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: Stardust in the Wind
Opening up within the Dark Signer-created geoglyph in the city of Hartford from a few seconds ago…
"Even though you guys know, you'd better prepare yourselves for my thunder!" roared James R., as he drew his card, "It's my turn!"
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 2 → 3
-Matt: 2 → 3
-Shani: 2 → 3
-James R.: 2 → 3
-Orga: 2 → 3
-Michael: 2 → 3
Turn Four: James R. Hogan (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (5): "Black Whirlwind", "Blackwing - Sharnga the Waning Moon", "Blackwing - Bora the Spear", "Blackboost", and "Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak"
Speed Counters: 3
As James R. expected, he drew his 'Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak' Monster Card, which he placed on top of his Deck during Shani's turn. He was aware that his monster couldn't be used as Synchro Material if it were to be Special Summoned, but that hopefully wouldn't happen.
"From my hand," began James R., adding his drawn card into his hand, taking another from there, and readying it ('Black Whirlwind') for two seconds before, with the swing of the right arm, slotting it into his Duel Runner, "I'll activate the Continuous Spell, 'Black Whirlwind'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Blackbird.
"When a 'Blackwing' monster is Normal Summoned to my field: I can add 1 'Blackwing' monster from my Deck to my hand with less ATK than that monster," explained James R., "It's as simple as that!"
"And you think we're stupid enough to let you do that?" snorted Clotho.
"What?"
"You've forgotten all about 'Void Ogre Dragon's' monster effect!" The orange/red-haired young man went on, "Once per turn, when my opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card while I have no cards in my hand (Quick Effect): I can…" From there, 'Void Ogre Dragon' whipped its tail up and impaled the face-up 'Black Whirlwind' Spell Card, "…negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it!"
James R. watched as his card was then destroyed.
"I never once forgot about your monster and its terrifying power!" retorted James R. hotly, as he took a card from his hand, "I Summon the Tuner…" He placed the card ('Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak') onto his Duel Runner, "…monster, 'Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak'!
Appearing on the field was a Winged Beast monster based on a sandhill crane (Level: 4/ATK: 700/DEF: 1500).
"Normally this monster can't be used as Synchro Material—but ONLY if it were Special Summoned," recalled James R., "Which means…" As he gave the command to tune, 'Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind' and 'Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak' both flew into the sky together, "I tune Level 3 'Ghibli the Searing Wind' into Level 4 'Kochi the Daybreak'!"
'Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak' turned into four Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind' flew into while turning into three orbs of light as a Summon Chant from James R. was heard throughout.
"Spread your ebony wings, and storm forth in tandem with the roaring thunder! A slash of lightning!" chanted James R., as the symbols 3 + 4 = 7 were shown briefly before the three orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Cascade, 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and onto the field, while swinging his sword briefly, was the rather mighty-looking humanoid bird-like swordsman (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2000).
"If this card is Synchro Summoned using a 'Blackwing' monster as material, it is treated as a Tuner while face-up on the field," explained James R., going over 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower's' first effect. He then took out another card from his hand, "Next…" The card ('Blackwing - Sharnga the Waning Moon') was placed upon a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Blackwing - Sharnga the Waning Moon'!"
Appearing on the field was a small, red-feathered bird wearing a fiery (literally) crown (Level: 2/ATK: 500/DEF: 500).
"'Sharnga the Waning Moon'?" blinked Orga.
"If a monster with 2000 or more ATK is on the field, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," revealed James R., before readying yet another card in his right hand, "Then if I control a 'Blackwing' monster other than 'Blackwing - Bora the Spear', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" He placed the card ('Blackwing - Bora the Spear') onto another Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Bora the Spear'!"
Appearing onto the field was the humanoid birdman with black-feathered wings and tail and a large lance-like spear for a weapon (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 800).
"As of this moment, I'll activate 'Raikiri the Rain Shower's' second effect!" proclaimed James R., just as 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower', with a dark gleam in the eyes, took to the skies and made ready to get off an attack on the opponent, "Once per turn: I can target cards my opponent controls, up to the number of 'Blackwing' monsters I control; I must destroy them!"
'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' slashed his wings thrice, sending out three rippling waves towards the Duel Runners belonging to the three Bio-CPU boys.
"Damn!" cried Orga.
"He's gonna bring down our cards!" panicked Clotho.
The only one not scared by 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower's' effect was Shani, who seemed to smirk when one of the ripples came for his field.
"That's not gonna work on me," huffed Shani, as his first face-down card reappeared on the field beside him (on his left), "Face-down card, activate!" The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself before turning to face in the direction of 'Evigishki Soul Ogre', "'Aquamirror Cycle'! I must target 1 WATER monster I control and 2 WATER monsters in my GY; I must…" As the explanation went on, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' faded away in a blue streak and caused the ripple to hit nothing "…shuffle the first target into the Deck, and if I do," He held up two cards ('Gishki Shadow' and 'Gishki Abyss') taken from his GY and added them into his hand, "add the second targets to my hand."
The remaining two ripples went and slashed into 'Void Ogre Dragon' and 'Gladiator Beast Augustus', destroying both monsters in massive explosions.
"Dammit!" cursed Clotho, "We couldn't save our monsters!"
It was then that 'Blackwing - Bora the Spear' and 'Blackwing - Sharnga the Waning Moon' took off into the skies, with something happening to the latter monster.
"I tune Level 4 'Bora the Spear'…" The voice of James R. commanded, as the adobe scenario played out, "…into Level 2 'Sharnga the Waning Moon'!"
'Blackwing - Sharnga the Waning Moon' turned into two Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Bora the Spear' flew into before turning into four orbs of light.
"Bladed wings that flap in the night! Stir up a windstorm that will slice chaos to shreds!" chanted James R., as the symbols 4 + 2 = 6 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was bird-like swordsman with swords in its wing folds (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1200).
"That's a new one," frowned Orga.
"'Boreastorm the Wicked Wind's' first effect activates!" announced James R., holding up a card ('Blackwing - Auster the South Wind') taken from his Deck, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can…" He sent the card straight to the GY, which caused the spirit of 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind' to appear on the field before merging with 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' and changing his Level (Level: 6 → 4) "…send 1 'Blackwing' monster from my Deck to the GY, and if I do, this card's Level becomes the same as that monster's!"
"Now that thing's a Level 4 monster!" complained Orga.
"And it's a Tuner to boot!" added Clotho.
As the six Duel Runners turned a corner, the Battle Phase began—and James R. had a very tempting target he wanted eliminated immediately…
"Shani, you made a big mistake in sending 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' back into your Deck," said James R. coldly, with Shani glaring without concern, "Without a monster to protect you, I'm going to take you down first!" It was then that 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' raised his sword as a command was issued, "'Raikiri the Rain Shower', attack directly!"
'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' obeyed, charging towards Forbidden in an attempt to strike and reduce Shani's LP significantly. Suddenly, Shani smiled to himself, as Forbidden suddenly got surrounded by glowing snow and wind.
"What?!" gasped James R..
As 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' got closer, the snow and wind was launched at him, overwhelming and stopping his attack—but not before he, in an act of desperation, hurled his sword.
"What just happened?!" demanded Michael.
"'Raikiri' suddenly got attacked by snow and wind," observed Matt.
"That's easy to explain," chuckled Shani, before pointing to the face-up 'Ice Barrier' Trap Card on the field in-front of Forbidden, "The Trap Card, 'Ice Barrier'!"
"'I-Ice Barrier'-?!" flinched James R..
"When an attack is declared involving my opponent's monster: I must change that opponent's monster's ATK to 0, negate its effects, also it cannot change its battle position," explained Shani, "That's too bad! Your direct attack did nothing to hurt me!"
The sword hit Forbidden, but did no damage to it. Meanwhile, 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' was frozen solid as his ATK got completely emptied (ATK: 2600 → 0).
"'Raikiri' has been turned into a block of ice!" worried Ashima.
"Ngh… That doesn't mean anything since my Battle Phase isn't over," thought James R., and resumed speaking aloud, "Go forth, 'Boreastorm the Wicked Wind'!" As the order to attack was given, 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' flew into combat and struck Forbidden with both blades, "Attack Shani directly!"
The attack left some noticeable damage to the Duel Runner as Shani grimaced in pain while taking some big damage (LP: 4000 → 1600). Despite his second attack being a success, James R. was not happy since he wanted his attacks to defeat Shani. Alas, it was not meant to be, and now 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' was frozen with no ATK to speak of.
"I…Set one card face-down…" James R., taking a card from his hand, sighed in surrender, "…and end my turn!"
He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner, which caused a face-down card to materialize on the field in-front of Forbidden before fading away for later use. Outside the geoglyph, the group continued to watch the duel.
"Orga's no doubt going to take advantage of 'Raikiri the Rain Shower's' weakened state," acknowledged Ashima, as Zack, Carlie, and Lisa listened while watching the duel, "A successful attack will deal massive damage to James."
"James…" uttered Zack.
"Matt… How will you, Mike, and James be able to cope with the now stronger Biological CPU?" thought Ms. Simmons.
Back in the geoglyph…
"I'm gonna be attacked, there's no doubt about that," James was telling himself, mentally, "Still, I can use my Set card to refresh my hand slightly—and I'm really gonna need that."
"It's my turn, now!" bragged Orga, drawing a card, "Hey, hey!"
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 3 → 4
-Matt: 3 → 4
-Shani: 3 → 4
-James R.: 3 → 4
-Orga: 3 → 4
-Michael: 3 → 4
Turn Five: Orga Sabnak (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (5): "Gladiator Beast's Valor", "Gladiator Beast's Respite", "Gladiator Beast Equeste", "Gladiator Beast Bestiari", and "Indomitable Gladiator Beast"
Speed Counters: 4
Upon seeing his drawn 'Indomitable Gladiator Beast' Spell Card, Orga's smirk grew more malicious. It was also then James R. made another move.
"I activate a Trap, 'Blackboost'!" The brown-haired young man announced, as his Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of Blackbird and revealed itself, "If I control 2 or more 'Blackwing' monsters: I must…" He drew two cards, "…draw 2 cards!"
The drawn cards were 'Blackwing - Twin Shadow' (Trap Card) and 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast' (Effect Monster Card).
"Feh! Drawing more cards won't save your life!" scoffed Orga, "I'll send the whole lot of you to Hell!" He took another card from his hand, "I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!" On the monitor of Calamity, the Speed Counter gauge was completely reduced to nothing, "Once per turn: I can remove 4 Speed Counters of my own, then reveal…" He held up his two cards ('Gladiator Beast's Respite' and 'Indomitable Gladiator Beast') in midair, turned them over, and revealed what they were, "…any number of Spell Cards in my hand; I must inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each card revealed!"
"Two Spells!" realized Matt.
"The target for my revenge…" began Orga, as Michael listened with gritted teeth, "…will be you, 'Former King'!"
Michael eased up in surprise. A bolt of lightning then suddenly struck Wheel of Fortune, causing Michael to yell in pain as his LP got hit hard (LP: 4000 → 2400).
"Mike!" Matt and James R. cried out.
Outside the geoglyph…
"MIKE!/ATLAS-SAMA!" Zack, Ashima, Rin, Carlie, Lisa, and David (the final calling Michael 'Atlas-sama') all screamed.
In the geoglyph, Wheel of Fortune was sent into a spin out as it fell way behind and approached the fire wall. Luckily, Michael managed to regain enough control of the Duel Runner and avoid crashing.
"Hmph! I guess that wasn't enough," grumbled Orga.
"You're gonna pay for hurting my friend like that!" yelled James R. angrily, "I'm gonna bring one of my best monsters out and make you three hurt!" He held up a card taken from his hand, "To do that, I'm gonna use a Trap Card!"
"You don't have any more face-down cards!" reminded Clotho.
"I have 'this' card here, and it's one you guys know about," James R. retorted.
Clotho sweated fearfully, "D-Damn you! You have it?"
"I do," replied James R., turning the card ('Blackwing - Twin Shadow') over and revealing what it was, "The Trap Card, 'Blackwing - Twin Shadow'! I must shuffle 2 of my 'Blackwing' monsters (1 Tuner and 1 non-Tuner) that are banished and/or in my GY into the Deck/Extra Deck; I must…" Orga, Clotho, and Shani each listened to the rest of the explanation, "…Special Summon 1 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster or 'Black-Winged Dragon' from my Extra Deck whose Level equals the total Levels of those 2 monsters. (This is treated as a Synchro Summon.)"
"Since you control at least two 'Blackwing' monsters, you can activate that card from your hand," remembered Shani.
"Good memory on your part," confirmed James R. humorlessly, before swinging his right arm, "From my hand, I'll activate 'Blackwing - Twin Shadow'!" The mentioned Trap Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Blackbird, "I shuffle Level 3 'Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind' and Level 4 'Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak' from my GY into the Deck," He pointed forward using his right hand, "Go!"
Reappearing on the field were 'Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind' and 'Blackwing - Kochi the Daybreak'—with the latter turning into four Synchro Rings, and the former flew into them while turning into three orbs of light.
"Darkened gales, become the wings which will soar to the heavens!" chanted James R., as the symbols 3 + 4 = 7 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! 'Blackwing Armor Master'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and onto the field, was the mighty one-eyed 'Blackwing' monster—who was also the secondary ace monster of James R.'s whole Deck (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1500). Outside the geoglyph, the spectators were overjoyed to see 'Blackwing Armor Master', knowing that it couldn't be destroyed by battle and prevented James R. from taking any battle damage. Back in the geoglyph, Orga scowled and looked back at his current hand, which, in his eyes, didn't look very good.
"Tch! This hand of mine sucks," Orga muttered to himself, taking another card, "I'll just have to change that… I activate 'Gladiator Beast's Respite'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Calamity, while he took two cards ('Gladiator Beast Equeste' and 'Indomitable Gladiator Beast') from his hand and shuffled them into his Deck, "I must shuffle 2 'Gladiator Beast' cards from my hand into the Deck, then draw 3 cards."
The Deck within the holder shuffled on its own, then Orga drew three more cards. His hand now contained 'Gladiator Beast's Valor', 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari', 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion', 'Gladiator Naumachia', and 'Gladiator Beast's Comeback'.
"Ah, that's much better," smirked Orga, as he placed one of the cards ('Gladiator Beast Bestiari') onto his Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari'!"
Appearing on the field was the green-feathered Winged Beast monster in armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 800).
"And then, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Gladiator Beast's Comeback'!" proclaimed Orga, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind Calamity, "I must Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my hand or GY," He took another card ('Gladiator Beast Augustus') from his GY, readied it for two seconds, then placed it on his Duel Runner, "with a different Type from the monsters you control. It cannot be destroyed by battle! Appear now, 'Gladiator Beast Augustus'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1000).
"And now, I'll shuffle 'Bestiari' and 'Augustus' into my Deck!"
Both 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' and 'Gladiator Beast Augustus', with the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming in the background, started fusing together as a Summon Chant from Orga was heard.
"Fighting bird of prey that lived in ancient times! Merge with the souls of gladiators and become a warrior of legend!" chanted Orga, "Fusion Summon! Come, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!"
Appearing onto the field was the more powerful-looking version of 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500). Outside the geoglyph…
"This is bad," frowned Carlie, as faded stills of James R.'s 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' destroying 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' and 'Void Ogre Dragon' were superimposed over her, "But at least James destroyed 'Augustus' earlier, otherwise Orga would've had enough monsters to Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' instead."
"But there's still a problem, Izayoi-san," cut in David.
"Huh?" blinked Carlie, looking over.
"'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' still has enough ATK to defeat Atlas-sama in one blow after using its deadly effect to first destroy 'Battle Fader'," explained David.
That really was bad. Back in the geoglyph, Orga was practically echoing the words David had said—but did it in his own way.
"I hope you're ready, 'Former King'!" taunted Orga, "You're about to be dethroned for good! I activate 'Gyzarus's' first effect!" As the explanation went on, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' used his wings to let loose a powerful blast of wind to take down 'Battle Fader', "When this card is Special Summoned: I can target up to 2 cards on the field; I must destroy those targets!"
"Once 'Battle Fader' is destroyed, Orga will no doubt attack and finish me off," thought Michael, closing his eyes in resignation, "Juri… I'm sorry I failed to avenge you."
But before the end could potentially come, a new monster called 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast'—a brown-feathered bird-like monster with large wings and what appeared to be orange hair—appeared on the field before 'Battle Fader' and intercepted the attack by 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', surviving without a scratch due to covering itself with its large wings.
"What?!" shouted Orga.
"Huh?!" came from Michael.
"The monster effect of 'Chinook the Snow Blast'," said James R. calmly, armed with a card ('Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast'), "I can send this card from my hand or field to the GY, then target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must…" He sent his card to the GY, "…send 1 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster or 1 'Black-Winged Dragon' from my Extra Deck to the GY, and if I do, until the end of this turn, the targeted monster loses 700 ATK, also negate its effects. This is a Quick Effect if I control a DARK Synchro Monster."
Hearing that 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast's' effect had become a Quick Effect due to either 'Blackwing Armor Master', 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower', or 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' being on the field caused Orga, helpless to do anything to stop James R., to do what he believed was the only thing he could do; he (Orga) let out a yell of rage and frustration, while James R. took a card from his (James R.) Extra Deck, looked at it for a few seconds, then looked up.
"I send 'Assault Blackwing - Sohaya the Rain Storm' from my Extra Deck to the GY," The brown-haired young man went on, as he discarded his card. He then pointed forth, "That means the effect of 'Gyzarus' is negated and his ATK falls to 1700!"
'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast' flapped its big wings, sending a blast of hot wind towards 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', striking and weakening the 'Gladiator Beast' monster as he fell to his hands and knees while getting burnt by the wind-like attack and then receiving severe frostbite (ATK: 2400 → 1700).
"Now I see!" realized Matt, "By using the effect of 'Chinook the Snow Blast', Orga is no longer able to take Mike out instantly, and now 'Gyzarus' can't tag itself out for two other 'Gladiator Beast' monsters after battling this turn!"
"James saved Mike from certain doom!" came from Ashima.
"Dammit!" complained Orga, slamming his right hand onto Calamity's side before directing his anger and frustration towards his own monster, "You stupid monster! How could you have failed to take out that 'Former King'?!"
"It's because you weren't paying attention to what that birdbrain was potentially hiding, dumbass!" The voice of Clotho berated.
"Say what?!" snarled Orga, looking in the direction of the person who insulted him.
"You seriously think you're smarter than Juri? I find that laughable considering the stupid move you made," continued Clotho, "You're actually more reckless than I always thought you are," He smiled smugly, "And besides, if you want to leave the duel, do it yourself. You're on your own now."
"Hey, you're the dumbass!" argued Orga heatedly.
"Who do you think you're-!"
Outside the geoglyph, the group watch in bemusement over the bickering between the two Dark Signers despite being on the same team.
"Are those guys for real?" thought Lisa, "Well, they and Shani always did tend to argue a lot despite being best friends."
Back in the geoglyph, Orga snorted and entered his Battle Phase.
"Whatever! I'll still strike someone," The mustard yellow-haired young man insisted, as James R. listened and gasped, "'Gyzarus', attack 'Raikiri the Rain Shower'!"
'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', despite shivering weakly, managed to gather the strength to strike at the frozen 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower', causing an explosion to be left behind by the destroyed monster. James R. covered himself with his right arm and winced from the explosion's backlash while losing a ton of LP (LP: 4000 → 2300). The damage also caused Blackbird to slow down a little bit and allow for Michael to drive up with Wheel of Fortune.
"Thanks for the help, James," smiled Michael.
James R. smiled back, "Anytime, pal," he grimaced, "Besides, you haven't even taken your first turn yet."
Orga, meanwhile, took three cards from his hand, looked at them, and grinned evilly. He had the perfect defense against anything the Signers, particularly Michael, would likely throw at him given the chance. Well, this strategy would sink any chance of the Signers winning the duel.
"I set three cards face-down…" exclaimed Orga, swinging his right arm and causing three face-down cards to materialize on the field around Calamity before fading away for later use, "…and end my turn!"
With the turn over, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' shook free of the frostbite and regained its lost ATK and effects (ATK: 1700 → 2400). Outside the geoglyph…
"Three face-down cards… What do you suppose they could be?" wondered Rin.
"If there's anything Orga's good at, it's strong defense and offense," answered Lisa gravely, "Mike was seriously lucky he wasn't taken out of the duel before getting to draw his first card," She then looked towards Matt, Michael, and James R. inside the geoglyph, "Come on, guys… Win this duel…"
There was a long silence from all of the duelists still in the match, with only the sounds of Fudo Go, Wheel of Fortune, Blackbird, Calamity, Forbidden, and Raider roaring in the air. The silence was eventually broken, however…
"What's the deal with you three, anyway?" pressed Clotho, getting the attention of the three strongest Signers. He had a big question to ask, "Why are you fighting us so desperately?"
Michael growled, "I want to ask you the same thing!" he pointed out, "By becoming Dark Signers, what do you guys think you're fighting for?"
Clotho cursed silently, remembering that before he, Orga, and Shani each joined Blue Cosmos in Albany, they were ordinary guys living in Hartford, and despite always trying to push the three Astray girls around and belittling them, the three Bio-CPU boys always lost in the game of Duel Monsters, and were sick of it. After being rejected by Orb and learning all about Blue Cosmos, Clotho, Orga, and Shani gave up their normal lives in order to join the latter school to try and improve upon their dueling skills, enduring shock treatments, harsh punishments for failure, and long, tiring studying to make sure they never lost ever again. Despite their vast improvements in dueling, Shani still lost to a beginner in Lisa and was also the first of his friends to be eliminated from Rex's Turbo Duel tournament (in round one no less) at the hands of James R. Hogan, with Orga and Clotho both getting eliminated in round two by Michael Atlas and Matt Fudo respectively.
Their embarrassing defeats in that tournament made the three young men hate James R. (Shani), Michael (Orga), and Matt (Clotho) with a burning passion, and when Azrael and his three best duelists were all given the choice by Rutger to join the Dark Signers, the Biological CPU trio immediately jumped at the chance to join so they could get their revenge on the world for seemingly kicking them while they were down. After becoming Dark Signers, Orga, Clotho, and Shani each discovered that their newfound powers and cards made them unstoppable; they were soon defeating and killing many duelists who dared to challenge them, and also destroying buildings to demonstrate their ultimate power—even if innocent people were caught in the crossfires of their onslaught… But even after defeating and wounding their Orb-based rivals in a Dark Turbo Duel, they would never be satisfied until the suckers who defeated and humiliated them were killed in the most gruesome way possible. No matter what happened next, the three Bio-CPU boys would defeat the three famous duelists and avenge their wounded prides. At last, Clotho found his voice to answer the question directed at him…
"Don't ask me, I don't really know," The orange/red-haired young man snapped, narrowing his eyes dangerously, "I hate losing. That's my 'only' reason!"
"What?!" yelled Michael.
"Not that we'd ever lose again!" smirked Clotho, pretending to add a card into his right hand and ready it, "Once Rutger and Headmaster Azrael both succeed with the master plan, all will be right in the world."
"However, you and your friends need to be put down before it can happen," said Shani icily, "With our newfound power, we can easily do just that," His (Shani) focus then went towards Matt, "It helps that your best friend can't seem to Synchro Summon his best monster for some odd reason, which is bad news for you guys—but excellent news for us."
"Don't you idiots realize that what you're doing isn't a game?!" demanded James R. hotly, "The Dark Signers aren't going to make the world a better place; they want to kill off every other living being on this planet!" As he (James R.) finished ranting, Clotho listened to it with cold dismissal, "That would make you guys willing participants in planet-wide genocide!"
"Who cares?" scoffed Clotho, brushing off the warning, "So long as Orga, Shani, and I never lose duels again, it's something I'm willing to live with."
"Same here!" put in Shani.
"No argument there!" agreed Orga, "And besides… anybody who gets caught in the fight and dies shouldn't have gotten involved in the first place," He shrugged without a hint of remorse, and said something else that he knew would greatly anger his enemies, "And that includes those three stupid girls!"
"Damn you!" swore Michael, before drawing a card and taking his turn, "It's my turn!"
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 4 → 5
-Matt: 4 → 5
-Shani: 4 → 5
-James R.: 4 → 5
-Orga: 0 → 1
-Michael: 4 → 5
Turn Six: Michael Atlas (LP: 2400)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (5): "Bone Archfiend", "Fiendish Golem", "Dark Resonator", "Red Cocoon", and "Soul Resonator"
Speed Counters: 5
Michael's drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Soul Resonator', and it was something he knew was perfect for an occasion like this.
"I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Soul Resonator'!" declared Michael, placing his card onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing on the field was a 'Resonator' monster with devil-like horns and wielding a tuning fork and mallet like the other members of the archetype (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 200).
"'Soul Resonator'?" blinked Orga, having never seen that monster before.
"'Soul Resonator's' first effect!" boomed Michael, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 Level 4 or lower Fiend monster from my Deck to my hand, except 'Soul Resonator'," He held up a card taken from his Deck, "also I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except DARK Synchro Monsters!"
Far from being done with preparing to overwhelm his enemies, Michael placed the card ('Creation Resonator') into his hand—also containing 'Bone Archfiend', 'Fiendish Golem', 'Dark Resonator', and 'Red Cocoon'—and took another card ('Dark Resonator') from there and sent it right to the GY.
"Next, I'll activate the first effect of 'Bone Archfiend'!" The voice of Michael began, as the above scenario played out. He then took another card ('Bone Archfiend') and readied it for a few seconds before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "If this card is in my hand or GY: I can send 1 other card from my hand or field to the GY; I must Special Summon this card, also I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except DARK Dragon Synchro Monsters! Come, 'Bone Archfiend'!"
Appearing on the field was a skeletal retrained version of 'Mad Archfiend' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 0).
"That's another card we've never seen before!" gawked Shani.
"Allow me to show you 'Bone Archfiend's' second effect!" offered Michael, "I can target 1 face-up monster I control; I must send 1 Fiend Tuner from my hand or Deck to the GY, and if I do, increase or decrease the targeted monster's Level by 1!" When talking on, a card ('Double Resonator') ejected from the center of the Deck, and he took and sent it to the GY—causing 'Soul Resonator's' Level to increase by 1 (Level: 3 → 4), "I send 'Double Resonator' from my Deck to the GY, turning 'Soul Resonator' into a Level 4 monster!" He held his right hand out, "I tune Level 4 'Bone Archfiend' into Level 4 'Soul Resonator'!"
'Soul Resonator' struck its tuning fork with the mallet, turning into four Synchro Rings as 'Bone Archfiend' soared into them before turning into four orbs of light while a Summon Chant from Michael was heard throughout.
"The ruler's heartbeats will now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 4 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly before the four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light. He then held up a card ('Red Dragon Archfiend') taken from his Extra Deck, "Synchro Summon! My very soul, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
The razor sharp claws, legs, and wings of the big, red/black-colored demonic dragon servant of the Crimson Dragon were shown in silhouette form due to the beam of light before it burst apart and revealed the full body of the monster while flying through the sky above Wheel of Fortune (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000).
"'Red Daemon's'?!" fretted Shani.
"No stinkin' way!" put in Clotho.
"Listen carefully!" shouted Michael, "You three clowns will know your place in the presence of the King! Prepare yourselves!"
"Mm… I've got a better idea," snickered Orga deviously, "You idiot! You fell right into my triple trap!" With that said, his three Set cards reappeared on the field in-front of Calamity, flipped face-up, and revealed themselves, "'Gladiator Beast's Valor', 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion', and 'Gladiator Naumachia'!"
"Oh no!" winced Matt.
"We'll start with 'Gladiator Beast's Valor'…" offered Orga, as focus went to his face-up 'Gladiator Beast's Valor' Trap Card, "I must activate only if I control a 'Gladiator Beast' monster. Monsters my opponent controls cannot attack, except to attack 'Gladiator Beast' monsters!" Focus shifted towards the face-up 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion' Trap Card, "As for 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion'… 'Gladiator Beast' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle, also any battle damage I take becomes doubled," And finally, focus went towards the face-up 'Gladiator Naumachia' Trap Card, "And 'Gladiator Naumachia'! While I control a 'Gladiator Beast' monster, all monsters my opponent controls must attack, if able!"
"Using those three Trap Cards to create the ultimate defensive shield from enemy attacks… I see," murmured Michael, acknowledging it to be pretty effective but not unstoppable, "But it's not foolproof!" Focus went to 'Red Dragon Archfiend' in the sky (ATK: 3000), "'Red Daemon's' has 3000 ATK! If I were to unleash an attack…" His (Michael) then went towards Orga's field, "…on one of your monsters in Attack Position, it won't be destroyed, but you'll still take the damage!" Still speaking about his opponent's plan, faded stills of his monster striking a 'Gladiator Beast' monster in Defense Position, then destroying every other monster in Defense Position with Demon Meteor were superimposed over him, "Furthermore, pure defensive gameplay won't work against my very soul! If 'Red Daemon's' were to attack one of your monsters in Defense Position, its first effect of Demon Meteor would activate, destroying all of your monsters that are in Defense Position!" The faded stills ended, "It would prevent your monsters from tagging out!"
"Hmph! Is that what you believe?" teased Orga, "Then let me introduce you to 'Gladiator Naumachia's' second effect!" He held up a card ('Gladiator Beast Secutor') taken from his GY, "Once per turn: I can shuffle 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my hand or GY into the Main Deck," He shuffled the card into the Deck, just as 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' let out a roar and grew even stronger (ATK: 2400 → 3900), "then target 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster I control; it gains ATK equal to its original DEF until the end of this turn (even if this card leaves the field)!"
"Oh, not good! Now 'Gyzarus' is stronger than 'Red Daemon's'!" wailed James R..
Michael gritted his teeth; already furious with Orga, Clotho, and Shani, he was going to teach those three a lesson they would never forget.
"Alright, if you wanna play that way, then let's 'play'!" Michael declared in an absolute fury, before readying another card in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand for a few seconds, "If I control a Level 8 or higher Synchro Monster, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" The card ('Creation Resonator') was placed onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Creation Resonator'!"
Appearing onto the field was the 'Resonator' monster with a fan on its back (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 600).
"I also activate the second effect of 'Double Resonator'!" continued Michael, as, within the GY, the 'Double Resonator' Monster Card emerged from the abyss before fading away into oblivion, "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 Fiend monster I control; that Fiend monster is treated as a Tuner this turn!" As he spoke some more, 'Double Resonator' started banging its tuning fork and mallet together, causing energizing waves to hit 'Battle Fader', "By targeting 'Battle Fader', it's now a Tuner for the time being!"
Outside the geoglyph…
"Mike's got two Tuner monsters out," muttered Lisa, "That means he's about to pull out the big guns and give those three absolute hell!"
Back in the geoglyph, Michael's Mark of the Dragon (Dragon's Wings) on his right forearm was glowing underneath his motorcyclist outfit's sleeve.
"Can you feel it? My pulsing soul, flaring with the bonds I share with my friends!" roared Michael, "This is the exact power I will use to avenge Juri and everyone else who helplessly fell to you Dark Signers!" Upon bringing his right fist near his chest, his whole body started glowing in a fiery aura before holding said hand out dramatically, "Burning Soul!" As he then gave the ultimate command to tune, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' flew into the sky while 'Creation Resonator' and 'Battle Fader' followed, "I double tune Level 8 'Red Dragon Archfiend' into Level 3 'Creation Resonator' and Level 1 'Battle Fader'!"
'Creation Resonator' turned into three flaming Synchro Rings, while 'Battle Fader' turned into one flaming Synchro Ring. 'Red Dragon Archfiend' found itself trapped inside a huge sphere of fire, absorbing the outer flames and increasing its power as another Summon Chant followed.
"The King and The Devil, here and now, shall become as one. A Raging Spirit! Lift up the very cries of Creation itself!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 8 + 3 + 1 = 12 were shown briefly just before the sphere of fire finally exploded, "Synchro Summon! Come forth, 'Red Nova Dragon'!"
Emerging from the sphere of fire was 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' bigger, even more powerful alternate form (Level: 12/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3000). Since it left the field after being Summoned by its own effect, 'Battle Fader' ended up banished. With the tide of battle now turning in the favor of the Signers, Michael took advantage of his signature monster's unmatched power.
"I activate my monster's first effect!" declared Michael, as the souls of three Tuner monsters ('Dark Resonator', 'Soul Resonator' and 'Creation Resonator') suddenly appeared on the field for a few seconds before being absorbed by "Red Nova Dragon', "It gains 500 ATK for each Tuner in my GY! With three monsters there, 'Scar-Red Nova's' ATK becomes 5000!"
'Red Nova Dragon' let out a demonic roar as it glowed a scarlet red and grew even stronger than it already was (ATK: 3500 → 5000).
"It doesn't matter if your 'Gladiator Beast' monsters can't be destroyed!" raged Michael, entering the Battle Phase with a vengeance, "What matters to me is that you're going to feel the brunt of my superior might! Go forth, 'Red Nova Dragon'!" As he announced the attack name, fire started surrounding 'Red Nova Dragon' like an aura, "Burning Soul!"
Flying through the dark sky while doing magnificent aerial dynamics, 'Red Nova Dragon' roared furiously and collided with 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' and caused the enemy monster to scream in agony over being set practically on fire despite not being destroyed. Orga also screamed in pain as his LP took a massive hit—including double battle damage (LP: 4000 → 1800).
"ORGA!" Clotho and Shani both cried out.
"Heh! If you're worried about him, don't be," sneered Michael, "You two will feel this monster's full wrath soon enough!"
"Grr… Damn you, 'Former King'!" bellowed Orga in equal hatred, still pained from the powerful attack, "I activate the second effect of 'Gyzarus'!"
"Another tag out," acknowledged James R..
"At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card battled: I can…" The voice of Orga explained, as 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' turned into a ball of light, floated over, and entered Calamity. He then took two cards ('Gladiator Beast Murmillo' and 'Gladiator Beast Noxious') from his Deck before placing them onto his Duel Runner (sideways), "…return it to the Extra Deck; I must Special Summon 2 'Gladiator Beast' monsters from my Deck, except 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari'! Come, 'Murmillo' and 'Noxious'!"
Appearing on the field were the two mentioned 'Gladiator Beast' monsters in defensive stances (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 400)(Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 1000).
"I activate 'Murmillo's' first effect!" bellowed Orga, "When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I must…" As he finished explaining, 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' slashed a wave of water towards the 'Formula Synchron' still on Matt's field, "…target 1 face-up monster; I must destroy that target!" He narrowed his eyes, "That 'Formula Synchron' is an eyesore… Vanish!"
"Face-down card, open!" interrupted Matt, as his remaining Set card flipped face-up on the field behind Fudo Go and revealed itself, "I activate a Trap, 'D2 Shield'!" An orb of light emerged from the face-up card, circled around, and touched and energized 'Formula Synchron as its DEF stat went up (DEF: 1500 → 3000), "I must target 1 face-up Defense Position monster I control; I must double that monster's DEF until the end of this turn, also if that monster is destroyed, draw 1 card!"
'Gladiator Beast Murmillo's' water attack (effect) struck 'Formula Synchron' and destroyed it. With his monster destroyed, Matt was allowed to draw a card due to the effect of the 'D2 Shield' Trap Card. His drawn card was the 'Effect Veiler' Monster Card.
"And now, I'll activate the second effect of 'Noxious'!" As Orga spoke, he took a card ('Gladiator Beast Dimacari') from his Deck and sent it to the GY, "If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I can send 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my Deck to the GY!"
Outside the geoglyph, the group watched as Michael's Battle Phase finally came to an end.
"Damn it all!" growled Lisa, "Even 'Red Nova Dragon' won't be enough to defeat those Dark Signers! I wish 'Shooting Star Dragon' was here, too…"
"There's a problem with that," reminded Ashima, "Matty's heart is currently too full of anger, meaning he can't reach a state of Clear Mind needed to perform Accel Synchro."
Lisa stomped on the ground over being reminded of that detail.
"What are they going to do?" pressed Rin glumly, "Matt… Mike… James…"
Back in the geoglyph, all six Duel Runners roared onto the highway as the duel continued to intensify.
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!" finished Michael, as he slotted two cards into his Duel Disk.
Two face-down cards materialized on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune. With the first turns of all six duelists complete, it was right back to Clotho.
"Good! That means it's my turn!" boasted Clotho, as he got ready to draw his card, "The true terror of my Handless Combo is about to be unleashed!" He stopped, "Oh, but wait a moment! I have something better in mind than drawing a card!"
"Huh?" blinked Matt.
"I activate the monster effect of 'Infernity Pawn'!" Clotho went on, as a card ('Infernity Pawn') emerged from the GY before fading away into oblivion, "During my Draw Phase, if I have no cards in my hand, instead of conducting my normal draw: I can…" He looked as smug as ever, "…banish this card from my GY, then activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects written on the 'Infernity Pawn' Monster Card:
-"I must place 1 'Infernity' card from my Deck on top of my Deck."
-"I must Set 1 'Void' Spell/Trap directly from my Deck."
To show what effect he chose, a card emerged from the bottom of Clotho's Deck, which he took and slotted into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner. This caused a face-down card to materialize on the field behind Raider.
"With that, I not only have a face-down card again, but my hand can remain empty!" laughed Clotho, "It's my turn!"
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 5 → 6
-Matt: 5 → 6
-Shani: 5 → 6
-James R.: 5 → 6
-Orga: 1 → 2
-Michael: 5 → 6
Turn Seven: Clotho Buer (LP: 4000)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (0): N/A
Speed Counters: 6
Without wasting a second, Clotho made his next move.
"Next, I'll activate the second effect of 'Infernity Paranoia'!" yelled Clotho, while two cards ('Infernity Paranoia' and 'Infernity Mirage') emerged from the GY—with one of them ('Infernity Paranoia') fading away in a blue streak, and the other being taken and placed on the field straight away, "During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Infernity' monster in my GY; I must add it to my hand. I Summon 'Infernity Mirage'!"
Appearing onto the field was the robed shaman wearing a mask that projected red feathers which acted as hair (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"I activate 'Infernity Mirage's' monster effect!" As Clotho spoke, 'Infernity Mirage' faded away in a blue streak, causing two more cards ('Infernity Archfiend' and 'Infernity Beetle') to emerge from the GY and get taken, "If I have no cards in my hand: I can Tribute this card, then target 2 'Infernity' monsters in my GY; I must…" Armed with the two cards, he readied them for about three seconds before placing them onto his Duel Runner, "…Special Summon them! Come, 'Infernity Archfiend' and 'Infernity Beetle'!"
Appearing onto the field were two 'Infernity' monsters; one was a lean and mean Fiend monster with long arms and devil horns (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200), and the other was a large beetle (Level: 2/ATK: 1200/DEF: 0).
"'Infernity Archfiend's' second effect activates!" cried Clotho, as he held up a card ('Infernity Launcher') taken from his GY, "When this card is Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Infernity' card from my Deck to my hand. I must have no cards in my hand to activate and to resolve this effect," His eyes narrowed, "But… This is where I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!" His Speed Counter gauge was reduced but not emptied (SPC: 6 → 2), "Once per turn: I can remove 4 Speed Counters of my own, then reveal any number of…" He held out his 'Infernity Launcher' Spell Card, "…Spell Cards in my hand; I must inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each card revealed! Get ready, Matt! You'll be taking 800 damage from my special attack!"
A bolt of lightning struck Fudo Go, causing Matt to holler in pain as his LP took a fall (LP: 3300 → 2500). Clotho cackled with sadistic amusement, but knew he had additional ways to make things worse for the opponents.
"I activate the Continuous Spell, 'Infernity Launcher'!" The orange/red-haired young man declared, swinging his right arm and causing the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field beside him (on his right), "Once per turn: I can send 1 'Infernity' monster from my hand to the GY."
"You have no cards in your hand!" protested James R..
"And next, I'll activate 'Infernity Beetle's' monster effect!" cut in Clotho, as his 'Infernity Beetle' suddenly found itself splitting in two new copies (Level: 2/ATK: 1200/DEF: 0) x2, "While I have no cards in my hand: I can Tribute this card; I must Special Summon up to 2 'Infernity Beetle' from my Deck!" He held his right hand out, "I tune Level 4 'Infernity Archfiend' into Level 2 'Infernity Beetle'!"
The first 'Infernity Beetle' turned into two Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and overwhelmed 'Infernity Archfiend', turning it into four orbs of light. The symbols 4 + 2 = 6 were shown for two seconds before the four orbs of light within the duo of Synchro Rings and turned into a massive beam of light.
"Synchro Summon!" declared Clotho, "Appear now, 'Infernity Doom Archfiend'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and onto the field, was the stronger, more evolved form of 'Infernity Archfiend' (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600).
"'Infernity Doom Archfiend's' first effect!" jeered Clotho, "Once per turn: I can target 1 face-up card on the field; I must negate its effects (until the end of this turn), then if I have no cards in my hand, I can destroy it!" In his foul little mind… "With this, I can destroy even the unstoppable 'Red Nova Dragon'! This is just perfect!"
"I won't let you!" bellowed Matt, surprising Clotho a little bit. He held out a card ('Effect Veiler') for a second, then discarded it, "I activate the effect of 'Effect Veiler'! During my opponent's Main Phase (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY, then target 1 Effect Monster my opponent controls; I must negate the effects of that face-up monster my opponent controls, until the end of this turn!"
Appearing on the field was the familiar young woman with cyan-colored hair, wearing white clothing, black stockings that went to the middle of her thighs, and sporting two large angelic wings. 'Effect Veiler, with the flap of her wings, blew a gust of wind at 'Infernity Doom Archfiend', causing the enemy monster to be unable to use its effect
"You just-!" cringed Clotho, "You bastard!" In desperation, he made another move, "I dark tune Level 6 'Infernity Doom Archfiend' into Level 2 'Infernity Beetle'!"
'Infernity Beetle' turned itself into two balls of darkness. They were then absorbed into 'Infernity Doom Archfiend', before exploding into a total of eight balls of darkness, which then began spinning together in a circle above as a sinister-sounding Summon Chant was heard.
"When the curtain of darkness comes down, the eyes of the underworld will open. Swoop down, darkness!" chanted Clotho, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly just before a massive beam of darkness exploded from within the eight dark stars, "Dark Synchro! Show yourself, 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!"
When the beam of darkness died down, there, flying above the field, was the huge black dragon with two large wings and countless purple eyes on its body (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"So, you've come at last, you damned Dark Synchro Monster!" exclaimed Michael in defiance.
Outside the geoglyph, Rin, upon seeing 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' again, was deeply scared since it was the Dark Signers' monster that did significant damage to the three Astray girls before they were ultimately struck down. She then felt her hands being touched and held by another pair of hands. Looking down initially and then to her right, she (Rin) saw Carlie smiling and reassuring her (Rin).
"I know that monster brings back a lot of bad memories," said Carlie gently, "But this time, I promise you everything will be okay," She turned her head back towards the geoglyph, "Matt, Mike, and James are the ones facing it, and Mike currently controls a 'Red Nova Dragon' with 5000 ATK."
"I strongly disagree," rebutted Zack, "Mike might be well protected, but Matt and James are not so fortunate at the moment," That comment caused Rin and Carlie to look over, "3000 ATK is still enough to cause them no end of problems—especially since 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' was Synchro Summoned using 'Infernity Doom Archfiend' as material."
"You're right," realized Rin in distress, "It means it can attack twice a battle phase while battling the opponent's monsters."
Back in the geoglyph, Clotho was feeling real pleased to have his ace monster out and about, ready to cause more destruction and break the bones of the Signers—particularly Matt.
"Remember 'Infernity Doom Archfiend's' third effect?" chortled Clotho, "A DARK Synchro Monster that was Summoned using this card as material can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase!"
"Fool! Your monster won't be of any help!" scolded Michael.
"What?!" flinched Clotho.
"I activate a Trap, 'Fiendish Golem'!" Michael went on, as his first Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I must target 1 monster on the field with 2000 or more ATK; I must banish it (until the End Phase of the next turn), then, if I activated this card while I controlled 'Red Dragon Archfiend' or a Synchro Monster that mentions it, I can Set 1 'Fiendish Chain' from my Deck or GY!"
Clotho angrily watched as a large, blue gargoyle emerged from the face-up 'Fiendish Golem' Trap Card, who then grappled with 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' and crushed the enemy monster so hard that it faded away into oblivion (for now).
"Since I control a Synchro Monster that mentions 'Red Daemon's'," recalled Michael, as he held up a card taken from his Deck and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "I can Set a copy of 'Fiendish Chain' from my Deck."
A face-down card materialized on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune before fading away for later use.
"You-! I activate 'Infernity Launcher's' second effect!" Clotho spluttered in fury, as his face-up 'Infernity Launcher' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass. From there, 'Infernity Doom Archfiend' (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600) and 'Infernity Beetle' (Level: 2/ATK: 1200/DEF: 0) reappeared on the field, "I can send this card to the GY, then target up to 2 'Infernity' monsters in my GY; I must Special Summon them. I must have no cards in my hand to activate and to resolve this effect!" He entered his Battle Phase, "Battle! 'Infernity Doom Archfiend', attack Matt directly!"
"I activate 'Swift Scarecrow's' monster effect!" declared Matt.
"What?!"
"When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack (Quick Effect): I can…" The dirty blonde-haired young man explained, holding up a card ('Swift Scarecrow') and sending it to the GY, "…discard this card; I must negate the attack, then end the Battle Phase."
'Infernity Doom Archfiend' tried to move in and attack, but it suddenly found itself having to back down for the time being. Seething further, Clotho decided to bring out his other ace monster.
"I tune Level 6 'Infernity Doom Archfiend' into Level 2 'Infernity Beetle'!" screeched Clotho.
'Infernity Beetle' soared upward before turning into two Synchro Rings, which 'Infernity Doom Archfiend' soared into and turned it into six orbs of light as Clotho was heard echoing a Summon Chant.
"The dead and the living… The moment they meet at zero, the demonic dragon will be released from the cage of eternity!" chanted Clotho, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly just before the six orbs of light within the duo of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Come forth, 'Infernity Doom Dragon'!"
Appearing on the field, when the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was what almost resembled Michael's 'Dread Dragon', except it was colored differently, was bigger, and, quite obviously, more powerful and mean-looking (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2400). To make matters worse for the three Signers and better for Clotho, it was Synchro Summoned using 'Infernity Doom Archfiend' as Synchro Material, just like 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', meaning 'Infernity Doom Dragon' was capable of unleashing an additional attack on the opponent's monsters.
"'Infernity Doom Dragon's' true power will decimate one of James's little birdies without trouble," thought Clotho, "I activate-!"
"I activate the second effect of 'Sharnga the Waning Moon'!" interrupted James R..
Clotho stopped, "What?!"
"If I control a 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster (Quick Effect): I can…" explained James R., holding up a card ('Blackwing - Sharnga the Waning Moon') taken from his GY for a few seconds before it faded away into oblivion, "…banish this card from my GY, then target 1 face-up card my opponent controls; I must destroy it!" He swept his right hand about, "Go forth, 'Armor Master'!" While giving the order to attack, 'Blackwing Armor Master' flew into battle, "Black Hurricane!"
'Blackwing Armor Master' punched 'Infernity Doom Dragon' in the face, causing the enemy monster to explode from destruction. The Biological CPU trio were outraged that the Signers were beginning to fight back.
"They are SO lucky!" exclaimed Clotho.
"Why won't they just die!?" hissed Shani in frustration.
"It's because we Signers share a powerful bond of friendship," answered James R., "The bonds we share can never be broken no matter how hard you guys try!"
"Grrrr!" growled Clotho, entering his End Phase, "I end my turn!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Azrael and the hooded Misty were watching the duel between the Biological CPU trio and the three strongest Signers.
"It's because we Signers share a powerful bond of friendship," The image of James R. answered, "The bonds we share can never be broken no matter how hard you guys try!"
"Grrrr!" The image of Clotho growled, entering his End Phase, "I end my turn!"
Azrael was not at all pleased at how his students were faring after such a great start—particularly after James R.'s first turn.
"Hmhmhm…" chuckled Misty dryly, causing Azrael to look over his shoulder at her in annoyance, "It would seem your students might need a little more practice before going up against the Signers, wouldn't you agree?"
"If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut if you know what's good for you!" threatened Azrael.
Unafraid of the warning, Misty merely smiled and decided to do just that on her own terms.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Hartford, particularly the geoglyph, Matt was about to start his next turn.
"It's my turn!" he announced, drawing a card, "This will be the turn 'Stardust Dragon' comes back!"
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 2 → 3
-Matt: 6 → 7
-Shani: 6 → 7
-James R.: 6 → 7
-Orga: 2 → 3
-Michael: 6 → 7
Turn Eight: Matt Fudo (LP: 2500)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (1): "Tuning"
Speed Counters: 7
Matt's card was the 'Tuning' Spell Card. He needed another card, but with seven Speed Counters, he would put them to good use to make it happen.
"I activate 'High Speed World's' third effect!" announced Matt, as the monitor of Fudo Go 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!"
Matt's drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Satellite Synchron'—causing him to see a combo involving cards like the 'Tuning' Spell Card, the 'Junk Synchron' Monster Card, the 'Tuningware' Monster Card, the 'Armory Arm' Synchro Monster Card, and the 'Satellite Synchron' Monster Card. Nodding, Matt made his next move.
"I activate the Normal Spell, 'Tuning'!" began Matt, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Fudo Go. A card ejected from the center of his Deck and then taken, "I must add 1 'Synchron' Tuner from my…" He held the card up, "…Deck to my hand, then send the top card of my Deck to the GY!" The card was turned over and revealed to be the 'Junk Synchron' Monster Card, "I add 'Junk Synchron' into my hand!"
"'Junk Synchron'!" gasped Shani.
"Now," The voice of Matt went on, as he drew the top card of his Deck and sent it to the GY, "I'll send the top card of my Deck to the GY!" He then placed his added card ('Junk Synchron') onto his Duel Runner, "Appear now, 'Junk Synchron'!"
Appearing onto the field was the robotic monster with the engine on his back (Level: 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 500).
"When 'Junk Synchron' is Normal Summoned: I can…" revealed Matt, holding up a card ('Tuningware') taken from his GY, "…target 1 Level 2 or lower monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Defense Position, but negate its effects!" He placed the card onto his Duel Runner (sideways), "I Special Summon 'Tuningware'!"
The small monster wearing a scarf and frying pan for headgear appeared on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 300).
"I'll also Summon one more monster, using the first effect of 'Satellite Synchron'!" As Matt spoke, he placed his last card ('Satellite Synchron') onto his Duel Runner. Appearing on the field was a robotic satellite with arms and legs (Level: 2/ATK: 700/DEF: 100), "If a monster(s) is Special Summoned from my GY (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" As he gave the order to tune, 'Tuningware' went into the air while 'Junk Synchron' turned into three Synchro Rings, "I tune Level 1 'Tuningware' into Level 3 'Junk Synchron'!"
'Tuningware' soared into the three Synchro Rings, turning into one orb of light. The symbols 1 + 3 = 4 were shown for only a few seconds when the lone orb of light in the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light.
"Synchro Summon!" shouted Matt, "Show yourself, 'Armory Arm'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the large clawed gauntlet-like monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200).
"'Tuningware's' second effect!" announced Matt, drawing a card, "If this card is sent to the GY for a Synchro Summon: I must draw 1 card!" After adding the card into his hand, he continued with his turn, "Now I activate 'Satellite Synchron's' second effect!" While explaining the effect, the presence of 'Formula Synchron' in the GY seemed to energize 'Satellite Synchron' and modify its base Level (Level: 2 → 4), "If I have a Synchro Monster with 'Warrior', 'Synchron', or 'Stardust' in its original name on my field or GY: I can make this card's Level become 4 until the end of this turn!"
"Level 4!" cried James R..
"'Stardust' is about to come back!" put in Michael.
Sure enough…
"I tune Level 4 'Armory Arm' into Level 4 'Satellite Synchron'!" commanded Matt.
'Satellite Synchron' glowed all gold and turned into four Synchro Rings, which 'Armory Arm' soared into before turning into four orbs of light.
"Gathering stars will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 4 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly before the four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Take flight, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
Reappearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the white, majestic ace monster of Matt Fudo (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"Defense Position?" questioned Orga, "Why the hell would you Summon your ace monster in Defense Position?" He stopped himself and started to laugh, "Oh yeah, now I know! It's because 'Gladiator Naumachia' would force 'Stardust' to attack one of my 'Gladiator Beast' monsters—and they can't be destroyed by battle due to 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion'!"
Ignoring the taunts, Matt took the very last card ('Shooting Star') from his hand, looked at it for about two seconds, and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner.
"I set one card face-down…" concluded Matt, as a face-down card materialized on the field in-front of Fudo Go before fading away for later use, "…and end my turn!"
"And this is the moment I've been waiting for!" boomed Clotho with glee, "Remember 'Fiendish Golem'? Its effect wears off during the End Phase of the next turn!" Dark fog started gathering in the sky as the next set of words were yelled out by him, "It means 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' is also brought back!"
Many glowing eyes were shown within the fog—and when the fog died down, there, in the sky, was 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', back and ready for vengeance upon those who tried to get rid of it (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). The Dark Synchro Monster snarled and faced the opposition consisting of 'Stardust Dragon', 'Red Nova Dragon', and 'Blackwing Armor Master'. Before long, Matt (aboard Fudo Go), Michael (aboard Wheel of Fortune), and James R. (aboard Blackbird) stared on in defiance as faded images of Orga, Clotho, and Shani (from shoulders up) appeared near the middle of the sky as the duel between Signers and Dark Signers was about to intensify even more.