Devack: 2500 LP
Leo: 2000 LP
Devack's field: Zeman the Ape King, Closed Forest, Roaring Earth, 2 face-downs
Leo's field: Power Tool Dragon, 1 face-down
Devack: Once I send you to the Netherworld, your sister is next.
Leo: That's only if you can beat me. It's my turn! And now I'll use Power Tool Dragon's special ability again. Please, let this be the card I need. Alright!
Back in the spirit world, Zeman was preparing to break the seal on Ancient Fairy Dragon.
Luna: You really think he'll fall for this?
Torunka: Positive.
Jinzo: Both of you, keep your voices down.
Zeman: You've done well to bring me Regulus. Now my plan can be realized. Once the bonds on Ancient Fairy Dragon are removed, I'll use the Minus Curse on her and her loyal servant to bring her powers under my control correct?
Luna: Uh, yup.
Alastor: You can't be more convincing than that?
Zeman: I should hope so. Because if you three are wrong, I will seal you away for all eternity.
Torunka: Why so negative? The plan is practically monkey-proof. Have a banana already.
Zeman: It's time. Let the ritual begin. Ancient Fairy Dragon, with the power I possess, I release you from your prison.
Torunka: So far so good.
Luna: Let's just hope the rest of our plan works.
Zeman turned to one of his soldiers.
Zeman: What are you waiting for? Bring me Regulus.
The door to the cage opened and Jinzo held the staff up.
Jinzo: Regulus, arise and come forth.
Regulus played along and left the cage.
Regulus: Well done you three. Now you just have to use the power of the staff to break the curse on Ancient Fairy Dragon.
Torunka: I told you we knew what we were doing. Now my friend here is gonna use Regulus to complete the rituaaaa!
He tripped over his robe, pulling Luna and Jinzo down with him. As they fell, the wrappings on the Minus Staff came loose, unravelling as Torunka picked it up. He realized what happened and laughed nervously.
Torunka: Now I know this looks like your staff, but it's a funny story, it belongs to-
Zeman: Wizard, what is this? Why do you have one of my Minus Staffs?
Torunka: Okay, so we might have come across this in the forest and picked it up, but that doesn't mean we were gonna do anything with it.
Monkey: Quick! Stop him! He can reverse the curse on Ancient Fairy Dragon with that!
Luna tried to stand up, but tripped over her robes as well, revealing her identity. Alastor looked on as everything fell apart and couldn't help but face-palm at the current situation.
Zeman: Get them!
Regulus dashed over to them and Luna and Torunka jumped onto his back.
Zeman: You'll regret toying with me. Ancient Fairy Dragon, I bind thee to thy rock.
Luna: How do we save her now Regulus?
Regulus: Luna, you have to give me your Minus Staff.
Luna: Why?
Regulus: If I get close enough to Zeman, he'll have to use his staff to stop me. When the two strike each other, their power will cancel out, and lift the curse from everyone.
Luna: That's a pretty big if.
Torunka: And speaking of ifs, what if it doesn't work?
Regulus: It has to. Otherwise our entire world will fall under Zeman's control.
They stopped in front of the cage and Luna gave Regulus the staff. Once Regulus had the staff, he slammed into the cage door.
Regulus: I've jammed the door shut. You'll be safe.
He dashed off to face Zeman, but two of the soldiers came up to the cage.
Monkey: Not if we have anything to say about it
Suddenly, they were both being lifted off the ground and held in the air.
Jinzo: Then it's a good thing you're not the only ones with a say in the matter.
With that, he threw them to the side.
Luna: Thanks Jinzo.
Jinzo: Anytime my lady.
Back in the real world, Leo was getting ready to dethrone Devack's Ape King.
Leo: It's time I take the leash of my dragon, Devack. I switch Power Tool Dragon into attack mode and play the Double Tool C&D equip spell. With it, Power Tool Dragon gains another 1000 attack points.
PTD: 2000-3000 ATK
Devack: All those power tools and no safety goggles. You should be more careful, especially since all you've done is match the power of my Zeman the Ape King.
Leo: That's what I was hoping for. Now Power Tool Dragon, give his monster the royal treatment!
Power Tool Dragon rushed at Devack's monster while in the spirit world, Regulus was pouncing on Zeman. Regulus' and Zeman's Minus Staffs collided, sending sparks and waves of dark energy flying.
Zeman: What is happening?
Regulus: Ancient Fairy Dragon, I release you from your prison! The dark curse is broken!
All of Zeman's minions were destroyed on the spot.
Zeman: You may destroy me Regulus, but not before I transfer the power of the Minus Curse to the Dark Signer Devack!
After finishing his last words, both he and his copy in the real world were destroyed.
Leo: Oh yeah! And by sending Double Tool to the graveyard, Power Tool Dragon gets to stick around for a while.
Trudge: Alright, now that Devack's gone and lost his little monkey friend-
Yusei: Leo's gotten himself into more trouble.
Devack started laughing.
Leo: You think this is funny?
Devack: Yes I do. I always find it amusing when a young duelist walks so willingly into one of my traps. And due to the effect of my Dark Matter trap card, since you just destroyed my monster, I get to set the top two cards of my deck face-down as monster cards.
Leo: While you keep playing around with your gang of gorillas, I'm gonna equip my Power Tool Dragon with Power Converter.
Back in the spirit world, Luna was calling out for her friends in what was left of Zeman's castle.
Luna: Regulus, Torunka, Alex!
Torunka: I'm here Luna.
The dust cleared and revealed Torunka had returned to his true age.
Torunka: It appears that our lion friend was able to life the curse after all. I'm back to my old self, emphasis on old.
Luna: Is that really you?
Torunka: Told you I was an old man.
Luna: Where are the others?
Regulus: Luna.
Luna: Regulus! You're okay!
Alastor: So am I.
Luna: Where's Jinzo? How were you released? And why hasn't Alex come back yet?
Alastor: Jeez, one question at a time will ya? First, Jinzo returned to his dimension. Second, when Zeman's soldiers tried to capture Alex, one of their Minus Staffs touched him, and released me. And third, I suspect Alex will regain control soon.
Luna: Why did you try to help us?
Alastor: 3 reasons. 1, I hated that stupid ape. 2, Alex cares about you deeply, and so do I, though maybe not quite as much. And 3, I don't want the Dark Signers to destroy the Earth.
Luna: Oh. Well, thank you.
Alastor: You're welcome. Just do me a favor and tell Alex I'd like to swap places every now and then. You could imagine how boring it is to be stuck by myself in his subconscious.
Luna: Um, sure.
Alastor: Thank you. Alex should be back any second. I'll see you around.
He closed his eyes and collapsed, but Torunka caught him and set him on the floor. Slowly, his eyes opened and were Alex's brown ones.
Luna: Alex, you're back!
Alex: What happened?
Luna: You got caught by Zeman's soldiers and the Minus Curse caused you to switch places with Alastor, but he helped us beat Zeman.
Alex: He really helped you? Maybe he's not as bad as I thought he was.
Luna: Before he switched back, he said he wants to able to come out every now and then.
Alex: Maybe after all this is over, I'll think about it. So Ancient Fairy Dragon is free now?
Regulus: I'm afraid part of the curse still lives.
Luna: What?
She looked around and saw all the duel spirits were still trapped.
Regulus: Your friend and the other free wizards have regained their true age, but the captured duel spirits remain trapped. Zeman transferred the curse to Devack, and until he's defeated, the duel spirits are his prisoners.
Back at the duel, Devack was just beginning his turn.
Devack: I draw. And it looks like thanks are in order for enabling me to summon two monsters last turn.
Leo: And why is that?
Devack: Because I need two sacrifices to summon my Earthbound Immortal.
Yusei: Not good.
Devack: Not good is right Yusei.
Leo: Oh no, it's gonna take me and my friends away.
Devack: You don't have to worry about that. This immortal requires a different power source, one that exists in the spirit world. By the power of the Dark Signers, I summon Earthbound Immortal Cusillu.
Yusei: We have to save Leo.
Trudge: How?
Suddenly, the barrier burned brighter while in the spirit world, the monkey geoglyph appeared in the sky and purple lights came out of the tablets the duel spirits were sealed in and flew to the symbol.
Regulus: It's absorbing the duel spirits! Soon they'll all be gone.
Luna: No!
Torunka: We have to find a way to stop this.
Luna: That's if these Earthbound Immortals even can be stopped.
Devack: Watch as all your pathetic duel spirits become the fuel for your destruction. With their energies, I can summon my most powerful monster.
A large black monkey with yellow stripes running over its body appeared behind Devack, towering over Leo and Power Tool Dragon.
Level 10/Dark/Beast
ATK 2800/DEF 2400
Trudge: Oh come on! What's with this guy and the monkeys?!
Yusei: Beats me, all I know is Leo's gotta find a way to tame that beast.
Devack: Behold my Earthbound Immortal Cusillu. There's nothing in your deck that can stop its power. As long as there's field spell out, it's immune to any attacks, spells, or traps you try to throw at it.
Leo: Just my luck.
Devack: I'm afraid luck is the one thing you've run out of, because in case you forgot, due to Closed Forest, Cusillu gains 100 attack points for every monster in my graveyard, so since there are 8 monsters in my grave, he gains 800 attack points.
Cusillu: 2800-3600 ATK
Devack: Maybe next time you'll think twice before taking your sister's place in a shadow duel. Not that there's ever going to be a next time. Now Cusillu, attack his life points directly!
Yusei: He doesn't have a monster to stop that thing!
Leo: But I still have my Power Converter. By sending it to my graveyard and dropping Power Tool Dragon's attack power to 0 for this turn, I gain life points equal to the attack he lost.
Leo: 4000 LP
Cusillu brought its fist down in front of Leo, sending a massive wave of dirt towards him that buried his lower body.
Leo: Luna, if you're out there, I could use some sisterly advice. If not, I'm done for.
Leo: 400 LP
Luna: Leo needs me!
Torunka: Are you sure?
Suddenly, a white light flashed around the four of them and they started floating towards the geoglyph.
Luna: You've gotta do something Torunka, or we'll all be sucked into that thing!
Regulus: Unless we stop Devack, he'll take each and every spirit from our world.
Torunka: Well then, let's stop him.
Luna: But how?
Torunka: I have just enough strength to send you and Alex back to your world. Now listen, you must defeat Devack.
Regulus nodded in response to the magician's statement.
Regulus: He's right my little warrior. Should you fail, all is lost.
Luna: I gotcha. No pressure.
Torunka waved his staff and a bright light enveloped Alex and Luna.
Torunka: Good luck you both.
They were both trapped in orbs of light and descended on the Satellite, one landing inside the barrier, and one landing next to Yusei and Trudge.
Trudge & Yusei: What in the world?
The orbs faded away to reveal Luna was inside the barrier and Alex was on the outside.
Yusei: Luna and Alex?
Alex: Looks like he got us back.
Yusei: Who is he?
Alex: That's a long story.
Luna looked down and saw Leo laying in the dirt.
Luna: Leo! Please tell me you're okay.
Leo: Luna, everything's under control.
Luna: Of course it is, but now it's time for me to help you. I'm gonna take over this duel, okay?
Leo: I guess I let you down, huh sis? I couldn't even win one little match. Just look at me, I'm the little sidekick who can't do anything.
Luna: Except be my hero.
Leo: What?
Luna: It's true. Not as a duelist, but as my brother.
She threw her arms around him and hugged him for all she was worth.
Leo: Not so hard, you're squeezing the tears out.
Devack: I'm glad you finally joined us Luna. My Earthbound Immortal has been waiting patiently. Let's duel Signer!
Luna: Oh we'll duel Devack, and when I get through with you, you're gonna wish you'd never messed with any of my friends.
Devack: Is that so?
Luna: Don't worry Leo, I promise I'll be fine.
Leo: Be careful, as long as he has this field up, that earthbound monkey is practically invincible.
Luna: I'm not worried. I'm not doing this alone, I've got you right here beside me.
Leo: I won't leave your side.
Luna: I was hoping you'd say that, now let's win this duel.
Yusei: Luna!
Luna: It's gonna be okay Yusei.
Yusei: Be safe.
Just then, everyone's signer marks started glowing.
Jack: Looks like Luna's back in the game. I just hope she knows what she's in for.
Luna: Now let's do roll call. I've got Power Tool Dragon on my field, and you've got a turkey day balloon on yours.
Devack: I'm glad you can make jokes at a time like this. It's no fun taking the spirit of someone who's lost hope. And speaking of someone who's lost hope, it's time I reintroduce you to one of your oldest friends.
Luna: What are you talking about?
Devack: I activate the Cursed Prison trap card. With it, I can summon any monster from my extra deck that I want, and it just so happens to be the one you failed to save back in the spirit world. Allow me to introduce my prisoner, your Ancient Fairy Dragon!
Level 7/Light/Dragon
ATK 2100/DEF 3000
Luna: What did you do to her Devack? She's not some stray dog you can lock up in a cage!
Devack: That's exactly what she is, a wild animal. And if she doesn't learn to behave, I'll tear her card in half.
Luna: We'll see about that, it's my turn. I activate Power Tool Dragon's special ability. With it, I can add a random equip spell to my hand. And I'll play it right now.
Leo: Alright! That's the Central Shield equip spell. With it, Devack can't inflict battle damage except by attacking Power Tool Dragon!
Luna: I set two cards face-down and end my turn.
Devack: A shield and a couple of face-downs aren't exactly going to send me running scared. Now Cusillu, attack and send this Signer to the Netherworld!
Luna: This Signer's not going anywhere! I play the Limiter Removal quick-play spell, which will double Power Tool Dragon's attack points until the end of this turn!
PTD: 2000-4000 ATK
Devack: Impossible!
Cusillu's fist collided with Power Tool Dragon, the latter of which didn't budge an inch, and a massive shockwave was created, blinding everyone for a moment.
Alex: Way to go Luna!
Devack: 2100 LP
Devack: Unwise. I guess you don't know what happens when I get angry, because it doesn't end well for anyone. And I'm afraid that's terrible news for both you and your Ancient Fairy Dragon dear Luna. If you have any parting words for her, you had better share them now. If not, you might want to shut your eyes, this won't be pretty.
Ancient Fairy Dragon disappeared and a white aura surrounded Luna.
Luna: 200 LP
Alex: What did you do to her?!
Devack: Due to Earthbound Immortal Cusillu's special ability, if it would be destroyed in battle, I can sacrifice one of my other monsters to prevent his destruction and halve my opponent's life points.
Luna: But now I can get my Ancient Fairy Dragon back.
Devack: But she's in my graveyard.
Luna: Which is exactly what I was hoping for. If she was stuck on your field, it would've been impossible to get her back, but you sacrificed her, making her a free agent. And due to the power of the Respect Synchron trap card, she gets to join my team.
Devack: This cannot be!
Leo: You did it, you got her back!
Luna: Ancient Fairy Dragon, I kept my promise.
AFD: Thank you Luna. I asked your help to free me, and you risked everything to see that I was delivered from Devack's prison. Now that I am free, we can begin to heal the spirit world.
Trudge: Look at that, she's beautiful.
Yusei: You think so?
Trudge: Yeah, you know, like, pretty for a dragon.
Yusei: But pretty doesn't win duels I'm afraid.
Luna: Normally, Limiter Removal's effect would destroy Power Tool Dragon, but by sacrificing my Central Shield, it gets to stick around. You ready for this Leo?
Leo: You bet, let's draw that card sis.
They drew a card and got the one they needed.
Luna: But before we continue, we activate Ancient Fairy Dragon's special ability, which will uproot your Closed Forest field spell and give us 1000 life points.
Leo & Luna: 1200 LP
Cusillu: 3600-2800 ATK
Devack: Without my field spell, all of Cusillu's effects are negated!
Alex: He's in for it now.
Luna: You've got that right. And now I use Power Tool Dragon's effect. And now that I have all the cards I need, I equip Rocket Pilder to Power Tool Dragon and Pain to Power onto Ancient Fairy Dragon.
Leo: And now Power Tool Dragon, attack Cusillu!
Devack: Have you gone mad? Your dragon is far weaker than my monster, so you're only going to be damaging yourself.
Power Tool Dragon rammed into Cusillu, setting off a massive explosion.
Leo & Luna: 400 LP
Luna: Due to Rocket Pilder's effect, Power Tool Dragon won't be destroyed, but your monster loses attack points equal to Power Tool Dragon's attack points.
Leo: And that's not all. Due to the effect of Pain to Power, Ancient Fairy Dragon gains attack points equal to the damage we took in that battle.
Cusillu: 2800-800
AFD: 2100-2900
Luna: I think she's still mad about being locked up, and it's finally time for her to get some payback, what do you think about that?
Devack: That I'd rather she didn't.
Luna: Too bad. Ancient Fairy Dragon, chase those shadows away!
Ancient Fairy Dragon let out a bright light, vaporizing Devack's Earthbound Immortal.
Devack: 0 LP
Leo: You did it Luna.
Luna: No, we did it, now the spirits will be safe from Devack.
Devack: You!
Leo put himself in between Devack and Luna.
Devack: You think you've won? This isn't over, I won't fall alone. You're coming with me.
Alex: Get down!
Leo and Luna did as he said and dove to the ground. They heard something fly over there heads and looked up in time to see Devack get hit by a ball of black energy. They turned back to see Alex sliding down the hill with another ball in hand.
Alex: Stay away from my friends!
He threw the sphere at Devack, sending him flying back before he collapsed and disintegrated.
Alex: Are you both okay?
Luna: Yeah, we're okay. Thanks for saving us.
Meanwhile in the spirit world, all the absorbed duel spirits were returning and had been released from their stone tablets.
Torunka: You've all returned! She has done it! Luna has saved the spirit world! Now she must begin the task of saving her own world.
Alex: One Dark Signer down, four to go.
Trudge: Are you kids alright?
Luna: We're fine.
Yusei: Leo, you did an amazing job.
AFD: Luna.
The group turned to see her and Regulus standing in front of them in spirit form.
Trudge: Where did they come from? Is there a laser light show goin' on?
AFD: No Officer Trudge, we are not illusions. We are real.
Trudge: Woah! Did she just talk back to me?
That was all he could say before he passed out from surprise.
Alex: I will never understand that guy.
AFD: Luna, I thought you should know that by defeating Devack, you have saved us all. The spirits captured by the Earthbound Immortal are free now, and they have returned home to the spirit world.
Luna: And has everything stopped going in reverse?
AFD: Yes, all thanks to you.
Luna: It wasn't all me, I couldn't have done it without the help of Leo and my friends.
AFD: Then I offer my thanks to all of you.
Yusei: Our fight with the Dark Signers isn't over, will you help us?
AFD: The Dark Signers are like a disease. If they are not vanquished completely, their power will once again grow back, and the spirit world will be in danger. We must finish this. I will fight alongside you, even if it destroys me.
Regulus: I too will fight alongside you until the bitter end.
The two of them turned into beams of light and reappeared as cards in Luna's hand.
Luna: I did it Yusei, I finally have the card Mina said we'd need!
They walked to the control tower and entered it. Inside they found a panel with a monkey carved into it and a slot big enough to put a card into.
Luna: Here goes.
She set the card in the slot and the panel glowed before the control tower began to shake.
Yusei: I have a feeling we might wanna run right now.
They all ran outside as fast as they could, making it out just as the doors closed before the tower sank into the ground. Trudge came to and walked back up to them.
Trudge: Calm down everyone, I'm awake and I'm okay. Uh, where'd the tower go?
Alex: It sank into the ground after we activated it.
Trudge: Well, okay then.
Yusei: It's time to get a move on. There's three towers left, and the next one's mine. Time to settle things up with my old friend Kalin.
Hey everyone. I'm back. I feel a lot better after taking a few days off from everything. Unfortunately, I've stumbled on another problem. My computer stopped working. Luckily, I'm able to borrow one off of a family member, so I'll still be able to upload, though probably not as regularly as I'd like. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and I hope you have a great day and stay safe.