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: Earthbound Servants Reborn
Opening up in one of Orb's hallways, the sound of water running could be heard coming from one of the dorms occupied by students—except the person staying in one dorm in particular was not a student, but a guest, or, rather, two guests.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the bathroom of the dorm, Sherry LeBlanc, fully naked, was busy taking a shower, with the steam from the hot water being able to cover the front of her body very well. Ever since Elsworth had been killed by Rutger, Sherry and Shinji initially stayed at a hotel before deciding to just move into Orb where the rest of their friends still were. As she shampooed her long, blonde hair, Sherry was busy thinking about the time she made up with Carlie just before the war with the Dark Signers began.
FLASHBACK
After losing the duel Flashback Sherry fell and remained on her hands and knees in defeat when a shadow loomed over her.
"Hey, Sherry?" The voice of Flashback Carlie spoke up.
Flashback Sherry looked up, noticing Flashback Carlie standing in-front of her, smiling kindly, and holding her right hand out as though she (Flashback Carlie) was offering her (Flashback Sherry) a helping hand to her feet.
"Will you be alright?" asked Flashback Carlie warmly.
Flashback Sherry simply looked at her triumphant opponent before closing her eyes and sighing in defeat.
"You have surpassed me and more," she admitted.
"Sherry…" thought Flashback Carlie.
"But…" continued Flashback Sherry, which caused Flashback Carlie to wonder what was up, "Although you've won, there's one thing that's got me curious," There was now a cheesy smile on her face, "I gotta know one thing; what's your secret?"
Flashback Carlie looked comically freaked out over such a question and, after a short beat, collapsed onto the ground with a loud groan. Suddenly, Flashback Sherry started laughing in a jolly way.
"Je rigole!" chortled Flashback Sherry, briefly speaking in French, "You really haven't changed a bit… You're still as obstinate as ever."
Flashback Carlie smiled back, "Oh yeah?" she retaliated playfully, winking, "And you're just as stubborn."
Both young women then started laughing like they were back to being friends. The spectators watching were very happy that all seemed to be well between them again. Suddenly, the mood went from heartwarming to heartbreaking as Flashback Sherry, with tears forming in her eyes, laughed until she broke down crying in sadness. This stunned Flashback Carlie, making her wonder what was going on.
"I'm sorry, Carlie," sobbed Flashback Sherry, "All this time, I've been wrong. Please forgive me…"
"Sherry…?" pressed Flashback Carlie, reaching over to touch her friend's shoulder.
"When I lost my parents and was sent to the orphanage years ago, I put on a tough, arrogant facade in-front of the other orphaned kids to hide my pain," recalled Flashback Sherry, as tears streamed down her delicate face, just before faded stills of her younger self taunting Young Carlie and her (Young Carlie) losing control of her emotions and psychic powers, then of Young Shinji being adopted and leaving the orphanage played while superimposed over her, "But I lost my friendship with you when I went too far with it, and when Shinji was adopted soon after, I was left all alone with no one important in my life."
Nearby, Flashback Shinji frowned solemnly before looking at Flashback Elsworth, who only nodded silently.
"I had to hate someone for it, and settled on you, Carlie," remembered Flashback Sherry sadly, as Flashback Carlie gently listened to the broken words from the poor young woman, "I blamed you for the bad stuff that happened in my life since you were the one who traumatized me," She looked up with the saddest expression anyone ever saw from her, "But that was wrong of me to do. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"
Flashback Sherry then continued to sob out of hurt and remorse, but then felt someone carefully wrapping their arms around her. Looking up tearfully, Flashback Sherry saw it was Flashback Carlie who was hugging her (Sherry), and Flashback Carlie had also begun to cry, too.
"Oh, Sherry, you have no need to apologize," wept Flashback Carlie, but not losing any of her confidence, "I never once held a grudge against you. I've always held onto the belief in my heart that we'd become friends again somewhere down the road."
Flashback Sherry said nothing initially, but then, with tears still streaming down, she calmed down and returned the soothing hug—which felt very, very good—with the atmosphere going from heartbreaking back to heartwarming.
"I know," admitted Flashback Sherry, "You're far too nice to ever hold a long term grudge, unlike James."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Sherry started rinsing the shampoo out of her hair by standing under the running water as her memories of the summer suddenly took a darker turn when she started remembering how Elsworth fought Rutger and gave up his (Elsworth) life to ensure that his ward and her friend escaped unharmed.
FLASHBACK
The duel between Flashback Elsworth and Flashback Rutger was about to end with the latter's victory.
"It's all over!" cackled Flashback Rutger, still in his Battle Phase. He gave the order for his ace monster to end the duel, "'Uru', attack directly!" As he announced his monster's attack name, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' leered down at the opposition, "Hell Thread!"
'Earthbound Immortal Uru' obeyed, firing off a very powerful spider thread towards the defenseless Flashback Elsworth. Outside the geoglyph, Flashback Sherry was yelling and refusing to leave, but Flashback Shinji finally pulled her roughly enough to get her to budge, causing Flashback Sherry to break into tears as she and her best friend fled from the area as Hell Thread continued approaching.
*KABOOM!*
A massive explosion rocked the area, destroying a part of the airport and throwing Flashback Sherry and Flashback Shinji forward until they landed on the ground. When Flashback Sherry looked up, while on her hands and knees, her worst fears were confirmed… Not only was the geoglyph, Flashback Rutger, and 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' gone, but so was Flashback Elsworth… All that was left was a partially destroyed airport (with the potential of several casualties) and flames. Soon, Flashback Sherry and Flashback Shinji were back on their feet as they stared at the fire and destruction left behind. All the tearful-looking Flashback Sherry could do about it was fall to her hands and knees, bow her head, and break down sobbing uncontrollably for several seconds before looking up at the scene of destruction and screaming one name from grief…
"ELSWOOOOOOOOORTH!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, as Sherry brushed the remaining suds from her hair before reaching over to shut off the water. Once the water had stopped, she reached out of the shower, grabbed a towel off the rack, and, a few seconds later, emerged with said towel wrapped around her alluring form—showing off plenty of cleavage. Sighing from the refreshing shower and recalling the recent painful chapters of her life, Sherry left the bathroom to get ready for bed.
(elsewhere…)
In one of Orb's cafeterias, Shinji was hanging out with James R., namely looking over their respective Decks to see if any changes were needed. As they cycled through their cards, Shinji spoke up about the recent duel between Matt and Ms. Simmons.
"Man, I really wish Sherry and I were there to see it," remarked Shinji.
"Yeah, you guys missed one heck of a Turbo Duel," agreed James R..
Shinji grinned, "I'll say," he added, before resting both hands behind his head, "Besides, I'm actually more surprised that Matt was able to defeat a real hottie like Erica Simmons, who's a Coordinator like him."
"Shinji!" The voice of James R. scolded, causing Shinji to look over. He almost looked offended over the innocent remark, "Erica's in her 30s, and you're only 21! And besides, what do you think will happen if Sherry overheard you saying that?"
"Ha ha ha! Relax, dude, I'm only kidding!" laughed Shinji, trying to get James R. to settle down, "And don't forget that Sherry and I aren't even a couple—yet."
James R. snorted over the excuse, believing it to be flimsy as he resumed looking over his the various cards of his Deck, some of which included the following:
-'Blackwing - Boreas the Sharp' (Effect Monster)
-'Blackwing - Decay the Ill Wind' (Tuner monster)
-'Raptor Wing Strike' (Spell Card)
-'Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame' (Effect Monster)
-'Blackwing - Mistral the Silver Shield' (Tuner monster)
-'Black-Winged Dragon' (Synchro Monster)
-'Black Feather Cursed Guard' (Trap Card)
-'Glowing Crossbow' (Spell Card)
-'Blackwing - Damascus the Polar Night' (Effect Monster)
-'Blackwing - Hurricane the Tornado' (Tuner monster)
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere else in Orb, a door to another dorm opened and Gabriella and Ryuta, Ms. Simmons's son, emerged.
"Don't be gone long," The voice of Ren called out.
"It's almost bedtime," The voice of Futaba reminded.
"I won't!" promised Gabriella, before turning to Ryuta, "What kind of ice cream are you getting, Ryuta-kun? I'm getting pistachio."
"Vanilla's my favorite," answered Ryuta, "By the way, I really liked the movie your parents picked out. Everyone always told me I had to see it."
Gabriella giggled, "It's one of my favorites ever," she replied, "But I had no idea it had different voices over here in America."
"I was told by Mommy that all Japanese movies and cartoons have English versions," explained Ryuta, "So more people can understand them."
"I suppose not everyone speaks Japanese," Gabriella shrugged, "(お兄ちゃん) O nīchan (Big Brother) knows even more than me," she added.
"'O-ni-chan'?" repeated Ryuta, trying to sound the word out, "What does that mean?"
"It means 'Big Brother'," Gabriella answered. "That's what Big Brothers are called in Japan."
"Wow! They have a lot of new terms I never knew about," Ryuta said in awe.
Gabriella smiled. "Now, come on, I'll race you to the cafeteria!"
She suddenly took off before a countdown ensued, with Ryuta calling out the unfairness of the head start. Nevertheless, both young children were laughing and having a good time in their little foot race when they suddenly bumped into someone and fell over.
"No running in the hall, you two," The voice of Mr. Kisaka berated.
Gabriella and Ryuta looked up and found they had bumped into Mr. Kisaka—except he was now wearing a black tank top, green army jeans with a belt, boots, and had his hair undone.
"W-We're sorry, Mr. Kisaka," apologized Ryuta, "Gabriella and I are just going to get some ice cream, then I'll be turning in," He (Ryuta) then got an idea, with Mr. Kisaka listening carefully, "Mr. Kisaka, could you lead Gabriella and I to the cafeteria, please?"
Upon hearing the suggestion, Mr. Kisaka seemed to smile at the idea—in a very evil sort of way.
"Of course, Ryuta," accepted Mr. Kisaka, as Ryuta smiled, "I'll be more than happy to take you two to the cafeteria."
"Oh, thank you, sir!" cheered Ryuta.
Gabriella was unsure, "Ryuta, please don't take this the wrong way, but are you sure this is a good idea?" she pressed, "I mean, I know Ledonir-senpai is nice, but-"
"Everything will be fine," reassured Ryuta, before facing the lone adult, "Lead the way, sir."
Unfortunately, something was actually wrong with Mr. Kisaka, and he was about to lead Gabriella and Ryuta both into terrible danger.
(elsewhere…)
Sure enough, Mr. Kisaka brought the young kids to Orb's Duel Arena, the same one where Ashima had a friendly duel with Rin after David's final duel with Vincent.
"Um… Mr. Kisaka? This isn't the cafeteria," remarked Ryuta, confused.
Mr. Kisaka said nothing, but Gabriella, growing increasingly certain of danger, tried getting the attention of Ryuta.
"Ryuta-kun, let's hurry and leave," urged Gabriella, before a shadow loomed over her, "I'm telling you, something's really-"
She didn't get much further, as she and her friend got neck pinched by Mr. Kisaka, knocking them unconscious. Speaking of Mr. Kisaka, he loomed over Gabriella and Ryuta as his eyes glowed purple and he chuckled evilly to himself—but there was a second voice added to the laughter.
(elsewhere…)
A little later inside her dorm, Ms. Simmons, wearing her normal clothes again after taking a shower, was seated on the couch waiting for Ryuta to come back from watching a movie with the Xadashi family. As the clock struck '8:30', she grew annoyed over her son not returning at the time they agreed to. Deciding to check in on the Xadashi family, Ms. Simmons got up, walked over to the nearby telephone, dialed the number, and gave them a call.
"Hello?" The voice of Futaba answered.
"Hello, Futaba? This is Erica calling," began Ms. Simmons, "How much longer until the movie is finished? Ryuta has to come back and get ready for bed."
"Erica? Oh, the movie ended around 7:30," The voice of Futaba pointed out.
"Huh?"
(elsewhere…)
Inside the dorm the Xadashi family was staying at, Futaba was busy talking to Ms. Simmons on the phone.
"When the movie ended, Ryuta and Gabriella left for the cafeteria for some ice cream," continued Futaba, growing worried, "It would have taken them ten minutes to do that, but…"
(elsewhere…)
Back on the other line…
"…it's been about an hour since they left," The voice of Futaba revealed, "Gabriella hasn't come back yet. Has Ryuta returned by any chance?"
"No… he hasn't," murmured Ms. Simmons, growing equally worried, "Thank you, Futaba, for telling me. I'll call you back in case I find anything out."
"Okay, thank you, Erica," The voice of Futaba responded, before hanging up.
Ms. Simmons looked at the nearby door, wondering where Ryuta and Gabriella currently were. Knowing that help was needed, she looked at the phone and dialed another number—this time, to David's cellphone, aiming to summon him and Lisa to her dorm.
(elsewhere…)
As that was going on, Michael was still inside his dorm reading that book about the Incas and remembering how he obtained Burning Soul and his 'Red Nova Dragon' Synchro Monster Card. He just turned the page when he heard his cellphone ringing. Michael put the book down and answered the call.
"Yes?" grunted Michael.
"Mike, I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," The voice of Mr. Kisaka began.
"Ledonir?" Michael pondered, surprised to hear from Mr. Kisaka, "Why are you calling me? Aren't you supposed to-"
"I wish to see you in the duel area in five minutes," The voice of Mr. Kisaka cut in, "We have some very important matters to discuss—and bring your Deck and Duel Disk."
Before Michael could object, Mr. Kisaka hung up, leaving the lime green-haired young man a little irritated by such a request. On the other hand, he, while gazing at the Deck and Duel Disk on the nearby table, always did enjoy a good duel, and he was very interested in seeing how good a teacher from Orb was in an actual fight—knowing that Ms. Simmons really gave Matt a hard-fought time.
(elsewhere…)
"(何って言ったの?!) Nani tte itta no?! (What did you say?!)" cried David in Japanese.
In Ms. Simmons's dorm, she had finished telling David and Lisa that Gabriella and Ryuta had disappeared. As Ms. Simmons had expected, David was not taking the news of his younger sister's disappearance all that well.
"No, no, no! It can't be happening again!" fretted David, pacing around, "Why her?! She has no part in this! It's not fair!"
"Dave…" murmured Lisa, before thinking that it was Azrael who orchestrated the possible kidnapping of Gabriella and Ryuta—two 6-year old kids, "Damn you, Azrael. What are you thinking?"
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, Michael arrived in Orb's Duel Area and found Mr. Kisaka already on top of the platform with his (Mr. Kisaka) Duel Disk equipped and eyes closed.
"Ledonir, I'm here," reported Michael, walking closer to the platform, "Are we going to duel?"
Silence…
"Ledonir? Are you listening to me?" Michael said a little louder.
At last, Ledonir Kisaka smiled and opened his eyes—revealing them to be glowing purple, a sign that a person was being controlled by a Dark Signer. Michael gasped when he saw what was going on, believing the Dark Signers to be at fault here.
"Damn you, Dark Signers!" exclaimed Michael, "Release Ledonir…" As he (Michael) raged on, Ledonir kept on grinning, "…from your control! What are your intentions this time?!"
Without saying a word, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) pointed upward and nearby, showing a chained up Ryuta and Gabriella suspended in the air.
"That's Ryuta and Gabriella!" realized Michael, before hearing laughter from Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "Grr! You scumbag!"
"I'm not a Dark Signer controlling this man like a puppet," denied Mr. Kisaka (possessed), speaking in two voices, "However, even you of all people should know who I am," While speaking on, Michael listened with gritted teeth, "Michael Atlas!"
With that being said, a flaming aura surrounded Mr. Kisaka (possessed) and briefly formed the body of a very familiar enemy from several years ago… An enemy Michael remembered so well.
"It's not possible!" gasped Michael, "You're Familiar of Red Nova, the servant to the Crimson Devil! But you're supposed to be dead!" While speaking on, clips of a pillar from the old Incan pyramid breaking, falling, and crushing Familiar of Red Nova was superimposed over him (Michael), "You were crushed by a falling pillar caused by the destruction of the whole Incan pyramid in Peru!"
"I'm very touched you remember me and our encounter in that false temple," chortled Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "I never forgot you, and how you enslaved my master and left me for dead."
"Heh! You have a lot of nerve showing your face in my presence after what happened between us years ago! I thrashed you then, and so help me I'll do it again!" snarled Michael, while Mr. Kisaka (possessed) just smirked, "Plus your master's gone, so you won't be able to try taking the easy way out like you tried before!"
"Taking the easy way out?" shrugged Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "What does it matter? I lost to you, you stole my master's power and sealed him away, and we can't ever forgive you for doing that," Focus went towards the unconscious Gabriella and Ryuta, then Michael, "I will avenge all of that and more by taking the lives of those kids as well as yours!"
Michael responded by skillfully jumping onto the other end of the platform and facing his old enemy head-on.
"Just try it," dared Michael.
"Hmhmhm… You must have gotten stronger since we last dueled," observed Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "But even with that power," He pointed using his right hand, "it won't be of any help to you in this fight."
"It won't be enough? What kind of nonsense are you even spouting?!" dismissed Michael, before entering his mind, "Besides, I learned to move forward in my life by changing up my power strategies after losing to Matt in San Francisco years ago."
"You might have tamed the Crimson Devil, better known as Scar-Red Nova, but even it pales in comparison to what the Dark Signers are fully capable of," boasted Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
"What makes you say that?" frowned Michael.
Mr. Kisaka (possessed) glared, "Why don't we duel?" he offered, activating his Duel Disk, "That way, you can learn that lesson the hard way!"
Michael activated his own Duel Disk, just as Mr. Kisaka (possessed) raised his hands up and surrounded the whole platform with fire, preventing any sort of escape from both duelists until a winner was decided on. Michael simply faced his enemy without fear and held up his right arm, showing the glowing birthmark of the Dragon's Wings underneath his right forearm covered by his armguard.
(elsewhere…)
Throughout Orb, Matt, James R., and Carlie silently reacted to their birthmarks (Matt: Dragon's Head, James R.: Dragon's Tail, Carlie: Dragon's Foot) glowing and causing them pain, like the Crimson Dragon was trying to warn them of something important.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Ms. Simmons's dorm, the respective birthmarks (David: Dragon's Heart, Lisa: Dragon's Hand) started glowing and responding, causing David and Lisa some pain.
"O-Our birthmarks-!" hissed David.
"Something big's going on somewhere in Orb," acknowledged Lisa, while Ms. Simmons listened carefully, "Maybe Ryuta and Gabriella are still here?" Clutching her right arm, she resisted the pain to speak on, "Come on, let's see if we can find them."
With that said, the two teenagers and Ms. Simmons left the dorm, hoping that both children were still around and hopefully safe.
(elsewhere…)
Back outside Rex Godwin's mansion, all was very quiet on the outside.
(inside…)
Within the underground chamber, Rex was walking up the stairs of the makeshift Incan pyramid until he reached the top. Once there, he, with the wave of his right hand over the well at the top, was shown footage of an impending duel between Michael Atlas and a possessed Ledonir Kisaka. Rex didn't say anything; he just wanted to see how Michael would fare in the match.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Orb's Duel Area, Michael (LP: 4000) and Mr. Kisaka (possessed) (LP: 4000) drew their five cards and began their match.
"I go first!" boomed Michael, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Red Resonator", "Scarlet Security", "Wandering King Wildwind", "Clock Resonator", "Red Gem", and "Pot of Arrogance"
His hand contained 'Red Resonator', 'Scarlet Security', 'Wandering King Wildwind', 'Clock Resonator', 'Red Gem', and the drawn 'Pot of Arrogance'. After looking at his drawn card for a few seconds, he made his move.
"Spell Card, 'Pot of Arrogance', activate!" began Michael, slotting the card into his Duel Disk. This caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "If I have not activated-"
"Oh, I already know what it does," interrupted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "Basically, at the cost of not being allowed to activate Spells this turn, you get to draw two cards," He chuckled with dark amusement, "It's something that suits you really well—seeing as you were a horrible person back when you were champion of North America before losing everything to Matt Fudo!"
"Shut up!" countered Michael, drawing two cards. Adding both cards into his hand, he took another card ('Red Resonator') and held it out, "I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Red Resonator'!"
Appearing onto the field was the familiar 'Resonator' monster with the flaming body (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 200).
"I activate 'Red Resonator's' first effect!" Michael went on, holding up another card taken from his hand, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from my hand," He turned the card ('Wandering King Wildwind') over and revealed it, "I Special Summon 'Wandering King Wildwind'!"
Appearing onto the field was the purple-furred panther on two legs, wearing a light green hood and cape, plus light green pants (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1300).
"Oh…" smiled Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "I think 'Pot of Arrogance' gave you those cards. But will they even be enough?"
"I tune Level 4 'Wandering King Wildwind' into Level 2 'Red Resonator'!" declared Michael.
'Red Resonator' turned itself into two Synchro Rings, which 'Wandering King Wildwind' leaped into before becoming four orbs of light as an all-too familiar Summon Chant was heard throughout.
"The crimson souls shall become one. All shall tremble before the king's might!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 4 + 2 = 6 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Red Wyvern'!"
Emerging from the beam of light and onto the field, was the large, brown dragon-like monster with the tips of both wings blazing like fire. Some parts of its body were colored red, and it had flaming-like hair (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"Yes indeed, you've been stepping up your game since we last fought," smiled Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "This rematch will be very fun!"
Michael scowled, but before he could fire off a retort, distant voices were heard coming from outside the chamber. The doors burst open, and the rest of the Signers, followed by Zack, Ms. Simmons, Ren, and Futaba, raced inside to find the duel platform already activated and surrounded by fire—but especially finding both Ryuta and Gabriella unconscious and chained in midair.
"Oh no," whispered Ms. Simmons, scared for her son and devastated over how Mr. Kisaka would seemingly do this, "Ledonir Kisaka, how could you betray us?"
"Gabriella!" panicked David.
"My baby!" shrieked Futaba.
"This is definitely the work of the Dark Signers!" realized Zack.
"(貴様!) Kisama! (Damn you!)" cursed Ren in Japanese, "How dare you force Ledonir-san to kidnap our children! Let them all go before I-!"
"You're in no position to be making threats towards me," retorted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "I have no intention of letting any of them go—not when I've waited to face Michael Atlas for so long."
Ren scowled, "(何?) Nani? (What?)"
"How come?" pressed Lisa hotly.
"Wait a second… That voice…" remembered Carlie, "Guys, do you recognize that secondary voice overlapped with Ledonir's voice?"
"I recognize it, but I don't believe it," answered James R..
"It was when we went to Peru a few years ago," added Matt, before facing David, Lisa, Ren, Futaba, and Ms. Simmons, "You see, while we were on vacation, Mike was tricked into visiting an old Incan pyramid that was said to contain a wish-granting spirit."
"That spirit would be me, Familiar of Red Nova," mocked Mr. Kisaka (possessed), gesturing the thumb of his right hand at himself, "My master, the Crimson Devil, has been waiting for a suitable vessel, that way he could reduce the world to ash!"
"But Mike stole the power of the Crimson Devil and used it to create 'Red Nova Dragon', allowing him to defeat Familiar of Red Nova," The voice of James R. concluded.
"Yes, thank you for bringing that up," Mr. Kisaka (possessed) grumbled sarcastically, displeased at having been reminded of his loss and the demise of his master. He recovered and smiled with malicious intent and took two cards from his hand, "But it matters not; when I defeat the Duel King himself," He pointed to the unconscious Ryuta and Gabriella in the air, "I shall sacrifice these children to help resurrect the Crimson Devil from the dead!"
"That won't happen," rebutted Michael, taking two cards from his hand, "So long as I, Michael Atlas, am still breathing, you will never lay a finger on those two!" He slotted both cards into his Duel Disk, one card at a time, causing two face-down cards to materialize on the field in-front of him, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
"Ah ha ha ha ha! All you have is 'Red Wyvern' and two Set cards… This won't be a hard fight at all," laughed Mr. Kisaka (possessed). He then drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Ledonir Kisaka (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Harmonic Synchro Fusion", "Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper", "Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker", "Earthbound Wilderness", "Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper", and "Earthbound Mitigation"(!)
His hand contained 'Harmonic Synchro Fusion', 'Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper', 'Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker', 'Earthbound Wilderness', 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper', and the drawn 'Earthbound Mitigation'. Pleased with his hand, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) remembered that one such Signer, being Matt, faced those cards once before and won—but now they were significantly improved, and he would use them to destroy the person who defeated him years ago.
"Matt Fudo," called Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as Matt listened, "I wish to show you an old foe from your own past."
"An old foe from my past?" repeated Matt.
"Except he's not the one you're dueling, it's me!" stated Michael.
"Of course," accepted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), before taking a card and placing it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker'!"
Appearing onto the field was a strange, yet familiar, dark being; this one had an orange/yellow-colored outline, and the appearance of the top of an ape (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 1100). Below the platform, the sight of that monster caused Matt to gasp in horror from a brief memory.
FLASHBACK
During the duel between Flashback Matt and Flashback Sergey, a Monster Card known as 'Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper' materialized face-up on the field in-front of Duelist Crusher.
"Come, 'Stone Sweeper'!" The voice of Flashback Sergey commanded.
Suddenly emerging from the ground (from cracking open) and onto the field, was a monster unlike anything Matt had ever seen before; it was a large, black, lizard-like creature with a light blue outline, and a shackle around its tail (Level: 5/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1600).
"Furthermore," Flashback Sergey said, while holding up another new card ('Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker') before placing it onto his Duel Runner, "I'll Summon 'Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker'!"
Appearing onto the field was another strange dark being; this one, however, had an orange/yellow-colored outline, and the appearance of the top of an ape (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 1100).
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"The 'Earthbound Prisoner' and 'Earthbound Servant' cards used by Sergey Volkov," thought Matt gravely.
Back on the platform…
"I activate 'Line Walker's' first effect!" cackled Mr. Kisaka (possessed), before holding up a card ('Earthbound Prison') taken from his Deck, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Earthbound Prison' or 'Harmonic Synchro Fusion' from my Deck or GY to my hand!" He then turned the card over, "Next, I'll activate the Field Spell, 'Earthbound Prison'!"
Within seconds of the mentioned card being played, the area around both duelists and the spectators turned into a bleak, new cemetery-like place with stone statues of hands all around, akin to "The Hands" Nazca Line.
"Again?" complained Carlie.
"Again, I'm afraid," confirmed Zack.
From there, Gabriella and Ryuta stirred and woke up.
"What happened?" groaned Ryuta, "Why did-?"
"(何?) Nani? (What?)" struggled Gabriella, before realizing she and her friend were several feet off the ground and chained up, "Oh no! We're tied up!"
Both children were scared as they looked around hoping to find someone to help them and saw the Signers and adults down below. The second they saw their respective parents…
"Mommy!" wailed Ryuta.
"(ママ!) Mama! (Mommy)!" screamed Gabriella.
Down below, Futaba and Ms. Simmons were absolutely terrified over their respective children being in danger, while Mr. Kisaka (possessed) boomed with laughter over the cries and screams from the prisoners.
"Yes! Cry harder, you two! Be absolutely frightened!" said Mr. Kisaka (possessed) sadistically, taking absolute joy out of Ryuta and Gabriella being in danger. He then went on with his turn, "Allow me to explain 'Earthbound Prison's' first effect!" Focus went towards 'Red Wyvern' for a moment, "When this card is activated: I can target 1 Effect Monster my opponent controls; this card gains this effect."
This was the gained effect written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"While this card is in the Field Zone, I must negate that Effect Monster's effects!"
"Tch!" muttered Michael, being aware of the 'Earthbound Prison' Spell Card and knowing 'Red Wyvern' was going to be targeted for it, "Those damned 'Earthbound' cards Matt faced once before are extremely dangerous," He spoke aloud, "Go ahead! Target my 'Red Wyvern', because it won't matter!"
"Hm?" quizzed Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
"I'm more than ready to face your cards!" proclaimed Michael, "Matt might have had a hard time beating them when they were under the control of Sergey Volkov, but I'll fare much better against them!"
"Heh, you'll regret that," As that was said, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) revealed the second effect of his Field Spell as focus went towards it, "During my Main Phase, I can Normal Summon 1 'Earthbound' monster in addition…" He took a card from his hand, "…to my Normal Summon/Set."
Below the platform…
"Guys, that means Familiar of Red Nova can make up to two Normal Summons per turn if they're all 'Earthbound' monsters," commented Carlie.
"Mike will be in for quite the fight," frowned Matt.
"Correction; this will be Mike's hardest battle yet," corrected Zack, "And it comes with really high stakes."
"The safety of the children and Ledonir-senpai," admitted David.
Back on the platform…
"If a card is in a Field Zone, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," explained Mr. Kisaka (possessed), revealing the first effect of a monster in his hand. He placed his card ('Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper') onto his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper'!"
Suddenly emerging from the platform (from cracking open) and onto the field, was a large, black, lizard-like creature with a light blue outline, and a shackle around its tail (Level: 5/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1600). The sight of that monster briefly disturbed Matt. Alas, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) was not finished…
"With these two monsters, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Harmonic Synchro Fusion'!" screeched Mr. Kisaka (possessed), holding up the mentioned card before slotting it into his Duel Disk and causing it to materialize face-up on the field, "I must send 2 face-up monsters I control to the GY (1 Tuner and 1 non-Tuner); I must Special Summon 1 Fusion Monster and 1 Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck that can be Fusion and Synchro Summoned using only those 2 monsters in the GY as material," He removed the 'Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper' Monster Card and the 'Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker' Monster Card from the occupied Monster Zones and sent them to the GY as additional copies of those respective monsters formed on the field, "I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck the turn I activate this card, except Fusion and Synchro Monsters!"
Below the platform…
"I remember this card," thought Matt, "Mike, be really careful! I already know which monsters Familiar of Red Nova will bring out using it!"
Back on the platform…
"First up, I fuse 'Line Walker' and 'Stone Sweeper' together!" began Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
The remaining copies of 'Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper' and 'Earthbound Prisoner' started merging together with a large background of the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming behind them.
"Prisoner that crawls across the earth, become one with the prisoner that walks the path of execution and become a gigantic beast that delivers out punishment!" chanted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as the Fusion Summon sequence slowly came to an end, "Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 8! 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken'!"
Appearing onto the field was what appeared to be a large black-colored kraken with purple lines across its body (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1200).
"'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken'!" gawked Lisa.
"So that's one of the creatures Fudo-san faced before," realized David.
"And there are more to come," figured James R..
Back on the platform…
"Next, I tune Level 5 'Stone Sweeper' into Level 3 'Line Walker'!" continued Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
'Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker' soared into the sky and turned itself into three large Synchro Rings, which 'Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper' soared into before turning into five orbs of light as a menacing Summon Chant from Mr. Kisaka (possessed) echoed throughout…
"Revive from the depths of the earth. Gigantic beast with wings of punishment!" chanted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as the symbols 5 + 3 = 8 were shown briefly just before the five orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 8! 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gryphon'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was what appeared to look like a large black-colored griffon with yellow lines across its body (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1500).
"That's another 'Earthbound Servant' monster-!" cried Zack.
"Both of which are stronger than 'Red Wyvern'!" put in Carlie.
Ms. Simmons, Ren, Futaba, David, and Lisa all were deeply concerned. Back on the platform, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) was shown drawing a card.
"I activate 'Geo Kraken's' first effect!" he declared, holding up his card ('Earthbound Prison') for a few seconds before adding it into his hand, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can add 1 Field Spell from my Deck or GY to my hand."
"It's another copy of 'Earthbound Prison'," thought Michael.
"And that's not all," smirked Mr. Kisaka (possessed), taking another card from his hand, "Remember 'Earthbound Prison's' second effect? I get to make a second Normal Summon if it's an 'Earthbound' monster," He placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, causing the device to light up, "I Summon 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper'!"
Appearing onto the field was another black creature. This one had a purple outline, and resembled a legless being (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 300).
"A Tuner," grumbled Michael.
"If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can…" explained Mr. Kisaka (possessed), taking a card ('Earthbound Prisoner Wood Hauler'(!)) from his Deck and looking at it, "…Special Summon 1 Level 5 or lower 'Earthbound' monster from my Deck or GY, except 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper', also I cannot…" He placed the card onto his Duel Disk, "…Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Fusion and Synchro Monsters," The device then lit up, "I Special Summon 'Earthbound Prisoner Wood Hauler'!"
Appearing on the field was another black creature, this one with green lines across its body (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1400).
"'Wood Hauler's' first effect!," announced Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as 'Earthbound Prisoner Wood Hauler' began to glow a green aura, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can target 1 'Earthbound' monster I control; I must…" Focus went towards 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper' as its Level went up slightly (Level: 1 → 2) "…increase or decrease its Level by 1 until the end of this turn!" He then smiled while looking down at a card ('Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper') on a Monster Zone of his Duel Disk, then looked back up, "And there's the second effect of 'Ground Keeper'! 'Earthbound' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects while a card is in a Field Zone."
"That card in the Field Zone being 'Earthbound Prison'," recalled Michael. He then retreated into his thoughts about the cards he was facing, "Those 'Earthbound'-related cards function more differently than how Matt described them—could Familiar of Red Nova have altered how they initially worked?"
Suddenly, 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken' raised its tentacles and grappled with 'Red Wyvern', trying to crush it.
"What's happening?" wondered Ryuta.
"One of those scary things is doing something to Atlas-sama's 'Red Wyvern'," replied Gabriella.
"I activate the second effect of 'Line Walker'!" revealed Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "If I control a Level 6 or higher 'Earthbound' monster: I can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 opponent's Effect Monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck; I must shuffle that Effect Monster into the Deck, then my opponent can Special Summon 1 monster with the same name from their Extra Deck."
'Red Wyvern' roared in agony before scattering into dust.
"Damn it…!" growled Michael, taking the 'Red Wyvern' Synchro Monster Card from his Duel Disk but placing it right back there (except sideways), "Fine! I Special Summon 'Red Wyvern' in Defense Position!"
'Red Wyvern' reappeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000). But the sight of it coming back only made Mr. Kisaka (possessed) laugh.
"What's so funny?" demanded Michael.
"You fell into my trap, that's what!" bragged Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "I activate 'Geo Kraken's' second effect!"
"Oh no!" cried Matt, "It must be 'that' effect!"
"Well, well, well, you have some knowledge of it, then," remarked Mr. Kisaka (possessed), looking down at Matt before focusing on Michael again, "Anyway… If a monster(s) is Special Summoned from my opponent's Extra Deck (except during the Damage Step): I can destroy as many monsters my opponent controls as possible that were Special Summoned this turn, and if I do, inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each monster destroyed by this effect!"
"Sergey tried something like that against me early on in our duel," remembered Matt, as the eyes of Carle, James R., and David came upon him, "The only reason it failed was because I had 'Junkuriboh' in my hand."
"So Mike had better do something like you did," said James R. seriously, gazing at the monsters on the platform, "If he fails to save 'Red Wyvern' from destruction, those two 'Earthbound Servant' monsters will attack directly and defeat him in a One Turn Kill!"
Ren and Futaba looked at each other for three seconds, then upward towards their kidnapped daughter while wondering if they were about to lose her to Familiar of Red Nova. 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken', meanwhile, unleashed a dark breath-like attack towards 'Red Wyvern'.
"I won't lose like this!" cut in Michael, before holding his right hand out, "I activate a Trap, 'Red Gem'!" The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, creating some crystals on the field, "'Red' monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects until the end of this turn!"
The crystals from the 'Red Gem' Trap Card absorbed the attack by 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken', saving 'Red Wyvern' from destruction and dealing moderate damage to Michael.
"Feh! A momentary nuisance," dismissed Mr. Kisaka (possessed), before pointing forth, "I tune Level 4 "Wood Hauler" into Level 2 "Ground Keeper"
As the command to tune was being given, 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper' turned into two Synchro Rings which 'Earthbound Prisoner Wood Hauler' flew into, becoming four orbs of light in the process as a Summon Chant ensued.
"Spirit bound to the earth, shake all of creation with your mystic power!" chanted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as the symbols 4 + 2 = 6 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the duo of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 6! 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and in the air, was a huge, black, fiendish creature with a blue outline, horns, and was bound in shackles (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1000).
"I use this moment to activate the second effect of 'Wood Hauler'!" exclaimed Mr. Kisaka (possessed), just as a card ejected from the Deck, was taken, slotted into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, and caused a Set card to appear on the field, "If this card is sent to the GY as a material for the Fusion or Synchro Summon of an 'Earthbound' monster: I can Set 1 'Earthbound' Spell/Trap directly from my Deck, also I can only attack with 'Earthbound' monsters for the rest of this turn!"
Mr. Kisaka (possessed) smiled to himself, aware he just Set his 'Earthbound Spell Sealer' Trap Card, which he would use the instant Michael activated a Spell Card. Michael remained unfazed by what he was facing.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the underground chamber of Rex's mansion, Rex himself was still watching the duel between Michael and Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
"This is a familiar setting," mused Rex, "Ah yes, this happened four years ago."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
During Flashback Michael and Flashback Familiar of Red Nova's duel inside a manmade Incan pyramid…
"I Summon 'Abyss Boat Watchman'!" cried Flashback Familiar of Red Nova.
The 'drawn' stone tablet turned itself over, and appearing on the field was a ghostly Fiend monster armed with an oar and riding a boat of sorts (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"This is where 'Abyss Kid's' second effect activates," Flashback Familiar of Red Nova pointed out, wagging the index finger of his right hand, "If I controlled this card when it was destroyed and sent to the GY, then while this card is in the GY: I must destroy all monsters I control," His 'Abyss Boat Watchman' shattered into shards of glass and became yellow energy, "This activates 'Abyss Boat Watchman's' first effect! When this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: I must inflict 800 damage to my opponent!"
The yellow energy surged forward and struck Flashback Michael, damaging him further (LP: 3200 → 2400). Flashback Familiar of Red Nova chuckled humorlessly.
"Next, I'll activate the Continuous Spell, 'Spirit Wave Barrier'!" declared Flashback Familiar of Red Nova, as his next stone tablet turned over and revealed itself, "When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack: I must negate the attack, then destroy that monster. I must destroy this card during my 3rd End Phase after activation," He entered his End Phase, "I end my turn."
"It's my turn!" boomed Michael, drawing a card, "Hear this! I will keep going and going with nothing but power until I have a breakthrough!"
That statement only caused Flashback Familiar of Red Nova to cackle with amusement. At last, Flashback Michael saw that his drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Power Breaker'.
"My prayers have already been answered!" bragged Flashback Michael, readying his card before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Power Breaker' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was a muscled, shirtless Fiend monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 0).
"I use 'Power Breaker' to attack directly!" ordered Flashback Michael, as 'Power Breaker' was moving in for the kill, "Power Slash!"
'Power Breaker' struck Flashback Familiar of Red Nova's face-up 'Spirit Wave Barrier' Spell Card and ended up destroyed.
"Oh dear," joked Flashback Familiar of Red Nova, "Why would you make such a boneheaded move if you already knew that, thanks to 'Spirit Wave Barrier', direct attacks will backfire?"
"Getting my monster destroyed was a requirement for me to destroy 'Spirit Wave Barrier'," insisted Flashback Michael, "When 'Power Breaker' is destroyed, one face-up Spell or Trap on your field will be destroyed!" He pointed at the face-up 'Spirit Wave Barrier' Spell Card on the enemy's field, "Your ultimate defense against attacks is no more!"
The 'Spirit Wave Barrier' Spell Card cracked apart before shattering into shards of glass, but Flashback Familiar of Red Nova didn't seem to mind losing his card.
"Now your field is completely empty!" raged Flashback Michael, unaware that Familiar of Red Nova might be hiding a different strategy, "'Big Piece Golem' attacks you directly!" As he announced the attack's name, 'Big Piece Golem' charged into battle with a headbutt, "Power Pressure!"
"I won't let you do that," rebutted Flashback Familiar of Red Nova, "Trap Card, open! 'Guidance to the Abyss'!" His Set stone tablet flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If there are exactly 2 'Abyss' monsters in my GY: I must Special Summon 1 'Abyss' monster from my Deck!" He pointed forth, "I Special Summon 'Abyss Guardian' in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a ghostly specter monster wielding a hand axe for a weapon (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"But due to the second effect of 'Abyss Kid', who's still in the GY, my monster is destroyed," reminded Flashback Familiar of Red Nova, as 'Abyss Guardian' shattered into shards of glass, turned into yellow energy, and fired forth, "When 'Abyss Guardian' is destroyed and sent to the GY: I must inflict 800 damage to my opponent, then, if this card was destroyed during the Battle Phase, end that Battle Phase."
The energy struck Flashback Michael and dealt more effect damage to him (LP: 2400 → 1600), while 'Big Piece Golem' returned to his field after having failed to do any damage to the opposition.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, with Rex still having an unreadable expression on his face. He decided to continue watching the duel and see if Michael would win out.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Orb's Duel Arena, everyone below the platform watched the monsters that Mr. Kisaka (possessed) now commanded. Gabriella and Ryuta simply remained chained and in the air, but they also watched the duel.
"I faced those three 'Earthbound Servant' monsters during my duel with Sergey," thought Matt, "There's a fourth one yet to be Summoned."
On the platform…
"Keh ha ha ha ha ha! Don't you realize it?" cackled Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "You might have gotten stronger since four years ago, but I've also gotten stronger—stronger than you'll ever become!"
"Hmph! I doubt it," rebutted Michael calmly.
Mr. Kisaka (possessed) seethed, "What?!"
"I activate 'Red Wyvern's' monster effect!" announced Michael, while 'Red Wyvern' also went into a battle ready position, "Once per opponent's turn, if my opponent controls 2 or more monsters with higher ATK than this card (Quick Effect): I can target the 1 face-up monster my opponent controls that has the highest ATK (my choice, if tied); I must destroy that target!" He pointed at 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken', "I target and destroy your 'Geo Kraken'!"
"I won't let that happen!" interrupted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "I activate my monster's first effect!" As he explained the effect, 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gryphon' let out a screeching roar as the platform cracked apart, allowing the hand of 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper' to emerge, followed by the whole body of it, "(Quick Effect): I can Special Summon 1 'Earthbound' monster from my GY in Defense Position, except 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gryphon', also I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Fusion and Synchro Monsters!"
Once it was back on the field, 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper' let out a roar to signal its arrival (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 300).
"'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper'!" remembered Lisa.
"And its second effect prevents 'Earthbound' monsters from being destroyed by battle and card effects so long as a card is in the Field Zone," commented James R..
"'Red Wyvern' won't be able to destroy 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken' with its effect!" finished Zack.
Back on the platform, 'Red Wyvern' charged and fired off a blast of fire towards 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken', but, with a roar from 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper', a barrier formed around the field of Mr. Kisaka (possessed) and protecting it from being taken down.
"But I have more to show you," insisted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as he held his right hand out near his face-up 'Earthbound Prison' Spell Card, "I destroy 'Earthbound Prison' and activate 'Earthbound Wilderness' in its place!"
The face-up 'Earthbound Prison' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass, and appearing face-up on the field in its place was the 'Earthbound Wilderness' Spell Card. Below the platform, the name of the card brought back many unpleasant memories for Matt, due to the Turbo Duel with Sergey a while ago. It was one card he was hoping to God wouldn't be played during this particular duel, but, alas, here it was. Back on the platform…
"'Earthbound Wilderness'?" whispered Michael.
"My Field Spell's first effect," said Mr. Kisaka (possessed) smugly, "Neither player can Summon monsters in Defense Position, also face-up Attack Position monsters on the field cannot change their battle positions. However, you should be more worried about the fourth effect! If an 'Earthbound' Fusion or Synchro Monster I control destroys an opponent's monster by battle; that monster is banished instead of being sent to the GY!"
He burst out laughing, believing he (Familiar of Red Nova) had Michael totally on the ropes, reducing the King's list of usable monsters slowly until there's nothing left to bring back. Below the platform, nobody was happy to hear of those two effects.
"$*#^! That 'Earthbound Wilderness' is busted as hell!" complained Lisa.
"I know it all too well," agreed Matt gravely.
Back on the platform, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) continued to laugh, but said laughter was turning increasingly gleeful and sadistic.
"I can't wait!" screeched Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as he summoned another aura of fire. The aura then rose up and briefly formed the body of Familiar of Red Nova again, "I can't wait to relish the sounds of tortured screams from my prisoners…" Focus went towards the chained, suspended, and frightened Ryuta and Gabriella, "…when I kill them to help revive my master!" He pointed forth, "At least once I'm done with you, Michael Atlas! Then I'll kill everyone else in this room for the fun of it!"
Below the platform, David, with his head bowed and a shadow over his eyes due to briefly having remembered that he almost lost Gabriella twice to the Dark Signers, was not having any of it.
"(ふざけんな!) Fuzaken na! (Cut the bull!)" he shouted in Japanese, raising his head back up.
"Hm?" pondered Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
"If you so much as lay a finger on my younger sister, then the only tortured scream will be your own voice begging for mercy!" bellowed David in anger, before pointing upward at Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "That I promise you!"
Ren and Futaba nodded in agreement, not about to lose their daughter to something like Familiar of Red Nova.
"And if you lay one finger on my son, I will make you regret it!" threatened Ms. Simmons, while Mr. Kisaka (possessed) listened while scowling, "You will also pay the price for possessing Ledonir Kisaka, my friend!" She swung her right hand, clenched as a fist, about, "All of us will make sure of it!"
"Hmhmhm… Those are bold words," deadpanned Mr. Kisaka (possessed), amused over being defied by his enemies. He smiled madly again, "In that case, I will be happy to show all of you the true meaning of the word 'fear'!" To prove it, he pointed upward at 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin' before it started glowing all purple, "I activate the second effect of 'Geo Gremlin'! During the Battle Phase (Quick Effect): I can Fusion Summon 1 'Earthbound' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials mentioned on it from my hand, field, and/or GY!"
"What?!" flinched Michael.
The audience was not looking any better, especially when Mr. Kisaka (possessed) held up two cards ('Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper' and 'Earthbound Prisoner Wood Hauler') taken from his GY.
"I banish 'Stone Sweeper' and 'Wood Hauler' from my GY!" he admitted deviously.
Both cards dissolved into oblivion, with 'Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper' and 'Earthbound Prisoner Wood Hauler' both reappearing on the field for only a few seconds before they started merging together with a large background of the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card looming behind them.
"He who is bound by stone, become one with he who is bound by the earth and grasp the land," chanted Mr. Kisaka (possessed) "Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 6! 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlina'!"
Appearing out of the Fusion Vortex and in the air, was a huge, horned, black creature with yellow outlines, and was also bound in shackles (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1000). With that done, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) controlled four extremely dangerous monsters in 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gryphon', 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken', 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin', and 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlina', and they were ready to demolish Michael at any time. All Michael controlled was 'Red Wyvern'.
"My master will be very pleased once I've defeated the Signer who sealed him away!" boasted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), while Michael said nothing in response and merely listened, "Michael Atlas, you should feel honored that you sealed the Crimson Devil and tamed its power for your own use!"
"Why should I feel honored about that?" spat Michael defiantly.
"Don't you know?" teased Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "The Crimson Devil, Scar-Red Nova, was originally an 'Earthbound Immortal'—the most powerful of all! One who pushed even the Crimson Dragon to its absolute limits before falling!"
Below the platform, the spectators gasped.
"Say what?!" blurted James R..
"The Crimson Devil's an 'Earthbound Immortal'?" came from Matt.
"Mike was battling an 'Earthbound Immortal' years before we ever found out about them," realized Carlie.
"Why didn't Governor Godwin inform us of that when we learned of our mission?" objected David.
"Scar-Red Nova had been defeated 5000 years before the People of the Stars called upon the Signer Dragons to aid against the 'Earthbound Immortals'," explained Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as a thought bubble formed above him and revealed a tall, tan-skinned young Incan man who greatly resembles Michael in many ways as he demonstrated the power of Burning Soul against his foes, "A man who possessed Burning Soul—the same power, you, Mike, used to tame Scar-Red Nova into your ace monster, 'Red Nova Dragon'. That man was the Legendary Signer, and 10000 years later, he and his Burning Soul ability was reincarnated as one of the Crimson Dragon's chosen servants," The bubble popped, and he placed his right hand at his side, "Michael Atlas, you used that very power to seal Scar-Red Nova away just as the Legendary Signer had originally done 10000 years before, meaning you're definitely the present day-incarnation of the Legendary Signer!"
Michael and everyone else was left in a state of shock from hearing such a story, since it explained how Michael was able to unlock such power in the first place; he inherited it from his past life.
"Oh man…" uttered Lisa.
"No kidding," agreed James R., before trying to lighten the mood a little bit to the dismay of everyone else around him, "That sure explains a lot of things," He shrugged playfully, "Yet I can't help but wonder how Megan and Juri—if they were still with us—would react to hearing such a thing about a guy they both have a crush on. I bet their reactions would be funny, right?"
Unfortunately, no one was laughing at the small jest nor did they find it remotely funny. In fact, the comment earned him some glares of disapproval, and so James R. immediately dropped it. On the platform, Michael continued to hatefully glare at his old enemy while listening to the ramblings of an insane individual.
"I will avenge my master by first defeating you, the Legendary Signer, then by killing everyone in this room," The voice of Mr. Kisaka (possessed) proclaimed, all with a slasher smile on his face, "After reviving Scar-Red Nova, we will finally destroy the Crimson Dragon, and then this wretched world!"
"That won't happen!" The voice of Michael vowed, which didn't bother Mr. Kisaka (possessed) at all, "Not while I'm still around!"
Both sides continued to glare at the other, before, in a frozen still, images of the Crimson Dragon and Scar-Red Nova appeared above both respective duelists and their monsters—all while everyone ranging from the audience and the two prisoners watched anxiously and listened to the roars of the two Gods of good (The Crimson Dragon) and evil (The Crimson Devil) respectively. Would Michael be able to defeat Familiar of Red Nova again, considering the new, extremely dangerous cards he (Familiar of Red Nova) had access to? Stay tuned for the answer.
And so, Michael finds himself in the middle of a grudge match with Familiar of Red Nova, and the latter is controlling Ledonir and packing big upgrades thanks to the usage of Sergey's cards now updated to their TCG/OCG effects. Also with this one done, the story now has (count 'em) 85 chapters (the final result will likely being even greater) and totals over a million words and counting. Stay tuned for the exciting part 2 of this duel, where things are going to get increasingly hot, if you know what I mean.
See you all soon with the next chapter, and keep staying safe in these ever growing problematic times we're in.