The next few chapters are going to show how the Signers are doing while the group temporarily split up. There will a small Duel featured at the end. I hope you'll like it.
Special thanks to CitrusUnshiu who is my beta-reader!
The chapter begins in Sherry's point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 6: Fire Lightning Up the Hope
I would be lying if I said that I won't miss Japan. This country had the most significant meaning to me compared to the other ones where Mizoguchi and I had searched for clues about Iliaster. And it wasn't just because I had finally found the answers and defeated Iliaster, but I've also bonded with people I could trust. Especially with Aki that I shared a special bond with. I smiled slightly as I remembered the small hug we shared before I had to catch my flight. We didn't hug for a long time, but it still meant so much to me that I couldn't help but miss the redhead's soft arms around me. I sighed slightly, turning my attention to the now moving plane.
The flight to Paris was long, fifteen hours until we reached our destination and almost another hour to endure the airport procedures. And now I was here again, standing on French soil for the first time in over a decade. The country I was born in, the country where I lived a small part of my childhood in. It felt foreign to hear my native language spoken around me so vividly. But it wasn't unpleasant. Somewhat I felt at ease too, even though my journey wasn't over yet.
Mizoguchi and I decided to stay a few nights in Paris. Checking if my old home, the LeBlanc mansion, was still standing would be our first task after receiving our Duel Runners. We payed extra to transport them to France, which was quite pricey to be honest. But somehow I had the feeling that I wouldn't retrieve my dad's company, so I prepared myself as best as I could to somehow earn money during my stay here in France. And the easiest way to earn money is by far by Dueling.
Once we arrived in our small hotel in Paris, I really felt the strain from our long journey. I sat down on the small bed and sighed softly as I felt my phone vibrate softly. I picked it up, only to see Aki had written something on Line. I opened the message and had to smile softly. It was an animation of one cat poking another cat. I typed my message to her quickly, since I didn't want Aki to worry.
Sherry: I arrived safely.
Aki: Good, I was worried about you.
"You seem very happy, Milady", Mizoguchi commented while I was typing on my phone again. I just hummed softly, not really focusing on what Mizoguchi was saying.
Sherry: You don't need to worry. I'm a strong woman!
Aki: I know! I still worry about you, Sherry.
Aki: You should rest now, your trip was long, wasn't it?
An animation of a sleeping cat followed.
Sherry: Yes, it was a long journey.
Aki: Talk to you tomorrow, Sherry!
Sherry: Hm, good night, Aki.
XXXXXXXXXX
After receiving our Duel Runners almost a week after arriving in Paris, we prepared directly to drive from Paris to my old home that was located near Metz. It was approximately a four hour ride, taking the auto route. We arrived a bit after noon. The sun was shining brightly at the huge garden of the mansion. I gently removed my helmet and placed it on the top of the seat of my Runner before I stepped a bit closer to the gates of the mansion. My old home was still standing and very lively. There were so many children who played with each other, smiling and laughing while running around. A pleasant sight, that reminded me of myself when I was their age. A little girl saw us and walked to the gate with a doll cradled in her arms. "Bonjour, Madame (Hello, Miss)", she greeted shyly.
"Salut (Hello)", I greeted gently in return, crouching down to her eye level so I didn't look so intimidating to her. "Is there an adult nearby?"
"Euh...yes", the girl replied, her eyes staring me like she was trying to solve a puzzle.
"Can I talk to them?" I asked.
"D'accord (Alright)", the girl said with a nod and ran to the mansion, barely missing a football that almost hit her legs. The boys yelled after her to apologize for their recklessness, but it was quickly forgiven.
"Milady… I believe the LeBlanc mansion is now functioning as an orphanage", Mizoguchi spoke up.
"Hm", I nodded with my arms crossed, feeling relieved the LeBlanc mansion had been put up to good use and hadn't fallen into the hands of devious people.
The little girl came out of the building and pulled along a woman in her late forties. She was wearing an apron with fresh stains, so she must have been cooking when the girl brought her outside. "Camille, that woman looks like the girl on the portrait, don't you think?" the girl said excitedly as they came closer to the gate.
"Marion, ma chérie, I highly doubt it...", the woman trailed off when she spotted me and Mizoguchi waiting at the other side of the gate. She looked like she had just seen a ghost, but the color on her cheeks swiftly returned when she snapped out of the trance. "Bonjour (Hello)", she greeted us.
"Bonjour, Madame (Hello, Miss)", I greeted with a soft wave of my hand. "I'm Sherry LeBlanc and this is my guardian Mizoguchi", I introduced ourselves.
Mizoguchi nodded silently to the caretaker, keeping his usual demeanor.
"So I was not mistaken", the caretaker said, which confused me a little. "Please follow me", she said before unlocking the gate and escorting us inside. On the way there we got bombarded by the curious children who had stopped playing to welcome us. Some of them recognized me and Mizoguchi from the Grand Prix while other said I looked awfully familiar to the girl on the portraits. It was quite the surprise to learn the orphanage had kept a family portrait of me and my parents.
The caretaker brought me and Mizoguchi to the living room where we settled down on the couches. Mizoguchi stood behind the couch like always, still being very cautious for my safety. Another woman in her thirties came in to leave some tea and sweets on the coffee table before she left us so we could have a private discussion. "My name is Camille. I'm the head of the orphanage", she finally introduced herself.
"It's nice to meet you, Madame", I said. "How long has this orphanage been operative?"
"A little over a decade", Camille replied, her eyes growing sad. "The tragedy of the LeBlanc family left quite a bothersome reputation when it was up on the market. Nobody wanted to buy it, but I didn't want to see a beautiful mansion get demolished, so I bought it and made it an orphanage for children who lost their families."
"So the massacre of the LeBlanc family…is publicly known?" I asked, wanting to confirm the rumors. I took a sip of the tea, the taste of sweet citrus tickling my taste buds.
"Yes", Camille nodded after she had moistened her lips with her cup of tea. "But now it's rarely spoken about because the children fill the dark gaps with their joy and smiles. The only reminders are the few portraits I've decided to keep to honor the LeBlanc family."
"I see…", I mumbled softly, feeling a warmth in my heart by the fact my old home was being treated so well and the caretaker was respectful toward my deceased parents. "Were either I or Mizoguchi…ever mentioned in the list of the deceased that night?"
"No; both of you were labeled Missing in Action", Camille shook her head. "Many feared you got kidnapped and trafficked by the people who invaded the mansion, so no one knew whether you were alive or not. So it was a surprise when I saw you on the TV when you participated in the World Racing Grand Prix."
"So you recognized me?" I asked.
"Of course", Camille smiled, a sad glance shining in her eyes before she wiped a tear off with a handkerchief. "I never once thought I'd meet the LeBlancs' daughter after the tragedy… I can't imagine the hardships you had to face throughout the years…"
"I appreciate the sympathy, Madame", I said, feeling a little awkward that a stranger had worried about my well-being since the incident. "It was a tough childhood, but I survived…thanks to my guardian." I cast a smile at Mizoguchi who returned it with one of the corners of his lips moving upward. I was really lucky to have an adult like him who had dedicated his life to serve the LeBlanc family.
"You've grown into a lovely lady, Madame LeBlanc", Camille sniffed after she put away the handkerchief, but her expression changed into concern. "I'm sorry to ask this but… Do you perhaps wish to…reclaim the mansion?"
The question caught me off guard. I hadn't really thought about getting back my old home. The one thing I cared more about was to retrieve my dad's company from the clutches of Iliaster's allies. I found that more important than the mansion. Of course, it used to be my home, but after everything that had happened here… It didn't really feel like it anymore. Besides, it was fulfilling a better purpose now and I didn't have the heart to take it away from so many innocent children who could sleep under a roof and behind safe walls that protected them from many evil people.
"No. You can rest assure; I have no intentions of reclaiming LeBlanc's properties", I replied with a smile. "It eases my heart that the mansion is the home of so many unfortunate children who lost their loved ones and have a wonderful caretaker like you who look after them. Besides, even if I wanted to buy the mansion back, I don't have the money for it."
Camille let out a relieved sight, probably feeling a large weight lifting up from her shoulders. "Then the least I can do is to give you some pictures I've saved if you were ever to return", she smiled before she stood up from the couch.
I blinked, surprised to hear there were more pictures saved than the few I've seen on the walls when I stepped inside the building. "You…saved them?"
"Of course I did", Camille nodded. "They're precious pictures of your family. It's only fair I give them back to the true owner. Follow me."
The head of the orphanage led me and Mizoguchi to my dad's old study room that was now Camille's office. The old safe my dad had got replaced with a new one that was a little bigger. Camille unlocked the safe and pulled out carefully a couple of canvases that had been wrapped in white sheets to preserve them. We removed them so I could see which pictures Camille had stored away for me. There was one of me and my parents having a picnic with the mirabelle bearing fruit in the background and another of me taking horse riding lessons with my mom and my dad watching over me behind the fence. The picnic picture had been taken shortly before the massacre because the picture me cradled the teddy bear like it was my precious treasure. Mom and Dad looked at me with such gentle and warm eyes as I sat between them, their hands resting on my back as I stared straight at the photographer with a big smile, not knowing that my happy life was about to come to an end.
I bit my bottom lip as I held back a tear that tried escaping my eye. I blinked it away, but it still managed to run down my cheek and dropped onto my arm. Seeing this particular photograph stirred so many feelings in my soul, and yet I was happy that one of my last moments with my parents got captured in a timeless capsule, reminding me of the happy life I had with them, even if it got short-lived.
"Thank you…for preserving these pictures, Ms. Camille", I thanked the elderly woman, feeling very grateful for this lovely gift.
"Would you like to bring them along with you now?" Camille asked.
I wiped the remnants of the tear off my cheek before answering. "I don't think we can carry them on our Runners", I let out a sheepish snort. "I'll have to come back another day to retrieve them."
"I understand. I'll keep them safe until that day", Camille nodded. "Or if you have a fixed address, I can deliver them to you."
"We're still looking for a place to stay at the moment", I explained. "Once we've settled down, I'll contact you for the pictures."
"Okay. I'll give you a business card with my contacts."
Camille wrapped up the pictures and put them back in the safe before she walked to her desk and opened a drawer to look for the business card. This reminded me of an important question.
"I almost forgot…", I began as I accepted the business card from Camille. "Do you know what happened to my dad's company after the incident?"
Camille gave me a surprised look like I had grown a second head. "What company?" she asked, sounding purely confused.
I held back a frown as the bad feelings grew in my stomach. "My father was the CEO of a card company before our family lost it to…some rivals", I explained, hoping to hear the company was still existing after Iliaster's history alternation.
"Sweetheart, I'm afraid the stress you've endured throughout the years may have confused your mind", Camille said concernedly. "Your father was the descendant of the LeBlanc family who governed the lands here and received their fortune from the prosperous harvests."
So Iliaster had truly erased my dad's company from history. They "rewrote" it by saying my family was a wealthy family that received their fortune by governing the lands. This meant I couldn't revive my dad's company.
"Right… How could I forget that", I replied, feeling a little defeated. Mizoguchi placed a gentle hand on my shoulder to show he was supporting me, even after hearing this devastating news.
"Do you know where Madame and Monsieur LeBlanc are resting?" my guardian asked, taking over the last of the conversation. "We wish to see them."
"They're resting in the central graveyard in Metz", Camille replied with a soft tone, although her voice sounded hazy in my ears. I was still in a small state of shock after it had been confirmed the company did no longer exist. "I'm sure they're waiting for you to visit them, child."
XXXXXXXXXX
Camille told us exactly where my parents were resting, so Mizoguchi and I visited them later that same day. We stopped by a flower shop to buy a bouquet first before we reached the graveyard. My heart beat rapidly and sweat coated my hands that cradled the bouquet. I felt nervous, which was an unusual feeling for me. Standing in front of my parents' grave didn't really help with that feeling either.
I crouched down and placed the bouquet in the little space between the graves so they could share the flowers I had picked out for them. I never realized my hand was shaking until I reached out and touched the smooth surface of Mom's tombstone. "Maman… Papa… I'm back", I whispered, feeling my voice shaking as emotions I had put a lid on for so long were leaking out. I've always put up a brave mask to conceal my true feelings, but now being reunited with my family I could finally remove the mask and bawl like a lost child.
I couldn't remember the last time I had cried so much. I used to cry myself to sleep as a child while Mizoguchi and I were on the run, but those tears quickly dried up after I had comprehended the harsh reality. My tears and sadness could never bring my parents back. I had to accept the fact no matter how much it hurt.
I never sensed Mizoguchi grabbing my shoulders as I cried heavy tears in front of my parents. It felt assuring I had somebody by my side supporting me in my vulnerable state like now. I didn't have to act tough and be constantly on alert anymore. I had no enemies running after my tail anymore. I could finally be a normal human being.
I wiped my eyes clean from the tears and took a couple of deep breaths to calm down after the little outburst. "I'm sorry…", I mumbled, mainly to my parents. "It's been a long and tiresome journey. I did my best to avenge you," I said softly. There were so many things that were on my mind, all the events that had happened during my long journey. "Thank you for trusting me with the card, Papa," I said softly, fresh tears running down my face as I remembered him gifting me the teddy bear. I shook my head, trying to get rid of negative feelings. "I had help from a lot of friends," I continued and immediately an image of Aki appeared in my mind. "One day, I hope I can introduce a very precious friend of mine", I told my parents. "She's affected my life so much. I hope she'll strive and blossom into a beautiful rose. And I'll find a new goal in my life and become the best I can be. I promise I won't disappoint you, Papa, Maman."
I straightened up just as a gentle gust blew around and threw up dust and leaves. My hair blew onto my face, so I quickly tucked the strands behind my ears. In a mere second, I swore I heard the whispering voices of my parents in the wind caressing my ears.
"We will always be proud of you… Our white knight…"
I stared at the tombstones and thought I saw my parents' spirits sitting on top of them, both smiling at me with their hands intertwined. When I blinked my eyes to get rid of the little dust the image of them were gone. It must've been an imagination created by my overstimulating senses.
I threw one last smile at the tombstones. "I will be back. I promise", I said. I stepped to the side so Mizoguchi could also speak to them. I looked up at the evening sky and had a moment to myself to think about the next step.
The only thing I had left in France was my parent's grave. The LeBlanc mansion was put into good use and I was always allowed to come back and visit the orphanage whenever I want. However, the card company was gone for good, so I needed to decide what I wanted to do in my life.
First things first, Mizoguchi and I need to find a place to stay temporarily. Hotels may be an option for the short run, but if we want to stay in France a small apartment would be preferable. After paying for our flights and for paying extra to get our Duel Runners transported to France, we only had little money left. So in order to get back to Japan to see Aki again by her graduation in March, we'll need to earn some money. Now that Team Royal Knights was well-known in the Turbo Dueling world, we could use the reputation we gained to enroll in the French Turbo League.
Maybe I'll find the right path for me during my stay here.
XXXXXXXXXX – Crow's POV
It was only a few days ago Jack left us on his long journey and now it was my turn to depart to the police academy. I had the recommendation letter, written by Trudge, tucked safely inside my vest while I prepared my Duel Runner outside of the garage with Yusei in the early dawn, trying to make little noise as possible to not wake up Zora and Lyndon.
Yusei tightened the final knot on the rope that held my suitcase on the back of the Runner and double-checked if it was properly strapped. I didn't want to drop my suitcase in the middle of the highway and lose all my stuff. That'd be a disaster and an embarrassment, especially now that I was known as one of New Domino City's saviors and a proud member of Team 5D's.
"There. That should do it", Yusei told me after finishing the inspection.
"Great! Thanks a lot, Yusei!" I grinned before I put on my helmet. "Now I'm ready for the police academy."
"You're really going, aren't you?" Yusei chuckled softly, a pinch of sadness ripping in his voice, while I climbed onto the Runner and turned the engine on.
"Yeah…", I nodded hesitantly, feeling a little saddened too that I was leaving, before putting on a brave smile. "But don't worry! I'll be back before you know it! Heck, I'll be here by the time Aki graduates and the twins finish the sixth grade, and there's no way I can miss that. You're gonna keep my and Jack's stuff safe while we're away?"
"Of course", Yusei nodded. "I'll make sure your stuff stays here until you and Jack decide what to do next when you return."
"Great! Good thing to know that Zora won't replace us as her tenants until then", I laughed heartily. "Take care, Yusei. Good luck with the studies! Ace that exam in January!"
"I will. Take care, Crow."
"See you later! And check my nest every now and then, please!"
I revved the engine of the Runner softly, but it still made a loud noise when I drove away from the Fountain Plaza before Zora or somebody else could have a chance to pop their head out of a window and yell at me for being so loud in the early morning.
I was a little excited to try out something new. Trudge had recommended me to join the police academy because he claimed I had the qualities to become a Security officer. It was quite the surprise when I heard that. This meant I was going to be the second member of the Enforcers to become an officer and serve and protect the citizens.
In a way, I was going to make amendments for the crimes I had committed back in the days when I fought to survive in the old Satellite and provide for the kids I took under my wing.
To think that Crow the Thief is about to become Crow the Security. Quite the irony, but times have changed and I wasn't scared of the new things that were about to enter my life.
No matter the obstacles, I'll crush them with guns blazing with my Blackwings.
XXXXXXXXXX – Yusei's POV
I watched the black Duel Runner round the corner and stayed outside until the noise of the engine was no longer echoing in the plaza. I exhaled a sigh and walked back inside the garage and pulled the shutter down, ready to go back to bed and get a couple more hours of sleep. As soon as I turned around, I realized how empty and silent the garage was. Only my Duel Runner was left and a huge space was now available for me to put my stuff.
I couldn't remember when the last time I was actually alone was. I had grown up with Jack and Crow and Martha's and we had stayed together during the time as the Enforcers. Even after we had split up, I found new friends in Rally, Tank, Nervin and Blitz. They had been with me on a daily basis as we worked together to build both my Duel Runners.
I wasn't really used to the silence around me. It felt a little eerie and uncomfortable, like I was expecting some danger to arise from the shadows again and I had to face it alone. I knew I was just hallucinating and still on the edge after the events with Iliaster. I had to get used to the new environment and circumstances. I knew I wasn't exactly alone. I had Zora and Lyndon living right next door and I was certain Aki and the twins were going to visit me occasionally with their classmates, and Estelle would drop by to help me with the studies or just spend time with me.
The mere thoughts of my friends and girlfriend cheered me up a little as I walked up the stairs to the bedrooms to get some rest. I had to change my sleep routine now that there was no more pressure on me to construct a new engine for a competition or save the world for the third time. I had recently seen a doctor who warned me that if I continued having these irregular sleep hours, it could affect not just my brain but also my body in a negative way which could lead to illnesses in the future.
I learned from Misaki that being a university student meant you often had to stay awake late to finish essays or assignments and something even pull all-nighters which was common to me. I had to take the opportunity to sleep properly and not worn myself out before becoming a university student.
I had lots of money saved on my bank account after we had split up the prize money among the team, so I could hopefully pay all the bills during the university years. Zora still insisted that I didn't have to pay rent and I could stay in the garage for as long as I want. It was one of my goals to have my own place someday, so perhaps I should consider looking for a part-time job once I enroll to the university.
XXXXXXXXXX – Jack's POV
It had taken some time, but I finally made it to Spain. I contacted Team Unicorn and requested a Turbo Duel with Andre. It was about time I got a rematch after losing to him in the World Racing Grand Prix. The team had a full schedule for the rest of the year, but Andre made an exception to Duel me on one of his free days. One of their sponsors gave us access to a private course where we could Turbo Duel our hearts out.
I was dressed in my riding suit, waiting for my opponent to arrive at the course. I had arrived early and the staff had allowed me in after confirming my identity. I sat comfortably on the seat of my Duel Runner and turned the pages of a scrapbook I received from Carly shortly before I left Japan. There were photos and articles mostly about me, but there were also pictures of me with my Duel Monsters and friends, and a couple of me and Carly together, mostly from outings we took when we were free from work.
Just the knowledge that Carly was safe and doing her best to achieve her goal made my heart feel at ease.
I closed the scrapbook when a Duel Runner braked next to mine. "¡Hola! Sorry I made you wait, Jack!" Andre called, flashing me a grin.
I snorted loudly as I put away the scrapbook in a compartment on the side of my seat. "It's about time! I'd be very disappointed if you were to surrender before the Turbo Duel", I taunted him.
"No way will I back down from a challenge", Andre chuckled. "I hope you don't mind Breo and Jean watching our Duel. They canceled their plans for today to come and support me."
I turned to the stands and found Andre's teammates and some of the staff on the seats. Breo and Jean waved to me and I returned the gesture by nodding to them. "I don't mind having people witnessing me crushing you", I smirked at my opponent.
"We'll see about that", Andre returned the smirk, his eyes shining of determination before they softened. "I'll defeat you like in the Grand Prix…hopefully without any crashes like last time."
"My Runner's in the best shape it can be", I stated, patting the dashboard like it was my child I was proud of. "Yusei fixed it before I left Japan. But enough talking now! Let's Duel!"
"I agree. Let's do it!" Andre nodded.
"Field Spell, Speed World 2, set!"
The Field Spell got activated and set up the Solid Vision. The holographic lamp appeared above the start like and started counting down for the Turbo Duel to begin. I twisted the throttle a little, feeling restless to speed off and take the first corner before Andre.
The lamp flashed from red to green with an alarming noise. Andre and I drove off in full speed, both of our eyes locked onto the first corner of the course. This time, Andre wasn't using the overboost system so we were quite equal.
"Turbo Duel! Acceleration!" we yelled when we were just meters away from the corner.
Andre was closer to the corner, so with some maneuver, he rounded it first before me. It made sense because he must be familiar with the course and trained here multiple times to get the advantage.
"Sorry, Jack, but I'll take the first turn!" Andre called.
"That's fine by me", I replied. "At least you didn't cheat this time with the overboost system!"
"I don't know what you're talking about", Andre teased back. Oh, now he's really gonna get it!
"Duel!" Andre and I called simultaneously.
Andre: 4000 LP
Jack: 4000 LP
I drew the top five cards and put them on my Wrist Dealer. I got Vice Dragon, Sword Master, Battle Fader, Speed Spell – Angel Baton and Descending Lost Star. It was a very good hand.
"My turn! Draw!" Andre yelled, drawing his sixth card. "I Special summon Egotistical Ape by discarding Monoceros from my hand and his Level decreases by three Levels, so he's now a Level 2 Tuner Monster!"
Egotistical Ape, Level 5 – Level 2, Tuner: ATK 1200
"Next, I summon Mine Mole in attack mode!"
Mine Mole, Level 3: ATK 1000
I quickly realized Andre was using cards from Breo's Deck. It didn't really bother me; Team Unicorn's Decks were similar to each other so they could cover their weak points and build up their strength.
"I tune Level 2 Egotistical Ape with Level 3 Mine Mole! Galloping in the heavens like thunder, crisscrossing them like a might gate, appear forth from the world of myth and legend! Synchro summon! Neigh, Thunder Unicorn!"
The Synchro horse neighed as it appeared on the field, replacing the Monsters Andre had summoned moments ago.
Thunder Unicorn, Level 5: ATK 2200
"When Mine Mole's sent to the Graveyard for the Synchro summon of a beast Monster, I draw one card from my Deck. I place three cards facedown and end my turn!"
Three facedowns? They weren't going to scare me from attacking him.
"My turn!" I yelled, drawing my sixth card.
Andre: 4000 LP = SPC 1
Jack: 4000 LP = SPC 1
The card I had just drawn was Trap Eater. It could come in handy later if one of Andre's facedown cards were a Continuous Trap card. "Since you control a Monster and I don't, I can Special summon Vice Dragon from my hand! His attack points are cut in half by this summoning!"
Vice Dragon, Level 5: ATK 2000 – ATK 1000
"I now summon Sword Master in attack mode!"
Sword Master, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 1200
"Now it's my turn to tune Level 3 Sword Master with Level 5 Vice Dragon! The ruler's heartbeats will now file through here! Bear witness to its creation shaking power! Synchro summon! My very soul, Red Dragon Archfiend!"
Flames erupted around me as Red Dragon Archfiend flew up to the sky and roared at Thunder Unicorn. He had a bone to pick with the unicorn and I was going to help him fulfilling his wishes.
Red Dragon Archfiend, Level 8: ATK 3000
"I activate my Trap; Tuner Capture!" Andre yelled. "When my opponent Synchro summons a Monster, I can Special summon one Tuner Monster used for that Synchro summon from your Graveyard to my side of the field!"
"What?!" I growled, astonished by the move.
A crane hook appeared from the Trap card and fired toward my side of the field and into a gate. It pulled out Sword Master and forced him to Andre's side, standing next to Thunder Unicorn.
Sword Master, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 1200
"You'll regret stealing my Monster!" I threatened Andre. "Battle! Red Dragon Archfiend, attack Thunder Unicorn! Absolute Powerforce!"
Red Dragon Archfiend responded to my command and flew toward Thunder Unicorn with his fist on fire. He was going to crush the horse and show Andre his own anger for kidnapping one of his comrades.
"I activate my second Trap; Horn of the Phantom Beast!" Andre yelled. "I equip it to Thunder Unicorn and he gains 800 attack points!"
Thunder Unicorn, Level 5: ATK 2200 – ATK 3000
"Wait!" I exclaimed in surprise. "That means our Monsters are gonna crash!"
"That's the point!" Andre retorted. "Go, Thunder Unicorn!"
Thunder Unicorn neighed and dashed toward Red Dragon Archfiend with its horn sparkling by electricity. It blocked Red Dragon Archfiend's fist and sparks and fire engulfed them at the impact. The two Monsters screeched before they exploded into millions of pieces.
"I'm not done! When my beast Monster is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can pay 1000 Life Points to Special summon Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest from my hand!"
Andre: 4000 LP – 3000 LP = SPC 1
Jack: 4000 LP = SPC 1
The giant gorilla-like Monster bounced out from a gate with its large club in its hand. Andre was smart, and lucky, to have that humongous beast in his hand and summon it straight after he lost his ace Monster.
Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest, Level 7: ATK 2600
"And since Horn of the Phantom Beast was equipped to Thunder Unicorn who did destroy Red Dragon Archfiend, I get to draw one card from my Deck!"
I held back a frustrated growl that he got a big advantage after he had sacrificed his Monster. He was still sneaky like before.
"Main Phase 2! I place one card facedown and end my turn!" I shouted, setting Descending Lost Star.
"My turn!" Andre yelled as he drew his next card.
Andre: 3000 LP = SPC 1 – SPC 2
Jack: 4000 LP = SPC 1 – SPC 2
"I activate my Continuous Trap; Call of the Haunted! I Special summon Thunder Unicorn in attack mode!"
That explains why Andre was calm. He had a backup plan to bring his ace Monster back! But I had the very same plan as long as I got the right cards and could survive this turn.
Thunder Unicorn, Level 5: ATK 2200
"By the cost of just one Tribute, I release your Sword Master to Tribute summon my Level 10 Behemoth the King of a Hundred Battles!"
Sword Master transformed into a rainbow orb and shapeshifted into a massive version of the old Behemoth Andre used against Yusei in that practice match before the Grand Prix. It looked majestic like a king.
Behemoth the King of a Hundred Battles, Level 10: ATK 2700
"When this Behemoth is Normal summoned, it becomes unaffected by the activated effects of Special summoned Monsters", Andre was kind enough to explain this new Monster's effect. "I was hoping for a challenge, but I'm afraid this is your end, Jack! Battle! Behemoth the King of a Hundred Battles, attack Jack directly!"
Behemoth roared and ran towards me, a growl slipping through those sharp exposed teeth. He glared at me like a predator about to pounce its prey.
"I won't let your Monsters touch a hair on me!" I yelled. "When my opponent's Monster declare a direct attack, I can Special summon Battle Fader from my hand and end the Battle Phase!"
Battle Fader appeared in front of me and activated its pendulum. Shockwaves emitted from it that forced Behemoth to stop in his tracks. Behemoth growled, disappointed for not being able to fulfill the attack, and moved back as the Battle Phase ended.
Battle Fader, Level 1: ATK 0
"I almost had you", Andre muttered softly. "But I'm relieved to see you still have the fire in you, Jack."
"I've never lost it", I retorted. "You'll see more of it soon, Andre."
"I'm sure I will", Andre chuckled. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."
"My turn!" I called, drawing Red Screen, as I commenced my turn.
Andre: 3000 LP = SPC 2 – SPC 3
Jack: 4000 LP = SPC 2 – SPC 3
I added the Trap card on the Wrist Dealer before I took the Speed Spell. "I play Speed Spell – Angel Baton! Since I have more than two Speed Counters, I can draw two cards and send one card from my hand to the Graveyard!" I drew the next two cards and got Synkron Resonator and Red Cocoon, two new cards I had recently added to my Deck. It was an easy decision to send Red Cocoon to the Graveyard. "I activate my Continuous Trap; Descending Lost Star! I Special summon Red Dragon Archfiend from the Graveyard in defense mode, but his effects are negated, defense points are zero and Level decreases by one!"
Flames erupted around me again as my Signer Dragon raised from them with a harsh growl. It was easy to tell he was frustrated that he had to get summoned in defense mode and lose most of his strength.
Red Dragon Archfiend, Level 8 – Level 7: DEF 2500 – DEF 0
But what nobody knew was I had a backup plan and I was going to execute it now. "I Special summon Trap Eater from my hand by sending your face-up Call of the Haunted to the Graveyard!"
"What?!" Andre gasped just as Trap Eater appeared next to him and gobbled down Call of the Haunted. Thunder Unicorn neighed before it got forced down into a gate now that the Trap card was gone from the field.
Trap Eater, Level 4, Tuner: ATK 1900
"You have gotten rid of Thunder Unicorn, but I've still got Green Baboon and Behemoth", Andre called, sounding very confident. "You cannot pierce through their strength."
I chuckled with a snort, feeling a little entertained by Andre's confidence. "That's where you're wrong", I replied. "Because there is a Synchro Monster on the field, I can Special summon Synkron Resonator from my hand!"
Synkron Resonator, Level 1, Tuner: ATK 100
My Mark began glowing as I felt the Blazing Soul activate within me. It was giving me the power to perform my own version of Synchro summoning. "I double tune Level 4 Trap Eater and Level 1 Synkron Resonator with Level 7 Red Dragon Archfiend! The King and the Devil, here and now, shall become as one. A Raging Spirit! Lift up the very cries of creation itself! Synchro summon! Come forth, Red Nova Dragon!"
The flames grew wilder and reached higher up to the sky as Red Dragon Archfiend transformed into his ultimate form. Red Nova Dragon screeched as the flames gave way to reveal him to Andre and the people who were about to witness his demise.
Red Nova Dragon, Level 12: ATK 3500
"That's…!" Andre gasped at the sight of the dragon. "…Red Dragon Archfiend's true form?!"
"Red Nova Dragon gains 500 attack points for every Tuner Monster in my Graveyard!" I continued. "I have three right now, so he gains 1500 attack points!"
The silhouettes of the three Tuner Monsters were absorbed by Red Nova Dragon, lending him their power to build up the strength within him.
Red Nova Dragon, Level 12: ATK 3500 – ATK 5000
"Battle! Red Nova Dragon, attack Behemoth the King of a Hundred Battles with Burning Soul!" I yelled.
The dragon roared as he enveloped himself with fire and flew like a jet toward Behemoth, ready to burn him down into ashes and raise as the true king of this Turbo Duel.
"I activate my Continuous Trap; Berserking!" Andre rudely interfered as he activated his facedown card. "I select Green Baboon to lose half his attack points and give the other half to Behemoth, so his attack points raises to 4000!"
Green Baboon glowed in a fiery orange light and transferred half of his power to Behemoth who accepted it.
Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest, Level 7: ATK 2600 – ATK 1300
Behemoth the King of a Hundred Battles, Level 10: ATK 2700 – ATK 4000
"Hrm! Your Behemoth may have raised its attack points, but it will still get destroyed!" I shouted.
Red Nova Dragon pierced through Behemoth's abdomen and forced it to explode into an inferno. The remnants of Behemoth rained upon Andre along with the ember from the attack, decreasing his Life Points with an additional one-thousand.
Andre: 3000 LP – 2000 LP = SPC 3
Jack: 4000 LP = SPC 3
"At least I didn't take lots of damage this turn…", Andre responded as he recovered from the attack.
"You're resilient", I complimented him. "Main Phase 2! I switch Battle Fader to defense mode and place one card facedown before going to my End Phase!"
Battle Fader, Level 1: ATK 0 – DEF 0
"During the End Phase, since I sent Red Cocoon to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special summon Red Dragon Archfiend from the Graveyard! Return, my rugged soul!"
A tornado of fire came to life next to Red Nova Dragon with a black silhouette inside of it. The tornado got ripped apart, revealing Red Dragon Archfiend. Now I had both my best Synchro Monsters on the field, the perfect field if I do say so myself.
Red Dragon Archfiend, Level 8: ATK 3000
"You're not wasting your time calling back Red Dragon Archfiend to the field", Andre chuckled. "But before your turn ends, Green Baboon's attack points return to normal."
Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest, Level 7: ATK 1300 – ATK 2600
"And Red Dragon Archfiend's effect activates!" I intervened. "He destroys every Monster I control that did not declare an attack this turn. Battle Fader gets destroyed and banished because I Special summoned him!"
Red Dragon Archfiend turned to Battle Fader with exposed teeth and fire slipping through the gaps. He breathed fire at the defense position Monster and incinerated him. The remnants of Battle Fader were absorbed into a wormhole, removing him from play.
"Can I begin my turn now?" Andre asked a little impatiently.
"Go head", I nodded.
"Thank you. Draw!"
Andre: 2000 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
Jack: 4000 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
"I play Speed Spell – Angel Baton! I have more than two Speed Counters, so I draw two cards from the Deck and send one from my hand to the Graveyard! Next, I play the Speed Spell – Speed Energy! I can activate it when I have two or more Speed Counters! I choose Green Baboon to gain 200 attack points for every Speed Counter I have! I've got four, so he gains 800 attack points!"
The gorilla banged its chest with its free hand and roared as its attack points surpassed Red Dragon Archfiend's.
Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest, Level 7: ATK 2600 – ATK 3400
"If you think your Green Baboon will be able to destroy Red Dragon Archfiend, you're completely wrong!" I shouted. "I activate my Continuous Trap; Red Screen! Your Monsters cannot declare attacks!"
"What?!" Andre gasped as Green Baboon got trapped inside a crystal cage. "You mean none of my Monsters can attack you?"
"No one…will put their hands on my Monsters!" I growled determinedly.
Andre growled irritably and let out a sigh at the end. "I end my turn. And Green Baboon's attack points return to normal."
Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest, Level 7: ATK 3400 – ATK 2600
I smirked to myself, tasting the victory that was within my grasp. "This is the end! My turn!" I yelled and drew the last card of the Turbo Duel.
Andre: 2000 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 5
Jack: 4000 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 5
That card was Power Giant. I had no use for the card now. After all, the Turbo Duel was going to end right here and right now.
"Battle! Red Nova Dragon, attack Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest!" I commanded. "Burning Soul!"
Red Nova Dragon responded to my call with a roar before he took off to the sky. He enveloped himself in fire again and flew toward Green Baboon. The gorilla used its club to defend itself, but that didn't stop Red Nova Dragon. He pierced through Green Baboon, leaving a massive hole on the abdomen. The gorilla screeched as cracks were formed on its frame before it detonated, forcing smoke to engulf both me and Andre.
Andre: 2000 LP – 0 LP = SPC 5
Jack: 4000 LP = SPC 5
I drove past Andre whose Duel Runner came to a halt, releasing steam before the engine could overheat. I braked sharply a few meters away and turned around to face my fallen opponent, the smoke now clearing up to reveal his condition. Andre looked exhausted, but there was a smile on his face.
I got off my Runner and removed the helmet before walking up to him. Andre dismounted his Runner and removed the helmet just as I reached him. "That was one heck of a Duel", he commented. "You really had me in a corner, Jack."
"You gave me a good challenge too", I told him. "You've become stronger since our last Duel."
"And I'll get even stronger next time we meet again", Andre smiled and held his hand out. "Thanks for the Turbo Duel, Jack. And good luck on your journey."
I smiled softly in return and shook his hand. "Thanks, Andre. Next time, I'll challenge the whole team solo."
"We'll be waiting for you", Andre smirked in return, sealing the promise.