We have our next review shout-out winner! It's Lyrissa Artemick! Congratulations! Next review shout-out will be by the 1,000th review with a one-shot as special prize that anyone can win! Like always, guest reviews do NOT count!
There will be an exhibition Turbo Duel in this chapter before it's time for Team 5D's to face Team Unicorn. Special thanks to Latina shewolf for helping me out with the special Turbo Duel!
Also, from now on, I'll be only using real life cards for the Duels in the story, but I'm making an exception with the Speed Spells.
The chapter begins in Yusei's point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 78: Grand Opening of WRGP
Crow's accident really had the worst timing ever. He couldn't Turbo Duel with his fractured shoulder and he blamed it on Estelle, which made her withdraw and give us the silent treatment. She hadn't contacted any of us since the meltdown at the hospital and we couldn't reach her. Bruno informed us the next day how Estelle had retired to her bedroom and didn't want to speak to him about the issue.
Today was Sunday, and the preliminary rounds were starting tomorrow. Time was running out. We had gathered in the garage, including Sherry's team, to talk about the situation.
"Estelle still hasn't contacted you?" Aki asked.
"No", I shook my head with a defeated sigh.
"Crow, we know you're really upset because you told us you wanted to Duel and impress the orphans for making that banner, but you didn't have to lash out on Estelle like that", Bruno scolded him.
"You think I don't feel bad for what I said to her?" Crow muttered irritably. "I know what I did was wrong, but I couldn't control myself. I want to apologize to her, but she doesn't answer my calls."
"She's not answering to any of our calls", Carly corrected.
"So what will you guys do?" Sherry wondered.
"If Estelle doesn't show up by tomorrow, we have to participate with just the two of us, Jack", I told him.
"Don't worry about it", Jack nodded while having his arms crossed. "I'll pick up the slack."
"But our team will get a massive disadvantage", Bruno pointed out. "Each team gets 4000 Life Points times Turbo Duelists. The highest Life Points in total for a team are 12,000, but with only two Duelists, it'll be 8000."
"That's one of the biggest issues", I nodded. "The handicap will be too great."
"But don't you think Estelle will make it tomorrow?" Sakura asked. "You said she acted like this once before, right?"
"Yeah, that's true", Luna nodded.
Yes, I could still remember the last incident Estelle gave us the silent treatment. It was by the Halloween incident last year. We didn't hear from her for a week, but she did show up when she was ready.
"Then she might get through it and show up by the course tomorrow", Sakura continued. "I don't think she's a real quitter."
"Yeah, now that you mention that…", Bruno mumbled before resting his hand on his chin.
"What, Bruno?" Leo asked hopefully.
"Estelle did speak a little to me today after breakfast", Bruno confessed. "She wanted me to tell you she's sorry for her silent treatment, but she needs time to collect herself. It could be a sign she might join us tomorrow."
"Then you should believe in her", Mei nodded. "Besides, I don't think anyone in their right mind would dare to abandon their friends or teammates before a huge competition like the Grand Prix."
I stayed quiet for a few seconds before sighing. "We'll have to see what happens tomorrow. Maybe Estelle will show up, maybe not. In any case, we have to prepare to Turbo Duel with only two people."
"And if Estelle does show up, I'll apologize to her", Crow said. "I didn't mean to yell at her, but my feelings messed it up."
"I hope you'll put some efforts in the Turbo Duel", Sherry said strictly. "I expect you to advance to the finals along with my team."
"We'll do your best, Sherry", I nodded.
XXXXXXXXXX
We didn't hear a single word from Estelle the next morning and not even when it was time for the teams to drive to their assigned courses throughout New Domino City. The teams in our block were going to Turbo Duel in the Kaiba Dome while the block with Sherry's team got to Turbo Duel on one of the new courses.
We were in our VIP room waiting for further instructions. The staff was going to fetch us and Team Unicorn in the next VIP room and lead us out to the pit where our Runners were parked. Jack and I were dressed in our riding suits while Bruno, Carly, Leo, Luna, and Crow were wearing their pit crew outfits and jackets with the team name embroidered.
The mood in the room wasn't the best. We were both very nervous about the Grand Prix and worried about Estelle's absence. Aki called moments ago to check on us and get any news about the team, but nothing had changed.
"Where is she?!" Leo whined. "The Grand Prix will begin soon!"
"I'm getting worried too…", Luna nodded.
"Bruno, did Estelle say anything this morning?" I asked.
"No…", Bruno shook his head. "She was very quiet and went to her bedroom after breakfast-"
Jack slammed his fist on the wall with a frustrated growl. "So solitude is more important to her than an international competition right now?! She's a betrayer!"
"Jack, calm down!" Carly panicked before grabbing his fist. "She still has time to show up before we have to walk out! I'm sure she'll make it in the last minute. But if not… You can still defeat Team Unicorn, Jack, Yusei!"
Jack collected himself before doing his famous pose. "Of course! I'll sweep my opponents with Red Dragon Archfiend 'cause I'm Jack Atlas the King of Games!"
"Not anymore, though…", Crow whispered sarcastically.
The television in the VIP room was on and showed us live footage of the Kaiba Dome and the other courses where the audience had gathered to watch the Turbo Duels. Moments later, the introduction music started playing and fireworks went off in the Dome. The Master of Ceremonies appeared on the screen, the same person who was the MC at the Fortune Cup.
"Ladies and gentlemen! After the Fortune Cup, a Turbo Duel event has finally returned to New Domino City! We've been waiting for this competition since the first announcement last year in October!"
Wait, what's going on? Weren't we supposed to get fetched by the staff during the MC's introduction?
"Thirty-two teams from all across the globe have gathered here in New Domino City to officially become the first world champion Turbo team! We have a few favorites who are expected to win, but this is anyone's game! So let's give every team a big round of applauds!"
The stadium erupted into a loud noise of applauds and few wolf whistlers. The live footage showed the audience where several fans of ours and Team Unicorn were holding homemade signs with our team logo. It made the corner of my lips twitch upward a bit. It felt nice to have some fans that supported us.
"Before we move on, two of the main organizers want to give us a brief speech, so welcome the Director of Sector Security and the Vice-President of KaibaCorp, Rex Goodwin and Kaiba Mokuba!"
The camera shifted to the two fields for Ground Duels where Goodwin and Mokuba stood while holding a microphone each. The audience cheered for them before Goodwin made a move with his hand, which was a sign that made everyone go silent.
"Thank you for your appreciative support", Goodwin began. "New Domino City has gone through multiple changes since last year's Fortune Cup. New Domino and Satellite are united by the Daedalus Bridge, making the people become united and equal. Of course, there is still much to do, and that inspired me to organize the first World Racing Grand Prix where teams from different corners of the world can come together and prove to their people they can be more than what they believe in, because everyone on the course will be treated as equal, no matter the status, family, and wealth."
"It's a privilege for KaibaCorp to host a world championship competition in our hometown", Mokuba continued. "Therefore, to honor the first Turbo world championship, we will treat you all to a special exhibition Turbo Duel!"
"Say what?! An exhibition Duel before the preliminary rounds?" Crow explained in shock.
"I didn't hear anything about this", I commented, surprised as well.
"What a scoop! And I get to witness it up close!" Carly shrieked joyfully before she hurried to one of the lockers we had in the room and ripped it open before digging in her bag. "Where's my stuff?!"
"Carly…", Bruno sweat dropped with a sheepish laugh.
"The first Turbo Duelist is one of the sponsors of the World Racing Grand Prix and someone very close to me", Mokuba began. "Please, give it up for…Kaiba Seto!"
Fireworks erupted by the entrance of one of the garages before a Duel Runner drove out and onto the course. It drove around the course so fast it looked like a flash of silver and neon blue. It slowed down and braked in front of the start line, giving everyone a clear view.
The Duel Runner looked like a mechanical version of Blue-Eyes Alternative Dragon. The front was shaped like the head of the dragon with a pair of eyes that were obviously the front lights. The seat part resembled my Duel Runner, except it didn't have the C-curve.
Kaiba was wearing a white riding suit with neon blue edges and protective gear. His helmet was a white basic one with a dark tinted visor.
"Wow! Look at that Runner! It looks like a dragon!" Leo exclaimed in awe.
"Kaiba himself is Turbo Dueling?" Jack said before smirking darkly. "Now that I know he Turbo Duels, I shall challenge him in the future!"
"His opponent is none other than the next generation of the first King of Games in history… Muto Yugi's son, Muto Henri!" Goodwin called.
Another round of fireworks erupted in front of another garage before a purple Duel Runner drove out to the course. It braked next to Kaiba's Duel Runner, revealing a Dark Magician-based Runner. This one had the same C-curve on the back like my Runner, but it resembled Dark Magician's headpiece.
Henri was wearing a dark purple riding suit that looked extremely similar to Dark Magician's outfit, but his purple helmet was normal with a dark tinted visor.
"Kyaa~!" Carly shrieked loudly. "The next generation of the Muto family Turbo Dueling the CEO of KaibaCorp who is the first King of Games' best rival?! I need to get a closer view and snap great pictures! I'll be right back!"
"Carly, what-", Jack spoke up, but the reporter had already run out of the VIP room with her camera.
"Well, that escalated quickly", Crow chuckled.
"That woman is going to be the end of me…", Jack muttered irritably before he ran after Carly. I had a feeling it was to make sure she wouldn't cross any boundaries in her enthusiasm.
Goodwin and Mokuba left the field, so the camera returned to the MC. "Kaiba Seto and Muto Henri, it's time to activate Speed World 2!" he shouted.
"Field Spell, Speed World 2, set on!" the two Turbo Duelists yelled simultaneously while activating said Field Spell.
"Duel Mode, on – Autopilot, standby."
The holographic lamps for the countdown appeared in front of them. The audience counted down along with the lamps while Kaiba and Henri waited to start Dueling.
"Ready, set… Duel!"
XXXXXXXXXX – Normal POV
The two Duel Runners screeched the tires before they drove off in rocket speed. The audience chanted both Kaiba and Henri's names and cheered for their favorite, waiting to see who would take the corner and the first turn.
Kaiba and Henri were concentrating deeply, but Kaiba cast a quick glance at his opponent before a smirk appeared on his lips. He slowed down, purposely making Henri take the lead. The young man didn't pay much attention to it and took the first corner while being tailgated by Kaiba.
"Henri has the first move!" the MC declared. "Let the Turbo Duel begin!"
Henri: 4000 LP
Kaiba: 4000 LP
"I've Dueled your father multiple times in the past, Henri", Kaiba commented. "Show me the skills you've inherited from him."
"I promise I won't disappoint you, Kaiba. Draw!" Henri called, drawing his sixth card. "Unfortunately, I'm only placing three cards facedown and end my turn."
"Henri bricked on his first turn?!" the MC gasped in disbelief. "But one of his facedowns could be a game changer! Now, how will Kaiba respond?"
"First turn and you bricked?" Kaiba snorted loudly. "It's quite the letdown. Draw!"
Henri: 4000 LP = SPC 0 – SPC 1
Kaiba: 4000 LP = SPC 0 – SPC 1
"I'm going to be nice to you and play your game", Kaiba continued. "I summon Maiden with Eyes of Blue in attack mode!"
Maiden with Eyes of Blue, Level 1, Tuner: ATK 0
"I place one card facedown and end my turn."
"During your End Phase, I activate my Continuous Trap; Magicians' Combination!" Henri called. "I can't activate any of its effects, but I'm keeping it around for safety precautions."
"Do whatever you want", Kaiba responded. "It's your turn."
"Right. Draw!" Henri yelled.
Henri: 4000 LP = SPC 1 – SPC 2
Kaiba: 4000 LP = SPC 1 – SPC 2
"I activate another Trap; Prologue of the Destruction Swordsman!" Henri continued. "I send Buster Blader and Robot Buster Destruction Sword from my Deck to Special summon Buster Dragon from my Extra Deck!"
Buster Dragon, Level 8: ATK 1200
"Well, who could've foreseen that?! Instead of summoning spellcaster Monsters, which are Muto Yugi's signature Monsters of his Deck, his son's first summoned Monster is a dragon!" the MC commented.
"The backside of this Special summoning is that Buster Dragon will be destroyed during the End Phase of the next turn. Now, Buster Dragon's first effect turns all Monsters on your side of the field into dragon-type Monsters!" Henri explained. "Battle! Buster Dragon, attack Maiden with Eyes of Blue!"
Buster Dragon collected dark energy in its mouth before firing a beam at Maiden.
"Maiden's effect!" Kaiba yelled. "When she's targeted for an attack, she can negate it and change her battle position!"
Maiden swiped her arms to create a light blue shield around her just before Buster Dragon's beam could hit her. The beam collided with the shield without making any damage. Once the attack was over, Maiden got down on her knees and started praying.
Maiden with Eyes of Blue, Level 1, Tuner: ATK 0 – DEF 0
"But that's not all! With Maiden's power, I can Special summon a Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my Deck, hand, or Graveyard! I Special summon my mighty beast from my hand! Come forth, Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Level 8: ATK 3000
"And Kaiba's magnificent dragon is out on the field!" the MC commented. "The dragon sure is determined to protect the maiden from harm!"
Henri hummed softly before resuming the Turbo Duel. "Main Phase 2! I activate Buster Dragon's second effect! Because I have no Buster Blader on my field, I Special summon him from my Graveyard in attack mode!"
Buster Blader, Level 7: ATK 2600
"Buster Blader's effect! He gains 500 attack points for every dragon-type Monster my opponent controls and has in their Graveyard! Since Maiden is now a dragon-type, due to Buster Dragon's first effect, he gains 1000 attack points!"
Buster Blader, Level 7: ATK 2600 – ATK 3600
"Wait a minute! If Henri had summoned Buster Blader before the Battle Phase, he could've dealt a little more damage to Kaiba!" the MC realized. "I wonder what made him hold back. Is it part of his plan? Let's find out, everyone!"
"I end my turn with that!" Henri called, ignoring the MC's comment.
"I sense a misplay there. It will just give me the advantage. Draw!" Kaiba shouted.
Henri: 4000 LP = SPC 2 – SPC 3
Kaiba: 4000 LP = SPC 2 – SPC 3
"Buster Dragon's third effect!" Henri suddenly called. "During my opponent's turn, I can target one Buster Blader I control and then equip him with one 'Destruction Sword' Monster from my Graveyard! I equip him with Robot Buster Destruction Sword!"
Robot Buster flew out from a gate behind Buster Blader before sending some of its energy over to the dragon slayer Monster through a fiery aura.
"While Robot Buster Destruction Sword is equipped to Buster Blader, Spell and Trap cards that are already face-up on my opponent's side of the field cannot activate their effects."
"It makes no difference, since I don't have any face-up Trap cards", Kaiba snorted. "Blue-Eyes White Dragon, get rid of Buster Dragon with White Lightning!"
Blue-Eyes White Dragon fired its signature attack at Buster Dragon, shattering it into pieces. Henri felt his Duel Runner shake a bit due to the Solid Vision effect, but it was more of a small bounce on the wheel.
Henri: 4000 LP – 2200 LP = SPC 3
Kaiba: 4000 LP = SPC 3
"And it's Kaiba who delivers the first damage to Henri!" the MC called. "Now, if I remember it correctly, since Buster Dragon is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, Maiden with Eyes of Blue is no longer considered a dragon-type Monster, meaning Buster Blader's attack points are decreased by 500!"
Buster Blader, Level 7: ATK 3600 – ATK 3100
"Main Phase 2! I tune Level 8 Blue-Eyes White Dragon with Level 1 Maiden with Eyes of Blue!" Kaiba continued. "Silver scales clad the dragon. Protect its glory and roar like thunder! Synchro summon! Arise, Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon!"
Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, Level 9: DEF 3000
"Because of your new dragon Monster, Buster Blader gains an additional of 500 attack points!" Henri called quickly.
Buster Blader, Level 7: ATK 3100 – ATK 3600
"Your Buster Blader doesn't scare me", Kaiba snorted. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."
"If you say so", Henri shrugged softly. "Draw!"
Henri: 2200 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
Kaiba: 4000 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
"Since I have more than 2 Speed Counters, I play the Speed Spell – Explosion!" Henri called. "I select one card in my Spell/Trap Card Zone and destroy it. Then, I can change the battle position of all Monsters you control, Kaiba! I destroy Magicians' Combination!"
The holographic image of the Speed Spell flew right onto the face-up Continuous Trap card and caused an explosion. The remnants of the explosion flew over to Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, forcing it to change its battle position.
Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, Level 9: DEF 3000 – ATK 2500
"But that's not all!" Henri continued. "Because Magicians' Combination was sent to the Graveyard, I can destroy one card on the field! I choose the card you set on your last turn, Kaiba!"
The two transparent images of Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl appeared on the field before they aimed their wands at the chosen card. The magicians fired a combined dark beam to nullify the card. Kaiba's facedown card flipped up, revealing Counter Gate, before it shattered into pieces.
Kaiba had zero reaction at the loss of the card. Deep inside, he was relieved Henri didn't choose his other facedown card. It was essential for his next combo.
"Battle! Buster Blader, attack Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon!" Henri shouted.
The warrior flew towards the Synchro Monster while raising his sword. Azure-Eyes roared at him, but it didn't stop Buster Blader from slashing the dragon into pieces, dealing a large amount of damage to Kaiba.
Henri: 2200 LP = SPC 4
Kaiba: 4000 LP – 2900 LP = SPC 4
"I end my turn", Henri said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this Turbo Duel is really thrilling to watch!" the MC commented. "Muto Henri and Kaiba Seto really are neck-on-neck! It's like watching a match of dragons versus dragon slayer!"
"Ready to give up, Kaiba?" Henri asked teasingly.
"Never underestimate me, boy. Draw!" Kaiba yelled.
Henri: 2200 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 5
Kaiba: 2900 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 5
Kaiba got a small grin on his lips after seeing which card he had just drawn. "Perfect. The real show may begin. I activate my Continuous Trap; Birthright! It allows me to Special summon a Normal Monster from my Graveyard in attack mode. When this card leaves the field, the summoned Monster is destroyed, and when the Monster leaves the field, the card is destroyed. I Special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Level 8: ATK 3000
"And Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragon is back to the field! However, the tricky part is Buster Blader's attack points are greater than the dragons. What will Kaiba do next?" the MC questioned.
"Before I do anything else with my Blue-Eyes, I play Speed Spell – Sonic Buster!" Kaiba continued. "I can only activate it while I have 4 or more Speed Counters. I select one face-up Monster I control and inflict damage to you equal to half its attack! Get a little taste of Blue-Eyes White Dragon before the main course, Henri!"
Blue-Eyes White Dragon was enveloped in a pink aura before it collected by its chest. The pink orb transformed into a beam that hit Henri. The young man held back a grunt as he felt the gentle force of the effect.
Henri: 2200 LP – 700 LP = SPC 5
Kaiba: 2900 LP = SPC 5
"Henri's Life Points are below one thousand now!" the MC announced. "If Kaiba manages to get rid of Buster Blader and inflict enough damage, this could be the end for the Prince of the first King of Games!"
"I now play Speed Spell – Speed Fusion!" Kaiba shouted. "I can activate it since I have more than 4 Speed Counters. I send my first Blue-Eyes White Dragon from the field and the second from my hand to Fusion summon Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon!"
Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon, Level 10: ATK 3000
"We have our first Fusion Monster out on the field of this Turbo Duel! Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon looks ready to feast, but the attack point difference is still too high!" the MC pointed out.
"Buster Blader's effect!" Henri called quickly. "Because of the two new dragons on your field and in the Graveyard, he gains 1000 attack points!"
Buster Blader, Level 7: ATK 3600 – ATK 4600
"It doesn't matter because I will survive this!" Kaiba exclaimed determinedly. "Battle! Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon, attack Buster Blader!"
"Wait, what?! What is Kaiba thinking?!" the MC panicked.
The two heads of Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon snapped their teeth at Buster Blader before they tried biting the warrior. Buster Blader blocked both mouths with his sword, causing a loud screeching noise by the blade and teeth while both bodies sparkled by the collision.
"Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon cannot be destroyed by battle, but I do take the damage due to the attack point difference", Kaiba said.
Some of the sparkles traveled to the brunet, softly shocking him by the reflected damage.
Henri: 700 LP = SPC 5
Kaiba: 2900 LP – 1300 LP = SPC 5
"Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon's third effect!" Kaiba continued. "At the end of the Damage Step, when he attacks an opponent's Monster, but that Monster was not destroyed by the battle, it's banished!"
"What?!" Henri gasped in surprise.
Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon removed its teeth from Buster Blader's sword as the neon parts of its body began glowing. The two heads opened their mouths and fired a thin neon blue beam each that combined into one mid-air. The beam pierced through Buster Blader's chest and opened a wormhole behind him.
Seconds later, the warrior Monster was pulled into the wormhole, vanishing from the field. Robot Buster Destruction Sword didn't follow along with its master, but it was destroyed and sent to Henri's Graveyard.
"So that was Kaiba's plan all along!" the MC snapped his fingers in realization. "He Fusion summoned Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon to use its effects to remove Buster Blader from play while still keeping his dragon around, even though he had to make a small sacrifice with his Life Points!"
"Unless you have something planned, boy, I will finish you on my next turn", Kaiba told Henri. "I end my turn."
"I think I have something going on, Kaiba", the young man responded. "Draw!"
Henri: 700 LP = SPC 5 – SPC 6
Kaiba: 1300 LP = SPC 5 – SPC 6
"I will play your game, Kaiba, and activate Speed Spell – Speed Fusion too!" Henri called. "I send Dark Magician Girl and Palladium Oracle Mana from my hand to Fusion summon the Dark Magicians!"
The Dark Magicians, Level 8: ATK 2800
"We've been waiting patiently for this, but now we finally have Muto Yugi's signature Monsters on the field, except they've been fused into one Monster, but are still separate beings!" the MC commented happily.
"I've been waiting for this", Kaiba smiled. "I look forward to destroy the magicians."
"We'll see about that, Kaiba", Henri responded. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."
"My turn. Draw!" Kaiba yelled.
Henri: 700 LP = SPC 6 – SPC 7
Kaiba: 1300 LP = SPC 6 – SPC 7
"Battle! Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon, attack the Dark Magicians!"
The two heads opened their mouths and collected energy before firing two large neon beams at the two magician Monsters. Dark Magician raised his hand to form a shield while Dark Magician Girl hid behind him, but the shield broke by the impact and the two magicians were engulfed by the beams.
Henri: 700 LP – 500 LP = SPC 7
Kaiba: 1300 LP = SPC 7
"The Dark Magicians' effect!" Henri called. "When this Fusion Monster is destroyed, I can Special summon both one Dark Magician and one Dark Magician Girl from my hand, Deck and/or Graveyard! I Special summon Dark Magician from my Deck and Dark Magician Girl from the Graveyard!"
The two magicians that were just engulfed by the beams transformed into two purple energy spheres and flew out of the beam. Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon stopped its attack and watched the spheres as they floated next to each other before shapeshifting into their real forms.
Dark Magician, Level 7: ATK 2500
Dark Magician Girl, Level 6: ATK 2000
Dark Magician Girl swiftly winked to the audience, causing several male fans to go all crazy over her cuteness.
"You made a foolish mistake", Kaiba chuckled amusingly. "Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon can make up to two attacks on Monsters during each Battle Phase. And since it's still the Battle Phase, Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon will attack Dark Magician and end the Turbo Duel!"
The Blue-Eyes dragon roared before flapping its wing to fly towards Dark Magician with the instinct to rip him apart. Dark Magician just floated with his lips in a straight line, not worried for a second.
"That won't happen because I activate my Continuous Trap; Shadow Spell!" Henri called. "I target Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon with it! It loses 700 attack points, and it cannot attack or change its battle position!"
Dark chains shot out from Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon's shadow and wrapped themselves around it. The dragon roared furiously while struggling to shake the chains off of its body.
Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon, Level 10: ATK 3000 – ATK 2300
"What a surprise! Henri survived this turn with the help of Shadow Spell! Does this mean Dark Magician will once again defeat its eternal rival, Blue-Eyes?!" the MC commented.
Kaiba growled softly by the failure of ending the Turbo Duel, but he got over it. "Main Phase 2! I play Speed Spell – Angel Baton! I can activate it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I draw two cards from my Deck and send one card from my hand to the Graveyard." He checked the freshly drawn cards and then sent one card to the Graveyard. "End Phase! I activate the effect of the card I just sent to the Graveyard; the White Stone of Ancients! I can Special summon a 'Blue-Eyes' Monster from my Deck, and I choose Dragon Spirit of White!"
Dragon Spirit of White, Level 8: ATK 2500
"Dragon Spirit of White's effect! When it's successfully summoned, I can target one Spell or Trap card you control and banish it, boy! I choose your Shadow Spell!"
Dragon Spirit of White fired a white beam from its mouth at Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon's shadow where the dark chains came from. The chains were crushed into pieces while the holographic form of the Shadow Spell card on Henri's field got swallowed by a wormhole.
The Fusion Blue-Eyes shook off the remnants of the dark chains and roared in joy to be free again.
Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon, Level 10: ATK 2300 – ATK 3000
"Your turn, boy. Now, try defeating my Blue-Eyes", Kaiba taunted.
"You certainly don't want to give up, Kaiba", Henri chuckled. "This is one of my best Duels I've ever had. Let's see what I can do next. Draw!"
Henri: 500 LP = SPC 7 – SPC 8
Kaiba: 1300 LP = SPC 7 – SPC 8
"From my hand, I reveal Palladium Oracle Mahad!" Henri shouted. "I can do that because I have just drawn him, and I can Special summon him to the field!"
Palladium Oracle Mahad, Level 7: ATK 2500
"Next, I play Speed Spell – Half Seize! I can activate it while I have 3 or more Speed Counters. I select your Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon to half its attack points and gain an equal amount of Life Points!"
Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon, Level 10: ATK 3000 – ATK 1500
Kaiba's Blue-Eyes glowed in a green healing aura before its strength was, unwillingly, passed over to Henri, raising his Life Points.
Henri: 500 LP – 2000 LP = SPC 8
Kaiba: 1300 LP = SPC 8
"Henri's healed his Life Points, meaning he refuses to give up!" the MC called. "If he pulls out a combo, he might win against Kaiba!"
"I now activate my Trap; Destined Rivals!" Henri yelled. "Since I control Dark Magician, I can negate the effects of all face-up Monsters you currently control until the end of this turn, Kaiba!"
"Oh! Henri nullified Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon's effect, which means…", the MC began.
"It will be destroyed!" Henri filled in. "Battle! Dark Magician, attack Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon with Dark Magic Attack!"
Dark Magician held up his wand and used dark energy to create a large sphere. Once it was twice as big as him, he fired the sphere at Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon. The dragon cried out in pain as it was shattered into pieces among the holographic smoke, which engulfed Kaiba and his Duel Runner.
Henri: 2000 LP = SPC 8
Kaiba: 1300 LP – 300 LP = SPC 8
"Now it's Kaiba who's Life Points are below five-hundred!" the MC gasped. "Could this be it?! Are there no more chances for Kaiba to turn the Duel around?"
Kaiba drove through the smoke with his eyes closed. His lips formed a smirk before he started chuckling until he opened his determined eyes. "It's over!" he declared.
"What do you mean?" Henri asked confusedly.
"When a face-up 'Blue-Eyes' Monster I control is destroyed by battle or an opponent's effect, and I have a dragon-type Monster in my Graveyard, I can Special summon Deep-Eyes White Dragon from my hand!"
The remnants of the Blue-Eyes Fusion Monster gathered above Kaiba and shapeshifted into the bright-glowing form of Deep-Eyes White Dragon.
Deep-Eyes White Dragon, Level 10: ATK 0
"What a magnificent dragon!" the MC gasped. "Deep-Eyes White Dragon is like a fusion of a dragon and a futuristic angel!"
"When Deep-Eyes White Dragon is Special summoned like this, he inflicts 600 points of damage to you for each dragon-type Monster with different names in my Graveyard!" Kaiba added. "I have Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, the White Stone of Ancients, and Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon! Four dragons, so that's 2400 points of damage!"
"What?!" Henri gasped in shock.
The transparent images of Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, the White Stone of Ancients, and Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon appeared around Deep-Eyes White Dragon. They transformed into light blue light that were absorbed into Deep-Eyes' wings. Each piece of neon light of the futuristic angel dragon slowly began glowing while releasing a loading noise that echoed in the stadium.
Henri sweat dropped, knowing this was it. He had no other cards that could negate the effect damage. He turned around to shield his eyes just as Deep-Eyes White Dragon fired a neon blue beam from its mouth, engulfing the Prince of the first King of Games.
Henri: 2000 LP – 0 LP = SPC 8
Kaiba: 300 LP = SPC 8
The screen on Henri's Duel Runner switched from the card field into a bright red X, the clear sign that he had lost the Turbo Duel. Several compartments opened to release steam and lower the pressure on the Runner while slowing down to a halt. Kaiba drove past Henri, but made a 180 degree spin while braking hard, making the tires screech against the concrete.
The whole stadium was silent for a moment before the MC snapped out of it. "It's over! After nine rounds of intense Dueling, with both sides fighting hard to stay on top, the winner of the exhibition Turbo Duel is Kaiba Setooo!"
The stadium erupted into loud cheers and applause while Kaiba removed his helmet. His bangs were a little bit damp due to sweat caused by the exhaustion of Turbo Dueling. He had only been using simulators to get used to actual Turbo Dueling, but the real deal was a lot tougher than he had expected.
He got off the Runner and walked over to Henri who had gotten off his Duel Runner and removed his helmet. The young man watched the adult walk over to him with a poker face. Kaiba stopped in front of him, giving him a deep stare before opening his mouth. "You almost lived up to my expectations, boy", he said.
"I did my best with what I had in my hand", Henri shrugged softly. "It was an honor Dueling you, sir. I learned a lot from today."
"Me too", Kaiba nodded. "You certainly have inherited your father's skills, but you're still not there yet. I expect a rematch in the future, but I will win again."
"We'll see about that, Kaiba", Henri chuckled.
The duo reached out their right hands simultaneously and grabbed each other for a handshake, sealing the promise. The audience cheered louder by the action of the two Turbo Duelists while reporters and media, both national and international, rushed to the barricades to snap pictures of the Prince of the first King of Games and the King's best rival.
Among the big crowd was Carly snapping pictures left and right. She managed to blend in by dumping her Team 5D's jacket and using her reporter ID to gain access. She had pushed herself to the front of the barricades and got some pictures of the handshake.
Carly quickly checked the pictures on her camera and nodded in satisfaction. "Great! Got perfect pictures!"
She was then suddenly pushed back by the other enthusiastic reporters who wanted to get the front view. She got pushed and shoved by hands and elbows until she was at the very back of the crowd. She crashed on the ground facedown while making sure to protect her precious camera.
"Ow…", Carly groaned in pain before lifting up her red face. "It's not easy being a reporter."
"And it's about time you hurry back to the VIP room, woman!" a grumpy voice growled.
Before Carly knew it, she was lifted up by Jack's strong arms and placed on his left shoulder before he hurried back to the restricted area of the stadium where outsiders, like citizens and reporters, weren't allowed to enter and disturb the Turbo teams.
The young woman couldn't help but blush while Jack carried her like a sack potatoes. "J-Jack…"
"Seriously!" Jack grumbled as he once stopped and placed Carly on her feet. "You always end up getting into trouble!"
That comment hit a nerve of Carly's. "I wasn't in any sorts of trouble!" she retorted irritably. "I just wanted to get some pictures!"
"You could've gotten hurt back there!" Jack shouted angrily before harshly giving her the Team 5D's she had dropped. "And we need you in the team right now, so don't you dare go and hurt yourself in your enthusiasm!"
"I-!" Carly began to argue, but stopped herself as she comprehended Jack's words. "You… You came after me because you care about me, Jack?"
Jack flinched back in surprise by that question while his pale cheeks turned a little pink. He snorted loudly while turning away with his arms crossed. "Y-You're a valuable member of the team! I consider you important as everyone else, but you often drive me crazy!"
"Jack…", Carly got touched by his comment, knowing what he secretly meant behind his words.
Jack turned around with his arms still crossed, hiding his blush. "Don't think you're any different, woman!" he said loudly.
"I won't", Carly giggled, holding back her laughter.
Jack's frown slowly lightened up while the left corner of his lips twitched a little bit upward. "Let's go, Carly. We need to hurry back to the VIP room", he said before walking away.
"Okay!" Carly giggled with a bright blush on her cheeks before running after her crush.
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The design of Kaiba Seto's Duel Runner is based off on the DeviantArt user's artwork; Sincity2100! Artwork: .:Seto Kaiba Turbo Dueling:.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any Dark Magician Duel Runners, so… Let's use our own imagination for it. ^^'