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
Title: Misplaced Hope
Opening up in the middle of Hartford, things were not looking so good for the three Astray girls as they continued with their Turbo Duel with the three Bio-CPU boys. The fields were currently as followed:
-Shani (LP: 4000): Controlled no cards.
-Mayura (LP: 3500): Controlled no cards.
-Orga (LP: 3300): Controlled 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' (Level: 8/ATK: 2400/DEF: 3000), 'Gladiator Beast's Valor' (Trap Card), and 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion' (Trap Card).
-Juri (LP: 2400): Controlled 'Ally of Justice Decisive Armor' (Level: 10/ATK: 2500/DEF: 3300) and 'Property Spray' (Trap Card). A monster called 'Infernity Doom Slinger' had her at gunpoint as per its effect, and she was absolutely terrified of being shot in the head.
-Clotho (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Infernity Conjurer' (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 900) and 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
-Asagi (LP: 2800): Controlled 'Vylon Kappa' (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1100).
"Damn it!" swore Asagi, over how dire and sadistic the situation was.
"Well?" The voice of Shani interrupted, causing Asagi to ease up. He remained very cold-looking as he teased his opponent further, "How about it? Are you gonna go through with the pointless risk and literally blow your friend's big brains out?"
Due to being scared and thinking that 'Infernity Doom Slinger' would shoot her anyway, Juri made no effort to speak up and get Asagi to back off from taking a pointless risk.
"Ask yourself one question; 'Do I feel lucky'?" cracked Clotho, once again quoting a line from one of his favorite movies, "Well, do you, punk?"
With that said, he, Orga, and Shani burst out laughing at the expense of their rivals. Upset over the question, Asagi made her decision very clear.
"No," refused Asagi solemnly, "No, I won't go through with it. I won't be the one who kills one of the best friends I ever had!" As she finished speaking, Clotho listened with interest, "You can become invulnerable to effect damage for all I care. I'm going to keep my friends safe!"
Clotho smirked. As soon as those words left Asagi's mouth, 'Infernity Doom Slinger' retracted its gun and disappeared back into Clotho's GY. Even then, Juri, despite being safe (for now), did not calm down so easily since Clotho's monster came 'this' close to shooting her through the head and killing her. Meanwhile, Asagi looked absolutely ashamed of herself, since it was her reckless attempt to damage Clotho that almost resulted in her accidentally killing Juri instead. Now by declining to take a pointless risk, Clotho had become impervious to effect damage for the turn. Looking at her hand, a distraught Asagi was not going to give up just like that.
"I activate a Continuous Spell from my hand!" announced Asagi, as the 'Vylon Element' Spell Card flipped face-up on the field in-front of M1 Astray, "'Vylon Element'!" She became more determined to win and make it up to Juri while explaining the card effect, "When any face-up "Vylon" Equip Card(s) I control are destroyed (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon an equal or lower number of 'Vylon' Tuners from my Deck. They cannot be used as Synchro Material, except for the Synchro Summon of a 'Vylon' Synchro Monster!"
Clotho and Orga both scowled, annoyed that the former didn't break the wavy blonde-haired young woman as badly as they wanted.
"Next, I'll activate the Equip Spell, 'Vylon Filament'!" continued Asagi, as she swung her right arm about and caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field beside her (on her right), "I must equip only to a 'Vylon' monster. If the equipped monster attacks, my opponent cannot activate any Spells/Traps until the end of the Damage Step."
"How desperate of you!" insulted Orga.
"Call it however you like, but this is important for me," insisted Asagi, before holding up another card, "Next, I'll activate a Quick-Play Spell!" She turned the card ('Double Cyclone') over and showed off the card, "'Double Cyclone'!" While the effect was being explained a yellow and pink cyclone appeared respectively on the field with the pink cyclone destroying her face-up 'Vylon Filament' Spell Card, "I must target 1 Spell/Trap I control and 1 Spell/Trap my opponent controls; I must destroy them!"
The yellow cyclone approached and destroyed Orga's face-up 'Gladiator Beast's Valor' Trap Card, eliminating one of Orga's best defenses as he fumed.
"Damned weakling," grumbled Orga, as shards of his destroyed card flew past him.
"Now I get to use 'Vylon Element's' effect!" reminded Asagi, holding up a card, "I think this one will do for a start," She turned the card ('Vylon Prism') over and revealed what it was, "I Special Summon 'Vylon Prism'!"
Appearing onto the field was the large, prismatic crystal dressed in light armor with machine arms sticking out the side (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500).
"I also activate the second effect of 'Vylon Filament'!" As Asagi spoke, she took a card from the top of her Deck and looked at it, "If this face-up card on the field is sent to the GY: I can…" She saw her card was the 'Vylon Segment' Spell Card, "…add 1 'Vylon' Spell from my Deck to my hand," Knowing there was more to do, she made another move, "I Summon 'Vylon Tetra'!"
Appearing onto the field was the robotic monster of sorts (Level: 2/ATK: 900/DEF: 900)
"And what are you gonna do with a bunch of trash monsters, huh?" taunted Clotho.
"Don't you know I control 'two' Tuner monsters?" pressed Asagi.
"Yeah, so?" Clotho scoffed, but then realized something, "Wait, don't tell you've learned how to-! From that 'Former King' of all people!"
"Yes, I do know how," rebutted Asagi, as she gave the command, "I double tune Level 4 'Vylon Kappa' into Level 4 'Vylon Prism' and Level 2 'Vylon Tetra'.
Both 'Vylon Prism' and 'Vylon Tetra' turned into silvery Synchro Rings (four for 'Vylon Prism' and two for 'Vylon Tetra'), which hovered over, lowered, and overwhelmed 'Vylon Kappa' while turning it into four orbs of light.
"Greek watcher of the ultimates! Shine down and bring a glorious end to this age of repression!" chanted Asagi, as the symbols 4 + 4 + 2 = 10 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the six silver Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of golden light, "Synchro Summon!" As the beam of golden light died down, two large black/gray wings were shown, "Appear! Level 10! 'Vylon Omega'!"
The full body of the new monster was shown; 'Vylon Omega' had a black/gray body with two large wings and golden armor surrounded by a large golden ring (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 1900).
"See that?" declared Asagi, "This is my Deck's true ace!"
"Well, your so-called ace isn't as strong as 'Hundred Eyes Dragon," retorted Clotho, "Remember my 'Infernity Conjurer'? As long as it's on the field and I have no cards in my hand," It was then 'Vylon Omega' got weaker (ATK: 3200 → 2400), "your monsters lose 800 ATK!"
"I have the perfect opportunity to attack Shani directly," thought Asagi, "But I have to get rid of 'Infernity Conjurer', since it's what's making 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' such a threat—and I still have a way of destroying it," She resumed her move, "I activate 'Vylon Prism's' first effect!" Her LP took a small drop (LP: 2800 → 2300), "If this card is sent from the Monster Zone to the GY: I can pay 500 LP, then target 1 face-up monster I control; I must equip this card to that target!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Vylon Prism', and it immediately attached itself onto 'Vylon Omega'.
"Normally when I successfully Synchro Summon 'Vylon Omega', I can use its first effect to destroy all face-up monsters that were Normal Summoned or Set," recalled Asagi, as focus went towards every other monster on the field, "But no monster had been Summoned that way by the other players, so I can't use this effect," Even so, she had other moves to make, "Instead I'll activate 'Vylon Omega's' second effect!" Another card ('Vylon Tetra') ejected from the GY, and reappearing on the field was 'Vylon Tetra'—who attached itself to 'Vylon Omega', "Once per turn: I can target 1 'Vylon' monster in my GY; I must equip that target to this card," Before going on the offensive, she readied one more card ('Vylon Segment'), "Then I'll equip 'Vylon Omega' with 'Vylon Segment'! I must equip only to a 'Vylon' monster. It cannot be targeted by the opponent's monster effects or Trap effects!"
'Vylon Omega' started glowing all gold, which granted it the power to avoid being targeted by the opponent except by Spell effects.
"Tch! You're gonna attack 'Infernity Conjurer', aren't you?" growled Clotho, "And I have no way to protect it!"
"Battle!" announced Asagi, proving Clotho's theory. As she gave the order to attack, 'Vylon Omega' charged an attack on its ring, "'Vylon Omega' attacks 'Infernity Conjurer'! Omega Stream!"
A massive beam was fired from the golden ring of 'Vylon Omega'.
"I also activate the second effect of 'Vylon Prism'!" Asagi added in, just as the equipped 'Vylon Prism' glowed gold and caused 'Vylon Omega' to gain more strength (ATK: 2400 → 3400), "If the equipped monster battles: It gains 1000 ATK during the Damage Step only!"
Omega Stream struck 'Infernity Conjurer' and destroyed it in a massive explosion. Clotho screamed as he felt the explosion's backlash and his LP took a very heavy drop (LP: 4000 → 1800).
"'Infernity Conjurer' has been destroyed!" rejoiced Asagi, clenching her right hand into a fist, "With it gone, all our monsters regain their lost ATK!"
'Vylon Omega' (ATK: 3400 → 3200) and 'Ally of Justice Decisive Armor' (ATK: 2500 → 3300) regained 800 ATK, putting their respective ATK stats back to normal.
"Alright!" cheered Juri.
"We three now hold the advantage!" added Mayura.
"Damn you! My 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' has less ATK than either 'Vylon Omega' or 'Ally of Justice Decisive Armor'," thought Clotho angrily.
Outside the geoglyph…
"Asagi did it!" cried Rin happily, "The monsters she and Juri control have their ATK stats returned to normal! They and Mayura might now have a chance to turn things around!"
"Don't celebrate just yet," warned Michael, "Clotho still controls 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' and it still remains a serious threat towards Mayura and Juri."
Back in the geoglyph…
"I activate the second effect of 'This Creepy Little Punk'!" howled Clotho, as he held up a card ('This Creepy Little Punk'), "If a face-up 'Infernity' monster(s) I control is destroyed by battle, or leaves the field because of an opponent's card effect, while this card…" He slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner, "…is in my GY: I can Set this card!"
A face-down card materialized on the field in-front of Raider, before fading away for later use. Asagi took and looked at one of the final two cards from her hand before slotting it into her Duel Runner.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn!" concluded Asagi, as a face-down card materialized on the field in-front of M1 Astray before fading away for later use. She then retreated into her thoughts, "With this card of mine, I can definitely take down 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' and Orga's 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor'!"
Outside the geoglyph, Matt eyed the fields of all six players very carefully, knowing that since each player had taken a turn, the duel will become more fierce and destructive than ever before.
"Something wrong, Matt?" pondered James R..
"Since all six players took a turn, I think this is where the real duel begins," frowned Matt.
"Yeah," said Rin grimly, "Right now, it's Shani's turn."
James R. didn't like the sound of that, and returned to watching the match. Back in the geoglyph, all six Duel Runners roared into another street.
"It's my turn!" yelled Shani, drawing a card.
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Shani: 5 → 6
-Mayura: 5 → 6
-Orga: 5 → 6
-Juri: 5 → 6
-Clotho: 5 → 6
-Asagi: 1 → 2
Turn Seven: Shani Andras (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (5): "Gishki Vision", "Execution of the Contract", "Gishki Grimness", "Gishki Shadow", and "Gishki Vanity"
Speed Counters: 6
Seconds after Shani drew a card…
"Stop right there!" interrupted Asagi.
"What are you-?" demanded Shani indignantly.
"Face-down card, activate!" Asagi went on, as her Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of M1 Astray and revealed itself, "'Omega Judgment'!" Focus went toward her own 'Vylon Prism', Orga's 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor', and Clotho's 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', "I must target 1 face-up Monster Card in my Spell & Trap Zone and 2 cards my opponent controls; I must destroy them!"
"You wouldn't!" threatened Orga.
"She would!" corrected Clotho.
"Goooooo!" shrieked Asagi, using her 'Omega Judgment' Trap Card.
The face-up 'Omega Judgment' Trap Card crackled with electricity before letting loose bolts of energy across the geoglyph. Clotho ('Hundred Eyes Dragon') and Orga ('Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor') watched in helpless outrage as their monsters got hit by the energy and ended up destroyed.
"Since a 'Vylon' Equip Card was sent from my field to the GY," As she spoke, Asagi took a card from the top of her Deck, "the effect of 'Vylon Element' lets me Special Summon a 'Vylon' Tuner from my Deck," She held the card ('Vylon Stella') out, "Come, 'Vylon Stella'!"
Appearing onto the field was the robotic monster with silver/golden hues (Level: 3/ATK: 1400/DEF: 200).
"Now you've really done it!" hissed Clotho, before smirking, "Besides, I never even told you that 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' has a second effect."
"What?" worried Asagi.
"If this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: I must…" explained Clotho, as he took a card ('Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu') from the middle of his Deck and revealed what it was, "…add 1 'Earthbound Immortal' monster from my Deck to my hand!"
This horrified the three Astray girls, along with the spectators outside the geoglyph, since it meant, very soon, an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster would be coming. And once it appeared, Asagi and the others would be in grave danger. Meanwhile, Shani saw he drew a Monster Card called 'Gishki Vanity'.
"Clotho! Orga! We can't afford to play around with these losers any longer!" instructed Shani, "From here on out, we will tear them apart!"
"Agreed!" smirked Orga.
"Here we go!" added Clotho.
Asagi, Mayura, and Juri each braced themselves for what was to come next.
"I Summon 'Gishki Grimness'!" began Shani, before placing his card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was a humanoid swordfish-like monster wielding a trident (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 700).
"And with that, I'll activate my monster's second effect!" continued Shani, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Gishki' monster from my Deck, except 'Gishki Grimness', also I can only declare attacks with Ritual Monsters until the end of this turn, except with Ritual Monsters," He prepared to add a card from his Deck, "I'll take and Special Summon-!"
"Hold it!" demanded Asagi.
Shani stopped, "Huh?"
"I activate 'Vylon Omega's' third effect!" announced Asagi, the face-up 'Vylon Segment' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass as 'Vylon Omega' charged a plasma beam in its hands, "When a monster effect activates (Quick Effect): I can send 1 Equip Card equipped to this card to the GY; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that monster!"
'Vylon Omega' fired off the plasma beam at 'Gishki Grimness', destroying it on contact in an instant. Despite that, Shani wasn't at all concerned, and neither were Orga and Clotho.
"Feh! You must have been too horrified by the mere mention of the 'Earthbound Immortal' to negate 'Hundred Eyes Dragon's' effect!" snarked Orga.
"But 'Vylon Omega' can negate effect activations multiple times per turn," Asagi pointed out, "Even before Clotho can Summon his 'Earthbound Immortal', Mayura and Juri will have already focused on defeating him!"
"We'll see about that," thought Shani maliciously, before making another move, "I activate the effect of 'Gishki Vanity'!" He, while explaining the effect, sent a card ('Gishki Vanity') from his hand to the GY, causing it to slowly sink into the bottomless abyss, "During my Main Phase: I can discard this card; this turn, my opponent cannot activate Spells, Traps, Spell/Trap effects, or monster effects when a 'Gishki' monster is Ritual Summoned, or when a "Gishki" Ritual Spell is activated!"
"This is bad," Asagi told herself, mentally, "With only so many Equip Cards available, I can't counter every monster effect with my own monster's effect; I have to save it for the big ones," She looked at the 'Vylon Yocto' Monster Card in her hand, "Besides, I still have one last card in my hand, 'Vylon Yocto'," While reading (thinking) the effect, the mentioned faded card was superimposed over her, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack, if you control a 'Vylon' monster: You can equip this card from your hand to the attacking monster, and if you do, negate that attack!" Turning her attention back to the field, she held onto the little hope she had left, "Even an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster isn't immune to it!"
"I activate 'Gishki Shadow's' second effect!" declared Shani, holding up a card ('Gishki Shadow') for a second before discarding it, "I can discard this card; I must add 1 'Gishki' Ritual Spell from my Deck to my hand," A card ('Gishki Nekromirror') then ejected from the middle of his Deck, which he took, looked at, then held out, "I'll add 'Gishki Nekromirror', then I'll…" He then held up one more card ('Gishki Vision') and proceeded to discard it, causing another card ('Evigishki Neremanas') to eject from the middle of his Deck for him to take and look at, "…activate the second effect of 'Gishki Vision'! I can discard this card; I must add 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster from my Deck to my hand."
The three Astray girls were worried; they knew a Ritual Summon was on the horizon. However, Shani smiled to himself, since he had a very, very, very nasty surprise he wanted to show his enemies first. That surprise was in the form of a Spell Card in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand.
"Equip Spell, 'Execution of the Contract'! I equip this onto Asagi's 'Vylon Omega'!" began Shani, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind Forbidden, causing Asagi, Mayura, and Juri each to gasp with shock—something he took delight in seeing, "I can reveal 1 Ritual Monster in my hand; the equipped monster becomes the revealed monster's Level, until the end of this turn (even if this card leaves the field)."
Asagi was not happy her monster had been equipped with that card, but her blood ran ice cold when she remembered there was one move Shani was fully capable of doing, and this was it…
"Ritual Spell, 'Gishki Nekromirror', activate!" declared Shani, as the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up on the field behind Forbidden and revealed itself, "This card can be used to Ritual Summon any 'Gishki' Ritual Monster. I must also Tribute monsters from my hand or field, whose total Levels exactly equal the Level of the Ritual Monster I Ritual Summon, OR Tribute 1 face-up monster my opponent controls," Despite there being a side effect to his card, he didn't mind or care about paying such a cost, "If I Ritual Summon using this card, I lose LP equal to the original ATK of the Ritual Summoned monster," Focus then went towards Asagi's 'Vylon Omega', "I Tribute your face-up 'Vylon Omega', Asagi!"
Without anything to prevent the incoming Ritual Summon, the Astray trio could only watch in sheer horror as 'Vylon Omega' left Asagi's field and moved onto Shani's field as it was used as a Tribute for whatever he was about to bring out.
"Thanks to 'Gishki Vanity', none of us can do anything in response!", realized Asagi.
Meanwhile, 'Vylon Omega' sank into the ground as though it were water, which was followed by an explosion of water as a new monster was revealed.
"When the heart of the sea trembles, the door to the abyss delves further into the depths. Messenger of terror, sing the cursed song of the abyss!" chanted Shani, "Ritual Summon! Descend! Level 10! 'Evigishki Neremanas'!"
The monster was a humanoid sorceress merged together with what appeared to be a giant, horned whale who wielded a scepter as a weapon (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1800). Due to having 3000 ATK, Shani then lost that many LP from his Ritual Spell's effect (LP: 4000 → 1000). Outside the geoglyph…
"That has to be Shani's ace monster!" figured James R..
"First 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', now 'Evigishki Neremanas'!" grunted Michael, "Those damn Dark Signers!"
Back inside the geoglyph, Asagi was deeply discouraged over losing her ultimate monster so easily. Even so, she tried to keep herself assured that she still had a chance to fight back.
"I still have another 'Vylon' monster on my field, so I can still use 'Vylon Yocto' in my hand to negate an attack!" remembered Asagi, "I'm capable of doing something at least!"
Unfortunately…
"I activate the second effect of 'Execution of the Contract'!" interrupted Shani, as focus went towards the sole monster Asagi controlled, "If this card is sent to the GY because the equipped monster is Tributed: I can target 1 monster your opponent controls; I must destroy it!" He swung his right arm about, "Vanish, 'Vylon Stella'!"
'Vylon Stella' shattered into shards of glass.
"Oh no! My 'Vylon Stella'!" wailed Asagi, "This means…" She looked at the 'Vylon Yocto' Monster Card in her hand, "…my plan to save someone has failed!"
The despair was about to grow stronger…
"I activate 'Evigishki Neremanas's' first effect!" boomed Shani, "If this card is Ritual Summoned: I can target 1 WATER monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it!" He held up a card ('Evigishki Gustkraken') taken from his GY, "Resurrect, 'Evigishki Gustkraken'!"
Reappearing on the field was the humanoid kraken wielding a scepter (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1000).
"Asagi or Mayura will be attacked directly," thought Juri, "And there's nothing we can do to stop it!"
Mayura and Asagi both had the same thoughts, despite being on the silent front. Soon, the Battle Phase came to a terrifying start…
"Go, 'Evigishki Gustkraken'!" ordered Shani, with his focus directed at Mayura, "Attack the traitor, Mayura Labatt, first!"
'Evigishki Gustkraken' obeyed, sending out two of her tentacles and ruthlessly smacking the pink M1 Astray, causing Mayura to cry out as her Duel Runner went into a frightening spinout towards the fire wall of the geoglyph and lost most of her LP (LP: 3500 → 1100).
"Ha ha ha ha! Just hurry up and die already!" cackled Shani.
At the last second, a weakened Mayura regained control of her M1 Astray and resumed driving down the road, now positioned behind Juri and with one final opportunity to do something to protect herself and fight back against her rival.
"I'm not out of this yet! I activate the effect of 'Scrap Bandicoot'!" announced Mayura, holding her right hand out at her declaration. From there, two cards ('Scrap Bandicoot' and 'Scrap Twin Dragon') ejected from her GY, "During my opponent's turn, if I take battle damage from…" Reappearing on the field were both 'Scrap Bandicoot' and 'Scrap Twin Dragon', "…a direct attack (Quick Effect): I can banish this card and 1 'Scrap' Synchro Monster in my GY; I must Special Summon 1 'Scrap' Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck whose Level is equal to the combined Level of the banished monsters, but its effects are negated!" She gave the command to her monsters, "I tune Level 9 'Scrap Twin Dragon' into Level 1 'Scrap Bandicoot'!"
'Scrap Bandicoot' turned into a single Synchro Ring, which "Scrap Twin Dragon' flew into before turning into nine orbs of light as a Summon Chant followed.
"Ultimate beast of scrap metal! Emerge from the molten lead and bring to ruin the modern oppressors!" chanted Mayura, as the symbols 9 + 1 = 10 were shown briefly just before the nine orbs of light within the lone Synchro Ring started to erupt into a beam of light, while she punched her right fist forth, "Synchro Summon!"
"Hold it, why don't you?" Shani butted in, causing Mayura to ease up on her confident-looking pose, "I activate 'Evigishki Neremanas's' third effect!" Focus then went towards 'Evigishki Neremanas' as it appeared to give an order to 'Evigishki Gustkraken' before she charged and dove into the beam of light containing whatever was being Synchro Summoned, "Once per turn, when my opponent activates a monster effect (Quick Effect): I can return 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster I control to the hand, and if I do, negate the activation, and if I do that, shuffle it into the Deck!"
The beam of light burst apart, revealing 'Evigishki Gustkraken' with her tentacles wrapped around 'Atomic Scrap Dragon', crushing the mechanical-like Dragon monster until it broke apart into particles of yellow dust—which rained upon the pink M1 Astray as Mayura helplessly watched as her ultimate monster got returned to her Extra Deck before the Synchro Summon was even completed.
"Impossible!" thought Mayura, stunned beyond belief, "I couldn't Synchro Summon 'Atomic Scrap Dragon'!" She looked at the monitor of her Duel Runner, displaying the field of Shani, "Was I completely hopeless in the duel this whole time?"
"Now, 'Evigishki Neremanas', attack directly!" shouted Shani.
'Evigishki Neremanas' obeyed, diving into the ground as though it were water. Mayura cautiously looked around for any sign of the enemy monster when she heard a sound and gasped before turning her head to the right in a slight panic—just in time for 'Evigishki Neremanas' to suddenly appear and stab into the pink M1 Astray with its sharp teeth, tearing into the Duel Runner and causing it to explode seconds later and take Mayura out of the duel (LP: 1100 → 0).
Mayura Labatt has been eliminated!
"MAYURA!" Juri and Asagi screamed out.
"NOOOOO!" came from James R..
"Hmph! I end my turn," finished Shani, satisfied and remorseless.
As the five remaining Duel Runners drove off, Mayura, severely battered and bleeding heavily, laid in the smoking remains of her M1 Astray in an unconscious state with her helmet partially destroyed and some tears in her motorcyclist outfit. Fortunately, she would not remain within the geoglyph for much longer; James R. managed to use his connection to the Crimson Dragon to get inside and reach the scrap pile that used to be a Duel Runner.
"Mayura! Mayura, wake up!" begged James R., holding Mayura's body in his arms as he shook her for a response but wasn't receiving one, "Please wake up!"
When it was clear he wasn't going to get what he wanted, James R. did the only thing could think of; he moved aside some of the wreckage, picked up the unconscious Mayura, and carried her out of the geoglyph, where she would hopefully be safe and sound. Back with the remaining Duel Runners, with Mayura out of the duel, Orga was able to take his turn next.
"It's my turn!" jeered Orga, drawing a card.
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Shani: 6 → 7
-Orga: 6 → 7
-Juri: 6 → 7
-Clotho: 6 → 7
-Asagi: 2 → 3
Turn Eight: Orga Sabnak (LP: 3300)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (2): "Gladiator Beast Darius", and "Gladiator Beast United"
Speed Counters: 7
Orga's drawn card was the 'Gladiator Beast United' Spell Card. Despite drawing a good card, he was not satisfied, and knew he could draw another card by giving up his Speed Counters.
"I activate 'High Speed World's' third effect!" announced Orga, as the monitor of Calamity showed the Speed Counter gauge going down to nothing, "Once per turn: I can remove 7 Speed Counters of my own; I must…" He drew another card, "…draw 1 card!"
His drawn card was the 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' Monster Card—yet another good card, and one he needed at this time. But first, he took another card from his hand ('Gladiator Beast Darius') and readied it in his right hand.
"I Summon 'Gladiator Beast Darius'!" Orga exclaimed, placing the card onto his Duel Runner.
Appearing on the field was a Persian-like horse 'Gladiator Beast' monster wearing armor and wielding a chain for a weapon (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 300).
"Battle!" continued Orga, entering the Battle Phase before eyeing Asagi, "'Darius', attack Asagi directly!"
'Gladiator Beast Darius' obeyed, twirling its chain about before striking the standard M1 Astray, causing Asagi to yell out in pain as her LP fell to very low levels (LP: 2300 → 600) and she briefly lost control of her Duel Runner before regaining control of it. Unfortunately, Orga wasn't done yet.
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Gladiator Beast United'!" he raged on, as he made the mentioned Spell Card materialize face-up on the field in-front of Calamity, "During the Battle Phase: I must shuffle into the Deck, from my hand, field, or GY, the Fusion Materials that are listed on a 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster, then Special Summon that Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, ignoring its Summoning conditions!"
"Another 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster!" fretted Juri.
"The monsters I'll send to the Deck will be 'Augustus' from my hand, 'Darius' from my field, and 'Bestiari' from my GY!" added Orga, holding up two additional cards ('Gladiator Beast Augustus' and 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari') taken from his hand and GY respectively. As he gave the word, reappearing on the field were 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' and 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari', joining 'Gladiator Beast Darius', "Now, my three monsters, fuse together!"
The three monsters started fusing together, as a Summon Chant from Orga was heard throughout.
"Roaming spirits of ancient gladiators! Gather under the name of the emperor and offer your power!" chanted Orga, with the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming in the background. He then managed to bring both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Come, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'!"
Appearing out of the Fusion Vortex and onto the field, was the lizard armed with a sword and shield, and decked out in armor (Level: 8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2800).
"I activate 'Andabata's' first effect!" stated Orga gleefully, as a card ejected from what would appear to be the Extra Deck Zone of the Duel Runner, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster from…" He took hold of the card and readied it, "…my Extra Deck, except 'Gladiator Beast Andabata', ignoring its Summoning conditions, but if it battles, I must shuffle it into the Extra Deck at the end of the Damage Step! Prepare to meet my Deck's true ace," The mustard yellow-haired young man finally placed the card onto his Duel Runner, "Appear now, 'Gladiator Beast Domitianus'!"
Appearing on the field was a humanoid sea creature-like 'Gladiator Beast' monster wearing armor and wielding a trident for a weapon (Level: 10/ATK: 3500/DEF: 1000).
"'Gladiator Beast Domitianus'?!" Asagi and Juri recoiled at the same time.
"My monster's second effect," explained Orga, "I choose the attack targets for my opponent's attacks," He started laughing, "But this is a useless effect since…" Asagi and Juri both listened to the rambling in complete worry, "…none of you will get the chance to attack!" His Battle Phase then resumed, "Go, 'Domitianus'! Attack 'Ally of Justice Decisive Armor'!"
Using its trident, 'Gladiator Beast Domitianus' created a tsunami that crashed into 'Ally of Justice Decisive Armor', causing each of its three cannons to be destroyed, before 'Gladiator Beast Domitianus' emerged from the tsunami to pierce through the main body of 'Ally of Justice Decisive Armor' with its trident, which caused the mechanical behemoth to finally explode from its destruction. Juri, covering herself with her right arm, gritted her teeth as her LP fell slightly (LP: 2400 → 2200).
"This is my last chance!" thought Juri, before speaking aloud, "I activate 'Ally Sniper's' second effect!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Ally Sniper'—which she used earlier on in the duel.
"You brought it back?" scowled Orga.
"At the end of the Damage Step, if an 'Ally of Justice' Synchro Monster I control was destroyed by battle, and I control no other monsters: I can banish this card from your GY; I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to the ATK the destroyed monster had on the field," replied Juri, as her 'Ally Sniper' raised its sniper rifle and aims for the main part of Calamity, "'Ally of Justice Decisive Armor' had 3300 ATK, meaning you'll take that much damage and lose!" When the scope was on target, she gave the order, "Open fire!" A blast was fired, looking certain to hit its target, "This is for Mayura!"
Orga snickered, "Damn, and just when I thought you couldn't be any dumber!" he cracked, just as the blast…collided with a trident before it could hit its real target, "Your attack will never hit me!"
"H-How?!" stammered Juri.
"I anticipated such a tactic from someone I'm frankly embarrassed to see as my rival and equal," teased Orga, "That's why I activated the first effect of 'Domitianus'!" Focus then went onto 'Gladiator Beast Domitianus' as it pointed its trident at the opponent while Juri listened in a stunned state, "Once per turn, when my opponent activates a monster effect (Quick Effect): I can negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it."
"I-I'm sorry, Mayura," thought Juri, still stunned. A thought bubble then materialized as an image of Mayura appeared, "I couldn't do it."
The bubble popped.
"And next, 'Andabata's' first effect! At the end of the Damage Step, 'Domitianus' is shuffled into the Extra Deck!" added Orga, as his strongest non-'Earthbound Immortal' monster turned into a ball of light and returned to the Duel Runner's Extra Deck Zone, causing 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' to receive an enormous power boost (ATK: 1000 → 4500), "'Andabata's' second effect! If a 'Gladiator Beast' monster I control is shuffled into the Deck or Extra Deck: I can make this card gain ATK equal to that monster's!"
This was bad… Really, really bad! Outside the geoglyph, Matt, Michael, and Rin all knew exactly what was about to happen.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Azrael, Rutger, and the hooded Misty were watching the crystal globe, which showed footage of Orga's successful move.
"And next, 'Andabata's' first effect! At the end of the Damage Step, 'Domitianus' is shuffled into the Extra Deck!" The image of Orga declared, as his strongest non-'Earthbound Immortal' monster turned into a ball of light and returned to the Duel Runner's Extra Deck Zone, causing 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' to receive an enormous power boost (ATK: 1000 → 4500), "'Andabata's' second effect! If a 'Gladiator Beast' monster I control is shuffled into the Deck or Extra Deck: I can make this card gain ATK equal to that monster's!"
"Wonderful!" grinned Azrael, extremely pleased, "I knew my students would crush those worthless Orb students like bugs without any effort."
Suddenly, the crystal globe started displaying footage somewhere in the night skies near the hideout.
"Huh?" wondered Azrael.
A couple of helicopters were shown entering the picture. Knowing that someone important was coming, Rutger closed his eyes and chuckled evilly, not appearing to mind that.
"It would seem we're about to have some guests," remarked Rutger.
"Then allow me the chance to get rid of them," requested Azrael.
Rutger shook his head, "That will not be necessary," he declined, turning to leave, "As leader of this group, I'll handle this myself."
(outside…)
Outside the room, after emerging from the doorway and closing the door, Rutger suddenly went from gleeful to slightly more somber since he knew who was onboard one of the helicopters.
"Rex… Why on Earth are you coming here?" thought Rutger.
(elsewhere…)
Back within the geoglyph and in Hartford, things were getting much worse.
"'Gladiator Beast Andabata', let her have it!" commanded Orga, as 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' posed with its sword, "Eliminate Juri Wu Nien!"
'Gladiator Beast Andabata' obeyed, pointing its sword forth and firing off some laser blasts. Juri avoided the first two attacks, but the third one struck the center of her purple M1 Astray as it began sparking. The thought of dying terrified Juri, and she tearfully screamed as the damage to the Duel Runner caused an explosion and seemingly took her with it—just like it did with Mayura (LP: 2200 → 0).
Juri Wu Nien has been eliminated!
"JURI!" screeched Asagi, watching the whole thing.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! Don't you worry!" laughed Orga, "You'll be joining her and Mayura real soon!" From there, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' turned into a ball of light and retreated to Calamity's Extra Deck Zone as he activated its third effect, "At the end of the Battle Phase, if 'Andabata' battled: I can return it to the Extra Deck; I must Special Summon 2 'Gladiator Beast' monsters from my Deck!" Two cards ejected from the top of his Deck, and he took hold of them, "From my Deck, I'll Special Summon…" He placed the cards ('Gladiator Beast Bestiari' and 'Gladiator Beast Retiari') onto separate Monster Zones (sideways) on his Duel Runner, "…'Bestiari' and 'Retiari'!"
Appearing onto the field were two more 'Gladiator Beast' monsters; one was a sea-creature wielding a trident (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 800), and the other was the green-feathered Winged Beast-like monster clad in armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 800). Suddenly, without the need for Orga to explain the effects, 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' used its first effect to destroy Asagi's face-up 'Vylon Element' Spell Card, while 'Gladiator Beast Retiari' used its first effect to cause a card ('Vylon Omega') to eject from Asagi's GY and end up banished—all of which Asagi noticed and could do nothing but watch helplessly. Meanwhile, a few blocks back, Michael managed to enter the geoglyph and found Juri, like Mayura, unconscious and bleeding in a pile of scrap that used to be an M1 Astray.
"Juri! Hang in there!" exclaimed Michael, getting down on the ground and moving away the scrap, "You'll make it!" Juri, with her pink wire-framed glasses broken inside her helmet, couldn't hear or speak to him for obvious reasons, "Dammit! I 'know' you'll live!"
Soon, Michael was able to pull Juri's body free, pick her up, and carry her out of the geoglyph. Meanwhile, the nightmarish situation Asagi found herself in was about to get a whole lot worse from there on out.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the hideout of the Dark Signers, the helicopters were beginning to land. Once they stopped, they began unloading the members of 'The All-Star Squad', including Rex and Jak. While the former was smiling, the latter appeared frustrated,
"This is ridiculous!" complained Jak, before looking at the confident-looking New York governor, "Sir, I think we should have brought along more people! If these…" He continued to make his frustrations known, "…Dark Signers are as dangerous as we've heard they are, then the strength of-"
"Colonel, this will be good enough," cut in Rex, surprising Jak a fair bit, "You should at least stay back and let me handle this."
"If I may be so brash, sir, New York City and the states of New England are currently going through a bizarre phenomenon, unlike anything they have faced in the past," protested Jak, as he and several members stepped forward, "It is our duty to keep you and the American people safe, even if it means our lives, Governor Godwin."
"I see," accepted Rex, appearing amused as he looked down at the blasters Jak and his soldiers were carrying, "My friend, some might say your devotion to duty is sometimes inspiring and sometimes maddening."
Jak merely took that as a compliment, since he was used to danger and would gladly give his own life to save the people he cared about, including the governor, his fellow members of 'The All-Star Squad', his family, and a whole lot more.
(inside…)
Inside the building, the doors were broken down by a battering ram used by two muscular-looking members of 'The All-Star Squad' as they entered first, which allowed for Rex, Jak, and the rest of the soldiers to follow.
(elsewhere…)
Back within the geoglyph in Hartford, the four remaining Duel Runners raced through the area as Orga decided to let Clotho finish things with Asagi.
"I end my turn!" concluded Orga.
"Just in the nick of time!" rejoiced Clotho, before managing to look over his shoulder to eye Asagi with a deep sneer, "And then there was one…" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Every remaining player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Shani: 7 → 8
-Orga: 0 → 1
-Clotho: 7 → 8
-Asagi: 3 → 4
Turn Nine: Clotho Buer (LP: 1800)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (2): "Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu" and "Monster Reborn"
Speed Counters: 8
Upon seeing his drawn 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card, Clotho's eyes widened as he…snickered quietly before it eventually became long, drawn out, maniacal laughter. Shani and Orga both soon joined in said laughter as though they sensed a great card was drawn. Outside the geoglyph, Matt and Rin expressed deep concern over why the Biological CPU trio were laughing like that.
"Wh-Why are they…laughing like that?" fretted Rin.
"I don't know," answered Matt seriously, "But based on what he drew, he must have gotten a way to bring two monsters onto his field in order to Tribute them."
Back in the geoglyph, the face-down 'This Creepy Little Punk' reappeared on the field in-front of Raider.
"Face-down card, open!" The voice of Clotho declared, as the Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'This Creepy Little Punk', activate!" Without the need to explain what the first effect of the card was, the banished 'Infernity Doom Slinger' reappeared on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100), "Resurrect, 'Infernity Doom Slinger'!"
"That's one monster," muttered Rin.
"And then," continued Clotho, as he held up a card ('Monster Reborn'), "I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Monster Reborn'! I must target 1 monster in either GY; I must Special Summon it!" Reappearing on the field was 'Infernity Wildcat' (Level: 3/ATK: 1400/DEF: 0), "I Special Summon 'Infernity Wildcat'!"
"Dammit! That's two monsters!" exclaimed Matt.
And it was. Knowing that victory was so close he could taste it, Clotho decided to indulge in some evil gloating before taking Asagi down.
"I wouldn't worry too much!" The orange/red-haired young man said mockingly, "I've already used my 'Earthbound Immortal' in Albany against a number of unlucky suckers, so no souls will be sacrificed in this duel! Aren't you glad about that?"
That didn't make Asagi feel any better, since she remembered that a direct attack from an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster was certain to be fatal, which Discord would know since he was killed by one ('Earthbound Immortal Cusillu'). At last, Clotho made his big move.
"I Tribute 'Infernity Doom Slinger' and 'Infernity Wildcat'!" he commenced.
Both 'Infernity Doom Slinger' and 'Infernity Wildcat' turned into colorful balls of light before rising towards the geoglyph in the sky. On cue, the area started shaking itself to pieces as a familiar-looking heart appeared.
"Almighty giant of the underworld! Feast on the souls of the taken to pound the pathetic into the darkness!" chanted Clotho, before placing his card ('Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu'!"
A deadly purple beam of darkness shot from the Duel Runner and rose into the sky to strike the heart, causing it to beat louder and louder before it exploded with power. 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 Ccapac Apu' was revealed; it was that of a gigantic demonic giant, with a black and dark blue skin tone to partially match the tone of the other 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). Outside the geoglyph, Matt and Rin, along with James R. and Michael nearby, stared into the sky in complete horror.
"This is…the Giant 'Earthbound Immortal', 'Ccapac Apu'," murmured Matt, before raising his voice, "Asagi! Hurry!" Within the geoglyph, Asagi was looking up in sheer terror at facing an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, that she couldn't even hear him trying to warn her, "Don't bother finishing the duel! You have to escape while you can!"
"Heh! There's no escaping the Dark Signers, and you know it," huffed Clotho, who was going to enjoy slaughtering Asagi as he entered his Battle Phase, "'Ccapac Apu', do me a favor and give Asagi Caldwell a Game Over!"
'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' obeyed, looming over the vulnerable M1 Astray and started to bring its hand down upon it. A terrified Asagi, unable to even scream, watched with widened eyes as a flashback ensued—the time she met Misty in New York City.
FLASHBACK
Blushing slightly, Flashback Asagi allowed for Flashback Misty to proceed with the fortune telling, who then gently took hold of her face and stared into her eyes for what seemed like a long time.
"So, um… can you sense what my future will be like?" asked Flashback Asagi shyly.
"Hmm…" mused Flashback Misty, now looking a little bit serious as she continued staring into Flashback Asagi's blue eyes, "It's too soon for me to tell… but what I can see…is the shadow of death looming over you and two friends of yours… One with short red hair, and the other with dark blue hair and glasses… The shadow says at one point, you and those two friends will die."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Asagi realized that this was what Misty had been referring to all this time; it was also then she realized she and her friends were never a match for the Dark Signers despite getting in a few good hits on them.
"No…way…" thought Asagi.
The gigantic hand from 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' had gotten so close to the ground that it caused rubble to break and collide with Asagi and her M1 Astray, causing her to fly off the Duel Runner as it exploded. She hit and tumbled along the ground repeatedly before laying completely still as her LP emptied and finally ended the duel (LP: 600 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Orga Sabnak, Clotho Buer, and Shani Andras win!
The geoglyph finally died down with the match finally over, leaving behind more destruction from the intense Turbo Duel. This also allowed for Matt and Rin to finally go and see their wounded friend. Once they arrived, Matt knelt down and held Asagi's broken body in his arms.
"Asagi! Asagi, can you hear me?!" hollered Matt in desperation.
Unlike her two best friends, Asagi was only barely conscious—but because of the deep wounds to her inner organs, she would not last much longer. She just had enough time to deliver a few words of apology for failing Matt, her friends, and, most of all, failing Mayura and Juri when they needed her the most.
"M-Matt…" uttered Asagi weakly, looking at Matt in the eyes, "I'm so sorry that we…failed to win… Please forgive me…"
"Asagi…" whispered Matt sadly.
Smiling one last time, Asagi tried to reach over and touch the side of Matt's face with her right hand as a form of affection, but failed at the last second as she closed her eyes, with her limbs becoming unresponsive as she died in his arms. Matt, closing his eyes and shedding a tear, laid the deceased Asagi on the ground. It was then Michael and James R. brought Mayura and Juri over and laid them beside Asagi—just in time for them to briefly wake up despite having very little time left.
"Juri! You're awake?" gasped Michael.
"Oh, thank goodness, Mayura!" said James R. in relief.
"N-No… There's no use celebrating that," refused Mayura, "Remember? The loser of a dark duel has to…disappear."
James R. remembered that to his dismay. Juri, meanwhile, was overcome by severe pain in her body, and Michael got onto a knee and held her body close to him. His touch seemed to calm Juri down a little bit.
"Juri! Just hold on!" bellowed Michael in pure desperation, which was very uncharacteristic of someone like him, "I'm certain you and the others will live!"
"M-Mike, where are you?" coughed Juri weakly.
"Here! I'm right here!"
"How strange…" The intelligent, dark blue-haired young woman went on, in the same weak tone, "I can't see anything…"
"You have to hang on!" ranted Michael, managing to take off Juri's helmet and remove her broken glasses. He leaned his face closer to her own, "Just look at me!"
Despite being blind without her glasses, Juri, for some strange reason, saw that her vision was improving to allow her to finally see Michael's face without fail. Upon that happening, she managed to smile at him.
"I love cheering on people who try their hardest in duels," recalled Juri fondly, "But I love watching Michael Atlas, a True King in my eyes, duel the most."
"Please, Lord, let this be a bad dream!" begged James R., with Mayura's body in his arms while shutting his eyes tight. He was fighting the urge to break down into tears, "I just want to wake up from this awful nightmare!"
"I'm sorry, James," The voice of Matt apologized, while looking very solemn himself, "This is no nightmare."
"He's right… I guess…" mused Mayura, "…this is the price we must pay for our foolish crime…" As she weakly finished her sentence, Matt, Michael, James R., and Rin all listened to it, "…of wishing to make our new friends happy by fighting a war that never involved us in the first place."
"Mm…" Juri put in, depressedly.
"That's nonsense!" objected Michael, "Everyone has the right to wish for happiness! If you're saying that's a crime, then I'm just as guilty!"
"Same!" agreed James R., finally shedding his tears.
Matt and Rin, with the latter also in tears, stayed silent, knowing there was nothing they could do to save the three Astray girls. Even though they knew they were about to die, Mayura and Juri both smiled one last time at their respective love interests (James R. for Mayura, and Michael for Juri) as they breathed their last words to them.
"James, I know you'll save the world, right?" Mayura said warmly, "I'll be cheering you on, after all."
"I…love you, Mike…" Juri confessed at long last.
From there, both young women closed their eyes and died. It was then their bodies and Asagi's body turned into a stone-like color before breaking apart and leaving nothing behind except for the specks to be blown away by the wind, leaving Matt, Michael, James R., and Rin behind.
"Asagi… Mayura… Juri…" gasped Rin in devastation, realizing her three friends were gone forever. She collapsed onto her hands and knees, "ASAGI! MAYURA! JURI!"
Poor Rin was sobbing uncontrollably as her tears gently touched the ground as a flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
During the group's introduction with each other in New York City…
"And these four students accompanying me are some of Orb's finest duelists," Flashback Ms. Simmons added to that, before motioning her right hand towards Flashback Asagi, "This is Asagi Caldwell."
"Hi!" winked Flashback Asagi, giving the peace sign with her left hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," remarked Flashback Matt, holding his right hand out.
Flashback Asagi held her own right hand out in response. The mischievous look on the wavy blonde-haired young woman's face as she shook hands with Flashback Matt indicated that she would try to engage in some playful flirting with him later on, despite knowing that he was already dating another girl. Sure enough, that was what soon happened.
"I don't know about any of you, but I'm eager to go out and explore the city," squealed Flashback Asagi excitedly, before happily clutching onto Flashback Matt's right arm and looking at him with a cute expression on her face, "Say, Matt, do you think you could show me around the city on your Duel Runner? I bet it would be soooo wonderful!"
Flashback Mayura looked very annoyed over one of her best friends hitting on the American Duel Monsters champion, considering that Flashback Asagi knew that Flashback Matt was currently dating another girl (despite said girl also living in another country). Did that stop Flashback Asagi? Not even close.
"Please?" pleaded Flashback Asagi, not letting up with the playful flirting, "Pretty please?"
Flashback Matt looked nervous, "Um… thanks, but I…think I'll pass," he responded politely, "Besides, I already have a girlfriend…"
"What are you talking about, Matt?" interrupted Flashback Michael, grinning, "A pretty young woman just asked you to show her around New York City! If you want my opinion, you really should take Asagi out for a little exploration."
"M-Mike-!" Flashback Matt freaked out.
"I agree!" exclaimed Flashback James R., nudging at his friend's side, "If a girl asks you to show her around, you should say yes and get on with it—I believe it's the right thing to do, after all."
"And besides, how can you resist a woman giving you such an adorable look?" teased Flashback Zack.
"Do it, now!" insisted Flashback Carlie, also smirking.
"Fudo-san, you shouldn't keep a girl waiting!" chuckled Flashback David.
"It's very rude after all," finished Flashback Lisa jokingly.
Flashback Matt found himself stammering and stuttering, wondering how he would get himself out of a situation like this, which earned the rest of the group (even Flashback David) a hearty laugh.
(new scene…)
In Bradley International Airport, Flashback Asagi was meeting Flashback Ashima for the first time.
"You know, Ashima, since you weren't around to be with Matt, I've been taking good care of him in your place," said Flashback Asagi proudly, just before shooting Ashima a playful wink, "I mean I took 'really' good care of him."
Noticing the wink, Flashback Ashima put a sly smile onto her face; she and Flashback Asagi both decided they were going to tease the often stoic and serious Matt Fudo—not that he and everyone else knew of that…yet.
"Gee, thanks a lot, Asagi," Flashback Ashima accepted jokingly, "I sure hope my Matty hasn't caused you too many problems while I've been living in India."
Flashback Asagi laughed, "'Matty'? That's your little nickname for him?" she blurted loudly, "Oh man, that sounds just like the girl's name Maddie to me! You seriously call him that from time-to-time?!"
"I sure do!" chortled Flashback Ashima.
An exasperated-looking Flashback Matt actually found himself blushing from the teasing and attention that Flashback Ashima and Flashback Asagi both were giving him. It got so much worse (for him) when the latter turned to face him with the playful smile still on her face.
"I have to say, 'Matty', you are really lucky," Flashback Asagi was saying, putting emphasis on the nickname, "You quite possibly have the best girlfriend on this planet."
"Well, I, um…" stammered Flashback Matt.
"However!" The voice of Flashback Asagi interrupted, which caused Flashback Matt to look more freaked out. She then wagged the index finger of her left hand while her right hand was resting on her hip, "While you are very lucky, you had also better continue to treat Ashima well, or else, you'll have to answer to me. Do you understand?!"
"Y-Y-Yes, ma'am!" obeyed Flashback Matt, looking highly subdued.
Nearby, the rest of the group was sharing a hearty laugh (even the equally serious Flashback Michael) over the humorous scene. Who knew Flashback Matt could actually become embarrassed like this? That showed that even the most serious and mature member of the group wasn't above getting his share of comical moments.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, with the heartbroken Matt looking down and closing his eyes after remembering Asagi Caldwell—particularly the times she flirted with him. Suddenly, another flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
During the group's initial meeting, Flashback Juri was the next person to introduce herself.
"My name is Juri Wu Nien," said Flashback Juri bashfully, carefully adjusting her glasses.
Flashback Michael stepped forward, "In that case," he remarked, holding his right hand out whilst smirking, "I'm pleased to meet someone like you, Juri."
Flashback Juri didn't say a word back, but a blush did reappear on her face as she shyly shook Flashback Michael's hand and kept her head down a little bit to try and keep her blushing face from being noticed by anybody else. Flashback Zack raised an eyebrow when he saw her do that.
"Hey, are you okay there?" wondered Flashback Zack, adjusting his own glasses a bit, "Earth to Juri! Come in!"
"Oh, don't mind her acting like that," reassured Flashback Asagi, smiling cheekily, "Juri often behaves that way around cute boys."
"What?! Cute boys?" pondered Flashback Carlie, while trying to hold back a laugh, "You're saying that Mike is cute?"
"You're joking, right?" put in Flashback Zack, also finding this to be amusing, "This is Michael Atlas we're talking about. He's one of the country's best duelists, and has no time to be cute for any of his fangirls."
"No way am I joking!" insisted Flashback Asagi, still smiling, "And Juri's no fangirl either! She actually told me one time that she has a huge crush on Mike and wanted to meet him as soon as possible."
"A-A-Asagi!" protested Flashback Juri, turning to stare at one of her best friends as the blush on her face deepened, "It's not like that at all!"
"You sure about that?" asked Flashback Zack, not looking very convinced (if at all), "'cause it sorta looks that way to most of us."
"Yeah, what he said," agreed Flashback Janice.
An unamused Flashback Michael only rolled his eyes in annoyance over his friends' immature statements about him, while Flashback Juri started twiddling her fingers about nervously and in embarrassment as the blush on her face further deepened.
(new scene…)
Soon, everyone returned to Hartford and, most importantly, Orb. While Flashback Matt, Flashback James R., Flashback Asagi, and Flashback Mayura all immediately went inside after getting off their respective Duel Runners (Matt: Fudo Go, James R.: Blackbird, Asagi: M1 Astray, Mayura: M1 Astray), Flashback Juri and Flashback Michael both stayed behind so they could try to talk things out between them.
"Here you are, Mike," Flashback Juri offered, handing Michael back his Deck, "This belongs with you."
Flashback Michael gladly took his Deck back without speaking.
"I should 'never' have taken it and gone undercover the way I did," continued Flashback Juri, "I know what I did was wrong, but I was just trying to help bring the Junk Guild to justice. I'm so sorry for disobeying you like that…" She looked downward, "You have every 'right' to be angry with me."
Flashback Michael, continuing to stare at his Deck, still said nothing. A saddened Flashback Juri turned to leave, but then stopped when she felt a hand touching her shoulder.
"Hold on a moment," The voice of Michael requested.
Surprised, Flashback Juri turned around, where she saw Flashback Michael looking at her with an expression on his face that was not grumpy, cold, or smug-like like it often was. Instead, he appeared to be smiling genuinely (which was rare of him).
"I admit I'm a little mad at you for stealing my Deck and going after the Junk Guild," admitted Flashback Michael, "But even then, I can still forgive you for your mistake. There have been times where people have made 'worse' mistakes than that," As he continued speaking, Flashback Juri listened to every single word, "Not to mention you used my Deck pretty well in that duel. I'm actually impressed."
Flashback Juri simply blushed to herself due to infatuation, believing that she and Flashback Michael actually made a pretty good team in stopping the Junk Guild.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Goddammit!" The voice of Michael yelled out, cursing somewhat strongly while punching at the ground.
Even the sometimes cold-hearted but always a jerk with a heart of gold Michael Atlas was crying over Juri's death, having remembered his first meeting with her and one of their best moments together since then—proving that, deep down, he had hidden feelings for Juri Wu Nien after getting to know her for a few months. Suddenly, a third flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
During the group's first meeting, Flashback James R. was interacting with Flashback Mayura, trying to flirt with her.
"As you can see, I run a 'Blackwing'/'Assault Blackwing' Deck," said Flashback James R., holding up his Deck while his eyes again turned into hearts, "It's mighty strong, and I hardly ever lose using it."
Flashback Asagi had a blank look on her face as she blinked a couple of times, Flashback Juri looked a little bit uncomfortable (because she wasn't a big fan of other guys hitting on her), and Flashback Mayura simply raised an eyebrow in response.
"Really?" Flashback Mayura pondered, sounding very unimpressed.
"Oh, really really!" insisted Flashback James R., looking and sounding as lovestruck as ever. Right now, his attention was towards the tomboyish, red-haired young woman, "You know, you kinda remind me of another lovely redhead I once met. She had a similar voice to yours, but her hair was much longer and was a mixture of red and yellow in color like a sunset—then again, it also reminded me of bacon…"
"I see," groaned Flashback Mayura, with the roll of her eyes and a deadpan expression on her face, "Well, I've got bad news for you, pal… That was a nice try of flirting on your part, but I'm not at all interested in somebody like you," Flashback James R. kept smiling as he listened to the scolding, "And you run a 'Blackwing'/'Assault Blackwing' Deck? Seriously? Do you know how overrated those archetypes are?"
To the surprise of no one, the hearts in Flashback James R.'s eyes immediately cracked apart, and he ended up face-faulting in sheer disappointment over being turned down like that. Flashback Carlie, Flashback Zack, Flashback Sean, Flashback Janice, and even Flashback Discord all couldn't help but snicker a bit at the humorous scene, while Flashback Matt just shook his head while smirking a little bit.
(new scene…)
Later after his duel with Shani, Flashback James R. was back in the same garage from earlier on, doing some mechanic work on Blackbird after the rough duel. Eventually, a familiar female voice echoed from outside…
"Hey, James! Are you in here?"
Flashback James R. looked up to see Mayura coming in to see him.
"Mayura!" greeted Flashback James R., standing back up as he carefully set his wrench down and grabbed a wet towel to clean the grease off his hands, "What brings you to these neck of the woods?"
"I came here to congratulate you for winning against Shani," answered Flashback Mayura, smiling, "And once again, I also want to thank you for defending me from Clotho and Orga's harassment earlier on. After watching how you dueled and seeing how much you care for your friends, I think I might have misjudged you after we had our first meeting before the tournament began. In fact, you're actually pretty cool."
Blushing in response, Flashback James R.'s eyes immediately turned into hearts once again, believing that he might actually have a chance with Mayura Labatt of Orb after all.
"D-Do you really mean that?" swooned Flashback James R., which earned him a nod from Flashback Mayura, "Then…does this mean…you'll go out with me?"
Alas…
"Ha! That's a real nice try on your part, buddy," scoffed Flashback Mayura, rolling her eyes though still managing to retain the smile on her face, "You still have a long way to go for me to get 'that' interested in you."
"Aww!" groaned Flashback James R., disappointed.
(new scene…)
But it would ultimately pay off soon after the tournament ended and Orb was saved from Sergey. Inside Flashback Mayura's dorm, she and Flashback James R. were in the middle of reconciling.
"I… I had no idea…" murmured Flashback James R., before looking over at the solemn, ashamed Flashback Mayura, "I guess my atrocious behavior towards Sherry during our duel must have stirred those memories."
"You could say that," mumbled Flashback Mayura sadly, before feeling something touching the top of her hands and looking down at her lap. She found Flashback James R.'s hands on top of her own before looking up and to her right (at him), "Huh?"
"I'm so sorry, Mayura," apologized Flashback James R., "I never should have unintentionally hurt you like that," He looked into Flashback Mayura's eyes, "Please forgive me."
The slightly flustered-looking Flashback Mayura stared into Flashback James R.'s eyes for what seemed like forever. She could see he was deeply regretful of his past behavior towards Sherry and, as a result, reminding her (Flashback Mayura) of how bad she was before reforming. At long last, Mayura smiled and said something.
"You really have changed for the better," she admitted, "You really are worth forgiving."
"D-Do you mean that?" gasped Flashback James R., hoping he heard that right.
Instead of a vocalized response, Flashback Mayura did something else to show she did forgive him; she moved in…and kissed Flashback James R. on the lips. Initially shocked, Flashback James R. closed his eyes and enjoyed the passionate kiss.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and James R. sobbed from remembering the best times he had with Mayura Labatt before gazing up towards the dark sky (mainly the moon) and letting out a scream of grief. It was right around then the three Bio-CPU boys showed up on their Duel Runners to gloat over their victory in-front of the four grieving duelists and spit on the graves of their victims.
"Well, those three practice dummies were a lot of fun to beat up," jeered Clotho, happy to have beaten Asagi like that.
Matt, Michael, James R., and Rin all looked at the arrivals.
"Although we were expecting much more of a challenge," bragged Shani, sounding satisfied to have taken down Mayura, "Of course, beggars can't be choosers."
"But now that you three have shown up…" grinned Orga, who had soundly defeated Juri, eyeing the three Signers he and his two best friends truly wanted to eliminate, "…I bet we can get the challenge we so crave for!" He pointed at the four duelists, "Clotho, Shani, and I challenge you three to a duel!"
That finally did it. The three champion duelists were now absolutely FURIOUS. It was bad enough that Azrael ended up taking Misty, Megan, Discord, Sean, and Janice away from the group, but now those three male Blue Cosmos students go and do this to some of their other friends? Ones who did not deserve to be so viciously attacked? Dark Signers had gone much too far and needed to be stopped, right here and now…
"You bastard…" snarled Matt in a low voice, practically shaking with rage.
"You'll pay… You'll pay for this, Dark Signers!" roared Michael in pure hatred.
"And here I thought you three couldn't sink any lower!" growled James R., looking just as cold, furious, and vengeful as his two best friends were, "As ever, you guys prove me wrong!"
"Matt… Mike… James…" worried Rin.
Despite being face-to-face with three very powerful, very pissed off duelists, Orga, Clotho, and Shani weren't at all fazed and actually seemed to be enjoying that anger. It was an indication that Matt, Michael, and James R. were going to agree to the duel, which the three Bio-CPU boys were most looking forward to.
"That's what we like to see!" teased Orga, "Your hatred… your anger…"
"Now, trying take that rage out on us, if you dare!" exclaimed Clotho.
"While we focus on taking our own revenge upon you three for humiliating us in that tournament!" finished Shani.
Both sides then faced each other, glaring intensely with their bitter hatred for the other about to explode in one of the most intense and destructive Turbo Duel rematches known to mankind. The Biological CPU trio were soon shown cackling with maniacal laughter as they loomed over the three protagonists. What would the big rematch be like? Find out next time!
So yeah, in following the "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" anime's plotline, the three Astray girls have been killed off in this chapter. In the anime canon, Mayura was killed by a GuAIZ (which she also destroyed at the exact same time) belonging to ZAFT, while Juri and Asagi were killed by beam rifle blasts from Strike Daggers (first Juri, then Asagi) belonging to the Earth Forces. Here, as you all read, they were killed by Shani (Mayura), Orga (Juri), and Clotho (Asagi) respectively, with the last one also giving us the introduction of another "Earthbound Immortal" monster in "Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu". If the chapter's ending is also any indication, Matt, Michael, and James R. are greatly enraged over the three Astray girls' deaths and completely fed up with the Dark Signers taking away the group's friends and loved ones, and are now prepared to duel the three Bio-CPU boys to the death in order to avenge Asagi, Mayura, and Juri.
Stay tuned for the first part of the epic rematch (it will be extremely intense for a T-rated story), and, as ever, keep staying safe in these long, very tiring times.