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
Jak and Daxter characters (c) Naughty Dog
Spyro characters, Avalar (c) Activision
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 for only a brief amount of time.
"Salutations," greeted David, "And welcome back to another installment of 'This week's noteworthy cards'!"
"And it's great to be back after last week," agreed Lisa, before she and David turned to face the nearby blackboard with the five cards (still showing their backing) lined up, "Come on, let's see what our lucky cards are for today!"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Majestic Dragon' (Tuner Monster Card)
-'Red Carpet' (Trap Card)
-'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Soul Fist' (Spell Card)
-'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' (Effect Monster Card)
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold it right there!" cried Lisa frantically, staring at the middle card ('Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend'), "That's not 'Red Nova Dragon'! This is yet another entirely new form of 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!" She started reading one of the card's effects, "During your Main Phase 1: You can destroy all other cards on the field, also, for the rest of this turn, other monsters you control cannot attack."
"Even with a hard once per turn ruling, it's a particularly precarious capability indeed," frowned David, "Atlas-sama better watch out for it."
"No worries! If we know him, he'll clobber that card but good," grinned Lisa, before she and David turned to face the audience once more, "Well, that's all we've got for today."
"Afraid so," added David, before he and Lisa started waving goodbye, "Until next time, everyone!"
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: The Ruthless Tyrant! King vs. King
Opening up in the streets of central-lower Manhattan, all was quiet as dawn was beginning to break. But soon police car sirens and the sound of Duel Runners began to echo, grabbing the attention of the few people already on the streets as fake Wheel of Fortune, the Security Duel Runner, and four police motorcycles raced down the road, with the first being chased by the latter two. Paul was leading the charge against chasing and capturing Fake Michael.
"This is Officer Truman!" announced Paul, speaking into his radio, "We're in pursuit of the Michael Atlas impersonator! Over!"
"This is Chief Waltfeld responding!" The voice of Sam responded, "We copy you, Officer Truman! Over!"
"Those people are saying such weird things!" joked Fake Michael, loudly and sadistically, "I'm the true Michael Atlas!"
"Cut the bull!" snapped Paul, "You won't get away with attacking members of 'The All-Star Squad' and innocent people! We of the NYPD will stop you!"
"Just try it, if you can," frowned Fake Michael.
The chase ended up going inside Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (an underwater tunnel), where Fake Michael started riding along the tunnel walls, smashing the lights on the walls and ceiling and sending down shards of glass, causing the four other police motorcycles to crash and injure the riders, with only Paul escaping the attack unharmed.
"Damn you!" swore Paul in anger, before getting ready to press a button on his Duel Runner, "Field Spell, 'High Speed World', set on!"
He pressed a button on the dashboard of the Security Duel Runner, which, on the monitor, caused a whole new Spell Card to materialize and activate.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the Duel Runner, "Autopilot activated."
From there, the Security Duel Runner became surrounded by a purple dome as autopilot activated. Up ahead, Fake Michael noticed the monitor of fake Wheel of Fortune also created the 'High Speed World' Spell Card, activated the Duel Runner's autopilot, and became surrounded by a purple dome.
"You want to fight the King, huh?" dismissed Fake Michael, slightly looking over his shoulder, "By forcing a Turbo Duel, I'm left with little choice but to accept your challenge," He smiled with anticipation of demolishing another worthless fool, "Very well, I'll also show you the King's duel!"
Before long, both Duel Runners were in the middle of the long tunnel as their Turbo Duel commenced.
"Duel!" Both Paul and Fake Michael exclaimed at once (LP: 4000) x2.
Who was going to be the winner? The answer would come very soon.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Rutger had ordered a meeting of the Dark Signers to discuss the success of their new weapon.
"Good timing, friends," greeted Rutger, standing at the head of the table, "Our own Signer is doing better than we originally believed he would do."
"I'll vouch for that!" agreed Vincent, slamming his hands on the table, "Did you see how easily he beat down that pink bitch? I can never get enough of watching it! I mean," While babbling on and on, the three Bio-CPU boys all frowned and/or rolled their eyes, almost regretting that they joined the group purely due to their disdain for him, "he practically sent her to a watery grave—her and robo-boy!"
"Yeah, yeah, we know," muttered Shani, while in his mind… "What an annoying pest."
"Our puppet will slowly defeat the other Signers one-by-one," predicted Rutger, "He will most certainly save Matt for last, since he will prove to be the most difficult to defeat—but our servant will succeed in taking down even the Coordinator."
"When our enemies are out of the way," interrupted Azrael, "we can finally focus on getting a final member into the group, right?"
"Indeed," confirmed Rutger, "We need to find someone who would be perfect for the part—someone with an insatiable thirst for revenge."
Orga, Clotho, and Shani each looked at each other. Azrael, meanwhile, looked thoughtful over Rutger's words. He wondered if there was someone out there with such a grudge—but then he thought of one young woman who might be holding a hidden grudge despite her calm, warm persona on the outside.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Discord's Queens mansion in, well, Queens, most of the group had gathered in the living room to figure out their next move regarding Fake Michael. The Astray trio decided to stay with Lisa in North General Hospital to help keep her company. No one was saying a word throughout their time in the living room. Suddenly, the phone rang, making David, Sean, and Janice each jump in surprise. Matt went to pick up the phone and answer the call.
"Hello?" began Matt.
"Matt, this is Maria," The voice of Maria replied, sounding urgent, "Hurry and turn on the news."
"Officer Strienhart?"
"It's important," The black-haired young woman's voice insisted, "You and the others need to see what's going on."
Matt looked over to Carlie and nodded, who nodded back, picked up the remote, and turned on the TV set. Almost immediately, there was footage at a crash site in Brooklyn, and Megan was there to cover it all for her workplace.
"This is Megan Haw reporting," The image of Megan said grimly, "We're here on location in Brooklyn, where a deadly crash had taken place just minutes ago."
"A crash?" blinked Sean.
The TV displayed footage of a wrecked Duel Runner and a grievously injured Paul Truman being loaded on a stretcher into an ambulance to be taken to the nearest hospital.
"A member of the New York Police Department by the name of Paul Truman has been chasing after what appears…" The voice of Megan narrated, just as a picture of (Fake) Michael showed up, "…to be famous Turbo duelist Michael Atlas, who is rumored to be connected in a number of horrific attacks on 'The All-Star Squad'."
The group gasped at that moment.
"No!" cried Discord.
"That's him!" blurted David, pointing forth, "That's the Atlas-sama-lookalike!"
"That guy in the picture?" pondered James R., approaching the TV screen to study the features of Fake Michael, "Oh man, he looks exactly like Mike—only with darker, more sinister-looking features."
"And Officer Truman was chasing after him before ending up in a serious crash," recalled Matt, "Similar to what happened to Lisa…"
Nobody else said another word, while the TV screen kept playing Megan's report on the accident (or, to be more specific, attack).
(elsewhere…)
Inside NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn, a hospital somewhere in Brooklyn, Matt, Michael, and James R. were visiting in order to get some possible answers from Maria, Sam, and General Damas outside the operation room. It had been half-an-hour since the breaking news broke.
"Officer Truman… How's he doing?" questioned Michael.
"We don't know," sighed Maria.
"He's suffered such horrific injuries from the crash that he is currently in a life-or-death surgery," put in Sam, before looking at the doors leading inside the next room, "We're not sure when they will be finished with the operation; it will be up to Paul himself to see if he either lives or not."
Michael was furious, "That guy," he growled, clenching his right hand into a fist and shaking it, "He's attacking and hurting other people…"
"Sport?" pressed General Damas.
"This is… this is exactly what 'I' could have ended up like!" yelled Michael, "I could have turned into a vicious and bloodthirsty duelist, too, if I actually won against Matt years ago!"
"Mike…" uttered James R..
Unable to stand for it any longer, Michael turned and started to leave the hospital.
"H-Hey, Mike, where do you think you're going?!" called Maria.
"The imposter has to be dealt with!" The voice of Michael answered harshly, as Matt and James R. listened, "This is something I have to do—alone!"
"Wait, you?!" flinched Sam, starting to go after Michael, "You can't do this alone!" He then got stopped by someone (General Damas), "Huh?"
"Let him go," requested General Damas, "You know he's right."
"But, General Damas!" protested Sam, while Maria didn't look any happier, "That man out there is dangerous! What if even the real-"
"Michael might be the only one who can stop that criminal," corrected General Damas, "We just have to have hope he can succeed."
Sam and Maria both remained doubtful, while Matt and James R., who made no effort to stop Michael from leaving, just looked at each other as the former winked and the latter just grinned, signaling they knew a little something everyone else did not.
(elsewhere…)
Out on the streets of Brooklyn, Asagi, Mayura, and Juri were out for a ride on their respective M1 Astrays. Since Zack, David, Ashima, Carlie, Sean, and Janice arrived to help keep Lisa company, it allowed them to go out for a little fresh air and do some sightseeing despite the possible danger they would be put in by Fake Michael.
"I know this is really risky, but I really needed this outing," commented Mayura.
"The breeze does feel good," admitted Asagi, briefly removing her faceplate to take in the nice, cool wind.
"Yeah," said Juri quietly, before growing worried, "But…" She looked up, "Do you both think Mike…" Mayura and Asagi both looked surprised, "…can stop the guy trying to frame him?"
"Come on, Juri, you know he can!" reassured Mayura, "Ye have a little faith."
"Maybe some food can get your mind off of the faker," suggested Asagi, "Let's go grab a bite to eat."
Juri had to admit that some food would probably help with getting her mind off of the current situation, but, unfortunately for the three of them, they started to hear the sound of a familiar Duel Runner.
"Eh?!" gawked Mayura.
"Oh damn!" panicked Asagi.
Juri became equally frightened. The sound was from none other than fake Wheel of Fortune, which turned from one corner onto the street the Astray trio were driving on. That meant…Fake Michael had shown up, and he spotted the trio and decided to go after them.
"It's him! The guy who's framing Mike!" exclaimed Mayura.
Fake Michael grinned when he saw the three Turbo duelists were, in his eyes, attractive young women—especially the one with dark blue-colored hair and pink wire-framed glasses.
"Well, how lucky for you three!" flirted Fake Michael, "You three are bearing witness to the King of Turbo duelists!"
"Bastard! You aren't the real Mike!" insulted Asagi, not having any of it, "The real Mike would never hurt or kill other people just to satisfy his lust for power and so-called entertainment!"
"Mm?" frowned Fake Michael.
"Since we know you're the imposter, we challenge you to a three-on-one Turbo Duel!" challenged Mayura, "You might be able to beat two of us, but you definitely can't beat all three of us!"
Juri nodded firmly, but Fake Michael had other ideas to win a pathetically easy challenge… He drove fake Wheel of Fortune towards the normal M1 Astray and started bashing into the side of it really roughly. Asagi screamed as she ended up crashing.
"What?!" cried Mayura, before she got attacked by Fake Michael, too, "S-Stop it! Aaauuuggghhh!"
The tomboyish, red-haired young woman also got thrown off her pink M1 Astray. Juri was deeply horrified for her two best friends, since it also left her alone with Fake Michael, who, for some reason, didn't appear interested in attacking her.
"Those two were foolish to speak so negatively about me, but not you," purred Fake Michael, "You will be spared," As he spoke on, Juri listened to the delusional rambling, "because every King needs a beautiful Queen to rule beside him."
"N-No!" refused Juri heatedly, despite blushing a little bit over being called beautiful by someone who resembled Michael Atlas, "I refuse to be a so-called Queen to such a monstrous beast like you!"
"But you have no other choice on the matter," insisted Fake Michael, still smiling, "As King, I always get what I want!"
And he started moving in on Juri's purple M1 Astray, aiming to roughly bash on it in order to make it crash, therefore knocking the rider off before he would have his way with her. Just then…
"JURI!" A familiar voice, with a British cockney accent, hollered.
A second Wheel of Fortune jumped off the top of an overpass, with Juri looking up in wonderment at who the rider was.
"Another Wheel of Fortune?" Juri thought to herself, before the answer hit her, "Can it be-?"
Yup…
"You imposter!" The real Michael Atlas boomed, falling, "I won't let you do as you want any longer!"
The real Wheel of Fortune collided with fake Wheel of Fortune, forcing Fake Michael into a brief spin out before regaining control of the Duel Runner. He became angry over who the guy was; how dare that punk attack him, the King, right when he was about to get himself a Queen. A climatic chase immediately ensued.
"You bastard! Who the hell are you?!" snarled Fake Michael.
"That's easy; I'm Michael Atlas," retorted Michael hotly, "I'm here to stop you and clear my name!"
"Shut up!" shouted Fake Michael, "I'm the true Michael Atlas!"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside North General Hospital, specifically Lisa's room, Zack was busy setting up a laptop to a large screen in order for him and everyone else to watch the impending duel between Michael and Fake Michael.
"And there we go," concluded Zack triumphantly. The laptop (and, more importantly, the screen) started displaying footage of where Michael currently was, "We can see everything going on."
"It's a good thing James hooked up a little camera on Wheel of Fortune when Mike wasn't looking," remarked Carlie, "Otherwise, we'd never know what would happen next."
"Now let's hope the real Mike can win against the fake one," prayed Janice.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, Michael looked at his Deck one last time before inserting it into his Duel Disk's Deck holder. This was going to be his most difficult battle yet, but it was something he had to do; he had to conquer his dark half for good.
"You're a figment of my past," said Michael, "You have risen from beyond the graves to haunt the people of New York City. Well, I'm here to confront that ghost!" His eyes became fierce as a request escaped from his mouth, "Duel me!"
Unfortunately, Fake Michael was initially not at all interested in dueling; instead, he drove over and bashed fake Wheel of Fortune into Michael's Wheel of Fortune, aiming to make it crash without having to face the rider. Luckily for Michael, he was able to regain control and prevent himself from crashing.
"You…!" thundered Michael.
Both Wheel of Fortunes started bashing into each other in an attempt to overpower the other. Suddenly, Fake Michael smiled and stopped with his barrage of attacks.
"It's those eyes! That's what I've been waiting for!" laughed Fake Michael, "That fierce stubbornness, rising above everything!"
"What?!" growled Michael.
"I finally found the challenger I've been seeking for, this whole time!" Fake Michael went on, rejoicing, "You know what? I think I'll accept your request to duel," He resumed his focus on what was in-front of him, "I'll be more than happy to show you the King's duel, too!"
As the two Duel Runners got further away, Juri watched before turning around and driving to the site where Asagi and Mayura both crashed. The good news, the two young women were mostly unhurt, and their M1 Astrays were still functional if slightly scratched.
"Ouch…" groaned Asagi, managing to get herself onto a knee while shaking her head slightly, "Dammit! That guy is unbelievable!"
"Now we know how Lisa felt when she got attacked by him," agreed Mayura, sitting up wearily.
"Asagi! Mayura!" The voice of Juri echoed, as she drove up, "You two are okay! Thank goodness!" She became more urgent-sounding, "Mike, the real one, showed up, and he's about to duel the fake one!"
"The real Mike?!" blinked Asagi, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go see the match!"
"Asagi and I'll be alright," reassured Mayura, "Sure we're a little sore, but we're still fine enough to watch a sweet Turbo Duel."
Seconds later, the three M1 Astrays revved to life and took off after both Duel Runners of Michael and Fake Michael respectively. Speaking of which, further up the road, Michael and Fake Michael, after briefly agreeing to forgo autopilot for their duel, pressed a button on their respective Duel Runners.
"Field Spell, 'High Speed…" started Michael.
"…World', set on!" finished Fake Michael.
On the monitors of both Wheel of Fortunes, a whole new Spell Card materialized and activated.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the two, respective Duel Runners, "Manual Mode activated."
From there, both Duel Runners became surrounded by a purple dome, but this dome was still different than normal.
"This is strange…" Michael murmured to himself, "What kind of light is this? No matter, I'll defeat this man and clear my name," He then said something aloud (LP: 4000), "Turbo Duel!"
"Acceleration!" finished Fake Michael (LP: 4000).
And so, as fake Wheel of Fortune pulled ahead of Wheel of Fortune, the epic battle commenced…
"I go first!" declared Fake Michael, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Fake Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Wandering King Wildwind", "Barrier Resonator", "Red Armor", "Resonator Command", "King's Synchro", and "Red Carpet"
Speed Counters: 0
His drawn card was the 'Red Carpet' Trap Card. He added it into his hand (which also contained 'Wandering King Wildwind', 'Barrier Resonator', 'Red Armor', 'Resonator Command', and 'King's Synchro'), took another card ('Resonator Command'), and readied it in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand.
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Resonator Command'!" began Fake Michael, slotting the card into his Duel Disk. This caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field (on his right), "I must discard 1 'Resonator' monster; I must add 1 Level 4 or lower Fiend monster from my Deck to my hand."
"I already know how the card works!" snapped Michael, causing Fake Michael to ease up, "You're aiming to bring 'Red Resonator' from your Deck into your hand, then you'll Summon it!"
Fake Michael smiled, "I see," he acknowledged, "Despite being the fake, you're smart enough to know my strategy."
"That's because you're using an exact copy of my Deck!" raged Michael, "However, that won't be enough to defeat the real Michael Atlas!"
"You're right; but the real Michael Atlas 'is' the one using this Deck," As he said that, Fake Michael sent the 'Barrier Resonator' Monster Card to the GY, then took a card from his Deck, "I discard 'Barrier Resonator', and the card I choose to add…" He saw the added card was the 'Red Resonator' Monster Card, "…is 'Red Resonator'!"
"I was right!" thought Michael, with gritted teeth.
"I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Red Resonator'!" proclaimed Fake Michael, placing his added card onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was the familiar 'Resonator' monster with the flaming body (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 200).
"Then, if I control a Fiend Tuner with 1500 or less ATK, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," As Fake Michael spoke, he placed another card onto his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Wandering King Wildwind'!"
Appearing onto the field was a purple-furred panther on two legs, wearing a light green hood and cape, plus light green pants (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1300).
(elsewhere…)
Inside Lisa's room in North General Hospital, footage on the laptop showed 'Wandering King Wildwind' appearing on the field. Lisa narrowed her eyes when she saw both 'Wandering King Wildwind' and 'Red Resonator'.
"A regular monster and a Tuner monster," realized Carlie.
"They're Level 4 and Level 2…" she grumbled, "'Red Wyvern' is coming."
"'Red Wyvern'?" repeated Ashima, "Are you sure, Lisa?"
"Maybe he could be going for something like 'Red Rising Dragon'?" suggested Sean.
"I know how that imposter duels," continued Lisa gravely, "He duels just like the real Mike, and we all know the real Mike is an extremely good strategist."
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, both Wheel of Fortunes roared forward, while the three M1 Astrays remained a good distance behind. Finally, Fake Michael held his right hand out and gave a command.
"I tune Level 4 'Wandering King Wildwind' into Level 2 'Red Resonator'!" he announced.
'Red Resonator' turned itself into two Synchro Rings, which 'Wandering King Wildwin' leaped into before becoming four orbs of light as an all-too familiar Summon Chant was heard throughout.
"The crimson souls shall become one. All shall tremble before the ruler's might!" chanted Fake Michael, as the symbols 4 + 2 = 6 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Red Wyvern'!"
Emerging from the beam of light and onto the field, was the large, brown dragon-like monster with the tips of both wings blazing like fire. Some parts of its body were colored red, and it had flaming-like hair (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!" finished Fake Michael, swinging his right arm and making two Set cards appear on the field in-front of fake Wheel of Fortune before they faded away for later use. He then looked slightly over his right shoulder at Michael behind him, "Now, you sorrowful man, entertain the King!"
"You shouldn't be so overconfident!" scolded Michael, "You might have defeated Lisa, but you won't have an easy time defeating me, the true Michael Atlas!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained a Speed Counter since it was the second turn of the duel:
-Michael: 0 → 1
-Fake Michael: 0 → 1
Turn Two: Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Vice Dragon", "Final Offguard", "Synchro Blast Wave", "Assault Mode Activate", "Dark Tinker", and "Spell of the Ruler"
Speed Counters: 1
Michael's drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Spell of the Ruler', which he would save for later on. He then readied another card ('Vice Dragon').
"If my opponent controls a monster and I control no monsters," While speaking, Michael placed his card onto his Duel Disk. Appearing onto the field, as the explanation went on, was 'Vice Dragon' (Level: 5/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1200), "I can Special Summon 'Vice Dragon' (from my hand), but its original ATK and DEF become halved," Not being done, he placed one more card onto his Duel Disk, "Then I'll Normal Summon the Tuner monster, 'Dark Tinker'!"
Appearing onto the field was a six-legged black spider armed with various tools (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1300). From there, both 'Vice Dragon' and 'Dark Tinker' both took to the skies.
"I tune Level 5 'Vice Dragon' into Level 3 'Dark Tinker'!" The voice of Michael declared, as the above scenario played out.
As the command was given, 'Dark Tinker' turned into three Synchro Rings, which 'Vice Dragon' flew into before becoming five orbs of light as a Summon Chant was heard echoing throughout.
"The ruler's heartbeats will now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 5 + 3 = 8 were shown briefly just before the five orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! My very soul, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
Coming out of the beam of light, and flying into the sky, was the large and red-scaled dragon (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000). Fake Michael looked up into the sky at 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and smiled upon seeing it—despite having really high ATK.
"'Red Daemon's', my old friend," greeted Fake Michael sardonically, "It's been far too long," As he continued speaking to it, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' seemed to growl in anger, "I can see you're now working alongside a fake me."
"I activate 'Dark Tinker's' effect!" interrupted Michael, drawing a card, "When this card is sent from the field to the GY: I must draw 1 card."
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Rutger and Vincent both were watching the duel on a crystal glove. Footage of 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' appearance was shown to both of them.
"Man, oh man, a mirror match!" screeched Vincent, gleefully rubbing his hands together with excitement, "This is gonna be really good!"
"Indeed," agreed Rutger, "But I can't help but wonder…" As he continued, more footage of Michael and Fake Michael exchanging insults were shown on the crystal globe, "Will the both of them end up destroying each other with all of their respective power?"
(elsewhere…)
Back at the duel…
"I'm not done!" announced Michael, taking a card ('Synchro Blast Wave') from his hand, holding it out, then slotting it into his Duel Disk, "Spell Card, 'Synchro Blast Wave', activate!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune.
"If I control a Synchro Monster: I must target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must destroy that target," The voice of Michael explained, as a beam fired from the face-up 'Synchro Blast Wave' Spell Card, looking poised to hit and destroy 'Red Wyvern', "I choose to destroy your 'Red Wyvern'!"
"You won't!" cut in Fake Michael, as he swung his right arm about and made a Set card reappear on the field beside him (on his left), "I activate a Trap, 'Red Armor'!" As he explained the effect, 'Red Wyvern' glowed red as it got hit by the beam but shrugged it off, "When a 'Red' monster(s) I control is targeted by a card effect: This turn, 'Red' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by card effects."
"Tch! But you can't protect your monster through actual attacks!" reminded Michael, entering his Battle Phase, "'Red Daemon's', take down 'Red Wyvern'!" While continuing to speak, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' lit its right fist on fire and furiously threw a flaming punch, "Tremble at its crimson iron-blow! Absolute Powerforce!"
But before 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' attack could hit 'Red Wyvern', Fake Michael started laughing as Michael again gritted his (Michael) teeth and wondered what else the imposter had planned if the attack was going to take down the attack target.
"The King is now ready to fight on even grounds!" confirmed Fake Michael, "I first needed you to unleash a futile attack with 'Red Daemon's'!"
"What?!" hissed Michael.
"Behold the beginning of your end!" began Fake Michael, before holding his right hand out, "I activate a Trap, 'King's Synchro'!" His final Set card reappeared on the field in-front of fake Wheel of Fortune, flipped face-up, and revealed itself. From there, as the card explanation proceeded, 'Red Wyvern' was struck by Absolute Powerforce, but still managed to survive the mighty blow without a scratch—all while 'Red Resonator' reappeared on the field in a small burst of fire if for only a short amount of time, "When my opponent's monster declares an attack on a Synchro Monster I control: I must negate the attack, then I can apply the rest of this card's effect. I must banish that Synchro Monster I control and 1 Tuner from my GY, and if I do, Special Summon from my Extra Deck 1 Synchro Monster whose Level equals the total Levels the banished monsters had. (This is treated as a Synchro Summon.)"
A frustrated Michael watched as the opponent's 'Red Wyvern' and 'Red Resonator' got ready for the next big move.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital…
"(しまった!) Shimatta! (Oh no!)" cringed David in Japanese, "Lisa-chan, Atlas-sama is about to go up against the one monster that almost killed you!"
Lisa nodded, "I know," she agreed darkly, "It's a 'Red Dragon Archfiend' belonging to the imposter."
"Back it up a second, a 'Red Dragon Archfiend'?" pressed Carlie, thinking she might have misheard the statement, "Are you kidding me?"
"You'll see it in a few seconds, Carlie."
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, Michael waited to see how dangerous this new monster was going to be.
"I tune Level 6 'Red Wyvern' into Level 2 'Red Resonator'!" commanded Fake Michael.
As the command was given, 'Red Resonator' again hit the tuning fork with its baton. The vibrations then turned the Tuner monster into two Synchro Rings, which 'Red Wyvern' flew into as Fake Michael began an extremely powerful-sounding Summon Chant…
"The heaven and earth shall tremble before the king's might. Let the power of the one and only supreme ruler be carved into your soul!" chanted Fake Michael, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly just before the six orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! The savage soul, 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the new monster resembling 'Red Dragon Archfiend', except with battle scars, a bandaged right arm, and a damaged chest, shown flying above fake Wheel of Fortune (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"So you've appeared at last, you fake!" called Michael defiantly.
Meanwhile, the three M1 Astrays were finally catching up with both Wheel of Fortunes.
"There are two…'Red Dragon Archfiends'?!" gawked Asagi.
"The one Summoned by the imposter… That was what Lisa told us about!" remembered Mayura.
"Mike, please be careful!" worried Juri.
Michael overheard the voices and looked over his shoulder at the three Astray girls following him and Fake Michael.
"You three! Stay back!" warned Michael, as the three Astray girls listened to him, "This duel is going to get really dangerous!" He then resumed his focus on the duel, taking two cards from his hand and slotting them into his Duel Disk at the same time, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
"After I left my home in San Francisco behind," recalled Fake Michael, just as 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' continued to fly above him, "I sought out more power—the power needed to defeat opponent after opponent!" While explaining his 'past', faded stills of him ripping his 'Red Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card apart and later obtaining the 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card were superimposed over him, "I got rid of the useless 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and got my hands on the improved 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend', an ultimate servant better suited for a true King like myself," As the stills of the so-called 'past' ended, he drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Spell Counter:
-Michael: 1 → 2
-Fake Michael: 1 → 2
Turn Three: Fake Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (2): "Red Carpet" and "Angel Baton"
Speed Counters: 2
Almost immediately…
"I activate the second effect of 'Wandering King Wildwind'!" declared Fake Michael, holding up a card ('Wandering King Wildwind') taken from his GY until it faded away into oblivion, "During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY; I must…" He drew the top card of his Deck, seeing it was a Monster Card known as 'Synkron Resonator', "…add 1 Fiend Tuner with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck to my hand."
The card was added into the hand, which also contained 'Red Carpet' and 'Angel Baton'. The final card ('Angel Baton') was then taken to be played.
"Then I'll activate the Spell, 'Angel Baton', from my hand!" continued Fake Michael, slotting the card into his Duel Runner. He drew two cards ('Red Reborn' and 'Sonic Buster'), then sent another card ('Synkron Resonator') to the GY, "I must draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card."
Suddenly, 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' turned to face 'Red Dragon Archfiend', which meant something big was bound to happen.
"I activate 'Scarlight's' second effect!" The voice of Fake Michael announced, as 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend's' right fist was lit on fire and started flying around before posing for an attack, "Once per turn: I can destroy as many Special Summoned monsters on the field as possible with ATK less than or equal to this card's (other than this card), then inflict 500 damage to my opponent for each monster destroyed!" He gave the command as his monster raised its right fist back, "Absolute Power Flame!"
And 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' punched 'Red Dragon Archfiend' with the fist, causing an explosion to be left behind through the former's seeming destruction.
"This is really bad!" fretted Mayura, "This means Mike will be attacked directly and get left with a measly 500 LP!"
As the thick blanket of smoke remained, a pair of crimson red eyes were shown as some brand new words from Michael echoed in response.
"Covered in blazing armor, the ruler descends here!" chanted Michael, "Come forth, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'!"
As the smoke cleared away, a familiar monster known as 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' was shown flying in the sky above Wheel of Fortune in the place of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 10/ATK: 3500/DEF: 2500).
"What in blazes?!" flinched Fake Michael, "I thought I destroyed the weakling 'Red Dragon Archfiend'! What just happened to it?!"
Michael smiled with confidence, as, from the remains of the smoke, a face-up Trap Card called 'Assault Mode Activate' was shown beside Wheel of Fortune (on its left).
"When you attempted to destroy 'Red Daemon's', I activated my Trap Card, 'Assault Mode Activate'," answered Michael, much to the shock of Fake Michael, "I must Tribute 1 Synchro Monster; I must Special Summon 1 '/Assault Mode' monster, whose name includes the Tributed monster's name, from my Deck in Attack Position. During the turn it is Special Summoned, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and is unaffected by my opponent's card effects."
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital…
"Covered in blazing armor, the ruler descends here!" The voice of Michael chanted in a repeat, "Come forth, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'!"
As the smoke cleared away, a familiar monster known as 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' was shown flying in the sky above Wheel of Fortune in the place of 'Red Dragon Archfiend'.
"Oh boy…" Sean sighed in relief.
"Mike was a step ahead of the imposter," added Janice.
"But the duel is far from being over," reminded Carlie, "That man still has many tricks up his sleeve if he knows all of Mike's strategies and can replicate them."
(elsewhere…)
Back in the duel…
"Spell Card, 'Sonic Buster'!" exclaimed Fake Michael, making the mentioned Spell Card materialize face-up on the field beside fake Wheel of Fortune (on its right), "I must target 1 face-up monster I control; I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to half its ATK. (This effect cannot be activated if my opponent's LP would become 0,)" 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' opened its mouth, leaned its head back, and charged a blast of flame, "Scorching Crimson Hell Burning!"
The flame blast was unleashed, striking Wheel of Fortune and causing Michael to scream as he suddenly got electrocuted and his LP took a hit at last (LP: 4000 → 2500).
"W-What was that blow?" grimaced Michael, "Why do I feel real damage?!"
"An interesting system, wouldn't you agree?" taunted Fake Michael, who enjoyed these kinds of duels, "This means it's a duel with our lives on the line," He narrowed his eyes as the smile on his face grew eviler, "This was used against my last two unworthy challengers, but they crumbled so easily to it!"
"You…! You won't get away with this!" threatened Michael.
"Hmph!" Fake Michael huffed in dismissal, before taking and slotting another card from his hand into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
A face-down card materialized on the field in-front of fake Wheel of Fortune and faded away for later use. It was then fake Wheel of Fortune to slow down until it was moving side-by-side Wheel of Fortune.
"Using 'Assault Mode Activate' to empower and to protect 'Red Daemon's' from destruction…" mocked Fake Michael, looking at the so-called 'imposter', "How desperate of you!"
"Say whatever you want!" retorted Michael "But those who are too absorbed by power get destroyed by it!" As fake Wheel of Fortune once again pulled on ahead, he drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Spell Counter:
-Michael: 2 → 3
-Fake Michael: 2 → 3
Turn Four: Michael Atlas (LP: 2500)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (3): "Final Offguard", "Magical King Moonstar", and "Angel Baton"
Speed Counters: 3
Almost immediately, the 'Final Offguard' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Normal Spell, 'Final Offguard'!" The voice of Michael began, drawing two cards and seeing what they were ('Absolute King Back Jack' and 'Red Armor'), "If my LP are lower than my opponent's and only my opponent controls a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck: I must draw 2 cards," Not being done, he held another card ('Angel Baton'), "Then I'll activate my own copy of 'Angel Baton'!"
"Then go ahead and draw your two cards!" dared Fake Michael, "I don't care what you're trying to get, because it won't be of any help against the King!"
Michael complied, drawing two cards and sending one of the drawn cards ('Absolute King Back Jack') to the GY. Now his hand contained 'Magical King Moonstar', 'Red Armor', 'Red Gardna', and 'Damage Reactor'.
"I activate the second effect of the discarded 'Absolute King Back Jack'!" declared Michael, before holding up the top three cards of his Deck, "If this card is sent to the GY: I can look at 3 cards from the top of my Deck, then place them on the top of the Deck in any order," He placed them back on top of his Deck, then swung his right arm and made a Set card reappear on the field, "Next, I'll activate a Trap, 'Spell of the Ruler'!"
The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I must target 1 face-up monster I control; I must equip this card to it. The equipped monster gains 700 ATK, also its battle position cannot be changed," explained Michael, before looking up at his monster in the sky, "My soul, accept this new power!"
'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' glowed red and grew stronger than ever before (ATK: 3500 → 4200).
"Now 'Red Daemon's' is even stronger than it already was against the fake one!" observed Asagi happily.
"You go, Mike!" cheered Mayura, "Teach that beast how a real duelist fights!"
"Battle!" Michael went on, entering his Battle Phase, "'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', rid the field of that imitation!" He announced his monster's attack name, just as 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' lit its right claw on fire, "Extreme Crimson Force!"
'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' threw a punch towards 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend'.
"You believe that kind of attack will defeat my very soul? What delusional thinking!" scoffed Fake Michael, "I activate the second effect of 'Red Armor'!" A card ('Red Armor') ejected from his GY before burning away, and a large shield formed in-front of 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend', "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Red' monster I control; this turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle!"
Extreme Crimson Force collided with the shield, but 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' was protected from destruction. However, it didn't stop Fake Michael from getting electrocuted, yelling in pain as a result of it while also taking heavy damage from the resulting battle (LP: 4000 → 2800). Nearby with the three Astray girls…
"Alright! The imposter might have stopped his monster from biting the dust, but he still took the damage!" whooped Juri.
Back in the duel…
"Thanks to 'Red Armor', 'Scarlight' was not destroyed!" bragged Fake Michael, still reeling from getting zapped.
"You think that will protect your so-called soul?" asked Michael coldly.
Fake Michael frowned, "Hm?"
"I activate 'Red Daemon's' first effect!" continued Michael, "After damage calculation, if this card attacked: I must destroy all other monsters on the field!"
"You-!" fretted Fake Michael.
"Do it now, 'Red Daemon's'!" Michael ordered ruthlessly. As he announced his monster's effect name, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' charged a blast of fire in its mouth, "Crimson The End!"
The attack was fired off, incinerating 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' and causing it to explode into a massive fireball.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, Sean and Janice hugged each other out of happiness and cheered over Michael destroying 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend'. From there, there was a knock on the hospital room door.
"Hey, guys, it's us," The voice of Matt echoed outside.
"It's open," called Zack.
The door opened, and both Matt and James R. walked inside.
"So, how's the duel coming along?" pressed James R..
"We'll let Zack tell you," offered Ashima, "He set the laptop up to a screen in order to allow us to watch the duel."
"Mike currently has the lead," reported Zack, "He has 300 less LP than the imposter, but has 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' on the field—with a massive 4200 ATK thanks to it being equipped with 'Spell of the Ruler'."
"That's great!" grinned James R., "That means Mike has that imposter beat!"
Matt nodded in agreement, but couldn't help but think if this really was the end of the imposter.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the streets of Brooklyn, Fake Michael wasn't worried that 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' was destroyed. In fact, he wasn't upset that he was losing the duel. He was, rather, smiling.
"Is that really all you've got?" teased Fake Michael, which certainly got Michael's attention. He made fake Wheel of Fortune do a 180 as it now faced the opposition (despite still driving down the road), "I, the King, will never lose to anybody in a duel—especially to someone I view as a cheap imitation."
This greatly surprised Michael, even ignoring the 'cheap imitation' insult, since it caused him to remember similar words he said to Matt during their very first duel, and I quote…
"I refuse to lose to anybody! I'm the King, and the King should never lose a duel of any kind!"
Yup, those were the familiar words.
"However, there's a clear difference between back then and now," thought Michael, "Back then, I was blinded by rage and desperation to win," As he (Michael) looked at Fake Michael, he could see there was a calm, sinister smile on his (Fake Michael) face, "Here, the faker is looking remarkably calm and in-control of everything… That guy… What is his true aim?" The lime green-haired young man took two cards from his hand and slotted them into his Duel Disk, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
Two face-down cards appeared on the field before fading away for later use. Fake Michael finally turned fake Wheel of Fortune back around and readied to take his turn.
"Let me show you! The King's Ultimate Divine Play!" offered Fake Michael, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Spell Counter:
-Michael: 3 → 4
-Fake Michael: 3 → 4
Turn Five: Fake Michael Atlas (LP: 2800)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (2): "Red Reborn" and "Soul Fist"
Speed Counters: 4
Seconds later…
"I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!" began Fake Michael, as the monitor of fake Wheel of Fortune saw its current Speed Counter gauge dropping completely, "Once per turn: I can remove 4 Speed Counters of my own," He held two cards ('Red Reborn' and 'Soul Fist') up, "then reveal any number of Spell Cards in my hand; I must inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each card revealed!"
A blast of wind was fired towards Wheel of Fortune. Michael, however, was not stupid enough to let the attack hit him.
"Like hell I'll let you!" snapped Michael, before holding his right hand out and making one of his Set cards reappear on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune, "I activate a Trap, 'Damage Reactor'!" The card flipped face-up and revealed itself before stopping the blast of wind from connecting with his Duel Runner, "If I would take damage from a card effect: That damage becomes 0, also 1 face-up monster I control gains 800 ATK!"
As the explanation soon ended, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' let out a demonic roar and grew even stronger than it already was (ATK: 4200 → 5000). Despite that, Fake Michael was completely unconcerned and carried on with his turn.
"I only need one monster to bring down your own," commented Fake Michael, before holding a card ('Red Reborn') out and slotting it into his Duel Disk, "I activate the Spell Card, 'Red Reborn'!" Suddenly reappearing on the field in an explosion of fire, was none other than 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500), "I must target 1 'Red' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it!"
"Not 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' again!" complained Mayura.
"Luckily it's not too bad," reassured Asagi, "It can't destroy 'Red Daemon's' with Absolute Power Flame because Mike's monster has too much ATK."
"But I believe the fake still has plenty of tricks left," reminded Juri.
"With only a single card left in his hand? What's the worst thing he can do?" Asagi tempted cockily.
Ask and you shall receive…
"Equip Spell, 'Soul Fist', activate!" declared Fake Michael, slotting his last card into his Duel Disk, "I must equip only to a 'Red' Synchro Monster!" 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend's' fist started getting inflamed, "'Scarlight', let this power be carved into your soul!"
"Yeah… That 'is' the worst thing he can do," gulped Asagi, regretting her choice of words.
Back ahead…
"How dare you!?" shouted Michael in hatred, "You're using one of my most treasured cards!"
"Once per turn: I can make the ATK of all monsters my opponent currently controls with ATK higher than the equipped monster become equal to the equipped monster's ATK, until the end of this turn!" explained Fake Michael, ignoring the real Michael's anger while explaining the first effect of his (Fake Michael) 'Soul Fist' Spell Card. Before long, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' found itself wincing from the light let loose by 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend's' glowing right claw and lost high amounts of power (ATK: 5000 → 3000), "By using this effect on 'Red Daemon's', its ATK will fall to 3000, becoming equal to 'Scarlight's' ATK!"
"Damn you!" cursed Michael.
"Oh no!" panicked Mayura, "That leaves 'Red Daemon's' vulnerable to the effect of 'Scarlight'!"
Sadly so…
"Now I activate the second effect of 'Scarlight'!" continued Fake Michael, as 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' once again lit its right fist on fire and posted, ready to attack on command, "Once per turn: I can destroy as many Special Summoned monsters on the field as possible with ATK less than or equal to this card's (other than this card), then inflict 500 damage to my opponent for each monster destroyed!" He gave the command as his ace monster roared and flew into battle, "Absolute Power Flame!"
'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' punched 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', destroying it in a massive explosion. Michael cried out as he got electrocuted in response to his monster's destruction and took small amounts of effect damage (LP: 2500 → 2000).
"But the second effect of 'Spell of the Ruler' activates here!" recovered Michael, "If the equipped monster is sent from the field to the GY: I must inflict 700 damage to my opponent!"
Fake Michael got electrocuted again, too, causing him to yell and take additional damage (LP: 2800 → 2100). Still, he resumed smiling once the shocking session ended.
"Furthermore, the destruction of 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' activates its second effect!" Michael went on, as, from the flames left behind, the body of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' slowly rose into the sky (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000), "When this card on the field is destroyed: I can target 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' in my GY; I must Special Summon that target."
"So be it," accepted Fake Michael, "As of now, I'm going to show you my ultimate monster!"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn, Sam, Maria, and General Damas each were still waiting for the operation to finish when the door went from red to green, and the lead doctor emerged.
"Well?" pressed Maria.
The doctor smiled, "Well, it was tough going at some points," he began pleasantly, "but your friend and fellow police officer has pulled through and is looking to make a full recovery."
"Oh, thank God," Sam sighed with relief.
"Can we go see him?" asked General Damas.
"By all means," The doctor accepted, nodding.
(elsewhere…)
Inside his room, a currently conscious Paul, with a side of his face currently bandaged up, was being cared for by two nurses when a knock on the door came. The door opened, and Maria, Sam, and General Damas each entered the room.
"Officer Truman!" greeted Sam.
Paul weakly looked over and smiled, happy to see his boss (Sam), assistant (Maria), and even General Damas.
"Hey, guys," Paul greeted back.
"We're all so relieved you're alive," said Maria tearfully.
"Same here," agreed Paul, "That's one crash I never want to be involved in again. I'm lucky to be alive from it."
"One thing's for certain," smirked General Damas, "If you were part of 'The All-Star Squad', I would pin a medal on you for good work and survival."
Paul chuckled slightly before beginning to doze off. Realizing he needed some sleep, the trio left him alone. At least Paul was going to be okay, which was a very good thing.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, the five Duel Runners turned onto another street leading towards the expressway heading for the Manhattan Bridge. Fake Michael continued with his turn.
"I activate a Trap, 'Red Carpet'!" The voice of Fake Michael declared, as his remaining Set card reappeared on the field in-front of fake Wheel of Fortune, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "If a Dragon Synchro Monster is on the field: I must target up to 2 'Resonator' monsters in my GY; I must Special Summon them," Two cards ('Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator') ejected from the GY and were taken hold of, "I Special Summon…" He held the two cards up and then placed them onto his Duel Disk, "…'Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator'!"
Appearing onto the field were two 'Resonator' monsters; the first had a barrier pack on its back (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 800), and the other had a large yellow and cyan-colored symbol on its back (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"Two Level 1 Tuner monsters?" mused Michael, but then came to a haunting realization, "Can it be-?"
The Astray trio each didn't look any better with what was going on.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, the laptop was showing footage of both 'Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator' appearing on the field.
"That guy got two Tuners out!" fretted Ashima.
"This can't be real!" objected Sean.
"It can only mean one thing!" realized James R..
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Brooklyn, things were not getting any better for Michael as Fake Michael began a brief, if also fiery, speech.
"Listen to the beat of my soul!" boomed Fake Michael, as both 'Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator' floated on the field in-front of him and 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' flew above him, "Do you feel it? The exhilaration of my life! When I first left San Francisco, I explored the world to train and train and train myself until I learned of a whole new battle technique, which has made me the unstoppable King that I am today!" He finally issued the command absolutely nobody wanted to hear, "I double tune Level 8 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' into Level 1 'Barrier Resonator' and Level 1 'Synkron Resonator'!"
"Double tuning?!" flinched Michael.
"No way!" Asagi, Mayura, and Juri each cried out at once.
With that said, both 'Barrier Resonator' and 'Synkron Resonator' turned themselves into a single flaming Synchro Ring respectively as 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' flew into them from above while crossing its arms across its chest. A new, but still similar, Summon Chant also echoed throughout the sequence.
"Ruler and Devil, they cross here and now!" chanted Fake Michael, as a corrupted version of the Crimson Dragon was seen flying in the background, "Touch the soul of the Crimson Dragon, and raise up the cry of creation!" The symbols 8 + 1 + 1 = 10 were shown briefly as 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' turned into eight orbs of light within the two fiery Synchro Rings before they erupted into a pillar of fire, "Synchro Summon!" The ground started breaking apart and releasing streams of fire as a new monster started making itself known, "Appear! Level 10! 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
The new monster was what appeared to be 'Red Dragon Archfiend'—only further upgraded to look like an almost recolored version of 'Red Nova Dragon', but without the spikes and with bigger horns (Level: 10/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3000). The Astray trio looked up in fright at the new ace monster, while people watching in the sidelines (streets or from the other side of the expressway) also stared in equal awe and fear.
"Is everyone watching the ultimate power I'm unleashing?!" shouted Fake Michael, making sure everyone who was watching knew of his presence, "Burn this moment into your eyes for the rest of your lives; the climax of a once in a lifetime show begins here!"
The real Michael gritted his teeth, not about to let the imposter defeat him nor his very soul, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'. Speaking of whom, Fake Michael was just about ready to finish off the one he viewed as the fake and officially cement himself as the world's greatest Turbo duelist. The first thing he had to do was destroy 'Red Dragon Archfiend', and he would then be able to attack directly shortly after. With 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend's' first effect, he would accomplish that.
"I activate 'Tyrant's' first effect!" thundered Fake Michael, while the three Astray girls also listened to the kind of powers the new monster possessed, "During my Main Phase 1: I can destroy all other cards on the field, also, for the rest of this turn, other monsters I control cannot attack!" As he announced the effect name, 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' lit its right fist on fire and prepared to strike at the ground, "Absolute Power Inferno!"
A surge of fire was summoned and launched as soon as the powerful fist connected with the road, and it would destroy 'Red Dragon Archfiend' once it connected.
"If the wave of fire connects, Mike will then be attacked directly by that creature and get defeated!" wailed Asagi.
"Oh man, this is so, so bad!" put in Mayura.
"Please don't lose, Mike!" begged Juri.
However, Michael, not about to let his soul die just like that, was very fast on the draw.
"As of now, I'll activate the effect of 'Red Gardna'!" announced Michael, sending a card from his hand to the GY. A red-colored barrier surrounded 'Red Dragon Archfiend', protecting it from Absolute Power Inferno until it ended, "When my opponent activates a card or effect while I control a 'Red Dragon Archfiend' monster (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY; this turn, monsters I control cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects!"
"So, you avoided destruction by sending a monster from your hand to the GY," snorted Fake Michael, doing a 180 with fake Wheel of Fortune so he (Fake Michael) could directly face the opponent and watch as the remains of the attack (effect) destroyed Michael's Set card, "However, your face-down card is destroyed!" He smiled when he saw the remains of the broken card and guessed what it was, "That was 'Red Armor', wasn't it? Now I see… Since it's in the GY, you'll use its second effect to protect 'Red Daemon's' from being destroyed through battle."
"Grrr… I activate the first effect of 'Absolute King Back Jack'!" growled Michael, as, within the darkness (GY), a card ('Absolute King Back Jack') emerged before dissolving into oblivion, "During my opponent's turn (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from the GY; I must excavate the top card of my Deck, and if it is a Normal Trap, Set it to my field. Otherwise, send it to the GY," He drew the top card of his Deck, "That Set card can be activated during this turn."
The card was a Trap Card called 'Prideful Roar', and it was a Normal Trap. A few seconds later, Michael silently Set it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune before fading away for later use.
"You obviously knew your excavated card would be a Normal Trap because of 'Absolute King Back Jack' earlier on," figured Fake Michael, before making another 180 with fake Wheel of Fortune in order to drive straight on the road, "But it matters not… Nothing you have can ever hope to stop me or my very soul!" He entered his Battle Phase, "Battle!" In the sky, as he spoke on, 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', with flames coming from its mouth, turned to hatefully face 'Red Dragon Archfiend', "'Red Daemon's Tyrant' will attack your shell of a 'Red Daemon's'!"
"Not so fast!" cut in Michael, as his Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I activate a Trap, 'Prideful Roar'! During damage calculation, if my monster battles an opponent's monster with a higher ATK: I must pay LP equal to the difference in ATK; my monster gains ATK equal to that difference +300, during damage calculation only!"
"Heh! The second effect of 'Tyrant' activates!" sneered Fake Michael, not about to let a Trap Card stop 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' from defeating what he perceived to be a pale imitation, "During the Battle Phase, when a Spell/Trap Card is activated (Quick Effect): I can negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card," As the explanation continued, his strongest monster glowed a crimson red in color and let out a demonic roar, "and if I do that, this card gains 500 ATK!"
The face-up 'Prideful Roar' Trap Card sparked and shorted out before shattering into shards of glass as Michael watched with frustration, while 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' grew even more lethal than it already was (ATK: 3500 → 4000). Both of 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend's' effects were only usable once per turn (hard), but it was still all that Fake Michael believed he needed to win the duel. All five Duel Runners finally turned onto the expressway, approaching both the Manhattan Bridge and, where else, Manhattan Island. Both 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' also took to the skies for their clash in order to make sure their attacks didn't destroy the bridge. From there, both monsters started to fight up close and personal with Absolute Powerforce ('Red Dragon Archfiend') and Absolute Power Inferno ('Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend') in a seemingly even match, but the enemy monster soon got the upper hand and, with a powerful enough blow, sent 'Red Dragon Archfiend' falling towards the river below.
"This is the end of your pathetic soul!" howled Fake Michael, before making fake Wheel of Fortune slide against the road ahead of him while holding his right hand out in the direction of the opponent, "'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', attack 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!" As he announced his monster's attack, 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' leaned its head back and charged fire in its mouth, "Infernal Crimson Hell Tide!"
The devastating fire blast-like attack was fired off, and it looked certain that the falling 'Red Dragon Archfiend' would finally meet its end, but, as Fake Michael knew what was gonna happen next since he (Fake Michael) saw what the opponent's earlier destroyed card was, Michael was not about to let anything happen to his (Michael) very soul.
"I activate the second effect of 'Red Armor'!" declared Michael, as a similar-looking shield appeared in the sky in-front of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and protected it from the full brunt of Infernal Crimson Hell Tide as the attack finally collided, "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Red' monster I control; this turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle!"
The badly injured 'Red Dragon Archfiend' growled weakly and crashed into the waters of the river with a massive *SPLASH!*.
"But you'll still take the damage!" Fake Michael pointed out.
As soon as those words were said, Michael immediately got electrocuted once more as he screamed and took large damage from the near lethal attack (LP: 2000 → 1000), but he didn't care about any of that; as long as his very soul survived the onslaught by 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', that was all that mattered to him. Soon, the shocking session ended, and Michael was luckily still not down for the count, which the three Astray girls saw from a distance away.
"Mike's still standing!" realized Juri, before closing her eyes with relief over Michael living through the attack, "Thank goodness…"
"But what about 'Red Daemon's'?" recalled Mayura, looking around the area, "Where is it?"
"Over there!" shrieked Asagi, pointing towards the river.
Below the Manhattan Bridge, the water started bubbling intensely before emerging from what should have been its final resting place was a heavily injured but still alive 'Red Dragon Archfiend', who let out a roar of triumph over having survived the intense fight—much to the angry-looking 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend's' intense fury. 'Red Dragon Archfiend' was soon flying higher into the sky until it was above Michael and following him. Speaking of Michael, he was left huffing and puffing from the intense attack made by his bloodthirsty, battle-loving counterpart, but was well enough to continue dueling, look upward, and praise his ace monster.
"'Red Daemon's'… you've withstood that attack really well," Michael was saying, aloud, to 'Red Dragon Archfiend', "As long as you're here fighting by my side, my soul will never be defeated!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital…
"Phew! Mike's still hanging on by a thread," groaned Sean.
"Him and 'Red Daemon's'," put in James R..
"But for how much longer?" worried Ashima, "Mike has only 1000 LP left, and 'Red Daemon's' isn't strong enough to fight 'Red Daemon's Tyrant'."
"They'll survive long enough for Mike to bust out two weak Tuner monsters of his own!" suggested Lisa, "That way, he can show those bastards the true power of double tuning—Burning Soul style!"
"He can't," The voice of Zack responded.
"What?" blinked Lisa.
"I've been studying Mike's hand throughout the duel," remembered Zack, shaking his head, "He currently has no other cards that will get him two Tuners onto his field."
That was something Lisa really didn't want to hear at a time like this.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the Manhattan Bridge…
"Hmph! I end my turn!" grinned Fake Michael, knowing he had the duel in the palm of his hand, "What do you say, now? Would it be safe to admit that I'm the real Michael Atlas, after all?"
The real Michael said nothing, but, with his teeth gritted, there was a noticeable look on his face that was a mixture of anger and regret of his past as he listened to the imposter's words, knowing that, again, this was likely what he would have become if he (Michael) hadn't lost to Matt years ago; he would have ultimately betrayed and abandoned his friends for further fame, glory, and power, growing increasingly violent and bloodthirsty in his later duels before succumbing to the darkness and becoming an outright murderer.
"It's true that you and I look alike and have similar traits and tastes in cards, but, in actuality, you're far too soft to even be King!" continued Fake Michael, as 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' once again flew above him, "The one true King must always demolish any and all foes he comes across with ruthless tactics and unmatched strength, all while entertaining his fans along the way!" He clenched his right hand into a fist and held it out for a few seconds before swinging it about while the insane-looking smile on his face remained, "Only then, can he rule the world as its greatest Turbo duelist!"
"Don't screw with me!" snarled Michael, which got the silent attention of Fake Michael. As he continued speaking, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' could be seen flying above him, "You still have that lousy delusion that you're me? Don't make me laugh! You're nothing but a phony! A fake! A figment of my inner darkness! You don't have the spirit of a True Duelist in your black heart!"
Losing his smile over being called a fake and having a black heart, Fake Michael said nothing back while Michael went on with remembering what he (Michael) was like a few years ago.
"Back in the day, I was a foolish young man who cared so little for most people other than myself, power, entertaining my fans, and being King…" ranted Michael, before shutting his eyes while (again) looking absolutely ashamed as several faded stills of himself (actually Fake Michael) 'abandoning' his friends, tearing his 'Red Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card in two, attacking, hurting, and/or killing people in the name of 'entertainment', and much more were superimposed over him, "When I lost to Matt in that tournament and was approached and scolded by James, Carlie, and Zack, I realized the error of my ways and swore to make it up to everyone whom I looked down upon, shunned, or hurt—no matter how long it took me! If it weren't for Matt defeating me on that day and my own friends calling me out, I might have continued going down a very dark path until it was too late for me to turn back…" In his POV, his eyes opened as images of the remaining five members of Team 6D's, Zack, Discord, Ashima, Sean, Janice, Megan, Paul, Maria, Ren, Futaba, Gabriella, the three Astray girls, Ms. Simmons, Mr. Kisaka, Mr. Murdoch, and Mr. Zimmerman all appeared within the darkness of his mind, "But now that I have changed for the better, I have true friends and loved ones in my life to believe in! Thanks to them, I'll never go back onto the road towards the shadows!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, the rest of the group had been listening to the passionate speech from Michael.
"Mike…" mumbled Matt.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the Manhattan Bridge, Michael, with pure determination in his eyes, continued speaking to Fake Michael…
"I'll show you what true strength is!" The lime green-haired young man thundered, flexing his right arm about before holding the hand out, "It won't disappear in my own ambitions!"
On cue, his clothed right forearm started to glow, which was a sign that his Mark of the Dragon was reacting to the speech.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, Zack, Ashima, Sean, and Janice all watched as the birthmarks on Matt, James R., Carlie, Lisa, and David's respective right forearms started glowing as well.
"Guys, I think this happened once before…" murmured Matt.
"That was when you needed help to fight me while I was possessed by the Dark Signers," reminded Ashima.
"Only now Mike needs our help," said Carlie.
"Oh, don't worry about that; he'll get help from me," Lisa acknowledged, still sitting in bed while filled with determination of her own, "I've reserved a big wad of payback just for that lousy imposter!"
"Come on, let's use the power of our bonds to save our friend!" declared James R..
Soon, the glowing Signer Marks on Matt, James R., Carlie, David, and Lisa's respective right forearms disappeared entirely, while Zack, Sean, Janice, and Ashima all continued to watch.
(elsewhere…)
Before long, the full Seal of the Crimson Dragon was shown shining brightly on Michael's back, which was something Juri, Asagi, and Mayura were able to see happen.
"The bonds I share with my friends… I've received them!" exclaimed Michael, before bracing two fingers on the glowing card atop his Deck (which had been added by the Crimson Dragon), "I'll show you, the past me, the true power of Michael Atlas! This duel is going to end right here!" He drew the card with a Destiny Draw, "IT'S MY TURN!"
This caused both duelists to gain a final Speed Counter:
-Michael: 4 → 5
-Fake Michael: 0 → 1
Turn Six: Michael Atlas (LP: 1000)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (2): "Magical King Moonstar" and "Majestic Dragon"
Speed Counters: 5
Both Wheel of Fortunes, plus the three M1 Astrays, finally made it off the Manhattan Bridge and onto an empty street. Upon seeing the drawn 'Majestic Dragon' Tuner Monster Card…
"It's finally here!" Michael went on triumphantly, using his right hand to hold the card ('Majestic Dragon') out for a moment before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "Appear now, 'Salvation Dragon - Majestic Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was the familiar pink-colored legendary dragon itself—the very same one that Matt was given in order to defeat Ashima and free her from the control of Rutger's spider (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"That's-!" realized Fake Michael.
"I'm glad you recognize this card," teased Michael humorlessly, while 'Majestic Dragon' flew in the sky near the moon, "This is the monster I need in order to bring out a 'Majestic' Synchro Monster."
"You don't have the right number of monsters nor the correct Level totals to pull it off, though!" Fake Michael pointed out.
"Not right now, but that will change starting here!" When that was blurted that out, Michael took the final card from his hand and placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "From my hand, I'll Special Summon 'Magical King Moonstar'!"
Appearing onto the field was a purple clothing-wearing, male Fiend monster wielding a scepter of sorts with a moon crest at the top (Level: 3/ATK: 900/DEF: 600).
"'Magical King Moonstar'?" fretted Fake Michael.
"If I control a Tuner, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," explained Michael, going over his monster's first effect. He then held his right hand out, "I activate 'Magical King Moonstar's' second effect!" As the card explanation proceeded, 'Magical King Moonstar' twirled his scepter about throughout the explanation before aiming the weapon upward at 'Majestic Dragon', "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can target 1 other monster I control or in my GY; until the end of this turn, this card's Level becomes the same as that monster's, also I cannot Special Summon, except by Synchro Summon," The lime green-haired young man made the announcement, "I target 'Majestic Dragon' and make 'Magical King Moonstar' into a Level 1 monster!"
'Magical King Moonstar' started casting some magic on 'Majestic Dragon', transferring some of the Tuner monster's power back to himself and changing his Level to match the target's Level (Level: 3 → 1). And now, seeing as 'Majestic Dragon' was, again, a Tuner monster, and Michael controlled both 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Magical King Moonstar' (who only could be used as Synchro Material for the Synchro Summon of a DARK Synchro Monster), the following could happen…
"I tune Level 8 'Red Dragon Archfiend', Level 1 'Magical King Moonstar' into Level 1 'Majestic Dragon'!" The voice of Michael continued, just as 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Magical King Moonstar' both flew into the night sky, "Let's kick this Turbo Duel into overdrive!"
In addition to the above scenario playing out, the glowing 'Majestic Dragon' began growing bigger and bigger, overwhelming both monsters. The bodies of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Magical King Moonstar' were outlined and showing glowing balls of light (eight for 'Red Dragon Archfiend', and one for 'Magical King Moonstar') within as they entered a single Synchro Ring and a Summon Chant from Michael followed…
"Lone polished light, become the true supreme ruler and illuminate the earth! Shine your light!"
As the symbols 8 + 1 + 1 = 10 were briefly shown, the nine orbs of light lined up within the body of 'Majestic Dragon' before the monster turned into a massive beam of light.
"Synchro Summon!" shouted Michael, making Wheel of Fortune jump into the beam of light, "The great soul, 'Majestic Red Dragon'!"
And finally emerging from the bursting beam of light and flying through the sky, was what looked to be a bigger, flaming, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' version of 'Majestic Dragon' (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3000). Driving safely behind the current action going on, the three Astray girls were silently looking upward in both awe and amazement.
"This light is-!" winced Fake Michael angrily, but quickly recovered when he remembered one thing about both monsters (but mainly the enemy monster), "However, your 'Savior Demon' is currently tied with 'Tyrant' in terms of ATK!" That was true, both 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' (ATK: 4000) and 'Majestic Red Dragon' (ATK: 4000) currently had the exact same ATK, and the taunting did not end there, "And in case you don't know, it will return to the Extra Deck and then Special Summon your copy of 'Red Daemon's' from the GY at the end of the turn!" The imposter now looked absolutely certain of his victory as he held up his right hand near the faceplate of his helmet, "When that happens, my superior soul will demolish your weaker, so-called soul!"
That being said, 'Majestic Red Dragon' with an ATK of 4000 and having that side effect was most certainly not at all good for the real Michael—who, while still riding Wheel of Fortune, was stationed atop of his new ace monster. Was he even worried about it, though? Hardly the case…
"Are you sure about that?" pressed Michael, causing Fake Michael to look a little surprised from being told the popular dueling catchphrase. Finally, the one, true King's counterattack resumed, "I activate the third effect of 'Majestic Red Dragon'!" As the effect explanation began, 'Majestic Red Dragon' flew very high above the road while gazing long and hard at 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', "Once per turn: I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must negate its effects, and if I do, this card gains ATK equal to that monster's ATK. These changes last until the end of this turn!"
'Majestic Red Dragon' finally opened its mouth in preparation to attack.
"Power Gain!" The voice of Michael ordered.
A light-based breath (or vacuum) attack was fired off, striking 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' and draining it of its devastating power (being the two effects), which also restored its ATK to its default value (ATK: 4000 → 3500). Having absorbed that great power and swallowing it whole, 'Majestic Red Dragon' began glowing a crimson red-like color as it got supercharged with the power it had drained from the enemy monster successfully (ATK: 4000 → 7500).
"An ATK of…7500?!" yelled Fake Michael in horror.
"The evil illusion that confuses the light! Vanish in the cracks of time, ghost of my past!" boomed Michael, more than ready to put an end to the darkness that was seemingly born from his heart. It was then he finally entered the Battle Phase, issuing the last command as 'Majestic Red Dragon' got itself inflamed with great power, "'Majestic Red Dragon', rid the field of 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', once and for all! Ultimate Powerforce!"
Now fully engulfed with flames, 'Majestic Red Dragon' charged, full speed, towards 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend' as though it were a gigantic supernova. Speaking of 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', it tried fighting back by firing off Infernal Crimson Hell Tide, but it only served to make 'Majestic Red Dragon' even more lethal in its attack. Before long, the Crimson Dragon-like monster burst right through the counterattack and collided with 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', causing the enemy monster to roar in pain as it exploded massively in a surge of fire. The attack did not end there; the flames then struck and swallowed both Fake Michael and fake Wheel of Fortune in a complete inferno.
"NOOOOOOOO!" screamed Fake Michael, as his helmet was thrown off and his LP dropped all the way to 0 (LP: 2100 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Michael Atlas wins!
While the imposter continued to scream in agony, the powerful flames from 'Majestic Red Dragon' caused his flesh to begin melting and also revealing his true identity to the public.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, the rest of Team 6D's and their friends reacted in shock to what they were witnessing.
"My God…!" cried Janice.
"That guy's-!" James R. winced, looking freaked out over the gruesome death scene.
"He's nothing but a robot!" confirmed Zack.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the middle of lower Manhattan, all that was left of Fake Michael was practically a robotic, skeletal shell with rotting, burnt skin, but even it was burning away from the flames of 'Majestic Red Dragon'. The copy of Wheel of Fortune the android had been riding also exploded from destruction, ensuring that the imposter was truly dead and left forgotten. Left behind were Fake Michael's partially destroyed helmet, scrap remains of his Duel Runner, and several of his cards—which were burnt away by the flame sparks seconds later.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the Dark Signers' hideout, Rutger angrily slammed his hands onto the table, furious that even a Signer of their own like Michael Atlas couldn't defeat his enemies—specifically the 'real' Michael Atlas, of all people.
"So it did end in failure, after all…" muttered Rutger.
"Jesus! Those Signers are unbelievable!" whined Vincent in annoyance, "Just when we managed to deal with one of them, we end up going several squares back—it was an absolute pain for us to recreate all of those rare cards and…" As the rambling proceeded, Rutger fumed silently, not wanting to say anything that would make him (Vincent) all the more annoying than he (again Vincent) already was, "…especially creating 'Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Tyrant Red Dragon Archfiend', you know!"
(elsewhere…)
Back on the streets of Manhattan, Wheel of Fortune was back on the ground—since 'Majestic Red Dragon was long gone—and stopped a short distance away from the scene of Fake Michael's destruction (or death), and it was quickly followed by the three M1 Astrays. Michael removed his helmet and slowly and carefully approached the small fire and pile of scrap of what used to be a Duel Runner before stumbling upon Fake Michael's helmet. He looked down at the helmet that resembled his own and stared long and hard at it for what seemed like forever, even as Asagi, Mayura, and Juri each walked up with their own helmets either tucked underneath their arms or being carried.
"Oh wow," murmured Asagi.
"You're telling me," acknowledged Mayura.
"This is just crazy," commented Juri, "Why would anyone develop such an advanced-looking robot to try and frame you, Mike?"
"I don't know," answered Michael quietly, "I honestly do not know," Asagi and Mayura both looked quiet before he continued and surprised them, "However, I do know one thing…" The lime green-haired young man was still staring at the helmet lying on the ground, "I know the Dark Signers developed this machine to try and destroy my friends and my reputation."
With that being said, Michael narrowed his eyes, gritted his teeth, raised his right foot, and, with a hard enough, powerful enough stomp, crushed the helmet, destroying it and severing himself from the remaining element of his past self for good.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Lisa's room in North General Hospital, the group was celebrating Michael's victory over Fake Michael when Matt received a call from his cellphone.
"Yes?" replied Matt.
"Matt! Officer Truman has pulled through in the operation!" The voice of Maria rejoiced, "He will be on his way to making a full recovery!"
"Well now, that's great news," smiled Matt.
There was more good news to come… Three nurses arrived in the room at that time, and they had some news to share with everyone, especially Lisa.
"Well, Lisa, according to the doctor, you'll be ready to leave sometime tomorrow afternoon," said Nurse 1.
"ALRIGHT!" cheered Lisa loudly, nearly jumping out of bed, "That means I can resume dueling by then!"
"But we do have some bad news about that," The voice of Nurse 2 cut in, getting Lisa's full attention. She and her two fellow nurses looked rather regretful, "The doctor also said that you should lay off the Turbo Dueling for at least a couple of days upon leaving here."
"We're sorry, but it's for your own good," apologized Nurse 3.
The three nurses then left the room.
"Uuuuggghhh!" complained Lisa, burying her hands into her face, "No Turbo Dueling for a couple of days? This sucks all the way to hell!"
"Lisa-chan, you couldn't Turbo Duel even if you wanted to," David pointed out earnestly, "Don't you remember?" He placed a hand on Lisa's back, "The impersonator of Atlas-sama practically destroyed your Duel Runner. Whatever remains are resting in peace somewhere in bed of the East River."
In an instant, Lisa went from annoyed-like sad to genuinely sad when she was reminded of that. Sure, she was certain she would be given an M1 Astray when they all returned to Orb soon, but she still loved her Strike Rouge very much, and couldn't believe it was gone for good. Of course, being lucky to be alive was far more important for a good reason.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the streets of Manhattan, Michael and the three Astray girls continued standing near the small fire left behind from the explosion and destruction of fake Wheel of Fortune (and, most importantly, Fake Michael). Suddenly, a car pulled up near the four Duel Runners, and getting out were Megan and her cameraman Ken.
"Megan!" realized Asagi.
"And Ken!" added Mayura.
"I'm here to cover what happened!" began Megan, looking around frantically, "Quick! Tell me where-!"
"You need to cool it for a second and hear me out," The voice of Juri advised, which got the full attention of Megan and Ken, "Turns out the guy impersonating Mike was really an android, and he got what he deserved at the hands…" She gestured towards Michael, "…of the real thing."
Michael nodded firmly, and, very quickly, Megan blushed as her eyes turned into hearts once it was confirmed to her he was innocent the whole time.
"You won against the imposter?!" swooned Megan, getting up close and personal with Michael, "Amazing! I've always known you'd succeed in clearing your name, since you would never bring harm to another living, breathing person!"
And to the surprise of absolutely no one, an anger pressure mark appeared on the right side of Juri's forehead and her teeth became shark-like; she (Juri) grabbed Megan by the right arm and pulled her (Megan) away from Michael in order for them to meet face-to-face.
"So says the one who reported on Mike being the possible suspect when Officer Truman was attacked!" snapped Juri.
Megan was cross over being told that; her own teeth became shark-like, and there was a large anger pressure on the left side of her head. Once again, both young women began arguing over Michael Atlas, which quickly morphed into a humorous wrestling match between the pair—with Michael having a large sweatdrop on the back of his head before he simply turned away from Juri and Megan fighting over him and facepalmed with a groan of annoyance, while Asagi, Mayura, and even Ken each bursting out laughing. And so, it was another triumph for the forces of good, but the Dark Signers had not given up the fight yet. What would their next move be like? That, I cannot say…just yet.
The chapter took much longer than I thought to complete, mostly because I had a health scare over the weekend where I thought I had caught COVID. Fortunately, that is not the case; I simply have a head cold (I'm luckily feeling much better though) and not COVID. All-in-all, please keep staying safe in these very troubling times, everyone, as you never know when you'll catch COVID.