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, Akatsuki (c) Sunrise
Character of Lisa Drake (c) DaveMan1000
Character of David Xadashi (c) DaveMan1000
Jak and Daxter characters, Spargus, Tough Puppy, Sand Shark, Dune Hopper, Gila Stomper, Slam Dozer, Heat Seeker, Dust Demon, Desert Screamer (c) Naughty Dog
Crash Bandicoot characters, Wumpa (c) Activision
Ratchet & Clank characters, Veldin, Sargasso, Shatterbomb (c) Insomniac
Sly Cooper characters (c) Sucker Punch
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.
"Salutations patrons," greeted David, "Are you all ready for another segment of 'This week's noteworthy cards'?"
"I think it's obvious they are," grinned Lisa, before she and David held their arms out at the blackboard with the five cards (still showing their backing) lined up, "Here's our showcase this week!"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Reptilianne Recoil' (Spell Card)
-'Fortune Lady Every' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Reptilianne Melusine' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Fortune Lady Past' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Reptilianne Camouflage' (Trap Card)
"This isn't one of Misty-san's cards!" gasped David, staring at the middle card ('Reptilianne Melusine'), "Or…at least we have never witnessed her play it before. What's going on, Lisa-chan?"
"Dunno, but we might as well tell our audience a bit about it," replied Lisa, before she started reading one of the effects the monster had, "If this card was Synchro Summoned using only Reptile monsters as material, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects."
"A rather treacherous beast indeed," said David gravely, before he and Lisa turned to face the audience, "I wonder what other surprises Megan-san and Misty-san both have hidden in their Decks?"
"You'd have to find that out," Lisa pointed out, "And now," The audience listened to what else the two hosts had to say, "we have some big, and rather sad, news to share."
"Afraid so," agreed David, "This is going to be one of our last segments," After some gasps were heard, he went on, "It has been a ton of fun, but Lisa-chan and I cannot keep doing this forever. Plus with the war against the Dark Signers looming on the horizon we're going to have to be as focused as possible for it."
"As they say, 'all good things must come to an end'," sighed Lisa, before smiling, "But look on the bright side; you'll always have the memories of these times, right?" She and David started waving goodbye, "In three more segments, we'll be signing off for good, so we'll see you all real soon for the next one!"
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: Poisoned Beauty
Opening up inside the Daily Writer's Group, Megan was cleaning up her desk and preparing to leave for the night.
"See you tomorrow," waved Ken.
"Right," agreed Megan, before approaching the door leading to the hallway. She stopped just short of opening the door when a thought came to her, "Ms. Misty… I can't believe you were found dead on the streets…"
(outside…)
As the black-haired young woman emerged from the building and got into her car, she narrowed her eyes and decided to do some investigating of her own—and her investigation would begin at the one place it all started at.
(elsewhere…)
That place happened to be at the same skyscraper-like penthouse Misty was both living and working at when she met her untimely demise.
(inside…)
Inside the building…
"So, she often worked on her modeling career while living in this building?" Megan pressed, as she spoke to a small crew of workers in an elevator.
"Yes, and I'll tell you she was one of a kind," One worker (male) confirmed, "It's so heartbreaking she died so young."
"My teenage daughter loved her," A second worker (male) added, "She said she wanted to grow up to be like Ms. Misty."
Megan felt bad for the second worker, since Misty was very, very popular, and she also was a big fan of the late actress/model.
(outside…)
The elevator doors opened, and Megan, a female worker, and the building owner emerged outside Misty's penthouse home, now vacant.
"Before I go inside, I have a question," began Megan, looking to the building owner, "Did Misty get any visitors on the night of her murder?"
"Not that we're aware of," The building owner replied.
"Are you sure?" frowned Megan, "Because I need to know everything you know if I'm to solve this mystery."
"Sure, I'm sure."
"We'll just let you search the scene of the crime," The female worker offered, opening the door for Megan, "Right this way, ma'am."
Megan nodded thankfully and went inside.
(inside…)
Within the living room of the penthouse, Megan began looking for clues as to what happened to Misty. The broken window spot was taped off to try and prevent anyone from falling by accident and there was still some major structural damage around the area, although the mess of glass had been cleaned up.
"Nuts… There isn't any evidence here," groaned Megan, before standing up straight and getting an idea, "I know! Maybe the hospital might have some information."
She started to leave.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Azrael was busy watching Megan closely on the crystal globe.
"What do we have here?" chortled Azrael snidely, "We can't have a nosy reporter snooping around our business, can we?" As he spoke on, the crystal globe showed footage of Megan in the skyscraper elevator, "She will be in for quite the shock when she meets with the supposedly deceased Misty again."
(elsewhere…)
Inside the unloading bay of the HQ of 'The All-Star Squad', General Damas, Jak, Ratchet, and Rivet were busy playing non-Duel Monsters-related cards at a nearby table. Trying as he might, General Damas's mind just wasn't focused on the game.
"Sir?" pondered Ratchet.
"Is something the matter?" came from Rivet, "Normally you love playing cards on nights like this—especially if the game's poker."
"Oh? Err… sorry, you two," sighed General Damas, "I guess I don't have my head in the game… I'm more busy thinking."
"I know the feeling," admitted Jak, "I'm worried about my daughter back in Hartford. You guys…" He placed his hand of cards on the table and briefly massaged his forehead, "…know how there was another incident there not long ago?"
"The near death of Gabriella Xadashi and Ashima Nilgiri," said Ratchet, "How could we forget?"
"Those Dark Signers we were told about… They struck again, didn't they?" worried Rivet.
"Their potential danger level is becoming too great," advised General Damas, as Jak, Ratchet, and Rivet each listened to their leader and either nodded (Jak) or saluted (Ratchet and Rivet), "None of us can afford to be careless in the defense of not only this city but also the whole world, and we must continue to be at our optimal performance at all times. I smell a storm coming…"
(elsewhere…)
Inside the lobby of New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, Megan was busy speaking to the female receptionist about Misty.
"Excuse me, but may I go see the body of Misty Tredwell?" pressed Megan.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but you cannot," refused the receptionist, "Her broken body has seemingly vanished."
"Eh?!" cried Megan, "She disappeared?!"
"It was like someone snuck in and snatched Misty's body," The receptionist insisted.
That sounded impossible to Megan, as security at a hospital was usually pretty high—especially during the night. Frowning, she decided to try investigating the matter.
"If it's okay, may I take a look at the scene of the crime?" requested Megan.
"Take a look?" repeated the receptionist, feeling uneasy, "I guess it's okay…"
Megan smiled, knowing that once she learned who the culprit was, she would have the perfect story for the front pages of the papers.
(elsewhere…)
With permission given, a nurse and some security guards were leading Megan to the chamber where the bodies of deceased patients were stored until the funerals were scheduled. One of the guards opened the door.
"Go on inside," The first guard offered.
"We'll wait outside until you're done with your investigation," The second guard added.
(inside…)
Walking into the chamber with the nurse, Megan turned on the lights and began her search for clues.
"There are so many stored bodies," murmured Megan, before looking to the nurse, "Excuse me, but can you show me where Ms. Misty was being stored before her body was taken?"
The nurse led the raven-haired young woman to the storage unit where Misty had been stored. Once there, Megan opened the unit and found it empty, just as the receptionist pointed out.
"Ms. Misty really is gone," thought Megan, pulling out her magnifying glass, "But I'll find out who took her body."
Looking around with her handy tool, she took a good look at the ground and discovered some footprints leading towards and away from the unit before getting up. Curiously, she took a look at the handle before pulling a make-up compact from her jacket pocket.
"Do you know what you're doing?" asked the nurse.
"Oh yeah, I've seen this in a movie once," smirked Megan, before opening the compact and aiming it near the handle, "Now, all I need to do is…"
She blew some stuff from the compact onto the handle, and, seconds later, some fingerprints were shown.
"Well?" said the nurse, just as Megan snapped some pictures of the handle and floor, "What do you think?"
"It's still a mystery as to who did it," replied Megan, "But I'm going to bring these pictures to the NYPD. Hopefully they'll begin a bigger investigation into the theft."
"Thank you," smiled the nurse, before looking sad, "It's such a tragedy that someone sent poor Ms. Misty to her death."
"I know," agreed Megan, "But we'll find out who the culprit is, and who had the nerve to steal her body from this area."
(outside…)
Outside the hospital, Megan emerged before placing her camera into her purse. She then started to return to her car. Just as she reached it, she heard a calm, gentle voice…
"Hello, Megan," The voice (female) called out, "It's good to see you again."
Megan recognized the voice and turned around, finding a familiar young woman with long black hair walking up from behind a building corner. The sight of who it was shocked Megan, since she knew exactly who it was.
"M-M-M-M-Ms. Misty!" stammered Megan in a non-comical way, "It can't be!"
Misty Tredwell smiled, "What's the matter?" she giggled, "You look like you've seen a ghost or something."
Megan immediately started believing she was asleep or something; she shut her eyes and pinched her right hand, making her yelp. But upon opening her eyes, she still saw Misty walking closer to her.
"Then…you really 'are' alive?" peeped Megan, "This is no dream?"
Misty said nothing, but she kept smiling and as she stopped a good distance away from Megan and the car. As happy as Megan was that Misty ended up miraculously surviving a fall from a fifty story building, she was also very upset at the same time.
"You have no idea how worried everyone was!" accused Megan, just as faded clips of people gathered on the streets around the seemingly deceased body of Misty were superimposed over her throughout the conversation, "The people of New York City and all across the country saw you laying on the streets, having fallen from a fifty story building, and you were pronounced dead seconds after that! There's no way you could have survived!"
"But I did survive," insisted Misty, still as calm as ever, "However, as of tonight, I'm no longer a model or actress."
"Say…what?"
To back up her words, the black-haired young woman crossed her right arm across her chest and made the new birthmark on the forearm glow purple. Megan gasped, watching as Misty, before her very eyes, started transforming within a pinkish purple pillar of light. When the light dimmed, Misty was decked out in the black robe of the Dark Signers, accented with green stripes, to match her corresponding Earthbound Immortal, strap-on high heels, and a black and white dress. On her face were marks that resembled inverted wings. When her eyes opened, they were black and filled with cold malice. Misty seemed like a very different person than from before.
"Y-You…!" Megan uttered in fear.
"I have been revived from the dead as a Dark Signer," confirmed Misty.
"Dark…Signer?" repeated Megan, having never heard of that group before, "Are they a cult of sorts? Because I heard being a member of one can ruin your whole career!"
"How funny," Misty said dryly, " You see, I was killed by a man named Muruta Azrael, also a Dark Signer. He was the one who helped me get to where I am."
"Azrael? Do you mean Muruta Azrael?" remembered Megan, "I'm actually well aware of who he is; he's the ruthless headmaster of the Blue Cosmos Duel School in Albany, which is under investigation for various crimes the place is accused of commiting by other people," She then gasped, "Wait a minute… I thought you were alone in your home when…"
It was then she realized the people who owned the skyscraper might have lied to her about Misty having no visitors the night she was killed. Misty, realizing how Megan was reacting, then smiled once more and confessed everything.
"It would seem you've figured it out," Misty chuckled softly, "Those people who showed Azrael to my old penthouse home were secretly possessed by dark spiders," She held her right hand out and showed off two of Rutger's spiders before they dissolved into dark spores, "When you came soon after to investigate, they were no longer possessed by them and had no memories of ever meeting with him," Her eyes narrowed once more, "I accepted death in order to be revived with the power needed to get revenge on Carlie Izayoi."
"What? Revenge on Carlie?" cried Megan, "You mean the same one with 'Black Rose Dragon'?" She fell into denial, "Ms. Misty, there must be some mistake! What did she do to earn your ire?"
"Carlie murdered my younger brother," answered Misty hotly.
Megan flinched, "Carlie did what?" she protested, "That can't be right! I mean, she might have been very unstable in her younger years, but she would never resort to killing people—at least not on purpose!"
"Unfortunately, I must fight her and get my revenge," rebutted Misty, not willing to listen to any form of reasoning, "However…" Megan listened to the next part with grave concern, "You currently know too much… Therefore, you must be silenced…" She finished her sentence with a very dark… "…forever."
Megan gasped once more, just as two Duel Disks materialized from pinkish purple light on the ground near Misty's feet. After they became solid, Misty knelt over and picked them up before tossing one of the Duel Disks to Megan, who easily caught it.
"Are you challenging me to a duel?" pondered Megan, before narrowing her eyes and putting the Duel Disk on, "Okay, I accept your challenge, Ms. Misty… I'll gladly take you on!"
After putting her own Duel Disk on, Misty held up her shuffled Deck and inserted it into the device. Megan, meanwhile, took out her own Deck and looked long and hard at it.
"Thanks to Asagi and her friends, my Deck is more powerful than before," she thought to herself, "I think I can win against Ms. Misty despite her being a Dark Signer."
Once the Deck was inserted into the Deck Zone, Misty's birthmark glowed more powerfully and caused a wall of ghostly fire to erupt around the area.
(elsewhere…)
Around lower Manhattan, people were minding their own business when they looked up and cried out in surprise over a geoglyph of the Lizard appearing in the night sky. Some of the people were minor members of 'The All-Star Squad'. What they all didn't know was they were trapped within the geoglyph, meaning they were going to be sacrificed should a Dark Signer bring out his or her 'Earthbound Immortal' monster.
(elsewhere…)
Within the skies a good distance away from New York City (mostly in the state of New Jersey), a helicopter was proceeding to the scene of disaster. Seen inside the chopper was a pilot, two suits, and Lazar, all being deeply shocked when they saw the geoglyph both on the ground and in the night sky.
"My word! It's happening!" panicked Lazar, before pressing a button on the dashboard, "Governor!"
(inside…)
Inside the helicopter, the small monitor was all staticy, but soon became clear and revealed an image of Rex.
"Sir! Emergency!" The voice of Lazar exclaimed, still looking very stunned, "The new Dark Signer, Misty Tredwell… She's begun a duel somewhere in lower Manhattan!"
The image of Rex said nothing, but he was obviously very worried.
(elsewhere…)
Back within the area of lower Manhattan, the duel between Megan (LP: 4000) and Misty (LP: 4000) had begun.
"What is this all about?" demanded Megan, looking at her surroundings.
"Once the duel began, we've become trapped within this geoglyph," explained Misty, "No one can get in or out until the duel finishes," She then drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn One: Misty Tredwell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Reptilianne Naga", "Reptilianne Camouflage"(!), "Reptilianne Viper", "Reptilianne Ramifications", "Advance Force", and "Reptilianne Nyami"
She added the card into her hand and took out another one to play.
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Reptilianne Ramifications'!" began Misty, "I must send 1 card from my hand to the GY and activate 2 of these effects, in sequence."
These were the effects written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"I must add 1 'Reptilianne' monster from my Deck to my hand."
-"I must add 1 'Reptilianne' Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand, except 'Reptilianne Ramifications'."
-"I must change the ATK of 1 monster my opponent controls to 0."
"It's the first turn, so she can't obviously choose the third effect," thought Megan, "Meaning she will definitely choose the top effects of her card."
"I choose to first activate the first effect," continued Misty, sending a card ('Reptilianne Nyami') from her hand to the GY before drawing a card, "I add a 'Reptilianne' monster from my Deck into my hand," Her added card was a Monster Card called 'Reptilianne Coatl', "That monster being 'Reptilianne Coatl'."
"Ms. Misty runs a 'Reptilianne' Deck," Megan recalled to herself, having reported on Misty and Clotho's Action Turbo Duel, "I've seen it before in Governor Godwin's tournament."
"And then," cut in Misty, holding up a card ('Reptilianne Recoil') taken from her Deck, "I'll activate the second effect of 'Reptilianne Ramifications', adding a 'Reptilianne' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck into my hand," She turned the card over and showed her opponent, "With it being 'Reptilianne Recoil'."
"She added two cards into her hand," thought Megan, "What is Ms. Misty's true aim?"
"Next, I'll play this card… 'Reptilianne Naga'!" added Misty, holding up a card ('Reptilianne Naga') before turning over and revealing it. She placed the card onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk, "Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a small, female monster with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a serpent (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"I also Set one card face-down and end my turn," concluded Misty, holding up one more card before slotting it into her Duel Disk.
A face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Reptilianne Naga'.
"Okay… here goes!" accepted Megan, "It's my turn!" She drew her card, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Megan Haw (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Fortune Lady Earth", "Fortune Vision", "Fortune Lady Rewind", "Future Visions", "Fortune Lady Light", and "Fortune Fairy Swee"
Her drawn card was the 'Fortune Fairy Swee' Monster Card.
"Alright!" thought Megan, looking at her card before speaking aloud and revealing her monster's first effect, "When I draw 'Fortune Fairy Swee': I can reveal it; I must Special Summon it from my hand," She placed the card ('Fortune Fairy Swee') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk, "Appear now, 'Fortune Fairy Swee'!"
Appearing onto the field was the little fairy girl with dark blue hair and carrying a magical rod of sorts (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Fortune Fairy Swee's' second effect!" continued Megan, "If this card is Special Summoned from the hand: I can target 1 other face-up monster on the field; I must banish it until the Standby Phase of my next turn," She held her right hand out, "I target your 'Reptilianne Naga'!"
'Fortune Fairy Swee' swung her weapon around before pointing it forward and firing a watery blast towards 'Reptilianne Naga'.
"I admire your courage," remarked Misty, "but your plan won't work."
"Huh?" blinked Megan.
From there, Misty's only Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Continuous Trap, 'Reptilianne Camouflage'!" The voice of Misty announced, as the above scenario played out, "'Reptilianne' monsters I control are unaffected by my opponent's non-Reptile monsters' effects, also possession of 'Reptilianne' monsters I control cannot switch."
The water blast struck 'Reptilianne Naga', but nothing happened to it.
"Not again," groaned Megan, remembering how Asagi countered that move in their first duel. She recovered quickly, "Still, I've plenty of tricks left," Taking another card from her hand, she held it up slightly, "Field Spell, 'Future Visions', activate!"
Misty looked up, not losing any of her stoicism. The whole area then became all sparkly of sorts.
"Each time a monster is Normal Summoned: I must target that monster; I must banish it," explained Megan, "That was just the first effect! Now I'll tell you the second effect. During the next Standby Phase of the player who controlled that monster: I must return it to the field in face-up Attack Position."
"I see," said Misty calmly, "In any case, I accept your card's effect, since both players are affected by it."
"Then I'll activate a Continuous Spell, 'Fortune Vision'!" As she spoke, Megan took and held the mentioned card. Suddenly, her Deck ejected a card from the center, "When this card is activated: I can…" She took the card and added it into her hand, "…add 1 'Fortune Lady' card from my Deck to my hand."
"'Fortune Lady'?" repeated Misty.
"Only the newest addition to my Deck!" boasted Megan, before taking and holding a card ('Fortune Lady Light') out, "Appear now, 'Fortune Lady Light'!"
Appearing onto the field was the adult version of 'Fortune Fairy Hikari', wielding a scepter with a crescent-shaped tip (Level: 1/ATK: ?/DEF: ?).
"Now, because of 'Future Visions', my monster will be banished," acknowledged Megan, "I send 'Fortune Lady Light' into the future!"
'Fortune Lady Light' waved before twirling her scepter and disappearing.
"This will activate 'Fortune Visions's' second effect!" reminded Megan, "Once per turn, if a card(s) I control is banished by card effect (except during the Damage Step): I can activate this effect; this turn, monsters I control cannot be destroyed by card effects (even if this card leaves the field)."
"Even though you willingly banished 'Fortune Lady Light', you have another way to bring out a monster," figured Misty.
"And it's through my monster's third effect," replied Megan, taking a card ('Fortune Lady Dark') from her Deck and holding it up, "When this face-up card leaves the field by card effect: I can Special Summon 1 'Fortune Lady' monster from my Deck," As she announced her monster's name, appearing on the field was 'Fortune Lady Dark' (Level: 5/ATK: ?/DEF: ?), "I Special Summon 'Fortune Lady Dark'!"
Misty found herself silently becoming impressed with her opponent's current strategy.
"'Fortune Lady Dark's' first effect," announced Megan, "This card's ATK/DEF become its Level x 400."
'Fortune Lady Dark' twirled her scepter around for a few seconds and gained strength soon after (ATK: 0 → 2000/DEF: 0 → 2000).
"Then, from my hand, I'll activate 'Fortune Lady Calling'!" continued Megan, just as, with a swing of her right arm, the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If I control a 'Fortune Lady' monster: I must…" She took her Deck out of the Duel Disk and started looking through it for a card, "…Special Summon 1 'Fortune Lady' monster from my Deck with a different name from the cards I control, also for the rest of this turn after this card resolves," The raven-haired young woman took a card from her Deck and looked up, "I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, except Synchro Monsters."
Misty said nothing.
"I Special Summon the Tuner monster, 'Fortune Lady Past'!" smirked Megan, turning the card ('Fortune Lady Past') over and revealing it.
Appearing onto the field was a sorceress monster not like the other 'Fortune Lady' monsters; she wore a black dress with her sides mainly exposed and the front of her tummy covered up, and a headdress that covered her eyes and came with the Millennium Eye symbol (Level: 1/ATK: ?/DEF: ?).
"Tuner monster?" frowned Misty.
"This card's ATK/DEF become its Level x 200," revealed Megan, explaining her monster's first effect as 'Fortune Lady Past' gained strength (ATK: 0 → 200/DEF: 0 → 200), "'Fortune Lady Past's' ATK and DEF are at 200!" She wasn't done, however, "I next activate my monster's third effect!" While speaking, she took a card ('Fortune Lady Earth') from her hand and allowed it to fade away into oblivion, "I can target 1 'Fortune Lady' monster I control; banish any number of other Spellcaster monsters from your hand, field, and/or GY, and if I do, increase or reduce that monster's Level by the number of monsters banished, until the end of this turn," From there, as the explanation ended, 'Fortune Lady Dark's' Level, ATK, and DEF went up (Level: 5 → 6/ATK: 2000 → 2400/DEF: 2000 → 2400), "By targeting 'Fortune Lady Dark' and banishing a single 'Fortune Lady' monster from my hand, her Level increases from 5 to 6!"
By then, Megan looked excited; she was going to use every bit of knowledge she got from her new friends to take control of a duel. At last, she gave the command.
"I tune Level 6 'Fortune Lady Dark' into Level 1 'Fortune Lady Past'!" began Megan.
'Fortune Lady Past' turned herself into a single Synchro Ring, which 'Fortune Lady Dark' soared into before becoming six orbs of light. The symbols 6 + 1 = 7 were shown briefly before the seven orbs of light within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light.
"Synchrooooo Summon!" declared Megan, before growing very happy, "Yay! I got to say it!" From there, as she grew serious, a new monster started to appear from the fading beam of light, "Come, 'Fortune Lady Every'!"
The new monster was shown to be a human young woman with aqua blue hair, wearing a revealing outfit, and wielding a large scepter with a crescent-shaped symbol at the tip with a large pink jewel (Level: 7/ATK: ?/DEF: ?).
"Hmm… This must be your first time Synchro Summoning," commented Misty, before smiling slightly, "I'm impressed you brought out a strong monster like that."
"Thank you, Ms. Misty," blushed Megan, feeling rather flattered, before looking solemn, "To hear that from you and more… I just wish the circumstances weren't so dire," She then went over her new ace monster's first effect, "This card's ATK/DEF become its Level x 400. Being Level 7, her ATK and DEF both become 2800!"
'Fortune Lady Every's' ATK and DEF both increased to decent values (ATK: 0 → 2800/DEF: 0 → 2800).
"Battle!" proclaimed Megan, entering her Battle Phase, "Sorry, Ms. Misty, but this is for your own good!" As she gave the command for her monster to attack, 'Fortune Lady Every' twirled her scepter about, "'Fortune Lady Every', take down 'Reptilianne Naga'!"
'Fortune Lady Every' obeyed, firing a multi-colored blast towards 'Reptilianne Naga', who got hit.
"I did it!" cheered Megan.
"'Reptilianne Naga's' first effect," interrupted Misty, making Megan ease up. 'Reptilianne Naga', meanwhile, shrugged off the attack like it was nothing, "It cannot be destroyed by battle."
"No way…" pouted Megan, but then looked surprised, "Hey! What's happening to my monster?!"
From there, 'Fortune Lady Every' found herself turned into stone—which also came with an ATK deduction (ATK: 2800 → 0).
"'Reptilianne Naga's' second effect activates," Misty pointed out, "The ATK of any monster that battles this card becomes 0 at the end of that Battle Phase."
"I forgot about that," grumbled Megan, before taking another card from her hand, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
She slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field near her feet.
"Ms. Misty will definitely attack on her turn," thought Megan, "Luckily, thanks to 'Future Visions', any monster she Summons will be banished until the next Standby Phase."
Misty drew a card without saying a word.
Turn Three: Misty Tredwell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (5): "Reptilianne Viper", "Advance Force", "Reptilianne Coatl", "Reptilianne Recoil", and "Reptilianne Poison"
Her drawn card was the 'Reptilianne Poison' Spell Card. The look on her face was almost expressionless, making it very hard to figure out what she was thinking about.
"You will never be able to get 'Fortune Lady Light' back through the effect of 'Future Visions' on your Standby Phase," warned Misty.
"I won't?" blinked Megan, before looking scared, "No! You're gonna activate a Field Spell of your own!"
"Exactly," When those words left her mouth, Misty held up a card ('Reptilianne Recoil') taken from her hand, "Field Spell, 'Reptilianne Recoil'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, and all Megan could do was watch helplessly as her own face-up 'Future Visions' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass—which caused the sparkling area to fade away.
"Ms. Misty ruined my plan to bring back 'Fortune Lady Light'!" thought Megan in frustration.
"I can target 1 monster I control with 0 ATK and 1 DARK Reptile monster in my GY; I must destroy that monster on the field, and if I do, Special Summon that other monster from the GY," explained Misty, before holding a card ('Reptilianne Viper') taken from her hand up, "I won't use this first effect yet…" She placed the card onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk, "Appear now, 'Reptilianne Viper'!"
Appearing on the field was a small, greenish-colored serpent monster with arms and legs (Level: 2/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Reptilianne Viper's' monster effect!" exclaimed Misty, before holding her right hand out, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can…" As the explanation went on, 'Reptilianne Viper's' eyes started glowing purple, "…target 1 face-up monster with 0 ATK my opponent controls; I must take control of it."
Megan cried out, watching as 'Fortune Lady Every' was lifted from her field and moved over to her opponent's field—when it started to crack.
"Now I'll use this chance to activate the first effect of 'Reptilianne Recoil'," said Misty darkly, "I destroy your 'Fortune Lady Every'…" From there, the petrified 'Fortune Lady Every' crumbled into tiny pebbles, "…and then Special Summon 'Reptilianne Nyami' from my GY!"
Appearing on the field was a female serpent monster with short dark blue hair complete with orange streaks (Level: 2/ATK: 200/DEF: 0).
"That was cruel," sulked Megan.
"Then I Special Summon the Tuner monster, 'Reptilianne Coatl'!" continued Misty, ignoring the line of protest.
Appearing onto the field was the female monster with the upper body of a woman with greenish skin and the lower body of a serpent to appear on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1000).
"I tune Level 2 'Reptilianne Nyami' into Level 4 'Reptilianne Coatl'!" ordered Misty.
'Reptilianne Coatl' turned into four Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Reptilianne Nyami' before turning it into two orbs of light.
"While the bite of one snake is deadly, six more will be the end of all who disturb the nest!" chanted Misty, as the symbols 2 + 4 = 6 were shown briefly just before the two orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Show yourself, 'Reptilianne Hydra'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the older, monstrous looking version of 'Reptilianne Lamia' with four additional heads (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1500).
"2100 ATK…!" fretted Megan.
"The monster effect of 'Reptilianne Hydra' activates!" cut in Misty, as 'Reptilianne Hydra' lunged its four heads towards Megan's field, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I must destroy as many monsters my opponent controls with 0 ATK as possible, and if I do, draw 1 card for each monster destroyed."
Poor 'Fortune Fairy Swee' was struck by the four heads, throwing her back before shattering into shards of glass. With one monster with 0 ATK destroyed, Misty drew one more card, which was a Spell Card called 'Viper's Rebirth'. At last, the main course of the turn arrived…
"I dark tune Level 6 'Reptilianne Hydra' into Level 2 'Reptilianne Viper'!" boomed Misty.
'Reptilianne Viper' turned itself into two balls of darkness. They were then absorbed into 'Reptilianne Hydra', before exploding into a total of eight balls of darkness, which then began spinning together in a circle above as a short, yet sinister-sounding, Summon Chant was heard.
"Reptilian queen born of pain and tragedy! Arise from the shadows of despair, and seek your revenge!" chanted Misty coldly, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly just before a massive beam of darkness exploded from within the eight dark stars, "Dark Synchro! Appear now, 'Reptilianne Melusine'!"
When the beam of darkness died down, there, standing on the field, was a two-winged half human female, half serpent-like monster with gray skin (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2800).
"Dark Synchro?" worried Megan, "I've never heard of that kind of Summon mechanic before… Do all of the Dark Signers use it?"
"Reptilianne Melusine's' first effect," stated Misty calmly, "If this card was Synchro Summoned using only Reptile monsters as material, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects."
"That means I can't easily take it down!" complained Megan.
(elsewhere…)
Within the skies, the helicopter with Lazar inside was approaching the geoglyph.
(inside…)
Inside the chopper, the pilot was about to try and go inside when Lazar stopped him.
"Stop!" begged Lazar, "We can't get too close without risking our souls!" He then turned to the monitor to speak to his boss, "Sir, what are our orders?!"
"Just keep watching the duel," The image of Rex commanded, "We need to know more about Misty's new dueling style."
"Yes, sir!" obeyed Lazar.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the geoglyph, Misty continued with her turn.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Viper's Rebirth'!" began Misty, as the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If all monsters in my GY are Reptile: I must target 1 non-Tuner in my GY; I must Special Summon it, but destroy it during the End Phase of this turn," To that end, she held up a card ('Reptilianne Hydra') taken from her GY, "Resurrect, 'Reptilianne Hydra'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Reptilianne Hydra' (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1500). Megan flinched, since both direct attacks would defeat her. Luckily, she was worried only for a couple of seconds, and regained enough focus to remember she had a way to somewhat protect herself.
"I activate a Trap, 'Fortune Lady Rewind'!" announced Megan, as her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must target any number of my banished 'Fortune Lady' monsters with different names; I must…" She held her right hand up as two familiar cards ('Fortune Lady Light' and 'Fortune Lady Earth') materialized above the palm, "…Special Summon them, but shuffle them into the Deck during the End Phase."
Appearing on the field were both 'Fortune Lady Light' (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 200) and 'Fortune Lady Earth' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2400).
"You've given yourself a slight defense to my attack," nodded Misty, "But it won't be enough!" With that, she took a card and slotted it into her Duel Disk, "Spell Card, 'Reptilianne Poison'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field (Megan's field) behind 'Fortune Lady Earth'.
"What?! 'Reptilianne Poison'?" wailed Megan.
"If I control a face-up 'Reptilianne' monster: I must target 1 Defense Position monster my opponent controls; I must…" As Misty explained the effect, 'Fortune Lady Earth' found herself being forced into an offensive battle position as she also turned to stone (DEF: 2400 → ATK: 0), "…change it to face-up Attack Position, and if I do, reduce its ATK to 0."
Megan sweated fearfully, being aware that her weakened monster will be attacked and leave herself with low LP. Finally, the Battle Phase came…
"Go, 'Reptilianne Melusine'!" commanded Misty, as 'Reptilianne Melusine' raised her hands near her chest and charged a blast of fire, "Destroy 'Fortune Lady Earth'!"
The attack was fired, striking the petrified 'Fortune Lady Earth' and destroying her in a massive explosion. Megan tried to stay on her feet, but was thrown back against the pavement as her LP took a beating (LP: 4000 → 1500).
"W-What was that impact?" grimaced Megan, managing to weakly sit back up.
"Now it's your turn, 'Reptilianne Hydra'!" proclaimed Misty, as 'Reptilianne Hydra' thrust its four heads forth and struck 'Fortune Lady Light', "Attack 'Fortune Lady Light'!"
'Fortune Lady Light' was thrown back and shattered into shards of glass, leaving Megan without any monsters again.
"Now that it's my End Phase," recalled Misty, just as 'Reptilianne Hydra' shattered into shards of glass, "'Reptilianne Hydra' is destroyed via the effect of 'Viper's Rebirth'!"
From there, 'Reptilianne Hydra' shattered like glass.
"Well that's one problem out of my way, but I still have to deal with 'Reptilianne Melusine'," thought Megan, before looking relieved, "Still, I'm relieved 'Fortune Lady Every' wasn't banished, otherwise I wouldn't be able to bring her back for another round," She spoke aloud, "Resurrect, 'Fortune Lady Every'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Fortune Lady Every' (Level: 7/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2800).
"What?" pondered Misty.
"Fortune Lady Every's' third effect," answered Megan, just as a card ('Fortune Fairy Swee') ejected from her GY before dissolving into oblivion seconds later, "During my opponent's End Phase, if this card is in my GY: I can banish 1 other Spellcaster monster from my GY; I must Special Summon this card," She was both worried and confident at the same time as she went into her thoughts, "So this is how Dark Signers duel… But luckily I have 'Fortune Lady Every' back, and she's going to get stronger on my Standby Phase," The raven-haired young woman spoke aloud, "I'm not done in yet; I will continue to fight on!"
Misty nodded silently and allowed Megan one more chance.
"Here I go!" declared Megan, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Megan Haw (LP: 1500)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (1): "Fortune Lady Wind"
Her drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Fortune Lady Wind', but her main focus was it now being the Standby Phase.
"I activate the second effect of 'Fortune Lady Every'!" Megan went on, just as her ace monster twirled her scepter around before posing for battle as her ('Fortune Lady Every') Level went up (Level: 7 → 8)—which also included her stats (ATK: 2800 → 3200/DEF: 2800 → 3200), "Once per turn, during my Standby Phase: I must increase this card's Level by 1 (max. 12), then, I can banish 1 face-up monster my opponent controls," She pointed at her opponent with determination, "That means I can-"
"That won't work," denied Misty.
"It won't?"
"Have you already forgotten about my Continuous Trap, 'Reptilianne Camouflage'?" scolded Misty, before motioning her left hand (with the Duel Disk) towards her face-up 'Reptilianne Camouflage' Trap Card, "'Reptilianne' monsters I control are unaffected by my opponent's non-Reptile monsters' effects, also possession of 'Reptilianne' monsters I control cannot switch."
"Oh…yeah…" muttered Megan sheepishly, but perked back up, "But that's only a minor nuisance!" She placed her drawn card onto her Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Fortune Lady Wind'!"
Appearing onto the field was what appeared to be an adult version of 'Fortune Fairy Hu', wielding a scepter with a crescent-shaped tip (Level: 3/ATK: ?/DEF: ?).
"This card's ATK/DEF become its Level x 300," explained Megan, going over her monster's first effect as 'Fortune Lady Wind' gained some strength (ATK: 0 → 900/DEF: 0 → 900), "Being a Level 3 monster, her ATK and DEF become 900!" She then clenched her right hand into a fist and unveiled the main effect of her monster, "Then I activate 'Fortune Lady Wind's' third effect! When this card is Normal Summoned: I can target a number of Spells/Traps my opponent controls equal to the number of face-up 'Fortune Lady' monsters I control; I must destroy those targets!" Focus then went on both of the 'Fortune Lady' monsters as they crossed scepters together, charged a spell, and fired it, "Since I control both 'Wind' and 'Every', I get to destroy two of your Spells or Traps!"
"Then I'll weaken your 'Fortune Lady Every' again!" hissed Misty, before raising her voice slightly more, "I activate the second effect of 'Reptilianne Melusine'!" As the effect was explained, 'Reptilianne Melusine' swung her tail about before lunging it forward and impaling 'Fortune Lady Every's' chest, "Once per Chain, when my opponent activates a monster effect, except during the Damage Step (Quick Effect): I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must change its ATK to 0."
Upon being stabbed, 'Fortune Lady Every' turned to stone again, weakening her ATK (ATK: 3200 → 0). This left Megan frustrated, but remembered that the effect from 'Fortune Lady Wind' wasn't stopped, meaning it would pull through. And she was right; both the 'Reptilianne Recoil' Spell Card and the 'Reptilianne Camouflage' Trap Card were hit by the spells and shattered into shards of glass.
"The second effect of 'Reptilianne Camouflage'!" reminded Misty, just as 'Reptilianne Naga' shattered into shards of glass, "If this face-up card leaves the field: I must destroy all 'Reptilianne' monsters I control," She then had one more thing to bring up, "However, because of 'Reptilianne Melusine's' first effect, she cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects."
"And 'Fortune Lady Every' was my one hope in protecting myself and inflicting some damage," thought Megan, "Now that she's weakened again, there isn't anything more I can do," She spoke aloud in defeat, "I end my turn!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside Gabriella's room at the hospital in Hartford, Gabriella and Ashima both were asleep in their separate beds, doing better than from earlier on but were still exhausted and injured from their Dark Duel against Vincent Stevens. David, Ren, and Futaba were staying to keep them company.
"Gabriella…" murmured David, before feeling a hand being placed on his shoulder by Ren, "Dad?"
"Hey, sport, why don't you get back to Orb for some rest?" offered Ren.
"No, Dad, I cannot leave Gabriella's side," refused David, shaking his head.
"Your Father and I can stay here," offered Futaba, "The others need you, too. After all, you're one of the only ones who can stop the Dark Signers."
David had to admit it was a very good point. At last, he got up from his chair and started to leave—but not before turning to face his parents one last time.
"I will see to it that this madness is put to an end," promised David, "Whatever it takes."
Ren and Futaba both smiled, just before David opened the door and left the room—and, ultimately, the hospital.
(elsewhere…)
Back in New York City, but mostly inside Lazar's helicopter, the clown-like man was currently looking through a pair of binoculars at the duel between Misty and Megan going on inside the geoglyph.
(outside…)
Back within the geoglyph…
"It's my turn," said Misty calmly, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Misty Tredwell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (2): "Advance Force" and "Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua"
Upon seeing her drawn card, there was a long, tense silence.
"What's going on?" thought Megan, "Isn't Ms. Misty going to play a card?"
"It's all over," interjected Misty.
"I know that," Megan agreed, "One attack from 'Reptilianne Melusine' will destroy 'Fortune Lady Every' and wipe out my LP."
"That is true," confirmed Misty, before she smiled again—except it was much more evil-looking, "But I have a 'better' method of defeating you," To prove it, she took a different card from her hand and slotted it into her Duel Disk, "Continuous Spell, 'Advance Force', activate!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"'Advance Force'?" blinked Megan.
"I can Tribute 1 Level 5 or higher monster to Tribute Summon a Level 7 or higher monster," explained Misty, "This effect gives me endless possibilities, but since I have only one card in my hand, a Level 10 monster, I'll offer 'Reptilianne Melusine' as a Tribute!"
"What can be stronger than 'Reptilianne Melusine'?" thought Megan.
Unfortunately, those ended up being a poor choice of words, because after 'Reptilianne Melusine' faded away in a blue streak, Misty held her final card up high.
"O God which resuscitated my life, now I offer you my soul. Break free from the spell held over you for so long!" chanted Misty, as her card started glowing an evil purple with wicked power, "Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua'!"
As those final words left her mouth, an earthquake began on Manhattan island.
(elsewhere…)
Within the sky, Lazar, practically hanging onto the under railings outside the helicopter with the binoculars still in his hands, could see something emerging from the geoglyph in the sky. It looked like the same huge, stone heart that appeared when Rutger dueled against Matt.
"T-That's-!" screeched Lazar.
(elsewhere…)
Down below in the streets of lower Manhattan, the confused people were wondering what that heart-like thing in the night sky was. Before long, everyone within the geoglyph found their souls getting rippled from their bodies and rising towards the heart high in the sky like purple mist—and, unfortunately, they included members of 'The All-Star Squad' that were trying to divert the citizens away from danger. Slowly, the heart began to beat, and, soon enough, emerging from the ghostly flames was a gigantic lizard creature with black and green skin. This monster was none other than Misty's 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' (Level: 10/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1800).
"What… What in the world is that?!" whispered Megan, watching in horror as the shadow looming over her slowly enlarged, "Is that your monster, Ms. Misty?"
"It's my revenge," confessed Misty, before focus briefly went onto the petrified 'Fortune Lady Every' (ATK: 0), "With your monster having 0 ATK, one strike from my 'Earthbound Immortal' will defeat and add you to the list of sacrifices."
From there, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' let loose a roar as it raised a fist to begin its winning move.
"Megan, know that I have nothing personal against 'you'," reassured Misty, which didn't make Megan feel any better or less afraid, "However, nothing and 'nobody' will stand in my way for revenge," She finally issued the command to her strongest monster in quite possibly the coldest tone ever heard, "Do it."
And 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' reached over and grabbed not only the still petrified 'Fortune Lady Every', but also Megan, who struggled and struggled but was not able to escape the tight grip Misty's monster had on her. Knowing she was about to die, a tearful-looking Megan screamed in terror as she and her monster were eaten alive, officially taking her out of the duel (LP: 1500 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Misty Tredwell wins!
With Megan officially dead and the match being over, the geoglyph finally died down as 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' faded away, leaving a remorseless Misty alone in the ruined part of the city. Displaying no emotion over the murder she committed, Misty simply put her hood up, turned, and walked away without a word.
(elsewhere…)
In the sky, Lazar's eyes were practically bulging over seeing how vicious Misty was in the duel and how powerful of a duelist she became as a Dark Signer. Hastily, he climbed back into the safety of the helicopter and closed the door.
(inside…)
Back in his seat, Lazar sighed with relief.
"Sir, what do we do?" The first suit pressed.
Before Lazar could answer, the monitor suddenly turned itself on, catching everyone by surprise. There was static at first, but the picture quickly became clear as General Damas made himself known.
"Lazar, what the hell just happened?!" he demanded angrily.
"G-General Damas, sir!" gasped Lazar, as he, the pilot, and the suits saluted.
"I was outside HQ enjoying the sea air and the beautiful night sky when I saw something appear there, then, a while later, a gigantic lizard seemed to show up!" The image of General Damas explained, "I tried contacting the members stationed around lower Manhattan for answers about it and more, but got no response from any of them!"
Lazar sighed, "I'm afraid it's a long story, sir…" he reported gravely, "I'll be at the headquarters of 'The All-Star Squad' in a few minutes," He reached over and turned the monitor off, "Lazar out."
(outside…)
And so, the helicopter turned around and made its way to the large carrier-like ship stationed in the waters near the Statue of Liberty.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Rex's office in Albany, Rex turned off the TV (thanks to a hidden camera on the helicopter he lent Lazar), stood up from his desk, closed his eyes, and shook his head.
"Now we know how dangerous Misty is as a Dark Signer," Rex said to no one in particular, "There is nothing now to stop the impending war between light and darkness."
Knowing the Signers needed to know of the grave news, he sat back down at his desk and took hold of the phone, dialing the number for The Orb Duel School—to one person in particular.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Matt's dorm at Orb, Matt was shown sleeping peacefully in his bed when the phone started ringing. Trying as he might, he was unable to ignore the endless ringing and finally opened his eyes slowly and reluctantly. With an annoyed groan, a shirtless Matt got out of bed, approached the table, and picked up the phone.
"Hello?" he answered, trying to hold back a yawn.
"Matt… this is Rex," The voice of Rex greeted sternly, "I'm sorry for the late night call, but I have some horrible news about the Dark Signers."
"What?!" cried Matt, no longer sleepy.
Horrible news about the Dark Signers? I think we all know what that's about, right?
We're just about there, everyone; we're nearing the end of the second arc. Just a couple more chapters to go. Until the next one, be sure to continue staying safe in these tiring times.