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
NOTE: While reading this chapter, I suggest listening to the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's song "Clear Mind"
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 for only a brief amount of time.
"Ready for another segment of 'This week's noteworthy cards'!" began Lisa, as the audience cheered. She playfully leaned in with her right hand pressing against her ear, "I still can't hear you guys!"
The cheering became louder.
"There we go!" encouraged David, as Lisa straightened back up "That is what we like to hear from our fans," He and his friend then finally cast a glance at the blackboard with the five cards (still showing their backing) lined up, "We have five more cards I think all of you will love to see!"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Accel Synchron' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Thorn of Malice' (Spell Card)
-'Stardust Warrior' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Dark Cataclysm' (Spell Card)
-'Jet Warrior' (Synchro Monster Card)
"H-Holy Ghost Rares!" exclaimed Lisa in chibi form, staring at the middle card ('Stardust Warrior') with David (who was also in chibi form), "Dave, you have got to check out this awesome-looking card! I've never seen anything like it before!"
"Is that… Fudo-san has a new Accel Synchro Monster?!" gasped Chibi David in excitement, before reading one of the card's effects, "If your opponent would Special Summon a monster(s) (Quick Effect): You can Tribute this card; negate the Summon, and if you do, destroy that monster(s)," He scratched the back of his head, "Where in the world did he acquire such a treasured card like that?!"
"Your guess is as good as mine," shrugged Lisa, suddenly back in her normal form, "I can't wait to see this bad boy in-action!" She and David (also back to normal) then turned to face the audience, "If you thought Dave and I are excited to see such a card in action, you all should see it in-action, too."
"Well, we can't forget the other cards on the blackboard, too," added David, "Of course, one of the cards does have me a little concerned, but I'm positive Fudo-san will be able to manage just fine," He and Lisa started waving goodbye, "Unfortunately, our time is up, so we have to go now. Have a good night, everyone!"
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: Reawakening Memories
Opening up in the parking lot of the Orb Duel School, the rematch between Matt Fudo and Carlie Izayoi was raging on. Currently, the standings were as followed:
-Matt (LP: 2600): Controlled 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 0/DEF: 2000) and a Set card.
-Carlie (LP: 1700): Controlled only 'Black Rose Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 3400/DEF: 1800), having lost all of her other Spell and Trap Cards due to Matt's 'Shining Silver Force' Trap Card.
"Boy, this battle is really intense," commented Ben, "It's a good thing Matt's hanging on, because he still needs to do something to save Carlie before it gets any worse."
"If only I didn't call her a monster or hit her…" sighed Mr. Izayoi, full of regret.
Mrs. Izayoi placed a hand on her husband's shoulder while smiling sadly in agreement. Back on the field, Carlie was shown staring at the palms of her gloved hands, becoming further angry at seeming to remember memories she claimed to have never had before.
"I don't know what sort of trickery this is, but it won't work!" seethed Carlie, looking up at her opponent, "I know who I am, and I know who my loyalty is to," Matt warily listened on to all of her rage-fueled words, "More importantly, I know that you're my enemy!" Growing increasingly mad (crazy) and hostile, she reached for the metal hairband keeping her hair together, "Which is why…I will destroy you, your companions, Orb… Everyone whom I hate!"
Matt's eyes widened with realization, and everyone else didn't look so good when they watched Carlie begin removing her hairpin. Once the hairpin was removed, her bangs fell over to partially cover her face. The hairpin also fell and landed on the ground with a loud *CLANG!*. Unfortunately, Carlie's metal hairpin was also what was keeping her powers from being unleashed at the limit.
"If I have to, I'll destroy this whole world!" Carlie howled with fury.
With the seal finally removed, Carlie Izayoi fell into complete insanity as she spread her arms out and unleashed another mighty blast of wind all across the field, much to the horror of her friends and family as they tried their hardest to stay on their feet. Mr. Izayoi managed to protect his wife and son from some of the debris being thrown around from the wind. Matt watched the scene of destruction all around him before a small rock cut him across his left cheek.
"This looks bad," thought Matt, looking greatly concerned for not only his friends and teammates, but also for his opponent (who was also his friend), "Carlie's newly gained hatred is increasing her power and making them go haywire!"
Finally, the duel resumed.
"I activate an Equip Spell from my hand!" announced Carlie, as she held up a card and slotted it into her Duel Disk. That was when the 'Thorn of Malice' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "'Thorn of Malice'! I must equip only to 'Black Rose Dragon' or a Plant monster. It gains 600 ATK. Now, 'Black Rose Dragon', accept this new power!"
Green light erupted on her field, enveloping 'Black Rose Dragon' and causing it to roar in great rage—the exact same rage its master was currently feeling—before growing razor sharp thorn vines from its body while also growing stronger than ever before (ATK: 3400 → 4000).
"4000 ATK?!" wailed Asagi, "I've never seen 'Black Rose Dragon' become this strong!"
"That isn't all," Sherry added firmly, which brought most eyes towards her, "Now 'Black Rose Dragon' can inflict piercing damage whenever it battles monsters that are in Defense Position, plus the opponent's monster will not be destroyed and will lose 600 ATK and DEF at the end of the damage calculation."
"'Stardust Dragon' already can't be destroyed by battle thanks to 'Hyper Synchron's' effect," recalled Janice.
"The important thing to know is 'Stardust's' ATK is at 0 thanks to Rose Restriction," David pointed out, "One attack from that enpowered 'Black Rose Dragon' is all it will take to bring down Fudo-san."
"No way, Dave!" objected Lisa, which caused her boyfriend to look at her, "There's no way in hell Matt will be defeated like this—at least, I hope he finds a way to survive."
"Same here, Lisa-chan…" agreed David, as he resumed staring at what was going on on the field, "I only hope Fudo-san is prepared for such a battle ahead."
"Feel the agony I've felt for years," hissed Carlie hatefully, entering her Battle Phase, "'Black Rose Dragon' attacks 'Stardust Dragon'! Hate Rose Whip!"
Roaring out in a fury, 'Black Rose Dragon' released several thorn whips and sent them out to attack both 'Stardust Dragon' and Matt.
"MATTY!" screamed Ashima.
Fortunately, it wasn't over for Matt; he was ready for the attack.
"I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Stardust Halo'!" announced Matt, as his final Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "During the Battle Phase: I must activate this card by banishing 1 Tuner from my GY!" A card ('Quickdraw Synchron') then ejected from his GY, which he took and held up while speaking, "I banish 'Quickdraw Synchron' in order to activate my card."
"How worthless!" dismissed Carlie, "You believe that's going to stop 'Black Rose' from tearing you and 'Stardust' apart? I think not!"
"Don't be so hasty," scolded Matt, causing Carlie to ease up a little bit, "I activate the third effect of 'Stardust Halo'!" While explaining the effect, a halo appeared above 'Stardust Dragon's' head, causing a barrier to form around the Signer Dragon and deflect 'Black Rose Dragon's' deadly Hate Rose Whip, "If a 'Stardust' monster battles, during damage calculation: I can switch the current ATK and DEF of my opponent's battling monster during that damage calculation only."
'Black Rose Dragon's' ATK and DEF both got swapped for the other (ATK: 4000 → 1800/DEF: 1800 → 4000). Carlie watched before another extreme headache ensued, causing a vision to happen.
VISION
Inside her dorm at Blue Cosmos, Vision Carlie was dressed in her Victorian-styled outfit and preparing to leave for the city of Hartford so that she could destroy Orb, once and for all. While looking over her Deck, a knock on the door was heard.
"Yes?" called Vision Carlie.
The door opened, and Vision Azrael walked inside. Vision Carlie was happy to see him.
"I'm glad I've caught you," began Vision Azrael, reaching into his jacket's pocket, "I got a little something for you," He took out a card, "It's a special card of mine."
Curious, Vision Carlie took the card and looked at it. It was a Spell Card known as 'Dark Cataclysm'(!). Still curious, Vision Carlie looked at her adopted 'Father' as though she were pressing him on what that card did.
"Now, I won't tell you everything it does, but instead I'll ask you to do me a favor," offered Vision Azrael, "If you get into a duel with anyone from Orb and you happen to draw this card, play it without hesitation—do so, and you will win."
"Y-Yes," promised Vision Carlie, "I will play it."
(new scene…)
The scene then changed to Brendam Docks on the Island of Sodor, where Vision Carlie, Team 4D's (at the time), Vision Zack, and Vision Discord all were visiting.
"I can't believe I'm about to actually see my brother for the first time since around seven-to-eight years," Vision Carlie said to herself.
"It's okay, Carlie," said Vision James R. reassuringly, "We're right here with you."
Vision Carlie only continued to fidget nervously. Just then, a new voice was heard calling out to her.
"Is that you, Carlie?"
The brown-haired girl looked up and gasped.
"Was that him…?" whispered Vision Carlie.
Standing nearby was an 18-year old boy with short black hair and glasses. He was wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. This was obviously Vision Ben.
"Ben?" Vision Carlie whispered, starting to tear up.
"Hello, Carlie." The boy smiled, "How's my favorite sister?"
That had done it; the flood gates had been opened. Without wasting another second, Vision Carlie raced towards Vision Ben and threw her arms around him in a hug while crying.
"Ben! Oh, Ben…" she sobbed extra hard, "You have no idea how much I've missed you!"
"And I missed you so much, too," agreed Vision Ben, while also crying.
Vision Carlie's adopted brothers, as well as Father, couldn't help but shed tears at this heartfelt reunion—although Vision Discord's cries were more comical in nature.
END VISION
The pair of visions ended, and Carlie began to freak out again.
"Why?!" screeched Carlie, while clutching the sides of her head, "Why am I seeing memories I don't have?!" As she continued to yell in confusion, Matt and everyone else listened with increased concern for her well-being, "I'm Carlie Izayoi, my home is the Blue Cosmos school, and my adopted Father is Muruta Azrael!"
"Carlie!" hollered Ben.
Eventually, Carlie recovered, yet remained an insane, rage-filled mess, before turning and giving a command to 'Black Rose Dragon'.
"'Black Rose Dragon', attack 'Stardust Dragon'!" ordered Carlie, as her ace monster let out another ferocious, angry roar, "Hate Rose Whip!"
'Black Rose Dragon' obeyed, letting several thorn vines erupt from its body and slapped and impaled 'Stardust Dragon' repeatedly. One last vine smacked into Matt and sent him flying across the parking lot whilst screaming before landing on his front, badly injured as his LP took a huge drop (LP: 2600 → 800). The viewers all gasped in horror. This was what Misty saw when she met with Carlie and some of the group at the beach in New Haven. Meanwhile, Azrael and the three Bio-CPU boys were still watching the duel—they were greatly enjoying the show, mostly out of their own weapon doing the dirty work for them.
"Wow! That must have hurt," grinned Azrael, in complete sadism, "Well, that's good, since Matt Fudo deserves it and so much more."
Back on the field…
"From the fourth effect of 'Thorn of Malice'… An opponent's monster that battles with the equipped monster cannot be destroyed by that battle," explained Carlie, "And the third effect will activate, now!" While she explained the effect, 'Stardust Dragon' let out an exhausted roar from its injuries as its DEF went down moderately (DEF: 2000 → 1400), "If the equipped monster attacks a monster, after damage calculation: The attacked monster loses 600 ATK/DEF," She held her right hand up, "And don't forget about your own card," While speaking on, 'Black Rose Dragon's' ATK returned to normal (ATK: 1800 → 4000), while the face-up 'Stardust Halo' Trap Card sank into the ground, "Since it's the end of the Battle Phase, 'Black Rose Dragon's' ATK goes back to 4000!"
The audience, particularly Ashima, all looked deeply worried on where the battle was gonna go next between the two friends. Matt slowly started to get to his hands and knees, while Carlie started smiling madly over her opponent just struggling to survive against her power. The sight…greatly amused her in a dark, sinister, sadistic sort of way.
"What a joke… Your resilience is nothing but a farce!" insulted Carlie, "You can't defend those people as well as yourself!" Matt listened to her rambling as he weakly got back to his feet, "Just accept the reality in-front of you; you can't beat me like this!"
"You're right, I can't protect myself and my friends at the same time," admitted Matt, closing his eyes, "Right now, I'm not even sure if I can win against you due to your power as the cold-hearted 'Black Rose Witch'," He opened his eyes, pointed up into the air and then at Carlie, "However, it won't stop me from at least trying!"
Carlie silently scowled.
"No matter how bad the odds are for me, I won't give up," continued Matt, before adding in something else, "I activate the second effect of 'Stardust Halo'!" His face-up 'Stardust Halo' Trap Card shattered into shards of glass a few seconds later, "I can only control 1 'Stardust Halo', also destroy 'Stardust Halo' at the end of the Battle Phase!"
"Tch! How stubborn of you…" grunted Carlie, before taking a card from her hand and slotting it into her Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!" A face-down card materialized on the field near her feet, "However, now that it's my End Phase, I'll activate the third effect of 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis'!" As she explained the effect, a card ('Phoenixian Seed') ejected from her GY, "During my End Phase: I can banish…" The brown-haired young woman held the card out for a few seconds before it faded away into oblivion, "…1 Plant monster from my GY; I must Special Summon this card from my GY in Defense Position!"
Reappearing on the field from a blaze of fire, was none other than Carlie's 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis' (Level: 8/ATK: 2200/DEF: 0).
"'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis'!" remembered Matt.
"And now that it's the end of the turn, the effects of 'White Rose Cloister' and 'Black Rose Dragon' wear off!" exclaimed Carlie.
'Black Rose Dragon's' ATK fell slightly (ATK: 4000 → 3000), while 'Stardust Dragon's' ATK went back up (ATK: 0 → 3300). Despite her ace monster now being weaker than 'Stardust Dragon', Carlie was absolutely certain that victory was within her grasp.
"Matt Fudo, the countdown to your defeat is set in motion," warned Carlie darkly, "Even if you're capable of destroying 'Black Rose' this turn, you'd have to be stupid to attack 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis'…" Focus went towards 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis' first, then towards the weakened 'Stardust Dragon', "…since its destruction by battle will deal you 800 damage—which is the amount of LP you have left. And even if 'Stardust' can't be destroyed by battle, by your second Standby Phase it will be banished automatically due to 'Hyper Synchron's' side effect!" She smiled slightly, "And who needs to wait and let that happen? I can just switch 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis' into Attack Position and send it to its death, therefore triggering its second effect and finishing you off!"
"Carlie!" barked Matt, "You have to wake up from your nightmare!"
"I'll make you suffer the same fate, Matt," threatened Carlie coldly, completely ignoring the pleading from her opponent, "All of the pain, ridicule, and suffering I endured from people over the years… I'll inflict that agony and more upon you and everyone else here tenfold!"
Wanting to try saying something again, Matt instead said nothing at the last part. In the audience, Mr. Izayoi decided to try calling out to Carlie once again.
"Carlie, I need you to carefully listen to me!" Mr. Izayoi yelled out, causing Carlie to grit her teeth in anger. Despite knowing he would likely take the brunt of his troubled daughter's wrathful fury, he didn't back down, "Please forgive me! I never should have called you a monster nor should have I hit you that time!"
"You expect me to forgive you?" snarled Carlie, "You and Mom tore the family apart by leaving me at the orphanage in the first place!" Mr. and Mrs. Izayoi both listened to the harsh words being thrown by her in their direction, "Me, forgive the both of you for that? Ha! I'd rather spit on your respective faces than to do that!"
"Carlie!" cried Mrs. Izayoi.
"Please listen, Carlie!" begged Ben, speaking up, "We've all reunited at some point, and you even forgave Mom and Dad! It's the truth; you've gotta remember that!"
But Carlie did not listen. If anything, she instead screamed with rage while triggering her psychic powers again, causing another storm of purple rose petals to ensue.
"Carlie!" pleaded Mr. Izayoi.
"Carlie, this is madness!" protested Ben, before his eyes widened, "Oh no!"
A storm of petals was coming his, Mr. Izayoi, and Mrs. Izayoi's way. At this point, Carlie was so consumed by her hatred that she decided to take it all out on her parents—not even caring that her own brother was also going to be hurt by her powers. Before the three members of the Izayoi family were hit, 'Stardust Dragon', despite being injured from 'Black Rose Dragon's' attack and risking getting injured further, intercepted and blocked the attack.
"What?" gasped Mrs. Izayoi.
"Is 'Stardust Dragon' protecting us?" pondered Ben.
"Can it be?" whispered Ashima, feeling something coming from Matt's ace monster, "Is 'Stardust' saying that it'll protect us? Matty…"
Back on the field…
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again!" proclaimed Matt, clenching his right hand into a fist, "I will protect my friends and bring Carlie Izayoi, the real one, back to the light! I swear my life on it!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Six: Matt Fudo (LP: 800)
Deck: 43
Current Hand (2): "Doppelwarrior" and Pot of Greed"
Without wasting a second, he held his drawn card ('Pot of Greed') out.
"Spell Card, 'Pot of Greed', activate!" declared Matt, before drawing two cards (one at a time), "I must draw two cards," After spending a few seconds looking at the two cards ('Rush Warrior' and 'Cosmic Flare'), he announced a new move, "I activate the fourth effect of 'Stardust Halo'!"
"What?" frowned Carlie.
"I can banish this card from my GY," While speaking, Matt held up his 'Stardust Halo' Trap Card before it faded away into oblivion, "except the turn this was sent to the GY, then target 1 'Stardust' monster I control; I must…" The badly injured 'Stardust Dragon faded away into specks of stardust, and he drew one more card, "…return it to the Deck, and if I do, add 1 Level 4 or lower Dragon monster from my Deck to my hand."
The card was a Monster Card known as 'Debris Dragon'.
"Is that all?" scoffed Carlie, "You got rid of 'Stardust Dragon' just for something like that?"
"It's not as simple as you're believing it is," retorted Matt, just before a smaller version of 'Stardust Dragon' ('Debris Dragon') started to appear on the field, "I Summon 'Debris Dragon'!"
'Debris Dragon' fully appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000).
"I activate 'Debris Dragon's' special effect!" Matt went on, holding up a card ('Junk Converter') for a few seconds before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can target 1 monster with 500 or less ATK in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Attack Position, but negate its effects," He held his right hand up, "Resurrect, 'Junk Converter'!"
Reappearing on the field was the small robot monster made out of junk parts (Level: 2/ATK: 400/DEF: 200).
"Finally, I'll activate the first effect of 'Doppelwarrior'!" As he said that, Matt, placed another card ('Doppelwarrior') onto his Duel Disk. This caused a human male wearing military clothing and wielding a gun to appear on the field (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 800), "When a monster(s) is Special Summoned from my GY (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card from my hand."
'Debris Dragon', 'Junk Converter', and 'Doppelwarrior' each stood ready.
"This will be the start of my counterattack!" said Matt, before thrusting his right hand out and making a big announcement, "I tune Level 2 'Junk Converter', Level 2 'Doppelwarrior' into Level 4 'Debris Dragon'!"
'Debris Dragon' turned into four Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and overwhelmed both 'Junk Converter' and 'Doppelwarrior' while turning them into four orbs of light (two for both monsters) as a familiar Summon Chant from Matt was heard throughout the scene.
"Clustering wishes will become a new shining star! 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! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!"
Reappearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a fully healed 'Stardust Dragon', who let out a roar to signal its arrival (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000). Just then, two weaker copies of 'Doppelwarrior' appeared on the field around the flying 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 1/ATK: 400/DEF: 400) x2.
"Are those two-?" pondered Carlie.
"Yes," confirmed Matt, "These are 'Doppel Tokens', and they come from 'Doppelwarrior's' second effect," Both 'Doppel Tokens' stood ready as an explanation began, "If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I can Special Summon 2 'Doppel Tokens' in Attack Position," He then held up another card ('Junk Synchron') taken from his GY, "And there's more; 'Junk Converter's' second effect! If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I can target 1 Tuner in my GY; I must Special Summon it in Defense Position, but it cannot activate its effects this turn."
"Grr… Are you building your field up for something?" growled Carlie.
"Be patient; it will all make sense soon enough," reassured Matt, before placing his retrieved card ('Junk Synchron') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Junk Synchron' from my GY!"
Appearing onto the field was the orange, robotic Tuner monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 500).
"And finally…" continued Matt, just as 'Level Eater' suddenly appeared and went through 'Stardust Dragon' while reducing its Level slightly (Level: 8 → 7) before standing on the field along with the other monsters (Level: 1/ATK: 600/DEF: 0), "If this card is in my GY: I can target 1 Level 5 or higher monster I control; I must reduce its Level by 1, and if I do, Special Summon this card."
That gave Matt the following monsters:
-'Junk Synchron'
-'Level Eater'
-'Stardust Dragon'
-'Doppel Token'
-'Doppel Token'
"Just what are you planning to do!?" demanded Carlie.
"I tune Level 1 'Doppel Token', Level 1 'Level Eater' into Level 3 'Junk Synchron'!" cut in Matt.
'Junk Synchron' pulled a cord on his armor, causing his motor backpack to start revving as his whole body started glowing a golden yellow, turning himself into three Synchro Rings, which hovered and lowered over 'Level Eater' and one of the 'Doppel Tokens' before turning them into two orbs of light (one each) as a new Summon Chant from Matt was heard.
"Gathering prayers will become a powerful and determined new horizon! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 1 + 1 + 3 = 5 were shown briefly just before the two orbs of light turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! The power of wisdom, Synchro Tuner, 'Accel Synchron'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a humanoid 'Synchron' monster modeled after Matt's Duel Runner, Fudo Go (Level: 5/ATK: 500/DEF: 2100).
"Synchro Tuner?" pondered Michael.
"Well, well, well! That monster is something none of us have seen until now," remarked James R..
"Matt is definitely going for both Clear Mind and Accel Synchro," guessed Ms. Simmons.
"That's good and all, but there's a big problem with that plan…" Lisa pointed out, getting the attention of several people near her, "The only Accel Synchro Monster Matt has access to is 'Shooting Star Dragon'," Michael, James R., and Ms. Simmons each listened carefully to her words, "All of Matt's current monsters don't even meet the right criteria for it."
"No, Lisa," corrected Ms. Simmons, "I'm convinced that there is an Accel Synchro Monster that Matt can Summon using 'Accel Synchron', but only if he has one more Synchro Monster on his field…"
Back on the field…
"Remember 'Jet Warrior', Carlie?" asked Matt.
"Huh?" wondered Carlie, "Remember?"
"I activate 'Jet Warrior's' second effect!" As Matt spoke, the remaining 'Doppel Token' faded away into a blue streak while 'Jet Warrior' reappeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1200), "If this card is in my GY: I can Tribute 1 Level 2 or lower monster; I must Special Summon this card in Defense Position, but banish it when it leaves the field."
Currently, Matt controlled 'Jet Warrior', 'Stardust Dragon', and 'Accel Synchron', and Carlie had absolutely no idea what to make of this strategy.
"What can he use those monsters for?" Carlie asked herself.
"As I said many times before, I will save you, my friend!" repeated Matt, overhearing the self-asking question, "But to do that, I will need to use my new power!"
"New power?" blinked Carlie.
No answer; Matt closed his eyes and began to focus deeply.
(elsewhere…)
Within the World of Speed, Matt hovered in the sky in-front of a large blank card.
"A blank card," thought Matt, "This must be what I need to save Carlie and her memories," He started to reach for the card, but was getting repelled by the energy behind it, "Ugh! Whatever force is behind the card, it's really powerful! But I got to reach for it!"
He continued to reach for the card despite the energy hurting him. With a loud cry of determination to save his friend, Matt shattered the energy and slowly caused artwork, Level, ATK, DEF, Type, Attribute, and name of the Synchro Monster Card to appear on the blank card.
"You're…'Stardust Warrior'," The voice of Matt declared.
A teardrop fell onto the ground within the darkness.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the new world, Matt opened his eyes fiercely and gave the command.
"Clear Mind!" began Matt, "I tune Level 5 Synchro Monster," He motioned his right arm about while also holding the right hand out. While doing that and still speaking, 'Jet Warrior' jumped into the sky with 'Accel Synchron' following from behind, "'Jet Warrior', into Level 5 Synchro Tuner, 'Accel Synchron'!"
"W-What?!" stammered Carlie, "What kind of Synchro Summon is this supposed to be?"
'Accel Synchron' turned into five Synchro Rings, which 'Jet Warrior' soared into before turning into five orbs of light. The symbols 5 + 5 = 10 were shown briefly as the audience then listened to a new Summon Chant from Matt…
"Gathering power that dwells inside my fist, transform into a will that can shatter even steel! Become the path its light shines upon!"
The five orbs of light within the five large Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light which slammed onto the field around Matt as he, with flames around him growing bigger and thicker than ever, opened his eyes fiercely and gave quite possibly the strongest, most hot-blooded scream everyone in the parking lot could ever hear.
"Accel Synchro!" The dirty blonde-haired young man echoed, motioning his right arm out to his right at the very end of the scream.
Very quickly, a new card materialized out of thin-air and in-between Matt's fingers. It was what appeared to be an evolved, humanoid form of 'Stardust Dragon' with a Level of 10, an ATK of 3000, a DEF of 2500, and one of its typings was said to be Accel Synchro. The beam of light started to break apart and reveal a new monster within.
"Appear now, 'Stardust Warrior'!" boomed Matt.
Jumping into the sky was, indeed, a humanoid version of 'Stardust Dragon' with bits of yellow mechanical parts for the limbs, two wings shaped like 'Shooting Star Dragon's' jet wings, and two powerful-looking fists. Landing on the ground, 'Stardust Warrior' stood still for a few seconds before letting out a loud, booming scream that sounded similar to 'Shooting Star Dragon's' roar (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"What…is that?" breathed Janice.
"Did Fudo-san bring forth a new Accel Synchro Monster?" put in David.
"So, there's more than just 'Shooting Star Dragon'," realized Zack, "Matt's desire to save Carlie rewarded him with this new card."
Unfortunately, there were a few people far from being happy with seeing that new monster. Luckily, they were not the other members of Team 6D's, the UK visitors, or the attenders of Orb. No, they were people from the Blue Cosmos school.
"No, but I…" stammered Azrael.
"I don't believe it!" complained Clotho, clearly horrified, "That guy has access to ANOTHER damn Accel Synchro Monster?!"
"It should be okay," insisted Orga, trying his hardest to cling onto straws, "Carlie can still defeat him before it's too late."
"Yeah, but we still don't know anything about that 'Stardust Warrior' belonging to the Coordinator," reminded Shani.
Back on the field, 'Black Rose Dragon' found itself facing not only 'Stardust Dragon', but also the new monster known as 'Stardust Warrior'. Carlie was shocked by what her opponent did just now.
"Since 'Jet Warrior' left the field, he has been banished through his own effect," reminded Matt.
"But if you attack 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis', you will only end up defeating yourself!" argued Carlie.
"Will I?" said Matt ominously, which made Carlie a bit fearful-looking as his turn resumed, "From my hand, I'll activate a Quick-Play Spell," He held up one of his drawn cards ('Cosmic Flare'), "'Cosmic Flare'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I must target 1 'Stardust' Synchro Monster I control; this turn, if that Synchro Monster I control battles an opponent's monster, I must shuffle that opponent's monster into the Deck at the start of the Damage Step," Matt explained, just before 'Stardust Dragon' let out a roar and allowed itself to gain power, "I target 'Stardust Dragon' for this card!"
Carlie was rendered speechless; Matt had found a way to power his monster, which would then, once an attack was declared, allow it to take down her 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis' and return it to her Deck without the worry of triggering the second effect.
"Battle!" announced Matt, entering the Battle Phase, "'Stardust Dragon', send 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis' back into Carlie's Deck!" As 'Stardust Dragon' opened its mouth and charged an attack, he announced his monster's attack name, "Cosmic Flare!"
The attack was unleashed, striking and overwhelming 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis'. But rather than explode into fire, it instead dissolved into dust in order to be returned to Carlie's Deck. Refusing to accept it, Carlie looked up at her opponent in sheer defiance.
"Don't forget that 'Black Rose Dragon' and 'Stardust Warrior' both share the same ATK," reminded Carlie, "Attacking would only destroy both monsters!" She froze when she remembered one little thing and looked at one of the occupied Spell & Trap Zones on her Duel Disk, "W-Wait, I still have 'Thorn of Malice' equipped to-!" A sense of pure horror washed all over her, "Oh no! Only 'Black Rose Dragon' would be destroyed!"
"You realize it, don't you?" smirked Matt, "That's right, the fourth effect of 'Thorn of Malice' prevents the opponent's monster from being destroyed by battle—even in the case of a tie," He lost his grin and resumed his Battle Phase, "I'm going to take advantage of that effect! Go forth, 'Stardust Warrior'!"
'Stardust Warrior' jumped into the sky and used its wings to fly above 'Black Rose Dragon'. Carlie, afraid of what 'Stardust Warrior' was capable of, decided to make sure only Matt's monster was beaten.
"I activate a Trap, 'Half Counter'!" declared Carlie, as her final Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. Matt eased up slightly when he heard the explanation, "During damage calculation, if a monster I control is being attacked: I must target that monster I control; that target gains ATK equal to…" She smiled with satisfaction, "…half the original ATK of the attacking monster, until the end of this turn."
At that moment, 'Black Rose Dragon' glowed as it grew stronger (ATK: 3000 → 4500).
"Dammit! Carlie's monster now triumphs over Matt's!" panicked Lisa.
"Although 'Stardust Warrior' can't be destroyed by battle, Matt will still receive 1500 damage—recoil damage, that is," recalled Mayura, "With only 800 LP remaining, he'll be a goner once 'Black Rose Dragon' makes its counterattack."
Nearby, Azrael and the Biological CPU trio were not horrified, but pleased that Carlie was able to counter Matt's attack and win the duel. From there, Carlie took her chance to gain victory.
"'Black Rose Dragon', strike back at 'Stardust Warrior' with all of your power!" she commanded, as her ace monster let out a third ferocious, angry roar, "Hate Rose Whip!"
'Black Rose Dragon' obeyed, letting several more thorn vines erupt from its body and aiming them towards 'Stardust Warrior'.
"It's all over!" thundered Carlie.
"It isn't over until the last card is played," interrupted Matt.
"What?!"
"I activate the first effect of 'Rush Warrior'!" The dirty blonde-haired young man proclaimed, sending a card ('Rush Warrior') from his hand to the GY, "During damage calculation, if a 'Warrior' Synchro Monster I control battles an opponent's monster (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY; my battling monster's ATK becomes double its current ATK during that damage calculation only."
Appearing briefly into the field was a Warrior monster in a golden suit similar to that of 'Speed Warrior'. He then began running around the shadow of 'Stardust Warrior' until he became a tornado of winds. Carlie took a step back in absolute terror, watching as, in the sky, 'Stardust Warrior' continued to grow stronger (ATK: 3000 → 6000). The vines from Hate Rose Whip struck its target, but the attack did absolutely nothing to the now stronger 'Warrior' Synchro Monster, and Carlie knew it.
"Now, 'Stardust Warrior'!" announced Matt, just before 'Stardust Warrior' flew down towards 'Black Rose Dragon' with both fists out, "Shooting Smash!"
Both powerful fists collided with 'Black Rose Dragon', causing the dragon to let out a loud roar of pain before finally exploding from its destruction. Carlie tried to brace herself from the force of the attack, but, with a loud scream, she was thrown back a good distance before hitting the ground as her LP fell to critical levels (LP: 1700 → 200). With the audience…
"Carlie…" whispered Mr. Izayoi, before looking determined to set things right with his daughter, "Alright, I'm going in."
"What?" gasped Mrs. Izayoi, watching as her husband started walking towards the duel, "Honey, what are you doing?!"
"Owning up to my mistakes," replied Mr. Izayoi firmly, "Honey, don't you see what those two monsters are trying to do?" He was referring to both 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Stardust Warrior', "Matt is trying to protect us with them."
"Dad's right, Mom," agreed Ben, "Matt is doing everything in his power to keep all of us safe from harm. Despite getting hurt, he's trying to face Carlie head-on."
"Exactly… However, my main focus is on Carlie," continued Mr. Izayoi, "No matter how much I try to sugarcoat it, I cannot escape from the fact of the matter," He shifted his focus towards Carlie, while she laid on the ground in an injured state, "I had closed off my feelings then. When it should've been my true feelings that followed…"
"Dad…" uttered Ben.
"Honey…" came from Mrs. Izayoi.
"Which is why…I have to go to her," insisted Mr. Izayoi, "I have to tell her my true feelings, and let her know how sorry I am."
He started to move further towards the field.
"Wait!" cried Matt, turning and seeing someone approaching, "Don't move any further, it's still too dangerous!"
But Mr. Izayoi ignored the protests and continued moving towards his daughter, who got back onto her feet. As soon as she saw her Father approaching while getting back up, she slowly began to lose it.
"Forgive me for what I've done, Carlie," whispered Mr. Izayoi, "It was all my fault."
"No more! It's too late for you to say that, now!" hollered Carlie.
"I was afraid of your powers—of you…" continued Mr. Izayoi, ignoring his daughter's protests while not giving up, "I'm not going to dodge the subject. I'm going to tell you the truth. I was just afraid of you."
"I knew that. Hence, you abandoned me!" spat Carlie hatefully, "Because I'm a monster!"
"It's true that I stopped thinking in that one phrase," Mr. Izayoi admitted, ashamed, "But it's not true. I should have realized the obvious feelings that followed. I, we, love you."
Carlie refused to listen, "And you expect me to believe that…!?"
"I'm not telling you to believe it… No…" said Mr. Izayoi, as he started moving forward, once again, "In fact, the one who needs to believe would be me," As he spoke on, Carlie listened to those words even while losing her mind even more, "The fact that your Mother and I do love you."
Unfortunately, by this point, Carlie heard more than enough of those so-called 'lies', and it caused her to reach yet another breaking point.
"Get away from me!" she bellowed, summoning another storm of purple rose petals.
The rose petals started striking Mr. Izayoi, leaving behind some tears in his suit and some cuts across his skin while he cried out in pain.
"Oh man!" recoiled Asagi.
"Carlie's actually trying to-!" added Juri.
"The amount of anger and resentment she has towards her own Father… Never have I seen nor felt so much of it," shuddered Ashima.
However, even as he was being attacked by his own daughter, Mr. Izayoi did not back down.
"Carlie, you have to open your eyes to what you're doing!" called Matt, while entering his End Phase, "You're hurting your own flesh and blood!"
"Shut up!" demanded Carlie, making Matt ease up slightly, "Now that it's the End Phase," While speaking, 'Stardust Warrior's' ATK returned to normal (ATK: 6000 → 3000), "the effect of 'Rush Warrior' has already worn off!" She drew a card, "This turn will determine the outcome of the duel!"
Turn Seven: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 200)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (1): "Dark Cataclysm"
Upon seeing what the drawn card was, her eyes widened upon seeing it. While staring at the drawn 'Dark Cataclysm' Spell Card, Azrael's words echoed within her head…
"Now, I won't tell you everything it does, but instead I'll ask you to do me a favor. If you get into a duel with anyone from Orb and you happen to draw this card, play it without hesitation—do so, and you will win."
Keeping her eyes narrowed dangerously, Carlie decided to honor the promise she made to her adopted 'Father' by playing that new card…
"From my hand, I'll activate a Spell Card!" As she said that, Carlie turned the card in-between the index and middle fingers of her right hand and revealed it to her opponent, "This is 'Dark Cataclysm'!"
That earned her a surprised reaction from Matt and the audience, since they knew outright that wasn't one of Carlie's cards.
"That card… I feel the same darkness I felt from the 'Fusion Parasite' that the Dark Signers gave to Ashima," thought Matt, while continuing to stare at Carlie as she glowed in another purple aura, "This new card must be to make sure Carlie stays under Azrael's control," He then started figure out something horrifying, "Can it be… is it possible Muruta Azrael of Blue Cosmos is a-"
"It's too early to feel surprised," interrupted Carlie, "I must target 1 opponent's Attack Position monster; I must change it to Defense Position, and if I do, halve my opponent's LP," She pointed at Matt and 'Stardust Dragon', "By targeting your 'Stardust Dragon', it will not only go straight into Defense Position, your LP will also go from 800 down to just 400!"
Finding its body moving on its own, 'Stardust Dragon' started protecting itself with its wings (ATK: 2500 → DEF: 2000), while Matt found himself being pelted by more of Carlie's purple rose petals as a result of her psychic powers, ripping into his clothes and skin (LP: 800 → 400).
"Carlie…" groaned Matt.
"There's also a second effect to my card," continued Carlie, holding up her card ('Dark Cataclysm') before sending it to her GY, "If the monster targeted by this card's effect is changed from Defense Position to Attack Position while this card is my GY: I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to that monster's original ATK. If I control a Level 7 or higher Synchro Monster, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation."
Over with the audience…
"It can't be!" realized Shinji.
"Shinji?" pondered Sean.
"You look freaked out," added Janice, "Why not let us in on the secret?"
"I know now that Carlie intends to resurrect 'Black Rose Dragon'!" exclaimed Shinji, "She wants to use it to strike the final blow on Matt by switching 'Stardust Dragon's' battle position using Rose Restriction!"
"And she can pull it off, too," recalled Sherry, as a few faded stills of Carlie sending 'Garden Rose Maiden' from her Extra Deck to the GY were superimposed over her, "Carlie still has 'Garden Rose Maiden' in her GY since Matt prevented 'Black Rose Dragon's' effects with 'Effect Veiler' earlier on," She narrowed her eyes, ending the faded stills "She doesn't screw around in situations like this."
Back on the field…
"I activate 'Garden Rose Maiden's' second effect!" announced Carlie, as her psychic powers went into overdrive and kicked up more and more purple rose petals, "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," She held up her card ('Garden Rose Maiden') as it started glowing in the same purple aura, "Be gone."
The card dissolved into purple dust, just as many of the rose petals swarmed the field and combined together into the full body of 'Black Rose Dragon', letting out a roar to signal its return to the field once more (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).
"'Black Rose Dragon' is back, Matt," warned Carlie, "You know what this means, don't you?"
Although another purple rose petal cut Matt across the face, he didn't flinch, react, or say anything; if anything, he just listened carefully to what his manipulated, hurting friend had to say.
"It means I can banish one more Plant monster from my GY to activate 'Black Rose Dragon's' second effect," Carlie went on, "When I do that, it will force 'Stardust Dragon' into Attack Position and activate 'Dark Cataclysm's' second effect, making you take damage equal to the target monster's original ATK—plus 'Black Rose Dragon' is a Level 7 or higher Synchro Monster, meaning you can't negate the activation of my card's effect," She held her right hand out and clenched it into a tight fist, "With only 400 LP left, you have no chance of surviving this final attack!"
At last, a small, grim smile formed on Matt's face as he uttered only a few simple words…
"Are you sure about that?" he questioned weakly.
Carlie froze when she heard that catchphrase of her opponent's. Sure enough, Matt was ready for that final play.
"I activate 'Stardust Warrior's' first effect!" announced Matt.
"What?!" cringed Carlie.
"First effect?!" came from Azrael.
"If my opponent would Special Summon a monster(s) (Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card; I must negate the Summon, and if I do, destroy that monster(s)," explained Matt, before announcing his monster's effect name as 'Stardust Warrior' found itself being pelted by rose petals, "Cosmic Sanctuary!"
'Stardust Warrior' obeyed, approaching 'Black Rose Dragon' as it roared in a mixture of pain, anger, and sadness. But rather than destroy the monster and put it out of its misery, 'Stardust Warrior'…just went and hugged the dragon in an attempt to console it. A surprised 'Black Rose Dragon' seemed to calm down from its rage and anguish after being embraced like that. Finally, both monsters dissolved away.
"My dragon…" gasped Carlie, "You got rid of it again…"
"Carlie, it had to be done," accepted Matt, "Like you, 'Black Rose Dragon' was in pain, suffering from anguish… However…" He then raised his right hand slightly and snapped his fingers, "Resurrect, 'Stardust Warrior'!"
A shower of stardust began to form on the field before 'Stardust Warrior' arose from it.
"This is the second effect of my monster," explained Matt, "During the End Phase, if this effect was activated this turn (and was not negated): I can Special Summon this card from my GY."
The resurrected 'Stardust Warrior' stood in a battle ready pose (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"Then…this monster shares similar power to 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Shooting Star Dragon'!" realized Carlie, but froze when she said the name 'Shooting Star Dragon', "'Shooting…Star Dragon'?" In her mind… "I don't know anything about that monster, yet I know the name of it? What's happening to me?"
Carlie collapsed onto her knees while clutching the sides of her head in agony, which Ben and the others noticed. Against his better judgment, Ben started to leave the sidelines and approach his sister.
"Ben, you're not thinking of going out there, are you?" demanded Mrs. Izayoi, horrorstruck.
"I am, Mom," confirmed Ben, "I'm not afraid of Carlie's powers. Even if she tries hurting me, I'll gladly help Dad shoulder the pain with her."
Carlie was shown to be in so much pain that she initially remained on her knees while being unable to look up and notice that her Father and brother were both trying to fight through the rose petals flying around the parking lot. Matt then took his chance to put an end to the duel if possible.
"It's my turn!" cried Matt, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Eight: Matt Fudo (LP: 400)
Deck: 39
Current Hand (1): "Junkuriboh"
Upon seeing his drawn 'Junkuriboh' Monster Card, he made a hard decision and commenced his final move.
"To start off," began Matt, as he moved the fingers of his right hand to the sideways 'Stardust Dragon' Synchro Monster Card on his Duel Disk and shifted it straight, "I'll switch 'Stardust Dragon' from Defense Position to Attack Position!"
Cue shocked gasps from the nearby audience.
"Don't do that!" shouted Zack, "That will cause 'Dark Cataclysm's' second effect to activate!"
"It's too late!" panicked James R..
And it was.
"You're a fool for making a move like that!" declared Carlie, managing to return to her feet as while watching 'Stardust Dragon' return to its battle ready position (DEF: 2000 → ATK: 2500), "By returning 'Stardust Dragon' into Attack Position, you have sealed your own fate!"
More and more rose petals gathered and gathered until it was practically a tornado, ready to reduce everything around it into rubble and perhaps injure several people in its path. The audience watched in terror, while Azrael and his three students watched with glee.
"It's all over! You're going to take 2500 damage for your misplay!" boomed Carlie, before motioning her left arm (with the Duel Disk) about, "Just die already along with my so-called parents!"
"Carlie, I will shatter the hold Azrael has on you!" cut in Matt, before sending a card ('Junkuriboh') from his hand to the GY, "I activate my drawn 'Junkuriboh's' effect!" While speaking on, the mechanical-looking 'Kuriboh' appeared on the field and looked bravely at the danger up ahead, "When my opponent activates a card or effect that would inflict damage to me (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand or field to the GY; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card."
"C-Can't be-!" flinched Carlie.
'Junkuriboh', while hollering "Kuri kuri!" a couple of times, charged like a bullet making a suicide run towards the gigantic rose petal tornado, bursting right into the natural disaster as it exploded from destruction. A stunned Carlie knew that her final chance for victory was gone, and, from nearby, so did Azrael.
"No! No, no, no, no!" freaked out Azrael, "That cursed Signer completely ruined Carlie's final play!"
"There's more!" added Orga, realizing everything, "Matt didn't even 'need' to switch 'Stardust' back into Attack Position to win; he still has 'Stardust Warrior' on his field."
"Instead, he just wanted to make a mockery out of our trump card as soon as he drew 'Junkuriboh'!" fumed Shani.
"Damn that Matt Fudo bastard!" swore Clotho, knowing that Matt had practically won by now.
Needless to say, Carlie was clutching the sides of her head again, but this time she was overcome by memories she, again, claimed to never have had before.
VISION
Inside the dueling arena of Orb, Vision Carlie had just won a duel for fun against Vision Asagi.
"Alright! I did it!" cheered Vision Carlie, jumping up in victory.
"Aww, you've beaten me again," groaned Vision Asagi, before recovering quickly from the loss and winked while giving a thumbs up, "Great job out there, Carlie."
Nearby, Vision Matt, Vision Michael, Vision James R., and Vision Zack were shown clapping over their friend's victory. Even Vision Lisa, Vision Mayura, Vision Juri, and Vision Mr. Kisaka were shown applauding for Vision Carlie. Vision Discord then walked up and held Vision Carlie's right arm in the air.
"Carlie wins!" The creator of Duel Monsters announced.
(new scene…)
Vision Carlie was currently visiting her parents and brother in Reno; the car pulled into the driveway of the Izayoi house. The doors opened, and Vision Carlie was the first to step out.
"Our home hasn't changed one bit." she admired.
"It sure hasn't." agreed Vision Ben, walking up to his sister, "However, we do have a new addition to the family I think you'll really like."
"Really?"
Curious, Vision Carlie approached the front door and opened it, but then…
*BAM!*
…she got tackled to the ground by a very excited-looking dog, which started licking her face affectionately.
"We got a dog," said Vision Mr. Izayoi, "We've named him Oscar."
Vision Carlie laughed as the wet kisses from the dog got to her. Eventually, Oscar the dog stepped aside and allowed the brown-haired girl to get back up.
"A dog? That's wonderful!" praised Vision Carlie, "I already love him."
"I had a feeling you would," grinned Vision Ben, "Now, come on, let's go inside so you can get settled in."
And that's what the family did.
END VISION
Due to so many positive memories seemingly returning to her at once, Carlie began to feel overwhelmed, unable to figure out which memories were even real or not—and those current feelings of hers were extremely negative.
"Those memories are not real… Those memories are not real!" exclaimed Carlie, raising her voice in fear, confusion, and rage, "I don't have any memories like that!"
From her sense of fear, her psychic powers began going fully out of control, causing more and more rose petals to fly around while causing debris to get thrown around while also doing significant damage and almost hurting the people watching the duel.
"Even though I've destroyed the source of her darkness, Carlie's power hasn't stopped!" thought Matt gravely, "Could it be that she can't control her powers?"
It seemed to be that and more. Despite what was going on, Mr. Izayoi and Ben both would not give up on Carlie.
"Carlie, please come back," uttered Ben, "Come back to us…"
"Carlie…" encouraged Mr. Izayoi.
Unfortunately, the second Carlie saw her Father (mainly him) and brother both approaching, she got even worse.
"Stay back!" shrieked Carlie, "Stay back!"
"Don't!" Matt called out to Mr. Izayoi, aware of how intense this was getting, "You and Ben are putting yourselves in danger!"
"It's okay," reassured Mr. Izayoi calmly, "I've decided… It does not matter how much Carlie hurts me, I won't turn a blind eye to her sealed heart. I'll listen to Carlie's every whisper."
"I don't believe it! I don't believe it!" raged Carlie, "I don't!"
"Carlie! You 'do' have a place in this world!" called Ben, trying out his luck, "You have Mom, Dad, myself, and all of the friends you've made throughout the years."
Carlie slowly stopped her angry rampage as she continued to listen to the kind words of her beloved brother.
"It's true you have psychic powers and were ridiculed because of them," The voice of Ben spoke on, as he got pelted by some petals, "but, in my eyes, you're no monster!"
"I'm not…a monster?" Carlie repeated slowly.
"Yes, you're different from most people, but you can still use your powers for good and not hurt others!" continued Ben, "People have gradually warmed up to you when you started using your power to help out."
Unfortunately, he was unable to finish before the flower petals really began tearing into him and his Father, causing them to wince and/or cry out in agony. So, instead of Ben trying to get through to Carlie, it was Matt who decided to finish that duty.
"Carlie!" thundered Matt, which caused Carlie to look towards him, "They're right there in-front of you, aren't they!? The eyes with their gaze on you, the ears that answer to your sorrow! These very things—your Mother, your Father, and your brother—aren't they the place you belong!?"
"Right in-front of me?" murmured Carlie, feeling all of her anger and hatred slowly leaving her. She then finally noticed that her powers were indeed hurting Mr. Izayoi and Ben, "Daddy… Ben…"
Looking all around the parking lot, purple rose petals were flying around and causing destruction everywhere. To make matters worse, she couldn't seem to get it to stop.
"My powers… They won't listen to me…" whispered Carlie in distress, as the powerful hold Azrael had on her finally broke for good and allowed for her to see clearly for the first time since days ago, "What have I done?" As she watched her Father and brother both getting battered by the rose petals, she raised her voice in an attempt to save them, "Stop! I don't want to hurt Ben or Daddy!"
Suddenly, a nearby street post started to topple over, and it was about to hit Mr. Izayoi and Ben!
"Ben! Daddy!" wailed Carlie in alarm.
In a fit of panic and desperation, she held her right hand out and clenched it. All of a sudden, the rose petal storm stopped, just in time for the street post to land harmlessly nearby and not crash into both Ben and Mr. Izayoi. This action left Carlie both shocked and amazed that she was able to control her power like that—technically not the first time, but the remains of the amnesia stayed for only a short amount of time before wearing off.
"My powers…" uttered Carlie, "I controlled my powers for the first time!"
There was a long silence from the audience, and even Matt waited to see what would happen next. Eventually, Carlie looked to Mr. Izayoi and Ben, who looked up and at her right back.
"Carlie…" started Mr. Izayoi.
"Daddy… Ben…" came from Carlie, "What happened to me?" She then saw her activated Duel Disk, noticed Matt nearby, and saw all of the major damage done to the parking lot, "Why are Matt and I dueling, and why does Orb's parking lot look like it's in ruin?" The brown-haired young woman briefly massaged her right temple, "I can't seem to remember… It's all a complete blank to me."
"Carlie, you were amazing!" praised Ben, getting to his feet in a hurry, "You controlled your powers enough to save Dad and I! You're truly back!"
Despite being slightly injured, Mr. Izayoi managed to stand up and walk over to see his daughter and smile at her. Carlie, now that she was back to her old self, briefly smiled at Mr. Izayoi before looking towards Matt and nodding at him without a word. Matt nodded back, understanding they needed to put an end to the match, and so he entered his Battle Phase.
"'Stardust Dragon', it's time to break the witch's spell!" commanded Matt calmly, just as 'Stardust Dragon' leaned its head back for a moment, opened its mouth, and charged its attack, "Cosmic Flare!"
As soon as the attack name was given, 'Stardust Dragon' fired off its white energy-like attack towards Carlie, while Mr. Izayoi quickly stepped out of the way. The attack then hit, but Carlie did not scream—rather, she simply closed her eyes, allowed her tears to fall, and smiled with resignation as the last of her LP were wiped out (LP: 200 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Matt Fudo wins!
With the duel being finally over, both 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Stardust Warrior' faded away as Matt huffed and puffed over being tired out from the intense duel. Feeling at peace for the first time since she was kidnapped and tortured, Carlie looked towards her Father again and smiled warmly one last time at him before closing her eyes and falling unconscious into his arms as a result of the great exhaustion from dueling and overusing her psychic powers. Along the way, she accidentally dropped her 'Dark Cataclysm' Spell Card, which dissolved into darkness upon touching the ground.
"Is she-?" worried Ben.
"She's okay," comforted Mr. Izayoi, "That duel took a lot out of the poor thing, so she just fainted."
Suddenly, as he approached, Matt noticed something; Carlie's Mark of the Dragon (Dragon's Foot) was changing color. Instead of glowing dark purple as a form of corruption, it had now returned to its original crimson color.
"The spell of the 'Black Rose Witch' has been broken—hopefully for good," thought Matt, "I'm so relieved Carlie is back again to her warm, friendly self."
The rest of the group watching the duel approached to see how Carlie was doing; they, even Sherry, were glad she was back to normal and was going to be alright. Just then, there was a sound of clapping.
"I must say, I'm impressed," The voice of Azrael echoed, "After all that hard work I put into preparing her for this battle, she still failed to win against you, Matt Fudo."
"That voice…!" realized Ms. Simmons.
"Not him again!" grunted Lisa.
Sure enough, Muruta Azrael, Orga Sabnak, Clotho Buer, and Shani Andras all were shown walking up to the group. While Azrael remained in his fancy suit, the Biological CPU trio not only remained wearing their modified male Blue Cosmos uniforms, but also each wore a Dark Signer cloak. Speaking of whom, Azrael, despite Carlie's loss, was smiling with contempt while also still clapping in a sarcastic sort of way.
"I should have expected Carlie was no match for you, Matt Fudo," admitted Azrael, "I was kind of hoping she'd win the duel and make me and all of Blue Cosmos proud. Alas, it just wasn't meant to be."
"You!" cried Mrs. Izayoi angrily, "You must be the man who corrupted our daughter and tried to make her kill us all!"
"Oh, it took you this long to figure it out?" asked Azrael, speaking in a tone of mocked shock before returning to his casual tone, "Yes, I'll admit it; I had your 'precious' daughter kidnapped and brought to me at Blue Cosmos," As he explained away, he adjusted his tie while Orga, Clotho, and Shani walked up and stood by their headmaster's side, "where I had her tortured by my scientists in order to make her the most powerful and dangerous weapon for us to use against the likes of all of you," James R., Michael, Zack, David, Lisa, and Matt all listened to that monster's explanation and reason for kidnapping Carlie, "You see, she has the potential to bring even the mightiest empires of the world to their knees, yet because of all that mushy stuff about friendship and love she preaches on about, she chooses not to use it, and uses her powers to help people instead?" He waved his right hand in dismissal, "Honestly, do you have any idea how boring and foolish that is?"
"What did you say?" hissed Shinji.
"As we tortured her, her psychic powers triggered," explained Azrael, as faded stills of Carlie screaming while being electrocuted in Blue Cosmos's lab, her Mark of the Dragon getting corrupted and glowing purple, her destroying the lab with her psychic powers in an animalistic rage, waking up inside a dorm with no memories of the present, and then she and him hugging it out were superimposed over him, "She destroyed the lab and fell unconscious, waking up with no memories of the present—only retaining the horrible memories of the past, so I…personally took advantage of her form of amnesia."
"How horrible…" uttered Asagi.
"Now I know…" growled Matt, glaring in hatred, "You four are Dark Signers!"
That statement earned him a gasp from everyone except Azrael and the three Bio-CPU boys.
"Dark Signers?!" cried James R., "Those guys?"
"I guess we've been figured out," shrugged Azrael uncaringly, "That's right, we've become Dark Signers."
"Dark Signers…" mused Mr. Zimmerman, before speaking up, "Muruta Azrael, do you know what you've done?" As he (Mr. Zimmerman) berated Azrael, he (Azrael) listened boredly to the brief lecture from his (again Azrael) rival, "You've basically sold your soul to the devil! And all for what?! Revenge?"
"Revenge? That's hardly the case," dismissed Azrael, "When we became Dark Signers, all we discovered was the 'truth'."
"Truth?" pressed Mr. Kisaka in disgust.
"The truth that we are deserving of a great destiny, but have been unfairly denied what we so desire," continued Azrael, "For far too long, we've been pushed back against society. But now, our time has come!"
To prove it, Orga rolled up the sleeve of his shirt, and then he, Clotho, and Shani held up their respective right forearms, showing off their new birthmarks. Orga had the marking of the Hummingbird, Clotho had the birthmark of the Giant, and Shani had the birthmark of the Killer Whale. While Azrael didn't reveal his birthmark, the members of Team 6D's were able to guess that he had the birthmark of the Monkey. Still, this development shocked everyone, especially those who attended Orb.
"Since you now know our identities, we have a message for three of you," said Orga darkly, before addressing Matt, Michael, and James R. respectively and getting their full attention, "Matt Fudo… Michael Atlas… and James Hogan…"
"You three will duel us at some point in the future," added Shani, "And when we do duel, you're gonna pay for the humiliation you gave us in Godwin's tournament!"
"Nobody makes fools out of us and lives to tell the tale!" acknowledged Clotho, "Those who do humiliate us will be sent to a place worse than Hell!"
The three main members of Team 6D's stood in defiance of the threat. Suddenly, the Biological CPU trio took notice of the Astray trio and decided to address them, as well.
"Ah, so you three are here, too," commented Orga deviously, "How lucky for us…"
"He's right," grinned Clotho, "We're really happy to see you again."
"What do you mean by that?" questioned Juri harshly.
"It means we'll have so much fun taking the three of you on in a duel," answered Shani, "You're gonna be easy pickings seeing as you're weak duelists!"
"What?! You believe we're weak?!" freaked out Mayura, getting pretty angry. As she ranted on, the three Bio-CPU boys listened with amusement, "Well, if you're so confident of your victory before we even get a chance to duke it out," She started to walk forward to confront her enemies, "then why don't we settle things here and now?!"
Unfortunately, Asagi and Juri both started holding Mayura back when she tried lunging towards the three Dark Signers, seeing as even they were smart enough to know that challenging Orga, Clotho, and Shani at this time was a really bad idea. Speaking of which, they started laughing at Mayura's foolish attempt to come at them.
"Don't you worry, we won't go and get you—at least not yet," Clotho reassured falsely.
"We three still need some more time to prepare," reminded Orga.
Shani nodded while smiling deviously. From there, Azrael addressed the Signers one last time as they all listened carefully.
"Signers, the battle between light, you, and darkness, us, is only beginning," The voice of Azrael warned, before he was seen reaching into his jacket and pulling out a card, "Like so…" He held the card up into the air, "Lightning Storm!"
Lightning bolts rained down from the sky and struck the ground all around the group, causing everyone to cry out and tried covering themselves. When the smoke cleared away, the four Dark Signers were gone.
"They slipped away! Those bastards…" sulked Michael.
"But did you see how that Azrael guy made lightning rain down near all of us?" commented Sherry.
"How in the world did he accomplish something like that?" finished Mr. Kisaka.
"I think I know how he did that," thought Matt, "It's either one of the powers of the Dark Signers, or it could be possible that Muruta Azrael…is a psychic duelist like Carlie…"
Unfortunately, that all remained a mystery, which they all would have to solve on another day.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Rutger and Vincent both had finished watching the duel on the large sphere. Needless to say, Rutger was not at all disappointed over the end results—despite it ending with Matt's victory, and Carlie being freed from the manipulations of the Dark Signers.
"Clear Mind…" remarked Rutger, "Matt Fudo the Coordinator… This is all very intriguing."
"Geez! That guy's gonna be a royal pain in the ass for us to deal with if he has access to cards and abilities like that!" complained Vincent, "And did you see the way he…" Rutger frowned over the rambling from the spiky black-haired young man as he (Rutger) turned and started to walk away, "…made fun of us by basically using a card he didn't even need to use to win the duel? That's just unforgivable!"
"Yes, I know; it's very unfortunate," sighed Rutger, before looking over his shoulder, "Our biggest goal at this time is to find a way to eliminate the greatest threat to our plans—Clear Mind," As he (Rutger) finished making his instructions clear, Vincent listened on, "Do you understand, Vincent?"
"Yes, sir," obeyed Vincent, "Right away."
Rutger then left the chamber to attend to something very important. What did he mean by that? Did the Dark Signers have a possible new plan in the works? And what about Carlie? While she was okay and back to normal, was her mentality stabilized after enduring such cold-blooded torture? Well, you'd have to check out the next chapter to find that and so much more.
And so, the climatic battle between Matt and Carlie has finally been settled. However, the mini arc is actually not finished yet! What else is there, you could be asking? Well, you'd have to read the next chapter (when it does come out) to find out what I mean by that. As always, keep staying safe in these uncertain times.