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: The Opening Door
Opening up outside the mansion of Rex Godwin in the middle of the night, a limo soon pulled up near the entryway where several suits waited for the governor's return. One suit walked up and opened the door, allowing both Rex and Lazar to emerge.
"Welcome back, sirs," The first suit greeted.
The remaining three suits bowed in respect to the return of Rex and Lazar as both men entered the mansion—while the former had an important task to undertake.
(inside…)
Deep in the underground hallway chambers under the mansion, the elevator doors opened and Rex walked out, all alone, without Lazar standing by alongside him (Rex).
(elsewhere…)
Inside the area with the Incan pyramid, Rex walked up towards the huge structure, like a man possessed by something. Once he was in position near the staircase leading up, he silently turned away and raised his arm as the scenery in-front of him changed to display Matt and Rutger's ongoing duel on the cliff, as Matt had just failed to perform Delta Accel Synchro and ended up thrown to the ground by the failure's backlash.
(elsewhere…)
Back at the cliff area deep in the woods, Matt and Rutger were in the middle of their rematch on a stone bridge-like structure. Rutger (LP: 850) was still on his feet, and Matt (LP: 1500) had gotten thrown to the ground after attempting and failing to reach Top Clear Mind and perform a Delta Accel Synchro.
"This is how a Coordinator like you should be feeling; bowing before someone who's far more superior!" bragged Rutger, "And besides…" As he spoke on, the rest of the group on the other end of the cliff listened, "If the key stays here, then that final door will never open."
"Final door?" quizzed James R..
"What is that guy talking about?" said Carlie.
"Aren't you all the least bit curious? About the ultimate extent of humanity's insatiable desires?" continued Rutger, "About the fools who pursued their insane dream in the name of progress? Because after all, Matt," His (Rutger) focus went back towards Matt, who was still on the ground, "you're a child of this, too."
"What is that all supposed to mean?" demanded David.
Matt slowly returned to his feet, still in shock that he failed to stay in Top Clear Mind and perform a Delta Accel Synchro when it looked like he would be successful. Once he was back on his feet, that sense of shock wore off as the duel resumed.
"Battle!" declared Matt, entering the Battle Phase, "I use 'Stardust Dragon'…" While announcing his intention to attack, 'Stardust Dragon' opened its mouth, charged its signature attack, and fired it off, "…to attack 'Earthbound Linewalker'! Cosmic Flare!"
The stronger attack looked certain it would hit and destroy 'Earthbound Linewalker', but Rutger looked like he was expecting an attack to come his way.
"Not good enough, Matt!" berated Rutger, as he pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "I activate a Continuous Trap," His Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal'! Once per turn, if an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must target the attacking monster; I must destroy that target, and if I do, inflict damage to my opponent equal to half the destroyed monster's ATK. I must control an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster with ATK higher than the ATK of the attacking monster to activate and to resolve this effect."
"You forget I control 'Stardust Dragon'!" retorted Matt, while thrusting his right hand forth, "I activate my monster's first effect!" As he announced the effect name, 'Stardust Dragon' roared and dissolved into specks of stardust, "Victim Sanctuary!"
The stardust rained upon the face-up 'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal' Trap Card and caused it to melt away.
"When a card or effect is activated that…" explained Matt, while Rutger listened, "…would destroy a card(s) on the field (Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it!" He then swung his left arm (with the Duel Disk) about, "As of now, I'll activate the second effect of 'Assault Synchron'!" A card ('Assault Synchron') ejected from his GY, "If a face-up Dragon Synchro Monster(s) I control is Tributed or banished (except during the Damage Step): I can…" The card was taken, and he held it up for a second before fading away into oblivion, "…banish this card from my GY, then target 1 of those monsters; I must Special Summon it!" With nothing to stop him from beginning 'Stardust Dragon' back, the dirty blonde-haired young man gave the command, "Resurrect, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
Reappearing in the night sky was 'Stardust Dragon', roaring with triumph over returning once more (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"Since I brought my partner back during the Battle Phase, it can still attack!" reminded Matt, "Go forth, 'Stardust'!" While announcing his intention to attack, 'Stardust Dragon' opened its mouth, charged its signature attack, and fired it off, "Take down 'Earthbound Linewalker'!"
'Earthbound Linewalker' was hit and destroyed by the attack, but Rutger merely smiled with satisfaction.
"An attack like that is a desperate and fruitless endeavor," scoffed Rutger, "You have no more cards left in your hand or any Set cards," Focus then went towards his 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' (ATK: 3000), "Just one direct attack from 'Uru' will sign your death warrant!"
"I haven't run out of resources just yet!" insisted Matt, entering his Main Phase 2, "I activate the second effect of 'Dimension Synchro'!" Within the dark abyss (GY), the 'Dimension Synchro' Spell Card emerged before dissolving away, while, on the field itself, 'Stardust Charge Warrior' dissolved into specks of stardust, "During my Main Phase 2, if I control a 'Warrior' Synchro Monster that was Special Summoned by this card's effect: I can banish this card from my GY and that monster; I must…" He drew another card, "…draw 1 card."
"You're full of surprises as ever," Rutger chortled, admiring that his enemy was not giving up like that, "But in this dire a pinch, you will need to pray that whatever you draw can even remotely be used against 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'!"
Matt looked at his drawn card—which was the 'Swift Scarecrow' Monster Card. Nodding, Matt looked up at Rutger.
"I end my turn!" he finished.
Because the turn was over, the red barrier from the 'Synchro Barrier' Trap Card around Matt's field shattered apart, leaving him vulnerable to battle damage once again.
"It's my turn!" bellowed Rutger, drawing two cards due to the effect of the 'Time-Tearing Morganite' Spell Card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Rutger Godwin (LP: 850)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (2): "Informer Spider" and "Earthbound Rescue"
Upon seeing his drawn cards, a creepy smile formed on his face as he took one of the cards ('Informer Spider') and placed it onto his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Informer Spider'!" began Rutger.
Appearing on the field was a small, mechanical-looking spider monster (Level: 4/ATK: 500/DEF: 1800).
"Allow me to introduce the signature effect that 'Uru' has," offered Rutger, "The fifth effect!" As the explanation began, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' loomed over and ate up 'Informer Spider' to gain power, then it looked at Matt's field and fired a web thread towards 'Stardust Dragon' and entangling it up, "Once per turn: I can Tribute 1 other monster, then target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must take control of that target, until the End Phase."
"'Stardust Dragon'!" called Matt.
The constricted 'Stardust Dragon', powerless to resist, was forced onto Rutger's field to be used by the enemy even if it was only for a short period of time.
"Now I have control of your ace monster!" laughed Rutger, "And it's not even over yet!" He held up his 'Informer Spider' Monster Card, "When 'Informer Spider' is sent from the field to the GY by a card effect: I must target 1 Defense Position monster my opponent controls; I must take control of it!"
Matt helplessly watched as 'Accel Synchron' found itself being moved onto Rutger's field.
"And now, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Earthbound Rescue'!" As he said that, Rutger made the mentioned Spell Card flip face-up and reveal itself, "If there is a face-up card in the Field Zone: I must add 1 'Earthbound' monster and 1 Spell from my GY to my hand!"
"Not again!" cried Zack.
"That guy's gonna grab 'Earthbound Linewalker'!" added Lisa.
"But which Spell Card will he take?" pressed Ashima.
"Anything Rutger thinks will hurt Matt greatly," replied Michael.
Rutger made two cards ('Earthbound Linewalker' and 'Earthbound Whirlwind') emerge from his GY, which he took to look at, smiling as he did. At last, he made a move.
"I'll just obliterate your hope, then!" thundered Rutger, slotting one of the cards into his Duel Disk, "Spell Card, 'Earthbound Whirlwind'!" The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, creating a mighty wind blast across the stone bridge area, "If I control an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster: I must destroy all Spells and Traps my opponent controls!"
Back on the other end of the cliff…
"$*#^! He's gonna destroy 'Synchro Chase'!" panicked Lisa.
"And Rutger has control of 'Stardust Dragon'!" put in David.
"Meaning Matt can't stop this move!" finished James R..
Back on the stone bridge, the blast of wind overwhelmed Matt's field and destroyed his face-up 'Synchro Chase' Spell Card, leaving him completely defenseless.
"Battle!" announced Rutger, entering the Battle Phase, "This is the end of the lone Coordinator of the Signers!" As he (Rutger) delivered some form of 'sympathy', Matt listened with gritted teeth, "As an act of sympathy, I'll kill you with your own ace monster!" With that said, he gave the order, "'Stardust Dragon', attack Matt Fudo directly!"
The constricted 'Stardust Dragon' tried to resist the order, but had no other choice but to open its mouth, charge Cosmic Flare, and fire it off towards Matt in an attempt to help Rutger win the duel.
"MATT!" screamed Ashima.
Back on the field, Matt finally made his move.
"That's what I've been waiting for!" shouted Matt, holding out his drawn card ('Swift Scarecrow') "When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack (Quick Effect): I can…" He sent the card to the GY, "…discard 'Swift Scarecrow'; I must negate the attack, then end the Battle Phase!"
Appearing on the field was a scarecrow-like monster, who then intercepted Cosmic Flare and was destroyed.
"Matt planned for this," thought Rutger, before smiling, "I'm impressed… he really is the greatest Coordinator out there! But…" He resumed his turn by placing a card ('Earthbound Linewalker') onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Earthbound Linewalker' again!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Earthbound Linewalker' (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1900).
"I will end my turn there," concluded Rutger.
At last, due to the turn being over, the fifth effect of 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' wore off and allowed for 'Stardust Dragon' to break free of the web constricting it and enabling it to return to Matt's field. Even so, 'Accel Synchron' remained on Rutger's field.
"Rutger's going to attack me directly with 'Uru' on his next turn," acknowledged Matt, mentally. He looked at his Deck, "I need to draw a card capable of allowing me to evade such an attack," Hoping to get something good, he drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Six: Matt Fudo (LP: 1500)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (1): "Greed Grado"
His drawn card was the 'Greed Grado' Spell Card.
"'Greed Grado'…!" Matt whispered to himself, before realizing what he could do, "Yes, I think I can use this card!"
"Just remember, Matt," interrupted Rutger, getting Matt's attention, "You have to show me the card you've drawn due to the continuous effect of 'Destiny Activator'."
Remembering that detail, Matt did as he was told—but the second he saw the 'Greed Grado' Spell Card, Rutger burst out laughing.
"Greed Grado', is it?" chortled Rutger, "By drawing a Spell Card," As he rambled on, his face-up 'Destiny Activator' Spell Card started beeping and flashing orange as though a timer was happening, "'Destiny Activator' will now self destruct and halve your LP!"
The beeping and flashing went on, getting faster with each passing second until it exploded and sent out a shockwave towards Matt's field, striking and causing him to cry out as his LP got reduced significantly (LP: 1500 → 750).
"This is bad! Fudo-san only has 750 LP left!" worried David.
"Not to mention one attack from 'Uru' will finish him off," agreed Lisa.
Back on the bridge, Matt managed to recover from his LP getting slashed in half.
"My LP haven't run out just yet!" declared Matt fiercely, before entering the Battle Phase, "Battle!" As he gave the order to attack, 'Stardust Dragon' leaned its head back while charging an attack, "'Stardust Dragon', attack 'Accel Synchron'!"
'Stardust Dragon' obeyed, firing off its stardust-like breath attack, striking and causing 'Accel Synchron' to explode from its destruction.
"Oh? You'd put your own monster out of its misery?" teased Rutger.
"Next, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Greed Grado'!" cut in Matt, just as the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If I destroyed a face-up Synchro Monster controlled by my opponent this turn," He drew two cards, one card at a time, "either by battle or card effect: I must draw 2 cards!"
Both cards were 'Zero Gardna' (Monster Card) and 'Final Cross' (Spell Card).
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Final Cross'!" declared Matt, holding out one of his drawn cards ('Final Cross') before slotting it into his Duel Disk. That caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "During my turn, if a Synchro Monster(s) was sent to my GY this turn: I must target 1 Synchro Monster I control; it can make a second attack during each Battle Phase this turn, also," He then took a card from his GY and held it up, "if I activated this card by targeting a Synchro Monster with 'Warrior', 'Synchron', or 'Stardust' in its original name, I can make it gain ATK equal to the ATK of 1 Synchro Monster in my GY!" He turned the card ('Junk Warrior') over and revealed what it was, "By targeting 'Stardust Dragon', I'll have it gain 'Junk Warrior's' 2300 ATK!"
Appearing on the field for a moment was 'Junk Warrior', who then merged with 'Stardust Dragon' and caused the Signer Dragon to roar and grow stronger (ATK: 2500 → 4800).
"Hmph! How worthless!" dismissed Rutger, "You can't target 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' for an attack, and I control 'Earthbound Linewalker', so a direct attack is out of the question!"
"I know that!" snapped Matt, before making his decision for the attack, "The monster I'll have 'Stardust' destroy…" He pointed at 'Earthbound Linewalker', "…will be your 'Earthbound Linewalker'!" While announcing the attack name, 'Stardust Dragon' leaned its head back while charging an attack again, "Cosmic Flare!"
'Stardust Dragon' obeyed, firing off its stardust-like breath attack, striking and destroying 'Earthbound Linewalker'.
"From there, I'll Summon 'Zero Gardna' in Defense Position!" Matt added, placing his remaining card onto his Duel Disk (sideways).
Appearing on the field was a small monster carrying a large, mechanical-looking '0' (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"I end my turn!" said Matt firmly.
Rutger chuckled, "So, you still wish to fight me even though you're outmatched?" he remarked, "It seems you have gotten that stubborn determination from Dr. Fudo."
Matt growled, but made no effort to speak back.
"I would have never guessed that, years later, the very Signer that I am here to defeat would be Dr. Fudo's own son," continued Rutger, before closing his eyes, "I can sense that our fate is strong."
"I don't recognize any fate between you and me!" retorted Matt hotly.
"You can stop bluffing! Your LP are in peril!" Rutger countered, not impressed by his enemy's choice of words, "It won't be long before your soul disappears!" He eased up slightly, "But, before any of that, let me tell you a story about your Father—because I won't kill you until you learn everything."
"Huh? My Father?" repeated Matt.
Rutger nodded, and a flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Working in a lab, many years ago, Flashback Rutger and Flashback Dr. Fudo were hard at work with improving on the Coordinator project.
"Back in the day, when we were working on the Coordinator project, Dr. Fudo and I were long time friends," narrated Rutger, as his younger self and Flashback Dr. Fudo were approached by Flashback Rex, "In addition, Rex was also aiding us."
"Rex?" The voice of Matt questioned.
"Didn't I tell you?" Rutger chortled, dropping a bombshell "Rex and I are brothers, and we're both Coordinators."
Flashback Rex shook hands with Flashback Dr. Fudo, as they and Flashback Rutger resumed their work.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback stopped, and Matt was left stunned by the fact he was facing another Coordinator in battle.
"Rutger's a Coordinator," thought Matt, "That's why he can fight me to such an advanced level."
"Throughout our time together, we'd been working on perfecting the Coordinator project," explained Rutger, "Eventually, with permission and an increase in funding from the government, we started working on something called the Ultimate Coordinator project in the early 1990s!"
"The Ultimate Coordinator project?" wondered Matt,
Rutger sneered, "Rex told you about the regular Coordinator project, but neglected to mention the more advanced project," he proclaimed, "It's the ultimate evolution of science that would have changed humanity forever!"
Over on the other end of the cliff, the rest of the group looked at each, knowing that this was the first time they were hearing of the Ultimate Coordinator project. On the bridge, Rutger continued his speech.
"Along with your Father, Dr. Fudo," rambled Rutger, "you were the biggest target of humanity at the time, after all."
"What… but…" stammered Matt, finding this to not make any sense.
"But you survived, grew up," Rutger went on, as faded stills of him, Rex, and Dr. Fudo tirelessly working on the Ultimate Coordinator project were superimposed over him, "and went on to become one of the greatest duelists in the world! Why do you think that is? You've even led me to want to believe…in their crazy dream."
"I'm what? What are you trying to say about me?" croaked Matt, wanting to know the truth. On the other end of the cliff, Michael listened to his (Matt) demand for answers, "What are you trying to tell me?"
Rutger smiled, knowing that his enemy was about to break when the truth came out.
"So, you want to know what you really are?" The Dark Signer leader joked in a sick way, "Very well, I'll tell you, Yamato Fudo… You are the dream of humanity. The Ultimate Coordinator!"
Cue gasps from Matt and everyone else on the other end of the cliff.
"It was in pursuit of that dream that Dr. Fudo first started the process of enhancing the continuing project," revealed Rutger, as more faded stills of the past (mainly the Ultimate Coordinator project and its setbacks) were superimposed over him, "And you were the only viable child it ever produced. For that reason, a very large number of your siblings and their Mothers were sacrificed…" He spread his arms out like a maniac, just as the faded stills ceased, "…all in the name of science!"
Matt fell to his knees, feeling extremely sick over discovering that his (Matt) own Father would go so far as to thoughtlessly kill women and children just to give his (Dr. Fudo) soon-to-be-born son the greatest gift of all. The sight of Matt beginning to crack greatly amused Rutger.
"You lie…" uttered Matt, "What you're saying is a lie… My Father… he would never do something so sick and twisted!"
"HA HA HA HA HA! It's no lie! Rex and I were there, helping in the creation of the most perfect Coordinator!" cackled Rutger, while the group listened to the ramblings of a truly insane individual, "We thirsted for knowledge. We sought to fulfill their desires. And ultimately, we forgot why we were doing it. Even as we proclaimed our reverence for human life, we began toying with it," He swung his right arm about dramatically, "And then we began destroying it!"
Back on the other end of the cliff, Ashima was pretty shaken up by what she learned about Matt and his own Father—and Michael, picking up a small rock off the ground, knew it.
"Shut up!" roared Michael, throwing the rock in anger.
The rock collided with the walls of the geoglyph, not even making a dent.
"No matter what we learn…" ranted Rutger, "No matter what we've managed to obtain… Nothing ever changes!" He smiled insanely, "But at the same time, people are amazing that way."
"What makes you say that?" spat James R..
"They become envious, hate each other, and destroy each other!" boomed Rutger, "If that's what they truly desire, why don't…" While he (Rutger) continued to hate on the world, Matt listened while looking very sick, "…they simply exterminate each other?! And if that's what humanity truly wants," As he finished up his speech, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' let out a roar of agreement, "then I and the Dark Signers will grant them that wish!"
Back on the other end of the cliff…
"What the hell gives you the right to sound so superior?" demanded David.
"I am the only one who has earned that right!" answered Rutger delusionally, "In the entire universe, I alone have the right to judge all of humanity!"
"Cut the crap, you crackpot!" insulted Michael, not having any of it before looking towards Matt, "Matt, do me a favor and don't fall for his tricks! Don't listen to a word he says!" Trying as he (Michael) could, Matt didn't appear to be listening, "I mean, come on, do you really expect anyone to believe that fairy tale of his?"
"I never wanted to believe it either" cracked Rutger, finding all of the anger and confusion displayed by his enemies to be hilarious, "But unfortunately, it's all 'true'!" As the words pierced the Signers and their allies, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' loomed over Matt, "I'm just obeying the will of the 'Earthbound Immortals' to carry it all out!" He briefly let out another sinister laugh, "The final door is about to open! I, and my fellow Dark Signers, will open it! And this world will come to an end! This world of endless ambition will end! And the conceited fools floundering in it will get what they wished for!"
At last, Matt found himself standing back up, now furious.
"So you plan to play God then!?" accused Matt, as Rutger frowned, "How many people's lives must you toy with by your own hands until you're satisfied!?" He shut his eyes for a second before opening them and holding up his clenched right fist, "And even if you try what you're doing, it won't happen! I won't allow it!"
"Matt, by the time I even realized my fate was in the hands of the Gods, I chose to die with darkness in my heart, because it was fate that would lead me to this moment," replied Rutger, as he remembered how he and Matt's parents died, "In my moment of death, your parents perished alongside me in that faithful accident."
"What?! You were killed along with my parents?" flinches Matt.
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Outside what used to be the Fudo family home in Vancouver, a large crowd had gathered outside as they watched the building burn and firefighters tried to put the fire out. One firefighter emerged from the building with Young Matt unconscious in his arms. Unfortunately, while Young Matt was saved, Flashback Dr. Fudo, Flashback Rutger, and Flashback Mrs. Fudo each were not able to be saved—and proving that Rutger had been at the home when the fire broke out.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"And by dying, you were eventually brought back as…a Dark Signer," realized Matt.
"As I mentioned, it's only right that you learn these truths in your final moments," stated Rutger, "There isn't a thing anyone can do about it! The whirlpool of hatred is about to spread across this world!" He drew two cards, "It's my turn!"
Turn Seven: Rutger Godwin (LP: 850)
Deck: 44
Current Hand (2): "Brilliant Shrine Art" and "Lair Wire"
He added both cards into his hand.
"Matt, I must still proceed forward with my plans!" raged Rutger, before smiling once more, "But I must say I thoroughly enjoyed our final duel, and, as a final act of mercy and respect for your parents and my old friends, I will make sure that their son's death will be swift before you finally join them in the Netherworld!" Having entered the Battle Phase, he gave an order to 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' as it opened its mouth and sent out more spider thread towards Matt, "Go, 'Uru'! Attack Yamato Fudo directly! Hell Thread!"
"I activate 'Zero Gardna's' effect!" cut in Matt.
'Zero Gardna' got in the way of the attack and released the large '0' while allowing it to take Hell Thread, causing it to explode. With the '0' gone, 'Zero Gardna' was destroyed.
"(Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card; during this turn, monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle, and I take no battle damage!" explained Matt, "I'm safe from your 'Earthbound Immortal'!"
"So, you managed to fend off my attack, did you?" snickered Rutger, taking two cards from his hand and slotting them into his Duel Disk, "I Set two cards face-down…" Two Set cards appeared on the field near his feet, "…and end my turn! Now then, I wonder how long you can continue to dodge my 'Earthbound Immortal's' attacks, Matt?"
Matt said nothing in response. Back on the other end of the cliff…
"If he takes another direct attack, he'll lose!" worried Carlie.
"Just believe in Matt!" assured James R., "He's gonna win—at least, I hope he does."
"I sure wish I shared your optimism," said Zack dryly, "But even with 'Stardust Dragon', Matt is at a severe disadvantage," The eyes of Carlie and James R. came upon him, "Matt can attack directly, but Rutger would be expecting that to happen and has a card face-down that will likely counter that attack."
"Fudo-san…" whispered David.
Back on the stone bridge…
"It's my turn!" declared Matt, drawing a card.
Turn Eight: Matt Fudo (LP: 750)
Deck: 38
Current Hand (1): "Accelerate Draw"
On cue, a Spell Card called "Accelerate Draw' materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate 'Accelerate Draw'!" The voice of Matt began, before he was shown getting ready to draw more cards, "If I have 3 or less cards in my hand: I must…" He drew two additional cards, "…draw 2 cards."
Both cards were 'Stardust Shimmer' (Spell Card) and 'Arrive in Light' (Spell Card). Unfortunately, that was when Rutger made a move.
"It's time to settle things between us!" hollered Rutger, holding his right hand out, "I activate a Trap, 'Lair Wire'!" His Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must banish 1 Insect monster from my GY, then target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must destroy that target!" He then held up a card ('Baby Spider') taken from his GY and allowed it to fade away into oblivion, "I banish 'Baby Spider' to destroy 'Stardust Dragon'!"
"I won't let you!" refused Matt, "'Stardust Dragon'!" As he announced the effect name, 'Stardust Dragon' faded away into specks of stardust again, "Victim Sanctuary!"
The stardust rained down on the face-up 'Lair Wire' Trap Card, causing it to shatter into shards of glass. Rutger merely laughed, knowing Matt gave up his (Matt) ace monster to destroy a simple Trap Card—because this was the moment for his secret weapon to be played.
"I've been waiting for this exact moment!" boasted Rutger, as his remaining Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Continuous Trap, 'Brilliant Shrine Art', activate!"
"'Brilliant Shrine Art'?!" remembered Matt.
The unsettled David visibly flinched when he saw that card, since it brought back some not-so-pleasant memories of his duel with Vincent.
"When an opponent's monster declares an attack while an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster is in my Monster Zone: I can switch the attack target to that face-up 'Earthbound Immortal' monster in my Monster Zone instead," explained Rutger, "When that 'Earthbound Immortal' monster leaves the field, I must destroy this card."
Matt gritted his teeth and looked at the GY Zone of his Duel Disk, knowing that all of the monsters currently there were no match for 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' and its ATK of 3000. Before long, he called out his enemy.
"Rutger, your fate doesn't concern me!" rebutted Matt, "You've forgotten! Forgotten that there are so many lives fouled up because of the madness you call 'fate'!" He swung his right arm in defiance, "How many Mothers and unborn children were killed in an experiment just to make a single person special!"
A thought bubble then formed above Matt and showed clips of Dr. Fudo smiling and embracing Young Matt like a good Father tended to be.
"It's to the point I wish I was never made into a Coordinator if killing people is the reason for becoming the Ultimate Coordinator," The voice of Matt rambled, as his younger self broke free of the embrace and looked up at Dr. Fudo with admiration, "Especially since I've always believed my Father was a kind, loving person instead of a madman trying to 'perfect' humanity!"
The thought bubble popped, and Matt, due to thinking and talking about his Father and more, finally broke down into tears, openly weeping in-front of anyone for the first time ever.
"And despite that, why does everyone recognize me as their friend!?" wept Matt, as, in his mind, he sees images of almost every person he made friends with, "Smile upon me without me asking!? What should I do!? How do I make it up to the grieving Fathers who lost their wives and unborn children…" He clenched his right hand into a fist, "…to the damn thing you call 'fate'!?
On the other end of the cliff, the group listened to the grieving words from Matt Fudo, while Ashima found herself beginning to cry, too.
"Matty…" murmured Ashima, heartbroken.
Back on the stone bridge, Rutger frowned while listening to the broken words from Matt.
"Answer! Answer me, Rutger!" The voice of Matt yelled.
"Is that the darkness in your heart?" said Rutger softly.
Matt winced when he heard those words, but made no effort to respond to them.
"I'll answer that, Matt!" The voice of James R. called out, getting Matt's attention. He looked very sorry for his friend, "It's true that Dr. Fudo might have helped cause the deaths of hundreds of pregnant women and their unborn children, but even if it was true, the only way it matters is the way Rutger is wording it," The brown-haired young man closed his eyes and bowed his head solemnly, "It shouldn't matter to you how you were born, and it isn't your fault!"
"James's right!" put in Carlie, "The one who decided to do things like that… It was all the doing of your Father, Rutger, and possibly Rex. You're in no way responsible for the sins of Dr. Fudo!"
On the stone bridge, Matt started to open his mouth to speak, but no words actually came out. Instead, he allowed the rest of his friends to talk to him.
"Fudo-san, what in the world could a fertilized egg do to affect its own birth—nothing!" David pointed out, "Meaning you are innocent in those crimes!"
"Matt!" Zack, Lisa, and Michael added, throwing in their support for Matt.
"Matty!" finished Ashima.
Realizing that his friends were still with him until the end of time, Matt, feeling somewhat at peace, closed his eyes and allowed the last of his tears to fall before facing Rutger with fierce determination, who was likewise waiting to see what would happen next.
"I'll never give up!" declared Matt bravely, clenching his right hand into a fist before motioning the right arm about, "In the name of all the people you and your Dark Signers have hurt or killed in your mad quest, I will see to it that you're defeated and justice ultimately prevails!"
As soon as those words left his mouth, his clothed right forearm started to glow once again, which was a sign that his birthmark was reacting. Of course, Matt wasn't the only one who's Signer Mark was reacting; standing nearby, Michael, Carlie, James R., David, and Lisa all felt their respective birthmarks glowing as well, while Zack silently watched on with amazement.
"Is this-?" began Carlie.
"Yes!" confirmed Michael, "The Crimson Dragon birthmarks are reacting to Matt's words!"
"In that case, let's give him our power!" suggested Lisa.
"Right!" agreed David.
"Kick some Dark Signer butt for us, man!" encouraged James R., turning and calling out to his friend.
Soon, the glowing Marks of the Dragon on the group's respective right forearms disappeared entirely. Before long, the full Seal of the Crimson Dragon was shown shining brightly on Matt's back.
"The full birthmark of the Crimson Dragon…" The dirty blonde-haired young man whispered, before nodding, "I see! You're lending me your support!" He then directed his attention back to Rutger, "Rutger! Although what you're saying about me being the Ultimate Coordinator might be true, the darkness you claim I have will still never sever the bonds of friendship we seven share! The marking on my back proves it!"
"What did you say?!" exclaimed Rutger angrily.
From there, the duel resumed, with Matt beginning his big comeback move.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Continuous Spell, 'Arrive in Light'!" began Matt, slotting a card into his Duel Disk.
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"'Arrive in Light'?!" cried Rutger.
"When this card is activated: I must place 1 Level 1 Dragon monster…" As Matt spoke on, a glowing card ('Majestic Dragon') had been mysteriously placed into the center of the Deck—which was then taken and held up to show the opponent, "…from my hand or Deck on top of the Deck."
Rutger grimaced, "'M-Majestic Dragon'-!"
"That's right," confirmed Matt, placing the glowing card ('Majestic Dragon') on top of his Deck in hopes of getting access to it, "I place 'Salvation Dragon - Majestic Dragon' on top of my Deck!" He then eased up for a few seconds, "And my card has a second effect… Neither player can return 'Stardust Dragon', or a Synchro Monster that lists 'Stardust Dragon' in its text, from the field to the Extra Deck."
"You don't have any monsters on your field to bring out 'Majestic Star Dragon'!" objected Rutger.
"Is that so?" questioned Matt, making Rutger a bit more fearful. He then took and held out his final card ('Stardust Shimmer'), "Spell Card, 'Stardust Shimmer'! I must target 1 Dragon Synchro Monster in my GY; I must banish other monsters in my GY whose total Levels equal the Level of the targeted monster, then Special Summon it from the GY!" Two cards ('Zero Gardna' and 'Bri Synchron') emerged from the GY, "I banish Level 4 'Zero Gardna' and Level 4 'Bri Synchron' from my GY!"
Appearing on the field briefly were 'Zero Gardna' and 'Bri Synchron'—with the latter turning into four Synchro Rings. 'Zero Gardna' floated into the four Synchro Rings and turned into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant from Matt ensued throughout.
"Clustering wishes will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Take flight, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
Reappearing in the night sky and in-front of the moon, was none other than 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"Alright, 'Stardust Dragon' is back!" whooped Lisa.
"But what else will Matt do to gather the other remaining monsters?" questioned Zack.
Let's find that out.
"As of now, I'll activate the third effect of 'Arrive in Light'!" declared Matt, "If a Synchro Monster(s) is Special Summoned (except during the Damage Step): I can apply 1 of these effects, but I cannot apply that same effect of 'Arrive in Light' again this turn."
These were the effects written on the 'Arrive in Light' Spell Card:
-"I must draw 1 card!"
-"I must Special Summon 1 Tuner from my hand!"
From there, Matt drew the glowing card with a Destiny Draw. Suddenly, reappearing on the field was 'Stardust Wurm' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"What?! 'Stardust Wurm'?" gasped Rutger.
"My monster's first effect," reminded Matt, "If this card is in my hand or GY, and I control a Level 8 or higher Dragon Synchro Monster: I can Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field," He then held out another two cards ('Majestic Dragon' and 'Stardust Xiaolong'), with the latter taken from his Deck, "I also activate 'Stardust Wurm's' second effect!" While explaining away, 'Stardust Worm' faded away in a blue streak, and 'Stardust Xiaolong' appeared on the field in its place (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100), "I can Tribute this card; I must Special Summon up to 2 Level 1 LIGHT Dragon monsters from my hand and/or GY, except 'Stardust Wurm', but their effects cannot be activated!"
Rutger, sweating in fear, knew what was about to show up next, and Matt readied the glowing card in his right hand.
"'This' will be the card to help settle our duel!" warned Matt, placing the glowing card ('Majestic Dragon') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Appear now, 'Salvation Dragon - Majestic Dragon'!"
Appearing within the night sky on command, was the familiar red-colored dragon with two majestic-looking wings (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0). Seeing as 'Majestic Dragon' was a Tuner monster, and Matt controlled both 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Stardust Xiaolong', the following could happen…
"I tune Level 8 'Stardust Dragon', Level 1 'Stardust Xiaolong' into Level 1 'Majestic Dragon'!" The voice of Matt continued, just as 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Stardust Xiaolong' both flew into the night sky, "Let's rev it up!"
In addition to the above scenario playing out, the glowing 'Majestic Dragon' began growing bigger and bigger, overwhelming both monsters. The bodies of 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Stardust Xiaolong' were outlined and showing glowing balls of light (eight for 'Stardust Dragon', and one for 'Stardust Xiaolong') within as they entered a single Synchro Ring and a Summon Chant from Matt followed…
"Gathering starlights will enlighten a new miracle! Become the path its light shines upon!"
As the symbols 8 + 1 + 1 = 10 were briefly shown, the nine orbs of light lined up within the body of 'Majestic Dragon' before the monster turned into a massive beam of light.
"Synchro Summon!" shouted Matt, with his eyes shining with stardust-like energy. The beam of light then burst apart to reveal a very familiar monster, "Arrive in light, 'Majestic Star Dragon'!"
Flying through the night sky was the bigger, 'Stardust Dragon' version of 'Majestic Dragon' (Level: 10/ATK: 3800/DEF: 3000).
"This power… Could it be from the Crimson Dragon itself?!" mumbled Rutger, shocked to see one of Matt's ultimate monsters.
On the other end of the cliff, everyone watched 'Majestic Star Dragon' glow a gentle blue as it prepared to face 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' and defeat the enemy monster. Ashima, in particular, was admiring it because she remembered it was 'Majestic Star Dragon' that helped save her from the control of the Dark Signers. Back on the stone bridge, the final move went on.
"I activate 'Majestic Star Dragon's' second effect!" announced Matt, "Once per turn: I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must negate its effects until the end of this turn," As the rest of the effect was explained, 'Majestic Star Dragon' prepared to attack 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', "and I can activate 1 of its effects as this card's effect once this turn!"
"What?!" panicked Rutger.
"I target and negate the effects of 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'!" confirmed Matt, just as 'Majestic Star Dragon' started glowing all blue as it began absorbing the powers 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' had, "Sublimation Drain!"
The 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' soon had its effects completely drained, leaving it to slump over in a very weakened state. 'Majestic Star Dragon', meanwhile, was now more ready than ever to bring the Dark Signer and the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster both down.
"Battle!" exclaimed Matt, entering the Battle Phase.
"But even if you do manage to destroy 'Uru' with 'Savior Star'," bellowed Rutger defiantly, "I will barely survive with a mere 50 LP, therefore allowing me the chance of potentially turning things around on my very next turn!"
"There won't be a next turn!" corrected Matt.
Rutger stammered.
"As of this moment, I'll activate the second effect of 'Junk Dragonlet'," With that said, Matt held up the 'Junk Dragonlet' Monster Card (which was taken from his GY), "When my Synchro Monster declares an attack: I can banish this card from my GY; that monster I control gains 800 ATK until the end of this turn!"
"WHAT?!" freaked out Rutger.
The 'Junk Dragonlet' Monster Card in-between Matt's fingers faded away into oblivion, while 'Majestic Star Dragon' glowed blue again and gained strength (ATK: 3800 → 4600). Rutger took a step back from terror, knowing that he would lose the duel when 'Majestic Star Dragon' unleashed its attack.
"It's time, 'Savior Star'!" commanded Matt, just as 'Majestic Star Dragon' brought its wings towards its body, caused a beautiful blue aura to form, and started flying through the night sky towards the vulnerable 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', "Attack 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'! Shooting Blaster Sonic!"
With a mighty roar, 'Majestic Star Dragon' drilled right through 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' and spread its wings out with triumph while flying right back into the sky. Mortally wounded, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' screeched in agony before finally exploding from its destruction, causing Rutger to scream in agony as he finally lost the duel. As the explosion's backlash ended, Rutger, whose body was smoking from the intense attack, collapsed onto his hands and knees with his LP gauge fully depleting (LP: 850 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Matt Fudo wins!
With the duel finally over, the geoglyph died down while 'Majestic Star Dragon' roared for a final time and flew towards the moon before fading away. Back on the other end of the cliff, the group was celebrating Matt's victory over Rutger.
"He did it!" cheered Lisa.
"Matt's the winner of the duel!" came from Carlie.
On the stone bridge, Matt was stoically relieved that he defeated the leader of the Dark Signers. Rutger, meanwhile, had a few words he wanted to say to his triumphant opponent.
"Congratulations, Matt Fudo… You've defeated me," praised Rutger, with his head bowed, "I should have known the Ultimate Coordinator would be the one to win our battle of fate…" He lifted his head with another insane smile on his face, "But don't think this is the time to be celebrating!"
"Huh?" wondered Matt.
"There is a whole new 'Earthbound Immortal' that has been released into the world, just waiting to emerge at the right time and finish the job should the remaining Dark Signers fail to win," confessed Rutger, as his whole body started turning into a stone-like color, "And it's said to be the strongest of them all."
"What?!" flinched James R..
"Another Earthbound Immortal?" wondered Zack.
"Strongest of them all?" finished Lisa
"Unfortunately," continued Rutger, coldly looking at the stunned-looking Matt, "you will never get the chance to encounter it!" As he explained the reason why, what no one else (but him) knew was that there were explosive charges setup underneath the stone bridge, "Underneath the stone bridge are a series of explosive charges I had set up long before you arrived for our fated duel," As his body began to crumble away, be managed to press a few buttons on his Duel Disk, "Yamato Fudo! I simply cannot allow you out of here alive! I won't die alone… You will come with me into Hell!"
Panicking, Matt turned and started making a run for it as the explosives were set off, destroying the stone bridge and leaving a thick blanket of smoke as the group watched in horror, thinking that Matt had been killed by the explosions or from falling off what used to be a bridge.
"Matty…" worried Ashima.
"Is he-?" began David.
"No, wait," interrupted Michael, "I hear a voice…"
The group approached the cliff edge and found, to their relief, Matt hanging off it for dear life.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the underground chamber of Rex's mansion, Rex had been watching the rest of Matt and Rutger's duel and witnessed his older brother's demise. With the raise of the right hand, Rex made the scenery disappear as he turned and started walking up the Incan pyramid to begin his next objective.
(elsewhere…)
Back at the cliff area, both Michael and James R. helped Matt back to safety.
"You did it, Matt!" rejoiced Lisa, "With Rutger, the leader, gone along with four other Dark Signers, mopping up the remaining two will be a piece of cake!"
"Even without Accel Synchro or Delta Accel Synchro, you really are the Ultimate Coordinator," added James R. admiringly. But he got no response, "Huh?"
"Matty?" pondered Ashima.
"What's wrong with you, mate?" asked Michael, noticing how Matt was acting, "You've defeated Rutger! That means our battle with the Dark Signers is coming closer to ending!"
Matt still did not respond; he was not feeling any joy, satisfaction, or anything about the win. Instead, he was left badly shaken over what had happened in a span of a week to just a few days. First, there was Discord's death at the hands of Azrael, then the Astray trio's brutal defeat and their subsequent deaths at the hands of those three male Blue Cosmos students, the realization that both Elsworth and Megan had also been killed, Sean and Janice being sacrificed to the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters, the loss of Accel Synchro, his failure to perform Delta Accel Synchro, and NOW the revelation that he was the Ultimate Coordinator along with the news his real Father also being responsible for the deaths of many Mothers and unborn babies just to make it happen. The haunting words of Rutger towards him during their duel echoed in his head…
"You are the dream of humanity. The Ultimate Coordinator. It was in pursuit of that dream that Dr. Fudo first started the process of enhancing the continuing project. And you were the only viable child it ever produced. For that reason, a very large number of your siblings and their Mothers were sacrificed."
"Everything…" The dirty blonde-haired young man stammered, falling onto his hands and knees, "My whole life…was a big lie… I… Even with the gift… I failed to protect some of the people I care for from the Dark Signers… More importantly, my own Father also killed just to create me, which makes me, in a way, equally guilty of murder… Maybe Rutger was right, I 'am' a failure—as both a duelist and a Coordinator…"
"Surely you jest, Fudo-san!" protested David, "You are by no stretch a failure!"
"Not even close!" agreed Carlie, "For goodness sake, Matt, you're one of the strongest duelists in the world!"
"And Rutger's accusations of you being responsible for several deaths is pure bull$*#^!" added Lisa, "Your Father had good intentions in his work, and he likely never meant to have killed pregnant women and unborn children!"
Unfortunately, even they were unconvinced about their own words—especially Lisa's regarding Dr. Fudo.
"Discord… Elsworth… Sean… Janice… Megan… Asagi… Juri… Mayura…" Matt went on quietly, not listening while looking at the palms of his shaking gloved hands, "In my resulting rage towards their deaths, I lost access to Accel Synchro… Not only that, I still can't reach a state of Top Clear Mind. And Rutger says I'm the Ultimate Coordinator? Heh… What a joke…" He stared at his friends in despair, "If I really am such a Coordinator, then why can't I seem to surpass my own abilities and be able to protect the people I care for?! Tell me that!"
"Matt…" whispered Zack, "I'm sorry… I wish we could tell you, but we just don't…"
He left the sentence to hang, while nobody else knew how to answer that question. Ultimately, Matt Fudo, breaking down completely over his failings and revelation on what he truly was, slammed his right fist into the ground before finally raising his head into the sky and letting loose a loud, long scream of despair.
Despite being the winner of the duel and Rutger being defeated for good, Matt has fallen into despair thanks to the truth he learned about himself and his Father, Dr. Fudo. Like David and his despair due to Vincent, who knows how long it will take for Matt to recover from learning his full origins. For now, we don't know; Carlie will be going up against a Dark Signer real soon, and that's all I'll say.
Before I close off this chapter, I wish a Happy Birthday to DaveMan1000, and hope your special day was great. As for everyone else, stay tuned for the next chapter, and, as ever, stay safe in these trying times.