there."

Just as the dust settled, Leon finally looked up to face Yulian with sharp eyes. Surprised a bit, Yulian's expression loosened. "When a Monster I control is destroyed in battle and sent to the Graveyard," Leon explained, "I can Special Summon Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts!" As Leon set the card on his Duel Disk, a large goat with red eyes stampeded onto the track, snorting like a wild beast.

[Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts: LV3/800/1100]

"I'm honestly surprised," Yulian said with a slight smirk. "I'm not sure if you were putting on an act or if you suddenly grew a pair of balls in the last five minutes, but keep that expression. I can't defeat you if you're still acting like a baby! Turn end!" With a wave of his arm, Yulian signaled for Leon to take over.

"My turn," Leon said, sounding increasingly more confident. "Draw!"

[SC: Elemental 6 / Ragnarok 6]

[Leon's LP: 4000]

"I activate Speed Spell – Angel Baton," Leon said. "When I have two or more Speed Counters, I can draw two cards from my deck." Upon drawing his two cards, Leon sent his drawn Speed Spell – Bait Doll to the Graveyard. "Then," he continued, "I activate the effect of Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts! By switching its Battle Position, I can Special Summon one Nordic Beast Monster from my hand or deck. I switch it from Defense to Attack Position. I can then Special Summon Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts in Attack Position!" A new black horse with red stripes along its face galloped along the track, joining the other Nordic Beasts.

[Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts: LV4/1600/1000]

"After that, I Normal Summon Vaettir of the Vanir in Attack Position!" Another cloud appeared, this one a red color, which revealed a black elf with a demon's tail and sharp, pointy ears. She had a sinister smirk and wore a blood red dress.

[Vaettir of the Vanir: LV2/500/300]

"I activate Vaettir of the Vanir's effect! By paying 500 Life Points, I can change the level of this card by one for each multiple of 500 points I pay. I pay 500 Life Points to change Vaettir of the Vanir from a Level Two to a Level Three."

[Vaettir of the Vanir's LV: 2 - 3]

[Leon's LP: 4000 - 3500]

Leon glanced up at his opponent, finally locking eyes with Yulian for the first time during their match. "I like that look," the Ice Barrier Duelist said with a grin. "It makes me feel like you're about to play something worth my time! Show it to me!"

Leon nodded grimly. "The Vaettir are beings of light and darkness that dwell within the Earth. Using their energy, I will call upon the guardian of the Aesir!" Yulian's grin widened after hearing this.

"I'm Tuning the Level Four Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts with the Level Three Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts and the now Level Three Vaettir of the Vanir!"

(4+3+3=10)

As the three Monsters were absorbed by an intense flash of light, an intense wind stirred up on the field, casting a series of grey clouds over the bright afternoon sky. "I didn't hear anything about rain today," one man complained. "That came out of nowhere," another woman added. The crowd looked at the overhead clouds in confusion, wondering when it even happened.

Yulian looked around him and seemed pleased with what he saw. "There it is. I knew you couldn't be a member of Team Ragnarok without having something powerful under your belt. Let's see your God!"

The wind seemed to fixate around Leon's D-Wheel, and an enormous shadow that took up half of the stadium by itself began to rise from the ground below.

"He who guards the gates of Aesir! He whose tragic death ushers in the great holy war! Become the path of destruction! Synchro Summon! Carve, Balder, Guardian of Aesir!" The massive shadow began to take on a human-like form, appearing as a giant man robed in white.

[Balder, Guardian of Aesir: LV10/3300/4500]

Appearing like a mere flea to Balder's perspective, Yulian's smirk stretched into a satisfied grin. "Great! You finally played your God! Now I can crush it!"

Leon, on the other hand, appeared far from giddy. "Don't think you'll be able to take down a God that easily…"

BREAK

---

The halls inside the stadium outside the food venders were filled with the echoes of Mark Cooper's screams as he was sent flying across the floor by a blast of black energy. Mark struggled to pull himself back up to knee level, sweat dripping noticeably down his face. "D-Damn you, Lara Terryal…!"

[Mark's LP: 0]

[Lara's LP: 4000]

Mark watched as Lara's Monster, Revived King Ha Des, disappeared from the field with an evil chuckle. "I knew she was on Yusha's level," Mark muttered to himself, "but this is ridiculous! My Worms…taken down in a single turn!"

"Thank you very much," Lara said to no one in particular, earning a few odd looks from the crowd gathered around the two.

Mark growled, staring into Lara's blank, uninterested eyes. She was busy petting her zombie plushy and no longer seemed to be the least bit interested in what was happening. "Why does someone like you possess such strength?!" Mark blurted, slamming both of his fists down onto the floor. "Someone like you, who has no goals, interests, or focus…! How can I lose to someone like you?!"

Lara cocked her head up awkwardly toward the man upon hearing this. "But I do have goals," she said emotionlessly. "I want to see her. I have to go find her." Mark, suddenly flabbergasted, could only remain on the floor as the young woman walked past him and toward the hallway leading back to the outside stadium.

Lara, seeming to forget entirely about Mark's existence altogether, looked out toward the outside stadium through a window. After spending a moment to observe the dome stadium and the ongoing Duel taking place down below—Balder's massive form quite visable to her—Lara took note of the owner's box, hanging high above the rest of the audience. That was the area where Hayato sat by himself to observe the Duels and also keep in touch with the members of Project Advanced Duelists. Lara gave a distant smile before using her hand to move Romero up and down, topping it off with some groaning and growling noises.

"That's a good idea! We can see a lot more from there!"

With her new destination in mind, Lara left the interior stadium altogether, with Mark Cooper surrounded by a crowd of people who witnessed the confrontation. Ignoring the crowd, Mark slowly let a small chuckle escape his throat. That chuckle built up momentum before turning into a full blown cackle, earning looks of disgust and confusion from the onlookers.

"Very well," Mark spurted through his laughter. "Master Fred sent me here for one purpose and one purpose alone. Until she makes a move, I was told to act as a member of Urteil and keep off of Alf Kappler's radar. But…" Mark's eyes flashed an evil hue as he licked his lips. "Master Fred never said I couldn't play around with some of the others here… Lara Terryal, you've officially become my target as of today."

Mark tilted his head back and gave another long-winded laugh before noticing a couple of security guards showing up. Remembering that they were called earlier by someone in the crowd, Mark realized he had better get out of there. He quickly got to his feet and dashed down the same hallway Lara passed through. Just as he turned the corner, he collided with someone and was sent flying back onto the floor.

"Why don't you watch where you're…" Mark's voice trailed off as he recognized the face hidden underneath the red cloak that stood above his fallen body. It was a young woman with a slender body and dark green eyes. "Y-You're…!" Mark's hand began to shake as he pointed at the woman. She took a few steps forward and grabbed his arm, slamming his face down into the ground in a submissive hold.

"Inexcusable," she said in a dark tone, though still very feminine. "I've come to clean up the mess you idiots have left behind."

oooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo oooooooooOOOOOO

---

Who is this mysterious woman? Who will reign superior in the battle of gods?

To be continued in Chapter 26, "Team Elemental vs. Team Ragnarok"

CREDITS:

Original Story: GoldenUmi

Writing: GoldenUmi (Main story), Halo (Some dialogue during Exploration vs. Taiyou), hearow2 (Some thoughts during Exploration vs. Taiyou), ZeroSaber (Lent ideas for Yukio/Stephanie scene as well as some of the Lara vs. Mark scene)

Duel Writing: Halo (Exploration vs. Taiyou), hearow2 (Exploration vs. Taiyou), GoldenUmi (Elemental vs. Ragnarok, all A.D.'s side Duels)

Original Characters (OC): GoldenUmi (Zoro, Ace, Leon Van Shroeder III, Siegfried Van Schroeder III, Boris, Yulian, Ivan, Nameless Team Elemental Members, "Hell-Eyes" Daoshin, "Pirate" Keith, Nameless Team Mythology Members, Master of Parties, Sabertooth/Elijah Hummingbird, Precious/Jewel Sherlock, Spring/Haruka Yume, Shadow/Yung-soo Myoh, Mr. Fred, Misaki Emu, Alf Kappler, Fester, Evilz, Aqua, Riley, Absalom, Mark Cooper), Halo (Fusionist/Yusha Takanashi, Eirika/Erin Kazakiri, Rom/Raynor Clayfield, Mysterious Red Cloaked Woman), ZeroSaber (Lara Terryal, Yukio Kyoji, Jophiel Omniel)

Characters Appearing from 5D's Anime: (Crow Hogan, Sherry LeBlanc, Mizoguchi, Jun Himuro, Mukuro Enjo, Taro Yamashita, Yoshizo Hayashi, Jinbei Tanigawa, Master of Ceremonies, Harald, Brave, Dragan, Yusei Fudo, Jack Atlas, Aki Izayoi, Rua Heartlily, Ruka Heartlily, Divine Mizuki)

Character Appearing from GX Anime: (Hayato Maeda)

Cards used in this chapter (in order of appearance):

Note: Due to time restraints, some of the Duels were trimmed short. Some of the cards on this list were not shown, but are listed her for those curious what happened during the skipped turns.

Final Speed World (Created by GoldenUmi)

Field Spell

If a Spell Card other than a "Speed Spell" Card is activated, its controller takes 2000 damage. During each player's Standby Phases, each player places 1 Speed Counter of their own on this card (up to 12 each). When a player takes damage, remove Speed Counters of that Player from this card for each multiple of 1000 damage taken. You can remove any number of your own Speed Counters from this card to activate an appropriate effect:

• 1: Recover 500 Life Points.

• 2: Recover 1000 Life Points.

• 3: Special Summon one Level Four or lower Monster from your hand.

• 4: Inflict 800 damage to your opponent for each "Speed Spell" Spell Card in your hand.

• 5: Draw 1 card.

• 6: Add a Monster Card from your Graveyard back into your hand.

• 7: Draw 2 cards.

• 8: Add a Magic or Trap Card from your Graveyard back into your hand.

• 9: Add one card from your deck into your hand.

• 10: Select and destroy 1 card on the field.

• 11: Activate a Trap Card from your hand.

• 12 or more: Special Summon one Monster from your Extra Deck ignoring Summoning Conditions. This effect can only be used once during a turn.

Penguin Soldier

WATER
Level 2

Aqua/Effect

750/500

FLIP: You can target up to 2 monsters on the field; return those targets to the hand.

Trap Master

EARTH

Level 3

Warrior/Effect

500/1100

FLIP: Select 1 Trap Card on the field and destroy it. If the selected card is Set, pick up and see the card. If it is a Trap Card, it is destroyed. If it is a Spell Card, return it to its original position.

Solemn Judgment

Trap

When a monster would be Summoned, OR a Spell/Trap Card is activated: Pay half your Life Points; negate the Summon or activation, and if you do, destroy that card.

Zushin, the Sleeping Giant

EARTH

Level 10

Warrior/Effect

?/0

This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card cannot be Special Summoned except by Tributing 1 Level 1 monster that has remained face-up on your side of the field for 10 or more of your turns. If this card battles with an opponent's monster, until the end of the Damage Step, it gains ATK equal to the ATK of the opponent's monster + 1000 and that monster's effect(s) is negated. This card cannot be targeted by the effects of your opponent's Spell/Trap Cards.

Speed Spell – Magical Mallet

Speed Spell

Activate when you have 4 or more Speed Counters. Add any number of cards from your hand to the Deck and shuffle it. Then draw the same number of cards you added to the Deck.

Gate Vehicle

EARTH

Level 4

Machine/Effect

0/2000

Determine which of your monsters will be attacked.

Sign Vehicle

EARTH

Level 4

Machine/Effect

0/1700

Send one card from your hand to the graveyard and seal the attack of one monster. When in Defense Position, you can attack your opponent directly.

Signal Vehicle

EARTH

Level 4

Machine/Effect

0/1500

When your opponent attacks, they must discard one card.

Curse of Dragon

DARK

Level 5

Dragon

2000/1500

Dragon Zombie

DARK

Level 3

1600/0

Lizard Soldier

WIND

Level 3

1100/800

Speed Spell – Illegal Modding (Created by hearow2)

Speed Spell

Activate when you have at least 4 Speed Counters. From your field, send 1 "Gate Vehicle", "Sign Vehicle", and "Signal Vehicle" to the Graveyard. Special Summon 1 "Violent Running Roaring Road Guardian" from your hand, deck or Graveyard.

Violent Running Roaring Road Guardian

EARTH

Level 8

Machine/Effect

0/3000

Your opponent may not attack monsters.

Call of the Living Dead (TCG: Call of the Haunted)

Trap

Target 1 monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon that target in face-up Attack Position. When this card leaves the field, destroy that target. When that target is destroyed, destroy this card.

Infernal Oni (Created by hearow2)

FIRE

Level 4

Fiend/Effect

1800/500

This card is unaffected by the effects of Trap Cards.

Speed Spell – Heavy Storm

Speed Spell

This card can be activated by removing 6 of your Speed Counters. Destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field.

Speed Spell – Meteor Strike

Speed Spell

Activate when you have at least 3 Speed Counters. This card becomes an equip card to one monster you control. If the equipped monster attacks a Defense Position monster whose DEF is less than the ATK of the equipped monster, inflict the difference as damage to the opponent.

Deal of the Phantom

Trap

Select 1 monster face-up on the field. Increase the selected monster's ATK by 100 points for each monster in your Graveyard during the turn this card is activated. The number of monsters is applied when this card is activated.

Black Feather – Sirocco the Dawn (TCG: Blackwing – Sirocco the Dawn)

DARK

Level 5

Winged Beast/Effect

2000/900

If your opponent controls a monster and you control no monsters, you can Normal Summon or Set this card without Tributes. Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up "Black FDeather" monster you control; until the End Phase, it gains ATK equal to the total ATK of all face-up "Black Feather" monsters currently on the field, except itself. Monsters other than that target cannot attack during the turn you activate this effect.

Black Feather – Gale the Hurricane (Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind)

DARK

Level 3

Winged Beast/Tuner/Effect

1300/400

If you control a "Black Feather" monster other than "Black Feather - Gale the Hurricane", you can Special Summon this card from your hand. Once per turn, you can halve the ATK and DEF of 1 face-up monster your opponent controls.

Speed Spell – Shield Crush

Speed Spell

Activate by removing 3 of your Speed Counters. Select 1 Defense Position monster on the field and destroy it.

Black Feather - Yamo in Ugandda the Pleasant (Created by hearow2)

DARK

Level 3

Winged Beast/Effect

200/1700

When you are about to take Battle Damage, you may discard this card from your hand to the Graveyard to reduce it to 0. For every interval of 1000 damage you would have taken, draw 1 card.

Black Thunder

Trap

Activate only when a "Black Feather" monster you control is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard. Inflict 400 damage to your opponent for each card your opponent controls.

Djinn the Watcher of the Wind

WND

Level 3

Spellcaster

700/900

Black Feather – Hurricane the Tornado

DARK

Level 1

Winged Beast/Tuner/Effect

0/0

When this card is Summoned, select 1 face-up Synchro Monster on the field. This card's ATK becomes the same as the selected monster's.

Black Feather – Arms Wing (TCG: Blackwing Armed Wing)

DARK

Level 6

Winged Beast/Synchro/Effect

2300/1000

1 "Black Feather" Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters

If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, it gains 500 ATK during the Damage Step only. During battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent.

Black Return

Trap

Activate only when exactly 1 "Black Feather" monster is Special Summoned, by selecting 1 face-up monster your opponent controls. Gain Life Points equal to the ATK of that monster, then return it to the hand.

Black Feather – Bora the Sharp

DARK

Level 5

Winged Beast/Effect

1300/900

You can remove from play this card from the Graveyard to select 1 face-up "Black Feather" monster you control. If that monster attacks this turn, you take no Battle Damage from that battle, it is not destroyed by that battle, and you destroy the opponent's monster that it battled, after damage calculation.

Raigeki Break

Trap

Discard 1 card to target 1 card on the field; destroy it.

Guard Mines

Trap

Activate only when a card is activated with an effect that would target and destroy 1 monster you control. Negate the effect and destroy that card. Then inflict 500 damage to your opponent.

Black Current (Created by hearow2)

Trap

1 "Black Feather" you control cannot be destroyed by battle until the end of this turn. On your next Draw Phase, you may choose to add 1 "Black Feather" from your deck to your hand instead of conducting your normal Draw Phase.

Black Feather – Fane the Steel Chain (TCG: Blackwing – Fane the Steel Chain)

DARK

Level 2

Winged Beast/Effect

500/800

This card can attack your opponent directly. When this card attacks your opponent directly and inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, change 1 Attack Position monster your opponent controls to Defense Position.

Sinister Oni (Created by hearow2)

DARK

Level 4

Fiend/Effect

1900/1000

If this card is in your Graveyard, you may Banish it to have one monster you control be unaffected by the effects of other monsters.

Angel Knight Parshath

LIGHT

Level 5

Fairy/Effect

1900/1400

If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing Battle Damage to your opponent. When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent: Draw 1 card.

Turn Jumper Time Wave (Created by GoldenUmi)

Counter Trap

Activate during your opponent's Battle Phase. The battle is negated and the Battle Phase immediately ended. The Turn Count moves forward three. In addition, the Turn Count moves forward an additional turn for each "Turn Jumper Time Wave" you have in your deck.

Defense Wall

EARTH

Level 4

Rock/Effect

0/2100

While this card is in face-up Defense Position, your opponent cannot attack other monsters you control.

Fleur Synchron

LIGHT

Level 2

Machine/Tuner/Effect

400/200

If this card is sent to the Graveyard as a Synchro Material Monster, you can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower monster from your hand.

Fleur de Chevalier (TCG: Chevalier de Fleur)

WIND

Level 8

Warrior/Synchro/Effect

2700/2300

"Fleur Synchron" + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters

Once per turn, you can negate the activation of an opponent's Spell or Trap Card and destroy it. When this card is destroyed, you can add 1 Spell Card from your Graveyard to your hand.

Apprentice Knight

EARTH

Level 2

Warrior

1000/1000

Gravity Bind

Permanent Trap

Level 4 or higher monsters cannot attack.

Storm Springald (Created by hearow2)

Trap

You can activate this card while set on the field or from your hand when one of your monsters successfully destroys one of your opponent's monsters and Battle Damage is inflicted. Send one monster from your hand to the Graveyard to inflict damage to your opponent equal to the sent monster's ATK.

Chaos End Master

LIGHT

Level 3

Warrior/Tuner/Effect

1500/1000

If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 Level 5 or higher monster with 1600 ATK or less from your Deck.

Holy Knight Parshath (TCG: Avenging Knight Parshath)

LIGHT

Level 8

Fairy/Synchro/Effect

2600/2100

1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner LIGHT monsters

Once per turn, you can change the battle position of 1 face-up monster your opponent controls. If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict Piercing Battle Damage to your opponent.

Gravity Release (TCG: Zero Gravity)

Trap

Change the battle positions of all face-up monsters on the field.

For Our Dreams

Trap

Tribute 1 Warrior-Type monster you control to select 1 face-up Warrior-Type monster you control. It cannot be destroyed by battle while face-up on the field.

Absolute End

Trap

Activate only during your opponent's turn. This turn, the attacks from your opponent's monsters become direct attacks.

Shining Angel

LIGHT

Level 4

Fairy/Effect

1400/800

When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard: You can Special Summon 1 LIGHT monster with 1500 or less ATK from your Deck, in face-up Attack Position.

Impenetrable Attack

Trap

During the Battle Phase, activate 1 of these effects.

● Target 1 monster on the field; it cannot be destroyed by battle or by card effects during this Battle Phase.

● You take no Battle Damage during this Battle Phase.

Freedom Release (TCG: Liberty At Last!)

Trap

When a monster you control is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard: Shuffle all monsters on the field to the Deck.

Sage of Silence

LIGHT

Level 4

Spellcaster/Effect

1400/1000

If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle, your opponent cannot activate Spell Cards during the next turn.

Lightray Daedalus

LIGHT

Level 7

Sea Serpent/Effect

1600/1500

Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by having 4 or more LIGHT monsters in your Graveyard, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. Once per turn: You can target 1 Field Spell Card and 2 other cards on the field; destroy them.

Elemental HERO The Shining

LIGHT
Level 8

Warrior/Fusion/Effect

2600/2100

1 "Elemental HERO" monster + 1 LIGHT monster

Must be Fusion Summoned and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. This card gains 300 ATK for each of your banished "Elemental HERO" monsters. When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard: You can target up to 2 of your banished "Elemental HERO" monsters; add those targets to your hand.

Dimensional Fissure

Field Spell

Any monster sent to the Graveyard is banished instead.

Stumbling

Continuous Spell

Any monster that is Normal Summoned, Flip Summoned or Special Summoned is changed to Defense Position.

Tragedy

Trap

Activate only when a monster on your opponent's side of the field in face-up Attack Position is changed to face-up Defense Position. Destroy all Defense Position monsters on your opponent's side of the field.

Blade Rabbit

EARTH

Level 2

Beast/Effect

400/300

When this card is changed from Attack Position to face-up Defense Position, destroy 1 monster on your opponent's side of the field.

Book of Taiyou

Spell

Flip 1 face-down monster on the field into face-up Attack Position.

Umi

Field Spell

Increase the ATK and DEF of all Fish, Sea Serpent, Thunder, and Aqua-Type monsters by 200 points. Decrease the ATK and DEF of all Machine and Pyro-Type monsters by 200 points.

Gravity Bind

Permanent Trap

Level 4 or higher monsters cannot attack.

Atlantean Dragoons

WATER

Level 4

Sea Serpent/Effect

1800/0

All face-up Level 3 or lower Sea Serpent-Type monsters you control can attack your opponent directly. When this card is sent to the Graveyard to activate a WATER monster's effect: Add 1 Sea Serpent-Type monster from your Deck to your hand, except "Atlantean Dragoons".

Atlantean Marksman

WATER

Level 3

Sea Serpent/Effect

1400/0

When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Sea Serpent-Type "Atlantean" monster, except "Atlantean Marksman", from your Deck. When this card is sent to the Graveyard to activate a WATER monster's effect: Target 1 Set card your opponent controls; destroy that target.

Atlantean Heavy Infantry

WATER

Level 2

Sea Serpent/Effect

0/1600

During your Main Phase, you can Normal Summon a Level 4 or lower Sea Serpent-Type monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (You can only gain this effect once per turn.) When this card is sent to the Graveyard to activate a WATER monster's effect: Target 1 face-up card your opponent controls; destroy that target.

Atlantean Attack Squad

WATER

Level 3

Sea Serpent/Effect

1400/0

This card gains 800 ATK while you control a face-up Fish, Sea Serpent, or Aqua-Type monster other than this card.

Gladiator Beast Alexander

LIGHT

Level 6

Beast/Effect

2400/600

This card cannot be Special Summoned except by the effect of "Gladiator Beast Dimacari". If this card is Special Summoned, it is unaffected by the effects of Spell Cards. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card attacked or was attacked, you can return it to the Deck to Special Summon 1 "Gladiator Beast" monster from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Alexander".

Defensive Tactics

Trap

If you control a face-up "Gladiator Beast" monster: For the rest of this turn, monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle, and any Battle Damage you take is reduced to 0. After this card resolves, put it on the bottom of your Deck.

Total Defense Shogun

DARK

Level 6

1550/2500

This card is changed to Defense Position when it is Normal Summoned or Flip Summoned successfully. This card can attack while it is in Defense Position. If this card attacks while in Defense Position, apply the ATK of this card for damage calculation.

XX-Saber Gardestrike

EARTH

Level 5

Beast-Warrior/Effect

2100/1400

If you have 2 or more "X-Saber" monsters in your Graveyard and you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand.

Shield and Sword

Spell

Switch the original ATK and DEF of all face-up monsters on the field until the end of this turn. Any additions and subtractions to ATK and DEF due to card effects are applied to the new ATK and DEF. Monsters Summoned after this card's activation are excluded.

Broww, Huntsman of Dark World

DARK

Level 3

Fiend/Effect

1400/800

If this card is discarded to the Graveyard by a card effect: Draw 1 card, plus another card if this card is discarded from your hand to your Graveyard by an opponent's card effect.

Zure, Knight of Dark World

DARK

Level 4

Fiend

1800/1500

The Gates of Dark World

Field Spell

All Fiend-Type monsters gain 300 ATK and DEF. Once per turn: You can banish 1 Fiend-Type monster from your Graveyard; discard 1 Fiend-Type monster, then draw 1 card.

Fire Princess

FIRE

Level 4

Pyro/Effect

1300/1500

Each time you gain Life Points, inflict 500 damage to your opponent.

Level Limit - Area B

Continuous Spell

Change all face-up Level 4 or higher monsters to Defense Position.

Royal Decree

Permanent Trap

Negate all other Trap Card effects on the field.

Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier

WATER

Level 4

Warrior/Effect

1500/1000

This card cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster with 1900 or more ATK.

Garmr of the Nordic Beasts

DARK

Level 4

Beast/Effect

800/1900

If this card battles with a Level 4 or lower monster, you can return that monster to the hand after damage calculation.

Spellbreaker of the Ice Barrier

WATER

Level 4

Spellcaster/Effect

1200/2000

Once per turn, you can send 1 "Ice Barrier" monster from your hand to the Graveyard. If you do, Spell Cards cannot be activated until the End Phase of your next turn, as long as this card remains face-up on the field.

Nordic Relic Brisingamen

Trap

Select 1 face-up monster you control and 1 face-up monster your opponent controls. The ATK of your monster becomes equal to the original ATK of your opponent's monster; this change lasts until the End Phase.

Vaettir of the Aesir (Created by GoldenUmi)

LIGHT

Level 3

Fairy/Effect

800/1000

Place 1 "Nordic Counter" on this card for every "Nordic", and "Aesir" Monster that is played on your field. You may choose to Banish this card at any time. In order to return this card to your field, you must pay 1000 Life Points. Once you do so, this card will return to your field in the same condition as it was before it was Banished, including any "Nordic Counters" placed on this card. When Synchro Summoning, you may remove tokens on this card equal to the total level required plus your Tuner Monster to count as a Synchro Summon.

Defender of the Ice Barrier

WATER

Level 3

Aqua/Tuner/Effect

200/1600

While you control another face-up "Ice Barrier" monster, monsters your opponent controls cannot declare an attack if their ATK is greater than or equal to this card's DEF.

Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts

EARTH

Level 3

Beast/Effect

800/1100

When a monster you control is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. When this card's Battle Position is changed, you can Special Summon 1 "Nordic Beast" monster from your hand or Deck.

Speed Spell – Angel Baton

Speed Spell

Activate only while you have 2 or more Speed Counters. Draw 2 cards. Then, send 1 card from your hand to the Graveyard.

Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts

LIGHT
Level 4

Beast/Tuner/Effect

1600/1000

This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. If your opponent controls a Synchro Monster, you can Special Summon this card from your hand.

Vaettir of the Vanir (Created by GoldenUmi)

LIGHT

Level 2

Fairy/Effect

500/300

Pay 500 Life Points to change the level of this card by one for each multiple of 500 points you pay. When used for as Synchro Summoning Material, this card does not go to the Graveyard. Instead, equip this to the Synchro Monster you Synchro Summoned and treat it as an Equipment Magic Card. Increase the ATK of the Synchro Monster equipped with this card by its level x300.

Revived King Ha Des

DARK

Level 6

Zombie/Synchro/Effect

2450/0

"Plaguespreader Zombie" + 1 or more non-Tuner Zombie-Type monsters.

Negate the effects of Effect Monsters destroyed by battle with Zombie-Type monsters you control.