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
On a stage inside the Orb Duel School, five face-down cards were lined up on a large blackboard. On cue, David Xadashi and Lisa Drake both showed up and began speaking to the audience.
"Hi again, everyone!" began Lisa, "I'm sorry I was absent in the last segment, but I hope Carlie was a good substitute, right?"
The audience cheered in response.
"Izayoi-san was a great fit for our little show," smiled David, "But I'm still glad you came back to assist me with 'This week's noteworthy cards', Lisa-chan!"
"You flatter me, Dave," said Lisa jokingly, before she and David looked towards the blackboard, "Alright, although chit chat. Let's check out the cards for today!"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Underground Arachnid' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Spider Web' (Spell Card)
-'Earthbound Immortal Uru' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Altar of the Bound Deity' (Trap Card)
-'Road Warrior' (Synchro Monster Card)
"I-Is that-?!" gawked David in shock, staring at the middle card ('Earthbound Immortal Uru'), "Are my eyes deceiving me?!"
"Not unless my eyes are as bad! That there's a very dangerous card!" worried Lisa, "Effect 2: This card can attack directly. Effect 3: This card cannot be targeted for attacks, but does not prevent your opponent from attacking you directly."
"And effect 4: This card is unaffected by the effects of your opponent's Spells/Traps," finished David, before shuddering, "Fudo-san isn't going to have an easy time dealing with that card," He and Lisa then started addressing the audience, "But knowing Fudo-san, he will surely find a way to defeat that monster."
"When you're the American Duel Monsters Champion, you tend to find a way to fight back," agreed Lisa, "Well, I'm back again, and hopefully it will be for a long, long time!" She and David started waving goodbye, "See you guys later for another exciting segment of 'This week's noteworthy cards'!"
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: Advent of the Earthbound Immortal
Opening up in the middle of a street of Hartford, the respective Marks of the Dragon belonging to Carlie (Dragon's Foot) and James R. (Dragon's Tail) were shown glowing and reacting hard to something, and that something, which they, Sherry, and Shinji were looking up at, was the huge spider geoglyph in the night sky.
"What the hell is…?" pondered Sherry.
"That spider in the sky… You don't suppose it means…a Dark Signer or something?" puzzled Shinji.
"It has to be," replied Carlie.
"Which is why…" began James R., as he and his brown-haired friend stood back up, "…we're going to check it out on our own."
"Carlie? James?" blinked Shinji.
"You and Sherry get Gwen back to Orb for some rest. James and I will be fine," requested Carlie, looking over her shoulder for a few seconds before looking away, "It helps that Orb is a safe enough distance away from the geoglyph."
"But what about Ashima?" pressed Sherry.
"If my hunch is right, she should be there," said James R., before looking towards Carlie, "Let's move it."
Carlie nodded in agreement. A minute later, Blackbird and Bloody Kiss roared to life and drove down another street, leaving Sherry and Shinji both to get Gwen back to safety. The two old friends looked at each other and nodded.
(elsewhere…)
Within the spider geoglyph at the junkyard, Zack, Michael, and Ms. Simmons all watched in shock as Matt, down 2400 LP, was still reeling after getting hit by a direct attack by 'Underground Arachnid'. Still in pain from the strike, Matt slowly got to his hands and knees, then, slowly yet painfully, got to his feet. Rutger simply smirked and snickered in taunting delight.
"No matter what, I… I won't lose," grimaced Matt, before drawing a card, "My turn, draw!"
Turn Three: Matt Fudo (LP: 1600)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): "Road Synchron", "Quillbolt Hedgehog", "Speed Warrior", "Cosmic Blast", and "One for One"
Adding the drawn 'One for One' Spell Card into his hand, he took and placed another card ('Road Synchron') onto his Duel Disk.
"I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Road Synchron'!" continued Matt.
Appearing onto the field was a yellow machine-like monster with long tires (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 800).
"From there, from my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'One for One'!" As Matt spoke and explained his card's effect, the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself. He also took and sent a card ('Quillbolt Hedgehog') from his hand to the GY, took a card ('Tuningware') from his Deck, and held it out for a few seconds before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "I must send 1 monster from my hand to the GY; I must Special Summon 1 Level 1 monster from my hand or Deck. Come, 'Tuningware'!"
A small monster wearing a scarf and frying pan for headgear appeared on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 300).
"Next, I'll activate the monster effect of 'Quillbolt Hedgehog'!" reminded Matt, "If this card is in my GY: I can Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field," His GY started glowing all white, "I must control a Tuner to activate and to resolve this effect."
A little hedgehog-like creature with machine-like quills embedded in its back appeared onto the field (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).
"Matt controls three monsters, with their total Levels equaling seven," thought Ms. Simmons, "Will he Synchro Summon 'Seven Swords Warrior' or another Level 7 Synchro Monster?" She shook her head, "No… If 'Road Synchron' is used as Synchro Material for a monster other than 'Road Warrior', its Level will be reduced by two, giving his monsters only a total Level of five."
Let's see about that…
"'Tuningware's' first effect!" declared Matt, "This card can be treated as a Level 2 monster when used for a Synchro Summon."
"That makes eight!" realized Ms. Simmons, mentally.
On the field, 'Road Synchron' started turning itself into Synchro Rings.
"I tune Level 2 'Quillbolt Hedgehog', Level 2 'Tuningware' into Level 4 'Road Synchron'!" The voice of Matt announced, as the above scenario played out.
And that's what happened; 'Road Synchron' turned into four Synchro Rings. Within seconds, both 'Quillbolt Hedgehog' and 'Tuningware' dove into the four Synchro Rings while turning into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant proceeded.
"Gathering hopes will evoke a new horizon! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 2 + 2 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Dash onward, 'Road Warrior'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a mighty warrior in yellow armor with a sword-like weapon in his back (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1500).
"An ATK of 3000!" rejoiced Zack, "It's greater than that of 'Underground Arachnid'!"
"Do it, Matt!" encouraged Michael, "Crush that damned spider!"
"Yeah, you can count on it!" nodded Matt, before turning his focus back to Rutger, "The second effect of 'Tuningware' activates!" He then drew a card, "If this card is sent to the GY for a Synchro Summon: I must draw 1 card!"
Rutger frowned, but remained silent.
"Battle!" announced Matt, entering his Battle Phase, as 'Road Warrior' posed and prepared to attack the enemy monster on command, "'Road Warrior' attacks 'Underground Arachnid'! Lightning Claw!"
'Road Warrior' obeyed, charging towards 'Underground Arachnid' and striking a forming barrier around the enemy monster with his right claw before said barrier exploded. Rutger cried out as he then got electrocuted and sustained some damage from the attack (LP: 4000 → 3400).
"Alright, you did some damage!" called Zack.
But when the smoke cleared, 'Underground Arachnid' was still standing. Not only that, 'Road Warrior' had instead attacked the captured 'Shield Wing'.
"What?!" gasped Matt.
"'Underground Arachnid' used 'Shield Wing' as a shield?" added Michael.
"If 'Underground Arachnid' would be destroyed by battle," explained Rutger, going over his monster's third effect, "I can destroy the monster equipped to this card by its effect instead," He then had another effect to activate; this time, it being his own Field Spell, "And there's the power of 'Spider Web'!"
The field started releasing spider thread and constricting 'Road Warrior', changing him into Defense Position against his will (ATK: 3000 → DEF: 1500).
"If my opponent's non-Insect monster declares an attack: I must change it to Defense Position at the end of the Damage Step," The voice of Rutger recalled, as the above scenario played out, "It cannot change its battle position until the End Phase of my opponent's next turn, while this card remains on the field."
Matt recoiled over the explanation as it ended.
"Next turn, if my 'Underground Arachnid's' webbing entwines your monster again, your field will be wide open," continued Rutger, "You'll be attacked directly and dance the dance of death."
There was silence from Matt, who had his head bowed and a shadow over his eyes. Eventually, he did manage to say a little something of his predicament.
"I'm a…" uttered Matt, before his mouth formed a small, goofy smile, "…lousy dancer," He then raised his head, got serious, and pointed at his opponent firmly, "I activate 'Road Warrior's' effect! Once per turn: I can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower…" While speaking still, 'Road Warrior' was shown managing to break free of the webbing long enough to use his effect, "…Warrior or Machine monster from my Deck."
'Road Warrior' fired a green beam, and a monster was shown coming out of it.
"I Special Summon 'Turbo Booster' from my Deck!" The voice of Matt announced.
Appearing from the green beam of light, was a yellow-colored Machine monster (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Turbo Booster'?" pondered Rutger.
"I'll activate 'Turbo Booster's' second effect!" Matt went on, "I can Tribute this card, then target 1 monster my opponent controls that battled one of my monsters this turn; I must destroy that monster," As 'Turbo Booster' charged towards 'Underground Arachnid', he pointed forth and gave the command, "Go forth, 'Turbo Booster'!"
'Turbo Booster' fired both rocket-like hands, striking 'Underground Arachnid' and destroying her in a massive explosion. 'Turbo Booster' then shattered into shards of glass once its 'attack' had ended. Matt and Rutger glared at each other shortly after.
"Matt really planned his strategy well," thought Ms. Simmons, "It looks like I was right about taking him under my wing."
Back on the field, Rutger uttered a maddening chuckle, despite losing his strong monster to a simple monster effect.
"You did well in destroying 'Underground Arachnid', Matt," complimented Rutger, "However…" He pointed forward, "All you did is fall into my trap!"
"Huh?!" gasped Matt.
"Trap Card, open!" As Rutger spoke, he pointed to his Set card, "Continuous Trap, 'Altar of the Bound Deity', activate!"
The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself. All of a sudden, a large temple with four unlit torches started rising from the ground behind Rutger.
"During each of my Standby Phases: I must place 1 Earthbound Immortal Counter on this card for each face-up Defense Position monster on the field (max. 4)," explained Rutger, as the temple continued to rise behind him, "For this card's second effect… I can send this card with 4 Earthbound Immortal Counters on it from my field to the GY; I must Special Summon 1 'Earthbound Immortal' monster from my Deck."
Over with the 'crowd'…
"That's what it's for?!" gawked Michael.
"Rutger is trying to bring his 'Earthbound Immortal' out as quickly as possible," added Zack, "You see over there?" He was referring to the four unlit torches, "Once those four torches are lit with Earthbound Immortal Counters, the monster will be brought forth."
"That is correct," confirmed Rutger, "Any non-Signer or Dark Signer who is foolish enough to enter geoglyph will be sacrificed to the Earthbound Immortal when it's time to be played," He then pointed forth, "And you, Erica Simmons!" While speaking onward, Ms. Simmons flinched slightly, "Since you're neither Signer nor Dark Signer, you will be an offering to my God."
Matt had an expression of shock on his face, while Zack and Michael both knew they had to get Ms. Simmons to flee from the area as fast as possible before the 'Earthbound Immortal' got Summoned.
"Erica, you need to get out of here!" urged Michael.
"Return to Orb where it's safe!" requested Zack.
"No," The voice of Ms. Simmons refused, causing Michael and Zack to gasp. Despite knowing that an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster was on the way, she looked unafraid of being around it, "I won't leave all of you to face the 'Earthbound Immortal' by yourselves. I'll stay to see the whole thing through even if I'm a potential sacrifice."
"Erica…" whispered Zack, as he and Michael listened carefully.
"Hmhmhm… How very brave of you to say," chuckled Rutger, "But I do wonder if you'll live to regret those words?" He then addressed Matt once more, "In any case, the duel can't be stopped—until we see an outcome, that is."
"I end my turn," concluded Matt, while in his thoughts… "The non-Signers… they can enter the geoglyph without realizing they are going to be sacrificed," He looked at the other cards in his hand, "In any case, I have to win before the 'Earthbound Immortal' gets Summoned! To save my friends, that's my only option!"
Unfortunately, it was not going to be all that easy, considering he was basically on a time limit of sorts. With only a few turns to go, he had an uphill battle to go through.
"It's my turn!" smirked Rutger, drawing a card.
Turn Four: Rutger (LP: 3400)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (4): "Ground Spider", "Titanocider", "Relinquished Spider", and "Offerings to the Bound Deity"
His drawn card was a Trap Card known as 'Offerings to the Bound Deity'.
"And now, since it's my Standby Phase…" reminded Rutger, just as the first torch on the temple lit up, "…'Altar of the Bound Deity' will gain one Earthbound Immortal Counter for every monster in Defense Position on the field."
"That's one… Just three more torches need to be lit—or Earthbound Immortal Counters are needed," thought Matt, "After that…"
"Hm? You're quite anxious about facing the 'Earthbound Immortal', aren't you?" teased Rutger, "Rest assured, these Gods are significantly stronger than the 'Earthbound Servants' that I bestowed upon Sergey Volkov."
"What?" blinked Matt, before he figured out the truth, "Wait… don't tell me… It was the Dark Signers who met with Sergey before his attack on Orb?!"
"There were no other Dark Signers then!" corrected Rutger maliciously, "'I' was the one who met with Sergey and manipulated him into attacking the school!"
Over with the 'crowd', Ms. Simmons was stunned over what she learned from the mouth of the leader of the Dark Signers.
"It was you…!" stammered Ms. Simmons in anger, "You were the one who sent that Russian criminal to hurt my students and fellow staff! Why? Why would you do it?!"
"You bastard!" swore Michael, directing his equal amount of anger at Rutger.
Rutger wasn't fazed by the insult, and simply chuckled evilly once more as he continued speaking to Matt without a care in the world.
"Your battle with the infamous Duelist Crusher was simply the first major test for you Signers," he explained, before taking another card from his hand and placing it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "Now, to give me more monsters for my altar, I'll Summon 'Ground Spider' in Defense Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a brownish-colored spider monster (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 1500).
"Not good!" thought Matt, worried, "This gives him another wall monster!"
"It would seem I'll gain the right amount of Earthbound Immortal Counters I need sooner than I expected," joked Rutger, before slotting two cards into his Duel Disk, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn."
Two face-down cards materialized on the field.
"That guy!" fumed Zack, "He's playing defensively until he gets four Earthbound Immortal Counters!"
"Matt!" called Michael, getting Matt's attention, "What the hell are you doing?! You need to hurry up and win before the 'Earthbound Immortal' appears!"
"Mike, you know it won't be easy," interrupted Ms. Simmons, "The magic of 'Spider Web' has 'Road Warrior' sealed in Defense Position until the end of Matt's next turn, and any of his monsters that do get off an attack will be switched into Defense Position, therefore giving Rutger exactly what he needs."
Michael did not know how to respond to that. For now, it was Matt's turn to try and get himself out of this mess.
"It's my turn!" began Matt, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Matt Fudo (LP: 1600)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (4): "Speed Warrior", "Cosmic Blast", "Junk Servant", and "Advance Draw"
After adding the drawn card into his hand…
"I'll want to shorten the number of his wall monsters before his Standby Phase," thought Matt, while looking his hand over, "But even if I destroy it with an attack, I'll get entangled in 'Spider Web's' spider thread and end up in Defense Position, which will grant him another Counter," His hand contained 'Speed Warrior', 'Cosmic Blast', 'Junk Servant', and the drawn 'Advance Draw', "But still, I got to do something."
Just then…
"I activate a Trap, 'Titanocider'!" announced Rutger, as one of his two Set cards flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls…" As he continued explaining his card's effect, the tied up 'Road Warrior' started glowing red as he yelled in pain and became crippled and unable to do anything to help Matt (ATK: 3000 → 0), "…that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck; I must change its ATK to 0, and if I do, negate its effects."
"Tch! Well, this screws things up for me," thought Matt, frustrated, "Although he can't attack yet, I planned to use 'Road Warrior's' effect to Special Summon another Level 2 or lower monster from my Deck and attack Rutger's monster in order to reduce the amount of Defense Position monsters on the field and make 'Altar of the Bound Deity' gain less counters," He took a card from his hand, "Well, at least I can still play this card…"
On cue, a Spell Card called 'Advance Draw' materialized face-up on the field.
"Spell Card, 'Advance Draw', activate!" proclaimed Matt, just as his 'Road Warrior' shattered into shards of glass a few seconds later. He then drew two more cards, "I must Tribute 1 face-up Level 8 or higher monster I control; I must draw 2 cards."
Both cards were 'Iron Resolve' (Trap Card) and 'Turret Warrior' (Effect Monster Card), which were added into the hand without a second being lost.
"Oh? You would even get rid of your 'Road Warrior' to shorten the number of wall monsters?" snickered Rutger, "But just one doesn't surmount too much."
"There's more to come," retorted Matt, before taking a card from his hand and placing it onto his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Speed Warrior'!"
Appearing onto the speeding field was a humanoid-like monster wearing a gray space-like suit with goggles and a breathing mask over his face (Level: 2/ATK: 900/DEF: 400).
"Poor decision," remarked Rutger, before raising his voice, "My 'Ground Spider's' effect activates!"
"What?!" cried Matt.
"Once per turn: If I control this face-up Defense Position monster when my opponent Normal or Special Summons a monster(s), I can change that monster(s) to Defense Position," explained Rutger, before pointing at his opponent's field and issuing a command to his monster, "Spider Hold!"
'Ground Spider' launched itself into the air and fired some spider thread at 'Speed Warrior', tying him up and switching his battle position against his will (ATK: 900 → DEF: 400).
"If this keeps up, Rutger will likely bring his 'Earthbound Immortal' out on his coming turn!" complained Michael.
Fortunately, Matt was not finished; he held out two of his cards, the 'Speed Warrior' Monster Card and the 'Turret Warrior' Monster Card, and showed them to his opponent.
"I activate the effect of 'Turret Warrior'!" As Matt spoke, he sent the 'Speed Warrior' Monster Card to the GY, "I can Special Summon this card (from my hand) by Tributing 1 Warrior monster, and if I do, it gains ATK equal to the Tributed monster's original ATK," He placed the other card ('Turret Warrior') onto his Duel Disk, just as 'Speed Warrior' faded away in a blue streak, "Appear now, 'Turret Warrior'!"
Appearing onto the field was a mechanical warrior-like monster that actually resembled something of the Machine-Type rather than the Warrior-Type (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 2000).
"That's good!" encouraged Zack, "That's reduced the amount of Earthbound Immortal Counters that will be lit, next turn, to one!"
Back on the field, Matt was shown addressing something about 'Ground Spider' to Rutger.
"Since 'Ground Spider' used its effect on 'Speed Warrior', 'Turret Warrior' is unaffected and is able to attack and reduce the amount of Defense Position monsters on the field," he pointed out, before entering the Battle Phase, "Go forth, 'Turret Warrior'!"
'Turret Warrior' obeyed, making its move towards the vulnerable 'Ground Spider', which Rutger had no specific way to protect from an attack. As 'Turret Warrior' aimed the gun cannons from its head, the attack name was announced…
"Revolving Shot!" The voice of Matt ordered.
Two powerful shots were fired, striking and destroying 'Ground Spider' while Rutger briefly braced himself from the explosion's brief backlash.
"But 'Spider Web's' effect will change a monster that attacked to Defense Position!" reminded Rutger, before pointing forth. As he spoke, more spider thread emerged from the ground and constricted 'Turret Warrior', which changed it into Defense Position against its will (ATK: 2100 → DEF: 2000), "And it can't be changed until your second turn."
Matt remained neutral-looking despite his monster going into Defense Position. Over with the 'crowd'…
"Even though his monster got put into Defense Position against its will, he prevented the 'Earthbound Immortal' from likely being Summoned next turn," thought Ms. Simmons, impressed, "You're incredible, Matt!" She perked up when she heard a familiar noise, "Huh?"
The noise echoed throughout the junkyard, and it came from several Duel Runners roaring into the area, consisting of three M1 Astrays, Strike Rouge, The Wild Card, a Murasame, Blackbird, and finally Bloody Kiss.
"E-Everyone-!" exclaimed Matt, shocked, before becoming more at ease, "But it will take Rutger at least a few more turns before he gets enough Earthbound Immortal Counters put onto his Trap Card, meaning I still have time to stop him," He looked at his hand (which contained 'Iron Resolve'), then took the card and spoke aloud, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn."
He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to materialize on the field beside the other Set card. Rutger looked at the arrivals and smiled when he saw one of them in particular—specifically Carlie, who, along with Sherry, had won against Gwen Fahlenbock.
"Carlie Izayoi… So you made it here, after all," said Rutger snidely, "You being here must mean you've defeated one of my puppets by working with your former friend!"
Carlie scowled, not willing to forgive the Dark Signers for possessing an innocent person like Gwen and forcing her to fight. Lisa, on the other hand, was more interested in knowing how the duel was going thus far.
"So, what's the score?" The pink-haired girl pressed, walking up between Michael and Zack, "How's Matt doing in the duel, and who the hell is that white-haired bastard?"
"So far, Matt's down to 1600 LP after taking a nasty hit earlier on," explained Michael, "As for the white-haired bastard, that man's Rutger—he's the leader of the Dark Signers."
"Leader of the Dark Signers?" repeated Lisa.
"Yes," confirmed Zack, "At the moment, he has 3400 LP."
"If you don't mind me asking, what's that big temple behind him?" Asagi asked, pointing somewhere at the field. She was, of course, referring to 'Altar of the Bound Deity', "And why are there three unlit torches?"
"I don't like the looks of it," The voice of Juri worried in response.
"It's a shrine," answered Zack gravely, causing Asagi and Juri both to look at him, "A shrine needed to bring out an 'Earthbound Immortal'."
"S-Say what?" shivered Asagi fearfully, and Juri didn't look any better.
Everyone else that wasn't Michael or Ms. Simmons did not like the sound of that, either. Back on the field, Rutger, despite having no monsters on his field again, simply kept smiling in an evil way.
"Draw!" he declared, drawing a card.
Turn Six: Rutger (LP: 3400)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (2): "Relinquished Spider" and "Spider Egg"
On cue, another torch on the temple lit up, thanks to there being only one monster in Defense Position being on the field. He was still two Counters short of having four of them, which Matt was thankful for. Suddenly, he started to hear chanting of some sort.
"What the-?" The dirty blonde-haired young man pondered.
Michael and everyone else also started to hear the chants as well, and, sure enough, dozens upon dozens of cloak wearing people were seen walking into the junkyard.
"What's going on?" asked Juri.
"I don't know, but some of those people seem strangely familiar to me," replied Mayura.
The people arriving continued to chant strange words. Soon, one side of the junkyard had almost fifty people. Back on the field, the leader of the Dark Signers was ready to end things.
"Matt Fudo, you've done a good job using your bag of tricks to hold out, but that ends right here," warned Rutger, before reaching over and pressing a button on his Duel Disk. Afterwards, he pointed upward using his right hand and then forward, "I activate a Trap, 'Offerings to the Bound Deity'!" The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must pay half of my LP, then target 1 face-up 'Altar of the Bound Deity' I control; I must place 2 Earthbound Immortal Counters on it."
"What was that?!" cried Matt.
"It can't be!" put in James R..
"No way! After coming this far…!" wailed Carlie.
Everyone else in the group gasped in helpless shock without giving their own response, while Rutger chuckled and allowed his current LP to be halved (LP: 3400 → 1700). An 'Earthbound Immortal' monster really was coming, and there now was nothing Matt was able to do about it.
"The people gathered here in the junkyard are the numerous people from Albany and Hartford that have been reported as 'missing' over the last few days," explained Rutger, "They are now the sacrifices I need to ensure that my 'Earthbound Immortal' is appeased!" He spread both arms out, "Thanks to 'Offerings to the Bound Deity', I now have four Earthbound Immortal Counters in total!"
The final two torches lit up, giving 'Altar of the Bound Deity' four exact Earthbound Immortal Counters. With four such Counters, the temple began emitting purple beams of energy before collapsing into rubble and a gigantic purple flame pillar rose into the night sky and the spider geoglyph before revealing a large heart-like capsule of sorts. The people gathered started to scream as their souls were seen getting rippled from their bodies and rising towards the heart high in the sky like purple mist. Rutger watched the scene with wicked glee, while the Signers all watched in silent horror. Just then, they started hearing screams from their own group. Sean, Janice, Asagi, Mayura, Juri, Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka all were shown struggling to not lose their own souls, but, sure enough, their souls started to leave their bodies for the 'Earthbound Immortal's' heart in the sky.
"Shit! Oh shit!" Lisa loudly cursed, watching her three friends and two teachers.
"Sean-kun, Janice!" panicked David, scared for his two best friends, "Hang on!"
Back on the field…
"Dammit!" thought Matt, having no idea what to do, "I was too late to stop Rutger from getting the four Earthbound Immortal Counters! At this rate, it'll take nothing short of a miracle to save everyone!"
In a fit of desperation, James R., Carlie, Michael, Lisa, and David all surrounded the endangered members of their party to try and figure out what to do. All of a sudden, the second they did that, their respective Mark of the Dragons reacted, creating a large red bubble around them, which managed to prevent the souls from being sacrificed to the Earthbound Immortal, thus giving Matt the miracle he had been hoping for. This surprised everyone.
"Huh? What just happened?" began Mayura, confused.
"Why aren't we being sent into the sky with everyone else?" added Janice.
"You five-!" realized Mr. Kisaka, "Did you somehow save us?"
"Well, um…" stammered James R., being unsure on how to answer that question, "You see…"
Carlie, Michael, David, and Lisa all, likewise, had no idea on how they prevented the souls of their friends from being lost. Back on the field, Matt breathed a heavy sigh of relief over everyone being safe and sound. Rutger, meanwhile, looked like he didn't care that a few souls were not going to be sacrificed for his 'Earthbound Immortal' monster. After all, he had all of the sacrifices needed to bring it out to defeat the Signers—starting with Matt.
"What an utter farce!" dismissed Rutger, before beginning a short Summon Chant, "Now is the time for your Advent! My God, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'!"
The heart in the sky exploded as the purple beam ended, causing an earthquake to ensue as the rest of the Signers and their friends all cried out in shock. The ghostly flames started rising through the earthquake as the shadow of a huge monster could be seen coming outside—starting with a pair of glowing red eyes.
"It's here, huh?" grunted Matt.
"This is one of the demons that was sealed in the Nazca Lines?" flinched Michael.
"This…is an 'Earthbound Immortal'?" stammered Carlie.
The full body of 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' was that of a gigantic spider, with skin tone matching that of the 'Earthbound Servant' monsters with a few key differences in color (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000). Everyone else who was not Rutger knew nothing of what to expect from such a powerful being unlike anything they've ever seen.
"That monster is humongous!" staggered Janice.
"Part of me wishes I stayed back at Orb," whined Sean.
"Matt! Hurry up and crush that Dark Signer and his 'Earthbound Immortal'!" demanded Michael.
Back on the field, Matt, ignoring his best friend/rival's request, was continuing to look up at what he had to face—quite possibly the biggest and most dangerous Duel Monster he had ever seen in his life.
"The 'Earthbound Servant' monsters were already powerful, but an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster stands tall on a whole other level," thought Matt, "How the hell do I beat something like this?"
That answer to that question would have to wait, since Rutger chose at that time to make an attack.
"Battle!" announced Rutger, entering the Battle Phase, "Matt Fudo, I want you to have the honor of being struck down by my God! 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', attack directly!"
"WHAT?!" gawked Matt.
"Oh no!" came from Mayura.
"It seriously has an effect that can attack the opponent like that?" recoiled Asagi.
'Earthbound Immortal Uru' looked down upon its prey; a dirty blonde-haired young man with no real way to protect himself from its attack. That was good… really good! A nice snack would be great to have.
"It's not over!" insisted Matt, before holding his right hand out, "I activate a Trap, 'Scrap-Iron Scarecrow'!" His first Set card flipped face-up (again) and revealed itself, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must target the attacking monster; I must negate the attack, also, after that, Set this card face-down instead of sending it to the GY."
"You ignorant fool!" boomed Rutger, "Do you think your so-called bag of tricks will work when faced with my 'Earthbound Immortal'!?"
Matt helplessly watched as his face-up 'Scrap-Iron Scarecrow' Trap Card immediately shorted out and went back to being a face-down card.
"You see, my 'Uru' has a number of different effects, all of which are shared by the other 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters," explained Rutger, "For this duel, I'll reveal them to you. For the first effect, it is able to attack my opponent directly. The second effect prevents it from being targeted for attacks by the opponent," His smile grew eviler and eviler, "And the third effect prevents it from being affected by all Spell/Trap Cards used by the opponent!"
Matt reeled back, and the rest of the 'audience' were, likewise, horrified with what they were learning about what powers the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters all had in-common.
"That basically makes it unstoppable and more!" realized Michael.
"The 'Earthbound Immortals' are practically as powerful as the three 'Egyptian Gods'!" added James R., "Maybe these creatures are even more powerful than they are?"
"If Matt gets struck by 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', he'll lose!" proclaimed Janice.
"Correction; if Fudo-san gets attacked by 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'," corrected David, "he will die from the impact!"
Back on the field…
"This is the end, Matt!" laughed Rutger, "One attack from 'Uru' will destroy you!" As he announced his monster's attack name, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' leaned its head back, "Take this! Hell Thread!"
'Earthbound Immortal Uru' obeyed, firing off a very powerful spider thread towards the defenseless Matt.
"MATT!" The audience screamed.
Hell Thread got closer and closer, but just when it looked like Matt would be defeated and likely killed, he made a final move.
"Trap Card, open! 'Iron Resolve'!" announced Matt, as his second Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. While explaining, he started glowing red as his LP got halved (LP: 1600 → 800), "During either player's Battle Phase, at damage calculation: I must pay half my LP; I must make the battle damage I take from this battle 0, then end the Battle Phase."
A protective barrier formed around Matt as Hell Thread hit, but said barrier deflected the attack away from him and into a nearby junk pile a good distance away, causing them to collapse and resulting in some of the group having to avoid the falling junk. Luckily, no one was hurt.
"Since 'Iron Resolve' doesn't target, it can be used against even 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'," reminded Matt firmly, with narrowed eyes, "You haven't defeated me yet."
"Oh well, you get to live and see another turn," shrugged Rutger, who didn't seem upset that his attack didn't win him the duel, "But I have to admit you're a fool for wanting to prolong your suffering."
"What do you mean by that?" growled Matt.
"My Battle Phase might be over, but it's still my turn," As Rutger said that, he took another card from his hand, "Now that it's my Main Phase 2, I'll play this card," He placed it ('Relinquished Spider') onto his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Relinquished Spider'!"
Appearing onto the field was a spider with what appeared to be some sort of large orange bomb on its back (Level: 2/ATK: 300/DEF: 500).
"'Relinquished Spider'?" wondered Matt.
"Yes, and I'm going to activate its effect," said Rutger, before four cards ('Dark Spider', 'Shadow Spider Cocoon', 'Underground Arachnid', and 'Ground Spider') ejected from his GY one at a time. He took and held them out for a few seconds before sending them right back to the GY, "If I have 4 or more Insect monsters in my GY: I can Tribute this card; I must destroy all face-up Defense Position monsters my opponent controls."
Matt gasped once more, watching as 'Relinquished Spider' jumped into the air and landed on top of 'Turret Warrior's' head, as the large bomb on its back rapidly began to flash off and on. Three seconds later…
*BOOM!*
…an explosion was left behind, destroying both monsters and leaving Matt's field empty once more. The rest of the viewers watched in distress, knowing that unless Matt had an idea on how to counter 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', he would be defeated on Rutger's next attack.
"It's almost over, Matt Fudo," uttered Rutger softly, "You have no monsters on your field," He let out a short laugh, "Sorry, a monster would not be able to protect you due to 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' being able to attack directly," The Dark Signer's leader continued to ramble as the crowd listened to it, "It appears I no longer need to tell you where your friend Ashima Nilgiri is, after all; since once you're gone, Ashima will be free to serve the Dark Signers as its final member."
"Ashima…" Lisa was saying.
"…as a Dark Signer?" added Zack.
"He wouldn't!" denied Carlie.
"Yes, he would," acknowledged Michael.
Back on the field, a face-down card materialized on the field near Rutger's feet.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn," he commented, while removing his fingers from one of the Spell & Trap Zones, "This is just in case you try something during your turn."
A shadow loomed over Matt's eyes as he kept his head bowed again; he made no effort to speak or begin his possible final turn.
"What's wrong?" pressed Rutger, "I said it's your turn, now!"
At last, Matt raised his head and dispelled the shadow from his face, revealing pure rage within those usually stoic eyes.
"You're gonna pay for this!" shouted Matt.
Rutger initially eased up when he heard those venomous words, but quickly recovered and laughed in his opponent's face with delight.
"How unexpectedly delightful!" jeered Rutger.
By this point, Matt had reached his breaking point; it was bad enough Rutger had brainwashed all of those innocent people and practically killed them to appease 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', and then almost doing the same thing to his non-Signer friends had Michael and the other Signers not prevented it from happening. The final straw, however, was basically Rutger telling Matt that Ashima would become a Dark Signer when he (being Matt) was gone. Now Matt was more determined than ever to win the duel and then find and save Ashima.
"Unforgivable…" whispered Matt, slowly raising his voice in further fury, "I will never forgive you!" He finally drew a card with a Destiny Draw, "It's my turn!"
Turn Seven: Matt Fudo (LP: 800)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (3): "Cosmic Blast", "Junk Servant", and "Junk Synchron"
His drawn card was the 'Junk Synchron' Monster Card. Without wasting a second, Matt held his card ('Junk Synchron') out and placed it onto his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Junk Synchron'!" he began, with a much rougher-sounding voice.
Appearing onto the field and posing for battle, was an orange, robotic Tuner monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 500).
"I activate 'Junk Synchron's' effect!" continued Matt, taking a card ('Tuningware') from his GY, holding it out for a few seconds, then placing it onto his Duel Disk, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can target 1 Level 2 or lower monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Defense Position, but negate its effects. Resurrect, 'Tuningware'!"
Reappearing on the field was the small monster wearing a scarf and frying pan for headgear (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 300).
"Finally, if I control a 'Junk' monster, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," As Matt spoke on, he held one more card ('Junk Servant') out before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Junk Servant'!"
Appearing onto the field was a robotic monster colored orange, black, and with bits of yellow (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000), giving Matt three monsters for his comeback.
"I tune Level 4 'Junk Servant', Level 1 'Tuningware'…" announced Matt, just as 'Junk Synchron' pulled a cord on his armor, "…into Level 3 'Junk Synchron'!"
The cord pulling caused 'Junk Synchron's' motor backpack to start revving as his whole body started glowing a golden yellow. From there, the golden 'Junk Synchron' turned into three Synchro Rings which 'Tuningware' and 'Junk Servant' both dove into. As their bodies were outlined, they turned into five orbs of light (four for 'Junk Servant', and one for 'Tuningware') as a famous Summon Chant from Matt was heard throughout.
"Clustering wishes will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 4 + 1 + 3 = 8 were seen for a short period of time before the five orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Take flight, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
Emerging from the beam of light and flying through the night sky, was the white, majestic ace monster of Matt Fudo (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"The second effect of 'Tuningware'!" Matt went on, before drawing another card, "If this card is sent to the GY for a Synchro Summon: I must draw 1 card!"
The drawn card was shown to be a Trap Card known as 'Shooting Star', which Matt immediately added to his hand as he prepared to settle things with Rutger, once and for all.
"There we go!" cheered James R., "Matt's finally making a comeback!"
"But there's still a serious problem!" countered Carlie, which caused James R. to look at her, "Thanks to 'Earthbound Immortal Uru's' effects, it's basically untouchable."
Back on the field, Rutger was mentioning the exact same thing to Matt.
"'Stardust Dragon', is it?" The Dark Signer's leader remarked haughtily, "'Uru's' ATK is 3000. That pathetic ATK of 2500 isn't enough!" He pointed forth for a few seconds before holding up a card ('Titanocider') taken from his GY and turning it over, "And besides, you can't even attack my God, anyway. Not only that, by Synchro Summoning 'Stardust', you've activated the second effect of 'Titanocider'!"
Matt looked up, not losing any of his anger.
"If my opponent Special Summons a monster(s) from the Extra Deck while this card is in my GY, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can Set this card," explained Rutger, before slotting the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk. This caused a face-down card to appear on the field, "I might not be able to use it right now, but that will change on my turn!"
"The wishes of those sacrificed people… my friends… and Ashima…" snarled Matt, "They're all hanging in this duel! I swear, I'll save them all by defeating you!" He raised his right hand into the air, "Take flight," A command was then given to his ace monster, "'Stardust Dragon'!"
'Stardust Dragon' let out a roar and flew into the night sky before charging seemingly at 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'.
"What?!" gasped Rutger.
"When you say your 'Earthbound Immortal' has the strongest of all effects…" The voice of Matt commented, getting Rutger's attention. He kept the same scornful, sneering look on his face as he went on with his explanation, "Those effects will allow it to attack directly, protect it from the opponent's Spells and Traps, and prevent it from being an attack target! However… It will not prevent the opponent from launching a direct attack!"
"Damn you!" Rutger hissed, far from being happy over his opponent discovering a hidden weak spot to the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters, "Y-You're right…"
As 'Stardust Dragon' fought with 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' (who kept firing Hell Threads to try and keep the Signer Dragon away from it), it eventually managed to get past and came upon a wide open Rutger.
"'Uru' might be able to fight and overpower everything else I use against it, but it can't actually directly protect you!" reminded Matt, as he thrust his right hand forward, "Now, 'Stardust Dragon', attack Rutger directly!" As he announced his monster's attack name, 'Stardust Dragon' opened its mouth and charged its signature attack, "Roar! Cosmic Flare!"
The white stardust-like energy blast was fired. Rutger, however, refused to accept defeat at the hands of a Signer—none more so than to Matt Fudo.
"Trap Card, open!" roared Rutger, as his previously Set card flipped face-up, "'Spider Egg'!"
The face-up 'Spider Egg' Trap Card turned itself into a large egg, which intercepted Cosmic Flare and took the hit instead.
"When my opponent declares a direct attack, while I have 3 or more Insect monsters in my GY: I must negate the attack, and if I do, Special Summon 3 'Spider Tokens' in Attack Position," explained Rutger, as the egg shattered into shards of glass before becoming three 'Spider Tokens' (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100) x3, "Your attack has failed to defeat me!"
Scowling, Matt at least knew now that the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters weren't completely invincible as he originally thought. Still, he needed to end the duel, and he had the perfect cards to do it; he took the final two cards from his hand and slotted them into his Duel Disk.
"I set two cards face-down…" finished Matt, as two Set cards ('Shooting Star' and 'Cosmic Blast') materialized on the field, "…and end my turn!"
Back with the 'crowd' on the sidelines…
"Matt's gonna be attacked directly again, isn't he?" fretted Asagi.
"That's part of 'Uru's' effect, so I'm afraid he will be struck," said Zack bluntly.
"Isn't there a single thing he can do to save himself?" quizzed Sean.
"Spell and Trap Cards that can affect monsters won't work on the 'Earthbound Immortals'," recalled Mr. Kisaka, "Take, for example, 'Scrap-Iron Scarecrow'… Since it targets monsters, it's useless against 'Uru'… However, cards that don't affect monsters do still work," He narrowed his eyes, while staring at Matt's field (mainly the two cards that were Set face-down), "Perhaps one of Matt's face-down cards has the key to defeating 'Uru'?"
"Rutger, I won't ever give up!" warned Matt in sheer defiance, which brought some very minor discomfort to Rutger, "I'll continue fighting you until my dying breath!" In his mind, he was going over his strategy—beginning with his first Set card ('Shooting Star'), "This will be my final gamble… My first Set card is the Trap Card, 'Shooting Star', which is used to destroy a card on the field since I control a 'Stardust' monster, which will allow me to activate 'Stardust Dragon's' effect to Tribute it, negate 'Shooting Star', and destroy it," He shifted his focus to the other Set card ('Cosmic Blast'), "My other card is the Trap Card, 'Cosmic Blast', which can be activated when a Dragon Synchro Monster leaves the field—inflicting damage to the opponent equal to the monster's ATK."
Rutger (LP: 1700) scowled, making no effort to draw a card yet.
"Rutger only has 1700 LP left," thought Matt, believing his plan would be successful, "By using a combination of 'Shooting Star', Victim Sanctuary, and 'Cosmic Blast', I'll deal 2500 damage and defeat him as soon as his turn begins!"
"This duel's far from over," threatened Rutger, with gritted teeth, "It's my turn!" He started to draw a card, "Dr-"
Suddenly, he stopped short of drawing his card, which surprised Matt and the audience a little bit. Rutger's look of anger began to melt away, as his mouth formed…a sinister smile. This happened while he started to laugh evilly.
"Why are you-?" wheezed Matt.
Everyone else was confused by what was going on, too. Soon, the long, long, booming laughter from Rutger came to a close as he, while still smiling, started to say something else.
"Actually…" remarked Rutger, "I feel we don't need to continue this duel any longer," He held his right hand out in invitation, "As of right now, I'll tell you where Ashima is being held captive."
"Say what?!" exclaimed Lisa.
"He's going to tell Matt willingly?" came from Michael.
"Is he toying with us or something?" finished Juri.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be very true, seeing as the ghostly flames started dying down and the spider geoglyph in the sky started to go away. More importantly, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', the three 'Spider Tokens', and 'Stardust Dragon' all disappeared as a result of the duel closing with no results.
DUEL RESULTS: No results
"The duel is…inconclusive?" realized Janice.
"Fudo-san…" uttered David.
Back on the field, Matt and Rutger slowly approach each other. Once close enough, Rutger reached into his cloak and pulled out a small slip of paper.
"Here," he offered, handing the slip over.
Matt took the slip and looked it over a few times before glancing suspiciously at the leader of the Dark Signers.
"This is the address?" frowned Matt
"Yes, she's there," confirmed Rutger, while Matt continued to listen with a stern expression on his face, "I also give you my word that my fellow Dark Signers will not lay a hand on her nor you."
"I don't believe you," muttered Matt, but knew he had to trust Rutger (for now). He then pressed one more important question, "And what about the people offered up to 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'? What's gonna happen to them?"
"The answer is simple; you just need to defeat 'Uru'," answered Rutger, "Unless you do, the people sacrificed will never…" His taunting words further angered Matt, "…be able to return to the living—they will remain forever lost!"
Matt started shaking his fist, wanting to defeat Rutger and 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' so badly, but the Dark Signer's leader willingly gave him directions to the place where Ashima was being held captive, and Ashima was waiting for him to save her. As much as he hated doing this, he would have to deal with Rutger at a later time.
"We'll settle the score some other time," said Matt hotly, "For now, I have to go and save Ashima," He then turned to speak to his friends before holding up the slip of paper, "I want the rest of you to return to Orb for some needed rest. I'm going to this location by myself!"
There were no arguments even as they were letting Rutger go (for now). From there, Matt ran out of the junkyard to get his Duel Runner from the parking lot at the animal shelter, while leaving everyone else to leave and return to Orb—although Michael, Zack, and Ms. Simmons needed to return to the animal shelter to get their Duel Runners first. Rutger turned and started to leave the junkyard himself, seeing no point in staying any longer. Despite leaving, he was in his thoughts about being let go and giving Matt directions to the warehouse Ashima currently was.
"Even as he lets me go, Matt still doesn't realize my true intentions," thought Rutger, before a wicked smile formed on his face again, "Heh! But he will by the time he reaches Ashima, where his resolve and heart will be put to the ultimate test."
Was Matt being led into a trap? It might be possible, but we're still not entirely certain about that.
(elsewhere…)
Back in-town, Matt finally arrived outside the same warehouse based on the directions Rutger gave him. He removed his helmet and stared at the old warehouse.
"Is this really the place?" The voice of Matt asked himself, before he got off Fudo Go, "No matter, I'll just have to chance it."
He started to approach the entrance.
(inside…)
Inside the dark warehouse, the door was kicked open by Matt, who went inside and, within seconds, found a familiar young woman with tanned skin and long brownish black hair with a few lavender streaks standing in the middle of the area with her back turned. She was also now decked out in a black robe of the Dark Signers that was accented with orange stripes, showing off a very nice-looking midriff, black fingerless gloves, a black mini-skirt, along with a long cape on her waist line, and black boots. Even in the new outfit, Matt instantly recognized who it was.
"Ashima!" called Matt, "It's me, Matt! I'm here to get you back to Orb!"
He was met with silence…
"Ashima?" peeped Matt.
"Matt… you've shown up at long last," said Ashima, quietly, at last, "I have been waiting too long for you…"
Finally, she turned around and revealed her glowing purple eyes and glowing spider birthmark on her right forearm, horrifying Matt that she got possessed by one of Rutger's spiders.
"I was too late!" thought Matt, "You've been taken over by the Dark Signers, as well!"
Ashima (possessed) simply smiled over the reaction; for some reason, that reaction…felt strangely good to her. Of course, she had other ways to make the knife wound even deeper and more painful…
"Matt, I request that you and I have a Turbo Duel!" demanded Ashima (possessed), speaking in a rougher, more aggressive tone, "Here and now! Let's see who the superior rider is!" Her smile became increasingly more malicious, "That is, unless you never want to see me again."
Matt was too stunned with shock to respond, only realizing now that Rutger had tricked him. There was worse to come, too… A number of evil laughs echoed throughout the warehouse, and, stepping out of the shadow patches, were three Dark Signers with their hoods up, and Vincent Stevens.
"Y-You're Vincent!" remembered Matt.
Vincent grinned, happy that Matt Fudo remembered him.
"And here I was beginning to wonder when the strongest Signer and leader of Team 6D's was going to show up and meet us," remarked Dark Signer 3.
"What did you guys do to Ashima?!" demanded Matt angrily.
"That's easy," replied Dark Signer 1, "Our boss, Rutger, simply lent us one of his spiders."
Dark Signer 2 snapped his fingers, and Ashima (possessed) turned her back on Matt again, this time moving some of her long hair out of the way and revealing the small mind controlling spider on the back of her neck. Matt was aghast over seeing it, and Ashima (possessed) turned back around soon after.
"Why the hell have you done this?!" pressed Matt, disgusted with the Dark Signers for kidnapping and brainwashing Ashima—and disgusted with himself for falling into this trap, "Why drag Ashima into the fight?!"
"Why not? It's to make you Signers want to give up," insisted Dark Signer 2, "What better way to crush your fighting spirit than by forcing you…" He gestured towards Ashima, who stood idle and waited, "…to fight against the ones you are closest with?"
"And another thing," cut in Vincent boastfully, "I'm the brains of this little caper! It was 'my' idea to get this Indian girl to duel you. Isn't that right, Ashima?"
"It is," said Ashima (possessed) in a monotone voice.
"There, you see?" bragged Vincent, "And one more thing; she wants this little Turbo Duel to be 'friendly' and 'fair'."
"In this duel," Ashima (possessed) explained, "we won't have the ghostly flames to get in the way, and the first to pass a corner will get to decide if he or she wishes to go first or second. There is, however, one monster you are forbidden from playing in this duel," From there, she pointed towards Matt dramatically, "It's 'Shooting Star Dragon'!"
Matt was stunned by the fact he was not allowed to use his strongest monster in the duel, while the three cloaked Dark Signers and Vincent all started to laugh maliciously and Ashima (possessed) simply continued to smile evilly. What was Matt going to do? If he didn't accept this duel, he would never see Ashima again. Stay tuned for next time to see what his decision was going to be.