This story was done in collaboration between me, Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and DaveMan1000 (both here and on DeviantART), and we own the OCs that are used in the story. AaronCottrell97 (known as stevecottrell on DeviantART) provided the Duel Layouts and additional ideas. Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
Gundam SEED characters, Orb, Blue Cosmos, M1 Astray, Strike Rouge, Murasame (c) Sunrise
Character of Lisa Drake (c) DaveMan1000
Character of David Xadashi (c) DaveMan1000
WARNING: Once again, this story is rated T for violence, some blood, suggestive themes, and some language. Reader discretion is advised.
WARNING 2: If you haven't read "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 2", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 4", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles (Pyramid of Light", "David Xadashi", "Lisa Drake", or "Team 4D's", you might want to do so before reading this story
Title: The Bitter Taste of Sherry
Opening up within the New York City stadium's food court, lots of people were roaming around having lunch while they waited for the second half of round one to begin. Amongst those having lunch were Lisa and the Astray trio (both Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka went out to get some coffee). Despite being knocked out of the tournament so soon, Mayura was still excited and happy for her three friends.
"I know you guys will do great out there!" The tomboyish, red-haired young woman proclaimed, "Lisa, after all, advanced after defeating such an arrogant creep like Vincent."
"You can say that again," agreed Lisa, resting both hands behind her head.
Just then…
"Excuse me? Is it alright if I join you four?" A friendly female voice echoed.
The four Orb representatives turned and saw a young woman (Megan) with neck-length raven hair and ocean blue eyes approaching them with a tray of food she got from one of the food court joints.
"Yo!" greeted Lisa pleasantly, "The name's Lisa."
"I'm Asagi, and these two are Mayura and Juri," put in Asagi, gesturing to her two best friends briefly, "What's your name?"
"My name's Megan, and I'm a reporter," replied Megan, "Right now, I'm on break before I have to cover the second half of the tournament. Is it okay if I join you four for lunch?"
"Go right ahead," smiled Juri, "Come on over."
Megan smiled back and sat down beside Mayura. As the lone teenage girl (Lisa) and four young women (Asagi, Mayura, Juri, and Megan) ate their lunch, Asagi looked over at Juri with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
"Juri, may I ask you something?" she pondered.
"Hm?" grunted Juri, munching on a French fry.
"What's the story behind your relationship with Mike?" giggled Asagi, "Don't you find him super handsome like Mayura and I both find him?"
Juri's eyes widened as she nearly gagged on her swallowed french fry. After coughing for a few seconds to try and get some air back into her system, she looked at Asagi in shock.
"W-What?!" The dark blue-haired young woman stammered, blushing, "W-What are you-?"
"Oh, come on, Juri, you know what she means," teased Mayura, "Asagi and I heard you call Mike handsome when we saw him for the very first time. So, why not tell us what else you think of him?"
"I-I'm telling you, it's not like that at all!" argued Juri, "And you're one to talk, Asagi! Even though Matt is already seeing another girl, you're still quite taken with him! And you, Mayura! James seems to be quite taken with you from what we could see when we first met him!"
"Oh please, I'm not into him at all," dismissed Mayura, speaking about James R., "He's not my type."
"And can I help it if I find Matt to be extremely cute?" put in Asagi defensively.
As the three Astray girls began arguing over the male species, Lisa merely rolled her eyes and resumed eating without making an effort to get her three friends to stop squabbling. Megan, on the other hand, heard that Juri also had a crush on Michael, which caused her to narrow her eyes in jealousy—though she did not say a word regarding it. Before long…
"Hello again," The voice of Misty greeted.
The Astray trio immediately ceased arguing as they, along with both Lisa and Megan, turned and saw Misty standing nearby.
"M-M-M-M-Misty!" gasped Asagi, surprised to see her idol again, "What are you doing over here?!" She then looked saddened, "Oh yeah, we're all sorry you lost to Clotho… It would have been amazing if I got to face you in round two if possible…"
"Oh, I'm not concerned about losing this early," reassured Misty, "At least by coming to New York City to compete in this tournament, I got to meet some of my fans," She then looked at Lisa curiously, "Hmm…"
"What?" asked Lisa innocently.
"If it's okay, I would like to tell you your fortune," requested Misty, "Will you permit me to touch your face?"
"Wait, hold up," interrupted Megan, "You're a fortune teller? Why, so am I—but with, ha ha, cards though."
"I read one's face—their physiognomy," said Misty softly, before looking at Lisa once more, "So, will you allow me to tell your fortune?"
"Fortune? Pfft! Sorry, not interested. I don't believe in any of that fortune telling crap," snorted Lisa.
"Lisa!" cried Asagi, offended that her friend would say something like that in-front of Misty, "That's really rude!"
"But it's the truth!" Lisa protested.
"As much as I agree with you on the fortune telling, you could have worded things a little bit better," scolded Mayura, before looking at Misty apologetically, "Please accept our apologies; Lisa tends to be blunt and rough in her manner of speech."
"It's alright," accepted Misty kindly, before looking back at Lisa again, "However, I would suggest that you accept my request."
Lisa frowned, "Why?"
"I think you'll find this fortune…to be most interesting," answered Misty.
"Just give it a try," persuaded Juri, looking at Lisa, "It probably won't come true or anything, but it couldn't hurt to see what it might be."
"Tch… Alright, I'll do it," sighed Lisa, before looking towards Misty again, "Okay, foretell my destiny."
Misty nodded and approached the pink-haired girl and gently took hold of her face, looking into her brown eyes. Lisa waited impatiently for Misty to say something, and when nothing was said about what she should expect to happen in the future she broke the ice…
"Hey, what do you even see?" asked Lisa, wanting to get this over with as fast as possible.
Misty backed away, "I see a very bright future for you," she said mysteriously, "A future that…"
Misty then approached Lisa again and whispered into her ear what her future was like. When Misty backed away again after finishing, Lisa looked like she was going to blow up.
"You're kidding, right?" whispered Lisa, before turning red in the face and going into a yelling fit, "ME AND HIM?!"
The Astray trio and Megan all recoiled a bit from the outburst, but Misty just smiled. In another part of the food court, Sherry and her loyal guardian Elsworth were seated at another table having their own lunch before getting ready for the next half of round one.
"Elsworth," began Sherry.
"Yes, M'lady?" nodded Elsworth.
Sherry sighed a little bit, "Do you remember the time when I was adopted by you?"
"I remember it like it was yesterday," agreed Elsworth fondly, "Well, heh, actually it's been about seven years since you were adopted."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Inside the local orphanage two months since Young Carlie, Young James R., Young Michael, and Young Zack were all adopted by Flashback Discord, Young Sherry was seated at a table looking over some of her Duel Monsters cards boredly while the other orphans were currently playing outside seeing as it was a lovely sunny afternoon.
"Sherry, are you still in here?" The voice of one adult male called out.
Young Sherry looked up silently. When she looked nearby, she saw one of the orphanage owners and a man wearing a nice-looking tux walking inside.
"I've over 'ere," responded Young Sherry.
The two men approached the blonde-haired young French girl, who took immediate notice of the man she never met before.
"Who is zis man?" asked Young Sherry.
"Oh, my apologies, my name is Elsworth," The unknown man (Flashback Elsworth), "I've come to this orphanage to adopt a child who knows how to play Duel Monsters. I have heard from the orphanage owners that you're the best player amongst these orphans, meaning I knew exactly who I wanted to adopt."
"M-Me?" quizzed Young Sherry, hoping that this would mean she would get to live in a nice home.
"So, what do you say, Sherry?" The male Orphanage Owner smiled, "Would you like to be adopted by this man and have a new home?"
Young Sherry did not say a word, but it was clear she felt very, very happy by the notion.
(new scene…)
Before long, Young Sherry was living in a lovely mansion in 'Salt Lake City - Utah', and she was surprised that her new guardian was extremely wealthy. In addition to learning from very good teachers, she also took up karate under the guidance of Flashback Elsworth.
"HAH! HWAH! CHA!" yelled Young Sherry, doing some fighting stances and moves, "HYAH!
(new scene…)
Now 16-years old, Flashback Sherry was standing before in-front of some wooden boards. Closing her eyes, the blonde-haired French girl cleared her mind for a few seconds before opening them fiercely, raising her right hand up, and…
*CHOP!*
…successfully chopping the wooden boards in half. Pleased, Flashback Sherry turned and bowed to Flashback Elsworth.
"Very good!" praised Flashback Elsworth, clapping, "I'm very proud of you, M'lady."
"Merci, Elsworth," nodded Flashback Sherry.
(new scene…)
In addition to karate lessons, Flashback Sherry and Flashback Elsworth also played Duel Monsters against each other from time-to-time. Thanks to Industrial Illusions partnering with the Island of Sodor's Boxford Corporation, the Duel Disk was developed. This allowed players to duel anywhere and allowed holograms of monsters and cards to actually materialize.
"I'm Tuning my Level 4 Effect Monster, 'Spirit Summit Warrior', with the Level 3 Tuner monster, 'Liberated Rear Warrior'!" declared Flashback Elsworth.
One Warrior monster, 'Liberated Rear Warrior', turned into three Synchro Rings which the other warrior, 'Spirit Summit Warrior', dove into, becoming four orbs of light. The symbols 4 plus 3 equals 7 were shown briefly as Flashback Elsworth began a Summon Chant…
"When two blades meet, the blade of loyalty will appear here! Answer to me!" chanted Flashback Elsworth, just as the four orbs within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now - 'Driven Daredevil'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and onto the field, was a rather rugged-looking swordsman (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2100).
Minutes later, shards of glass from her own destroyed monster caused Flashback Sherry to fall to her knees in defeat.
"You 'ave won again, Elsworth," she admitted.
DUEL RESULTS: Flashback Elsworth wins!
Undaunted, the blonde-haired French girl looked up and became determined.
"Let's play some more!" requested Flashback Sherry.
Flashback Elsworth nodded, "As you request."
The two began another duel.
(new scene…)
Two years later, Flashback Sherry was competing in her first ever Turbo Duel. Throughout the match, she was not smiling at all. Eventually, she began her game-winning move…
"BATAILLE!" The blonde-haired young French woman announced in French, "'Chevalier de Fleur', attack!"
'Chevalier de Fleur' obeyed, slashing her blade at an enemy Duel Runner.
"I activate a Trap - 'Mirror Force'!" The male Turbo duelist announced, as a Set card appeared on the field beside him (on his right), flipped face-up, and revealed itself.
"Useless!" shouted Flashback Sherry, "'Chevalier de Fleur's' effect activates! Once during each of my turns, when my opponent activates a Spell/Trap: I can negate ze activation and destroy zat card."
'Chevalier de Fleur' immediately slashed at the face-up 'Mirror Force' Trap Card, causing it to shatter into pieces of glass.
"GAH!" The male Turbo duelist panicked, before getting hit by 'Chevalier de Fleur's' sword, "Urrgh!"
DUEL RESULTS: Flashback Sherry LeBlanc wins!
Very quickly, Flashback Sherry was shown crushing various Turbo duelists quickly and brutally. As he watched those duels, Flashback Elsworth especially noticed that his ward was also becoming increasingly cold and/or hostile towards everybody else except for him. He often wondered if it was because Flashback Sherry was taking the game far too seriously, but there was an important reason for her hardening attitude…
(new scene…)
Inside her bedroom one night, Flashback Sherry was wincing, tossing, and turning in her bed as she tried to sleep. Unfortunately, the blonde-haired young French woman, sweating fearfully, soon shot up awake with a terrified gasp. Looking around whilst huffing and puffing, Flashback Sherry saw to her relief she was back in her room. Despite it having been five or so years since she was nearly attacked by a real monster created by Carlie Izayoi and her Psychic powers, the trauma from it never left Flashback Sherry and she remained haunted by nightmares of the incident. Silently, Flashback Sherry laid wide awake for a long while before she could fall back asleep.
(new scene…)
Now the year 2012, Flashback Sherry had returned to the mansion with some things she picked up from one of the local markets. The first person she met was Flashback Elsworth.
"M'lady, I'm glad you came back," he greeted, holding up a letter, "This just arrived for you."
"Is zat a letter?" asked Flashback Sherry.
"It is," confirmed Flashback Elsworth, "It's from a man named Rex Godwin."
"Zat's ze newly elected governor of New York," Flashback Sherry realized, taking the letter and looking at it, "I wonder why 'e would write to me?"
From there, she read the letter, realizing that she was being invited to a Turbo Duel tournament in New York City. Many of the best duelists from the United States and a few from the United Kingdom in Europe would be competing. This got Flashback Sherry thinking that Carlie would be there for certain…
(new scene…)
A few weeks later, Flashback Sherry and Flashback Elsworth arrived in New York City by plane, landing at John F. Kennedy Airport.
(elsewhere…)
Soon after arriving, Flashback Sherry was out for a quick drive on Sturm und Drang. As she drove peacefully, she noticed a bunch of familiar-looking Duel Runners driving down the expressway. One of the Duel Runners…was Bloody Kiss. And we all knew where that would lead to.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Sherry, not saying anything back, just resumed eating her lunch. Over in another part of the food court, Futaba, Gabriella, Janice, and Sean were all seated at a table, while Ren and David both were at one of the food stands ordering lunch.
"How much longer?" asked Gabriella, feeling hungry.
"They shouldn't be much longer," reassured Janice, "If it helps much, Sean and I'll go and see if they need any help."
Futaba nodded with approval, and both Sean and Janice got up and walked over to where Ren and David both were standing. While Ren was paying the cashier, David was waiting patiently for the food to be delivered. At last, both Sean and Janice approached their best friend.
"Yo, Dave," greeted Sean.
"Need any help or company?" put in Janice.
"That would be most appreciated," accepted David.
And so, the three teenagers waited for the food to come. While waiting, Sean eventually had a question for David…
"Dave, can we ask you something?" The curly red-haired boy asked curiously.
"What is it?" pondered David.
"Well," began Janice, "during the final few duels this morning, we noticed you were hanging out with the representatives of the Orb Duel School."
"What are you implying?" quizzed David, now curious over the blonde-haired girl.
"We were wondering… Are you, by any chance, opening up towards them?" asked Janice hopefully.
"Well... I would like to think so," David admitted, "But as previously stated; baby steps."
Sean and Janice looked at each other and winked, clearly knowing something their friend did not. David watched his two best friends wink, but didn't bother asking why they did that. Back over at the table with Lisa and the Astray girls (Megan had to leave), Lisa went back to eating for lunch, but felt a little bit subdued after hearing her fortune from Misty…
"Hey, Asagi, Mayura, I've been thinking," said Juri.
"What have you been thinking about?" wondered Mayura.
"I've been wondering about the fortune Lisa was told of," As she spoke on, Juri eyed Lisa as a rare gleam of mischief appeared within her amber-colored eyes, "I'm wondering that perhaps our dear friend is destined to find her true love soon enough."
Lisa couldn't help but choke a bit on her food when she overheard that sentence, while Asagi and Mayura both giggled over the idea that the fortune could be about their friend finding a boyfriend real soon.
"Y-You honestly believe I would find a boyfriend because of a fortune?!" coughed Lisa, trying to get some air back into her system, "You're screwing with me, aren't you?"
"I don't know what you could possibly be talking about," joked Juri cheekily.
Lisa was left to seethe as Juri, Mayura, and Asagi each laughed playfully. Well, this could possibly be an entertaining two hours, wouldn't you agree?
(elsewhere…)
Back outside, two hours finally passed and that meant it was time for the second half of round one to finally begin. The audience was fired up after a nice lunch break, and the remaining duelists were eager to begin dueling. Megan, on the other hand, was ready to begin reporting on the second half.
"Hello again, dueling fans!" The raven-haired young woman began, once the camera was on, "Megan Haw here after a two hour break. Very soon, we're going to see the next duel."
On the podium, the MC briefly spoke to Lazar before finally resuming his job of being the announcer and play-by-play commentator…
"EVERYBODY LISTEN!" announced the MC, "I hope everyone had a good two hour break, because we will now begin the second half of round one of Governor Godwin's Action Duel tournament!"
The people in the stands cheered. From there, the big monitor behind the podium started staticing as it was turned on by Lazar's remote. To recap, Matt, David, Lisa, and Clotho all won their duels, so they got to advance. All that was left for round one's duels were the following:
-Asagi Caldwell vs. Sherry LeBlanc
-James R. Hogan vs. Shani Andras
-Carlie Izayoi vs. Orga Sabnak
-Juri Wu Nien vs. Michael Atlas
"Alright! I'm up next!" whooped Asagi, standing up.
"Do your best out there, Asagi," encouraged Ms. Simmons.
"I will, ma'am."
Before Asagi could turn and leave for one of the garages to get herself ready for the duel, she and her friends saw both Matt and Zack show up.
"Hey," greeted Matt.
"Well, what do we owe from the visit from you two?" grinned Lisa, looking pleased to see two of the six residents from San Francisco, "We were just on our way to get Asagi here ready for her upcoming duel. You wanna come along?"
"That's actually why we came over to see you guys," said Zack, before looking towards Asagi and becoming serious, "Now, I know you're eager to get out there and duel, but let me tell you to be very careful around Sherry - she does not mess around when she duels."
"What does that mean?" thought Mayura.
Blinking for a few seconds, Asagi, not understanding what Zack meant, merely shrugged to herself before finally leaving the area, with Mayura and Juri both accompanying their best friend and group leader. Lisa stayed behind, however, wanting to know what Zack was talking about.
"So, uh, what did you mean by 'she does not mess around'?" The pink-haired girl questioned curiously.
"Sherry is not like many duelists," explained Zack, "While some people play games to have fun, when Sherry's in the gaming mood, there's only one thing she cares about - winning. She doesn't care how she does it, or who she hurts in the process, just as long as she comes out on top. Back at the orphanage, she would play games with us and each time she won, she would boast and brag about her victories, putting the others down in the process. It got so old that eventually, almost everyone stopped playing with her."
"Really?"
"Sadly, yes," The black-haired young man confirmed, "Even then, Sherry still had one friend who stood by her regardless, and that's Carlie. However, eventually, Sherry went a little overboard after winning a duel with her, that… err…"
"What? What happened?" pressed Lisa.
Zack paused for a minute before whispering something into Lisa's ear…
"Have you ever heard rumors of someone called the 'Black Rose Witch'?" The black-haired young man asked quietly.
"'Black Rose Witch'?" repeated Lisa, "Can't say I have."
"That was a persona of Carlie's," explained Zack, stepping back from Lisa, "You see, she has Psychic-based powers which enable her to bring Duel Monsters to life. Unfortunately, they were very unstable, and often took effect whenever she was upset or stressed out."
"Oh…" nodded Lisa understandingly.
"Anyway, during a friendly duel Sherry and Carlie had outside one time, Sherry got pretty boastful after winning," continued Zack grimly, "Despite trying to tell her friend to stop, Carlie eventually got so upset that her powers triggered without warning, causing an almost real monster to appear and try to attack Sherry. If James, Mike, and I hadn't stepped in to calm Carlie down, who knows what might have happened to Sherry."
Before Lisa could speak up…
"Sherry was so frightened from the experience that she ran off in tears," The voice of Carlie put in, just before walking into frame, "Meanwhile I was so ashamed with myself for almost hurting my best friend that I avoided her after that, believing she would never forgive me. Granted, I did try to apologize one time, but failed because we got adopted at the time."
"And it would seem that she's been nursing that grudge ever since," acknowledged Zack, "Given how she tried to run both Matt and Mike off the road just to duel you… She's really become cold and vicious."
"Well, that Sherry gal sounds like big trouble, if you ask me," frowned Lisa, "If I were in your shoes, I'd clock her in the face."
Carlie said nothing. Before long, the audience began cheering once more as two gates on both sides of the stadium track opened up.
"Oh! Oh! Here they come!" cheered the MC, "Our next two talented duelists are about to emerge! Riding Sturm und Drang is Sherry LeBlanc!"
Emerging from one of the gateways was the horse-shaped Duel Runner, driven by Sherry. She took in the sound of cheering fans, but didn't smile once.
"Next, one of the three riding one of Orb's famous M1 Astrays - Asagi Caldwell!" announced the MC.
Emerging from the other gateway was one of the M1 Astray Duel Runners, driven by Asagi. Asagi happily waved to the cheering fans, and even saw Lisa giving her a thumbs up from the stands. Soon, both Duel Runners were lined up at the starting line, with Asagi on the left, and Sherry on the right.
"Good luck to you," encouraged Asagi, trying to strike up a friendly conversation with Sherry before the duel commenced. She even held her right hand (with her Deck) out, "May the best woman win."
"If you're trying to be friendly with me, don't bother," retorted Sherry coldly, not making any effort to shake her opponent's hand, "I only wish to duel 'worthy' opponents in my journey for revenge. I'm afraid you would stand little to no chance against someone of 'my' skill."
Asagi felt offended, "Hey, you don't have to be so mean!" she complained, withdrawing her right hand, "It's just a game!"
Sherry didn't bother saying anything more, and just kept her eyes on the track. In her mind, it was a whole different story…
"I will win zis match quickly, and zen face a more worthy opponent in ze next round - Carlie," thought Sherry, "If I do not win, I will never escape from my nightmare."
Back in the stand, Mayura and Juri both overheard the stinging comment from Sherry about Asagi.
"I guess this might be what Zack mentioned about Sherry," figured Juri.
"It was a little uncalled for," agreed Mayura.
Back on the track, both Sturm und Drang and M1 Astray were roaring as their respective riders (Sherry: Sturm und Drang, and M1 Astray: Asagi) revved their Duel Runners until the MC took the opportunity to activate an Action Field…
"Action Field, on! 'Crossover Acceleration'!" ordered the MC.
This caused the dueling track around them to glow as several Duel Monster cards began to appear floating in little balls of light all around the track. Not only that, both Sherry and Asagi pressed a button on their respective Duel Runners.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the two, respective Duel Runners, "Autopilot activated."
Over with David and his friends and family in the stands…
"Another duel begins," mumbled Sean.
"Two young women with blonde hair going at it," added Janice, before getting a blank stare from both David and Sean, "What? Haven't either of you two noticed that?"
"Yes, but such a superfluous fact was hardly worth bringing to the forefront," deadpanned David.
Janice simply huffed a little bit before she resumed watching the two Duel Runners about to begin their race. On the track, both M1 Astray and Sturm and Drang continued roaring as the final countdown on the nearby board started up. Once the five ticks counted to three, the MC gave the ultimate word…
"Turbo Duel… ACCELERATION!" he screamed out, once the three remaining ticks ran out.
As expected, both Duel Runners took off down the track. While Asagi's M1 Astray was decently fast, Sherry's Sturm and Drang managed to outspeed it near the very end and ended up crossing the finish line first.
"The opening turn goes to Sherry!" declared the MC, "What kind of surprises will this duel bring us? I look forward to finding that out!"
"It's my turn!" announced Sherry, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Sherry LeBlanc (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Noble Knight Medraut", "Noble Knight Gwalchavad", "Until Noble Arms are Needed Once Again", "Noble Knight Eachtar", "Heritage of the Chalice", and "Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn"
Action Card: N/A
Her drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn'. She added the card into her hand and took another card ('Noble Knight Medraut') from it.
"I Summon 'Noble Knight Medraut' in Attack Mode!" continued Sherry, placing her card onto her Duel Runner.
Appearing onto the speeding field was a blonde-haired knight with a torn cape, and a rather sinister shadow beneath him (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF :1000).
"Zis card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on ze field," explained Sherry.
"What's the point of that?" asked Asagi.
"I'm not done with my turn," As she spoke, Sherry placed another card onto her Duel Runner. This resulted in a Spell Card called 'Heritage of the Chalice' materializing face-up on the speeding field behind Sturm and Drang, "Spell Card - 'Heritage of the Chalice', activate! I must add 1 'Noble Knight' monster or 1 'Noble Arms' card from my Deck or GY to my hand."
From there, a card ejected from the middle of Sherry's Deck, and she took hold of it. It was a Spell Card called 'Noble Arms - Caliburn'. Not losing her cold, stoic look, the blonde-haired young French woman placed her card onto a Spell/Trap Zone on her Duel Runner.
"I activate ze Equip Spell 'Noble Arms - Caliburn'!" announced Sherry, "I will equip zis onto 'Noble Knight Medraut'!"
A mystic looking sword materialized in the hands of 'Noble Knight Medraut', causing him to grow stronger (ATK: 1700 - 2200).
"I must equip only to a Warrior monster," explained Sherry, "It gains 500 ATK."
Suddenly, something started happening to 'Noble Knight Medraut'; his whole body started darkening a bit as though he was being affected by the weapon in his hands.
"H-Hey! What's going on with your monster?" gasped Asagi.
"While equipped with a 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell," replied Sherry, "'Noble Knight Medraut' becomes an Effect Monster with zis effect."
"What effect?"
"Zis card becomes DARK and its Level is increased by 1," The blonde-haired young French woman answered, "It will make 'Noble Knight Medraut' a Level 5 monster!"
From there, the wicked shadow briefly enveloped 'Noble Knight Medraut', turning it into a DARK monster and increasing its Level slightly (Level: 4 - 5).
"Ze main zing I'm aiming for, 'owever, is ze second effect of my monster!" continued Sherry, "Once per turn, if I control no other monsters: I can Special Summon 1 'Noble Knight' monster from my Deck in Defense Position, except 'Noble Knight Medraut', and if I do, destroy 1 Equip Spell I control."
From there, the sword in 'Noble Knight Medraut's' hand shattered, causing his ATK to go down to its normal amount (ATK: 2200 - 1700). From there, Sherry drew the top card of her Deck and placed it onto a Monster Field Zone on her Duel Runner (sideways).
"Come forth - 'Noble Knight Artorigus'!" commanded Sherry.
Appearing onto the field was a knight with light orange hair, and a large sword (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1800).
"With ze loss of 'Noble Arms - Caliburn'," Sherry went on, "'Noble Knight Medraut' returns to being a LIGHT Normal Monster with a Level of 4!"
'Noble Knight Medraut's' whole body brightened up again as his Level lowered to its original amount (Level: 5 - 4).
"Next, I'll activate ze effect of ze destroyed 'Noble Arms - Caliburn'!" announced Sherry, "If zis face-up card on ze field is destroyed and sent to ze GY: I can target 1 Warrior 'Noble Knight' monster I control; I must equip zis card to zat target."
"You can use it again?!" recoiled Asagi.
"C'est vrai!" confirmed Sherry in French, "Once more, 'Medraut' will be equipped with zis card!"
From there, the sword reappeared in the hands of 'Noble Knight Medraut' (ATK: 1700 - 2200).
"Now your monster will regain its effect; turning him into a LIGHT monster and becoming a Level 5 monster," remembered Asagi.
Quite so… The body of 'Noble Knight Medraut' darkened once again as his Level went up slightly (Level: 4 - 5).
"Finally, I'll activate ze effect of ze 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn' in my hand!" exclaimed Sherry, taking a card from her hand and readying it between the index and middle fingers of her right hand, "I can send 1 face-up LIGHT Normal Monster I control to ze GY; I must Special Summon this card from my hand or GY. To meet the requirements, I'll send 'Noble Knight Artorigus' to ze GY and Special Summon 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn' from my hand!"
As 'Noble Knight Artorigus' vanished in blue streaks, the darkened armored knight appeared on the field in his place (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 800). Just then, Sherry's LP increased slightly (LP: 4000 - 4500).
"Hey! How did your LP just go up?!" questioned Asagi.
"Ze effect of 'Noble Arms - Caliburn'," replied Sherry, "Once per turn: I can gain 500 LP," She then took and laid a card onto her Duel Runner, "Finally, I'll Set one card and end my turn!"
Both Sturm und Drang and M1 Astray raced down the track as the audience cheered.
"Sherry's already got two strong monsters and can recover LP once per turn," thought Asagi, "Still, despite those setbacks on my part, I know I can win this duel," She finally drew a card while speaking aloud, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Asagi Caldwell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Vylon Pentachloro", "Release Restraint Wave", "Vylon Component", "Vylon Stigma", "Mage Power", and "Vylon Element"
Action Card: N/A
Her drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Vylon Element', and the rest of her hand contained 'Vylon Pentachloro', 'Release Restraint Wave', 'Vylon Component', 'Vylon Stigma', and 'Mage Power'.
"This is a good start," Asagi told herself mentally, before speaking aloud to her opponent and delivering a badass boast, "I'll show you what Orb's made of!"
Sherry glared over her shoulder for a moment, but remained quiet as she then resumed focus on driving down the track.
"I activate a Continuous Spell - 'Vylon Element'!" declared Asagi, placing her card onto her Duel Runner, "Behold!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of M1 Astray.
"When any face-up 'Vylon' Equip Card(s) you control are destroyed (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon an equal or lower number of 'Vylon' Tuner monsters from your Deck," explained Asagi, "They cannot be used as Synchro Material Monsters, except for the Synchro Summon of a "Vylon" Synchro Monster."
In the stand…
"Ah, I've heard of that archetype," remarked Zack, recalling the 'Vylon' archetype, "It focuses heavily on Equip Cards."
"It was one of my earliest successes when I was developing the Synchro Summon rule," said Discord proudly, "Later on I added an Xyz-related 'Vylon' card to the series."
"I wonder if we'll ever get to see it?" wondered James R..
We'll have to wait and see about that. Back on the track, a Monster Card called 'Vylon Stigma' materialized face-up on the speeding field beside M1 Astray (on Asagi's right).
"I Summon 'Vylon Stigma' in Attack Mode!" announced Asagi.
Appearing onto the speeding field was a black and gold, floating machine with two pincher arms (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000).
"Not only that, I'll power my monster further," As she spoke, Asagi, took a card from her hand and held it out, "With this card! Equip Spell - 'Vylon Component'!"
A circle-like device appeared around 'Vylon Stigma'
"I must equip only to a 'Vylon' monster," said Asagi, explaining part of her Spell Card's effect, "If it attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage to my opponent," She then took another card from her hand, "However, this is only a small piece to my big plan."
"Big plan?" frowned Sherry.
"Yuppers!" confirmed Asagi cheerfully, placing her card onto a Spell/Trap Zone on her Duel Runner. This resulted in the 'Release Restraint Wave' Spell Card materializing face-up on the field in-front of M1 Astray, "From my hand, I'll activate 'Release Restraint Wave'! I must target 1 face-up Equip Spell I control; I must destroy the Equip Spell and all face-down Spell/Traps my opponent controls. That's right, I'll destroy my own Equip Spell to destroy all of your face-down cards!"
As the face-up 'Vylon Component' Spell Card disappeared, a huge gust of wind blew over the whole track, sweeping away Sherry's face-down card.
"Tch…" muttered Sherry.
"Judging from your reaction, I must have gotten one of your good cards," teased Asagi, holding up a card she took from her Deck, "Furthermore, I did a good thing in getting rid of my 'Vylon Component'. If this face-up card on the field is sent to the GY: I can add 1 'Vylon' Spell from my Deck to my hand. And we cannot forget the continuous effect of my 'Vylon Element'; I can Special Summon an equal or lower number of 'Vylon' Tuner monsters from my Deck."
"One to be exact," grumbled Sherry.
"Clearly," With that said, Asagi took another card ('Vylon Prism') from her Deck and held it out, "Come forth - Tuner monster, 'Vylon Prism'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large, prismatic crystal dressed in light armor with machine arms sticking out the side (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500).
"Let's do it!" declared Asagi, "I'm Tuning my Level 4 Effect Monster, 'Vylon Stigma', with the Level 4 LIGHT Tuner monster, 'Vylon Prism'!"
'Vylon Prism' soared upward and turned into four Synchro Rings, which 'Vylon Stigma' jumped into before turning into four orbs of light. The symbols 4 plus 4 equals 8 were shown briefly as Asagi began a Summon Chant…
"Through the eyes of Heaven and Beyond, touch down upon the mortal realm and pierce against the darkness of ruin!" chanted Asagi, as the orbs within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Descend! Level 8 - 'Vylon Epsilon'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and onto the speeding field, was a gold and silver, angelic being with large wings and no bottom half (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1200).
"Oh man, that was a pretty good move," remarked James R..
"And it only gets better from there," Zack pointed out.
"How so, mate?" questioned Michael.
"'Vylon Prism' has an extremely handy effect," answered Discord, before going over the effect, "If this card is sent from the Monster Card Zone to the GY: You can pay 500 LP, then target 1 face-up monster you control; equip this card to that target. If the equipped monster attacks or is attacked: It gains 1000 ATK during the Damage Step only."
"That is handy," said Carlie positively.
"Will it be enough, though?" pondered Matt, "We'll just have to find out."
Back on the speeding field…
"I activate the effect of my Tuner monster, 'Vylon Prism'!" announced Asagi, before echoing the same explanation Discord made seconds ago, "If this card is sent from the Monster Card Zone to the GY: I can pay 500 LP, then target 1 face-up monster I control; I must equip this card to that target. If the equipped monster attacks or is attacked: It gains 1000 ATK during the Damage Step only."
"Tch! Proceed," growled Sherry.
"When you put it that way, I'll pay my 500 LP!" began Asagi (LP: 4000 - 3500), "Next, I'll target my 'Vylon Epsilon' and equip 'Prism' to it!"
From there, 'Vylon Prism' reappeared on the field and equipped itself to 'Vylon Epsilon'.
"Oh, and did I mention 'Epsilon' has a good effect? Equip Cards equipped to this card cannot be targeted by cards or effects."
Sherry only swore in French.
"Still, I'm not done," continued Asagi, taking and placing another card onto her Duel Runner. On cue, a Spell Card called 'Vylon Segment' materialized face-up on the field beside her (on her left), "From my hand, I'll activate a Continuous Spell - 'Vylon Segment'! I must equip only to a 'Vylon' monster. It cannot be targeted by the opponent's monster effects or Trap effects."
Sherry remained quiet during this explanation, but by the look of her face, she was not all that interested in what her opponent was saying. Of course, the effect of the 'Vylon Segment' Spell Card was not what Asagi was aiming for…
"I activate the effect of 'Vylon Epsilon'!" declared Asagi, "Once per turn: I can send 1 Equip Card equipped to this card to the GY to target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must destroy that target."
"Que diable?!" cried Sherry in French.
'Vylon Epsilon' turned his attention to 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn', and that meant one thing was about to happen…
"Time for you to kiss your first monster adios!" said Asagi confidently, "'Vylon Epsilon', destroy 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn'!"
'Vylon Epsilon' obeyed, letting loose a powerful blast of light, vaporizing 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn' on contact.
"The remaining effect of my Equip Spell - 'Vylon Segment'!" exclaimed Asagi, taking a card ('Vylon Filament') from her Deck, "If this face-up card on the field is sent to the GY: I can add 1 'Vylon' Spell from my Deck to my hand."
From there, the newly added Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind M1 Astray, targeting 'Vylon Epsilon'.
"Now, I'll activate the Equip Spell 'Vylon Filament'! I must equip only to a 'Vylon' monster. If the equipped monster attacks: My opponent cannot activate any Spell/Traps until the end of the Damage Step," As Asagi spoke, she took one more card from her hand and placed it onto her Duel Runner, "Finally, I'll power 'Epsilon' with the Equip Spell 'Mage Power'!"
A final Spell Card materialized face-up on the speeding field beside Asagi (on her left), causing 'Vylon Epsilon' to begin glowing.
"It had to be 'Mage Power'…" scowled Sherry.
"Ah, so you know of it," taunted Asagi, "The equipped monster gains 500 ATK/DEF for each Spell/Trap I control. As you can tell, I control four such cards! 'Vylon Epsilon's' ATK and DEF both will increase by 2000 points as a result!"
'Vylon Epsilon' got supercharged with power (ATK: 2800 - 4800/DEF: 1200 - 3200). Before long, Asagi spotted an Action Card up ahead, believing it would come in handy when she entered the Battle Phase. Grabbing it, she saw it was an Action Spell Card called 'Charge Recklessly'. Finally, the Battle Phase came…
"Here I go!" declared Asagi, before looking over her shoulder towards Sherry, "'Vylon Epsilon', attack 'Noble Knight Medraut'!"
'Vylon Epsilon' obeyed, flying in and punching at 'Noble Knight Medraut' fiercely.
"Due to the effect of 'Vylon Filament', you can't activate Spell Cards or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step - including Action Cards you try picking up!" reminded Asagi, "And from the effect of 'Vylon Prism', the monster it's equipped to gains 1000 ATK during the Damage Step."
'Vylon Epsilon' once again grew stronger (ATK: 4800 - 5800).
"But, just because you can't activate such cards doesn't mean 'I' also cannot," With that said, Asagi held her picked up Action Spell Card out, "I activate 'Charge Recklessly'! When a monster I control battles an opponent's monster, during damage calculation: my monster gains 600 ATK, during that damage calculation only."
'Vylon Epsilon' grew stronger a third time (ATK: 5800 - 6400). Finally, 'Vylon Epsilon' struck 'Noble Knight Medraut' with his fist, causing the enemy monster to shatter into shards of glass.
"'Noble Knight Medraut' has been destroyed!" smirked Asagi, "That one powerful attack alone will send you down to a measly 300 LP!"
Sherry, after looking at an Action Card she picked up during the attack, only stared coldly on as her LP got hit immensely hard (LP: 4500 - 300). Despite the heavy amount of damage she took, the blonde-haired young French woman was completely unfazed by it, even as M1 Astray ended up passing her and getting ahead on the track.
"Woo! You go, Asagi!" cheered Mayura.
"Most impressive," remarked David, "Asagi-senpai plays a highly balanced Deck."
"That's what I call some serious girl power!" proclaimed Janice.
"Yeah, Asagi!" whooped Lisa, "Kick some serious ass!"
Back on the track, the effect of the 'Charge Recklessly' Action Spell Card wore off, as did the effect of 'Vylon Prism', resulting in 'Vylon Epsilon's' ATK returning to 4800 (ATK: 6400 - 4800).
"All I gotta do is make another attack like that," declared Asagi, "Once I do that, it'll be game over for you."
"Zat will 'ave to wait," retorted Sherry, taking a card ('Heritage of the Chalice') from her GY and adding it into her hand, "If my 'Noble Knight' monster equipped with a 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell is destroyed by battle and sent to ze GY, while 'Heritage of the Chalice' is in my GY: I can add zis card to my hand. Combined with ze I used earlier on, I can only use 1 'Heritage of the Chalice' effect per turn, and only once zat turn."
"You'll need it," remarked Asagi, believing herself to be on the right track to emerging triumphant in the duel, "I end my turn here!"
Both Duel Runners raced across the finish line, completing another lap.
"What an exciting duel thus far!" hollered the MC, "Asagi has delivered Sherry an absolutely devastating blow! Will Asagi pull off a win on her next turn, or will Sherry find a way to regain her momentum during her own turn?"
Only one way to find out…
"You 'onestly believe you will win?" dismissed Sherry harshly, "I seriously doubt zat."
"Huh?" blinked Asagi, "You're saying I won't be successful in defeating you? But I command 'Vylon Epsilon', and he's got an ATK of 4800! Not to mention you only have 300 LP left and control no monsters on your field!"
"Don't worry, it won't remain zat way for very long," Sherry pointed out, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Three: Sherry LeBlanc (LP: 300)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (4): "Noble Knight Gwalchavad", "Noble Knight Eachtar", "Heritage of the Chalice", and "Noble Knight Gawayn"
Action Card: "Action Crush"
Her drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Noble Knight Gawayn'.
"C'est ici," thought Sherry in French, before adding the card into her hand and taking another to play, "Appear - 'Noble Knight Gwalchavad'!"
Appearing onto the field was a knight with long, blonde hair (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1800).
"Doesn't that monster share a similar effect to 'Noble Knight Medraut'?" pondered Asagi.
"You're right, it does," confirmed Sherry, "Zis card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on ze field. 'owever… now I can activate ze effect of ze 'Noble Knight Gawayn' in my 'and!" She took a card and placed it onto a Monster Field Zone on her Duel Runner (sideways), "If I control a LIGHT Normal Monster, I can Special Summon zis card, from my hand, in Defense Position."
Appearing onto the speeding field was a knight wearing bronze armor and had short blonde hair (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 500).
"And now!" announced Sherry, holding her 'Heritage of the Chalice' Spell Card again, "From my 'and, I will activate ze Spell Card 'Heritage of the Chalice'!" A card ('Noble Arms of Destiny') ejected from her Deck, and she took hold of it, "Once again, I'll add a 'Noble Arms' card from my Deck into my hand."
Asagi remained neutral on the play, but wondered what else Sherry would do. As of right now, the audience silently shared the same question. Ultimately, the answer came…
"Not only zat, I'll also activate ze effect of my Trap Card, 'Until Noble Arms are Needed Once Again', in my GY!" Sherry went on, taking a card ('Until Noble Arms are Needed Once Again') from her GY and holding it out, "Zis is a card you've destroyed with 'Release Restraint Wave'! I can banish zis card from my GY, except ze turn zis card was sent to ze GY; I must Special Summon from my Deck, 1 'Noble Knight' monster with a different name from ze cards I control or in my GY. I can only use zis effect of 'Until Noble Arms are Needed Once Again' once per turn."
On cue, a Monster Card called 'Noble Knight Bedwyr' materialized face-up on the speeding field beside Sturm und Drang (on Sherry's left).
"Now, I'll Special Summon 'Noble Knight Bedwyr' in Attack Mode!" declared Sherry.
Appearing onto the field was a knight with short, silver hair (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1500).
"Ze effect of 'Noble Knight Bedwyr'!" As she spoke, Sherry took a card ('Noble Arms - Gallatin') from her Deck and sent it to the GY, "When zis card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can send 1 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell from my Deck to ze GY. Furthermore, I will overlay the Level 4 'Noble Knight Gawayn' and 'Noble Knight Bedwyr'!"
The two 'Noble Knight' monsters turned to balls of light and flew into the forming Overlay Network in the middle of the area (not directly on the track), which was followed by a Summon Chant…
"In all ze history books, zere is but one King zat we speak of. And now, 'is might shall shine in 'is greatest form!" chanted Sherry, as the Overlay Network exploded and released something from it, "Xyz Summon! Show yourself! Rank 4 - 'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights'!"
Appearing onto the field out of the Overlay Network, was what appeared to be an evolved form of 'Noble Knight Artorigus' (Rank: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000).
"Aaaaaaahhh! This is amazing!" cried the MC, looking beyond excited, "Sherry has just Xyz Summoned a monster! What a big turn of events!"
Back with Sherry on Sturm und Drang…
"I activate ze special effect of my 'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights'!" declared Sherry, "When zis card is Xyz Summoned: I can target up to 3 'Noble Arms' Equip Spells with different names in my GY; I must equip zose targets to zis card," She took two cards ('Noble Arms - Caliburn' and 'Noble Arms - Gallatin') from her GY and placed them onto her Duel Runner, "Ze two cards I will choose are 'Noble Arms - Caliburn' and 'Noble Arms - Gallatin'!"
The two mentioned Spell Cards materialized face-up on the field in-front of Sturm und Drang.
"Ze first - 'Noble Arms - Caliburn'!" continued Sherry, "I must equip only to a Warrior monster. It gains 500 ATK."
'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights' suddenly grew stronger (ATK: 2000 - 2500).
"And now ze effect of 'Noble Arms - Gallatin'! I must equip only to a Warrior monster. It gains 1000 ATK."
"1000 more ATK…" mumbled Asagi, growing concerned about her 'Vylon Epsilon'.
'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights' once again grew stronger (ATK: 2500 - 3500).
"And you do remember ze other effect of 'Noble Arms - Caliburn', yes?" reminded Sherry, as she recovered some LP (LP: 300 - 800), "Once per turn: I can gain 500 LP."
"I remember," grumbled Asagi, "Still, your 'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights' is 1300 ATK short of being able to defeat my 'Vylon Epsilon'."
"Zen I will continue to power my monster up," offered Sherry, holding another card up, "Equip Spell - 'Noble Arms of Destiny', activate!"
Another new sword appeared in the hands of 'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights'.
"What's that one do?" asked Asagi.
"I must equip only to a Warrior monster," explained Sherry, "Once per turn: The equipped monster cannot be destroyed by battle or by card effects. 'owever, zere is far more to be done. I activate ze special ability of ze 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn' in my GY!"
'Noble Knight Gwalchavad' immediately shattered into shards of glass.
"Why would you wanna destroy your own monster?" blinked Asagi, "Unless this is part of your strategy!"
"You should recognize what I am doing," frowned Sherry, "I used zis effect earlier on… I can send 1 face-up LIGHT Normal Monster I control to the GY; I must Special Summon 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn' from my hand or GY."
From there, the dark knight returned to the field (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 800).
"Before I do anyzing else, I 'ave one more monster to bring out," As she spoke, Sherry took a card from her hand and readied it, "I can banish 2 'Noble Knight' monsters from my GY; I must Special Summon 'Noble Knight Eachtar' from my hand or GY."
Just then, both 'Noble Knight Artorigus' and 'Noble Knight Gwalchavad' reappeared on the field very briefly.
"I will banish 'Noble Knight Artorigus' and 'Noble Knight Gwalchavad'!" announced Sherry.
With that, the two knights vanished in streaks of blue.
"Fight on - 'Noble Knight Eachtar'!" ordered Sherry, while placing another card onto a Monster Field Zone on her Duel Runner.
Appearing onto the field was a brown-haired knight with a green cape (Level: 5/ATK: 1600/DEF: 2000).
"Ze effect of 'Eachtar'!" Sherry went on, "A Synchro or Xyz Summon of a 'Noble Knight' monster using zis card as material cannot be negated, also my opponent cannot activate cards or effects when zat monster is Special Summoned," She then held her right hand out, "I overlay the Level 5 'Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn' and 'Noble Knight Eachtar'!"
The two 'Noble Knight' monsters turned to balls of light and flew into the reforming Overlay Network in the middle of the area (not directly on the track), which was followed by a Summon Chant…
"King of the Noble Knights, take up your strongest power, and strike down zose who threaten your majestic kingdom!" chanted Sherry, as the Overlay Network exploded and released something from it, "Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 5 - 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Artorigus'!"
Appearing onto the speeding field was an even more evolved version of 'Noble Knight Artorigus' (Rank: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 2200).
"Did you all see that?!" commented the MC, who's excitement over seeing not one, but TWO Xyz Summons on the same turn was up to eleven, "Sherry has performed two Xyz Summons on the same turn! She's not shown disappointment at all in this duel!"
And Sherry was only getting started…
"I activate ze main effect of 'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights'!" The blonde-haired young French woman began, "Once per turn: I can detach 1 Xyz Material from zis card; I must destroy any number of Spell/Traps on the field, up to the number of 'Noble Arms' Equip Spells I control."
"Up to the number of 'Noble Arm' Equip Spells?!" panicked Asagi, "You control three of them!"
"And zat means I can destroy up to three Spell Cards or Trap Cards on ze field," confirmed Sherry, "'Artorigus', strike down 'Vylon Element', 'Vylon Prism', and 'Vylon Filament'!"
Asagi grimaced, waiting for the attack (really effect) to come. In the stands…
"Hold on, 'Vylon Prism' is a monster, not a Spell or Trap," remarked Janice.
"It was in the Spell/Trap Zone, Janice," David pointed out, "While there, equipped monsters count as Spells and Traps."
Meanwhile, an Overlay Unit flew into the sword of 'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights', who dove into the air towards M1 Astray.
"Attack!" commanded Sherry.
From there, the King-like monster slashed his blade at once, striking and shattering three of Asagi's face-up (and equipped) Equip Cards. Without them, the effect of the 'Mage Power' Spell Card weakened significantly, thus lowering 'Vylon Epsilon's' ATK and DEF a fair bit (ATK: 4800 - 3300/DEF: 3200 - 1700).
"If this face-up 'Vylon Filament' on the field is sent to the GY: I can add 1 'Vylon' Spell from my Deck to my hand," exclaimed Asagi, drawing a card ('Vylon Matter').
"You won't get a chance to use it," dismissed Sherry, "Now, I'll activate ze effect of 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Artorigus'! Once per turn: I can detach 1 Xyz Material from zis card, zen target 1 other monster on ze field; I must destroy zat target."
Asagi recoiled in silent horror, since it would mean Sherry could destroy her monster before even declaring an attack. Fortunately, she noticed an Action Card up ahead, and one that would determine her fate in the duel.
"This might be my one chance," she decided, speeding M1 Astray up towards the Action Card.
Despite her opponent trying to get the Action Card, Sherry merely looked at her own Action Card and did nothing to stop Asagi from getting the Action Card up ahead. Ultimately, Asagi did grab the Action Card.
"There!" The wavy blonde-haired young woman announced, holding the Action Spell Card out, "'Mirror Barrier'! I must target 1 monster on the field; it cannot be destroyed by card effects."
Sherry merely stared on coldly. Suddenly, the Action Card in-between Asagi's fingers crumbled into dust.
"No! What's happened to my Action Card?!" wailed Asagi.
"I picked up an Action Card earlier on," replied Sherry, before holding out her own Action Spell Card, "When you attacked and destroyed my 'Noble Knight Medraut' during your turn, I grabbed this Action Card - 'Action Crush'! I must destroy all Action Cards in my opponent's hand, also for the rest of this turn after this card resolves, each time a player adds an Action Card to their hand, I must destroy that Action Card."
Asagi could not believe it. Her one chance to save herself from the attack, ruined. With nothing to save her now, all she could do was watch as 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Artorigus' slash his blade clear through ''Vylon Epsilon', causing it to explode due to its destruction.
"In just one blow, my 'Vylon Epsilon' was…" stammered Asagi.
In the stands…
"It can't be!" panicked Mayura.
"That lousy Sherry! She's been planning that strategy since the start of the duel!" complained Lisa, slamming her hand on the railing.
"It's all over!" realized Juri.
Even Ms. Simmons looked stunned by what she saw. Back on the track…
"BATAILLE!" declared Sherry, entering the Battle Phase for real, "Take zis! 'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights', attack ze opposing player directly!"
'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights' obeyed, slashing his blade violently at M1 Astray, causing Asagi to cry out as her LP gauge completely emptied (LP: 3500 - 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Sherry LeBlanc wins!
With Asagi's LP at zero, M1 Astray began emitting steam before coming to a complete stop.
"And that's game!" declared the MC, "The winner is Sherry LeBlanc! While Asagi did her best, she was totally overwhelmed by her opponent's strength!"
From there, Sherry finally stopped Sturm und Drang and removed her helmet. She stared long and hard at Asagi before saying something to her…
"If you want to even stand a chance against me in a duel," Sherry said in a cold tone, shaking her head in disgust, "zen you will need to train yourself some more and challenge me again. Now, get out of my sight!"
Asagi, feeling both ashamed and humiliated that she lost so easily to Sherry LeBlanc, simply climbed off her M1 Astray and started wheeling it away with a sad, disgraced look on her face. Up in the stands…
"Poor Asagi… She got crushed so quickly," mumbled Mayura, feeling sorry for Asagi.
"And that Sherry didn't look like she even cared about upsetting her," added Lisa, "I really don't like people who act like that!"
"I don't know about you," commented James R., as he walked up to the other Orb representatives looking upset, "but I think I've had just about enough of that good-for-nothing bully."
"James?" pondered Juri.
"Of course, I do feel sorry for her after what happened years ago, but that grudge is turning her into a cold-hearted, uncaring person who I feel 'deserves' getting those nightmares! Something needs to be done about her before Sherry gets any worse. And if no one else will stand up to her, then 'I' will!"
"No!" interrupted Carlie, who then approached her friend from behind, "I won't let you do something as stupid as that. There's a chance you might make things with Sherry worse."
"So then, what are we supposed to do?" snapped James R., looking pretty frustrated, "You want us to stand idly by and let Sherry get her way by treating everyone around her like dirt?! Ha! I don't think so! Somebody has to stand up to her sooner or later! If not in round one, then definitely in round 'two'!"
Before anything more could be said by Carlie, it was time for the announcement for the next duel…
"And now, we have our next duel!" The MC was yelling out, "Lazar, do the honors!"
Doing as he was told, Lazar approached the podium, turned, and pressed a button on the remote in his hand. The big monitor turned itself on, and revealed an updated standings. Sherry advanced, and Asagi was eliminated. Next up was…
"Well, it's about time," said Shani softly, standing up from his seat.
That's right, the monitor said the next duel would be James R. Hogan vs Shani Andras.
"This should be good," remarked Azrael, sounding rather laidback for such a monstrous man like him, "You'll be dueling one of this country's best duelists."
"A.k.a, the 'Blackwing'/'Assault Blackwing' guy," put in Orga, "We've heard his Deck's pretty good and flexible."
"And there's been recurring rumors about him regarding his use of language," added Clotho, "They say that despite his strong disapproval of certain aspects of life, including bullies, he 'never' swears or uses vulgar words."
"Never swears or uses vulgar words?" questioned Orga, folding his arms, "What kind of man is that James guy supposed to even be anyway?!"
Shani snorted, "Who even cares about the way that guy talks or duels?" he dismissed, "I can defeat him without any problems. In fact, I'll crush him as badly as Sherry crushed Asagi in that duel."
"That's the spirit," smiled Azrael with approval, "Just keep remembering the lesson we taught you three and your fellow classmates; if you're facing a duelist who is your enemy, you must destroy the enemy at all cost."
"That's something your staff taught us well," acknowledged Clotho.
"That James guy 'is' my enemy," hissed Shani maliciously, which wasn't true but he just wanted to have an excuse to brutally defeat somebody in a duel, "And because of that, I will destroy him in the name of the Blue Cosmos school."
Nearby, James R. could be seen glaring at the light green-haired boy, as though he (James R.) knew exactly what he (Shani) was saying and/or thinking of at this time.
"If that punk thinks that he's gonna take me down, he's wrong," said James R., clenching his right fist and swinging it about, "I promised two of those Blue Cosmos guys that I would knock their friend out in the first round, and that's what I'm going to do!"
Lisa, Mayura, Juri, Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka all stared in response when they heard that declaration. Was James R. right? Would he be successful in defeating a member of Blue Cosmos? That, I'm afraid, is a still to be determined mystery, but don't worry it won't be long before we get an actual answer.