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, Akatsuki (c) Sunrise
Character of Lisa Drake (c) DaveMan1000
Character of David Xadashi (c) DaveMan1000
Jak and Daxter characters, Spargus, Tough Puppy, Sand Shark, Dune Hopper, Gila Stomper, Slam Dozer, Heat Seeker, Dust Demon, Desert Screamer (c) Naughty Dog
Crash Bandicoot characters, Wumpa (c) Activision
Ratchet & Clank characters, Veldin, Sargasso, Shatterbomb (c) Insomniac
Sly Cooper characters (c) Sucker Punch
WARNING: Once again, this story is rated T for violence, some blood, suggestive themes, and some language. Reader discretion is advised.
WARNING 2: If you haven't read "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 2", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 4", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles (Pyramid of Light", "David Xadashi", "Lisa Drake", or "Team 4D's", you might want to do so before reading this story
Title: Prisoners of Destiny
Opening up inside his dorm in the middle of the night, Matt was trying his best to sleep, but couldn't seem to do so. He laid wide awake in bed before thinking back to when the many friends he had were killed by the Dark Signers—resulting in several flashbacks ensuing.
FLASHBACK
During the end of the duel between Flashback Azrael and Flashback Discord, both Flashback Janice and Flashback Sean lost consciousness while standing, but quickly regained it as they opened their eyes (which were normal again).
"Oh man… Where are we?" asked Flashback Sean groggily.
"The last thing I remember is hearing the news that a Dark Signer appeared in New York City and killed Megan," remembered Flashback Janice, before shutting her eyes and wincing from a headache, "After that-"
They both then looked over to their left and gasped. Flashback Azrael was now holding up a very familiar card ('Earthbound Immortal Cusillu').
"I sacrifice the souls of these spirits!" chanted Flashback Azrael, before placing his card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu'!"
As those final words left his mouth, an earthquake in the area began. Within the sky, something was seen emerging from the geoglyph in the sky. It looked like the same huge, stone heart that appeared when Flashback Rutger dueled against Flashback Matt, and when Flashback Misty dueled Flashback Megan. Thinking quick, the three Astray girls, Flashback Ms. Simmons, Flashback Mr. Kisaka, Flashback Mr. Zimmerman, Flashback Sherry, and Flashback Shinji all huddled around the Signers in order to prevent their souls from being taken as an offering to the 'Earthbound Immortals'. Unfortunately, there were some souls Michael and the likes were unable to save, and two very unfortunates were Flashback Sean and Flashback Janice…
"David! Everyone! You must defeat the Dark Signers!" called Flashback Sean.
"Please save us!" begged Flashback Janice.
With that said, the souls of both teenagers were ripped from their bodies and rose towards the heart high in the sky like purple mist.
(new scene…)
After being defeated by Flashback Azrael, Flashback Discord weakly opened his eyes, knowing there was no way he could ever apologize to his adopted children for failing them.
"M-Matty-boy… I'm so sorry," Flashback Discord apologized sadly, "I dueled the best that I could, but Azrael's new Deck was too much for me to handle."
"Don't say that! You'll be alright!" objected Flashback Matt, trying to remain strong, "You'll live! We'll get you to the hospital and save your life!"
"It's no use," rebutted Flashback Discord, "You heard what happens after being defeated; the loser of this duel has to disappear as a penalty… But this is for the…best, since it means I'll…be reunited with my darling Cynthia in the afterlife," He smiled weakly, "Matty-boy… you and the others…are the world's last…hope. I know you can… I-I know you can…"
Flashback Discord never got that further, as his eyes closed and his body became lifeless. Greatly upset, a desperate Flashback Matt shook the body repeatedly for a response, but never got one. To make matters all the sadder, Flashback Discord's whole body turned into a stone-like color before breaking apart and leaving nothing behind except for the specks to be blown away by the wind.
(new scene…)
After the three Astray girls were defeated by the three Bio-CPU boys, Flashback Matt knelt down and held Flashback Asagi's broken body in his arms.
"Asagi! Asagi, can you hear me?!" hollered Matt in desperation.
Unlike her two best friends, Flashback Asagi was only barely conscious—but because of the deep wounds to her inner organs, she would not last much longer. She just had enough time to deliver a few words of apology for failing Flashback Matt, her friends, and, most of all, failing Flashback Mayura and Flashback Juri when they needed her the most.
"M-Matt…" uttered Flashback Asagi weakly, looking at Flashback Matt in the eyes, "I'm so sorry that we…failed to win… Please forgive me…"
"Asagi…" whispered Flashback Matt sadly.
Smiling one last time, Flashback Asagi tried to reach over and touch the side of Flashback Matt's face with her right hand as a form of affection, but failed at the last second as she closed her eyes, with her limbs becoming unresponsive as she died in his arms. Meanwhile, Flashback Mayura and Flashback Juri were conscious long enough to give Flashback James R. and Flashback Michael their own last words.
"James, I know you'll save the world, right?" Flashback Mayura said warmly, "I'll be cheering you on, after all."
"I…love you, Mike…" Flashback Juri confessed at long last.
From there, both young women closed their eyes and died. It was then their bodies and Asagi's body turned into a stone-like color before breaking apart and leaving nothing behind except for the specks to be blown away by the wind, leaving Flashback Matt, Flashback Michael, Flashback James R., and Flashback Rin behind.
END FLASHBACK
The flashbacks ended, and Matt, still laying in bed, then focused on the most recent Turbo Duel against the Biological CPU trio, where he actually failed to stay in Clear Mind and perform Accel Synchro. Another flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
As the intense rematch between both sides ensued, Fudo Go started to gain more and more speed for the big Synchro Summon. Rather than become nervous regarding Accel Synchro, Flashback Orga instead looked like he was about to laugh over seeing it happen.
"Hey, hey, hey, hey! You loser!" he called out mockingly, "Do you even realize what you're about to do?"
"That Synchro Summon you're attempting is an abomination of Synchro Summons!" accused Flashback Clotho, also not looking afraid of the upcoming Accel Synchro Summon. His focus then went to 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Formula Synchron', "It won't stop any of us from annihilating you, and it certainly won't help you save your friends from being given permanent Game Overs when we get our hands on them!"
Flashback Matt suddenly gasped in shock when he heard those words as mental images of Flashback Asagi, Flashback Mayura, and Flashback Juri each lying within the wreckage of their destroyed M1 Astrays, dying, flashed before his eyes as his state of Clear Mind started to weaken. Angrily shaking his head with his eyes shut briefly, he became further enraged because he was NOT going to let anymore of his friends suffer at the hands of the Dark Signers—not after Flashback David lost Flashback Sean and Flashback Janice to Flashback Azrael, while he himself, Flashback Michael, Flashback James R., Flashback Carlie, and Flashback Zack all lost Flashback Discord, their adopted Father, also to Flashback Azrael not very long ago.
"SHUT UP!" screamed Flashback Matt, just as his Duel Runner started losing the flames around it, "I'm gonna crush the three of you!" He then gave the command, "I tune Level 8 Synchro Monster 'Stardust Dragon'…" While still speaking, he motioned his right hand upward as 'Stardust Dragon' flew above him, "…into Level 2 Synchro Tuner 'Formula Synchron'!"
'Formula Synchron' turned itself into two balls of light and was absorbed into an unknown force straight ahead, causing the symbols 8 + 2 = 10 to be shown briefly. Not only that, Fudo Go started to gain more speed as more and more flames surrounded it again. 'Stardust Dragon' let loose a roar as it flew above Flashback Matt (with his Signer Mark also glowing with power), just as he began a very familiar Summon Chant…
"Clustering crystal dreams open the door to a new evolution! Become the path its light shines upon!"
More and more flames surrounded Fudo Go as it went faster and faster. However, the three Bio-CPU boys were far from finished tearing into their enemy's head, like Flashback Shani was going to do after Flashback Orga and Flashback Clotho both did so.
"Well, it seems like you want your friends to die, Coordinator scum!" taunted Flashback Shani, "By doing a Synchro Summon like that, you've effectively sealed their fates! We're going to enjoy 'playing' around with them when this is all over."
Again, Flashback Matt became shocked as Clear Mind weakened even further, but he, while shutting his eyes once more, tried to block the stinging words out of his head before yelling out in an almost panicking tone of voice…
"Accel Synchro!" cried Flashback Matt frantically.
Just then, the flames surrounding both 'Stardust Dragon' and Fudo Go completely died down as the former seemed to roar in pain, while 'Formula Synchron' also reappeared on the field. As a result of Flashback Matt's mind becoming plagued not by calmness and the want of justice as it usually was—but instead by rage and the want of revenge—Clear Mind had been successfully broken and the Accel Synchro failed!
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Everyone… I'm sorry," thought Matt, apologizing to everyone who fell to the Dark Signers, "It's my fault you're all gone… All because I couldn't protect any of you," He sat up, "But I promise I'll make everything right…" The dirty blonde-haired young man looked out the window at the night sky, "The Dark Signers will be made to pay—but I'm going to stop them alone, because I don't want any more of my friends to suffer," Getting out of bed, he walked over to the nearby table, picked up his Deck, and looked it over carefully, "Even if there is a trap waiting for me, I have to fight and defeat 'him'."
(outside…)
In the (still damaged) parking lot of Orb, the sound of a Duel Runner was heard firing up, and roaring out of the area was Fudo Go, with Matt, fully dressed and having decided to sneak out without telling anyone, beginning his search for the next Dark Signer to take down.
"I'm coming for you, Dark Signers," warned Matt, mentally, "Once I find you guys, we will settle the score for good!"
Fudo Go raced down the street towards one of the highways leading outside the city of Hartford.
(elsewhere…)
The search took Matt somewhere in the woods almost two miles outside the city. So far, he had no luck in finding a Dark Signer, but he kept his eyes out for someone—for even a Dark Signer could ride a Duel Runner if they so choose. Eventually, the search took him to a large cliff area with a stone bridge-like structure leading to the other side. Rather than risk destroying it with his Duel Runner and, as a result, fall to his death, Matt decided to resume the search on foot since the bridge was sturdy enough for people to walk on it. As he started to cross, he felt his birthmark beginning to glow underneath his jacket sleeve and react to whoever else was in the area—which came in the form of familiar laughter.
"Huh?" grunted Matt, looking up ahead.
"So, you've arrived, Matt!" The voice of Rutger greeted, just as purple fog showed up. When it faded away seconds later, he was shown standing on the other end of the bridge with his hood up, "I've been waiting for you to show up," He lowered his hood and showed his face to Matt, "so we can have our final battle."
"Rutger…!" hissed Matt in hatred.
Rutger chuckled, "Oh?" he remarked with amusement, "I don't see the other Signers or what's left of your friends. Did you come here all alone?"
"Yes, I snuck out without telling anyone, because I will defeat the Dark Signers on my own," vowed Matt, "I will not let anymore of my friends get sacrificed in the name of your plans!"
"Is that so?" teased Rutger, "Although it did take a few of your friends to help you push my Dark Signers into Hell!"
Matt gritted his teeth.
(elsewhere…)
While that was going on, back inside Orb's hallway, Ashima, wearing her nightgown, was approaching Matt's dorm. When she arrived, she gently knocked on the door.
"Matty? Are you awake?" whispered Ashima softly, but still loud enough for her to get through to Matt, "It's just me, Ashima," When no response was made, she spoke on, "Listen, I know we miss our fallen friends, but you…"
(inside…)
Inside the room, it was shown to be empty—not that Ashima knew it yet…
"…seem to be taking it the hardest next to Lisa," The voice of Ashima went on, "So, I'm wondering if you would like a little company for tonight?"
(outside…)
"B-But not in the same manner as last time…" blushed Ashima, struggling over what to say next, "Just for… you know, emotional support," Still, she got no answer and became further concerned, "Matty?"
She opened the door.
(inside…)
As Ashima entered the unlit room, she found it and the bed completely empty. Initially curious, she looked around and found Matt's Deck not on the table.
"Matty?" wondered Ashima, "Why's your Deck—oh no…" The answer hit her, and, without wasting time, she raced to the nearby dresser, picked up the phone, and made a call to Michael, "Mike, please pick up…"
A few seconds later…
"Grr… This call had better be good, Matt," The voice of Michael said gruffly, "You do know what time it is, right?"
"Mike, this is Ashima!" replied Ashima frantically.
"Ashima? What in blazes is going on?"
The black-haired young Indian woman knew that her friend was not going to like the news, but she had no other choice since Matt left Orb without telling anyone or even keeping a note in his room in case anyone visited him like she did—and she had no idea where he even went.
(elsewhere…)
Back somewhere in the woods, Matt and Rutger were still facing each other as their conversation remained very dark and intense.
"This is nothing personal, it's just me doing as I'm told by the 'Earthbound Immortals', our own Gods!" insisted Rutger, motioning his hands out dramatically, "Before long, my Dark Signers and I will change this world—reduce it to ash if necessary!"
"Even if it means killing every innocent being on Earth!?" spat Matt, knowing how many lives would be lost if he were to let it happen. He pointed forth, "Rutger, I can never let you get away with everything you've done!"
Such a statement from his enemy caused Rutger to smile and begin ranting about like a madman.
"Well, you're too late in that regard!" raged Rutger, "There's always slight sacrifices before new possibilities!"
Matt snarled, "'Slight'?!"
"Matt, we humans are but a small existence in the great container known as fate!" continued Rutger, "Eventually, humans disappear like yesterday's trash—just like if this bridge we stand upon were to collapse!" He sneered at his enemy, "It would be my fate to be defeated by the leader of Team 6D's…" While he (Rutger) was ranting and raving, Matt listened, "If so, then this area would be most appropriate—but instead of me, it will be you who will get defeated!"
"You're insane!" snapped Matt defiantly, taking a step forward, "I won't let you have your way any longer!"
"I will bury you alive as well!" Rutger cackled with intent, "Bring yourself, Matt!"
With that said, with the birthmark of the Spider glowing on his right forearm, he (Rutger) summoned his geoglyph, trapping himself and Matt within on the stone bridge. The geoglyph then formed in the middle of the night sky.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Orb's parking lot, the roar of several Duel Runners was heard, and driving out of the area were Wheel of Fortune (Michael), Blackbird (James R.), Bloody Kiss (Carlie), a fully repaired The Wild Card (David), Akatsuki (Lisa), and a basic Duel Runner (Zack). Ashima was shown riding with Carlie aboard Bloody Kiss.
"Come on! We have to find Matt before it's too late!" shouted Michael. In his mind, he was furious with Matt for sneaking out, "Matt, you damned fool! How dare you sneak out to find the Dark Signers without telling us?"
"We're on our way, Matt!" came from James R..
"Please be safe, Matty," pleaded Ashima.
"Wherever Matt currently is, we're certain to find a Dark Signer, too," thought Lisa, "That's a good thing—for me at least, since they'll pay for taking Asagi, Mayura, and Juri from me!"
And the six Duel Runners raced away from the Orb Duel School to begin their search for Matt Fudo.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the cliff area, Matt and Rutger, facing each other with their respective birthmarks (Matt: Dragon's Head, Rutger: Spider) glowing orange (Matt) and purple (Rutger), finally began their long awaited rematch.
"Duel!" Matt and Rutger announced at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
Both players drew their opening hands.
"I go first!" requested Rutger, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Rutger Godwin (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Earthbound Wave", "Earthbound Linewalker", "Mother Spider Splitter", "Metaverse", "Earthbound Immortal Uru", and "Time-Tearing Morganite"
After looking at his drawn card, he observed his enemy and delivered a few words.
"I've been looking forward to our duel for some time," remarked Rutger, "Last time, I was holding back to see how good you are at dueling… But now that I know you're truly one of the best, I will not hold my power back!" He took a card from his hand and held it up, "If I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" The card ('Mother Spider Splitter') was placed onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Mother Spider Splitter'!"
Appearing on the field was a large black spider with a purple aura of darkness surrounding it (Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 2300).
"A Level 5 monster?" wondered Matt.
"I activate my monster's second effect!" proclaimed Rutger, "I can Tribute this card; I cannot Special Summon from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn," While explaining away, 'Mother Spider Splitter' laid three eggs (one at a time) before collapsing on the ground and fading away in a blue streak, "except Xyz Monsters, also I must Special Summon up to 3 'Baby Spider' from my hand and/or Deck, and if I do, they become Level 5, but cannot be…" He was nearly finished with the explanation when he held up three cards taken from his Deck, "…used as material for an Xyz Summon, except the Xyz Summon of a DARK monster! Appear now, three 'Baby Spiders'!"
The three eggs on the field hatched into three smaller, weaker versions of 'Mother Spider Splitter' (Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 0) x3.
"Wait, did you say Xyz Summon?!" gasped Matt.
"Yes, I did," confirmed Rutger, "I know how to Xyz Summon much like your lover, Ashima Nilgiri," He then motioned his right hand back, then forward, "I activate my first 'Baby Spider's' first effect!" While ranting away, the first 'Baby Spider' turned itself into two orbs of darkness, giving them to the two remaining 'Baby Spiders' and causing their Levels to double (Level: 5 → 10) x2, "I can Tribute 1 DARK monster; I must increase the Levels of all 'Baby Spiders' I currently control by the Level of that Tributed monster!"
"They're now Level 10!" realized Matt, "It's coming!"
"I hope you're ready for the latest addition to my Deck," taunted Rutger, as the Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field before absorbing both remaining 'Baby Spiders', "I overlay both Level 10 'Baby Spiders'!"
As soon as the two monsters were absorbed, the body of a new monster resembling a huge, black widow spider was shown while a Summon Chant from Rutger was heard.
"Threads that rule the false heaven! Converge and weave together a tapestry of the dark apocalypse!" chanted Rutger, "Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 10! 'Perdition Widow Spider'(!)!"
The satanic-looking black widow spider let out a screech to signal its arrival on the field (Rank: 10/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"My monster's first effect," explained Rutger, "It cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects."
"'Perdition Widow Spider'!" thought Matt, doing his best to not underestimate the new monster like he did when faced with 'Underground Arachnid' in the first battle, "Even for a Rank 10, it isn't very strong, statistically speaking, but Rutger brought it out for a good reason; after all, for such a high Level/Rank monster to have such low ATK and/or DEF, its other effects must be devastating."
"This is another surprise I have for you," Rutger said snidely, holding up a card ('Time-Tearing Morganite') before turning it over and revealing what it was, "Spell Card, 'Time-Tearing Morganite'!"
"What?!" cried Matt, as he watched a large pink/purple gemstone known as a morganite materializing above Rutger, "Is that-?"
"For the rest of this Duel, I must apply the following effects," began Rutger.
These were the following effects written on the 'Time-Tearing Morganite' Spell Card:
-"I cannot activate monster effects in the hand."
-"I must draw 2 cards instead of 1 for my normal draw during my Draw Phase."
-"I can conduct 2 Normal Summons/Sets per turn, not just 1."
Matt grimaced, while Rutger merely laughed.
"With this card's power, I will be able to defeat you, Matt," warned Rutger, before holding out two unknown cards, "I Set two cards face-down…" He slotted the cards into his Duel Disk, causing two face-down cards to appear on the field near his feet, "…and end my turn! Now, let me see what powers you hold—as both a Signer and Coordinator!"
"I have to win the duel before the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster appears!" Matt told himself, mentally, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Matt Fudo (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Stardust Illumination", "Junk Mail", "Synchro Chase", "Junk Converter", "Synchro Barrier", and "Scrap Fist"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Scrap Fist'—named after 'Junk Warrior's' signature attack.
"'Scrap Fist'!" thought Matt, adding the card into his hand—also containing 'Stardust Illumination', 'Junk Mail', 'Synchro Chase', 'Junk Converter', and 'Synchro Barrier'. He knew just what to do, "Yes, this will work!" Now with a plan, he took a card ('Synchro Chase') from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "I activate the Continuous Spell, 'Synchro Chase'!"
The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"My opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the effect activations of my Synchro Monsters with 'Warrior', 'Synchron', or 'Stardust' in their original names!" revealed Matt, going over his card's first effect, "In addition…" He sent both his 'Junk Converter' Monster Card and 'Junk Mail' Monster Card to the GY, "I activate 'Junk Converter's' first effect!" Glaring at the opponent, he explained away before holding up a card ('Junk Synchron') taken from his Deck, "I can discard this card and 1 Tuner; I must add 1 'Synchron' monster from my Deck to my hand."
"'Junk Synchron'?" frowned Rutger, looking dismissive of seeing one of Matt's most common cards, "How predictable."
"I Summon 'Junk Synchron'!" declared Matt, placing his added card onto his Duel Disk.
The orange, robotic-like monster appeared on the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 500).
"'Junk Synchron's' monster effect!" continued Matt, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can target 1 Level 2 or lower monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Defense Position, but negate its effects," He held up a card ('Junk Converter') taken from his GY, "Resurrect, 'Junk Converter'!"
Reappearing on the field was the small robot monster made out of junk parts (Level: 2/ATK: 400/DEF: 200). Rutger merely smiled as he waited for the Synchro Summon. Sure enough, 'Junk Synchron' pulled on the cord on his armor, causing his motor backpack to start revving as his whole body started glowing a golden yellow.
"I tune Level 2 'Junk Converter' into Level 3 'Junk Synchron'!" The voice of Matt, as most of the above scenario played out, announced, "Let's rev it up!"
From there, the golden 'Junk Synchron' turned into three Synchro Rings which 'Junk Converter' dove into. As its body was outlined, it turned into two orbs of light. In addition, a Summon Chant from Matt also was performed.
"Gathering stars will call upon a new force! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 2 + 3 = 5 were shown briefly just before the two orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Show yourself, 'Junk Warrior'!"
As the beam of light disbursed, the purple robot-like warrior appeared onto the field before jumping into the sky and posing with a loud shout (Level: 5/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1300).
"I also activate 'Junk Converter's' second effect!" As Matt spoke, appearing on the field was a small, armored-like 'Junk' monster (Level: 1/ATK: 400/DEF: 100), "If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I can target 1 Tuner in my GY; I must Special Summon it in Defense Position, but it cannot activate its effects this turn!" He then motioned his left arm (with the Duel Disk) towards the face-up 'Synchro Chase' Spell Card, "Next, I'll activate 'Synchro Chase's' second effect!" A card ('Junk Converter') ejected from the GY, glowed for a few seconds, and then reappearing on the field was 'Junk Converter' (Level: 2/ATK: 400/DEF: 200), "If I Synchro Summon a 'Warrior', 'Synchron', or 'Stardust' Synchro Monster: I can target 1 monster in my GY used as its material; I must Special Summon it in Defense Position!"
Rutger remained neutral-looking, waiting to see what would happen next. Sure enough, Matt pointed to his 'Junk Warrior'.
"I activate 'Junk Warrior's' effect!" proclaimed Matt, as 'Junk Warrior' started glowing all gold due to there being two Level 2 or lower monsters on the field—before motioning both arms to shoulders and finally stretching them out with a loud yell to the effect name, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: It gains ATK equal to the total ATK of all Level 2 or lower monsters I currently control! Power of Fellows!"
'Junk Warrior' grew even stronger (ATK: 2300 → 3100). Rutger, however, was not worried about losing his monster and simply smirked.
"If you attack now, you can destroy 'Perdition Widow Spider' and make me lose 2100 LP," commented Rutger, "Will you make such a risky move now, I wonder?"
Matt said nothing.
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere else in the woods, the other members of Team 6D's were busy searching for Matt when they began feeling their respective birthmarks (Michael: Dragon's Wings, James R.: Dragon's Tail, Carlie: Dragon's Foot, Lisa: Dragon's Hand, David: Dragon's Heart) glowing and responding to something.
"Ggghhh… The pain-!" winced Lisa, realizing that Matt was somewhere close by, "We must be getting close to the action."
"Up there!" cried David, looking into the sky and finding the geoglyph of the Spider, "The Dark Signer symbol of the Spider!"
"Matt's dueling Rutger!" realized James R..
"There isn't time to waste," stated Zack, "Follow that Spider symbol!"
And the Duel Runners all started making their way towards the geoglyph.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the stone bridge, Matt took a card ('Scrap Fist') from his hand and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Scrap Fist'!" declared Matt, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "I must target 1 'Junk Warrior' I control; if it battles an opponent's monster this turn while I control it, I must apply these effects."
These were the following effects written on said Spell Card:
-"My opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step!"
-"If it attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage to my opponent!"
-"I must double any battle damage my opponent takes!"
-"It cannot be destroyed by battle!"
-"I must destroy the opponent's monster that battled it at the end of the Damage Step!"
"You must want to win quickly," guessed Rutger, "This is the perfect One Turn Kill strategy—but it won't work against me!" He pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "Face-down card, open!" His first Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be… "'Metaverse'!" While he (Rutger) explained, Matt listened while scowling, "I must take 1 Field Spell from my Deck, and either activate it or add it to my hand," The leader of the Dark Signers held up a very familiar card ('Earthbound Prison'), "Do you remember this card?"
"That's 'Earthbound Prison'!" remembered Matt, stunned, "You gave that card and more to Sergey!"
"Correct!" nodded Rutger, slotting the card ('Earthbound Prison') into his Duel Disk, "I activate this card immediately!"
Within seconds of the mentioned card being played, the area around both duelists turned into a bleak, new cemetery-like place with stone statues of hands all around, akin to "The Hands" Nazca Line. Matt looked around at his surroundings, remembering how he faced the card once before against Sergey Volkov.
"'Earthbound Prison's' first effect!" boomed Rutger, "When this card is activated: I can target 1 Effect Monster my opponent controls; this card gains this effect."
This was the gained effect written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"While this card is in the Field Zone, I must negate that Effect Monster's effects!"
To Matt's shock, 'Junk Warrior' found himself getting electrocuted from the power of the enemy Field Spell, causing him to fall to a knee for a moment as his ATK dropped to normal (ATK: 3100 → 2300).
"And the card's second effect!" laughed Rutger, "During my Main Phase, I can Normal Summon 1 'Earthbound' monster in addition to my Normal Summon/Set!" Matt looked shocked, which he (Rutger) took great enjoyment in seeing, "Combined with 'Time-Tearing Morganite', this will give me THREE Normal Summons per turn!"
"My plan to win the duel immediately has failed," thought Matt, "But I won't give up—not when this is Rutger, leader of the Dark Signers!" He entered his Battle Phase, "Battle! 'Junk Warrior', get ready to attack!"
'Junk Warrior' returned to his feet, ready to unleash an attack upon 'Perdition Widow Spider'.
"As of now, I'll activate 'Perdition Widow Spider's' second effect!" cut in Rutger, while one of the floating materials around 'Perdition Widow Spider' disappeared and caused a purple barrier to form around it and prevent 'Junk Warrior' from attempting to attack it, "At the start of the Battle Phase: I can detach 1 material from this card; during this Battle Phase, a player can only attack with 1 monster, and its attack(s) becomes a direct attack!"
"Ngh…" Matt hissed, dismayed.
"Heh! Since 'Junk Warrior's' attack is now a direct attack, the effects of 'Scrap Fist' can't be applied," said Rutger smugly, "What will you do now, Matt?"
"The only way forward is for me to attack!" howled Matt, resuming his attack, "Go, 'Junk Warrior'! Direct attack!" While announcing the attack name, 'Junk Warrior' jumped into the air and flipped over 'Perdition Widow Spider' until he was right above Rutger, "Scrap Fist!"
'Junk Warrior' obeyed, fiercely throwing an energized punch at Rutger, who blocked the attack the best he could with the Duel Disk equipped on his left arm. The attack managed to push him back a little bit as 'Junk Warrior' backed off and returned to Matt's field, while Rutger himself lost a significant amount of LP from the attack (LP: 4000 → 1700). Upon recovering from being struck, he started laughing once more.
"What a sight, Matt!" praised Rutger, "You're fighting me with no holding back AND with the intent to kill! I praise you for your futile effort" He laughed again, "However, by attacking, all you've done is make things far harder for yourself!"
"Harder for myself?" repeated Matt, "What do you mean?"
"I activate 'Perdition Widow Spider's' third effect!" announced Rutger, "At the end of the Damage Step, if a monster inflicted battle damage by a direct attack: This card…" The barrier around 'Perdition Widow Spider' broke apart as it let out a screech and gained significant power from the amount of damage he sustained from the attack, (ATK: 1000 → 3300), "…gains ATK equal to the damage inflicted, then, I must inflict 1000 damage to my opponent!"
'Perdition Widow Spider' then fired off a thread of spider silk, striking Matt like a sword and causing him to briefly yell out, clutch his shoulder, and lose LP (LP: 4000 → 3000). With the Battle Phase over, the face-up 'Scrap Fist' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass, signaling the end of its effect.
"I tune Level 5 'Junk Warrior' into Level 1 'Junk Mail'!" declared Matt, pained.
'Junk Mail' turned into a single Synchro Ring, which hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Junk Warrior' while turning it into five orbs of light—and a Summon Chant ensued.
"Sacred wings that command the meteor shower! Ride the wind of souls around the world!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 5 + 1 = 6 were shown briefly just before the five orbs of light within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! 'Stardust Charge Warrior'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a humanoid monster wearing black and aqua blue-colored armor—with some of the armor resembling wings, and the unarmored parts appeared similar to Matt's shirt (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1300).
"'Stardust Charge Warrior'?" blinked Rutger, before growing further amused, "You got rid of your 'Junk Warrior' so quickly."
"A Synchro Monster that used 'Junk Mail' as material cannot be destroyed by battle!" cut in Matt, revealing his 'Junk Mail's' first effect, "I then activate 'Stardust Charge Warrior's' first effect!" He drew another card, "When this card is Synchro Summoned: I can draw 1 card!"
The drawn card was the 'Angel Baton' Spell Card—he would use that card in a minute or so.
"As for 'Stardust Charge Warrior's' second effect!" Matt went on, "This card can attack all Special Summoned monsters my opponent controls, once each!"
"Hmhmhm… A very handy effect against a field of weak monsters," grinned Rutger, "But your Battle Phase has come to an end!" Focus went towards the powered 'Perdition Widow Spider' (ATK: 3300), "And even if you could attack again, 'Perdition Widow Spider' has 3300 ATK!"
"I know that!" retorted Matt, before holding out his drawn card ('Angel Baton'), "I activate the Spell Card, 'Angel Baton'!" He drew two cards, then sent one card ('Stardust Xiaolong') to the GY, "I must draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card!" It was then he saw that one of his drawn cards was a Monster Card called 'Stardust Synchron'. Nodding carefully, he held another card ('Stardust Illumination') out, "Next, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Stardust Illumination'! I must send 1 'Stardust' monster from my Deck to the GY, or if I control 'Stardust Dragon' or a Synchro Monster that mentions it, I can Special Summon it instead!"
"You do not control anything that mentions 'Stardust Dragon'," Rutger pointed out, "The only thing you can do is send a 'Stardust' monster from your Deck to the GY!"
Nodding a second time, Matt drew the top card of his Deck, looked at it, then sent the card ('Stardust Trail') to the GY. From there, he took another card from his hand.
"I Set one card face-down…" While explaining his action, Matt slotted the card into his Duel Disk. This caused a face-down card to materialize on the field, "…and end my turn!"
Before anything else could happen (like Rutger beginning his turn), Matt and Rutger both heard the roar of Duel Runners. Sure enough, on Matt's side of the cliff, several Duel Runners came bursting from the trees beginning with Wheel of Fortune.
"E-Everyone!" gasped Matt, looking over his shoulder.
Once the Duel Runners stopped running, their riders threw off their helmets, got off, and approached the cliff edge in a hurry.
"Matt!" began Carlie.
"Fudo-san!" added David.
"Matt, damn you!" berated Michael angrily, "Why the hell did you sneak out to face the Dark Signers alone?!" He clenched his right hand into a fist and swung his whole arm about, "Why didn't you let us know?!"
He then felt a gentle touch on his upper left arm, which he saw came from Ashima, who shook her head as though she was telling him to let her talk to Matt. Accepting the idea, Michael took a step back and allowed Ashima to speak up.
"Why were you willing to go out on your own, Matt?" asked Ashima, more calmly but still upset, "I know you're hurting over the recent deaths, but it doesn't mean you…" Matt continued to listen to what she was saying, "…should cast us, your friends, aside and face our enemies all by yourself."
"Ashima…" muttered Matt.
"I welcome you all!" The voice of Rutger interrupted, causing Matt to look over. He looked very excited to see the rest of the Signers and two of their allies in Ashima and Zack, "As you can see, Matt is getting what he wants; a duel with me! Now that you've shown up, you can watch Matt die once I win the duel! It's my turn!"
The giant morganite above him started glowing and emitting dark energy, which wasn't lost on the audience.
"W-What is that?" stammered Lisa.
"Oh man, is that 'Time-Tearing Morganite'?" realized James R..
"'Time-Tearing Morganite', Hogan-kun?" pressed David, "Are you sure?"
"Sure am," nodded James R., as an enlarged image of the 'Time-Tearing Morganite' loomed in the background throughout his slight explanation of the card, "It's a really busted card, known to be very, very rare, and hardly ever sees play in major duels since activating monster effects in the hand is so prevalent in the current metagame."
"Well, we're seeing it in play," acknowledged Carlie.
Back on the stone bridge…
"Thanks to the effect of 'Time-Tearing Morganite', I draw two cards instead of one for my Draw Phase," recalled Rutger, drawing not one, but two cards, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Rutger Godwin (LP: 1700)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (4): "Earthbound Linewalker", "Earthbound Immortal Uru", "Roar of the Earthbound Immortal", and "Destiny Activator"
Both cards were 'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal' (Trap Card) and 'Destiny Activator' (Spell Card).
"They're here!" thought Rutger, before speaking aloud again, "I wish to share some of the other new power I received from the 'Earthbound Immortals'!" He added both cards into his hand and took another card ('Earthbound Linewalker'), "I Summon 'Earthbound Linewalker'!" The card was placed onto a Monster Zone on the Duel Disk, "Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a specter wearing the same outfit as Rutger, but with keeping the hood up—although his glowing eyes were seen throughout (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1900). Back on the other side of the cliff, the rest of the group watched and appeared anxious over seeing that new monster.
"'Earthbound Linewalker'?" flinched Michael.
"That monster looks almost like you in a way!" remarked Lisa nervously, gazing at the newly Summoned 'Earthbound Linewalker' and then at Rutger, "Only with the hood up and nearly no face…"
"'Linewalker's' monster effect!" explained Rutger, "'Earthbound Immortal' monsters cannot be destroyed by their own effects," He then revealed to Team 6D's, Zack, and Ashima another important gimmick the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters all had—one they were somewhat aware of, "An 'Earthbound Immortal' monster needs a Field Spell to be on the field in order for it to properly show off its power. If there isn't one, the first effect they share would force it to be destroyed at the end of the turn while also negating their other effects!"
"I see…" thought Matt, before making a move, "I activate a Trap, 'Synchro Barrier'!" 'Stardust Charge Warrior' faded away in a blue streak, "I must Tribute 1 Synchro Monster I control; I…" A red barrier formed around his whole field, "…do not take any damage until the End Phase of the next turn."
"I have a better idea," sneered Rutger, suddenly taking more damage (LP: 1700 → 850), "I activate the second effect of one of my 'Baby Spiders'!" A card ('Baby Spider') ejected from the GY and faded away into oblivion, while the remaining material floating around 'Perdition Widow Spider' disappeared, "I can pay half my LP, banish this card from my GY, and detach 1 material from my DARK Xyz Monster, then target 1 DARK monster in my GY; I must…" And with that, reappearing on the field was 'Mother Spider Splitter' (Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 2300), "…Special Summon it! Resurrect, 'Mother Spider Splitter'!"
Matt's eyes widened, since with more than two monsters on Rutger's field, and two more Normal Summons available from both the 'Time-Tearing Morganite' Spell Card and the 'Earthbound Prison' Spell Card, it meant the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster was coming. That was something everyone else knew, too.
"Matt, you cannot escape from this spider webbing," insisted Rutger, before holding his right hand out, "I Tribute 'Perdition Widow Spider' and 'Mother Spider Splitter'!"
Both monsters turned into colorful orbs of light/darkness and rose into the sky. To make matters worse for Matt, the whole field, due to it being a result of a Field Spell ('Earthbound Prison'), started reacting to the impending appearance of 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'. While that was going on, a Summon Chant from Rutger was heard.
"Dead spirits that hide inside my light of destiny, give me your power to bring true darkness to this changing world!" chanted Rutger, before placing a card ('Earthbound Immortal Uru') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Appear now, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'!"
The two colorful orbs soon reached the sky where the Spider geoglyph currently was and exploded, and appearing in the sky was the familiar-looking heart. The spirits from the field soon started rising into the sky and into the heart, causing it to beat louder and louder before it exploded with power. Crawling down an imaginary spider web was none other than Rutger's 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
"There it is! The 'Earthbound Immortal'!" exclaimed Zack.
No one else said a word throughout, because they were so busy gazing into the sky at the monster itself, remembering its first appearance from the junkyard. 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' looked down upon its prey, glad to be facing Matt again, thinking that, this time, it would eat him whole for lunch.
"Rutger was toying with me in our initial duel, but now he's dueling with all of his power," thought Matt, as he saw his reflection in the multiple eyes of 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', "Will I be able to beat him and his 'Earthbound Immortal' like this? Or will I need to reach a state of Top Clear Mind like Erica says I need to do?"
"As of now, I'll activate the fourth effect of 'Perdition Widow Spider'!" declared Rutger, as 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' let out a roar, "If this face-up Xyz Summoned card I control with no material…" He (Rutger) smiled wickedly as Matt listened with concern, "…is sent from the field to the GY: I must halve my opponent's LP!"
"Gah!" winced Matt.
Everyone else on the other side of the cliff, likewise, was not happy to hear that. Before long, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' looked down upon Matt again and started to attack.
"Hell Thread!" The voice of Rutger roared.
'Earthbound Immortal Uru' obeyed, firing off a very powerful spider thread towards Matt, breaking right through the barrier and impaling Matt through the chest before throwing him to the ground as his LP took a significant hit (LP: 3000 → 1500). It was then the Battle Phase began.
"Go forth, 'Uru'!" ordered Rutger, as 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' fired off another Hell Thread—this time towards 'Junk Converter', "Annihilate 'Junk Converter'!"
Poor 'Junk Converter' was no match for the attack and ended up hit and destroyed through explosion.
"But this is where you will see if destiny is indeed on your side," said Rutger, entering his Main Phase 2. He held up a card, "From my hand, I'll activate a Continuous Spell!" The card was slotted into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, which caused a Spell Card called 'Destiny Activator' to materialize face-up on the field, "'Destiny Activator'!"
"'Destiny Activator'?" pondered Matt.
"What the hell does 'Destiny Activator' do?" demanded Lisa, before folding her arms in a huff, "Still, I know I won't like it."
"When I activate this card, I have to send a card from the top of my Deck to the GY," answered Rutger, drawing the top card ('Earthbound Whirlwind') and holding it out, "This will trigger the first effect!" He sent the card to the GY, "During each of my opponent's Draw Phases, I must check the card my opponent draws. If it was a card of the same type of card I sent to the GY (Monster, Spell or Trap), I must destroy this card, and if I do, halve my opponent's LP."
Back on the other end of the cliff…
"Rutger drew a Spell Card," remembered Zack, "If Matt draws and reveals one of his own, his LP will get halved pretty badly."
"Damn! That move is such a cheap way to damage Matt because 'Synchro Barrier' is still in effect!" complained Lisa.
"Cheap it might be, it's still a good move," Michael pointed out.
Lisa just stomped on the ground with her left food. Back on the stone bridge, a face-down card materialized in front of Rutger…
"I Set one card face-down, and end my turn!" concluded Rutger, "Now, it's your turn. The next card you draw will determine your fate!"
"Tch!" scoffed Matt, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Four: Matt Fudo (LP: 1500)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (2): "Stardust Synchron" and "Stardust Wurm"
He revealed his drawn card to be a Monster Card called 'Stardust Wurm'.
"A Monster Card, huh?" observed Rutger, neither shocked nor unhappy, "You're someone with the devil's luck."
Back on the cliffside, Lisa and James R. were breathing a sigh of relief that their friend was not going to get hit for major damage—for now.
"Still, he can't let up his guard yet," worried Carlie, as David and Zack stood by her side, causing James R. and Lisa to look over at her. She carefully observed Matt's field with curiosity, "How are you going to fight against an 'Earthbound Immortal', Matt?"
"I Summon 'Stardust Wurm'!" called Matt, placing his drawn card onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing on the field was a miniature, wyvern-like version of 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"I can Tribute this card; I must…" revealed Matt, going over his monster's second effect. 'Stardust Wurm' faded away in a blue streak, causing a single card ('Stardust Xiaolong') to emerge from the GY, get taken, and held out for the opponent to see, "…Special Summon up to 2 Level 1 LIGHT Dragon monsters from my hand and/or GY, except 'Stardust Wurm', but their effects cannot be activated!" Appearing on the field was the Chinese Dragon-like version of 'Stardust Dragon' known as 'Stardust Xiaolong' (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100), "Appear now, 'Stardust Xiaolong'!" Still not being done, his GY started glowing as the dirty blonde-haired young man held his right hand out, "And from there, I'll Special Summon 'Stardust Trail' from my GY!"
Appearing on the field was a young woman with dragon wings, horns, and a tail, dressed in 'Stardust'-esque attire, and a hair-style very similar to the one Carlie had—but her hair color was instead reddish violet instead of brown (Level: 4/ATK: 500/DEF: 2000). The resemblance wasn't lost on the audience.
"Wow… That monster sorta looks like me in a way," admired Carlie.
"The similarity is most uncanny, Izayoi-san," agreed David.
"Hey, maybe you should dye your hair that color once we're back at Orb," suggested Lisa, "I think reddish violet hair would suit you quite well."
"Ha! Maybe in another lifetime," refused Carlie.
Back on the stone bridge…
"If a monster I control is Tributed (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card from my hand or GY, but banish it when it leaves the field," said Matt, going over his new monster's first effect. He then held another card ('Stardust Synchron') out, "The first effect of 'Stardust Synchron' activates! If this card is in my hand or GY: I can…" He removed the 'Stardust Xiaolong' Monster Card from the Monster Zone, causing the monster on the field to fade away in a blue streak, "…Tribute 1 monster; I must Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field, also, I cannot Special Summon…" While finishing up the explanation, he placed the card onto his Duel Disk, "…monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Synchro Monsters! I Special Summon 'Stardust Synchron'!"
Appearing on the field was a miniature, 'Synchron' version of 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000).
"I also activate my monster's second effect!" continued Matt, as a card ejected slightly from the middle of the Deck. He took the card ('Majestic Absorption') and looked at it for a moment, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand that mentions 'Stardust Dragon'!" Adding the card into his hand, he then held his right hand out, "I tune…" 'Stardust Trail' took to the skies, while 'Stardust Synchron' started glowing all white, "…Level 4 'Stardust Trail' into Level 4 'Stardust Synchron'!"
'Stardust Synchron' turned into four Synchro Rings, which 'Stardust Trail' flew into as her whole body became outlined with four orbs of light within—as a Summon Chant ensued.
"Clustering wishes will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Take flight, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
The beam of light burst apart, before the sparkles of stardust left behind came together and formed the body of a majestic-looking white dragon. The new dragon, flying through the night sky, let out a roar to signal its arrival to Rutger and 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000). With them having left the field, 'Stardust Trail' and 'Stardust Synchron' were banished due to their own effects; but that wasn't the true end for one of them.
"I activate 'Stardust Trail's' second effect!" exclaimed Matt, as another much weaker 'Stardust Trail' appeared on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "If a 'Warrior', 'Synchron', or 'Stardust' Synchro Monster is Synchro Summoned using this card as material: I can Special Summon 1 'Stardust Token'!" From there he took another card ('Junk Mail') from his GY and held it up for a few seconds before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "I will also activate the second effect of 'Junk Mail'! If this card is in my GY and I control a Synchro Monster with 'Warrior', 'Synchron', or 'Stardust' in its original name, except during the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field! Resurrect, 'Junk Mail'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Junk Mail' (Level: 1/ATK: 400/DEF: 100)—which was then followed by the reappearance of 'Stardust Xiaolong' on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"You brought back 'Stardust Xiaolong'?" grunted Rutger, who had been mostly quiet as Matt's turn carried on.
"If I control a 'Stardust Dragon': I can Special Summon this card from my GY in Attack Position," responded Matt, before making yet another big move, "I tune Level 1 'Stardust Xiaolong' into Level 1 'Junk Mail'!"
'Junk Mail' once again turned into a single Synchro Ring, which 'Stardust Xiaolong' flew into while turning into a single orb of light as a familiar Summon Chant was heard throughout.
"Clustering wishes will call out a new speed's horizon! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 1 + 1 = 2 were shown briefly just before the single orb of light within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! The power of hope, Synchro Tuner, 'Formula Synchron'!"
Appearing onto the speeding field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the robotic, humanoid racing car-like monster (Level: 2/ATK: 200/DEF: 1500).
"Once more, I'll activate the second effect of my Continuous Spell, 'Synchro Chase'!" reminded Matt, just as 'Stardust Xiaolong' reappeared on the field again (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100), "Resurrect, 'Stardust Xiaolong'!" He then drew another card after spending a few seconds speaking, "I also activate 'Formula Synchron's' first effect! When this card is Synchro Summoned: I can draw 1 card."
Back on the other end of the cliff…
"I've never seen Matt burn through so many cards and effects in one turn just to get different monsters out," gawked James R..
"And this has to be, what, the third or fourth time he brought out 'Stardust Xiaolong' this turn alone," observed Lisa.
"What do you guys think Matt is aiming for?" asked Carlie, "If he can't reach Clear Mind because of the amount of anger in his heart, what will he try instead?"
"We'll find out," assured Zack.
Back on the stone bridge…
"From my hand, I'll activate a Spell Card!" With that being said, Matt slotted one of his last cards into his Duel Disk. A Spell Card called 'Majestic Absorption' flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Majestic Absorption'!" He went over what his card did, "I must target 1 'Stardust Dragon', or 1 Synchro Monster that mentions it, that I control, then activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"I must equip 1 face-up monster my opponent controls to that target!"
-"It can attack directly this turn!"
-"This turn, each time it destroys an opponent's monster by battle, I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK!"
"I won't let you entertain any of those thoughts!" cut in Rutger, already knowing what Matt planned to do. To that end, one of his Set cards flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Counter Trap, 'Earthbound Wave'!"
"What?!" flinched Matt.
"When my opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card while I control an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster: I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it!" stated Rutger, as his face-up 'Earthbound Wave' Trap Card unleashed a blast of wind, striking the face-up 'Majestic Absorption' Spell Card and destroying it, "Your 'Majestic Absorption' is negated and wiped out!"
"Oh no!" complained Matt. Still not through, he held out the only other card ('Graceful Charity') in his hand, "Spell Card, 'Graceful Charity'!" He drew three cards (one at a time), "I must draw 3 cards," He added the cards into his hand, took two ('Assault Synchron' and 'Junk Dragonlet') of them, and sent them to the GY, "then discard 2 cards! I also activate the second effect of 'Stardust Illumination'!" The 'Stardust Illumination' Spell Card ejected from the GY and faded away into oblivion, causing 'Stardust Xiaolong's' Level to increase slightly (Level: 1 → 2), "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Stardust' monster I control; I must increase or decrease its Level by 1 until the end of this turn!"
"Another Synchro Summon?" pondered David.
"I tune Level 2 'Stardust Xiaolong', Level 1 'Stardust Token'…!" The voice of Matt called out, just as 'Stardust Token' and 'Stardust Xiaolong' both soared into the sky, "…into Level 2 'Formula Synchron'!"
'Formula Synchron' turned into two Synchro Rings, which were large enough for 'Stardust Xiaolong' and 'Stardust Token' to fly into together as they turned into three orbs of light (two for 'Stardust Xiaolong', and one for 'Stardust Token') as a Summon Chant echoed throughout the sequence.
"Gathering prayers will become a powerful and determined new horizon! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 2 + 1 + 2 = 5 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! The power of wisdom, Synchro Tuner, 'Accel Synchron'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the humanoid 'Synchron' monster modeled after Matt's Duel Runner, Fudo Go (Level: 5/ATK: 500/DEF: 2100).
"'Accel Synchron'!" recalled Carlie, just as a faded clip of Matt Synchro Summoning 'Accel Synchron' during their duel was superimposed over her, "Matt used it to bring out 'Stardust Warrior' during our duel!"
Back on the stone bridge, Matt had a way to use 'Accel Synchron' to the best of its ability—but, first, he needed to get rid of another 'Synchron' monster.
"I activate 'Accel Synchron's' first effect!" announced Matt, holding up a card ('Bri Synchron') taken from his Deck and sending it to the GY, "Once per turn: I can send 1 'Synchron' monster from my Deck to the GY, then activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects written on the Synchro Monster Card in-question:
-"I must increase this card's Level by the Level of the sent monster!"
-"I must reduce this card's Level by the Level of the sent monster!"
The spirit of 'Bri Synchron' briefly appeared on the field before merging with 'Accel Synchron', causing the Tuner Synchro Monster's Level to get reduced (Level: 5 → 1).
"Matt's reduced the Level of 'Accel Synchron'," said Zack urgently, "What the hell is he up to?"
"It's strange he didn't at least try to go all Clear Mind and bring 'Shooting Star Dragon' or 'Stardust Warrior' out even if there's a possibility of failure," mused Lisa.
"Matt's trying to go further than that," realized Michael, causing Ashima to look at him.
"Yes… yes, you're right, Mike!" accepted Carlie, also figuring out the whole strategy Matt's doing "He's attempting to reach what Erica showed him!"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
During the Turbo Duel between Flashback Matt and Flashback Ms. Simmons, and she just brought back her 'T.G. Wonder Magician' and 'T.G. Hyper Librarian' by sending 'T.G. Blade Blaster' to the GY.
"But why would you send your own Accel Synchro Monster to the GY?" asked Flashback Matt worriedly.
"This is what's beyond Accel Synchro," replied Flashback Ms. Simmons, with her right hand clenched into a fist.
She then revved up her Murasame and it began moving even faster than ever before, leaving Fudo Go way behind.
"What's going on?" blinked Flashback Matt.
"The state of supremacy beyond the limits of your own being!" uttered Flashback Ms. Simmons, before saying (rather yelling) something else completely out of the blue, "Top Clear Mind!"
(elsewhere…)
Outside the simulation, everyone present (even Flashback Mr. Kisaka) was shocked by what they heard Flashback Ms. Simmons say.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the simulation, everyone was going to see if it was true through the ultimate command being issued.
"I tune Level 2 'Recipro Dragonfly', Level 5 'Hyper Librarian' into Level 5 'Wonder Magician'!" The voice of Ms. Simmons announced, as 'T.G. Recipro Dragonfly' and 'T.G. Hyper Librarian' both were ready for the show, while something happened to 'T.G. Wonder Magician' as she closed her eyes. She kept her eyes very fierce-looking, "Observe this, Matt! Observe the true power of Accel Synchro!"
With her eyes still closed, 'T.G. Wonder Magician' started glowing before turning into five Synchro Rings as the Murasame Duel Runner continued picking up speed. It, along with both 'T.G. Recipro Dragonfly' and 'T.G. Hyper Librarian', soon went through the five Synchro Rings produced by 'T.G. Wonder Magician' into a tunnel of sorts as a whole new Summon Chant from Ms. Simmons began.
"Limiter Removal, Level Max! Regulator Open, All Clear! Infinite power, break through time and space to open up an unknown world!" chanted Ms. Simmons, as the symbols 2 + 5 + 5 = 12 were briefly shown before she delivered a final, very powerful yell, "Go! Delta Accel!"
With the last part yelled out, Murasame, with purple flames surrounding the front of the Duel Runner, continued to move at the speed of light. In addition, the sun in the background shrank and shrank before it finally went kaboom. Flashback Matt screamed as he felt the backlash from the sun's explosion. Meanwhile, up ahead on the track, Flashback Ms. Simmons was bringing out her newest monster…
"Come on, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'!" she thundered.
Appearing onto the field, now that the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a gigantic robot colored black with some orange hues and a large rocket pack on its back. The main weapon, on the other hand, was a giant staff with a blade at the very end (Level: 12/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000). A black hole was left behind where the virtual sun used to be before it exploded, and both 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' and 'Shooting Star Dragon' faced each other, ready for a battle.
"What is…?!" gasped Flashback Matt.
"Matt!" The voice of Flashback Ms. Simmons called out, which caused Flashback Matt to look up. She was looking over her shoulder at her opponent, "Did you see that? It's a Synchro Summon using three Synchro Monsters! This is a Synchro surpassing Accel Synchro!" She then clenched her right hand into a fist before pointing at her opponent, "It's called Delta Accel Synchro!"
Flashback Matt recoiled, "Delta Accel Synchro…!"
"If you want to be able to defeat the Dark Signers," The voice of Flashback Ms. Simmons continued, while Flashback Matt stared in utter shock at the revelation, "then you first must learn how to master Delta Accel Synchro! As a fellow Coordinator, you will have to prove to me that you surpass your limitations!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended. Back on the stone bridge, Matt had also remembered his duel with Ms. Simmons and learned all about Top Clear Mind, Delta Accel Synchro, and 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'; if he wanted to beat Rutger and the Dark Signers, he would need to master the newest Synchro Summon method—and the best way to do so would be to try it out. However, he needed one more Synchro Monster to be on his field in order to meet the criteria of at least two Synchro Monsters.
"Spell Card, 'Dimension Synchro'(!)!" began Matt, holding out the mentioned card, "I must banish 1 'Synchron' Tuner from my GY," One card ('Junk Synchron') emerged from the GY and faded into oblivion, which was then followed by another ('Stardust Charge Warrior') emerging from the GY. Reappearing on the field was 'Stardust Charge Warrior' with a reduced Level (Level: 3/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1300), "then target 1 'Warrior' Synchro Monster in my GY; Special Summon that target, and if I do, I must decrease its Level by the Level of the banished monster," He was shown with two fingers on the card (and Monster Zone) he retrieved before moving them away, "but its effects are negated, also it cannot attack this turn! As you can see, I've brought back 'Stardust Charge Warrior', who is now a Level 3 monster."
"Yes, I understand, now," murmured Rutger, "You're attempting to go beyond your abilities!"
"So you know what I'm planning," dismissed Matt coldly.
"Succeeding will indeed give you a great victory," Rutger admitted, but then grew defiant, "But in your current state of mind and your current level of power, you will never succeed in reaching Top Clear Mind!"
Matt recoiled a little bit, but was determined to succeed.
"No matter what, Rutger, I will go beyond my abilities without failure!" insisted Matt, "The state of supremacy beyond the limits of your own being! Top Clear Mind!"
"There he goes!" cried Lisa.
"Fudo-san is attempting the same technique Erica-senpai performed in their previous duel!" put in David.
"Top Clear Mind and Delta Accel Synchro!" finished Ashima.
Sure enough, the ultimate command was given as 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Stardust Charge Warrior' both took to the night sky.
"I tune Level 8 'Stardust Dragon', Level 3 'Stardust Charge Warrior'," The voice of Matt was thundering as the above scenario played out, also while 'Accel Synchron' started to glow all green, "into Level 1 'Accel Synchron'!"
'Accel Synchron' turned itself into a giant Synchro Ring, allowing for 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Stardust Charge Warrior' both to fly/soar into it and cause their respective bodies to become outlined with orbs of light (eight for 'Stardust Dragon' and three for 'Stardust Charge Warrior') as a whole new Summon Chant was heard throughout.
"Gathering stars and bonds that connect together, join our prayers and run toward the future! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 8 + 3 + 1 = 12 were shown very briefly. He then thrust his right hand out and let out a very hot-blooded scream, "Delta Accel Synchro!"
It looked like the eleven orbs of light within the lone Synchro Ring would line up and erupt into a massive beam of light and reveal the new, potentially unstoppable Delta Accel Synchro Monster from within. Growing more and more hopeful, Matt and his observing friends couldn't believe it; Top Clear Mind looked like it was holding on. It was all going to work out. Being a huge success, Matt was gonna pull out a whole new monster that would easily demolish both Rutger and 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'. There was nothing that could go wrong! Just then, everything that the group hoped wouldn't go wrong did, in fact, go wrong; the lone Synchro Ring started glitching out in a multitude of colors from yellow, red, basic green, blue, etc., and 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Stardust Charge Warrior' both roared as though they were in severe pain.
"WHAT?!" screamed Matt, getting the idea that the Top Clear Mind requirement had broken, "What's going on?!"
At last, the outlined bodies of both monsters ('Stardust Dragon and 'Stardust Charge Warrior') returned to being solid, and the Synchro Ring also turned back into an equally agonized 'Accel Synchron'—but not before the failure of Top Clear Mind seemed to cause the built-up energy of the Delta Accel Synchro to rebound now that it had nowhere to go, causing a horrified Matt to get hit by the backlash, yell in great pain, and be flung onto the ground near the geoglyph wall on his back, laying perfectly still. The rest of the group watched in complete shock and horror over the failure of Delta Accel Synchro.
"It can't be!" panicked James R..
"There's just no way!" protested Michael.
"Fudo-san…failed the Delta Accel Synchro Summon," came from David.
"Matty!" wailed Ashima. She then looked at everyone else around her, "How could this happen? I thought it looked certain he would succeed!"
No one had an answer as to what went wrong, but they were absolutely certain the Delta Accel Synchro would have worked, too. Back on the stone bridge, Rutger had watched the whole scene and closed his eyes for a few seconds with disappointment.
"The poor fool… I did warn him he wasn't ready to attempt it," sighed Rutger solemnly.
Suddenly, after a beat, his mouth formed a mad smile as he started snickering quietly, growing louder and louder as the group listened to it until he lifted his head up and burst into the evilest-sounding laughter ever heard. An injured Matt was still laying on the ground in complete shock as faded images of an evilly laughing Rutger (from the upper torso up) appeared near the middle of the night sky as a pained 'Stardust Dragon', 'Stardust Charge Warrior', and 'Accel Synchron' flew ('Stardust Dragon'), floated in midair ('Stardust Charge Warrior'), or remained safely on the bridge itself ('Accel Synchron') with 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' looming over them with malicious intent and Rutger's laughter continuing to echo throughout. With Matt's failure to reach/stay in Top Clear Mind, was attempting Delta Accel Synchro going to be his final mistake ever? Was this really going to be the end of him? Was Rutger really going to be victorious in the duel? Stay tuned for the answer.
And the rematch between Matt and Rutger has begun, with Rutger quickly getting out his "Earthbound Immortal Uru" and Matt attempting Top Clear Mind and Delta Accel Synchro, only for it to horribly backfire on him. Matt's been put in a very difficult position, and Rutger is soon going to try to finish him off. Until the next chapter comes, stay safe during these troubling times in the world.