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 (stronger than normal here), some blood, suggestive themes, and some language. Reader discretion is advised.
WARNING 2: If you haven't read "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 2", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 4", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles (Pyramid of Light", "David Xadashi", "Lisa Drake", or "Team 4D's", you might want to do so before reading this story
Title: The Sinister Bell's Chime
Opening up inside David's dorm at Orb, all was quiet… David was in bed asleep after winning an intense, stake-filled duel against Vincent Stevens—or, at least, he was trying to sleep. As the clock struck '12:00 am', he started sweating fearfully and muttering words in his sleep before suddenly waking up, sitting up, and clutching his chest while huffing and puffing hard. But, in his POV, he saw he was not back in his dorm, all safe and sound. Rather, he was in the darkness of his mind.
"Wait, why am I not back in my room?" murmured David.
Then…
"Robo-boy… I am heeeeere…" A familiar voice (male) echoed spookily.
David gasped, hoping that it wasn't Vincent who was calling out to him. To his terror, he found a ghostly, flaming spirit of Vincent, floating at the edge of the bed, body decaying and an insane smile on his face.
"No… No, it can't be!" panicked David, shutting his eyes, "This is all a dream…"
"It's no dream," Ghost Vincent taunted, "I'm here in the flesh—or whatever. 'You' did this to me, and so, and I 'will' make you pay for it!"
"No… Stay back!" begged David, with open eyes.
"You'll end up in Hell alongside me!" sang Ghost Vincent, "You will be tormented by the devils day in and day out! There's…" David shivered as he (David) listened to his (Vincent) cruel words, "…no escape from your fate, robo-boy!"
It all quickly became too much for David as he screamed and, finding himself back in his room but no longer caring about that, jumped out of bed and began making a run for it to try and get away from everything.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Lisa's dorm, the pink-haired girl was asleep in her bed when…
"Stay away! I'm not like you! I'm not!" The voice of David was heard yelling. It was followed by a loud smashing sound, "Keep away from me!"
Now fully awake, Lisa sat up and wondered what was going on. She silently looked to the door leading into the hallway, believing David was somewhere outside her dorm.
(outside…)
Opening the door, Lisa emerged in her pajamas.
"Dave?" she called softly.
Nearby another door opened up, revealing Ren, Futaba, and Gabriella, each of whom, along with Ashima, had returned to the school a while ago. The four of them found David down on the floor panting heavily; a small hallway stand tipped over behind him, likely the cause of the crashing sound.
"David, (何が入ったんだ…?) nani ga haitta nda…? (What's gotten into…?)" began Ren in Japanese.
"(お兄ちゃん!) O nīchan! (Big Brother!)" cried Gabriella, running towards David, grabbing, and shaking him, "It's okay! You're safe here!" Even as he was being shaken by her, he wasn't coming back to his senses so easily, "Please snap out of it!"
At last, David came back to his senses. His vision was initially blurry, but when it became clear, he found his parents, younger sister, and even Lisa all staring at him.
"(何… 何が起こったのですか?) Nani… Nani ga okotta nodesu ka? (What… What happened?)" The voice of David, still in his POV, stammered, but once he saw who was looking at him, "Huh? Mother… Father… Gabriella… Lisa-chan?"
"We found you on the floor in this hallway," explained Futaba, "We also heard you yelling and crashing into something," She then approached and got down onto her son's level, "David, are you alright? You aren't behaving like your usual self."
"Sorry," sighed David, "I…guess I must have been sleepwalking or something."
"'Sleepwalking'? While yelling like a monster was after you or something?" deadpanned Lisa, unconvinced. When she saw how exhausted David was, she softened up, walked over, helped him back up, and smiled, "Come on, you. You've had a long day, and you need your rest," While speaking on, she took hold of his hands and held them in her own, "I'll walk you back to your dorm."
"Thank you, Lisa-chan," yawned David.
As the pair made their way to David's dorm, Ren, Futaba, and Gabriella each stayed behind to discuss the current state of David's mind.
"I don't get what's the matter with David," frowned Ren, "He defeated a Dark Signer and saved all of us," He leaned against the wall, "Yet we hear him yelling in fear in the middle of the night? I just don't get him…"
Futaba didn't say anything back, but it was clear she was also very worried about David's well-being. She then felt her left arm being tugged at, which, upon looking down, was coming from Gabriella, who was also very worried about her older brother's state of mind.
"(ママ,) Mama, (Mommy,) I'm also worried about (お兄ちゃん,) o nīchan, (Big Brother,)" proclaimed Gabriella, "Is there any way we can help him?"
Futaba, again, said nothing. Instead, she (Futaba) broke down into tears, knelt down to Gabriella's level, and hugged her (Gabriella) tightly, as though she (Futaba) was telling her (Gabriella) that everything with David would be okay—at least, that was 'what' she would have said had any words actually escaped from her mouth.
(elsewhere…)
The next morning, five of the six members of Team 6D's, the three Astray girls, and Ashima all were enjoying some much needed breakfast inside one of the cafeterias. David was busy trying to sleep in. Ashima was glad to be back with her friends, since while the hospital people were very friendly (and she was glad they were all saved), the food could have been a smidge better.
"You know, Ashima, I'm really glad you and everyone else at the hospital are safe," Matt pointed out.
"Same here," agreed Ashima, before frowning, "But still…"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
A school bus pulled into the parking lot of the Orb Duel School before stopping near the main entranceway. Team 6D's, the three Astray girls, Flashback Shinji, Flashback Sherry, and everyone else waited to see who was inside the vehicle when the bus doors opened…and out came Flashback Ashima, Flashback Futaba, Flashback Ren, and a rested and healed Flashback Gabriella.
"While most of you were happy and relieved we returned," narrated Ashima, "Dave…"
It was a joyous reunion for everyone involved—everyone, except Flashback David, who simply remained in a very depressed state, not even responding to Flashback Gabriella hugging him, surprising her and making her feel a little hurt. Flashback Matt and everyone else noticed that, too.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"When you guys told me what happened during and after his duel with Vincent, I just couldn't believe it," continued Ashima.
"Yeah," James R. admitted, before resting his hands behind his head, "What Vincent said and did throughout the duel proves that the other Dark Signers could very well try and do the same thing to the…" As he finished speaking, Michael, Juri, Carlie, and Zack all listened, "…rest of us in our upcoming duels."
"This raises an important question," said Carlie seriously, "Are any of us even ready for such psychological attacks?"
No one had an answer, and so they resumed eating breakfast, but the atmosphere became more grave instead of active and happy. As Ashima ate some of her food, a shadow loomed over her and her tray.
"Excuse me? You're Ashima Nilgiri, right?" A female voice asked.
Taken by surprise, Ashima turned and found a young woman standing behind her. The young woman had aqua-colored hair like David, and wore an unbuttoned blue and white jacket (coming with pink pads on the jacket shoulders) with a midriff-baring blue tank top underneath which showed a tiny bit of cleavage, pink shorts, and a pair of white and pink boots that reached up to her thighs.
"Oh, it's you!" realized Mayura happily.
"Oh, hello," greeted Ashima politely, "Who might you be?"
"I'm Rin!" The young woman, named Rin, answered brightly, "I've been attending Orb since it first opened to the public years ago, and I've been been a big fan of yours ever since 'The Great International Duel Cup'," As she (Rin) went on, Ashima listened and felt flattered, "In fact, watching your compete in that tournament on TV is what further encouraged me to try and become a great duelist."
"Oh my, thank you for your kind words," blushed Ashima.
"Underneath her tough, tsundere-like attitude similar to Lisa, Rin is really nice," Juri was telling the non-Orb members of Team 6D's.
"It's not a problem, I'm just really happy to finally meet with you in-person," insisted Rin, before bringing her hands together while her eyes got all sparkly and starry, "This is such a dream come true! I'm meeting one of my…" As she rambled on, Mayura, James R., and Zack each looked highly amused, "…biggest idols in the world of dueling! It makes me very, very happy!"
"Ah, so is that why you came over to see her?" teased James R., "Just so you can become all giddy like an actual girl?"
That bit of jest didn't amuse Rin, and it caused her to turn and glare angrily—almost to the point she wanted to use physical violence on James R. like kneeing him in the gut. Growing uncomfortable with being glared at like that, and likely sensing he would be attacked outright, he sweatdropped and backed away while waving his hands with the palms exposed.
"N-Nevermind, I'll take that bit back!" wailed James R. hastily, "Please don't hurt me!"
Luckily for him, Rin eased up and accepted the apology, which brought relief to the brown-haired young man because the last thing he wanted was getting beaten up by a girl—which he wisely didn't bring up since Rin likely would have attacked him without any way of getting her to settle down..
"You see, Ms. Ashima, it would really please me if we had a quick duel," requested Rin, before taking Ashima's hands and holding them, "That is, if it's alright with you."
"Hmm… A duel?" mused Ashima, before smiling once more, "You know what? I think…" As she (Ashima) gave her answer, Rin listened with hope in her (Rin) eyes, "…I'll say yes."
And Rin practically started squealing with delight.
"Let me give you fair warning," advised Juri, leaning in and getting Ashima's attention, "Rin's a top student of her class."
"She is?" wondered Ashima.
"Oh, big time," answered Rin, releasing her idol's hands and placing her left fist at her side and using the thumb of her right hand to point towards herself, "Believe it or not, I'm one of Orb's best duelists—not as good as Asagi, Mayura, Juri, or Lisa, but I'm still pretty darn strong!"
"Is that so?" grinned Ashima mischievously, "Okay, Rin, let's put that theory of yours to the test."
"I'm ready for it, Ms. Ashima!" accepted Rin confidently.
(elsewhere…)
An hour after breakfast, Mr. Zimmerman, after spending a few minutes visiting and trying to convince him, allowed Ashima and Rin to have their match in the duel area. Various excited students gathered to watch the duel—and many of them were male. Among the spectators were Team 6D's (even David) and the Astray girls. Although he said he would come and watch, David didn't seem to be paying any attention, which Lisa noticed.
"Hey, Dave? Come on, stay awake," she advised, using her right hand to shake David gently, "The friendly duel between Ashima and Rin should help perk you back up."
"Oh, okay, Lisa-chan," muttered David glumly.
At first, Lisa looked a little irritated, but then leaned against his shoulder, wrapping him a soft hug; deciding to put the matter to the wayside for now. Looking around the area, she took note of how many male Orb students had come to watch the match.
"You know, I'm surprised by how many guys have come for the duel," The voice of Lisa observed innocently, before leaning back and relaxing, "Then again, I shouldn't be 'that' surprised since Rin and Ashima are very attractive women."
"Attractive AND strong," added Asagi, before looking comically dismayed, "It's to the point I can't help but feel jealous of them."
"The only woman I'm here to see is Mayura Labatt," snorted James R., before grinning and wrapping an arm around Mayura's shoulders, "Am I right, babe?"
"Yeah, but leave the 'babe' comment out, next time," retorted Mayura playfully.
On the platform, it rose to its maximum height as Ashima and Rin faced each other.
"Let's go, Ms. Ashima!" dared Rin.
"Whenever you're ready, Rin!" accepted Ashima.
Both duelists activated their Duel Disks and allowed their respective LP gauges to rise to 4000.
"Duel!" Ashima and Rin announced at once.
And the crowd broke into cheers as the match finally began.
"If it's alright with you, I'd like to take the first turn," requested Rin, while Ashima nodded. From there, she drew her first card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn One: Rin (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Windwitch - Snow Bell", "Windwitch - Blizzard Bell", "Triple Tactics Talent", "Flashbang", "Windwitch - Ice Bell", and "Lost Wind"
Her drawn card was the 'Lost Wind' Trap Card, while the rest of her hand contained 'Windwitch - Snow Bell', 'Windwitch - Blizzard Bell', 'Triple Tactics Talent', 'Flashbang', and 'Windwitch - Ice Bell'.
"Ms. Ashima, bear witness to my 'Windwitch' Deck!" suggested Rin.
"'Windwitch' Deck?" repeated Ashima.
"From my hand," continued Rin, taking another card ('Windwitch - Ice Bell') from her hand and placing it onto her Duel Disk, "I'll Special Summon 'Windwitch - Ice Bell'!"
Appearing on the field was a witch wearing a white outfit, purple witch's hat, and riding a broomstick (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"If I control no monsters: I can Special Summon this card from my hand, then I can Special Summon 1 'Windwitch' monster from my Deck, but it cannot be Tributed," explained Rin, as her giggling 'Windwitch - Ice Bell' flew above her, "I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck the turn I activate this effect, except Level 5 or higher WIND monsters.
In the stands…
"'Windwitch'?" quizzed James R..
"They're WIND monsters," replied Zack, "The noun in their name is a word relating to cold or a transparent item like 'Snow' and 'Glass'. Visually, all of them have a big bell somewhere on their bodies as accessories."
Back on the field…
"I Special Summon 'Windwitch - Freeze Bell'!" announced Rin, placing another card onto her Duel Disk.
Appearing on the field was a witch wearing white and purple dress with pink bows and light green witch's hat, riding a broomstick (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1200). In an instant, the male Orb students again broke into cheers over Rin Special Summoning two monsters on her first turn.
"As of now, I'll activate the second effect of 'Ice Bell'!" proclaimed Rin, as 'Windwitch - Ice Bell' formed an ice shard in her fingers and threw it, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can inflict 500 damage to my opponent!"
The ice shard struck Ashima's Duel Disk, causing her to grimace and take damage (LP: 4000 → 3500). In the stands, Zack smiled, impressed by the opening attack (or effect). Back on the platform, Rin had more she wanted to do.
"If I control 2 or more WIND monsters, and no non-WIND monsters: I can Special Summon this card from my hand," As Rin said that, she readied a card ('Windwitch - Snow Bell') in her right hand before placing it onto her Duel Disk, "I Special Summon the Tuner monster, 'Windwitch - Snow Bell'!"
Appearing on the field was a large ornament monster with a bell and a pair of white wings sticking out of the back (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"I tune Level 3 'Ice Bell'," announced Rin, holding her right hand out. From there, something happened to 'Windwitch - Snow Bell', "Level 3 'Freeze Bell' into Level 1 'Snow Bell'!"
'Windwitch - Snow Bell' turned into a single Synchro Ring, which 'Windwitch - Ice Bell' and 'Windwitch - Freeze Bell' both flew into before becoming three orbs of light respectively as a Summon Chant echoed throughout.
"Midwinter wind. Make ice and snow my power and blow through!" chanted Rin, as the symbols 3 + 3 + 1 = 7 were shown briefly before the six orbs of light within the single Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 7! 'Windwitch - Winter Bell'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a different-looking witch monster than the other 'Windwitch' monsters, resembling a feminine abstract sculpture with a jet-like appearance (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"A WIND Synchro Monster that was Summoned using 'Freeze Bell' as Synchro Material cannot be destroyed by battle," said Rin, going over 'Windwitch - Freeze Bell's' third effect. She then went over the second effect of 'Windwitch - Snow Bell', "A WIND Synchro Monster that was Summoned using 'Snow Bell' as Synchro Material cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects."
"Preventing her destruction through battle and card effects is going to make 'Winter Bell' much more difficult to defeat!" realized James R..
"As ever, you have to state the obvious," grumbled Zack.
"But if there's anything Ashima's good at, it's fighting back," reminded Mayura, "Plus she's back to her dueling self, too."
Back on the field, Ashima glanced at what her opponent brought out.
"I activate 'Winter Bell's' first effect!" declared Rin, as, within the abyss (GY), a card ('Windwitch - Freeze Bell') found itself emerging, "I can target 1 'Windwitch' monster in my GY; I must…" She held up the retrieved card, "…inflict damage to my opponent equal to that target's Level x 200."
'Windwitch - Winter Bell' created an ice shard and pointed it at Ashima, firing off a blast of wind.
"Not this time!" interrupted Ashima, taking and discarding a card from her hand, "I activate the first effect of 'Lyrilusc - Ruby Phoebe'!" As she explained the effect, a barrier formed around her field and protected her from 'Windwitch - Winter Bell's' attack even as her long hair blew about from the wind gust, "When my opponent activates an effect that would inflict damage to a player (even during the Damage Step) (Quick Effect): I can discard this card; the damage that player takes from that effect is halved!"
When the wind attack finally stopped, the barrier shattered apart as Ashima then lost some LP (LP: 3500 → 3200), although she was glad the damage was halved.
"But, Ashima, you made a mistake in activating a monster effect during the Main Phase," Rin pointed out.
"Huh?" responded Ashima.
"From my hand, I'll activate a Spell Card!" proclaimed Rin, taking a card from her hand and holding it out, "'Triple Tactics Talent'! If my opponent has activated a monster effect during my Main Phase this turn: I must activate 1 of these effects."
The 'Triple Tactics Talent' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, and these were the effects written on the card:
-"I must draw 2 cards."
-"I must take control of 1 monster my opponent controls until the End Phase."
-"I must look at my opponent's hand, and choose 1 card from it to shuffle into the Deck."
To make it clear which effect she chose, Rin drew two cards and looked them over. The drawn cards were 'Windwitch - Glass Bell' (Tuner Monster Card) and 'Windwitch Chimes' (Spell Card).
"I Set two cards face-down and finish my turn!" concluded Rin, as two face-down cards materialized near her feet and two fingers were placed at a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Disk. She eased up, "Alright, Ms. Ashima, it's your turn! As long as we're here, I'll duel in the manner you're most accustomed to!"
In the stands…
"Oh man… That Rin is as brutal as ever!" An 18-year old male junior gushed.
"No kidding," A 22-year old male agreed, "I wish she could be brutal towards me!"
"That Rin is skilled," commented Michael, arms folded, "She Synchro Summoned and dealt damage on her first turn."
"That 'Windwitch' Deck is a reason Rin has been advancing in Orb's ranks," informed Asagi.
Back on the platform, Ashima looked at her hand one more time before taking her turn.
"It's my turn!" declared Ashima, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Ashima Nilgiri (LP: 3200)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (5): "Lyrilusc - Amethyst Bunting", "Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow", "Lyrilusc - Beryl Canary", "Lyrilusc - Sapphire Swallow", and "Lyrilusc - Turquoise Warbler"
Her drawn card was the 'Lyrilusc - Turquoise Warbler' Monster Card, while the rest of her hand contained 'Lyrilusc - Amethyst Bunting', 'Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow', 'Lyrilusc - Beryl Canary', and 'Lyrilusc - Sapphire Swallow'.
"It's too bad I had to give up a card to reduce the effect damage," thought Ashima, "But it had to be done," She then held out her drawn card, "Appear now, 'Lyrilusc - Turquoise Warbler'!"
Appearing onto the field was the small, female humanoid bird-like warrior wearing a yellowish bodysuit and with two large yellow wings for arms (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"If I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," explained Ashima, going over her monster's first effect before taking another card ('Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow') from her hand, readying it, and then placing it onto her Duel Disk, all while going over the second effect, "Next, I'll activate 'Turquoise Warbler's' second effect! If this card is Special Summoned from the hand: I can Special Summon 1 'Lyrilusc' monster from my hand or GY! I Special Summon 'Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow' from my hand!"
Appearing onto the field was the small, female humanoid bird-like warrior with brown feathers and two large brown wings for arms (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 100).
"I know all about the 'Lyrilusc' archetype," recalled Rin, "You use it really well."
"It wasn't my first Deck," admitted Ashima, "As you'd know from my performance in "The Great International Duel Cup", I originally played a 'Butterspy' Deck," She then resumed her turn, "Now then, I activate the first effect of 'Cobalt Sparrow'!" While going over the effect, the black-haired young Indian woman took a card from her Deck and added it into her hand, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can add 1 Level 1 Winged Beast monster from my Deck to my hand."
"Stop right there!" demanded Rin.
"Huh?" blinked Ashima.
"I used this moment to activate the second effect of 'Windwitch - Blizzard Bell'!" continued Rin, holding out a card ('Windwitch - Blizzard Bell') for a few seconds before sending it to her GY, "During my opponent's Main Phase, if I control a 'Windwitch' monster other than 'Windwitch - Blizzard Bell' (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand or field to the GY; I must inflict 500 damage to my opponent!"
"Another 500 damage?!" gasped Ashima, just as she was struck by a blast of wind (LP: 3200 → 2700), "Aaaugh!" After the attack died down, she went into her thoughts, "Many of Rin's monsters can deal effect damage, and the result of them is the loss of almost 1500 LP, "Even though she lost heavy LP in a short amount of time, she couldn't help but smile at the challenge, "Well, this will be interesting!"
"Ms. Ashima, what else will you do?" thought Rin.
"I activate 'Lyrilusc - Beryl Canary's' first effect!" proclaimed Ashima, taking a card from her hand. While the explanation went on, both 'Lyrilusc - Beryl Canary' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 200) and 'Lyrilusc - Ruby Phoebe' (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 200) appeared on the field at the same time, "If this card is in my hand: I can target 1 'Lyrilusc' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon both this card and that monster, also…" She soon finished her explanation and went into the next phase of her plan, "…I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Xyz Monsters. I overlay…" While speaking some more, the Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field, "…Level 1 'Turquoise Warbler' and 'Ruby Phoebe'!"
Both 'Lyrilusc - Turquoise Warbler' and 'Lyrilusc - Ruby Phoebe' were absorbed into the Overlay Network. A familiar monster started to emerge from the Overlay Network, which was an adult-like, female humanoid bird-like warrior with long dark purple hair, white/blue-colored skin, blue feathers, and even a skimpy-looking outfit—all while a Summon Chant from Ashima (possessed) followed.
"Graceful wings of the night! Flap through the breeze of adversity and sing the chorus of victory!" chanted Ashima, "Xyz Summon! Fly from the heavens! Rank 1! 'Lyrilusc - Ensemblue Robin'!"
The new monster posed near the ceiling for battle (Rank: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Ensemblue Robin's' first effect!" announced Ashima, "It gains 500 ATK for each material attached to it," Focus then went towards 'Lyrilusc - Ensemblue Robin', "This means with two materials attached, she will have 1000 ATK!"
But 'Lyrilusc - Ensemblue Robin' didn't have any ATK (ATK: 0).
"What?! My monster's effect doesn't work?" cried Ashima.
Rin chuckled, "What's the matter?" she teased, before pointing to her face-up 'Lost Wind' Trap Card, "Don't tell me you never saw me activate this card."
"'Lost Wind'!" recognized Asagi.
"I must target 1 face-up Special Summoned monster on the field; I must negate its effects, also its original ATK is halved," explained Rin, "You never know when an opponent will Special Summon a very powerful monster."
In the stands…
"Now I remember," frowned Lisa, "Back when I agreed to join Orb, I met Rin and she gave me a copy of that card as a gift," She took out a card ('Lost Wind') and looked at it, "I've used it in a few duels ever since."
"With 'Ensemblue Robin's' effects negated, she can't be used to the best of her ability," fretted Juri.
Back on the platform, Ashima shared the same thought. However, she still had plenty of cards she could use to turn things around.
"I activate 'Lyrilusc - Sapphire Swallow's' first effect!" began Ashima, taking two cards from her hand, "If I control a Winged Beast monster: I can Special Summon both this card and 1 Level 1 Winged Beast monster from my hand!" She placed both cards (separately) onto Monster Zones on her Duel Disk, "Appear now, 'Sapphire Swallow' and 'Celestine Wagtail'!"
Appearing onto the field were two Winged Beast monsters; the first was 'Lyrilusc - Sapphire Swallow', a small, female humanoid bird-like warrior wearing a black bodysuit and two large blue/white wings for arms (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 0). The other was 'Lyrilusc - Celestine Wagtail', a small, female humanoid bird-like warrior wearing a black and gray bodysuit and with two large gray wings for arms (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 0).
"The first effect of 'Lyrilusc - Celestine Wagtail' activates!" declared Ashima, adding another card into her hand, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Lyrilusc' Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand," It was then she held her right hand out, "I overlay Level 1 'Sapphire Swallow' and 'Celestine Wagtail'!"
The Overlay Network reappeared in the center of the platform, absorbing both 'Lyrilusc - Sapphire Swallow' and 'Lyrilusc - Celestine Wagtail'. Before long, something started to emerge from the Overlay Network, which was another adult-like, female humanoid bird-like warrior with purple/violet armor and helmet, and came with two large black wings with orange tips for arms—all while a Summon Chant from Ashima followed.
"Untamed songstress of the skies, spread the wings of beauty as the chorus of the winds brushes past your foes!" chanted Ashima, "Xyz Summon! Take flight! Rank 1! 'Lyrilusc - Promenade Thrush'!"
The 'Lyrilusc' Xyz Monster did a couple of back flips before standing on her spot on the field while posing for battle (Rank: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Lyrilusc - Promenade Thrush' gains 500 ATK for each material attached to it," reported Ashima, going over her monster's first effect. As she finished up, 'Lyrilusc - Promenade Thrush's' ATK went up (ATK: 0 → 1000), "With two materials attached, she has 1000 ATK!"
"But I was waiting for you to Xyz Summon another monster, Ms. Ashima," cut in Rin, holding up her retrieved 'Lost Wind' Trap Card, "As of now, I'll activate the second effect of my Trap Card, 'Lost Wind'," She slotted it into her Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to materialize on the field, "If a monster is Special Summoned from my opponent's Extra Deck, while this card is in my GY (except during the Damage Step): I can Set this card, but banish it when it leaves the field!"
"Just like how 'I' use it," remarked Lisa.
"Ashima should consider herself lucky that 'Lost Wind' can't be activated again until the next turn," added Carlie.
However…
"Rin, I hate to tell you this, but you won't get the chance to use 'Lost Wind' again," warned Ashima.
"I won't, you say?" peeped Rin.
"I activate 'Promenade Thrush's' second effect!" Ashima went on, just as 'Lyrilusc - Promenade Thrush' made one of her materials fade away and started charging an attack, "Once per turn: I can detach 1 material from this card, then target 1 Spell/Trap my opponent controls; I must shuffle it into the Deck!" She pointed forth, "The Trap Card to be returned to your Deck will be 'Lost Wind'!"
"But since I used my card's second effect to Set it from my GY…" remembered Rin, "It will instead be banished rather than go back to my Deck!"
Finished charging up, 'Lyrilusc - Promenade Thrush' sent a large whirl of wind at the Set 'Lost Wind' Trap Card on Ashima's field, striking and destroying it on contact, much to Rin's disappointment.
"That was a clever tactic… but don't forget," Rin pointed out, "The loss of a material reduces 'Promenade Thrush's' ATK by 500!"
'Lyrilusc - Promenade Thrush' grew weaker (ATK: 1000 → 500).
"And that's not all!" boomed Ashima, as the Overlay Network reappeared in the center of the field a third time already, "I overlay Level 1 'Cobalt Sparrow' and 'Beryl Canary'!"
Both monsters were absorbed into the Overlay Network. Another something then started to emerge from Overlay Network, which was an adult-like, female humanoid bird-like warrior wearing a blue/white battle dress that resembled exposing her midriff, and also two large white wings for arms—all while a Summon Chant from Ashima followed.
"Birds with beautiful wings! Gather on the battlefield and take brilliant flight!" chanted Ashima, "Xyz Summon! Dance in the sky! Rank 1! 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale'!"
The new monster posed on the field for battle (Rank: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"Yes… That's your ace monster, Ms. Ashima," realized Rin.
Yes, she is," confirmed Ashima, "I also use this opportunity to activate her first effect!" While explaining the effect, 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' gained some power (ATK: 0 → 400), "It gains 200 ATK for each material attached to it. She now has 400 ATK!" She then had to make a reminder about several of her 'Lyrilusc' monsters being used as material, "However, the remaining effects of 'Cobalt Sparrow' and 'Beryl Canary' also activate—beginning with 'Cobalt Sparrow'! A WIND Xyz Monster that was Summoned using this card on the field as material gains this effect."
This was the additional effect written on the 'Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow' Monster Card:
-"My opponent cannot target this card with card effects."
Rin nodded silently.
"And 'Beryl Canary'!" continued Ashima, "A WIND Xyz Monster that was Summoned using this card on the field as material gains this effect."
This was the additional effect written on the 'Lyrilusc - Beryl Canary' Monster Card:
-"This card gains 200 ATK, also its control cannot switch."
'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' gained some more power (ATK: 400 → 600).
"That isn't all," As Ashima said that, she took a card from her hand and slotted it into her Duel Disk, "Continuous Spell, 'Lyrilusc - Bird Sanctuary', activate!"
The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I can target 2 Winged Beast Xyz Monsters I control; I must attach 1 of those monsters to the other as material. (Transfer its materials to that monster,)" explained Ashima, before focus went towards 'Lyrilusc - Ensemblue Robin' and 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale'—with the former glowing and turning into three glowing orbs, which transferred over to the latter, "I target 'Ensemblue Robin' and 'Assembled Nightingale', turning the former into three materials since she had two materials already attached to her!"
"With three additional materials, 'Assembled Nightingale' gains 600 more ATK!" acknowledged Matt.
'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' grew even stronger (ATK: 600 → 1200).
"There's more!" exclaimed Ashima, "I also activate the second effect of 'Celestine Wagtail'!" Reappearing on the field was 'Lyrilusc - Celestine Wagtail', but quickly turned into a glowing orb (material) and floated over to join the other glowing orbs around 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale'—causing her to grow stronger again (ATK: 1200 → 1400), "If this card is in my GY: I can target 1 'Lyrilusc' Xyz Monster I control; I must attach this card to it as material. And another attached material makes 'Assembled Nightingale' stronger!"
"'Lyrilusc' monsters rely heavily on swarming the field for Xyz Summons and adding more and more materials to the Xyz Monsters in order to use their effects and make them even stronger," Rin told herself, before speaking aloud to her idol, "But with my 'Windwitch' monsters, I rely on effect damage and the power of the GY!"
"We will see about that," reassured Ashima, "I activate 'Lyrilusc - Bird Sanctuary's' second effect!" She braced two fingers on top of her Deck, "If I control an Xyz Monster with 3 or more materials: I can…" She drew a card, "…draw 1 card!"
Her drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Xyz Charge Up'.
"'Xyz Charge Up' is a great counter to Rin's emphasis on effect damage, as it'll not only reduce one instance of effect damage to 0, but by sending it to the GY, it'll also let me increase the ATK of my Xyz Monster by the reduced amount of damage," thought Ashima, "But first… I need to see what else Rin has lying in wait," She spoke aloud, "The second effect of 'Assembled Nightingale'! This card can attack directly!"
"A direct attack-!" fretted Rin.
"Battle!" announced Ashima, entering her Battle Phase, "And the third effect of 'Assembled Nightingale'! While this card has material, it can attack a number of times each Battle Phase, up to the number of materials attached to it!"
"Ashima's monster has six materials attached!" gasped Lisa, "That means she can get off six attacks in one Battle Phase!"
"Six direct attacks of 1400 ATK will be a One Turn Kill!" murmured Rin, before looking down at her Duel Disk with interest, "But still…"
"Next, I'll activate the fourth effect of 'Assembled Nightingale'!" proclaimed Ashima, while 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' allowed one of her materials to disappear, "Once per turn (Quick Effect): I can detach 1 material from this card; until the end of this turn, 'Lyrilusc' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, also I take no battle damage!"
With the loss of a material, 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' grew weaker (ATK: 1400 → 1200). Even so, five direct attacks at 1200 ATK was still enough to defeat Rin in a single turn.
"Go forth, 'Assembled Nightingale'!" ordered Ashima, as 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' took into the air.
"I activate 'Winter Bell's' second effect!" interrupted Rin, taking and holding up a card ('Windwitch - Glass Bell') from her hand, "During the Battle Phase (Quick Effect): I can target 1 'Windwitch' monster I control; I must Special Summon 1 monster from my hand with a Level less than or equal to that monster, but it cannot attack this turn," She placed the card (sideways) onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk, "I Special Summon the Tuner monster, 'Windwitch - Glass Bell', in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was an aqua-colored haired witch wearing white clothing, pink bows, and a light blue witch's hat, while riding a broomstick (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500).
"Rin, having wall monsters won't be of any help in protecting you from 'Assembled Nightingale'," reminded Ashima.
"I know that," retorted Rin, "'Glass Bell's' monster effect activates!" As she spoke on, she took a card from her Deck and added it into her hand, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Windwitch' monster from my Deck to my hand, except 'Windwitch - Glass Bell', also I cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except WIND monsters."
It was then 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' held both hands out and released a blast of wind, striking Rin and making her cover herself with her right arm as her LP took a solid hit (LP: 4000 → 2800).
"That was my monster's first attack," warned Ashima, "She can attack four more times before the Battle Phase ends."
"You won't get off anymore attacks this turn," rebutted Rin, before motioning her left arm (with the Duel Disk) to the side near her left Set card, "Face-down card, activate! 'Flashbang'!" The face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, "During the Battle Phase, after damage calculation, when a monster my opponent controls made a direct attack: It becomes the End Phase of this turn!"
Ashima gritted her teeth, "It's the End Phase already…" she grunted, but recovered, "Alright, I end my turn!"
The audience watched the duel in silence, amazed that Rin managed to stop any more attacks from hitting her with a single Trap Card. It was then Ashima smiled and broke the silence.
"Rin, that was a good way to stop my remaining attacks," complimented Ashima, much to Rin's happiness, "You would have lost the duel otherwise," She then looked at her hand while in deep thought, remembering a card she drew earlier on, "It's just a shame I couldn't Set 'Xyz Charge Up' before then."
"To hear that from you, Ms. Ashima… I'm flattered," gushed Rin, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Three: Rin (LP: 2800)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (3): "Windwitch Chimes", "Windwitch - Ice Bell", and "Polymerization"
Her drawn card was the 'Polymerization' Spell Card.
"I'll use this card soon enough," thought Rin, before speaking aloud, "I Summon another copy of 'Windwitch - Ice Bell'!"
Appearing on the field was a second 'Windwitch - Ice Bell' (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"You know the drill," said Rin, before pointing forth, "Go forth, 'Ice Bell'!" As she explained the second effect of her monster, 'Windwitch - Ice Bell' summoned an ice shard and pointed it at the opponent, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can inflict 500 damage to my opponent!"
Ashima was struck by the blast of wind, making her cry out as her LP dropped some more (LP: 2700 → 2200).
"Then, from my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Windwitch Chimes'!" continued Rin, readying a card in-between the index and middle fingers of her right hand before slotting it into her Duel Disk. This caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "In order to activate this card, I'm forbidden from Summoning non-WIND monsters this turn," Focus then went to her face-up, activated 'Windwitch Chimes' Spell Card, "I must target 1 'Windwitch' monster I control; I must Special Summon 1 'Windwitch' monster with a different name from my Deck in Defense Position!" She took a card from her Deck, readied it, then placed it onto her Duel Disk (sideways), "By targeting 'Ice Bell', I'll Special Summon another 'Windwitch - Freeze Bell'!"
Appearing on the field was a second copy of 'Windwitch - Freeze Bell' (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1200).
"I activate 'Freeze Bell's' second effect!" declared Rin, as 'Windwitch - Freeze Bell's' Level got modified (Level: 3 → 4), "Once per turn, during my Main Phase: I can increase this card's Level by 1," She then had her head bowed and a shadow over her eyes, "But that…isn't all."
"Eh?" wondered Ashima.
"I have a surprise for everyone," answered Rin, before raising her head and dispeling the shadow over her eyes, "You're all going to love it!" With that said, she took her drawn card and held it up, "I activate the Spell Card, 'Polymerization'!"
The students of the Orb Duel School, including Lisa and the three Astray girls, were shocked since Rin had never played anything Fusion-related before today, while Matt, Michael, James R., Carlie, and Zack were all interested in seeing what she would bring out. David however paid no attention; his demeanor seemingly starting to shift from indifferent to nervous.
"Using this card, I'll fuse 'Winter Bell' with 'Ice Bell'," proclaimed Rin.
'Windwitch - Winter Bell' and 'Windwitch - Ice Bell' started fusing together as Rin stood with the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming in the background behind her.
"Sound of the wind running through a snowfield of midwinter. Become one with the inner voice, and give a more violent echo!" chanted Rin, before bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Appear! Bells of crystal echoing solemnly! 'Windwitch - Crystal Bell'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was another new-looking witch monster with crystal and bell-like features (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2400). That wasn't all; something began to happen to 'Windwitch - Glass Bell'.
"I tune Level 4 'Freeze Bell' into Level 4 'Glass Bell'!" The voice of Rin added in.
'Windwitch - Glass Bell' turned into four Synchro Rings, which 'Windwitch - Freeze Bell' flew into before becoming four orbs of light as a Summon Chant echoed throughout.
"Wind running through the snowfield of winter! Shine from the light above, and dazzle the world with amazing elegance!" chanted Rin, as the symbols 4 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Born from the arctic winds, 'Windwitch - Diamond Bell'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a fully evolved version of 'Windwitch - Winter Bell', while also appearing to be a counterpart of 'Windwitch - Crystal Bell' (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2400). Rin was soon flanked by her two ace monsters, while the audience was still hushed into silence by what they witnessed—it was then broken by the male Orb students, namely through cheering and such.
"Awesome!" began Asagi.
"A Fusion Summon and a Synchro Summon," admired Lisa, "That's why Rin is a very good duelist."
"And both monsters have 2800 ATK!" came from Mayura, "How can Ashima get herself out of this?"
"It's not too bad," reminded Zack, getting the attention of the Astray trio, "All Ashima has to do is detach another material from 'Assembled Nightingale', and her monsters and LP will be safe and sound."
Back on the platform…
"'Diamond Bell's' first effect activates!" began Rin, as, while explaining the effect, a card ('Windwitch - Winter Bell') emerged from the abyss (GY) for a few seconds, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can target 1 'Windwitch' monster in my GY; I must…" She then finished the explanation, "…inflict damage to my opponent equal to half its ATK!" She pointed at Ashima, "By targeting 'Windwitch - Winter Bell', half of her 2400 ATK will be inflicted upon you as damage, Ms. Ashima!"
'Windwitch - Diamond Bell' made a chiming sound, causing a blast of cold wind to fire and strike Ashima's field, causing her to cry out and take heavy damage (LP: 2200 → 1000).
"I-I'm not down yet!" insisted Ashima bravely.
"As of now, I'll activate 'Diamond Bell's' second effect!" Rin went on, as focus went towards 'Windwitch - Diamond Bell', "Once per turn, if my opponent takes battle or effect damage: I can target 1 card on the field; I must destroy it!" She then held up a single finger of her right hand and made another finger appear as she revealed one final secret of her monster, "If I control this card that was Synchro Summoned using only 'Windwitch' monsters as material, I can use this effect up to twice per turn!"
"Twice per turn?!" cringed James R..
"'Freeze Bell' and 'Glass Bell' were the 'Windwitch' monsters used for the Synchro Summon!" put in Carlie.
Rin smiled to herself, knowing just who the first target of 'Windwitch - Diamond Bell's' second effect would be.
"Ms. Ashima will definitely counter with the fourth effect of 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' to protect her monsters," thought Rin, "Therefore, she will only block off battle damage but not effect damage…!" She spoke aloud, "The target will be…" The aqua blue-haired young woman pointed at 'Lyrilusc - Promenade Thrush', "…your 'Promenade Thrush'!"
'Windwitch - Diamond Bell' chimed, then fired off a very powerful blast of wind at 'Lyrilusc - Promenade Thrush', striking Ashima's monster and causing her to yell in pain before exploding from destruction—this wasn't what Rin had expected, but stayed very confident.
"I don't know why you let her go, but 'Promenade Thrush' has been destroyed!" smirked Rin triumphantly.
"I activate the second effect of 'Ruby Phoebe'!" cut in Ashima.
Rin recoiled, "What!? Second effect?"
"If a 'Lyrilusc' monster I control is destroyed by battle or card effect: I can add this card from my GY to my hand," explained Ashima, holding up a card ('Lyrilusc - Ruby Phoebe') taken from her GY, "This was a little plan of mine in order to get ready to protect myself from some effect damage."
Rin hadn't been expecting that either, since the retrieved monster now gave Ashima protection from upcoming effect damage. To make matters worse, Ashima made another move—and it was one of her favorites…
"I activate 'Assembled Nightingale's' fourth effect again!" declared Ashima, as another glowing orb floating around 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' while she raised her hands upward and formed a protective barrier around the whole field, "I detach a material to prevent the destruction of my 'Lyrilusc' monsters, and I take no battle damage!"
The loss of another material weakened 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' once more (ATK: 1200 → 1000). In the stands, the audience was eating away at the amazing dueling between two pretty young women—everyone, except for David. As much as he tried to, his mind just wouldn't let him become immersed, as he put a hand on his chest and began breathing heavily. It was also then he started to suffer a pair of flashbacks to his Turbo Duel with Vincent.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Vincent had just Tributed his 'Trap Reactor・Y FI' and 'Spell Reactor・RE', causing an earthquake to ensue in the part of Hartford the duel was going on in.
"Great beast of the underworld! Let loose your earth-shattering howl, and rock this world to its core!" chanted Flashback Vincent, before holding up the card ('Earthbound Immortal Allqu') he wanted to use for so long, "Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Allqu'!"
In a repeat performance of the same nightmare from Flashback Azrael and Flashback Discord's duel not that long ago, a large heart appeared from the geoglyph in the sky, ready to eat up the unfortunate souls trapped inside the geoglyph.
"Vincent, think about what you're doing!" begged Flashback David, trying his hardest to reason with his insane enemy in hopes he'll reconsider, "If you do this, you'll be crossing a line where there's no coming back from!"
Flashback Vincent was silent about that, but then his mouth…formed another sinister smile as he made his final decision on whether to continue with his actions or stop altogether. That decision was…
"O mighty 'Earthbound Immortal'! I offer up countless souls for you to absorb!" prayed Flashback Vincent, as he looked up towards the heart in the sky, "Come to feast on these worthless lives!"
From there, the many trapped citizens cried out as they were turned into balls of light, and forcefully pulled into the heart, causing it to slowly beat and release streams of darkness. The horrified Flashback David and Flashback Lisa both couldn't believe Flashback Vincent did what he did without hesitation or a care in the world—this was a further sign he'd jumped so far off the slippery slope. It got worse when the heart in the sky exploded with dark energy, and the flame walls intensified as the shadow of a huge monster could be seen coming outside—starting with a pair of glowing red eyes. Pretty soon, the full body of 'Earthbound Immortal Allqu' was revealed; it was that of a gigantic demonic dog, with a black and white skin tone to partially match the tone of the other 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters (Level: 10/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2300).
(new scene…)
As the Turbo Duel continued further, Flashback Vincent noticed, up ahead, the very hospital that Flashback David's family (and Ashima) were seemingly at. It had finished evacuating almost ten minutes ago, but no one knew that. A slasher smile formed on Flashback Vincent's face since he believed the hospital was still packed with lots of sick and injured patients. Although he couldn't see Flashback Vincent's face, Flashback David went pale and realized what he was about to do.
"Vincent, please don't do it!" begged Flashback David, "It's not too late, you can stop this insanity!"
Alas, the pleading fell in deaf ears.
"Do it," muttered Flashback Vincent, as his eyes bulged with madness, "Send those pathetic rejects to Hell!"
'Earthbound Immortal Allqu' looked towards the nearby hospital and let out its most powerful Immortal Howl ever. The attack was so strong that not only did the windows shatter, but the building rocked about before crumbling into rubble. In one fell swoop, Flashback Vincent had managed to destroy the whole building as Flashback David and Flashback Lisa both watched helplessly while stopping their Duel Runners in front of the ruins of what used to be a hospital.
"No…" murmured Flashback David.
"It can't be…" came from Flashback Lisa.
David took off his helmet, dismounted The Wild Card, and limped over towards the wall of fire and the ruins of the hospital. It had to be a bad dream; Flashback Ashima, those patients, doctors, and nurses, and especially his family, they all couldn't have been… His breathing became shallow as he struggled with the many different emotions surging through his heart. Finally realizing he lost everything, Flashback David fell to his knees and started screaming in anguish, with the loudest, most heart-wrenching scream being towards the dark sky.
END FLASHBACK
The pair of flashbacks ended, and still panting David stood up and left the area. This wasn't lost on Lisa's eyes.
"Dave? Why's he-?" she pondered.
"Maybe he left to go use the bathroom?" suggested James R..
"I'm not stupid, James," frowned Lisa, now more worried than ever with her boyfriend, "I 'know' something is wrong with Dave," She took out her cellphone and dialed a number, "Once I get a hold of Ren and Futaba, I'm going to find out what that problem is," A few seconds later, "Ren, I need you and Futaba to meet me outside the school in five minutes," As she finished talking on the phone, James R., Zack, Asagi, and Juri all watched with curiosity, "We're going to see what's wrong with Dave. Alright, I'll see you two then. Bye."
Afterwards, Lisa hung up and looked at her friends.
"Sorry, guys, but I have to go," apologized Lisa, "Let me know how Ashima and Rin did."
Asagi and Juri nodded, and Lisa turned and left the area. Back on the platform, Rin's turn was not over yet—she still had another monster effect to use.
"I activate 'Crystal Bell's' first effect!" announced Rin, "I can target 1 monster in the GYs; until the End Phase, this card's name becomes that target's original name, and replace this effect with that target's original effects," From there, the spirit of 'Windwitch - Winter Bell' reappeared on the field before merging with 'Windwitch - Crystal Bell', "I target 'Windwitch - Winter Bell', who's name and effects are given to 'Crystal Bell'!"
"Now 'Crystal Bell' can deal damage to Ashima," realized Michael.
"Here I go!" Rin went on, " I activate the inherited effect from 'Winter Bell'!" As she explained the effect, 'Windwitch - Crystal Bell' started chiming, "I can target 1 'Windwitch' monster in my GY; I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to that target's Level x 200!" She then held up a card ('Windwitch - Winter Bell') taken from her GY, "By targeting my Level 7 'Winter Bell', you'll take 1400 damage!"
'Windwitch - Crystal Bell' fired off another blast of wind towards Ashima's field.
"Don't forget I have 'Ruby Phoebe' back! first!" countered Ashima, before holding up a card ('Lyrilusc - Ruby Phoebe'), "I activate her first effect!" She sent her card to the GY, "I send this card to the GY…" The black-haired young Indian woman started glowing a golden yellow as the wind attack hit and reduced her LP (LP: 1000 → 300), "…to halve the damage from your monster's effect!"
"I activate 'Diamond Bell's' second effect again!" thundered Rin, as her 'Windwitch - Diamond Bell' chimed, then fired off a very powerful blast of wind at Ashima's face-up 'Lyrilusc - Bird Sanctuary' Spell Card, "The next card to be destroyed will be your 'Lyrilusc - Bird Sanctuary'!"
The face-up 'Lyrilusc - Bird Sanctuary' Spell Card was hit by the attack and destroyed. In the stands…
"Ashima knew that if she immediately used 'Assemble Nightingale's' effect to protect 'Promenade Thrush', she would have been unable to retrieve 'Ruby Phoebe'," commented Matt, "She would have lost to the resulting effect damage."
"The same is true if 'Assembled Nightingale' was to be targeted for destruction," added James R..
Back on the field, Rin closed her eyes, sighed in defeat, then opened them and smiled big.
"Ms. Ashima, I'm amazed," praised Rin, getting Ashima's attention, "Against my two monsters, you found a way to prevent yourself from being defeated!" She closed her eyes one more time for a few seconds before opening them, "Although part of that my partially my fault; had I targeted 'Assembled Nightingale' instead, you likely would have used her effect immediately, letting your monsters survive through battle and card effects, but also leaving your LP open to effect damage."
"Rin…" whispered Ashima, before smiling back, "Rin, I think you're a really powerful duelist who will get far in your career after leaving this school."
"Ms. Ashima…" blinked Rin, feeling very touched.
"However!" cut in Ashima, "Until then, I have a better idea on how to defeat you on my turn!"
"A better idea?" repeated Rin, "All you need to do is attack me directly with 'Assembled Nightingale' three times."
"Just wait and see," Ashima offered, before drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Four: Ashima Nilgiri (LP: 300)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (3): "Lyrilusc - Amethyst Bunting", "Xyz Charge Up", and "Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow"
Her drawn card was another copy of the 'Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow' Monster Card.
"I activate the second effect of 'Celestine Wagtail'!" yelled Ashima, taking a card ('Lyrilusc - Celestine Wagtail') from her GY and holding it up, "If this card is in my GY: I can target 1 'Lyrilusc' Xyz Monster I control; I must attach this card to it as material!"
Appearing onto the field as a spirit, was the small, female humanoid bird-like warrior wearing a black and gray bodysuit and with two large gray wings for arms—who then turned into a glowing orb (material) and became one of 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale's' materials, causing her to grow stronger again (ATK: 1000 → 1200).
"Five materials means 1000 ATK—plus 200 from the inherited effect of 'Beryl Canary'!" admired Mayura.
"And now, I'll Summon 'Lyrilusc - Amethyst Bunting'!" finished Ashima, placing another card onto her Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was the tanned-skinned young woman wearing a mixed color flight suit with two white wings for arms (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 200). This was one of the cards that allowed Ashima to tie against Vincent in their earlier duel.
"'Amethyst Bunting'?" pondered Rin, "I've never seen that monster before."
The Orb duelists not named Lisa, Asagi, Mayura, or Juri were also surprised to see that monster, wondering where in the world Ashima acquired it. Lisa was present when 'Lyrilusc - Amethyst Bunting' first appeared, and the three Astray girls heard the story from the other Signers.
"As of now, I'll activate 'Amethyst Bunting's' second effect!" began Ashima, as 'Lyrilusc - Amethyst Bunting' shattered into shards of glass—and appearing on the in her place was the seconding copy of 'Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow', "During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card from my hand or field; I must Fusion Summon 1 WIND Winged Beast Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using 'Lyrilusc' monsters from my hand or field as material."
"What?! Are you saying you can Fusion Summon, too, Ms. Ashima?" gasped Rin.
"That's right, I can," smirked Ashima, before giving the command, "I fuse the 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' on my field with the 'Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow' from my hand!"
With that said, 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' and the second 'Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow' started fusing together as Ashima stood with the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming in the background behind her.
"Twitter of the songbird that resounds in the dark night. Become one with the brown-feathered sky dancer and cry more intensely!" chanted Ashima, before bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Fly down! Noble isolated night bird! 'Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale'!"
Appearing near the ceiling and flying around, as the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was a very familiar female, adult-like humanoid bird monster similar to 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale', but with a different choice of outfit in terms of color and sharp claws for the wing-like arms (Level: 1/ATK: 1000/DEF: 0). Within seconds, the newly Summoned monster found herself glaring at 'Windwitch - Crystal Bell' and vice versa, since they were both Fusion Monsters—powerful ones, at that. The audience was initially hushed into silence over Ashima's Fusion Summon of 'Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale' before breaking into cheers.
"The first effect of 'Independent Nightingale' activates!" declared Ashima, "If this card is Fusion Summoned using an Xyz Monster on the field as Fusion Material whose original name includes 'Lyrilusc': I can increase this card's Level by the number of materials that monster(s) had," An enlarged image of the 'Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale' Xyz Monster Card, along with five smaller Monster Cards loomed in the background behind her, "'Assembled Nightingale' had five materials attached, which means…" As she finished speaking about her monster's effect, the background returned to normal while 'Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale' gained more Levels (Level: 1 → 6), "…'Independent Nightingale' becomes a Level 6 monster!"'
"Level 6?" shuddered Rin.
"Then there's my monster's second effect!" added Ashima, as 'Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale' started sparking with electricity and got supercharged with power (ATK: 1000 → 4000), "It gains ATK equal to its Level x 500! Being a Level 6 monster, her ATK becomes 4000!"
Rin initially expressed worry over facing such a powerful monster, but then remembered one very important detail…
"But, Ms. Ashima, there's a slight problem with your strategy," she started to say.
"There is?" quizzed Ashima.
"4000 ATK is really high, but 'Crystal Bell' and 'Diamond Bell' have the same ATK of 2800," said Rin wisely, as focus went towards all three monsters of 'Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale' (ATK: 4000), 'Windwitch - Crystal Bell' (ATK: 2800), and 'Windwitch - Diamond Bell' (ATK: 2800), "My LP are 2800, meaning if you destroy one of my monsters, I will only take 1200 damage from the battle!" She grew more confident of her survival, "This means I'll have a chance to correct my mistake and turn things around on my next turn!"
"There won't be a next turn," disagreed Ashima.
Rin gasped.
"You see, I don't need to declare an attack to win," continued Ashima, "I can defeat you with 'Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale's' fourth effect."
"F-Fourth effect?" worried Rin.
"Once per turn: I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to this card's Level x 500!" confessed Ashima, making Rin gasp with horror, "Being Level 6, 'Independent Nightingale' will deal you 3000 damage!"
"3000 damage…!" Rin stammered in shock.
The audience knew, at that very moment, Rin was about to lose the duel since 2800 LP would not be able to stand up to 3000 damage. And Ashima was going to take advantage of that.
"Go forth, 'Independent Nightingale'!" ordered Ashima, as 'Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale' soared until she was near the ceiling, "Wipe out the rest of Rin's LP!"
'Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale' swung her arms/wings and fired several crystal shards all across Rin's field, leaving small explosions behind and causing her to scream as her LP gauge emptied completely (LP: 2800 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Ashima Nilgiri wins!
With the duel over, the holograms faded away as Rin sank to a knee in defeat. A few seconds later, a shadow loomed over her and she looked up, finding Ashima smiling at her while holding her right hand out.
"Need a hand?" offered Ashima kindly.
A few seconds later, Rin smiled back and accepted the hand, which brought her back to her feet.
"Once again, you've shown all of us why you're India's champion," admitted Rin cheerfully, "Thanks for the fun duel, Ms. Ashima."
"I had fun, too," agreed Ashima, "Oh, and you're free to just call me 'Ashima', Rin."
From there, as the platform started lowering, the many male duelists of Orb started cheering, leaving the stands, and swarming the dueling platform to praise and/or flirt with Rin AND Ashima for the entertaining duel as they both listened to the words directed at them.
"Ashima! Rin! That was a great duel!" The voice of a third male Orb student called out.
"You're amazing, Rin!" The voice of a fourth male Orb student added.
"We love you, Ashima!" The voice of a fifth male Orb student praised goofily.
Ashima smiled sheepishly and waved at her admirers, while Rin giggled over it since she enjoyed the attention from the boys.
"Will you go out with me?!" The voice of a sixth male Orb student blurted out.
"So many enthusiastic admirers," joked Rin.
Just then, below the platform, several of the teenage boys and young men were getting pushed aside by Matt, who climbed onto the platform and stood protectively beside Ashima.
"I'm afraid Ashima is already seeing someone," grunted Matt in annoyance.
The male Orb duelists all groaned in defeat, but then…
"Wait a minute! There's always Rin!" A seventh male Orb duelist reassured.
And they all cheered again. Back on the platform, Matt merely sighed irritably while Rin and Ashima were amused.
"Wow, Ashima, you sure have a strong, protective boyfriend," chortled Rin.
"You have 'no' idea," winked Ashima.
In the stands, Michael, James R., Zack, Carlie, Asagi, Mayura, and Juri all watched and couldn't help but laugh at how funny the scene was. Even in the depths of a war with the Dark Signers, there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. One just had to look deep enough to find it.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the hideout of the Dark Signers later that night, Azrael was seeing the Biological CPU trio off on their mission.
"Alright, boys, we'll be waiting for your return," said Azrael, "And remember," Orga, Clotho, and Shani each listened to what was said next by him, "have fun while you work."
"Oh man, I can't wait to use my 'Earthbound Immortal' against those unlucky scrubs in Albany!" grinned Clotho.
"Same," agreed Shani, "Soon, we'll be ready to engage in a rematch with those punks who humiliated us in Godwin's tournament."
"Got that right," nodded Orga darkly, "And when that happens, they're going down!"
Putting on their helmets, the three Bio-CPU boys climbed aboard Calamity (Orga), Forbidden (Shani), and Raider (Clotho) respectively. The three Duel Runners roared to life and took off for Albany as Azrael watched his students' departure before turning and walking back inside the building. A grudge match was on the horizon between Matt, Michael, and James R. against Clotho, Orga, and Shani. When would it occur? Nobody knew at the time.
And there we go; the next chapter is complete and posted just in-time for my Birthday. It's definitely a nice breather of a story before some more big, plot point-heavy chapters ensue. The guest character "Rin" is mostly based on the character of the same name from the series "Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V", and she even plays the same Deck as the canon character from that series, "Windwitch". The difference between the Rin from "ARC-V" and the Rin of this story, is the former is 14 and more on the cute side, and the latter is 19 and more on the hot side thanks to some inspiration from some custom art made by an animation director (Gill Bo No) from "5D's", "ZEXAl", "ARC-V", and "VRAINs" he showed on Twitter.
Anyway, enjoy reading this chapter, and stay safe in these uncertain times.