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
Jak and Daxter characters (c) Naughty Dog
Spyro characters, Avalar (c) Activision
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
On a stage inside the Orb Duel School, five face-down cards were lined up on a large blackboard. On cue, David Xadashi and Lisa Drake both showed up and began speaking to the audience for only a brief amount of time.
"Salutations," greeted David, "And welcome back to another installment of 'This week's noteworthy cards'!"
"And it's great to be back after last week," agreed Lisa, before she and David turned to face the nearby blackboard with the five cards (still showing their backing) lined up, "Come on, let's see what our lucky cards are for today!"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Majestic Dragon' (Tuner Monster Card)
-'Red Carpet' (Trap Card)
-'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Soul Fist' (Spell Card)
-'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' (Effect Monster Card)
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" cried Lisa, staring at the middle card ('Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend'), "That's not 'Red Nova Dragon'! This is another entirely new form of 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!" She started reading one of the card's effects, "Once per turn, during your Main Phase 1: You can destroy all other cards on the field, also, for the rest of this turn, other monsters you control cannot attack."
"A particularly precarious capability indeed," frowned David, "Atlas-sama better watch out for it."
"No worries! If we know him, he'll clobber that card but good," grinned Lisa, before she and David turned to face the audience once more, "Well, that's all we've got for today."
"Afraid so," added David, before he and Lisa started waving goodbye, "Until next time everyone!"
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: The Ruthless Tyrant! King vs. King
Opening up in the streets of central-lower Manhattan, all was quiet as dawn was beginning to break. But soon police car sirens and the sound of Duel Runners began to echo, grabbing the attention of the few people already on the streets as Wheel of Fortune, the Security Duel Runner, and four police motorcycles raced down the road, with the first being chased by the latter two. Paul was leading the charge against chasing and capturing Fake Michael.
"This is Officer Truman!" announced Paul, speaking into his radio, "We're in pursuit of the Michael Atlas impersonator! Over!"
"This is Chief Waltfeld responding!" The voice of Sam responded, "We copy you, Officer Truman! Over!"
"Those people are saying such weird things!" joked Fake Michael, loudly and sadistically, "I'm the true Michael Atlas!"
"Cut the bull!" snapped Paul, "You won't get away with attacking members of 'The All-Star Squad' and innocent people! We of the NYPD will stop you!"
"Just try it, if you can," frowned Fake Michael.
The chase ended up going inside Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (an underwater tunnel), where Fake Michael started riding along the tunnel walls, smashing the lights on the walls and ceiling and sending down shards of glass, causing the four other police motorcycles to crash and injure the riders, with only Paul escaping unharmed.
"Damn you!" swore Paul, before getting ready to press a button on his Duel Runner, "Field Spell, 'High Speed World', set on!"
He pressed a button on the dashboard of the Security Duel Runner, which, on the monitor, caused a whole new Spell Card to materialize and activate.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the Duel Runner, "Autopilot activated."
From there, the Security Duel Runner became surrounded by a purple dome as autopilot activated. Up ahead, Fake Michael noticed the monitor of Wheel of Fortune also created the 'High Speed World' Spell Card, activated the Duel Runner's autopilot, and became surrounded by a purple dome.
"You want to fight the King, huh?" dismissed Fake Michael, "By forcing a Turbo Duel, I'm left with little choice but to accept," He smiled with anticipation, "Very well, I'll also show you the King's duel!"
Before long, both Duel Runners were in the middle of the long tunnel as their Turbo Duel commenced.
"Duel!" Both Paul and Fake Michael exclaimed at once (LP: 4000) x2.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Rutger had ordered a meeting of the Dark Signers to discuss the success of their new weapon.
"Good timing, friends," greeted Rutger, standing at the head of the table, "Our own Signer is doing better than we originally believed he would do."
"I'll vouch for that!" agreed Vincent, slamming his hands on the table, "Did you see how easily he beat down that pink bitch? I can never get enough of watching it! I mean," While babbling on and on, the three Bio-CPU boys all frowned and/or rolled their eyes, almost regretting that they joined the group purely due to their disdain for him, "he practically sent her to a watery grave—her and robo-boy!"
"Yeah, yeah, we know," muttered Shani, while in his mind… "What an annoying pest."
"Our puppet will slowly defeat the other Signers one-by-one," predicted Rutger, "He will save Matt for last, since he will prove to be the most difficult to defeat—but he will succeed in taking down even the Coordinator."
"When our enemies are out of the way," interrupted Azrael, "we can finally focus on getting a final member into the group, right?"
"Indeed," confirmed Rutger, "We need to find someone who would be perfect for the part—someone with an insatiable thirst for revenge."
Orga, Clotho, and Shani each looked at each other. Azrael, meanwhile, looked thoughtful over Rutger's words. He wondered if there was someone out there with such a grudge—he did think of one young woman who might be holding a hidden grudge despite her calm, warm persona on the outside.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Discord's Queens mansion in, well, Queens, most of the group had gathered in the living room to figure out their next move regarding Fake Michael. The Astray trio decided to stay with Lisa in North General Hospital to help keep her company. No one was saying a word throughout their time in the living room. Suddenly, the phone rang, making David, Sean, and Janice each jump in surprise. Matt went to answer the call.
"Hello?" began Matt.
"Matt, it's Maria calling," The voice of Maria replied, sounding urgent, "Turn on the news."
"Officer Strienhart?"
"This is important," The black-haired young woman's voice insisted, "You and the others need to see what's going on."
Matt looked over to Carlie and nodded, who nodded back, picked up the remote, and turned on the TV set. Almost immediately, there was footage at a crash site in Brooklyn, and Megan was there to cover it all.
"This is Megan Haw reporting," The image of Megan said grimly, "We're here in Brooklyn, where a deadly crash had taken place just minutes ago."
"A crash?" blinked Sean.
The TV displayed footage of a wrecked Duel Runner and a grievously injured Paul Truman being loaded on a stretcher into an ambulance to be taken to the nearest hospital.
"A member of the NYPD by the name of Paul Truman has been chasing after what appears…" The voice of Megan narrated, just as a picture of (Fake) Michael showed up, "…to be famous Turbo duelist Michael Atlas, who is rumored to be connected in a number of horrific attacks on 'The All-Star Squad'."
The group immediately gasped.
"No!" cried Discord.
"That's him!" blurted David, pointing forth, "That's the Atlas-sama-lookalike!"
"That guy in the picture?" pondered James R., approaching the TV screen to study the features of Fake Michael, "He looks exactly like Mike—only with darker, more sinister-looking features."
"And Officer Truman was chasing after him before ending up in a serious crash," recalled Matt, "Similar to what happened to Lisa…"
Nobody else said another word, while the TV screen kept playing Megan's report on the accident (or, to be more specific, attack).
(elsewhere…)
Inside NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn, a hospital somewhere in Brooklyn, Matt, Michael, and James R. were visiting in order to get some possible answers from Maria, Sam, and General Damas outside the operation room.
"Officer Truman… How is he doing?" questioned Michael.
"We don't know," sighed Maria.
"He's suffered such horrific injuries from the crash that he is currently in a life-or-death surgery," put in Sam, before looking at the doors leading inside the room, "We're not sure when they will be finished the operation; it will be up to Paul himself to see if he either lives or not."
Michael was furious, "That guy," he growled, clenching his right hand into a fist and shaking it, "He's attacking and hurting other people…"
"Sport?" pressed General Damas.
"This is… this is exactly what 'I' could have ended up like!" yelled Michael, "I could have turned into a vicious and bloodthirsty duelist, too, if I actually won against Matt years ago!"
"Mike…" uttered James R..
Unable to stand for it any longer, Michael turned and started to leave the hospital.
"H-Hey, Mike, where are you going?!" called Maria.
"The imposter has to be dealt with!" The voice of Michael answered harshly, "This is something I alone have to do!"
"Wait, you?!" flinched Sam, starting to go after Michael but got stopped, "Huh?"
"Let him go," requested General Damas, "You know he's right."
"But, General Damas!" protested Sam, while Maria didn't look any happier, "That man out there is dangerous! What if even the real-"
"Michael might be the only one who can stop that criminal," corrected General Damas, "We just have to have hope he can succeed."
Sam and Maria both remained doubtful, while Matt and James R., who made no effort to stop Michael from leaving, just looked at each other as the former winked and the latter just grinned, signaling they knew a little something everyone else did not.
(elsewhere…)
Out on the streets of Brooklyn, Asagi, Mayura, and Juri were out for a ride on their respective M1 Astrays. Since Zack, David, Ashima, Carlie, Sean, and Janice arrived to see Lisa, it allowed them to go out for a little sightseeing despite the possible danger they would be put in by Fake Michael.
"I know this is really risky, but I really needed this outing," commented Mayura.
"The breeze does feel good," admitted Asagi, briefly removing her faceplate to take in the nice, cool wind.
"Yeah," said Juri quietly, before growing worried, "But…" She looked up, "Do you both think Mike…" Mayura and Asagi both looked surprised, "…can stop the guy trying to frame him?"
"Come on, Juri, you know he can!" reassured Mayura, "Ye have a little faith."
"Maybe some food can get your mind off of the faker," suggested Asagi, "Let's go grab a bite to eat."
Juri had to admit that some food would probably help with getting her mind off of the current situation, but, unfortunately for the three of them, they started to hear the sound of a familiar Duel Runner.
"Eh?!" gawked Mayura.
"Oh damn!" panicked Asagi.
Juri became equally frightened. The sound was from none other than Wheel of Fortune, which turned from one corner onto the street the Astray trio were driving on. That meant…Fake Michael had shown up, and he spotted the trio and decided to go after them.
"It's him! The guy who's framing Mike!" exclaimed Mayura.
Fake Michael grinned when he saw the three Turbo Duelists were, in his eyes, attractive young women—especially the dark blue-haired one with the pink glasses.
"Well, how lucky for you three!" flirted Fake Michael, "You three are bearing witness to the King of Turbo Duelists!"
"Bastard! You aren't the real Mike!" insulted Asagi, "The real Mike would never hurt or kill other people just to satisfy his lust for power and entertainment!"
"Mm?" frowned Fake Michael.
"Since we know you're the imposter, we challenge you to a three-on-one Turbo Duel!" challenged Mayura, "You might be able to beat two of us, but you definitely can't beat all three of us!"
Juri nodded firmly, but Fake Michael had other ideas… He drove Wheel of Fortune towards the normal M1 Astray and started bashing into the side of it really roughly. Asagi screamed as she ended up crashing.
"What?!" cried Mayura, before she got attacked by Fake Michael, too, "S-Stop it! Aaauuuggghhh!"
The tomboyish, red-haired young woman also got thrown off her M1 Astray. Juri was deeply horrified for her two best friends, since it also left her alone with Fake Michael, who, for some reason, didn't appear interested in attacking her.
"Those two were foolish to speak so negatively about me, but not you," purred Fake Michael, "You will be spared," Juri listened to the delusional rambling, "because every King needs a beautiful Queen to rule beside him."
"N-No!" refused Juri heatedly, despite blushing a little bit, "I refuse to be a so-called Queen to such a monstrous beast like you!"
"But you have no other choice on the matter," insisted Fake Michael, still smiling, "As King, I always get what I want!"
And he started moving in on Juri's purple M1 Astray, aiming to knock the rider off before having his way with her. Just then…
"JURI!" A familiar voice, with a British cockney accent, hollered.
A second Wheel of Fortune jumped off the top of an overpass, with Juri looking up in wonderment at who the rider was.
"Another Wheel of Fortune?" Juri thought to herself, before the answer hit her, "Can it be-?"
Yup…
"You imposter!" The real Michael Atlas boomed, falling, "I won't let you do as you want any longer!"
The real Wheel of Fortune collided with the fake Wheel of Fortune, forcing Fake Michael into a brief spin out before regaining control. He became angry over who this guy was, attacking him, the King, when he was about to get himself a Queen. A chase immediately ensued.
"You bastard! Who the hell are you?!" snarled Fake Michael.
"That's easy; I'm Michael Atlas," retorted Michael hotly, "I'm here to stop you and clear my name!"
"Shut up!" shouted Fake Michael, "I'm the true Michael Atlas!"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside North General Hospital, specifically Lisa's room, Zack was busy setting up a laptop for him and everyone else to watch the impending duel between Michael and Fake Michael.
"And there we go," concluded Zack triumphantly. The laptop started displaying footage of where Michael currently was, "We can see everything going on."
"It's a good thing James hooked up a little camera on Wheel of Fortune when Mike wasn't looking," remarked Carlie, "Otherwise, we'd never know what would happen next."
"Now let's hope the real Mike can win against the fake one," prayed Janice.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, Michael looked at his Deck one last time before inserting it into his Duel Disk's Deck holder. This was going to be his most difficult battle yet, but it was something he had to do; he had to conquer his dark half for good.
"You're the ghost of my past," said Michael, "You have risen from beyond the graves to haunt the people of New York City. Well, I'm here to confront that ghost!" His eyes became fierce as a request escaped from his mouth, "Duel me!"
Unfortunately, Fake Michael was not interested; instead, he drove over and bashed his Wheel of Fortune into Michael's Wheel of Fortune, aiming to make it crash without having to duel the rider. Luckily for Michael, he was able to regain control and prevent himself from crashing.
"You…!" thundered Michael.
Both Wheel of Fortunes started bashing into each other in an attempt to overpower the other. Suddenly, Fake Michael smiled and stopped with his barrage of attacks.
"It's those eyes! That's what I've been waiting for!" laughed Fake Michael, "That fierce stubbornness, rising above everything!"
"What?!" growled Michael.
"I finally found the challenger I've been seeking for, this whole time!" Fake Michael went on, rejoicing, "You know what? I think I'll accept your request to duel," He resumed his focus on what was in front of him, "I'll be more than happy to show you the King's duel, too!"
As the two Duel Runners got further away, Juri watched before turning around and driving to the site where Asagi and Mayura both crashed. The good news, the two young women were mostly unhurt, and their M1 Astrays were still functional if slightly scratched.
"Ouch…" groaned Asagi, managing to get herself onto a knee while shaking her head slightly, "That guy is unbelievable!"
"Now we know how Lisa felt when she got attacked," agreed Mayura wearily.
"Asagi! Mayura!" The voice of Juri echoed, as she drove up, "You two are okay! Thank goodness!" She became more urgent-sounding, "Mike, the real one, showed up, and he's about to duel the fake one!"
"The real Mike?!" realized Asagi, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go see the match!"
"Asagi and I'll be alright," reassured Mayura, "Sure we're a little sore, but we're still fine enough to catch a sweet Turbo Duel."
Seconds later, the three M1 Astrays revved to life and took off after both Wheel of Fortunes. Speaking of which, further up the road, Michael and Fake Michael, after briefly agreeing to forgo autopilot for their duel, pressed a button on their respective Duel Runners.
"Field Spell, 'High Speed…" started Michael.
"…World', set on!" finished Michael.
On the monitors of both Wheel of Fortunes, a whole new Spell Card materialized and activated.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the two, respective Duel Runners, "Manual Mode activated."
From there, both Duel Runners became surrounded by a purple dome, but this dome was still different than normal.
"This light…" Michael murmured to himself, "What kind of light is this? No matter, I'll defeat this man," He then said something aloud (LP: 4000), "Turbo Duel…"
"…Acceleration!" finished Fake Michael (LP: 4000).
And so, the epic battle commenced…
"I go first!" declared Fake Michael, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Fake Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Wandering King Wildwind", "Barrier Resonator", "Red Armor", "Resonator Command", "King's Synchro", and "Red Carpet"
Speed Counters: 0
His drawn card was the 'Red Carpet' Trap Card. He added it into his hand (which also contained 'Wandering King Wildwind', 'Barrier Resonator', 'Red Armor', 'Resonator Command', and 'King's Synchro'), took another card ('Resonator Command'), and readied it in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand.
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Resonator Command'!" began Fake Michael, slotting the card into his Duel Disk. This caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field (on his right), "I must discard 1 'Resonator' monster; I must add 1 Level 4 or lower Fiend monster from my Deck to my hand."
"I already know how the card works!" snapped Michael, causing Fake Michael to ease up, "You're aiming to bring 'Red Resonator' from your Deck into your hand, then you'll Summon it!"
Fake Michael smiled, "I see," he acknowledged, "You're smart enough to know my strategy."
"That's because you're using an exact copy of my Deck!" raged Michael, "However, that won't be enough to defeat the real thing!"
"We'll see," As he said that, Fake Michael sent the 'Barrier Resonator' Monster Card to the GY, then took a card from his Deck, "I discard 'Barrier Resonator', and the card I choose to add…" He saw the added card was the 'Red Resonator' Monster Card, "…is 'Red Resonator'!"
"I knew it!" thought Michael, with gritted teeth.
"I Summon 'Red Resonator'!" proclaimed Fake Michael, placing his added card onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was the familiar 'Resonator' monster with the flaming body (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 200).
"Then, if I control a Fiend Tuner with 1500 or less ATK, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," As Fake Michael spoke, he placed another card onto his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Wandering King Wildwind'!"
Appearing onto the field was a purple-furred panther on two legs, wearing a light green hood and cape, plus light green pants (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1300).
(elsewhere…)
Inside Lisa's room in North General Hospital, footage on the laptop showed 'Wandering King Wildwind' appearing on the field. Lisa narrowed her eyes when she saw both 'Wandering King Wildwind' and 'Red Resonator'.
"Levels 4 and 2…" she grumbled, "That means 'Red Wyvern' is coming."
"'Red Wyvern'?" repeated Ashima, "Are you sure, Lisa?"
"I know how that imposter duels," continued Lisa gravely, "He duels just like the real Mike, and the real Mike is an extremely good strategist."
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, both Wheel of Fortunes roared forward, while the three M1 Astrays remained a good distance behind. Finally, Fake Michael held his right hand out and gave a command.
"I tune Level 4 'Wandering King Wildwind' into Level 2 'Red Resonator'!" he announced.
'Red Resonator' turned itself into two Synchro Rings, which 'Wandering King Wildwin' leaped into before becoming four orbs of light. The Symbols 4 + 2 = 6 were shown briefly as a familiar Summon Chant was heard throughout.
"The crimson souls shall become one. All shall tremble before the king's might!" chanted Fake Michael, just before the four orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear, 'Red Wyvern'!"
Emerging from the beam of light and onto the field, was the large, brown dragon-like monster with the tips of both wings blazing like fire. Some parts of its body were colored red, and it had flaming-like hair (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!" The voice of Fake Michael finished, just as two Set cards appeared on the field before fading away for later use. He then looked slightly over his shoulder at Michael behind him, "Now, entertain the King, you sorrowful man!"
"Do you think that you have it that easy?!" scolded Michael, "You may have defeated Lisa, but you won't defeat the real Michael Atlas!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained a Speed Counter since it was the second turn of the duel:
-Michael: 0 → 1
-Fake Michael: 0 → 1
Turn Two: Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Vice Dragon", "Final Offguard", "Synchro Blast Wave", "Assault Mode Activate", "Dark Tinker", and "Spell of the Ruler"
Speed Counters: 1
Michael's drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Spell of the Ruler', which he would save for later on. He then readied another card ('Vice Dragon').
"If my opponent controls a monster and I control no monsters," While speaking, Michael placed his card onto his Duel Disk. Appearing onto the field was 'Vice Dragon' (Level: 5/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1200), "I can Special Summon 'Vice Dragon' (from my hand), but its original ATK and DEF become halved," Not being done, he placed one more card onto his Duel Disk, "Then I'll Normal Summon 'Dark Tinker'!"
Appearing onto the field was a six-legged black spider armed with various tools (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1300). From there, both 'Vice Dragon' and 'Dark Tinker' both took to the skies.
"I tune Level 5 'Vice Dragon' into Level 3 'Dark Tinker'!" The voice of Michael declared.
As the command was given, 'Dark Tinker' turned into three Synchro Rings, which 'Vice Dragon' flew into before becoming five orbs of light. The symbols 5 + 3 = 8 were shown briefly as a Summon Chant was heard echoing.
"The ruler's heartbeats will now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power!" chanted Michael, just as the five orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! My very soul, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
Coming out of the beam of light, and flying into the sky, was the large and red-scaled dragon (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000). Fake Michael looked up into the sky at 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and smiled upon seeing it.
"'Red Daemon's', my old friend," greeted Fake Michael sardonically, "It's been far too long," 'Red Dragon Archfiend' growled as more words were said to it, "I see you're now working with a fake me."
"I activate 'Dark Tinker's' effect!" interrupted Michael, drawing a card, "When this card is sent from the field to the GY: I must draw 1 card."
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Rutger and Vincent both were watching the duel on a crystal glove. Footage of 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' appearance was shown to both of them.
"Man, oh man, a mirror match!" screeched Vincent, rubbing his hands together with excitement, "This is gonna be good!"
"Indeed," agreed Rutger, "But I can't help but wonder…" As he continued, more footage of Michael and Fake Michael exchanging insults were shown on the crystal globe, "Will the both of them end up destroying each other with all of their respective power?"
(elsewhere…)
Back at the duel…
"Spell Card, 'Synchro Blast Wave', activate!" announced Michael, taking a card ('Synchro Blast Wave') from his hand, holding it out, then slotting it into his Duel Disk.
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune.
"If I control a Synchro Monster: I must target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must destroy that target," The voice of Michael explained, as a beam fired from the face-up 'Synchro Blast Wave' Spell Card, looking poised to destroyed 'Red Wyvern', "I will destroy your 'Red Wyvern'!"
"You won't!" cut in Fake Michael, as he swung his right arm about and made a Set card reappear on the field beside him (on his left), "I activate a Trap, 'Red Armor'!" As he explained the effect, 'Red Wyvern' glowed red as it got hit by the beam but shrugged it off, "When a 'Red' monster(s) I control is targeted by a card effect: This turn, 'Red' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by card effects."
"Tch! You can't protect your monster through attacks!" reminded Michael, entering his Battle Phase, "Go, 'Red Daemon's'!" As he announced his monster's attack name, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' lit its right fist on fire and threw a flaming punch, "Absolute Powerforce!"
But Fake Michael started laughing, while Michael again gritted his teeth and wondered what else the imposter had planned.
"The King is now ready to fight on even grounds!" confirmed Fake Michael, "I first needed you to unleash a futile attack with 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
"What?!" hissed Michael.
"I activate a Trap, 'King's Synchro'!" began Fake Michael, as his final Set card reappeared on the field behind Wheel of Fortune. From there, as the card explanation proceeded, 'Red Wyvern' was struck by Absolute Powerforce, but survived it, while 'Red Resonator' reappeared on the field for a short amount of time, "When my opponent's monster declares an attack on a Synchro Monster I control: I must negate the attack, then I can apply the rest of this card's effect. I must banish that Synchro Monster I control and 1 Tuner from my GY, and if I do, Special Summon from my Extra Deck 1 Synchro Monster whose Level equals the total Levels the banished monsters had. (This Special Summon is treated as a Synchro Summon.)"
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital…
"(しまった!) Shimatta! (Oh no!)" cringed David in Japanese, "Lisa-chan, Atlas-sama is about to go up against the monster that almost killed you!"
Lisa nodded, "I know," she agreed darkly, "It's a 'Red Dragon Archfiend' belonging to the imposter."
"Back up a second, a 'Red Dragon Archfiend'?" pressed Carlie.
"You'll see it in a few seconds, Carlie."
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, Michael waited to see how dangerous this new monster was going to be.
"I tune Level 6 'Red Wyvern' into Level 2 'Red Resonator'!" commanded Fake Michael.
As the command was given, 'Red Resonator' again hit the tuning fork with its baton. The vibrations then turned the Tuner monster into two Synchro Rings, which 'Red Wyvern' flew into as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly. In addition, Fake Michael began an extremely powerful-sounding Summon Chant…
"The heaven and earth shall tremble before the king's might. Let the power of the one and only supreme ruler be carved into your soul!" chanted Fake Michael, as the six orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! The savage soul, 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the new monster resembling 'Red Dragon Archfiend', except with battle scars, a bandaged right arm, and a damaged chest, shown flying above the fake Wheel of Fortune (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"So you've appeared at last, you fake!" called Michael.
Meanwhile, the three M1 Astrays were finally catching up with both Wheel of Fortunes.
"There are two…'Red Dragon Archfiends'?!" gawked Asagi.
"The one Summoned by the imposter… That was what Lisa told us about!" remembered Mayura.
"Mike, please be careful!" worried Juri.
Michael overheard the voices and looked over his shoulder at the three Astray girls following him and Fake Michael.
"You three! Stay back!" warned Michael, "This duel is going to get really dangerous!" He then resumed his focus on the duel, taking two cards from his hand and slotting them into his Duel Disk at the same time, "I Set two cards and end my turn!"
"After I left my home in San Francisco behind," recalled Fake Michael, while 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' flew above him, "I sought out more power—the power needed to defeat opponent after opponent!" While explaining his 'past', faded stills of him ripping his 'Red Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card apart and later obtaining the 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card were shown in the background, "I got rid of the useless 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and got my hands on the improved 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend', an ultimate servant better suited for a true King like myself," He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Spell Counter:
-Michael: 1 → 2
-Fake Michael: 1 → 2
Turn Three: Fake Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (2): "Red Carpet" and "Angel Baton"
Speed Counters: 2
Almost immediately…
"I activate the second effect of the 'Wandering King Wildwind' in my GY!" declared Fake Michael, holding up a card ('Wandering King Wildwind') taken from his GY until it faded away into oblivion, "During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY; I must…" He drew the top card of his Deck, seeing it was a Monster Card known as 'Synkron Resonator', "…add 1 Fiend Tuner with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck to my hand."
The card was added into the hand, which also contained 'Red Carpet' and 'Angel Baton'. The final card ('Angel Baton') was then taken to be played.
"Then I'll activate the Spell, 'Angel Baton', from my hand!" continued Fake Michael, slotting the card into his Duel Runner. He drew two cards ('Red Reborn' and 'Sonic Buster'), then sent another card ('Synkron Resonator') to the GY, "I must draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card."
Suddenly, 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' turned to face 'Red Dragon Archfiend', which meant something big was bound to happen.
"I activate 'Scarlight's' second effect!" The voice of Fake Michael announced, as 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend's' right fist was lit on fire and started flying around before posing for an attack, "Once per turn: I can destroy as many Special Summoned monsters on the field as possible with ATK less than or equal to this card's (other than this card), then inflict 500 damage to my opponent for each monster destroyed!" He gave the command as his monster raised its right fist back, "Absolute Power Flame!"
And 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' punched 'Red Dragon Archfiend' with the fist, causing an explosion to be left behind through the former's seeming destruction.
"This is really bad!" fretted Mayura, "Mike will now be attacked directly and get left with a measly 500 LP!"
As the thick blanket of smoke remained, a pair of crimson red eyes were shown as some new words from Michael echoed in response.
"Covered in a blazing armor, the king descends here!" chanted Michael, "Come forth, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'!"
As the smoke cleared away, a familiar monster known as 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' was shown on the field in the place of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 10/ATK: 3500/DEF: 2500).
"What in blazes?!" flinched Fake Michael, "I thought I destroyed the weakling 'Red Dragon Archfiend'?! What just happened to it?"
Michael smiled with confidence, as, from the remains of the smoke, a face-up Trap Card called 'Assault Mode Activate' was shown beside Wheel of Fortune (on its left).
"When you attempted to destroy 'Red Daemon's', I activated my Set 'Assault Mode Activate'," answered Michael, much to the shock of Fake Michael, "I must Tribute 1 Synchro Monster; I must Special Summon 1 '/Assault Mode' monster, whose name includes the Tributed monster's name, from my Deck in Attack Position. During the turn it is Special Summoned, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and is unaffected by my opponent's card effects."
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital…
"Covered in a blazing armor, the king descends here!" The voice of Michael chanted in a repeat, "Come forth, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'!"
As the smoke cleared away, a familiar monster known as 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' was shown on the field in the place of 'Red Dragon Archfiend'.
"Oh boy…" Sean sighed in relief.
"Mike was a step ahead of the imposter," added Janice.
"But the duel is far from being over," reminded Carlie, "That man still has many tricks up his sleeve if he knows all of Mike's strategies."
(elsewhere…)
Back in the duel…
"Spell Card, 'Sonic Buster'!" exclaimed Fake Michael, making the mentioned Spell Card materialize face-up on the field beside fake Wheel of Fortune (on its right), "I must target 1 face-up monster I control; I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to half its ATK. (This effect cannot be activated if my opponent's LP would become 0,)" 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' opened its mouth, leaned its head back, and charged a blast of flame, "Scorching Crimson Hell Burning!"
The flame blast was unleashed, striking Wheel of Fortune and causing Michael to scream as he suddenly got electrocuted and his LP took a hit at last (LP: 4000 → 2500).
"W-What was that blow?" grimaced Michael, "Why do I feel real damage?!"
"An interesting system, right?" taunted Fake Michael, "This means it's a duel with our lives on the line," He narrowed his eyes as the smile on his face grew eviler, "This was used against my last two unworthy challengers, but they crumbled so easily to it!"
"You won't get away with this!" threatened Michael.
"Hmph!" Fake Michael huffed in dismissal, before slotting another card into his Duel Disk, "I Set a card face-down and end my turn!" He looked at Michael as he pulled up, "Using 'Assault Mode Activate' to empower and to protect 'Red Daemon's' from destruction… How desperate of you!"
"Say whatever you want!" retorted Michael, "But those who are too absorbed by power get destroyed by it!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Spell Counter:
-Michael: 2 → 3
-Fake Michael: 2 → 3
Turn Four: Michael Atlas (LP: 2500)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (3): "Final Offguard", "Magical King Moonstar", and "Angel Baton"
Speed Counters: 3
Almost immediately, the 'Final Offguard' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune.
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Final Offguard'!" The voice of Michael began, drawing two cards and seeing what they were ('Absolute King Back Jack' and 'Red Armor'), "If my LP are lower than my opponent's and only my opponent controls a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck: I must draw 2 cards," Not being done, he held another card ('Angel Baton'), "Then I'll activate my own copy of 'Angel Baton'!"
"Then go ahead and draw your two cards!" dared Fake Michael, "I don't care what you're trying to get, because it won't help against the King!"
Michael complied, drawing two cards and sending one card ('Absolute King Back Jack') to the GY. Now his hand contained 'Magical King Moonstar', 'Red Armor', 'Red Gardna', and 'Damage Reactor'.
"I activate the second effect of the discarded 'Absolute King Back Jack'!" declared Michael, before holding up the top three cards of his Deck, "If this card is sent to the GY: I can look at 3 cards from the top of my Deck, then place them on the top of the Deck in any order," He placed them back on top of his Deck, then swung his right arm and made a Set card reappear on the field, "Next, I'll activate a Trap, 'Spell of the Ruler'!"
The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I must target 1 face-up monster I control; I must equip this card to it. It gains 700 ATK, also its battle position cannot be changed," explained Michael, before looking up at his monster in the sky, "My very soul, accept this new power!"
'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' glowed red and grew stronger than ever before (ATK: 3500 → 4200).
"Now 'Red Daemon's' is even stronger than it already was against the fake one!" observed Asagi happily.
"You go, Mike!" cheered Mayura, "Teach that beast how a real duelist fights!"
"Battle!" Michael went on, entering his Battle Phase, "'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', rid that imitation from the field!" He announced his monster's attack name, as 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' lit its right claw on fire, "Extreme Crimson Force!"
'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' threw a punch towards 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend'.
"You believe that will defeat my very soul?" scoffed Fake Michael, "I activate the second effect of 'Red Armor'!" A card ('Red Armor') ejected from his GY before burning away, and a large shield formed in-front of 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend', "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Red' monster I control; this turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle!"
Extreme Crimson Force collided with the field, but 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' was protected from destruction. However, it didn't stop Fake Michael from getting electrocuted and taking damage from the battle (LP: 4000 → 2800). Nearby with the three Astray girls…
"Alright! The imposter might have protected his monster, but he still ended up receiving damage!" whooped Juri.
Back in the duel…
"You think that will protect your so-called soul?" asked Michael coldly.
"Hm?" frowned Fake Michael.
"I activate 'Red Daemon's' first effect!" continued Michael, "If this card attacks: I must destroy all other monsters on the field after damage calculation! Do it now, 'Red Daemon's'!" As he announced his monster's effect name, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' charged a blast of fire in its mouth, "Crimson The End!"
The attack was fired off, incinerating 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' and causing it to explode into a massive fireball.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, Sean and Janice hugged each other out of happiness and cheered that Michael destroyed 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend'. From there, there was a knock on the hospital room door.
"It's us," The voice of Matt echoed outside.
"It's open," called Zack.
The door opened, and Matt and James R. walked inside.
"So, how's the duel going?" pressed James R..
"We'll let Zack tell you," offered Ashima, "He set the laptop up to allow us to watch the duel."
"Mike currently has the lead," reported Zack, "He has 300 less LP than the imposter, but has 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' on the field—and it has 4200 ATK thanks to it being equipped with 'Spell of the Ruler'."
"That's great!" grinned James R., "That means Mike has that imposter beat!"
Matt nodded in agreement, but couldn't help but think if this really was the end of the imposter.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the streets of Brooklyn, Fake Michael wasn't worried that 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' was destroyed. In fact, he wasn't upset that he was losing the duel. He was, rather, smiling.
"Is that all you've got?" teased Fake Michael, which certainly got Michael's attention. He made fake Wheel of Fortune do a 180 as it now faced the opposition (despite still driving down the road), "I, the King, will never lose to anybody in a duel—especially to someone I view as a cheap imitation."
This greatly surprised Michael, even ignoring the 'cheap imitation' insult, since it caused him to remember similar words he said to Matt during their very first duel, and I quote…
"I refuse to lose to anybody! I'm the King, and the King should never lose a duel of any kind!"
Yup, those were the familiar words.
"However, there's a clear difference between back then and now," thought Michael, "Back then, I was blinded by rage and desperation to win," As he looked at Fake Michael, he could see there was a calm, sinister smile on his face, "Here, the faker is looking remarkably calm and in-control of everything… That guy… What is his true aim?" The lime green-haired young man took two cards from his hand and slotted them into his Duel Disk, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
Two face-down cards appeared on the field before fading away for later use. Fake Michael finally turned fake Wheel of Fortune back around and readied to take his turn.
"Let me show you! The King's Ultimate Divine Play!" offered Fake Michael, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Spell Counter:
-Michael: 3 → 4
-Fake Michael: 3 → 4
Turn Five: Fake Michael Atlas (LP: 2800)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (2): "Red Reborn" and "Soul Fist"
Speed Counters: 4
Seconds later…
"I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!" began Fake Michael, as the monitor of fake Wheel of Fortune saw its current Speed Counter gauge dropping completely, "Once per turn: I can remove 4 Speed Counters of my own," He held two cards ('Red Reborn' and 'Soul Fist') up, "then reveal any number of Spell Cards in my hand; I must inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each card revealed!"
A blast of wind was fired towards Wheel of Fortune.
"Like hell I'll let you!" snapped Michael, before holding his right hand out and making one of his Set cards reappear on the field in-front of him, "I activate a Trap, 'Damage Reactor'!" The card flipped face-up and revealed itself before stopping the blast of wind, "If I would take damage from a card effect: That damage becomes 0, also 1 face-up monster I control gains 800 ATK!"
'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' let out a demonic roar and grew even stronger (ATK: 4200 → 5000). Despite that, Fake Michael was completely unconcerned, and carried on with his turn.
"I only need one monster to bring down your own," commented Fake Michael, before holding a card ('Red Reborn') out and slotting it into his Duel Disk, "I activate 'Red Reborn'!" Suddenly reappearing on the field in an explosion of fire was 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500), "I must target 1 'Red' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it!"
"Not 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' again!" complained Mayura.
"But it's not too bad," reassured Asagi, "It can't destroy 'Red Daemon's' with Absolute Power Flame because Mike's monster has too much ATK."
"But the fake still has plenty of tricks left," reminded Juri.
"With only a single card left? What's the worst he can do?" tempted Asagi.
Ask and you shall receive…
"Equip Spell, 'Soul Fist', activate!" declared Fake Michael, slotting his last card into his Duel Disk, "I must equip only to a 'Red' Synchro Monster!" 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend's' fist started getting inflamed, "I equip this onto 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend'! Let this carve into your soul!"
"Yeah… That is the worst thing he can do," gulped Asagi, regretting her words.
"How dare you!" shouted Michael, "You're using one of my most treasured cards!"
"Once per turn: I can make the ATK of all monsters my opponent currently controls with ATK higher than the equipped monster become equal to the equipped monster's ATK, until the end of this turn!" explained Fake Michael, ignoring Michael's anger while 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' found itself wincing from the light let loose by 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend's' glowing fist and lost high amounts of power (ATK: 5000 → 3000), "By using this effect on 'Red Daemon's', its ATK will fall to 3000, becoming equal to 'Scarlight's' ATK!"
"Damn you!" cursed Michael.
"Oh no!" panicked Mayura, "That leaves 'Red Daemon's' vulnerable to the effect of 'Scarlight'!"
Sadly so…
"Now I activate the second effect of 'Scarlight'!" continued Fake Michael, as 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' once again lit its right fist on fire and posted, ready to attack on command, "Once per turn: I can destroy as many Special Summoned monsters on the field as possible with ATK less than or equal to this card's (other than this card), then inflict 500 damage to my opponent for each monster destroyed!" He gave the command as his ace monster roared and flew into battle, "Absolute Power Flame!"
'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' punched 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', destroying it in a massive explosion. Michael cried out as he got electrocuted in response to his monster's destruction (LP: 2500 → 2000).
"But the second effect of 'Spell of the Ruler' activates here!" blurted Michael, "If the equipped monster is sent from the field to the GY: I must inflict 700 damage to my opponent!"
Fake Michael got electrocuted again, too, causing him to yell and take additional damage (LP: 2800 → 2100). Still, he resumed smiling once the shocking session ended.
"Furthermore, the destruction of 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' activates its second effect!" Michael went on, as, from the flames left behind, the body of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' slowly rose into the sky (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000), "When this card on the field is destroyed: I can target 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' in my GY; I must Special Summon that target."
"So be it," accepted Fake Michael, "As of now, I'm going to show you my ultimate monster!"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn, Sam, Maria, and General Damas each were still waiting for the operation to finish when the door went from red to green, and the lead doctor emerged.
"Well?" pressed Maria.
The doctor smiled, "Well, it was tough going at some points," he began pleasantly, "but your friend and fellow police officer has pulled through and is looking to make a full recovery."
"Oh, thank God," Sam sighed with relief.
"Can we go see him?" asked General Damas.
"By all means," The doctor accepted, nodding.
(elsewhere…)
Inside his room, a currently conscious Paul, with a side of his face currently bandaged up, was being cared for by two nurses when a knock on the door came. The door opened, and Maria, Sam, and General Damas each entered the room.
"Officer Truman!" greeted Sam.
Paul weakly looked over and smiled, happy to see his boss (Sam), assistant (Maria), and even General Damas.
"Hey, guys," Paul greeted back.
"We're all so relieved you're alive," said Maria tearfully.
"Same here," agreed Paul, "That's one crash I never want to be involved in again. I'm lucky to be alive from it."
"One thing's for certain," smirked General Damas, "If you were part of 'The All-Star Squad' I would pin a medal on you for good work."
Paul chuckled slightly before beginning to doze off. Realizing he needed some sleep, the trio left him alone. At least Paul was going to be okay, which was a very good thing.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, the five Duel Runners turned onto another street leading towards the expressway heading for the Manhattan Bridge. Fake Michael continued with his turn.
"I activate a Trap, 'Red Carpet'!" The voice of Fake Michael declared, as his remaining Set card reappeared on the field, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "If a Dragon Synchro Monster is on the field: I must target up to 2 'Resonator' monsters in my GY; I must Special Summon them," Two cards ('Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator') ejected from the GY and were taken hold of, "I Special Summon…" He held the two cards up and then placed them onto his Duel Disk, "…'Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator'!"
Appearing onto the field were two 'Resonator' monsters; the first had a barrier pack on its back (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 800), and the other had a large yellow and cyan-colored symbol on its back (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"Two Tuner monsters?" mused Michael, but then came to a realization, "Can it be-?"
The Astray trio each didn't look any better with what was going on.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, the laptop was showing footage of both 'Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator' appearing on the field.
"That guy got two Tuners out!" cried Ashima.
"This can't be real!" objected Sean.
"It can only mean one thing!" realized James R..
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, things were not getting any better for Michael as Fake Michael gave a brief speech.
"Listen to the beat of my soul!" boomed Fake Michael, "Do you feel it? The exhilaration of my life! When I left San Francisco, I explored the world to train and train and train until I learned of a whole new battle technique, which has made me unstoppable," He finally gave the command nobody absolutely wanted to hear, "I double tune Level 8 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' into Level 1 'Barrier Resonator' and Level 1 'Synkron Resonator'!"
"Double tuning?!" flinched Michael.
"No way!" Asagi, Mayura, and Juri each cried out at once.
With that said, both 'Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator' turned themselves into a single flaming Synchro Ring respectively as 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' flew into them while crossing its arms across its chest as the symbols 8 + 1 + 1 = 10 were shown and a new, but still similar, Summon Chant echoed.
"The Ruler and the Devil, they cross here and now!" chanted Fake Michael, as a corrupt version of the Crimson Dragon flew in the background, "Touch the soul of the Crimson Dragon, and raise up the cry of creation!" 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' turned into eight orbs of light within the two fiery Synchro Rings before erupting into a pillar of fire, "Synchro Summon!" The ground started breaking apart and releasing streams of fire as a new monster started making itself known, "Appear! Level 10! 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
The new monster was what appeared to be 'Red Dragon Archfiend'—only further upgraded to look like an almost recolored version of 'Red Nova Dragon', but without the spikes and with bigger horns (Level: 10/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3000). The Astray trio looked up in fright at the new monster, while people watching in the sidelines also stared in equal awe and fear.
"Is everyone watching at the ultimate power I'm unleashing?!" shouted Fake Michael, making sure everyone who's watching knows of his presence, "Burn this moment into your eyes for the rest of your lives; the climax of a once in a lifetime show begins here!" The real Michael gritted his teeth, not about to let the imposter defeat him, while the three Astray girls also listened to the effects this new monster possessed, "I activate 'Tyrant's' first effect! Once per turn, during my Main Phase 1: I can destroy all other cards on the field, also, for the rest of this turn, other monsters I control cannot attack!" As 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' lit its right fist on fire, it prepared to strike at the ground, "Absolute Power Inferno!"
A surge of fire was summoned as soon as the powerful fist connected with the road, and it would destroy 'Red Dragon Archfiend' once it connected.
"This is bad!" wailed Asagi, "If that wave of fire connects, Mike will then be attacked directly and defeated!"
"Oh man!" put in Mayura.
"Please don't lose, Mike!" begged Juri.
However, Michael, not about to let his soul die like that, was very fast on the draw.
"As of now, I'll activate the effect of the 'Red Gardna' in my hand!" announced Michael, sending a card from his hand to the GY. A red-colored barrier surrounded 'Red Dragon Archfiend', protecting it from Absolute Power Inferno until it ended, "When my opponent activates a card or effect while I control a 'Red Dragon Archfiend' monster (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY; this turn, monsters I control cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects!"
"So, you avoided destruction by sending a monster from your hand to the GY," snorted Fake Michael, doing a 180 with fake Wheel of Fortune so he could directly face the opponent and watch as the remains of the attack destroyed Michael's Set card, "However, your face-down card is destroyed!" He smiled when he saw the remains of the card and guessed what it was, "That was 'Red Armor', wasn't it? Now I see… Since it's in the GY, you'll use its second effect to protect 'Red Daemon's' from being destroyed through battle."
"Grrr… I activate the first effect of the 'Absolute King Back Jack' in my GY!" growled Michael, as, within the darkness (GY), a card ('Absolute King Back Jack') emerged before dissolving into oblivion, "During my opponent's turn (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from the GY; I must excavate the top card of my Deck, and if it is a Normal Trap, Set it to my field. Otherwise, send it to the GY," He drew the top card of his Deck, "That Set card can be activated during this turn."
The card was a Trap Card called 'Prideful Roar', and it was a Normal Trap. A few seconds later, Michael silently Set it into his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field before fading away for later use.
"So, you've drawn a Normal Trap… Obviously you knew it would be one because of 'Absolute King Back Jack'," figured Fake Michael, before making another 180 with fake Wheel of Fortune in order to be driving straight ahead, "But it matters not; nothing can stop 'Tyrant'!" He entered his Battle Phase, "Battle!" In the sky, 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' turned to face 'Red Dragon Archfiend' "'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' will attack your shell of a 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
"Not so fast!" cut in Michael, as his Set card reappeared on the field, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I activate a Trap, 'Prideful Roar'! During damage calculation, if my monster battles an opponent's monster with a higher ATK: I must pay LP equal to the difference in ATK; my monster gains ATK equal to that difference +300, during damage calculation only!"
"Heh! The second effect of 'Tyrant' activates!" sneered Fake Michael, "Once per turn, during the Battle Phase, when a Spell/Trap Card is activated (Quick Effect): I can negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card," As the explanation continued, 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' glowed a crimson red in color and let out a demonic roar, "and if I do that, this card gains 500 ATK!"
The face-up 'Prideful Roar' Trap Card sparked and shorted out before shattering into shards of glass as Michael watched with dismay, while 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' grew even more lethal than it already was (ATK: 3500 → 4000). All five Duel Runners finally turned onto the expressway, approaching both the Manhattan Bridge and, where else, Manhattan Island.
"This is the end of 'Red Daemon's'!" howled Fake Michael, before making fake Wheel of Fortune slide against the road ahead of him while holding his right hand out, "'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', attack 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!" As he announced his monster's attack, 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' leaned its head back and charged an attack, "Infernal Crimson Hell Tide!"
The devastating attack was fired off, and it looked certain 'Red Dragon Archfiend' would meet its end, but, as Fake Michael knew what was gonna happen next, Michael was not about to let that happen to his very soul.
"I activate the second effect of 'Red Armor'!" declared Michael, as a similar-looking shield appeared in the sky in-front of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and protected it from Infernal Crimson Hell Tide as the attack finally collided, "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Red' monster I control; this turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle!"
"But you'll still take the damage!" Fake Michael pointed out.
Michael got electrocuted once more as he screamed and took damage from the attack (LP: 2000 → 1000), but he didn't care about any of that; as long as his very soul survived the attack, that was all that mattered to him. Soon, the shocking session ended, and both Michael and 'Red Dragon Archfiend' were still standing.
"They're both standing!" realized Juri, before closing her eyes with relief, "Thank goodness."
Michael was left huffing and puffing from the intense attack by his bloodthirsty, battle-loving counterpart, but was well enough to continue dueling and praise his ace monster.
"'Red Daemon's'… you've withstood that attack really well," Michael was saying to 'Red Dragon Archfiend', "As long as you're here fighting by my side, my soul will never be defeated!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital…
"Phew! Mike's still hanging on," groaned Zack.
"But for how much longer?" worried Ashima.
"Long enough to bust out two weak Tuner monsters of his own!" suggested Lisa, "That way, he can show the bastard the true power of double tuning—Burning Soul style!"
"He can't," The voice of Zack responded.
"What?" blinked Lisa.
"I've been studying Mike's hand throughout the duel," remembered Zack, shaking his head, "He currently has no other cards that will get him two Tuners onto his field."
That was something Lisa really didn't want to hear at a time like this.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the Manhattan Bridge…
"Hmph! I end my turn!" grinned Fake Michael, knowing he had the duel in the palm of his hand, "What do you say, now? Would it be safe to admit that I'm the real Michael Atlas, after all?"
The real Michael said nothing, but, with his teeth gritted, there was a noticeable look of anger on his face as he listened to the imposter's words, knowing that, again, this was likely what he would have become if he hadn't lost to Matt years ago; he would have ultimately betrayed and abandoned his friends for further fame, power, and ultimately succumbed to darkness.
"It's true that we both look alike and have similar traits and tastes in cards, but, in actuality, you're far too soft to even be King!" continued Fake Michael, as 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' once again flew above him, "The one true King must demolish any and all foes he comes across with ruthless tactics and unmatched strength, all while entertaining his fans along the way!" He clenched his right hand into a fist and held it out for a few seconds before swinging it about while the insane-looking smile on his face remained, "Only then, can he rule the world as its greatest Turbo duelist!"
"Don't screw with me!" snarled Michael, which got the silent attention of Fake Michael. As he continued speaking, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' could be seen flying above him, "You still have that lousy delusion that you're me? Don't make me laugh! You're nothing but a phony! A fake! A figment of my inner darkness! You don't have the spirit of a True Duelist in your black heart!"
Losing his smile over being called a fake and having a black heart, Fake Michael said nothing back while Michael went on with remembering what he was like a few years ago.
"Back in the day, I was a foolish young man who cared so little for most people other than myself, power, entertaining my fans, and being King… When I lost to Matt in that tournament and was approached by James, Carlie, and Zack, I fully realized the error of my ways and swore to make it up to everyone whom I looked down upon, shunned, or hurt—no matter how long it took me!" ranted Michael, before shutting his eyes while looking absolutely ashamed with himself as several faded stills of Fake Michael attacking and hurting/killing various people were shown in the background, "If it weren't for Matt defeating me on that day and my own friends calling me out, I might have continued going down a very dark path until it was too late for me to turn back…" In his POV, his eyes opened as images of the remaining members of Team 6D's, Zack, Discord, Ashima, Sean, Janice, Megan, Paul, Maria, Ren, Futaba, Gabriella, the three Astray girls, Ms. Simmons, Mr. Kisaka, Mr. Murdoch, and Mr. Zimmerman appeared within the darkness of his mind, "But now that I have changed for the better, I have true friends and loved ones in my life to believe in! Thanks to them, I'll never go back onto the road towards the shadows!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, the rest of the group had been listening to the passionate speech from Michael.
"Mike…" mumbled Matt.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the Manhattan Bridge, Michael, with pure determination in his eyes, continued speaking to Fake Michael…
"I'll show you what true strength is!" The lime green-haired young man thundered, flexing his right arm about before holding the hand out, "It won't disappear in my own ambitions!"
On cue, his clothed right forearm started to glow, which was a sign that his Mark of the Dragon was reacting to the speech.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, Zack, Ashima, Sean, and Janice all watched as the birthmarks on Matt, James R., Carlie, Lisa, and David's respective right forearms started glowing as well.
"This happened before…" murmured Matt.
"That was when you needed help to fight me while I was possessed," reminded Ashima.
"Only now Mike needs our help," said Carlie.
"Oh, don't worry; he'll get help from me," Lisa acknowledged, still sitting in bed, "I've reserved a big wad of payback just for that lousy imposter!"
"Come on, let's use the power of our bonds to save our friend!" declared James R..
Soon, the glowing Signer Marks on Matt, James R., Carlie, David, and Lisa's respective right forearms disappeared entirely, while Zack, Sean, Janice, and Ashima all continued to watch.
(elsewhere…)
Before long, the full Seal of the Crimson Dragon was shown shining brightly on Michael's back. Which was something Juri, Asagi, and Mayura were able to see happen.
"The bonds I share with my friends… I've received them!" exclaimed Michael, before bracing two fingers on the glowing card atop his Deck, "I'll show you, the past me, the true power of Michael Atlas! This duel is going to end here!" He drew the card with a Destiny Draw, "IT'S MY TURN!"
This caused both duelists to gain a Speed Counter:
-Michael: 4 → 5
-Fake Michael: 0 → 1
Turn Six: Michael Atlas (LP: 1000)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (2): "Magical King Moonstar" and "Majestic Dragon"
Speed Counters: 5
Both Wheel of Fortunes, plus the three M1 Astrays, finally made it off the Manhattan Bridge and onto an empty street. Upon seeing the drawn 'Majestic Dragon' Tuner Monster Card…
"It's finally here!" Michael went on, using his right hand to hold the card ('Majestic Dragon') out for a moment before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "Appear now, Tuner monster, 'Majestic Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was the familiar pink-colored legendary dragon itself—the same one Matt was given to defeat Ashima and free her from enemy control (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"That's-!" realized Fake Michael.
"I'm glad you recognize this card," teased Michael, while 'Majestic Dragon' flew in the sky near the moon, "This is the one monster I need to bring out a 'Majestic' Synchro Monster."
"You don't have the right number of monsters nor the correct Level totals to pull it off, though!" Fake Michael pointed out.
"Not right now, but that will change starting here!" As Michael said that, he took the final card from his hand and placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "From my hand, I'll Special Summon 'Magical King Moonstar' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a purple clothing-wearing, male Fiend monster wielding a scepter of sorts with a moon crest at the top (Level: 3/ATK: 900/DEF: 600).
"If I control a Tuner, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," explained Michael, going over his monster's first effect. He then held his right hand out, "I activate 'Magical King Moonstar's' second effect!" 'Magical King Moonstar' twirled his scepter about throughout the explanation before aiming the weapon upward at 'Majestic Dragon', "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can target 1 other monster I control or in my GY; until the end of this turn, this card's Level becomes the same as that monster's, also I cannot Special Summon, except by Synchro Summon," The lime green-haired young man made the announcement, "I target 'Majestic Dragon' and make 'Magical King Moonstar' into a Level 1 monster!"
'Magical King Moonstar' started casting some magic on 'Majestic Dragon', transferring some of the Tuner monster's power back to himself and changing his Level to match the target's Level (Level: 3 → 1). And now, seeing as 'Majestic Dragon' was, again, a Tuner monster, and Michael controlled both 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Magical King Moonstar', the following could happen…
"I tune Level 8 'Red Dragon Archfiend', Level 1 'Magical King Moonstar' into Level 1 'Majestic Dragon'!" The voice of Michael declared, "Let's kick this Turbo Duel into overdrive!"
In the night sky, as 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Magical King Moonstar' flew into the sky as the command to tune was being given, the glowing 'Majestic Dragon' began growing bigger and bigger, overwhelming both monsters. Outlines of the bodies of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Magical King Moonstar' were showing glowing balls of light (eight for 'Red Dragon Archfiend', and one for 'Magical King Moonstar') within 'Majestic Dragon' as they entered a single Synchro Ring and a Summon Chant from Michael followed…
"Lone polished light, become the true supreme ruler and illuminate the earth! Shine your light!"
As the symbols 8 + 1 + 1 = 10 were briefly shown, the nine orbs of light lined up within the body of 'Majestic Dragon' before the monster turned into a massive beam of light.
"Synchro Summon!" shouted Michael, making Wheel of Fortune jump into the beam of light, "The great soul, 'Majestic Red Dragon'!"
And finally emerging from the bursting beam of light and flying through the sky, was what looked to be a bigger, flaming, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' version of 'Majestic Dragon' (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3000).
"This light is-!" winced Fake Michael angrily, but quickly recovered when he remembered one thing about both monsters, "However, your 'Red Daemon's' is now tied with 'Tyrant' in terms of ATK!" That was true, both 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' (ATK: 4000) and 'Majestic Red Dragon' (ATK: 4000) currently had the exact same ATK, and the taunting did not end there, "And in case you don't know, 'Majestic Red Dragon' will return to the Extra Deck and Special Summon your copy of 'Red Daemon's' from the GY at the end of the turn!" The imposter now looked absolutely certain of his victory as he held up his right hand near the faceplate of his helmet, "When that happens, my superior soul will demolish your weaker, so-called soul!"
That being said, 'Majestic Red Dragon' with an ATK of 4000 and having that side effect was most certainly not at all good for the real Michael. Was he even worried about it, though? Hardly…
"Are you sure about that?" pressed Michael, causing Fake Michael to look a little surprised from being told the popular dueling catchphrase. Finally, the one, true King's counterattack resumed, "I activate the third effect of 'Majestic Red Dragon'!" As the effect explanation began, 'Majestic Red Dragon' flew very high above the road while gazing long and hard at 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', "Once per turn: I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must negate its effects, and if I do, this card gains ATK equal to that monster's ATK. These changes last until the end of this turn!"
'Majestic Red Dragon' finally opened its mouth in preparation to attack.
"Power Gain!" The voice of Michael ordered.
A light-based breath (or vacuum) attack was fired off, striking 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' and draining it of its devastating power (being the two effects), which also restored its ATK to its default value (ATK: 4000 → 3500). Having absorbed that great power and swallowed it whole, 'Majestic Red Dragon' began glowing a crimson red-like color as it got supercharged with the power it had drained from the enemy monster successfully (ATK: 4000 → 7500).
"An ATK of…7500?!" yelled Fake Michael in horror.
"For all of the people you've hurt and tried to hurt in order to smear my reputation, it's curtains for you!" boomed Michael, "The evil Illusion that confuses the light! Vanish in the cracks of time, ghost of my past!" It was then he finally entered the Battle Phase, giving the final command as 'Majestic Red Dragon' got itself inflamed with great power, "'Majestic Red Dragon', rid the field of 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', once and for all! Ultimate Powerforce!"
Now fully engulfed with flames, 'Majestic Red Dragon' charged, full speed, towards 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' as though it were a gigantic supernova, who tried fighting back by firing off Infernal Crimson Hell Tide, but it only served to make the Crimson Dragon-like monster even more lethal in its attack. Before long, 'Majestic Red Dragon' burst right through the counterattack and collided with 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', causing the enemy monster to roar in pain as it exploded massively in a surge of fire. The attack did not end there; the flames then struck and swallowed both Fake Michael and Wheel of Fortune in a complete inferno.
"NOOOOOOOO!" screamed Fake Michael, as his helmet was thrown off and his LP dropped all the way to 0 (LP: 2100 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Michael Atlas wins!
While the imposter continued to scream in agony, the powerful flames caused his flesh to begin melting and also revealing his true identity.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, the rest of Team 6D's and their friends reacted in shock to what they were witnessing.
"My God…!" cried Janice.
"That guy's-!" James R. winced, looking freaked out over the gruesome death scene.
"He's a robot!" confirmed Zack.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the middle of lower Manhattan, all that was left of Fake Michael was practically a robotic skeletal shell with rotting, burnt skin. But even it was burning away from the flames of 'Majestic Red Dragon', and the copy of Wheel of Fortune he had been riding also exploded from destruction, ensuring that the imposter was truly dead and left forgotten. Left behind were Fake Michael's helmet, scrap remains of his Duel Runner, and several of his cards—which were burnt away by the flame sparks seconds later.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the Dark Signers' hideout, Rutger angrily slammed his hands onto the table, furious that even a Signer of their own couldn't defeat his enemies—specifically Michael Atlas.
"So it did end in failure, after all…" muttered Rutger.
"Jesus! Those Signers are unbelievable!" whined Vincent in annoyance, "Just when we managed to deal with one Signer, we ended up going several squares back—it was an absolute pain for us to recreate all of those rare cards and…" As the rambling proceeded, Rutger fumed silently, not wanting to say anything that would make him all the more annoying than he already was, "…especially create 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', you know!"
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Manhattan, Wheel of Fortune stopped near the scene of Fake Michael's destruction (or death), and it was followed by the three M1 Astrays. Michael removed his helmet and slowly and carefully approached the small fire and scrap of what used to be a Duel Runner before stumbling upon Fake Michael's helmet. He looked down and stared long and hard at it for what seemed like forever even as Asagi, Mayura, and Juri each walked up with their helmets either tucked underneath their arms or being carried.
"This is crazy," commented Juri, "Why would anyone develop such an advanced-looking robot to try and frame you, Mike?"
"I don't know," answered Michael quietly, "I honestly don't know," Asagi and Mayura both looked quiet before he continued and surprised them, "However, I do know one thing…" The lime green-haired young man was still staring at the helmet lying on the ground, "I know the Dark Signers developed this machine to try and destroy my friends and my reputation."
With that said, Michael raised his right foot and, with a hard enough, powerful enough stomp, crushed the helmet, destroying it and the remaining element of his past self for good.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, the group was celebrating Michael's victory over Fake Michael when Matt received a call from his cellphone.
"Yes?" replied Matt.
"Matt! Officer Truman has pulled through in the operation!" The voice of Maria rejoiced, "He will be on his way to recovering!"
"Well now, that's great news," smiled Matt.
There was more good news to come… Three nurses arrived in the room at that time, and they had some news to share with everyone, especially Lisa.
"Well, Lisa, according to the doctor, you'll be ready to leave sometime tomorrow afternoon," said Nurse 1.
"ALRIGHT!" cheered Lisa loudly, nearly jumping out of bed, "I can resume dueling by then!"
"But we do have some bad news about that," The voice of Nurse 2 cut in, getting Lisa's full attention. She and her two fellow nurses looked rather regretful, "The doctor also said that you should lay off the Turbo Dueling for at least a couple of days upon leaving here."
"We're sorry, but it's for your own good," apologized Nurse 3.
The three nurses then left the room.
"Uuuuggghhh!" complained Lisa, burying her hands into her face, "No Turbo Dueling for a couple of days? This sucks!"
"Lisa-chan, you couldn't Turbo Duel even if you wanted to," David pointed out earnestly, "Don't you remember? The impersonator of Atlas-sama practically destroyed your Duel Runner. Whatever remains are resting in peace somewhere in bed of the East River."
In an instant, Lisa went from annoyed-like sad to genuinely sad when she was reminded of that. Sure she was certain she would be given an M1 Astray when they all returned to Orb, but she still loved her Strike Rouge very much, and couldn't believe it was gone for good. Of course, being lucky to be alive was far more important for a good reason.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the streets of Manhattan, Michael and the three Astray girls continued standing near the small fire left behind from the explosion and destruction of the fake Wheel of Fortune. Suddenly, a car pulled up near the four Duel Runners, and getting out were Megan and her cameraman Ken.
"Megan!" realized Asagi.
"And Ken!" added Mayura.
"I'm here to cover what happened!" began Megan, looking around frantically, "Where did…?"
"You need to cool it for a second and hear me out," The voice of Juri advised, which got the attention of Megan and Ken, "Turns out the guy impersonating Mike was really an android, and he got what he deserved at the hands…" She gestured towards Michael, "…of the real thing."
Michael nodded firmly, and, very quickly, Megan blushed as her eyes turned into hearts once it was confirmed to her he was innocent the whole time.
"You won against the imposter?!" swooned Megan, getting up close and personal with Michael, "Amazing! I've always known you'd succeed in clearing your name, since you would never bring harm to another living, breathing person!"
And to the surprise of absolutely no one, an anger pressure mark appeared on the right side of Juri's forehead and her teeth became shark-like; she grabbed Megan by the right arm and pulled her away from Michael in order to meet with her face-to-face.
"So says the one who reported on Mike being the possible suspect when Officer Truman was attacked!" snapped Juri.
Megan was cross over being told that; her own teeth became shark-like and there was a large anger pressure on the left side of her head. Once again, both young women began arguing over Michael Atlas, which quickly morphed into a humorous wrestling match between the pair—with Michael having a large sweatdrop on the back of his head before he simply turned away from Juri and Megan fighting over him and facepalmed, while Asagi, Mayura, and even Ken each bursting out laughing. And so, it was another triumph for the forces of good, but the Dark Signers have not given up the fight yet. What would their next move be like? That, I cannot say…just yet.
Chapter actually took a little longer than I thought to complete because I had a bit of a health scare over the weekend where I thought I had caught COVID. Fortunately, that is not the case; I simply have a head cold (feeling much better though) and not COVID. Please keep staying safe in these troubling times, everyone.