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: At Vengeance's End
Opening up within the geoglyph created by now Dark Signer Clotho Buer, the Turbo Duel between the three strongest Signers against the Biological CPU trio was ongoing, both sides having dealt serious damage to the other. Meanwhile, these were the standings:
-Matt (LP: 2500): Controlled 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000) and two Set cards.
-James R. (LP: 2300): Controlled 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' (Level: 4/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1200) and 'Blackwing Armor Master' (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1500).
-Michael (LP: 2400): Controlled 'Red Nova Dragon' (Level: 12/ATK: 5000/DEF: 3000) and two Set cards.
-Clotho (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500) and a Set card.
-Shani (LP: 1600): Controlled nothing.
-Orga (LP: 1800): Controlled 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 400), 'Gladiator Beast Noxious' (Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 1000), 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion' (Trap Card), 'Gladiator Beast's Valor' (Trap Card), and 'Gladiator Naumachia' (Trap Card).
Outside the geoglyph, the rest of the group continued to watch the intense match.
"Man, this duel is getting so hot—and not exactly in a good way," murmured Lisa.
"Both sides are evenly matched," observed Ms. Simmons, "There's no telling who will come out on top."
"Something tells me we'd better hope it's our friends who are the successful ones," mused Rin.
"No kidding," agreed Zack, folding his arms, "Right now," He (Zack) was gazing into the geoglyph at Shani, "it's Shani's turn."
"It's my turn!" declared Shani, drawing a card.
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 3 → 4
-Matt: 0 → 1
-Shani: 7 → 8
-James R.: 7 → 8
-Orga: 3 → 4
-Michael: 7 → 8
Turn Nine: Shani Andras (LP: 1600)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (3): "Gishki Shadow", "Gishki Abyss", and "Gishki Grimness"
Speed Counters: 8
Shani saw that his drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Gishki Grimness', and while it was good, he thought he could draw something better. Luckily, he had the tools needed to do that.
"I activate 'High Speed World's' third effect!" began Shani, as the monitor of Forbidden 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 a Spell Card called 'Moray of Greed', and the rest of his hand contained 'Gishki Shadow', 'Gishki Abyss', and 'Gishki Grimness'.
"I activate the second effect of 'Ice Barrier'!" Shani went on, just as a card ('Ice Barrier') ejected from his GY and faded away into oblivion—causing another card ('Evigishki Levianima') to eject from the middle of the Deck, get taken, and get put in the GY, "I can banish this card from my GY; I must send 1 Level 5 or higher WATER monster from my Deck to the GY, then," Another card ('Evigishki Levianima') emerged from the GY, which was taken and placed in the hand, "I can add 1 WATER monster from my GY to my hand, also, until the end of my next turn after this effect resolves," He looked on ahead, "I cannot Special Summon monsters, except WATER monsters!" Not being done, he took another card from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Gishki Grimness'!"
Appearing on the field was the humanoid swordfish-like monster wielding a trident (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 700).
"The second effect of 'Gishki Grimness'!" As Shani spoke on, he held up a card taken from his Deck, "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!" He then turned the card ('Gishki Vision') over and revealed what it was, "I Special Summon 'Gishki Vision'…" He placed the card onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Runner, "…in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a reptilian creature wearing a blue-colored shawl over its shoulders (Level: 2/ATK: 700/DEF: 500).
"I'm gonna make another powerful Ritual Monster come to me," slurred Shani, holding up another card, "I'll do it with this card right here…" He turned the card ('Moray of Greed') over and revealed what it was, "Spell Card, 'Moray of Greed', activate!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Forbidden, "I must shuffle 2 WATER monsters from my hand into the Deck, then draw 3 cards!"
With that said, Shani took two cards ('Gishki Abyss' and 'Evigishki Levianima') and shuffled them into his Deck, then drew three new cards—which were 'Evigishki Neremanas' (Ritual Monster Card), 'Gishki Aquamirror' (Spell Card), and 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' (Ritual Monster Card).
"Ha ha ha ha! As always, I draw exactly what I need!" bragged Shani, cackling loudly. He then took one of the cards ('Gishki Aquamirror') and held it out, "Ritual Spell, 'Gishki Aquamirror'! This card can be used to Ritual Summon any 'Gishki' Ritual Monster!" With the swing of the right arm, he slotted the card into his Duel Runner and caused the 'Gishki Aquamirror' Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field in-front of Forbidden, "I must also Tribute monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels exactly equal the Level of the Ritual Monster I Ritual Summon!" Focus briefly went towards his 'Gishki Grimness' as he activated its first effect, "If I Ritual Summon exactly 1 WATER Ritual Monster with a card effect that requires use of monsters, 'Gishki Grimness' can be used as the entire Tribute!"
'Gishki Grimness' faded away in a blue streak, and an explosion of water ensued, soon revealing a huge, standing on two legs, aquatic monster with two, powerful-looking arms as a Summon Chant from Shani ensued.
"At the ocean's depth lies a gate, leading to a deeper abyss. Messenger of terror, embrace the unrivaled pressure of Mother Ocean!" chanted Shani, "Ritual Summon! Come forth! Level 8! 'Evigishki Soul Ogre'!"
Having shown up for a second time in the duel, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' snarled and prepared for battle (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2800).
"'Evigishki Soul Ogre'!" thought Matt, before speaking aloud, "Face-down card, activate!"
"What?!" exclaimed Shani.
"'Shooting Star'!" The voice of Matt declared, as his first Set card flipped face-up on the field behind Fudo Go and revealed itself, "If a 'Stardust' monster is on the field: I must target 1 card on the field; I must destroy that target! Orga!" As he (Matt) revealed the card he intended to destroy, Orga gritted his (Orga) teeth while listening, "The target to be destroyed will be your Trap Card, 'Gladiator Beast's Valor'!"
Despite being in Defense Position, 'Stardust Dragon' took to the skies, opened its mouth, and fired off Cosmic Flare, striking the face-up 'Gladiator Beast's Valor' Trap Card owned by Orga and destroying it.
"With the greatest defense against our attacks eliminated," came from Michael, "you Dark Signers are now equally vulnerable to being struck!"
"Tch! I activate 'Gishki Shadow's' second effect!" scowled Shani, discarding a card ('Gishki Shadow') and causing another card ('Gishki Aquamirror') to emerge from the center of the Deck—which he took and made materialize face-up on the field in-front of Forbidden, "I can discard this card; I must add 1 'Gishki' Ritual Spell from my Deck to my hand! Plus, I'll activate it straight away!"
"Again?!" complained James R..
"And, like before, I have a monster capable of serving as the 'whole' Tribute!" reminded Shani, as some focus went towards his 'Gishki Vision', "My 'Gishki Vision's' first effect activates! If I Ritual Summon exactly 1 WATER Ritual Monster with a card effect that requires use of monsters, this card can be used as the entire requirement!"
'Gishki Vision' 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 the familiar 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). The second James R. saw that monster, it made him remember that it was the one who killed Mayura. Michael, meanwhile, was not the least bit impressed.
"That's a powerful monster you have there," said Michael sarcastically, "However, you've forgotten one detail!" On cue, his first Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune and revealed itself, "Continuous Trap, 'Fiendish Chain', activate!"
"Oh no! I forgot all about that card!" flinched Shani.
The face-up 'Fiendish Chain' Trap Card started releasing chains.
"I must activate this card by targeting 1 Effect Monster on the field; I must negate the effects of that face-up monster while it is on the field, also that face-up monster cannot attack!" The voice of Michael explained, as the chains approached and wrapped around 'Evigishki Neremanas' and crippled it, "When it is destroyed, I must destroy this card!"
"I'm not through," Shani insisted quietly, before holding up a card ('Gishki Aquamirror'), "Remember the second effect of 'Gishki Aquamirror'?" He shuffled the card into his Deck, causing another card to eject from his GY, "I can shuffle this card from the GY into the Deck, then target 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster…" The card ('Evigishki Mind Augus') was taken and placed in his hand, "…in my GY; I must add it to my hand."
"'Evigishki Neremanas' is no longer a threat, but there's still 'Evigishki Soul Ogre'," remembered Matt.
"You realized it, didn't you?" snorted Shani, before activating the effect of his 'Evigishki Soul Ogre'—who posed and readied to unleash an attack upon one of the Signers, "Once per turn: I can discard 1 'Gishki' monster to target 1 face-up card my opponent controls; I must shuffle that target into the Deck!" His eyes narrowed over who he wanted sent away, "Die, "Armor Master'!" It was then his monster started summoning a surge of water, "Extreme Tidal Surge!"
The water washed across the road, striking 'Blackwing Armor Master' and causing him to fade away in a blue streak.
"'Armor Master'!" cried James R., as he took the 'Blackwing Armor Master' Synchro Monster Card off his Duel Disk and placed it right back in the Extra Deck, "Grr…"
"That monster can't be destroyed by battle, nor will you take battle damage when it battles," commented Shani snidely, "However," He held his right hand up and clenched it into a fist, "he can still be sent right back where he came from—the Extra Deck!" With the swing of the right fist, the Battle Phase then commenced, "Battle! 'Evigishki Soul Ogre', take down 'Boreastorm the Wicked Wind', too!"
'Evigishki Soul Ogre' obeyed, slashing at 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' with its claws and destroying the weaker monster. James R. covered himself with his right arm as shards of the destroyed monster soared past him and his LP took a hit (LP: 2300 → 1900). Outside the geoglyph, the group watched with dismay over 'Blackwing Armor Master' and 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' being eliminated.
"James's monsters are gone!" bemoaned Carlie.
Back inside the geoglyph, Shani had just called it a turn—but was still in the mood to taunt his most hated enemy.
"Is that the best a True Duelist can do to win a match, James?" laughed Shani, "Or are you even a True Duelist at all?" He didn't let up, while Orga and Clotho smirked evilly, "You shouldn't feel bad, Mayura and her friends tried to do the same thing, and they failed miserably enough that it cost them their lives!"
"Unforgivable…!" growled James R., now angered more than ever before, "For the deaths of Mayura Labatt and her friends, and so much more, I'll never forgive you guys!" He got ready to draw a card, "I swear this will be the turn the score between us gets settled!"
A card was then drawn, causing every player in the duel to gain another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 4 → 5
-Matt: 1 → 2
-Shani: 1 → 2
-James R.: 8 → 9
-Orga: 4 → 5
-Michael: 8 → 9
Turn Ten: James R. Hogan (LP: 1900)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (1): "Cards for Black Feathers"
Speed Counters: 9
James R. saw his drawn card was the 'Cards for Black Feathers' Spell Card.
"'Cards for Black Feathers'!" thought James R., "But I need to discard a 'Blackwing' monster to use it, and I currently don't have one in my hand. Unless…" Getting an idea, he made a move as the number of Speed Counters he had went way down (SPC: 9 → 2), "I activate 'High Speed World's' third effect! Once per turn: I can remove 7 Speed Counters of my own; I must draw 1 card!" As he (James R.) made his declaration, Shani listened with disinterest, "I'm putting all my faith in this one draw!"
"You're betting on a single draw?" grunted Clotho, "That sounds like a longshot deal to me!"
Ignoring the rude comment, James R. pressed the index and middle fingers of his right hand on top of his Deck, knowing that he needed to draw a 'Blackwing' monster to activate his 'Cards for Black Feathers' Spell Card.
"Unless I draw a 'Blackwing' monster here, there won't be anything I can do for this turn, leaving Orga to finish me off on his turn," James R. told himself, mentally. He closed his eyes and found himself in the abyss of darkness, "Mayura… please lend me your strength."
He felt a gentle touch on top of his hand, causing him to open his eyes and look to his right, seemingly finding Mayura standing beside him. The tomboyish, red-haired young woman closed her eyes and smiled sweetly at him. Feeling slightly at peace, James R. smiled back, closed his eyes once more, and, together with Mayura, drew his card with a good old Destiny Draw. Outside the darkness, James R. opened his eyes, turned his drawn card over, and revealed it to be…the 'Blackwing - Zephyros the Elite' Monster Card.
"I did it! I drew a 'Blackwing' monster!" rejoiced James R.. With renewed vigor, he held out his drawn card ('Cards for Black Feathers'), "I activate the Normal Spell, 'Cards for Black Feathers'!" He discarded the card ('Blackwing - Zephyros the Elite') he drew from the third effect of the 'High Speed World' Spell Card, then drew two new cards one-at-a-time, "I must send 1 'Blackwing' monster from my hand to the GY; draw 2 cards!" Upon seeing he had drawn 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind' (Tuner Monster Card) and 'Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr' (Tuner Monster Card)… "They're here!"
Shani expressed some worry when he (Shani) heard the tone in James R.'s voice, wondering if the cards were indeed going to help him (James R.) fight back. Sure enough, James R., after seeing a path to winning the duel, readied one of the cards ('Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr') in his right hand.
"If this card is added from my Deck to my hand by a card effect: I can Special Summon this card from my hand," As he spoke, James R. placed his card onto his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr'!"
Appearing on the field was an orange-feathered Winged Beast monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1100/DEF: 300).
"Furthermore, I'll also activate the monster effect of 'Zephyros the Elite'!" continued James R., as 'Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr' faded away in a blue streak—while the blue-haired 'Blackwing' monster decked out in armor appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000), "If this card is in my GY: I can return 1 face-up card I control to the hand; I must Special Summon this card, and if I do, take 400 damage!"
He shut his eyes and grimaced as he then took some damage from the side effect of his monster's Summon (LP: 1900 → 1500). Not being done, he took the added back card and placed it onto his Duel Runner.
"I Normal Summon 'Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr'!" added James R..
Reappearing on the field was the orange-feathered Winged Beast monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1100/DEF: 300). It was then he and 'Blackwing - Zephyros the Elite' took to the skies.
"I tune Level 4 'Zephyros the Elite' into Level 3 'Breeze the Zephyr'!" The voice of James R. declared, as the above scenario played out.
'Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr' turned into three Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Zephyros the Elite' flew into before turning into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant ensued.
"Darkened gales, become the wings which will soar to the heavens!" chanted James R., as the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! 'Blackwing Armor Master'!"
As the Synchro Summon sequence ended, the familiar one-eyed 'Blackwing' monster was back on the field (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1500). Orga, Clotho, and Shani each gritted their teeth, aware that 'Blackwing Armor Master' was going to give them no end of trouble so long as he remained on the field.
"With 'Gladiator Beast's Valor' gone, 'Armor Master' can strike any of our monsters and leave behind a Wedge Counter," recalled Shani, "That bastard… Who is he going to aim for, first?"
"Immediately attacking with my monster won't be necessary," dismissed James R., "I told you I'm going to end you on this turn."
"This turn? Ridiculous!" objected Shani.
"I activate the first effect of 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind'!" cut in James R., holding up a card ('Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind'), "If I control a 'Blackwing' monster other than 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" He placed the card onto his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Gale the Whirlwind'!"
Appearing onto the field was the bird-like 'Blackwing' with blue feathers on its body except for the green ones on its head (Level: 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 400).
"I activate my monster's second effect!" announced James R., as 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind' conjured up two balls of great wind, and thrusting them towards Shani's field, striking 'Evigishki Neremanas' and weakening it considerably (ATK: 3000 → 1500/DEF: 1800 → 900), "Once per turn: I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; that target's ATK/DEF become half its current ATK/DEF!"
"It's all pointless—even if 'Armor Master' attacks and destroys 'Evigishki Neremanas', or attacks and weakens 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' for 'Gale the Whirlwind' to attack and destroy," rambled Shani, "I will still have LP left over! You can't beat me this turn, James, admit it!"
James R. narrowed his eyes in hatred of Shani Andras, as 'Blackwing Armor Master' and 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind' both flew above him.
"You are absolutely despicable," said James R. coldly, as his birthmark (Dragon's Tail) glowed brightly under the sleeve of his jacket, "You and your two best friends…"
A trio of flashbacks ensued.
FLASHBACK
'Evigishki Neremanas' dove into the ground as though it were water. Flashback 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 Flashback Mayura out of the duel.
(new scene…)
An attack by 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' struck the center of Flashback Juri's purple M1 Astray as it began sparking. The thought of dying terrified Flashback Juri.
"You guys killed Mayura, Juri, and Asagi!" narrated James R., as the above scenario played out.
Flashback Juri tearfully screamed (silently) as the damage to the Duel Runner caused an explosion and seemingly took her with it—just like it did with Flashback Mayura.
(new scene…)
The gigantic hand from 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' had gotten so close to the ground that it caused rubble to break and collide with Flashback 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.
END FLASHBACK
The flashbacks ended.
"That's why…we Signers are going to take you guys down here and now!" boomed James R., as 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind' turned into three Synchro Rings, "I tune Level 7 'Armor Master' into Level 3 'Gale the Whirlwind'!"
'Blackwing Armor Master' soared into the three Synchro Rings as his whole body became outlined and revealed seven orbs of light from within.
"Darkened gales of might! Soar to even greater heights, and bring the pain on your adversities!" chanted James R., as the symbols 7 + 3 = 10 were briefly shown before the seven orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Level 10! 'Blackwing Full Armor Master'!"
Emerging from the beam of light and into the sky, was 'Blackwing Armor Master' wearing brand new armor, wielding a greatsword for a weapon, and with an arm cannon for the left hand (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
"'Backwing'…" began Matt.
"… 'Full Armor Master'!" finished Michael.
Outside the geoglyph…
"Is that an upgraded form for Hogan-kun's 'Blackwing Armor Master'?" wondered David.
"Is James's will to avenge our friends really that strong?" came from Rin, "Did it reward him with that Synchro Monster?"
"James…" uttered Zack.
Back in the geoglyph, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' continued to fly above Blackbird (James R.), Shani, meanwhile, was in shock over seeing the appearance of the newest ace monster belonging to James R. Hogan.
"'Blackwing Full Armor Master'?!" Shani freaked out, "That guy picked now of all times to bring him out?"
"'Full Armor Master' has four effects," revealed James R., "The first effect… It's unaffected by other cards' effects. The second effect…" While speaking, an enlarged image of the 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' Synchro Monster Card loomed in the background, "Each time an opponent's monster activates its effect, I must place 1 Wedge Counter on that opponent's monster (max. 1) after that effect resolves," Not about to wait for the opponent to use a monster effect, he, as the background went back to normal, had a better idea; he held up a card ('Blackwing - Auster the South Wind') taken from his GY, "Next, I'll activate the second effect of 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind'! I can banish this card from the GY to activate 1 of the following effects!"
These were the following effects written on the 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind' Monster Card:
-"I must place Black Feather Counter(s) on 1 'Black-Winged Dragon' I control, equal to the number of card(s) my opponent controls."
-"I must place 1 Wedge Counter on each face-up monster my opponent controls that does not have one."
'Blackwing Full Armor Master' aimed his arm cannon and fired Wedge Counters from it—striking every single monster owned by Orga ('Gladiator Beast Murmillo' and 'Gladiator Beast Noxious'), Clotho ('Hundred Eyes Dragon'), and Shani ('Evigishki Soul Ogre' and 'Evigishki Neremanas').
"Crap!" panicked Orga.
"Our monsters have Wedge Counters!" put in Clotho.
"As of now, I'll activate 'Full Armor Master's' third effect!" explained James R., "Once per turn: I can target 1 monster my opponent…" As he spoke further, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' aimed his arm cannon again and fired from it, striking the Wedge Counter stuck in 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' and shoving it in deeper, "…controls with a Wedge Counter; I must take control of it!"
With the Wedge Counter fully impaling it, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' found itself going over to the field belonging to James R., leaving Shani only with a weakened 'Evigishki Neremanas'. Speaking of Shani, all he could do was wait for the end to come to him.
"Battle!" declared James R., entering the Battle Phase. As he gave the order to attack, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' charged forth and slashed at 'Evigishki Neremanas', "'Evigishki Soul Ogre' attacks 'Evigishki Neremanas'!"
'Evigishki Neremanas' exploded from destruction, leaving Shani with very low LP (LP: 1600 → 300).
"Hmph! With 'Evigishki Neremanas' destroyed, my 'Fiendish Chain' is also destroyed," recalled Michael, satisfied.
The face-up 'Fiendish Chain' Trap Card shattered into shards of glass.
"'Full Armor Master', attack Shani directly!" commanded James R., he thrust his right hand forward, "Black Full Hurricane!"
Nothing initially seemed to happen within the thick blanket of smoke. Shani, believing he would be spared, initially let out a sigh of relief. That, however, was false hope, as bursting out of the smoke with a battle cry was 'Blackwing Full Armor Master', and once close enough, he readied his sword and stabbed it into the center of Forbidden, causing Shani to let out a chopped off scream as the mighty 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster pulled the weapon out and retreated back near Blackbird. Outside the geoglyph, the group watched in stunned silence as Forbidden, along with Shani's LP falling to 0 (LP: 300 → 0), sparked and finally exploded, seemingly claiming the life of the Dark Signer.
Shani Andras has been eliminated!
"SHANI!" bellowed Orga, shocked, but only for a few seconds. Feeling an animalistic rage building inside over the death of his younger friend, he gritted his teeth, "You bastard! I'll kill you for this! I swear to God… I'LL KILL YOU ALL!"
Clotho, who was also enraged over Shani's apparent death, followed suit by letting out a warcry of absolute hatred. James R. was surprised over the anger being displayed by the two Dark Signers, but did his best to ignore it as the Battle Phase ended.
"I enter my End Phase and activate 'Full Armor Master's' fourth effect!" announced James R., as 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' once again aimed his arm cannon, "Once per turn, during my End Phase: I can destroy all monsters on the field that have a Wedge Counter!"
Orga let out another cry of rage, knowing that there was nothing he could do to save his monsters, which still had Wedge Counters, from biting the dust.
"Take this!" shouted James R..
'Blackwing Full Armor Master' fired a stream of bullets at the monsters controlled by Orga and Clotho (and Shani's 'Evigishki Soul Ogre'), destroying them all. When it looked like 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' would also be destroyed, Clotho made a move to save his monster.
"I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Void Cauldron'!" The red/orange-haired young man yelled out, as his Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of Raider and revealed itself, "If an 'Infernity' monster(s) and/or a Level 8 DARK Dragon Synchro Monster(s) I control would be destroyed by my opponent's card effect," A card ('Infernity Inferno') ejected from the GY before fading away into oblivion, "I can banish 1 'Infernity' card from my GY instead!"
The remaining bullets struck 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', but the enemy monster was unaffected by them. Meanwhile, Orga was left with no monsters to attack or defend with.
"This isn't the end!" hissed Orga, drawing a card, "What I draw next will change the whole duel around! You'll all see!"
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 5 → 6
-Matt: 2 → 3
-James R.: 2 → 3
-Orga: 5 → 6
-Michael: 9 → 10
Turn Eleven: Orga Sabnak (LP: 1800)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (1): "Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu"
Speed Counters: 6
Unfortunately for Orga, his hopes were dashed when he saw his drawn card was…a Monster Card called 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu'.
"M-My 'Earthbound Immortal'-!" stammered Orga, before losing it, "But I don't have any monsters to Tribute! This card's completely useless now! I'm also one Speed Counter short, and I have no additional cards in my hand!" With nothing he could do, he entered his End Phase, "I…skip my turn."
"Then it's time for us to settle everything," advised Michael, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 6 → 7
-Matt: 3 → 4
-James R.: 3 → 4
-Orga: 6 → 7
-Michael: 10 → 11
Turn Twelve: Michael Atlas (LP: 2400)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (1): "Red Zone"
Speed Counters: 11
Without wasting any time, Michael added the drawn card into his hand and entered the Battle Phase.
"Battle!" Michael proclaimed, narrowing his cold eyes in anticipation of taking revenge, "It's all over, Dark Signer!" It was then, as he gave the order to attack, 'Red Nova Dragon' once again gained a flaming aura, "'Scar-Red Nova', attack Orga directly! Burning Soul!"
'Red Nova Dragon' obeyed, soaring through the dark sky. Orga looked around anxiously for any sign of the monster, only for 'Red Nova Dragon' to come up from behind, colliding with Calamity and causing Orga to scream in pain as his LP gauge emptied (LP: 1800 → 0).
Orga Sabnak has been eliminated!
The damage done to Calamity caused it to explode and take its rider with it as 'Red Nova Dragon' burst through the smoke and back into the sky with a triumphant roar.
"Two down, one to go," thought Michael in triumph, before eyeing the single occupied Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "It looks to me like I won't need to activate my Trap Card, 'Red Cocoon', after all," It was then he eyed what was left of his hand, "But still, I'll keep this card on standby if needed…" He took the only card left in his hand, "I Set one card face-down…" He slotted it into his Duel Disk, "…and end my turn!"
A face-down card materialized on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune before fading away for later use.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the hideout of the Dark Signers, Azrael and Misty were watching the duel on the crystal globe—particularly the moment where Michael and 'Red Nova Dragon' defeated Orga.
"Battle!" The image of Michael proclaimed, narrowing his cold eyes in anticipation of taking revenge, "It's all over, Dark Signer!" It was then, as he gave the order to attack, 'Red Nova Dragon' once again gained a flaming aura, "'Scar-Red Nova', attack Orga directly! Burning Soul!"
'Red Nova Dragon' obeyed, soaring through the dark sky. The image of Orga looked around anxiously for any sign of the monster, only for 'Red Nova Dragon' to come up from behind, colliding with Calamity and causing Orga to scream in pain as the damage done to Calamity caused it to explode and take its rider with it as 'Red Nova Dragon' burst through the smoke and back into the sky with a triumphant roar. Needless to say, Azrael was livid.
"Of all the times Orga had to brick, it had to happen here?!" complained Azrael, slamming his right hand on the table, "This humiliation is worse than when that damned Signer defeated Orga in Godwin's tournament! Damn you, Michael Atlas and 'Red Nova Dragon'…"
Misty paid no attention to Azrael's frustration, but she did hear the doors opening and turned. Azrael looked up and looked in the direction of the doors, too. Entering the room was Rutger, having seemingly dealt with the intruders in a successful manner.
"Rutger," acknowledged Misty.
"The situation with our uninvited guests has been dealt with 'peacefully'," confirmed Rutger, ending the sentence in a deadly way
(elsewhere…)
Back in Hartford, Clotho was all alone; James R. and Michael defeated (and killed) Shani and Orga, forcing him to fight the three Signers all on his own, but he was panicking and getting desperate.
"It's happening again; the same punks who humiliated us in that tournament are on the verge of winning against us once more!" thought Clotho, terrified and twitching, as his mind deteriorated even further, "I won't stand for losing to them! No… I won't stand for losing period! Not this time… Not ever again!" He raised his head as the skin around his eyes turned purple and he started practically snarling like a wild animal before screaming something, "I WILL NOT EVER GET ANOTHER GAME OVER FROM YOU GUYS!"
"What the-?!" gasped Matt.
"He's completely gone nuts!" observed James R..
Michael said nothing, but even he was stunned by what he heard from Clotho. The four remaining Duel Runners turned a corner onto the next street, while Clotho, falling into insanity, took his turn.
"It's my turn!" shrieked Clotho, drawing a card.
Every player in the duel gained another Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 7 → 8
-Matt: 4 → 5
-James R.: 4 → 5
-Michael: 11 → 12
Turn Thirteen: Clotho Buer (LP: 4000)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (1): "This Creepy Little Punk"
Speed Counters: 8
Clotho's drawn card was the 'This Creepy Little Punk' Spell Card. However, the second he got a card placed in his hand…
"The first effect of 'Void Cauldron'!" Clotho went on, holding up his card ('Void Cauldron') before sending it to the GY, "This card is sent to the GY if I have any cards in my hand. Next, I'll activate 'Hundred Eyes Dragon's' first effect!" Appearing on the field for a split second was 'Infernity Doom Archfiend', before it merged with 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', "Once per turn: I can banish 1 Level 6 or lower DARK Effect Monster from my GY; until the End Phase, this card's name becomes that banished monster's, and I must replace this effect with that banished monster's original effects!"
"I won't let you!" interrupted Michael, knowing that this was the time to use the card he Set during his last turn, "Continuous Trap, open! 'Red Zone'!" His Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "When my opponent activates a card or effect while I control 'Red Dragon Archfiend' or a Synchro Monster that mentions it: I can target 1 card on the field; I must destroy it!" Glowing red and orange, 'Red Nova Dragon', as he gave the order for it to attack, faced 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' and unleashed a mighty blast of fire at the Dark Synchro Monster, "'Red Nova Dragon', destroy 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!"
The blast of fire struck 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', destroying it in a massive explosion and leaving Clotho without any monsters.
"Ngh… I'm not done…" muttered Clotho, before raising his voice while his barely held on sanity was crumbling further, "I'M NOT DONE YET!" He held out his drawn card ('This Creepy Little Punk'), "Spell Card, 'This Creepy Little Punk'! I must Special Summon 1 of my 'Infernity' monsters that is banished, or in my hand or GY!" His GY started glowing all white as he, even as he writhed in pain, smiled madly, "Resurrect, 'Infernity Doom Dragon'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Infernity Doom Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2400). By now, Clotho was laughing deliriously if not insanely.
"Clotho knows that using 'Infernity Doom Dragon's' effect is pointless because of 'Stardust Dragon' being on the field," thought Matt, narrowing his eyes, "So he'll definitely go for a straight out attack!"
"'Infernity Doom Dragon'!" screamed Clotho, entering his Battle Phase, "Death Fire Blast!"
'Infernity Doom Dragon' obeyed, opening its mouth and unleashing a destructive flame attack towards 'Stardust Dragon'. Clotho's demented laughter continued to get steadily worse as he became convinced Matt's ace monster would not survive the onslaught.
"I'm gonna… I'm gonna…" stammered Clotho.
Unfortunately…
"I won't let one of my friends take the fall!" interrupted Michael, just as 'Red Nova Dragon' got in the way of 'Stardust Dragon' in an attempt to protect it from Death Fire Blast, "I activate 'Red Nova Dragon's' third effect!"
Death Fire Blast collided with 'Red Nova Dragon', but the upgraded Signer Dragon was unfazed and soon disappeared from the field.
"'Scar-Red Nova's' gone!" realized Rin.
"Banished, that is," confirmed Zack.
"When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I can target the attacking monster; I must banish this card, and if I do, negate that attack!" explained Michael, "That means 'Stardust'…" Focus briefly went towards 'Stardust Dragon', "…is safe from your 'Infernity Doom Dragon's' wrath!"
"Mike!" praised Matt.
Michael nodded back. Still insane and twitching, Clotho moved onto his Main Phase 2 to try something else.
"I activate 'High Speed World's' third effect!" raged Clotho, as the monitor of Raider showed the Speed Counter gauge being reduced significantly, "Once per turn: I can remove 7 Speed Counters of my own; I must…" He drew a card, "…draw 1 card!" Without wasting a second, he slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
A face-down card ('Damage Gate') materialized on the field in-front of Raider before fading away for later use.
"I activate 'Red Nova Dragon's' fourth effect!" cut in Michael, just as 'Red Nova Dragon' reappeared on the field (Level: 12/ATK: 5000/DEF: 3000), "During the next End Phase: I must Special Summon this card banished by this effect."
Outside the geoglyph, the group watching was becoming anxious that the duel had not ended yet. Back inside, Matt knew it, too, and had to do something about it.
"Clotho still has 4000 LP," thought Matt, "I don't care if I can't reach Clear Mind, I have to find a way to end the duel—and soon!" He drew a card with a Destiny Draw, "It's my turn!"
Every player left in the duel—all except for Michael because he'd reached the maximum amount of twelve—gained a final Speed Counter:
-Clotho: 1 → 2
-Matt: 5 → 6
-James R.: 5 → 6
Turn Fourteen: Matt Fudo (LP: 2500)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (1): "Synchron Explorer"
Speed Counters: 6
Matt's drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Synchron Explorer', just what he needed.
"It's here!" acknowledged Matt, before placing the card onto his Duel Runner with the swing of the right arm, "I Summon 'Synchron Explorer'!"
Appearing on the field was a red robotic monster (Level: 2/ATK: 0/DEF: 700).
"When this card is Normal Summoned: I can target 1 'Synchron' monster in my GY; I must…" said Matt, as a card ('Satellite Synchron') ejected from his GY, "…Special Summon that target," He took the card and held it out for two seconds before placing it onto his Duel Runner, "but negate its effects! Resurrect, 'Satellite Synchron'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Satellite Synchron' (Level: 2/ATK: 700/DEF: 100).
"I tune Level 8 'Stardust Dragon' into Level 2 'Satellite Synchron'!" declared Matt.
'Satellite Synchron' turned into two Synchro Rings, which 'Stardust Dragon' flew into before turning into eight orbs of light while a new Summon Chant from Matt was heard throughout.
"Gathering justice unleashes the greatest power from orbit! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 8 + 2 = 10 were shown briefly just before the eight orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon!" A body of silver and gold with satellite panels attached to its back was shown in the bursting beam of light, also revealing two powerful-looking fists, "Come forth, Level 10! The guardian of innocents and justice! 'Satellite Warrior'!"
The new monster punched at the air a couple of times, then posed for battle (Level: 10/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000). Outside the geoglyph, everyone watched in awe at the new monster Matt brought out, although Zack wasn't 'too' surprised by it since he 'created' that card in the first place. In the geoglyph, James R. and Michael both looked on in amazement, wondering if 'Satellite Warrior' would be enough to win them the duel.
"This will be the card to end the duel, Clotho!" announced Matt, "You Dark Signers are going to pay the price for your unforgivable actions!" He held his right hand out, "I activate 'Satellite Warrior's' first effect!" As the effect was being explained, 'Satellite Warrior's' satellites began to be charged with power, then focus went towards a shocked and insane Clotho, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can target cards my opponent controls, up to the number of Synchro Monsters in my GY; I must destroy them, and if I do, this card gains 1000 ATK for each card destroyed!"
Clotho initially gasped in horror, but then snarled with rage because Matt had quite a few Synchro Monsters already in his (Matt) GY.
"Bonds of Justice!" shouted Matt.
'Satellite Warrior' fired off a golden beam from its satellites, striking and destroying 'Infernity Doom Dragon' and the Set 'Damage Gate' Trap Card. With two cards destroyed, 'Satellite Warrior' glowed all gold as his power went up (ATK: 2500 → 4500).
"4500 ATK!" cheered James R..
"Matt can defeat Clotho with just one attack!" agreed Michael.
Clotho, knowing he was about to lose the duel, decided he (Clotho) would try taking Matt with him (Clotho) to his (Matt) death one way or another. To that end, he pressed a few buttons on the dashboard of Raider and turned the Duel Runner into its MA Mode, practically flying up ahead. This did not go unnoticed by the rest of the group outside the geoglyph.
"What the hell is Clotho up to?" pondered Lisa.
Initially, David was silent on what was going on, but his eyes soon widened with a dreaded sense of déjà vu engulfing him.
"He's attempting to ram his Duel Runner into Fudo-san!" realized David.
"What?!" demanded Ms. Simmons.
"It's the exact tactic I performed on Vincent!" David went on, "When I was convinced my family was dead thanks to him!"
"No!" wailed Ashima, not wanting Matt to almost suffer such a fate "Matt, do something! Stop him!"
Back in the geoglyph, Matt, not about to let Clotho take them both out, entered his Battle Phase.
"Go forth, 'Satellite Warrior'!" ordered Matt, "End this madness once and for all!" As the attack name was announced, 'Satellite Warrior' started charging up his satellites again, "Justice Satellite Beam!"
Raider was coming in fast, but not fast enough as a blueish beam was fired, striking the enemy Duel Runner dead center as Clotho's LP ran out with just one attack (LP: 4000 → 0). To the group's surprise, Raider started flying higher and higher into the dark sky before exploding, taking the screaming Clotho right out.
DUEL RESULTS: Matt Fudo, Michael Atlas, and James R. Hogan win!
Back below, Fudo Go, Wheel of Fortune, and Blackbird each came to a stop as the exhausted Matt, Michael, and James R. observed the walls of the geoglyph dying down, glad that they won and nobody else got hurt. Unfortunately, there was no actual joy from actually winning said Turbo Duel.
(elsewhere…)
Back outside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Jak and the remaining soldiers all waited by the helicopters for any sign of Rex. Suddenly, Rex emerged from the building after what seemed like forever.
"Governor Godwin!" gasped Jak, running up, "What happened? Are you okay?"
"Everything's fine," reassured Rex, "Rutger and I simply talked things out."
"But what about the men that went with us inside?" Jak pressed, "Where are they? Did they survive like you?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot tell you at this time," replied Rex, much to Jak's surprise as he (Rex) walked for the main helicopter, "Come, we are returning to New York City as quickly as possible, so you can fill out your report to your superiors."
"But…!" protested Jak, wanting answers on the lost men. Finally, he sighed, relented, and followed suit, "Yes, sir."
Once the helicopters were loaded up with whoever was left, they took to the skies and back in the direction of New York City. So, Rex managed to survive the encounter with Rutger, or did Rutger survive the meeting with Rex? It's hard to say.
(inside…)
Inside the hideout, Azrael was fuming to himself over his students losing to the Signers despite the overwhelming advantage the three Bio-CPU boys seemingly had. The crystal globe then displayed footage of Rex leaving the place seemingly unharmed, which Misty noticed.
"Rutger, why did you let him go?" she questioned, while Rutger listened with his eyes closed and while smirking, "What did you and him even talk about?"
"It's almost time," responded Rutger.
Misty blinked, "What?"
"Matt Fudo will be undoubtedly dead set on facing me next," answered Rutger, knowing what was coming next, "When our destined final battle is underway, the decades long truth between the Fudo family, myself, and the tragedy of the Ultimate Coordinator project, will rightfully be revealed to the sole survivor of the family," He turned to leave, "This will most likely be my final battle; only destiny will determine our fates."
With that said, he left the room once more to prepare for the final showdown between himself and Matt. Misty was left speechless by what her leader told her, but it also gave her the idea to go and prepare for battle against Carlie. With that thought on hand, the black-haired young woman left the room, too, leaving Azrael alone to seethe in hatred of the Signers and humanity in general.
"My students aren't gone yet," Azrael muttered to himself, "I'll make sure of it."
(elsewhere…)
Back in the heavy damaged section of Hartford, the remains of the group met up with Matt, Michael, and James R.. Despite the seeming defeat of the three deadly Dark Signers, no one was celebrating the win—especially Lisa and those from Orb. In just a few short hours because of the Dark Signers, Asagi Caldwell, Mayura Labatt, and Juri Wu Nien were now dead, just like Discord, Megan, and many more.
"Asagi… Mayura… Juri…" mumbled Ashima sadly.
Lisa just stood in place, staring at the ground; a mixture of grief, sadness, and anger plastered on her face. David slowly came up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, hoping to console his girlfriend over the deaths of her three friends. Lisa initially flinched slightly, but quickly calmed down upon seeing it was only David trying to comfort her.
"Lisa-chan," began David, "I just want to say we all are very sorry for-"
"We're gonna make them pay," cut in Lisa, hotly, "All of them."
David was taken aback at Lisa's cold tone of voice, but she wasn't done, as she raised her head as all eyes (except from Matt) turned to her.
"I swear on my best friends' graves, the remains of the Dark Signers, especially Muruta Azrael, will pay dearly!" Lisa declared fiercely, before looking away, "Sorry, everyone, but I need to be alone for now."
Everyone looked hesitant at the pink-haired girl before she marched off, each loud step invoking a sense of unease from them.
"Lisa…" sympathized Ms. Simmons, likewise heartbroken that her three favorite students were gone.
An equally upset Mr. Kisaka placed a hand on his longtime friend's shoulder. All Rin could do was close her eyes and mourn the loss of her friends, knowing exactly how Lisa was feeling. All three remembered all of the good times they had with the three Astray girls either in being their friend (Rin) or their teachers (Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka) in the way of dueling. Meanwhile, Matt, with his head bowed and a shadow over his eyes, had been silent since he delivered the final blow to the Biological CPU trio. Finally, he spoke up.
"How many more innocent lives will Rutger and his group take before they become satisfied?" hissed Matt, trembling with a mixture of sorrow and outright fury. His words caused Zack, Ashima, Carlie, Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka all to look at him, "I swear to stop them the next time we meet, no matter what happens to me."
"Matty?" peeped Ashima.
Ignoring her, Matt finally lifted his head up and dispeling the shadow over his eyes, revealing a look on his face that was completely unique for him. The rest of the group became surprised and worried, since they've never seen Matt become this angry and hateful before. The sight of her love interest worried Ashima the most since she knew that things were going to get far worse before they ever got better.
"So, like, what are we going to do, now?" asked James R..
"What is there we can do about the Dark Signers?" frowned Zack, "We still don't know where their hideout is, meaning there isn't a whole lot we're able to do at the moment," He turned to leave, "I guess the next best thing for us to do is to return to Orb and wait for their next move—whenever that happens."
"I had a feeling you'd say that," fretted Rin.
Would the Signers ultimately find the hideout of the Dark Signers, or, just maybe, would the Dark Signers once again find the Signers? Well, you never know.
And there we go, an epic three-part duel has concluded with our heroes winning it out in style, but it's a win they're not celebrating. Matt and Lisa both have vowed vengeance against the Dark Signers for understandable reasons. Rex has seemingly survived his encounter with Rutger, and returns with Jak to New York City with no word on what happened to some of the men accompanying them. Rutger, meanwhile, is anticipating an upcoming final battle between him and Matt, but when it occur? Stay tuned to find that out, and please do keep staying safe during these troublesome times.