This story was done in collaboration between me, Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and DaveMan1000 (both here and on DeviantART), and we own the OCs that are used in the story. AaronCottrell97 (known as stevecottrell on DeviantART) provided the Duel Layouts and additional ideas. Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
Gundam SEED characters, Orb, Blue Cosmos, M1 Astray, Strike Rouge, Murasame (c) Sunrise
Character of Lisa Drake (c) DaveMan1000
Character of David Xadashi (c) DaveMan1000
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: Roses and the Beasts
Opening up in the jam-packed stadium…
"Everybody listen!" The voice of the MC announced around, "With only two duels left before round one finally ends, let's see if they will be as exciting as the last ones were!"
Lazar, listening to the mini-speech, chuckled sinisterly before turning to the big monitor behind the podium and pressed a button on his remote. The monitor switched itself on after a few seconds, revealing the standings of the sixteen competitors. James R. had advanced, while Shani had been eliminated. The next duel to take place was Carlie vs Orga. In the stands, Orga smiled pleasantly as he stood up from his seat. Before leaving, he, Clotho, and Azrael each both noticed the fuming Shani finally returning to his seat.
"Well, Shani, you've certainly showed that guy," huffed Clotho sarcastically, obviously speaking about James R..
"Yeah, you showed him a thing or two," added Orga, sounding equally sarcastic.
"Just shut your traps, you two," growled Shani, clenching his right hand into a fist, "That James Hogan punk will pay dearly for making a complete mockery out of me in our duel," He then smiled wickedly, "Besides, even though I'm out, I can still continue with the plan."
Orga rolled his eyes, "Yeah, you do just that," he grunted, "For now, I have my own duel to win."
With that said, the mustard yellow-haired young man left for the men's locker room. Meanwhile, over with the Orb representatives (Mayura had just returned after paying James R. a quick visit), Carlie sat up from her seat as Lisa, Juri, and Asagi each watched.
"You can do it, Carlie," encouraged Lisa.
"Just don't underestimate Orga," warned Juri, "Like his two friends, he's equally brutal in a duel, and is also a lot smarter than he looks and behaves."
"Don't worry, I'll definitely keep that in mind," nodded Carlie, before turning to leave. Suddenly, she stopped, "Huh? Sherry?"
Zack, the three Astray girls, Lisa, Mr. Kisaka, and Ms. Simmons all were surprised as well. Standing on the staircase leading to the exit and briefly blocking Carlie's way out, was Sherry LeBlanc. What was she doing here?
"What's this all about?" demanded Zack, "Why did you come over here?"
Sherry, with a cold, stoic look on her face, didn't respond. Instead, she continued to stare long and hard at Carlie.
"Sherry, what are you doing here?" asked Carlie calmly.
"Is it to insult our friend again?" put in Lisa, crossly.
Sherry, again, did not answer. Instead, she looked towards Carlie before…softening up and smiling slightly. This action really surprised everybody.
"Is she…smiling?" gawked Zack, "What the hell is going on?"
"Sherry, what's this all about?" added Carlie.
"I want to wish you good luck in your duel with a student of Blue Cosmos," answered Sherry, "And I have a small favor for you during the match—do not lose. After all, no one is to defeat you in this tournament…except for me."
Carlie remained silent, watching as Sherry then turned and left for her seat. There was a long, uneasy silence from the Astray trio, Lisa, Mr. Kisaka, Ms. Simmons, and Zack. At long last, Lisa decided to break the silence…
"What the heck?" she said loudly, "Was Sherry…actually being nice? Did I just launch into space and land on some other planet or something?"
"I have to agree with you there," nodded Zack, folding his arms, "Why would she suddenly encourage Carlie if she hates her guts?"
"I don't know, but it makes pretty much no difference to me," replied Carlie, looking pretty determined, "I won't lose to Orga of Blue Cosmos, I can promise you guys and Sherry that."
(later…)
Before long, Carlie, decked out in her motorcyclist outfit and riding Bloody Kiss, and Orga, wearing his motorcyclist/pilot suit and riding the dangerous Calamity, were at the starting line waiting for the countdown to begin. Over in the stands, Azrael had a thought about Carlie…
"Hmm… I recall Carlie running a Plant Deck with heavy support for 'Black Rose Dragon'," he told himself mentally, remembering that Carlie also had 'Black Rose Dragon' as her ace monster, "When we return to Blue Cosmos when this is all over, I'll have my staff prepare a Deck designed to specifically counter that kind of Deck, just like how I will have them prepare a Deck to counter James's 'Blackwing'/'Assault Blackwing' Deck."
Only one way to find out if Azrael would do just that. Before long, it was time for things to get underway…
"Action Field, on! 'Crossover Acceleration'!" commanded the MC, "Let's get this show on the road, everyone!"
This caused the dueling track around them to glow as several Duel Monsters cards began to appear floating in little balls of light all around the track. Not only that, both Carlie and Orga pressed a button on their respective Duel Runners.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the two, respective Duel Runners, "Autopilot activated."
At last, the final countdown on the nearby board started up. Carlie and Orga both revved their Duel Runners up as the five ticks counted to three, which was when the final word was given…
"Turbo Duel! Acceleration!" The voice of the MC boomed, once the three remaining ticks ran out.
Both Bloody Kiss and Calamity took off down the track.
"Yeah! Let's go!" whooped Orga, stepping on the gas.
Regardless of Calamity's bulky appearance, it proved to be a decently quick Duel Runner despite it actually being slower than Forbidden (Shani) and Raider (Clotho). The race to get the first turn was very close, but, in the end, Calamity managed to cross the finish line first (if just barely).
"Too bad!" jeered Orga, "As quick as Bloody Kiss is, you just couldn't keep up with my Calamity."
Carlie scowled, but said nothing back. Instead, she nodded in acceptance and waited for her opponent to take the first turn.
"Now, here I go!" announced Orga, drawing a card, "Hey, hey, hey, hey!"
Turn One: Orga Sabnak (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Gladiator Beast Sagittarii", "Gladiator Beast's Medallion", "Gladiator Beast Tygerius", "Gladiator Beast Alexander", "Test Tiger", and "Gladiator Naumachia"
Action Card: N/A
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Gladiator Naumachia'.
"This is a nice-looking card I've drawn," thought Orga, before placing his card into his hand and picking a different card. He then placed it ('Gladiator Beast Tygerius') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Gladiator Beast Tygerius' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a tiger-like creature with greenish blue fur, dressed in armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 800). In the stands…
"That's-!" realized James R..
"It's a 'Gladiator Beast' monster," nodded Matt.
Back on the track…
"Now then… If I control a face-up 'Gladiator Beast' monster, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," continued Orga, taking a card from his hand and placing it onto his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Test Tiger'!"
Appearing onto the field was a tiger monster wearing armor of sorts (Level: 3/ATK: 600/DEF: 300).
"Next, I'll activate my monster's second effect," said Orga, "I can Tribute this card, then target 1 face-up 'Gladiator Beast' monster I control; I must shuffle that target into the Deck, then Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' from my Deck, and treat it as if it was Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster," He grinned deviously, "Be gone, 'Test Tiger'!" It was then 'Test Tiger' vanished in streaks of blue, and he wasn't close to being done, "From there, I'll target my 'Gladiator Beast Tygerius' and shuffle it back into my Deck!"
'Gladiator Beast Tygerius' turned into a ball of light and returned to Orga's Deck, just before he took a card from it, looking at it (the card) for a moment, and then placing it onto his Duel Runner.
"And with that, I'll Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Secutor' in Defense Position!" declared Orga.
Appearing onto the field was a lizard-like warrior in blue armor (Level: 4/ATK: 400/DEF: 300).
"Finally, I'll Set two cards face-down and end my turn!" finished Orga, as he made two face-down cards appear on the field around him before fading away for later use. He looked over his shoulder at his opponent, "Now, it's your turn! Let's see if you can get by these monsters!"
"I will!" accepted Carlie, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Violet Witch", "Black Garden", "Dark Verger", "Half Counter", "Star Siphon", and "Angel Baton"
Action Card: N/A
Her drawn card was the 'Angel Baton' Spell Card. Without wasting a second, she held the card out.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Angel Baton'!" announced Carlie, drawing two cards, "I must draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card."
She added her drawn cards ('Rose Girl' and 'Rose Bell of Revelation') into her hand before taking another card ('Dark Verger') and discarding it. Carlie's hand now contained 'Violet Witch', 'Black Garden', 'Rose Girl', 'Rose Bell of Revelation', 'Half Counter', and 'Star Siphon'.
"Good," acknowledged Carlie, before taking one of the cards ('Violet Witch') and placing it onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Violet Witch'!"
Appearing onto the field was a blue-skinned witch dressed in a purple robe which was finished by a wave of green leaves on her sleeves (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1200).
"Next, I'll activate a Field Spell from my hand," Carlie went on, readying a card ('Black Garden') in her right hand before slotting it into her Duel Runner, "'Black Garden'!"
The scenery around the track began to change, becoming enveloped with many vines. In the stands…
"'Gladiator Beasts', 'Gladiator Beasts'…" mumbled Lisa, with this being the first time she's ever seen Orga duel, "That's what Orga plays for a Deck?"
"Yup," confirmed Juri, before going over how it functioned as the black background showed several cards of the 'Gladiator Beast' archetype, "With a few exceptions, all non-Fusion 'Gladiator Beasts' have an effect to return to the Deck during the end of a Battle Phase when it battles, and then to Special Summon another 'Gladiator Beast' monster to replace it," She nodded for a moment while continuing with the explanation, "This is also known as 'tagging out'. The newly Special Summoned 'Gladiator Beast' monsters usually gain another effect when Special Summoned in this way."
"That's right," The voice of Shani confirmed.
As expected, the youngest of the three Bio-CPU boys was approaching the Orb representatives once again.
"Okay, this is getting ridiculous," scowled Lisa, standing up and looking Shani dead in the eye, "What are you planning anyway? When we first met you and your two pals tried to make me your personal hand maid, and now you're acting all buddy buddy? What's your game? Fess up!"
"Well," admitted Shani, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "I'll be honest here… Since you defeated me, I was stuck in a slump and thought my days as a duelist were over. But seeing you throughout all of that; watching your skills firsthand, and how you never let any loss get you down was inspiring to me. You don't know this, but you're the reason I didn't give up the sport I love so much. So… I was hoping I could eventually make things right between us and maybe start over?"
When the explanation was finished, Zack, the three Astray girls, Mr. Kisaka, and Ms. Simmons all looked like they were not fooled, but Lisa, on the other hand, wasn't so sure. Back on the track, the Turbo Duel between Carlie and Orga raged on…
"'Black Garden's' first effect," explained Carlie, "When a monster is Normal or Special Summoned, except by the effect of 'Black Garden': I can halve its ATK, then the controller of that monster Special Summons 1 'Rose Token' in Attack Position to its controller's field. 'Rose Tokens' cannot be destroyed by battle or declare an attack."
"Is that all?" dismissed Orga.
"Better guess again," Carlie cut in, just as a Spell Card called 'Rose Bell of Revelation' materialized face-up on the field beside her (on her left), "I activate the Normal Spell, 'Rose Bell of Revelation'! I must add 1 Plant monster with 2400 or more ATK from my Deck to my hand."
From there, the brown-haired young woman drew a card. The card in-question was a Monster Card known as 'Queen Angel of Roses'.
"And you really expect me to let you do something so broken?" scoffed Orga, just as one of his Set cards reappeared on the field behind Calamity, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Gladiator Naumachia'! While I control a 'Gladiator Beast' monster, all monsters my opponent controls must attack, if able."
Suddenly, 'Violet Witch' found herself charging her staff against her will, and firing it towards 'Gladiator Beast Secutor'.
"And now," Orga went on, as he made his second face-down card reappear beside him (on his left), "I'll activate a second Continuous Trap, 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion'! 'Gladiator Beast' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle, also any battle damage I take becomes doubled! Your attack is currently ongoing, but 'Gladiator Beast Secutor' is in Defense Position…"
The blast struck 'Gladiator Beast Secutor', who stood his ground and shrugged it off.
"With your attack a failure, I'll activate 'Gladiator Beast Secutor's' effect!" declared Orga, "If this card was Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster, then at the end of any Battle Phase in which this card battled: I must Special Summon 2 'Gladiator Beast' monsters from my Deck, except 'Gladiator Beast Secutor'."
From there, two cards ejected from Orga's Deck; he took them and held them out.
"Come forth, 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' and 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari'!"
Appearing onto the field were two more 'Gladiator Beast' monsters; one was a vulture with four arms clad in armor (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1000), and the other was a green-feathered Winged Beast-like monster also clad in armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 800).
"Don't forget about my Field Spell, 'Black Garden'!" reminded Carlie, "Any monster that is Normal or Special Summoned will have its ATK halved, and the controller of the monster will Special Summon a 'Rose Token' onto the opponent's field."
The two new monsters were suddenly ensnared by vines, which resulted in them growing weaker respectively (ATK: 2600 → 1300)(ATK: 1500 → 750).
"Ngh… Fine!" complained Orga, "Both of my monsters have gotten weaker, and you'll be given a 'Rose Token' as a result of it!"
Appearing onto Carlie's field was a rose bud of sorts (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).
"My counterattack is also far from being over," continued Orga, "When 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I can Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my hand in Defense Position. I must shuffle it into the Deck during the End Phase," He then waved his right arm about, "I Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Sagittarii' from my hand!"
Appearing onto the field was a centaur armed with a bow and arrow (Level: 3/ATK: 700/DEF: 1000). As a monster was Special Summoned, Orga made yet another 'Rose Token' appear on Carlie's field (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).
"The real fun, however, is the first effect of my 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari'!" grinned Orga, "If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I must target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; I must destroy that target," He clenched his right hand into a fist before swinging it about, "The Spell or Trap Card I'll wipe out will be your 'Black Garden'!"
From there, 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' summoned a great gust of wind with his wings, causing the vines of 'Black Garden' to blow away. Not only that, the face-up 'Black Garden' Spell Card also shattered into shards of glass. The destruction of said Field Spell returned the stadium area to normal.
"With your Field Spell gone, my monsters regain their lost strength!" proclaimed Orga.
'Gladiator Beast Augustus' (ATK: 1300 → 2600), 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' (ATK: 750 → 1500), and 'Gladiator Beast Sagittarii' (ATK: 700 → 1400) each returned to full power.
"Now I'll activate 'Gladiator Beast Sagittarii's' first effect!" announced Orga, holding out a card ('Gladiator Beast Alexander') in his right hand before sending it to the GY and drawing two more cards, "If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I can discard 1 'Gladiator Beast' card; I must draw 2 cards."
The two drawn cards were 'Gladiator Beast Medusa Shield' (Trap Card) and 'Gladiator Beast Noxious' (Effect Monster Card).
"Not too bad," thought Carlie, before taking two cards from her own hand and slotting them into separate Spell & Trap Zones (at the same time) on her Duel Runner, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
On the monitor of Calamity, Orga saw that two face-down cards had appeared on two of the Spell & Trap Zones on Carlie's field.
"Like those will stop me," Orga said to himself viciously, before speaking aloud, "Seeing as it's the End Phase, I'll shuffle 'Gladiator Beast Sagittarii' into my Deck via the effect of 'Gladiator Beast Augustus'!"
'Gladiator Beast Sagittarii' turned into a ball of light and returned to Orga's Deck.
"So far, this duel is entertaining!" The MC was saying, before suddenly turning to face Lazar with the microphone in-hand, "Say, Lazar, what do you think would be the best way for the match to become really exciting for us all?"
"As the last duel proved," Lazar pointed out, "these duelists are full of surprises. If any one of them were to pull off something as miraculous as that 'Black-Winged Dragon' comeback, I don't know if I would be able to control myself."
He then giggled wickedly, causing the MC to sweatdrop before returning to his usual play-by-play commentary.
"W-Well, you heard him there!" The MC belted out, "Maybe we'll get to see a surprise comeback if needed!"
Back on the track…
"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! It's my turn!" announced Orga, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Orga Sabnak (LP: 4000)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (3): "Gladiator Beast Medusa Shield", "Gladiator Beast Noxious", and "Gladiator Beast War Chariot"
Action Card: N/A
His drawn card was a Trap Card called "Gladiator Beast War Chariot"; it was one card he would try to save for later. For now…
"'Gladiator Beast Augustus', 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari', and 'Gladiator Beast Secutor', I'm going to shuffle you three back into my Deck!" exclaimed Orga, "Go!"
The three 'Gladiator Beast' monsters obeyed, leaping into a Fusion Vortex of sorts in the sky as Orga began a Summon Chant…
"Roaming spirits of ancient gladiators! Gather under the name of the emperor and offer your power!" chanted Orga, with the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming in the background. He then held up a card from his Extra Deck, "Fusion Summon! Come, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'!"
Appearing out of the Fusion Vortex and onto the field, was a rather powerful lizard armed with a sword and shield, and decked out in armor (Level: 8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2800).
"Huh?" gasped Carlie.
"And there's plenty more on the way," said Orga deviously, before activating his new monster's first effect, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, except 'Gladiator Beast Andabatae', ignoring its Summoning conditions, but if it battles, I must shuffle it into the Extra Deck at the end of the Damage Step," He then took another card from his Extra Deck and placed it onto his Duel Runner, "Appear now, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!"
Appearing onto the field was a more powerful-looking version of 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500). Unfortunately for Carlie, Orga was still not close to being finished.
"I activate the first effect of 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!" he went on, "When this card is Special Summoned: I can target up to 2 cards on the field; I must destroy those targets."
That, I'm afraid, happened to be a very bad thing for Carlie…
"I'll wipe out your 'Violet Witch' AND one of your Set cards!" announced Orga, "Say goodbye to 'em!"
'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' obeyed, letting loose a powerful blast of wind, blowing 'Violet Witch' and one of Carlie's face-down cards ('Half Counter') away. That, however, gave Carlie the opportunity to activate the effect of her destroyed 'Violet Witch'.
"When 'Violet Witch' is sent from my field to the GY: I must add 1 Plant monster with 1500 DEF or less from my Deck to my hand," said Carlie, drawing a card ('Rose Fairy'), looking at it, and then holding it out and revealing its own sole effect, "Now, if 'Rose Fairy' is added from my Deck to my hand by a card effect: I can Special Summon this card."
Appearing onto the field was a small fairy adorned in the style of a rose (Level: 3/ATK: 600/DEF: 1200).
"That gives you a monster to protect yourself from one attack," frowned Orga, before grinning darkly, "Heh! No problem… I'm gonna activate the second effect of my Trap Card, 'Gladiator Naumachia'! Once per turn: I can shuffle 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my hand or GY into the Main Deck, then target 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster I control; it gains ATK equal to its original DEF until the end of this turn (even if this card leaves the field)."
Carlie sweated fearfully, watching as Orga took a card ('Gladiator Beast Alexander'), looked towards his opponent, and held the card out teasingly to show her what it was.
"See this?" he bragged, adding the card into his Deck, "I'm gonna shuffle 'Gladiator Beast Alexander' into my Deck and target my 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'; its ATK will increase based on the original DEF of the targeted monster until my turn ends."
'Gladiator Beast Andabata' grew stronger (ATK: 2400 → 3800).
"Alright! It's about time we got this fight started!" declared Orga, entering the Battle Phase, "'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', attack one of the 'Rose Tokens'!"
'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' obeyed, diving towards one of Carlie's 'Rose Tokens'.
"Don't forget that 'Rose Token' can't be destroyed by battle!" reminded Carlie, just as the 'Rose Token' got attacked by 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'.
"But you'll still take the damage!" scoffed Orga.
Carlie grimaced slightly as she glowed red for a moment and lost some major LP from the attack (LP: 4000 → 2400).
"Now, seeing as 'Gyzarus' battled, it returns to my Extra Deck via 'Gladiator Beast Andabata's' first effect," proclaimed Orga, removing the 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' Fusion Monster Card from his Duel Runner and holding it out for a second before inserting it into his Extra Deck, "I've one less monster on the field."
'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' faded away in a blue streak.
"Although it's not so bad," Orga pointed out, "If a 'Gladiator Beast' monster I control is shuffled into the Deck or Extra Deck: I can make 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' gain ATK equal to that monster's."
From there, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' grew stronger (ATK: 3800 → 6200).
"It looks like this duel's about to end this soon," jeered Orga, "I hope you're ready for an early loss in the tournament!"
"If that 'Gladiator Beast' attacks," Zack pointed out, "Carlie will be defeated!"
"Don't you dare lose, Carlie!" hollered Sherry.
Let's wait and see if it was true…
"Go, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'!" ordered Orga, "Attack one of the 'Rose Tokens'!"
'Gladiator Beast Andabata' obeyed, lunging forth and slashing his blade towards the 'Rose Token'. Carlie sweated, wondering if this was really the end for her. Soon enough, she spotted an Action Card up ahead.
"This could be my only chance out of this!" she thought to herself, "I have to get that Action Card."
With that, Bloody Kiss started to speed up and pass Calamity. Orga, however, was not about to let his opponent pass and get an Action Card.
"No damn way, you brat!" snarled Orga.
Calamity sped up to try and stop Carlie, even trying to bash into Bloody Kiss to make Carlie back off. Regardless, Carlie did her best to withstand the brutal attacks until she reached out…
"Crap!" cried Orga.
…and grabbed the Action Card.
"My Action Card!" announced Carlie, holding her Action Spell Card out, "'Quick Guard'! I must target 1 face-up Attack Position monster on the field; I must change it to face-up Defense Position," She then turned and held her right arm out, "The attacked 'Rose Token' will go into Defense Position!"
The 'Rose Token' curled up its petals as it went into a defensive stance. 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' struck the 'Rose Token', but didn't destroy it. Carlie was also left undamaged from the attack (LP: 2400).
"Grr… My attack wasn't able to take you out," growled Orga, now frustrated, "You got lucky this time, but next time I won't let you escape my wrath!" He then held his right hand out angrily in order to activate the third effect of his 'Gladiator Beast Andabata', "At the end of the Battle Phase, if 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' battled: I can return it to the Extra Deck; I must Special Summon 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters from my Deck."
"Wait, you're just gonna get rid of it?" pondered Carlie.
As expected, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' turned into an orb of light, which floated and entered Orga's Duel Runner. From there, he took two cards ('Gladiator Beast Bestiari' and 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo') and held them out.
"Now, I'll Special Summon these two 'Gladiator Beasts'—'Bestiari' and 'Murmillo'—from my Deck!" boomed Orga, placing his two cards onto his Duel Runner.
Returning to the field was the green bird-like 'Gladiator Beast' monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 800), and joining him on the field was a fish-like 'Gladiator Beast' monster (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 400).
"Now I'll activate 'Bestiari's' first effect!" continued Orga, "If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I must target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; I must destroy that target," He resumed smiling deviously, "That means you can say goodbye to your final face-down card, now!"
'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' blew another gust of wind across the field, blowing away Carlie's other face-down card after it reappeared on the field in-front of Bloody Kiss.
"And there's even more!" boasted Orga.
"I thought so as much," grumbled Carlie.
"Get a load of 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo's' first effect! When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I must target 1 face-up monster; I must destroy that target," explained Orga, before letting out a quick laugh, "Say goodbye to one of your 'Rose Tokens'!"
'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' slashed a wave of water towards one of the 'Rose Tokens', causing it to break apart into nothing but discarded petals—which dissolved upon touching the burning track. Suddenly, a Fusion Vortex reappeared in the sky.
"Now, I'll shuffle 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' and 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' both into my Deck," shouted Orga, "Here I go!"
'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' and 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' rose into the sky towards the resulting Fusion Vortex, while Orga began a second Summon Chant for his monster…
"Fighting bird of prey that lived in ancient times! Merge with the souls of gladiators and become a warrior of legend!" chanted Orga, with the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming in the background. He then held up another card from his Extra Deck, "Fusion Summon! Come, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!"
Reappearing onto the field was the stronger version of 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500).
"Not again," grimaced Carlie.
"When 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' is Special Summoned: I can target up to 2 cards on the field; I must destroy those targets," reminded Orga, "Your final 'Rose Token' and your 'Rose Fairy' both will be destroyed!"
With a huge gust of wind, 'Rose Fairy' and the remaining 'Rose Token' were both blown away.
"Ha! That leaves you with an empty field!" taunted Orga.
"Or 'does' it?" cut in Carlie, taking a card from her hand, holding it out for a few seconds, and placing it onto her Duel Runner (sideways), "I activate the first effect of 'Rose Girl'! If a face-up Plant monster(s) I control is sent to the GY (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card from my hand."
Appearing onto the field was a small female girl dressed in an outfit resembling a rose, and carrying a rose-like staff in her hands (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 600).
"Man, and I was expecting so much more from you," dismissed Orga, taking two cards from his hand and slotting them down into his Duel Runner, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
As expected, two Set cards materialized on the field around Calamity before fading away for later use.
"Those 'Gladiator Beasts'…" growled Michael, "They're overwhelming Carlie!"
"It is a deadly archetype to be seen," remarked Discord, "Even then, they are not unbeatable."
Over with the Blue Cosmos representatives, Azrael was smiling…
"This duel is going very well for Orga," The ruthless blonde-haired man was saying, before looking to Shani and Clotho, "I've always said that duelists who attend Blue Cosmos must use the best Decks available, and I made sure Orga and you two got the best cards out there."
"For sure, Headmaster Azrael," agreed Clotho, holding his 'Infernity' Deck up.
Shani, having returned from talking to Lisa, simply looked at the 'Gishki' Deck in his left hand as he resumed fuming over losing to James R. in the first round of a big Duel Monsters tournament. Back on the track, Orga snickered quietly before bursting into evil laughter over his impending victory.
"This might be my last chance," thought Carlie, "I have to find a way to even things up," She then drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Four: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 2400)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (2): "Queen Angel of Roses" and "Card of Demise"
Action Card: N/A
Her drawn card was the 'Card of Demise' Spell Card; it might be the only way for her to get the cards she needed.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Card of Demise'!" declared Carlie, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field beside her (on her left), "I must draw until I have 5 cards in my hand, but send all cards in my hand to the GY during my 5th Standby Phase after activation."
"Tch… Go ahead," scowled Orga.
With that, Carlie drew four more cards, performing the ever popular Destiny Draw. After a few seconds, Carlie looked at her four new cards. They were 'Glow-up Bulb' (Tuner Monster Card), 'Wicked Rebirth' (Trap Card), 'Monster Reborn' (Spell Card), and 'Overdoom Line' (Trap Card).
"Will these cards be enough?" thought Carlie, "There's only one way to find that out," She took one of the new cards from her hand and placed it onto her Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Glow-Up Bulb'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large flower bulb with one eye (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"Next, I'll Special Summon 'Dark Verger' from my GY in Attack Position!" As Carlie said that, her GY started glowing all white, "Resurrect, 'Dark Verger'!"
Appearing onto the field was a plant-like creature with an eye on each vine-like leaf (Level: 2/ATK: 0/DEF: 1200).
"I tune Level 2 'Dark Verger' into Level 3 'Rose Girl'!" continued Carlie.
'Rose Girl' turned into three Synchro Rings as 'Dark Verger' soared into it, turning into two orbs of light as a Summon Chant echoed throughout.
"Soul of tenderness and honesty! Arise from the floral chambers with beauty and grace!" chanted Carlie, as the symbols 2 + 3 = 5 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Flourish, Level 5! 'Garden Rose Maiden'!"
Appearing onto the field was a blonde woman wearing a white gown that looked like it was made from white rose petals (Level: 5/ATK: 1600/DEF: 2400).
"I activate the first effect of 'Garden Rose Maiden'!" exclaimed Carlie, taking a card ('Black Garden') from her GY and adding it into her hand, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Black Garden' from my Deck or GY to my hand."
"Pshaw! You won't get such a card," interrupted Orga, just as one of his Set cards reappeared on the field in-front of Calamity, "I activate a Counter Trap, 'Gladiator Beast War Chariot'! When an Effect Monster's effect is activated, if I control a face-up 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it."
"What?!" cried Carlie.
Suddenly, 'Garden Rose Maiden' shattered like glass. Unhappy that her monster's effect failed, Carlie sent her retrieved 'Black Garden' Spell Card back to the GY. Far from done, however, she took and held another card ('Monster Reborn') out.
"I activate 'Monster Reborn'!" declared Carlie, as her choice of card started glowing all white, "Resurrect, 'Garden Rose Maiden'!"
'Garden Rose Maiden' reappeared on the field. Unfortunately for Orga, Carlie was still not done with her counterattack…
"I tune Level 5 'Garden Rose Maiden' into Level 1 'Glow-Up Bulb'!" The voice of the brown-haired young woman proclaimed.
As the above command to tune was being given, 'Glow-Up Bulb' turned itself into a Synchro Ring, which 'Garden Rose Maiden' jumped into. 'Garden Rose Maiden' turned into five orbs of light as a Summon Chant proceeded.
"Hunter of splendid thorns hidden in the sacred forest, with your whip of punishment in hand, come forth now!" chanted Carlie, as the symbols 5 + 1 = 6 were shown briefly just before the orbs turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Splendid Rose'!"
Appearing onto the field was the familiar blonde-haired human woman of sorts (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 2000). In the stands…
"She's used that strategy against me not long ago…" realized Sherry, recalling her duel with Carlie soon after they arrived in New York City days ago.
"M'lady, are you okay?" asked Elsworth, looking at his ward.
"O-Oh!" gasped Sherry, shaking her head, "N-Nothing, Elsworth. It's nothing."
Elsworth frowned, but decided to not press the conversation any further. Back on the track, both Bloody Kiss and Calamity crossed the finish line again as they started another lap.
"I activate 'Splendid Rose's' first special effect!" announced Carlie, about to go over her monster's effect, "Once per turn: I can banish 1 Plant monster from my GY, then target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must halve that target's ATK, until the end of this turn."
"Halved until the end of this turn?!" flinched Orga, "You wouldn't!"
"Wanna bet?" smirked Carlie, taking a card ('Rose Fairy') from her GY and letting it fade away into oblivion, "By banishing 'Rose Fairy' from my GY, your 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus's' ATK is cut in half until the end of this turn!"
From there, 'Splendid Rose' summoned many thorns to strike at 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' violently, weakening him a fair bit (ATK: 2400 → 1200).
"You… you…!" hissed Orga in fury.
"Next, I'll activate the effect of the 'Glow-Up Bulb' in my GY!" Carlie went on, drawing the top card from her Deck and sending it to the GY, "If this card is in my GY: I can send the top card of my Deck to the GY, and if I do, Special Summon this card," She then took a card ('Glow-Up Bulb') from her GY and held it out, "Resurrect, 'Glow-Up Bulb'!"
In an instance, the one-eyed bulb monster returned to the field.
"Right now, the tide of battle is to turn!" warned Carlie, "I tune Level 6 'Splendid Rose' into Level 1 'Glow-Up Bulb'!"
'Glow-Up Bulb' turned into a Synchro Ring which 'Splendid Rose' dove into, becoming six orbs of light in the process as Carlie began a chilling Summon Chant.
"Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom!" chanted Carlie calmly.
From there, after the symbols 6 + 1 = 7 were shown for a few seconds as the above scenario played out, the six orbs of light within the single Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, which slammed onto Bloody Kiss on the track. The audience began to notice two large red wings which looked like rose petals begin to emerge from the light beam. This was especially noticed by Azrael, whose eyes widened with eagerness because he knew what was coming.
"The second dragon…" he said softly.
Back on the track, the head of a very familiar-looking monster started to emerge from the beam of light.
"Synchro Summon!" shouted Carlie ominously, "Appear now, 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
The beam of light finally disbursed, revealing the full body of the red/black destructive dragon made of rose petals (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800). In the stands…
"Izayoi-san's dragon! It too was present when I acquired my birthmark," thought David, recognizing another of those dragons from his dream (or vision).
"Hey, Dave, you okay there?" wondered Janice.
David shook his head, "Quite so, Janice," he replied, but went back to thinking… "I've witnessed two of these enigmatic beings thus far… What could it mean?"
Over with Lisa…
"Okay, is my mind playing tricks on me?" The pink-haired girl mentally wondered, rubbing her eyes before squinting a little bit, "Both James and Carlie's dragons are the same ones I saw in that dream…"
"Ooooh… Anybody who is unlucky enough to see 'Black Rose Dragon' show up is in for a very unpleasant time," winced Mayura.
"I have to agree with you, Mayura," agreed Ms. Simmons, looking very interested in what Carlie would do now that she had her ace monster on the field, "It's just a shame there's only one copy of 'Black Rose Dragon' in existence. It would be fascinating for me to see a duelist run three copies of such a powerful card."
(elsewhere…)
Inside city hall's main office, Rex was busy watching the next duel on his TV.
"First there's James's 'Black-Winged Dragon', and now Carlie's 'Black Rose Dragon'," he murmured with interest, "I still must see the rest of them… I must know if they are who I was told to gather…"
Whoa… That's a mysterious line, don't you think?
(elsewhere…)
Back in the stadium, 'Black Rose Dragon' let loose a loud roar as the audience thundered with applause for Carlie Izayoi.
"'Black Rose Dragon'…" groaned Orga, before recovering, "Actually, I've heard about your reputation along with that monster," As he spoke some more, Carlie listened while appearing a little unsettled, "You used to be known as the infamous 'Black Rose Witch'! Am I not wrong in my theory?"
"You're right, I was known as that title," admitted Carlie, "I was blinded by the anger and sadness I felt when my Mother and Father left me at that orphanage for the safety of themselves and my brother. And every single time my powers got out of control and caused destruction, everyone called me a witch…or a monster," The audience listened to her passionate speech, "In time, the 'Black Rose Witch' became a dangerous split personality of mine. If it hadn't been for my friends, especially Matt, I would never have learned to properly control my powers, and I could have ultimately ended up in a worse place," She then looked determined, "But I've moved past that, and now those powers are being used for good."
"Doubt it," insulted Orga, "Once a witch, 'always' a witch."
"I activate 'Black Rose Dragon's' first effect!" declared Carlie, ignoring the comment the best she could, "When this card is Synchro Summoned: I can destroy all cards on the field. Go, 'Black Rose Dragon'!" As she announced her monster's effect name, 'Black Rose Dragon' let out a fierce roar as it started creating a huge gale whirlwind, "Black Rose Gale!"
The wind from 'Black Rose Dragon' started sweeping across the field while destroying itself in the process.
"DAMN!" yelled Orga in frustration, just as his final Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Calamity, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "Continuous Trap, open! 'Gladiator Beast's Medusa Shield'! I must activate this card by targeting 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster I control; it cannot be destroyed by card effects," His focus went towards 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', "By targeting 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' with my Trap Card, it won't be wiped out by your 'Black Rose Dragon's' effect!"
With 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' protected, only the 'Gladiator Naumachia' Trap Card was destroyed by the powerful wind attack from 'Black Rose Dragon'.
"That was a real nice try on your part, but it was ultimately moot," Orga chuckled deviously, before revealing the third effect of one of his destroyed Trap Cards, "Now, if 'Gladiator Naumachia' in the Spell & Trap Zone is destroyed by card effect: I can activate this effect; this turn, 'Gladiator Beast' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle."
"I see," acknowledged Carlie, "And because I've used 'Black Rose Dragon's' effect, it's been destroyed, as well," She then smiled, "Or is it gone?"
Orga cringed.
"That's right! I'll Special Summon my 'Black Rose Dragon' again!" confirmed Carlie, taking a card ('Garden Rose Maiden') from her GY and holding it out before it dissolved into oblivion, "I activate the second effect of the 'Garden Rose Maiden' in my GY! I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Rose Dragon' monster or 1 Dragon Synchro Monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it."
All of a sudden, some roses and other vegetation was growing out of the portal hovering above the track. The plant-life soon came together until it formed the body of 'Black Rose Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).
"However, I think it's about time for me to introduce the next star for this duel," offered Carlie, "Do you remember my Spell Card, 'Rose Bell of Revelation', by any chance?"
"Don't ask…" grumbled Orga.
"I activate the second effect of the 'Rose Bell of Revelation' in my GY!" As she spoke, Carlie made a familiar Spell Card ('Rose Bell of Revelation') eject from her GY, which she took, held up, and eventually allowed to fade away into oblivion, "I can banish this card from my GY; I must Special Summon 1 Plant monster with 2400 or more ATK from my hand," From there, she took a card ('Queen Angel of Roses') out of her hand and held it up, "Appear now, 'Queen Angel of Roses'!"
Carlie finally placed her Monster Card onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Runner. Appearing onto the field was a rather majestic-looking woman dressed in a royal gown that had rose-like appearances, and she was armed with a longsword (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1300). Orga cursed loudly, knowing that he was about to take big damage…
"Battle!" declared Carlie, entering the Battle Phase, "'Queen Angel of Roses', attack 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!" As the attack name was announced, 'Queen Angel of Roses' raised her sword, "Rose Trimmer!"
'Queen Angel of Roses' immediately slashed her sword at 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'. The enemy monster was struck by the weapon, but was not destroyed. However, even though 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' survived, Orga, glowing red for a few seconds, still suffered battle damage from the attack (LP: 4000 → 2800).
"Damn…" The mustard yellow-haired young man grunted.
Carlie then looked ahead and grabbed an Action Card. Perfect! This one would make 'Black Rose Dragon' even stronger!
"Action Spell, 'High Dive'!" yelled Carlie, holding her picked up Action Spell Card out, "I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; that target gains 1000 ATK until the end of this turn."
From there, 'Black Rose Dragon' grew stronger (ATK: 2400 → 3400).
"'Black Rose Dragon', attack 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!" ordered Carlie, just as 'Black Rose Dragon' began charging a powerful blast of fire, "Black Rose Flare!"
"If Carlie's attack works," Matt was saying, "she'll be really close to winning!"
Finally, Black Rose Flare was unleashed and struck, plus overwhelmed, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', causing Orga to yell in pain as he sustained large amounts of damage from the attack (LP: 2800 → 600). The audience cheered (even Sherry smiled slightly) over the comeback play made by Carlie. The only ones not cheering were Azrael, Clotho, and Shani—for obvious reasons.
"As ever, these duelists continue to surprise us!" howled the MC, "Ms. Izayoi has sent Orga from 4000 LP down to 600 in one turn!" The nearby monitor and displayed footage of several of Carlie's best moves in a recap as he spoke on, "Not only that, she performed, count 'em, THREE Synchro Summons in a single turn! But don't count Orga out just yet, folks!" As he commentated some more, Orga was seen with a look mixed of both anger and deviousness on his face, "Judging from the look on his face, it would seem he's ready to retake control of the duel in some way, shape, or form!"
"That I do," agreed Orga softly, before holding his right hand out towards 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', "I activate the second effect of 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'! At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card battled: I can return it to the Extra Deck; I must Special Summon 2 'Gladiator Beast' monsters from my Deck, except 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari'!"
'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' faded away in a blue streak.
"Now that 'Gyzarus' is back in my Extra Deck," As Orga spoke, he took and held two new cards ('Gladiator Beast Augustus' and 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo') up, "I'll Special Summon, from my Main Deck, 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' in Attack Position, and 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' in Defense Position."
'Gladiator Beast Augustus' (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1000) and 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 400) reappeared on the field; the former in a battle stance, and the latter in a more defensive stance.
"Here they go again," thought Carlie, knowing where this was heading.
"First up is 'Gladiator Beast Augustus's' effect!" declared Orga, "Since I've used already used it earlier in the duel, I won't need to explain what it is," He took a card ('Gladiator Beast Noxious') from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Noxious' in Defense Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a cheetah in a purple clad armor (Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 1000).
"Next, I'll activate 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo's' first effect!" Orga continued, now about to target and get rid of 'Black Rose Dragon', "This time, I'll destroy your 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' created a huge tidal wave heading straight towards both 'Black Rose Dragon' and Carlie.
"That damn dragon of yours is dead!" proclaimed Orga.
The attack did hit 'Black Rose Dragon', but rather than shattering into shards of glass or even exploding from destruction, it instead simply faded away into oblivion.
"Huh?!" blinked Orga, surprised, "Did I…destroy it?"
"Nope," rebuffed Carlie, showing off a card ('Blooming of the Darkest Rose') she had in-between the index and middle fingers of her right hand, "I've simply banished 'Black Rose Dragon'."
"You banished it?!"
"I did it with this Trap Card in my GY, 'Blooming of the Darkest Rose'," The brown-haired young woman explained, slipping her 'Blooming of the Darkest Rose' Trap Card into the bottom of her Deck, "If this card is in my GY: I can target 1 'Black Rose Dragon' or 1 Plant monster, in my Monster Zone; I must banish it, and if I do, place this card on the bottom of the Deck. During the next Standby Phase, I must return that banished monster to the field," She smiled humorlessly, "That means your monster's effect has backfired, and 'Black Rose Dragon' will be returning real soon."
"Why you-!" fumed Orga, though he was far from finished, "I activate the first special ability of my 'Gladiator Beast Noxious'! If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I can send 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my Deck to the GY."
He took a card ('Gladiator Beast Laquari') from his Deck and sent it to the GY.
"A rather weak move on your part, but it's your choice," accepted Carlie, while making two face-down cards materialize on the field behind Bloody Kiss before they both faded away for later use, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
"Hmph!" huffed Orga, before taking a card ('Gladiator Beast Noxious') off his Duel Runner and holding it out for a moment, "I'll now shuffle 'Noxious' back into my Deck."
'Gladiator Beast Noxious' turned into a ball of light and returned to Orga's Deck.
"Then I'll activate the third effect of the Trap Card, 'Gladiator Beast Medusa Shield', in my GY," Orga went on, drawing a card ('Gladiator Beast Charge'), "Once per turn, during the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was sent there this turn: I can Set 1 'Gladiator Beast' Trap directly from my Deck."
He then slotted the card face-down into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner. On the monitor of Bloody Kiss, Carlie saw that a face-down card had appeared on one of the Spell & Trap Zones on Orga's field. Deciding to worry about it later, she addressed her opponent again…
"So, what are you going to do, now?" questioned Carlie, "'Black Rose Dragon' will return as soon as your turn comes up, and I also control 'Queen Angel of Roses'. 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' is stronger, yes, but it will only get you so far."
"Heh! Hey, 'Black Rose Witch', you obviously don't know who you're dealing with," said Orga severely, "I still have hundreds of different ways to take down a stinkin' witch like you!"
Carlie growled, "I am not a witch!" she snapped, "Just because I made a number of bad choices in the past does not mean I'm automatically a bad person! 'Everybody' makes mistakes!"
"Whatever you say, witch," sneered Orga, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Five: Orga Sabnak (LP: 600)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (1): "Gladiator Beast's Comeback"
Action Card: N/A
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Gladiator Beast's Comeback'.
"Now that it's your Standby Phase," reminded Carlie, "I'll return 'Black Rose Dragon' to my field!"
Returning to the field was the majestic 'Black Rose Dragon'.
"Defeating the likes of you will be child's play!" insulted Orga, before making one of his Set cards reappear on the field in-front of Calamity, "I activate a Trap, 'Gladiator Beast Charge'!"
The face-down card flipped up and revealed itself.
"This is the card I Set through the effect of 'Gladiator Beast Medusa Shield'…" revealed Orga, "I must target face-up cards on the field, up to the number of 'Gladiator Beast' monsters I control with different names; I must destroy them," Focus went to two of his monsters, "I control two 'Gladiator Beasts' in 'Augustus' and 'Murmillo'!" He looked positively gleeful, "This means I'm able to target two face-up cards you control, both 'Queen Angel of Roses' and 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
From there, 'Queen Angel of Roses' and 'Black Rose Dragon' both shattered like glass.
"Your two best monsters are gone, this time for good!" laughed Orga.
"So you believe!" retorted Carlie, before one of her Set cards reappeared on the field beside her (on her right), flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Wicked Rebirth'!"
Orga briefly flinched, "'Wicked Rebirth'?!"
"I must activate this card by paying 800 LP," explained Carlie, taking a LP hit (LP: 2400 → 1600), "then target 1 Synchro Monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it in Attack Position. I must negate its effects, also it cannot declare an attack this turn. When this card leaves the field, I must destroy that monster. When that monster is destroyed, I must destroy this card," Her GY then started erupting thorn vines as she was heard giving a command, "Resurrect, 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
The vines and other plant-like life came together on the field and formed into the body of 'Black Rose Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).
"Finally, I'll activate another Continuous Trap!" As Carlie spoke, her second face-down card reappeared on the field in-front of Bloody Kiss, flipped face-up, and revealed itself to be… "'Overdoom Line'! If a monster(s) is Special Summoned from the GY to my field: It gains 1000 ATK while this card is face-up on the field. Too bad for you, Orga, my 'Black Rose Dragon' was Special Summoned from my GY just now, therefore making it affected by my Trap Card!"
'Black Rose Dragon' roared loudly as it grew bigger in both size and power (ATK: 2400 → 3400). In the audience…
"Carlie…" thought Sherry, looking very pleased, "I know you will win this duel!"
"M'lady?" cut in Elsworth, getting the attention of Sherry, "I wouldn't worry about Carlie at the moment; after all, she's one of America's best duelists and will be just fine against a young man like Orga Sabnak."
"Elsworth…" Sherry mumbled in response, before looking back at her former best friend, "I must face Carlie in this tournament," In her mind… "At the same time, I know you're right about her."
Over with the Zack and the Orb representatives…
"With 'Black Rose Dragon' having an ATK of 3400, Orga won't have an easy time getting by it," Mr. Kisaka pointed out.
"For sure, Mr. Kisaka," agreed Lisa pleasantly.
"Just remember one thing; Orga isn't stupid," reminded Juri, who had seen her rival duel a number of times before, "He obviously knows the ins and outs of the 'Gladiator Beast' archetype. He definitely has his ways to get around obstacles like a powered up 'Black Rose Dragon'—if he has the right cards in his hand, that is."
"There's no way he possibly could; he only has one card in his hand," scoffed Lisa.
"Juri has a good point, Lisa," said Mayura, "One card is all it takes to turn things around. For now, let's wait and see what happens next."
Back on the track, Orga stared at his drawn card for a moment before bursting into loud, deranged laughter over what it was.
"Do you find something amusing?" deadpanned Carlie.
"I'm holding the one card I need to grant me victory!" declared Orga, before holding his drawn card out, "I activate the Spell Card, 'Gladiator Beast's Comeback'! I must Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my hand or GY, with a different Type from the monsters I control. It cannot be destroyed by battle."
Carlie raised an eyebrow, "I don't see how that will get you victory."
"You will at some point," grinned Orga, before announcing the monster he intended to bring out, "I Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Laquari' from my GY!"
Appearing onto the field was a tiger-like warrior in fire-based armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 400).
"You have three monsters again!" realized Carlie.
"And that means I can do this!" As he spoke, Orga removed three cards from his Duel Runner and shuffled them into his Deck, "Let's go, 'Augustus', 'Murmillo', and 'Laquari'!"
The three 'Gladiator Beast' monsters dove into a Fusion Vortex in the sky.
"Come forth, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'!" commanded Orga, looking up into the sky.
'Gladiator Beast Andabata' reappeared on the field (Level: 8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2800).
"Now I'll use 'Andabata's' effect to Special Summon another 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster!" continued Orga, before taking a card from his Extra Deck and holding it up, "'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', Attack Position!"
'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' reappeared on the field as well (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500).
"This time, with 'Gyzarus's' effect, I'll destroy your two Trap Cards, 'Wicked Rebirth' and 'Overdoom Line'!" Orga boomed again.
Carlie looked worried, knowing that once her two cards were destroyed, 'Black Rose Dragon' would be gone again, and she would be left at the mercy of two 'Gladiator Beast' monsters.
"So, any last words before I wipe out your two Trap Cards, witch?" taunted Orga, as his smile grew more and more cruel, "Oh, I know! Why not call upon your powers and try hurting me like you…" He didn't let up as Carlie overheard the comments, "…used to hurt other people years ago just because your own parents thought you were a monster and potentially didn't, and likely still don't, love you?!" The mustard yellow-haired young man laughed with contempt, "I just 'dare' you to do that!"
Clenching her right fist tightly, Carlie nearly snarled with sheer fury over that unnecessary, cruel comment made about her family. It took her much restraint from completely losing control of her emotions and violently lashing out with her psychic powers as Orga wished to see happen. There just had to be a way to stop her opponent from wiping her field clean of cards. Fortunately, the answer came up ahead on the track…
"An Action Card!" gasped Carlie, before making Bloody Kiss pick up speed.
"Not so fast!" shouted Orga, making Calamity speed up also, "You're not gonna get an Action Card this time!"
Just as Carlie grabbed the Action Card, Calamity caught up and slammed into Bloody Kiss from behind, causing her to accidentally throw the picked up Action Card further down the track.
"No!" cried Carlie.
"Oh, too bad! You just threw away a perfectly good Action Card!" laughed Orga.
Carlie, however, didn't give up, and simply drove after the same Action Card.
"You don't seem to give up that easily," remarked Orga in annoyance, before driving after his opponent, "Well, neither do I!"
The two Duel Runners raced down the track, both duelists trying to grab the Action Card before the other could.
"Give up!" demanded Orga.
"Never!" refused Carlie defiantly.
It was going to be close, and nobody knew who would grab the dropped Action Card first. The MC was so full of suspense that he covered his eyes, unable to bear to see who would be the winner in such a close race.
"It's over!" called Orga, reaching out.
"No, it isn't!" retorted Carlie, also reaching out.
Oh man, this was getting suspenseful! I'm almost afraid to see what would happen next. As both Bloody Kiss and Calamity raced down the track neck-in-neck, the Action Card ahead…
"It's…MINE!" Both Carlie and Orga yelled at the same time.
…was ultimately picked up by…Carlie.
"Got it!" she declared triumphantly.
"DAMMIT!" swore Orga furiously, before directing his anger towards 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', "'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', hurry and destroy the 'Black Rose Witch's' two Trap Cards!"
'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' obeyed, creating a huge gust of wind and sending it towards Carlie's field.
"This is it!" hollered Orga, "Your 'Black Rose Dragon' is finally finished!"
"Are you sure about that?" grinned Carlie.
"What?!"
"I'm going to use the Action Card I've picked up," As the brown-haired young woman spoke, she held her Action Spell Card out, "Action Spell, 'Detour', activate! I must negate the effect of 1 monster my opponent controls, and if I do, inflict 500 damage to my opponent."
A huge beam of light stopped the gust of wind and continued on towards Orga to strike him and Calamity head on. This reduced Orga's LP to REALLY low levels (LP: 600 → 100).
"It's almost over," said Carlie softly, "You won't last much longer with only 100 LP."
Orga smirked, "In that case, allow me to show you one of my best monsters before I do 'lose'," he offered snidely, before holding up his two 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster Cards, "I'm sending 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' both back into my Extra Deck!"
'Gladiator Beast Andabata' and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' both dove into another Fusion Vortex in the sky as Orga began a third Summon Chant…
"Behind every great warrior is an even greater trainer to keep them mighty and strong!" chanted Orga, with the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming in the background. He then managed to bring both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Come forth, 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor'!"
Appearing on the field, once the Fusion Summon sequence had finished, was a panther-like warrior in red armor wielding a staff. The new 'Gladiator Beast' monster pointed his staff out with a loud cry (Level: 8/ATK: 2400/DEF: 3000). Over in the stands…
"Oh no…" whispered Juri, looking horrified over seeing that monster.
Ms. Simmons looked grim, "I was afraid of this," she agreed, "It looks like it's all over for Carlie now."
"HUH?!" Both Zack and Lisa gawked at the same time.
That was a nasty bombshell there.
"Ms. Simmons, you're joking, right?" pleaded Lisa, "'Black Rose Dragon' currently has an ATK of 3400, and that's higher than 'Tamer Editor's' ATK of 2400. Orga can't win using a monster with ATK that low!"
"Lisa, other than very rare moments, Erica almost NEVER jokes around," frowned Mr. Kisaka firmly, "The first of Orga's two ace monsters, 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor', is really dangerous to go up against."
"And Orga knows how to use it to its full potential," put in Juri, "As good of a duelist Carlie is, I'm afraid even she will be caught off-guard over what's about to happen next."
Back on the track…
"Give me your best shot, Orga!" dared Carlie bravely.
"I was hoping you'd say that," Orga eagerly accepted, "But before I show you my final surprise, I'll activate 'Tamer Editor's' first effect!" As he explained the effect, 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' turned the tip of his staff into an entergized whip, "Once per turn: I can choose 1 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster in any player's Extra Deck and Special Summon it to its controller's field in Attack Position, ignoring its Summoning conditions," He remained very confident in his ability to demolish the opposition, "Seeing as you don't have any sort of 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster in your Extra Deck, I'll Special Summon a 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster from my own Extra Deck!"
Once again, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' reappeared on the field (Level: 8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2800).
"And now…my surprise…" slurred Orga.
"What?" blinked Carlie, growing very uneasy, "What surprise are you talking about?"
"You lose, that's what!" Orga went on, "I activate 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor's' next effect! Once per turn, if 2 or more 'Gladiator Beast' monsters are on the field: The controller of those monsters can destroy 1 monster on the field, and if they do, I must inflict damage to its controller equal to the destroyed monster's ATK," He smiled viciously, "Once again, you control no 'Gladiator Beast' monsters, but, oh would you look at that, I do!"
He was right; both 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' and 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' were, quite obviously, 'Gladiator Beast' monsters.
"That means your 'Black Rose Dragon' will be history," reminded Orga, "But, your dragon will not be the only one who will become history… Carlie Izayoi!" He then pointed at his opponent, "Your LP will fall to 0 as well!"
Carlie flinched with horror, knowing that Orga was right about that. And, worst of all, with no Action Cards floating around further down the track, there wasn't anything she could do to try stopping the incoming 'attack'. The audience also knew this, and only the Blue Cosmos representatives were happy about it. At last, it was time for the duel to come to a close.
"Alright, 'Tamer Editor', do the honors!" commanded Orga, "Destroy 'Black Rose Dragon' and end this duel, now!"
'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' obeyed, raising his staff and whipping it as if it were a whip, sending a green energy wave towards 'Black Rose Dragon'. 'Black Rose Dragon' was hit by the green energy wave, causing it to roar in searing pain.
"'Black Rose Dragon'!" cried Carlie.
Once 'Black Rose Dragon' exploded from its destruction, the energy wave continued and struck Bloody Kiss, causing Carlie to scream as the remains of her LP ran out (LP: 1600 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Orga Sabnak wins!
From there, Bloody Kiss came to a complete stop, emitting steam. When the smoke finally cleared away, the audience burst into cheers over the great duel. The only people not cheering were Team 4D's, the Orb representatives, and David, his friends, and his family.
"No way…" whispered Sean.
"Izayoi-san," sighed David solemnly.
"Despite playing at her best, Carlie…lost," came from Asagi.
"Orga was simply playing better," Michael said glumly.
"Oh, Carlie," mumbled Discord sadly.
Over with the Blue Cosmos representatives…
"Hmph! The outcome had been decided before the duel even began," smirked Azrael, satisfied to say the least.
In another part of the stand, Sherry could only stare in total disbelief over how her rival had been defeated in the first round despite being hailed as a great duelist and coming dangerously close to winning earlier on. It was a reality she was finding really hard to accept. Back on the track, Orga stopped his Duel Runner, removed his helmet, and smiled to himself in total victory. Carlie, meanwhile, was upset that she lost to Orga, but quickly decided to accept it and move on.
"And the duel is finally over!" announced the MC, "After a very close fight, the victor of the match is none other than-"
"CARLIE!" A familiar female voice hollered from the stands, stopping the MC from finishing his sentence and stare at the source of the voice.
All eyes in the stands and on the track were on Sherry LeBlanc, who had approached the railing and yelled out to Carlie. Sherry looked both angry and disappointed at the same time.
"S-Sherry?" stammered Carlie.
"What the hell were you doing?!" demanded Sherry angrily, "You could have easily won against the likes of Orga. Instead, you decided to just throw the match! Are you that afraid of me that you would throw an easy tournament duel just so we would not be able to face each other?!"
Cue gasps from everybody else in the stadium, even Orga was rather surprised by this accusation; he felt sure he had won fair and square.
"I…didn't win on my own?" whispered Orga, before glaring at Carlie, "She…'let' me win?"
"No… Sherry, that's not true!" argued Carlie, shocked by the accusation, "I tried my very best, but Orga just made the better play! He won, and will advance!"
Rather unfortunate, Sherry's 'The Reason You Suck Speech' went on…
"I wished you luck earlier because a thought you would easily win this duel," berated Sherry, "I truly thought I was making the right choice then, but I guess I was wrong! You disgust me, Carlie!"
"Sherry, stop!" begged Carlie, "I…"
But alas, Sherry turned and stormed off instead of responding back. This made Carlie lower her head in sadness as she felt even worse about the situation. Back in the audience, the rest of Carlie's friends had witnessed Sherry's outburst towards their friend.
"Carlie…" whispered Matt.
"Sherry…" added Michael.
"You see what Sherry's doing?" asked James R., referring to Sherry's argument, "By not standing up to that French brat, her behavior is getting worse and worse!" He looked in the direction Sherry stormed out, "We gotta put a stop to it now before it's too late!"
"James, we understand what you mean," insisted Michael, before easing up, "But…at the same time…"
"Don't any of you get it?!" exclaimed James R., losing more of his patience as the other listened to him, "Sherry's letting her obsession with revenge slowly turn her into a complete psychopath! And by staying quiet and doing nothing about this, we're just as bad as she is! We're basically 'letting' the problem get worse!" He massaged the hide of his head, "As much as I agree with you that it might make Sherry hate Carlie more, I'm getting so sick of Sherry slamming our friend like that!"
Back on the track, the MC, with the microphone still in his hands, approached Carlie with a few questions for her…
"Ms. Izayoi, is what Sherry said true?" he asked, sounding surprisingly quiet in contrast to his usually hammy way of speaking, "Did you 'really' throw the whole duel to Orga?"
"Of course not!" protested Carlie, speaking into the microphone, "I dueled at my absolute best, but in the end Orga was simply the better player! Please, you have to believe me!"
Yikes!
(elsewhere…)
Inside the stadium hallway, Sherry limped about for a few moments before stopping and getting angry once again.
"Damn it, Carlie!" she freaked out, slamming her right fist into the wall.
"M'lady, are you okay?" The voice of Elsworth echoed, as he walked up towards his ward, "You seem really upset over Miss Carlie losing to Orga."
"It's because she threw the match…" seethed Sherry, looking at Elsworth, "Elsworth, that Carlie deliberately let herself lose just so we could never 'ave to face each other! Why?! Why is she trying to avoid facing me in a duel? Is she so much of a coward despite being one of this country's best duelists?!"
"That's not the way 'I' saw it," countered Elsworth calmly, "That Orga chap, despite his vicious dueling style, won fair and square. No matter what difference Miss Carlie made, she 'still' would have lost the duel. Whether you like it or not, you have to accept that Orga was simply the better duelist in this match despite Miss Carlie's best effort."
"It does not matter," Sherry said in a low tone, "Carlie was my sole reason for agreeing to enter this tournament in the first place," She then turned to leave, "With her out, I have no other reason to continue competing. We're going home, Elsworth."
"M'lady… Sherry," interrupted Elsworth, calling his ward by her actual name (a thing he rarely did). When Sherry looked back at him, he continued speaking, "Is it really worth it?"
"Worth what?" repeated Sherry, "Elsworth, what are you talking about?"
"Your grudge against Miss Carlie," explained Elsworth, "Is it really worth turning your back on nearly everyone around you? Treating most people you come across with cold and uncaring disrespect just because of what happened between you two years ago? I want to ask you this… If your parents were alive today, would they really approve of the choices you've made?"
Sherry became silent, unsure on how to answer such a question.
"Please, M'lady," continued Elsworth, "For your own sake, try to let the anger and bitterness you feel towards Miss Carlie go, and begin moving on."
Again, there was no response.
(elsewhere…)
Back outside, there was a slightly subdued atmosphere with everybody in the stands. Even Megan had to briefly cut her broadcast due to Sherry's loud and unproven accusation. Over with Team 4D's, Matt, Zack, Michael, and James R. were waiting patiently for Discord to return from speaking to Carlie. Eventually, he did return.
"Well?" began Matt.
"Carlie told me she wanted some time alone," said Discord, shaking his head sadly.
"Oh, okay…" accepted Zack, "I hope she'll be okay after what Sherry said to her."
"That good-for-nothing Sherry…" James R. fumed to himself.
"Look, Carlie's told me that she isn't angry with Sherry," Discord went on, "The reason she wanted some alone time is so she could do some thinking. No matter what, I was told she's going to find a way to make amends with Sherry despite the hostile atmosphere around her."
"Like it would be that easy," muttered James R. bitterly, "I'm tired of not being able to stand up to that bully. If we wait too long, who knows what might happen?"
"Carlie wants to handle things between her and Sherry on her own terms," reminded Zack, "Although I do agree that she can't wait for too much longer."
Back on the podium, the MC, now that things from the recent duel were cleared up, was back to being his usual hammy self.
"It's alright now, everyone!" he commented more energetically, "We got the situation all cleared up! Orga Sabnak advances to the second round, while Ms. Izayoi was fairly defeated in the duel! With that, we have just one more duel to go before round one comes to a close! Lazar, if you will do the honors?"
From there, Lazar took out his remote, turned to the big monitor behind the podium, and pressed a button. The monitor turned on, revealing the stands again in an updated setting. With the duel over, Orga had advanced, and Carlie was out.
"Our final duel for this round is Juri Wu Nien against Michael Atlas!" rejoiced the MC, "A match we all must look forward to watching!"
In the stands, Michael, hearing it was his turn to duel, turned and left his friends to go find a men's locker room to change into his motorcyclist suit. Juri, on the other hand, felt very uneasy about the upcoming duel mostly because of her genuine crush on Michael.
"Hey, whatever happens out there, just do your best," encouraged Lisa, laying a hand on the intelligent, dark blue-haired young woman's shoulder.
"Do it all for Orb, Juri," added Asagi.
"Yeah," said Juri quietly, before looking up with determination in her amber eyes, "Yeah, I will!"
"Attagirl!" smiled Mayura.
"Win or lose, we know you'll make us proud," agreed Mr. Kisaka, and Ms. Simmons nodded silently.
Those words of encouragement from her friends and teachers made Juri feel better and more confident. With one more duel to go before round one was finished, how do you think it will go? The answer will come…next time.