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: Converging Wills
Opening up in Orb's Turbo Duel Stadium, the Turbo Duel between Matt and Erica was raging on, with 'Stardust Warrior' (ATK: 3000) preparing to face-off against 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' (ATK: 4500), who had begun to attack.
"Don't forget about the second effect of my Continuous Trap, 'Stardust Wish'!" rebutted Matt, as focus went towards the face-up 'Stardust Wish' Trap Card and 'Stardust Warrior', "Monsters Special Summoned by this effect cannot be destroyed by battle while in Attack Position!"
"I never once forgot about that," said Ms. Simmons, "But, Matt…" As she spoke on, Matt seemed to become noticeably worried, "Even 'Stardust Wish' won't save 'Stardust Warrior'!"
"What?" gasped Matt.
"I will prove it here!" Ms. Simmons went on, as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' aimed its weapon, "Open fire on 'Stardust Warrior', 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'!"
'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' obeyed, firing an extremely powerful plasma blast towards 'Stardust Warrior'. In the stands, everyone watched as 'Stardust Warrior' dodged the first attack.
"Despite the fact that 'Stardust Warrior' won't be destroyed and Matt taking 1500 damage from the battle, Erica has to be bluffing that she will still take out Matt's monster," insisted James R..
Nobody else said a word. Back on the track, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' aimed its weapon and fired another attack. It was then Ms. Simmons made her move.
"As of now, I'm activating a Quick-Play Spell from my hand!" As Ms. Simmons announced that, she slotted her secret weapon ('Forbidden Scripture') into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Runner. The 'Forbidden Scripture' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind Murasame, "'Forbidden Scripture'!"
The audience recoiled in shock, wondering if they just misheard those words. Unfortunately, they were loud and clear, and Matt was horrified to see such a rare and powerful Spell Card being activated against him. He watched as 'Stardust Warrior' avoided the second attack by 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode', but, as he prepared to avoid a third attack, suddenly got overcome with pain—to the point he was unable to dodge a third time. With the enemy crippled, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' aimed its weapon and opened fire a final time. This time, 'Stardust Warrior' could not dodge the attack; he got hit, exploding from destruction. The explosion's backlash could be felt by nearly everyone sitting in the stands of the stadium.
"My Quick-Play Spell, 'Forbidden Scripture'!" announced Ms. Simmons, "If a monster battles an opponent's monster, during damage calculation: I must negate all other card effects on the field until the end of the Damage Step, also damage calculation for this battle uses each monster's original ATK and DEF. This was the card I planned to use in our first duel, to stop you from winning with 'Shooting Star Dragon'… However, the duel ended before the effect could resolve," While revealing her plan to him, Matt listened in a stunned state, "Now that the effect of 'Stardust Wish' has been momentarily negated, I've destroyed 'Stardust Warrior' and dealt damage at the same time!"
Matt said nothing back as his LP were reduced quite significantly (LP: 4000 → 2500). In addition, he started to realize just how the previous duel would have ended had the system hadn't malfunctioned.
FLASHBACK
Near the end of the Turbo Duel, finally realizing the gravity of the situation, Flashback Matt understood and looked back at his Deck, needing to draw a Tuner monster. He then drew his final card with a Destiny Draw. The final card was revealed to be the…'Steam Synchron' Monster Card.
"Yes!" rejoiced Flashback Matt, "The Tuner monster, 'Steam Synchron'!"
"I-Impossible!" Flashback Ms. Simmons flinched (secretly not worried), "You're actually able to attack three times?!"
"Battle!" roared Flashback Matt, entering his Battle Phase as he motioned his right hand into the air, "'Shooting Star Dragon', attack 'Halberd Cannon'!" Before he announced the attack name of his monster, 'Shooting Star Dragon' let out a roar of its own and got energized with power before flying around and splitting into three colorful copies of itself, "Stardust Mirage!"
The red copy of 'Shooting Star Dragon' attacked first, only to get sniped down by a plasma blast from 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'. The blue copy tried to take revenge by attacking next, but 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' used its weapon to block the dive bomb and destroy the enemy monster copy. The yellow copy then flew in and grappled hands with 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'.
"Gooooo!" howled Flashback Matt.
The face-up 'Enduring Soul' Trap Card made a spirit of 'Balance Blaster' appear, which fired off a burst of blue energy, hitting the yellow copy of 'Shooting Star Dragon' and enhancing its strength to break the weapon in 'T.G. Halberd Cannon's' hands before backing off and firing what appeared to be Cosmic Flare. As the attack got closer and closer to striking, Flashback Ms. Simmons suddenly smiled to herself and uttered a few short, calm words…
"I win, Matt."
Flashback Matt gasped in horror, wondering if Flashback Ms. Simmons had a final strategy waiting in the wings. Sure enough, she made such a move.
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell!" declared Flashback Ms. Simmons. Her final face-down card reappeared on the field in-front of Murasame, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "'Forbidden Scripture'!"
"'Forbidden Scripture'?!" panicked Flashback Matt, "It can't be!"
The face-up 'Enduring Soul' Trap Card started staticing as its effects wore off. 'T.G. Halberd Cannon', meanwhile, got hit by 'Shooting Star Dragon's' Cosmic Flare-like attack, but was completely unscratched by it. Ms. Simmons continued to smile, knowing she had taken no damage from 'Balance Blaster' and had basically won.
"If a monster battles an opponent's monster, during damage calculation: I must…" explained Flashback Ms. Simmons, as 'Shooting Star Dragon's' ATK returned to normal (ATK: 100 → 3300), "…negate all other card effects on the field until the end of the Damage Step, also damage calculation for this battle uses each monster's original ATK and DEF!"
Flashback Matt watched helplessly as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' aimed its weapon for the final blow.
"Go, 'Halberd Cannon'!" ordered Flashback Ms. Simmons, "Finish off 'Shooting Star Dragon'!"
'T.G. Halberd Cannon' obeyed, firing off a plasma blast and striking 'Shooting Star Dragon', causing the Dragon Accel Synchro Monster to roar in agony before exploding from destruction, leaving Flashback Matt behind as specks of his monster's remains rained upon him. The effect of 'Necro Defender' prevented him from receiving battle damage, but Ms. Simmon's counter strategy ended up costing him 'Shooting Star Dragon'.
"That strategy of yours strategy might have worked once before, but it will not work against someone who is well prepared for anything," scolded Flashback Ms. Simmons, before drawing a card and entering her Battle Phase, "With nothing more you can do, I will wipe out the rest of your LP!"
Without wasting a second, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' aimed its weapon and fired a final blast of plasma, striking 'Balance Blaster' and destroying it in an explosion, causing Matt to scream in agony and defeat as the last of his LP was depleted and everything faded to white (LP: 300 → 0).
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Matt continued to think about how the last duel would have ended.
"Even then, you could have just activated 'Forbidden Scripture' as soon as you drew it or use 'High Speed World' to deal 800 damage to defeat me before I could have made a comeback," admitted Matt, while the audience listened to him, "I had no chance of defeating you at all once 'Forbidden Scripture' was drawn."
"Hmph," grunted Zack, satisfied, before giving James R. a deadpan glare, "Still think it was a bluff?"
"Just do me a favor and shut up," groaned James R. irritably.
"Despite the last duel ending without a clear winner, Erica definitely won that time," remarked Ashima.
"How will Fudo-san react now that he knows that Erica-senpai was technically the winner of the previous match?" wondered David.
Back on the track…
"Erica had me completely outmatched in our first duel and became one of the few people to ever defeat me," thought Matt, before speaking aloud and getting Ms. Simmons's attention, "Erica, I concede that you've beaten me fair and square—and proved that I still have much more room for growth."
"Matt…" whispered Ms. Simmons.
"But…" continued Matt, as he grinned slightly, "Even if you currently surpass me, if you think that everything will go as you expect them to, then you'll re-learn the hard way that reality is a cruel mistress!"
Ms. Simmons flinched slightly, seeing as her earlier words were being thrown back at her. Finally, Matt made a new move.
"I activate the second effect of 'Stardust Warrior'!" began Matt, "If this card is destroyed by battle, or if this face-up card I control leaves the field because of an opponent's card effect: I can Special Summon 1 Level 8 or lower 'Warrior' Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck. (This is treated as a Synchro Summon.)"
All of a sudden, the spirit of 'Stardust Warrior' reappeared on the field as he soared into the sky and into four makeshift Synchro Rings as a Summon Chant ensued.
"Gathering magic that lives in each creature will merge and become one! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as 'Stardust Warrior', within the four Synchro Rings, turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Blast off, 'Jet Warrior'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence came to an end, was the humanoid monster made from parts of a black jet plane (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1200). Although he brought out a monster for protection, Matt knew that this was a futile move considering the power that 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' possessed.
"I see. You're planning to use 'Jet Warrior's' first effect, Reverse Jet, to send a card of mine back into my hand," stated Ms. Simmons, "By targeting 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' and returning it to my hand, I would have no way to Special Summon it again," She clenched her right hand into a fist and swung it about, "However, I won't let that happen! I activate 'Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode's' first effect!" As she announced the effect name, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode's' whole body glowed yellow as it began charging an attack, "Hyper Close!"
A massive beam of plasma was fired, striking and vaporizing 'Jet Warrior' immediately on contact.
"When my opponent would Summon a monster (Quick Effect): I can negate the Summon, and if I do, banish that monster and all Special Summoned monsters my opponent controls," explained Ms. Simmons, "Once again, you control no monsters, Matt!" She held up a card for about two seconds before slotting it into her Duel Runner, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
In the stands…
"Hyper Close…" frowned Lisa, "How the hell is Matt going to overcome a monster like 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'? It can negate Summons and banish all Special Summoned monsters he controls."
"It could be worse," David pointed out, "The effects that Erica-senpai's monster has are locked with a hard once per turn ruling, so Fudo-san can still make multiple Summoning attempts per turn."
"Right," agreed Mr. Kisaka, "But the true danger is when Erica chooses to activate the effect; she could save it for something like 'Stardust Dragon', who's effect doesn't work on banishing effects—or she might wait until Matt has assembled several Special Summoned monsters on the field, and thus banish all of them at once."
"It is a very stressful ordeal, indeed," nodded Mr. Zimmerman.
Back on the track, Murasame continued to be ahead of Fudo Go, while Matt was about to begin his next turn.
"It's my turn!" announced Matt, drawing a card.
Both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Matt: 2 → 3
-Ms. Simmons: 2 → 3
Turn Four: Matt Fudo (LP: 2500)
Deck: 45
Current Hand (1): "Stardust Re-Spark"
Speed Counters: 3
Matt's drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Stardust Re-Spark', which he added into his hand.
"I activate the second effect of 'Synchro Transmission'!" As Matt spoke on, a card ('Synchro Transmission') within the abyss (GY) started to emerge before fading away into oblivion, "During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent…" From there, another card ('Stardust Dragon') emerged from the GY, which was taken and placed within the Extra Deck Zone, "…to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 Synchro Monster in my GY; I must…" He drew another card, "…return it to the Extra Deck, then draw 1 card."
Looking at both cards he drew, Matt thought through his move carefully and took one of them.
"I Set one card face-down…" said Matt, slotting the card into his Duel Runner and causing a face-down card to materialize on the field in-front of Fudo Go, "…and end my turn!"
In the stands, the audience was surprised by the simple move made by Matt.
"What is Fudo-san thinking?" objected Ren, "Setting a single reverse card? Why would he do that?"
"Think about it," cut in Futaba, "If Matt brings out a monster, Erica will simply negate the Summon and banish it."
Back on the track…
"I guess it's all over," sighed Ms. Simmons, "Matt, it looks like I'm going to have to defeat you again," She drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Matt: 3 → 4
-Ms. Simmons: 3 → 4
Turn Five: Erica Simmons (LP: 2500)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (1): "TG-SX1"
Speed Counters: 4
Almost immediately after the card was added into Ms. Simmons's hand…
"Battle!" declared Ms. Simmons, entering her Battle Phase, "'Halberd Cannon', get ready to fire!"
'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' aimed its weapon at Matt—who made his move to save his LP.
"I activate 'Fake Gardna's' monster effect!" Matt rebutted, holding up a card ('Fake Gardna') taken from his GY, "When my opponent's monster declares a direct attack: I can Special Summon…" He placed the card onto his Duel Runner (sideways), "…this card from my GY in face-up Defense Position, but banish it when it is destroyed!"
Appearing on the field was a jester-like monster with an air pump attached to it to inflate its balloons (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 2000).
"Haven't you learned by now that you can't rely on Summons that easily?" boomed Ms. Simmons, just as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' glowed yellow, "Vanquish 'Fake Gardna', 'Halberd Cannon'! Hyper Close!"
A massive plasma beam was fired, striking and destroying 'Fake Gardna'. In the stands…
"Not good!" wailed James R., "Matt will lose if the direct attack is successful!"
Back on the track…
"'Halberd Cannon', attack Matt directly!" commanded Ms. Simmons.
'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' obeyed, firing off a plasma beam from its weapon at a defenseless Matt—speaking of whom, he merely watched the attack coming his way and closed his eyes with resignation.
*KABOOM!*
The attack connected with Fudo Go and left behind a massive explosion, leaving the audience to watch as Matt lost yet another duel. Ms. Simmons knew she had won, but felt no satisfaction from it. Suddenly, she heard a familiar-sounding battlecry.
"Huh?" peeped Ms. Simmons.
The audience, likewise, recognized the yell and wondered if it were possible. When the smoke started clearing away, Fudo Go was revealed to be intact, and Matt's LP was shown to be untouched (LP: 2500).
"What?!" cried Ms. Simmons.
"Matt's still standing!" came from Rin.
"He survived! But how was he able to do it?" finished Zack.
As the remains of the smoke died down, there were two things on Matt's field, one was a face-up Trap Card called 'Stardust Re-Spark', and the second was a return appearance by 'Stardust Warrior' (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
""Stardust Warrior'-!" exclaimed Carlie.
"And that's 'Stardust Re-Spark'!" put in Mr. Zimmerman, "So that's how Matt was able to make it through Erica's attack."
Back on the field…
"That's too bad, Erica," taunted Matt, "But when you attacked me, I activated my Trap Card, 'Stardust Re-Spark'…" Focus went towards his face-up 'Stardust Re-Spark' Trap Card, "When an opponent's Special Summoned monster declares a direct attack, if its ATK is greater than or equal to my LP: I must…" He drew a card, "…negate the attack, and if I do, draw 1 card, then I can Special Summon 1 'Stardust' monster from my Extra Deck or GY," Focus then went towards 'Stardust Warrior' as he finished explaining everything, "The 'Stardust' monster I obviously chose was 'Stardust Warrior'!"
"So, you did have a way to survive my attack," acknowledged Ms. Simmons, "And because I used Hyper Close earlier on, I can't use it again until next time," She smiled with approval, "Well done, Matt."
In the stands, James R. was clutching his chest as though he was suffering a heart attack.
"Oh man… Matt really scared the living daylights out of me!" bemoaned James R..
"Matt was able to revive 'Stardust Warrior', but it won't be enough to fight and defeat 'Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'," thought Michael, narrowing his eyes, "Matt, show me the true power of the Ultimate Coordinator!"
Back on the track, both Murasame and Fudo Go crossed the finish line and began another lap as Ms. Simmons took the only card from her hand.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn!" she concluded, before slotting the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Runner.
On the monitor of Fudo Go, the opponent's Spell & Trap Zones now had two Set cards, compliments of Ms. Simmons. Knowing what to do, Matt began his own turn.
"It's my turn!" called Matt, drawing a card.
Both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Matt: 4 → 5
-Ms. Simmons: 4 → 5
Turn Six: Matt Fudo (LP: 2500)
Deck: 42
Current Hand (3): "Necro Linker", "Wheel Synchron", and "Angel Baton"
Speed Counters: 5
On cue, the 'Angel Baton' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Fudo Go.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Angel Baton'!" continued Matt, drawing two cards, "I must draw 2 cards, then…" He sent a card ('Wheel Synchron') from his hand to the GY, "…discard 1 card!" With the right cards now in his hand, the dirty blonde-haired young man was about to go on the offensive, "Next, I'll Summon 'Necro Linker'!"
Appearing on the field was a ghostly-looking monster wielding a wooden staff of sorts (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 0).
"'Necro Linker'…" murmured Ms. Simmons, before realizing it, "Yes, now I see!"
"Huh?" wondered Matt.
"Its effect lets 'Necro Linker' can Tribute itself to Special Summon a 'Synchron' Tuner from the GY, but that Tuner can't be used as Synchro Material this turn," revealed Ms. Simmons, "Most likely, you already have the means to get around that issue and probably intend to use that Tuner as Tribute fodder."
"Ngh…" grunted Matt.
"That's why I won't let you do it!" raged Ms. Simmons, just as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' glowed yellow again, "Hyper Close!"
A massive plasma beam was fired, looking to take down both 'Necro Linker' AND 'Stardust Warrior'! The crowd watched in horror, knowing Matt would lose his monsters—especially 'Stardust Warrior'. Suddenly, as the attack was barely a second away from hitting and banishing his monsters, Matt smiled.
"Are you sure about that?" he teased humorlessly.
"What?!" worried Ms. Simmons.
"Counter Trap, 'Scrap-Iron Signal', activate!" shouted Matt, as his remaining Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of Fudo Go and revealed itself, "When my opponent activates a monster effect, while I control a Synchro Monster that mentions a Synchro Monster as material: I must negate the activation, also, after that, Set this card face-down instead of sending it to the GY!"
Ms. Simmons gasped in shock, finally figuring out that the 'Scrap-Iron Signal' Trap Card was the first card Matt Set early on in the duel along with the 'Stardust Wish' Trap Card. She watched as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode's' Hyper Close connected with both of Matt's monsters, but 'Stardust Warrior', with the swing of both arms, yelled fiercely and scattered the attack.
"Matt has the perfect counter to my 'Halberd Cannon's' effect," thought Ms. Simmons, "He's been waiting until this moment to use it."
With the coast clear, Matt started to get the ball rolling.
"I activate 'Necro Linker's' effect!" began Matt, as 'Necro Linker' faded away in a blue streak, "I can Tribute this card, then target 1 'Synchron' Tuner…" He held up his 'Wheel Synchron' Monster Card, having taken it from his GY, "…in my GY; I must Special Summon that target, but it cannot be used as Synchro Material during the turn it is Special Summoned by this effect."
Appearing on the field was a red, robotic monster modeled after the Fudo Go Duel Runner (Level: 5/ATK: 800/DEF: 1000).
"There's more where that came from!" declared Matt, holding up another card ('Stardust Trail') taken from his GY, "The first effect of 'Stardust Trail'! If a monster I control is Tributed (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card from my hand or GY, but banish it when it leaves the field!" He placed the card onto his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Stardust Trail'!"
Appearing on the field was the familiar young woman with dragon wings, horns, and a tail, dressed in 'Stardust'-esque attire, and a hair-style very similar to the one Carlie had—but her hair color was instead reddish violet instead of brown (Level: 4/ATK: 500/DEF: 2000).
"I also activate the first effect of 'Stardust Synchron'!" Matt went on, as 'Wheel Synchron' faded away in a blue streak, "If this card is in my hand or GY: I can Tribute 1 monster; I must Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field, also, I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Synchro Monsters!"
"I was right!" realized Ms. Simmons.
"Indeed, you were," retorted Matt, placing his card ('Stardust Synchron') onto his Duel Runner, "I Special Summon the Tuner monster, 'Stardust Synchron'!"
Appearing on the field was the miniature, 'Synchron' version of 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000).
"'Stardust Synchron's' second effect!" continued Matt, as a card ejected slightly from the middle of the Deck. He took the card ('Majestic Absorption') and looked at it for a moment, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand that mentions 'Stardust Dragon'!"
There was a long silence, with everyone wondering what Matt will do next. Even Ms. Simmons was anxious about what Matt was going to try. At last, Matt added the card into his hand and made a move.
"I tune Level 4 'Stardust Trail' into Level 4 'Stardust Synchron'!" thundered Matt.
'Stardust Synchron' flew into the air and turned into four Synchro Rings, which 'Stardust Trail' soared into while turning into four orbs of light while a Summon Chant followed.
"Gathering stars will transcend the speed of sound! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 4 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly before the four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon'!"
Appearing from the beam of light and into the sky, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was what looked like 'Stardust Dragon' surrounded by Accel Synchro energy (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"Hold up, 'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon'?" blinked Zack, "I never created a card like that!"
"Then the Crimson Dragon has to be giving Matt some more power," figured Carlie.
Back on the track…
"Because they left the field, both 'Stardust Trail' and 'Stardust Synchron' are banished," reminded Matt, "But they've served their purpose, and now I can begin my counterattack!"
"How will you pull it off?" pressed Ms. Simmons, "'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon' has 2500 ATK, just like 'Stardust Dragon'."
"It all starts with my monster's first effect," replied Matt, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower Tuner from my GY."
Ms. Simmons narrowed her eyes, "Any Level 2 or lower Tuner?" she repeated, already getting the idea what was going to happen, "Yes, you want 'that' one, don't you?"
From there, there was a burst of light on the field around Fudo Go.
"The power of hope, Synchro Tuner, 'Formula Synchron'!" The voice of Matt yelled, as the above scenario played out.
Reappearing onto the field was the robotic, humanoid racing car-like monster (Level: 2/ATK: 200/DEF: 1500).
"As of this moment, I'll activate 'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon's' second effect!" continued Matt, as focus went towards 'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon' in the sky, "During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card; I must Special Summon 1 'Stardust Dragon' from my Extra Deck (this is treated as a Synchro Summon), then," Ms. Simmons and the crowd listened to the rest of his card explanation, "immediately after this effect resolves, Synchro Summon using monsters I control as material," He smiled grimly, "For the rest of this turn, the monsters Synchro Summoned by this effect are unaffected by my opponent's activated effects."
"What?!" Ms. Simmons recoiled.
It was then 'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon' flew into two makeshift Synchro Rings as a Summon Chant from Matt followed.
"Gathering stars will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as 'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon' within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Take flight, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
Reappearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the lean, white-colored, majestic-looking Signer Dragon (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"I understand now," uttered Matt, "I understand how I'll surpass my limits in my own way."
Back in the stands…
"Matt already controls 'Stardust Warrior' and is about to bring out another Accel Synchro Monster," realized Lisa.
"'Shooting Star Dragon'," agreed Michael quietly.
Back on the track…
"Here I come, Erica Simmons!" began Matt, before finishing with… "Clear Mind!"
With that last part shouted, he started crackling with absolute power as a large image of the Seal of the Crimson Dragon appeared behind him and Fudo Go. In the stands, everyone watched with amazement, knowing it was truly happening. And so, the ultimate comeback commenced.
"I tune Level 8 Synchro Monster, 'Stardust Dragon'," Matt went on, motioning his right arm about while also thrusting the right hand out. While still speaking, 'Stardust Dragon' flew above him and Fudo Go, "into Level 2 Synchro Tuner, 'Formula Synchron'!"
'Formula Synchron' immediately turned itself into two balls of light and was absorbed into an unknown force straight ahead, causing the symbols 8 + 2 = 10 to be shown briefly. Not only that, Fudo Go started to gain speed while also allowing flames to surround it. 'Stardust Dragon' let loose a roar as it flew above Matt and followed him, just as he began a highly familiar Summon Chant…
"Clustering crystal dreams open the door to a new evolution! Become the path its light shines upon!"
More and more flames surrounded Fudo Go as it went faster and faster, just as Matt gave quite possibly one of the strongest, most hot-blooded screams anyone in the stadium could ever hear…
"Accel Synchro!" The dirty blonde-haired young man echoed, motioning his right arm out to his right at the very end of the scream.
Very quickly, a familiar card ('Shooting Star Dragon') materialized out of thin-air and in-between Matt's fingers. Not only that, both Fudo Go and 'Stardust Dragon' were also now moving/flying at the speed of light while burning like a shooting star—eventually vanishing into what looked like a green ring-like vortex without a trace.
"He vanished," uttered Ms. Simmons calmly.
Within seconds, however, Fudo Go (and its rider) reappeared from the same vortex, overtaking Ms. Simmons and Murasame. Not only that, following Fudo Go before briefly soaring into the air happened to be a VERY familiar monster…
"Be born, 'Shooting Star Dragon'!" boomed Matt.
Soaring gracefully through the sky before stopping above Fudo Go, was none other than 'Stardust Dragon's' bigger, more powerful, more evolved form (Level: 10/ATK: 3300/DEF: 2500). Before long, 'Stardust Warrior' jumped into the sky and landed on 'Shooting Star Dragon's' back, riding the Accel Synchro Monster like a noble steed. In the stands…
"Matt actually did it," breathed Carlie.
"This has to be the true power of the Ultimate Coordinator," figured James R..
With his arms folded, Michael remained on the silent and neutral front, but seemed to crack a slight smile. Back on the track, both 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Stardust Warrior' let out a roar/yell at the same time.
"Matt controls two Accel Synchro Monsters," Ms. Simmons told herself, before smiling, "I would like to tell him that what he did is amazing, but there's more room for him to go beyond his limits."
"My turn's not over," interrupted Matt, readying a card ('Majestic Absorption') in his right hand before holding it out, "Spell Card, 'Majestic Absorption'! I must target 1 'Stardust Dragon', or 1 Synchro Monster that mentions it, that I control, then activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects written on the mentioned Spell Card:
-"I must equip 1 face-up monster your opponent controls to that target!"
-"It can attack directly this turn!"
-"This turn, each time it destroys an opponent's monster by battle, I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK!"
"Matt, I won't let you defeat me this turn," rebutted Ms. Simmons, before pressing a button on her Duel Runner, "I activate a Trap, 'TGX1-UA'!" Her first Set card reappeared on the field behind Murasame, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, while she held up a card ('T.G. Blade Blaster') taken from her GY, "I must return 1 'T.G.' Synchro Monster from my GY to the Extra Deck, then target 1 'T.G.' monster I control; I must equip this card to it!"
She returned the card to the Extra Deck, then the face-up 'TGX1-UA' Trap Card rose up and merged with 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode', granting it a power to shake off the opponent's Spell/Trap Cards.
"The second effect of 'TGX1-UA'!" reminded Ms. Simmons, "The equipped monster is unaffected by my opponent's Spell/Trap effects! This means you can't use the first effect of 'Majestic Absorption' to equip 'Halberd Cannon' to 'Shooting Star'!"
"That's no big loss," dismissed Matt, "I was going to choose the second effect, anyway!" He raised his right hand into the air, as the face-up 'Majestic Absorption' Spell Card rose and merged with 'Shooting Star Dragon', "'Shooting Star', accept the power to attack the opponent head-on!"
'Shooting Star Dragon' let out another roar as it got briefly energized with power.
"If 'Shooting Star Dragon' lands a direct hit, Erica will lose!" cheered Carlie.
"No, this sounds way too easy," dismissed Michael.
And so, the Battle Phase commenced.
"Let's go, 'Shooting Star Dragon'!" announced Matt, as 'Shooting Star Dragon' soared gracefully across the sky with 'Stardust Warrior' still riding it, "Attack Erica directly! Stardust Mirage!"
Just when it looked like 'Shooting Star Dragon' would collide with Murasame and finish Ms. Simmons off, she looked almost offended that Matt would try something like that.
"Matt, you're naive for thinking such an attack would work against me!" Ms. Simmons berated, as Matt eased up. She then made another move, "I activate the third effect of 'TGX1-UA'!"
The 'TGX1-UA' Trap Card dissolved before creating a barrier around Murasame, protecting it and the rider from a direct blow from 'Shooting Star Dragon'.
"What?!" scowled Matt.
"When an opponent's monster declares an attack, if its ATK is greater than or equal to my LP: I can send this card to the GY, and if I do, end the Battle Phase," explained Ms. Simmons, "That way, you won't defeat me this soon."
An upset Matt gritted his teeth, dismayed he wasn't able to end the duel with a direct attack. Even so, he recovered and smiled.
"Well done, Erica," praised Matt, "You blocked off my attack before it could reach you," He looked upward at 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Stardust Warrior', "But I control two Accel Synchro Monsters, and despite their ATK being lower than 'Halberd Cannon', attacking them will not work—since I can use…" While going over what he could do, he held up his 'Shooting Star Dragon' Synchro Monster Card before placing it back down, "…'Shooting Star's' third effect to banish itself and negate an attack you try making."
Ms. Simmons grunted, "Mm."
"I Set one card face-down…" concluded Matt, as he slotted a card into his Duel Runner and caused a face-down card to materialize on the field in-front of Fudo Go, "…and end my turn! The effects of 'Majestic Absorption' and 'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon' have worn off."
Both Murasame and Fudo Go roared across the finish line again, as Ms. Simmons made no effort to take her next turn—yet. At last, she lifted her head and dispelled the shadow over her eyes, revealing a very fierce look within.
"It's my turn!" roared Ms. Simmons, drawing a card.
Both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Matt: 5 → 6
-Ms. Simmons: 5 → 6
Turn Seven: Erica Simmons (LP: 2500)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (1): "Forbidden Chalice"
Speed Counters: 6
Ms. Simmons saw that she drew the 'Forbidden Chalice' Spell Card, but first she had to further weaken Matt.
"I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!" began Ms. Simmons. While explaining the effect, her Speed Counter gauge nearly emptied itself (SPC: 6 → 2), "Once per turn: I can remove 4 Speed Counters of my own, then reveal any number of Spell Cards in my hand; I must…" She held up her drawn card to show her opponent what it was, "…inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each card revealed!"
"'Forbidden Chalice'-!" gasped Matt, before glowing red and losing LP (LP: 2500 → 1700), "Aaaugh!"
"Now, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Forbidden Chalice'!" As Ms. Simmons spoke, she made the mentioned Spell Card materialize face-up on the field behind Murasame, "I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; until the end of this turn," In the air, as she finished explaining, something was happening to 'Shooting Star Dragon', "that target gains 400 ATK, but its effects are negated!"
'Stardust Warrior' jumped off 'Shooting Star Dragon's' back as the latter monster roared as its ATK went up a little bit (ATK: 3300 → 3700)—but at the cost of losing access to its effects. In the stands, everyone watched while knowing that 'Shooting Star Dragon' could no longer use its third effect to protect Matt from an attack this turn. Back on the track…
"Battle!" proclaimed Ms. Simmons, entering the Battle Phase, "'Halberd Cannon'," While giving the order to attack, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' raised its weapon, "attack 'Stardust Warrior' again!" She looked certain she would destroy Matt's monster, "Disappear, 'Stardust Warrior'!"
And 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' fired off another mighty plasma blast, striking 'Stardust Warrior' through his chest before the powerful Warrior Accel Synchro Monster exploded from destruction for a second time. Matt screamed from the attack's backlash as his LP fell to dangerously low levels (LP: 1700 → 200). Ms. Simmons once again smiled to herself, pleased she destroyed an Accel Synchro Monster.
"Ugh… 'Stardust Warrior'…" whispered Matt weakly. He then remembered his monster's second effect, "Maybe I can…"
He suddenly stopped as though he was hesitating to bring out a Level 8 or lower 'Warrior' Synchro Monster from his Extra Deck, despite no longer having to worry about 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode's' first effect because he had his 'Scrap-Iron Signal' Trap Card still Set. Ms. Simmons, meanwhile, saw Matt seemingly hesitating and took advantage of it.
"I activate a Trap, 'TG-SX1'!" The brown-haired woman began, as her remaining Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of Murasame and revealed itself, "When a 'T.G.' monster I control destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the GY: I must target 1 'T.G.' Synchro Monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it!" In a burst of light, reappearing on the field was none other than 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' (Level: 12/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000), "Resurrect, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'!"
Ms. Simmons now controlled the two strongest monsters in her whole Deck, and 'Shooting Star Dragon' was crippled enough that it couldn't use any of its effects.
"This is the end!" raged Ms. Simmons, as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' raised its weapon, "'Halberd Cannon', take down 'Shooting Star'!"
And 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' was more than willing to obey, firing off a powerful plasma blast towards 'Shooting Star Dragon'.
"I win, Matt!" declared Ms. Simmons.
"It's not over until the last card is played!" cut in Matt, causing his opponent to ease up a bit. He then made his final Set card reappear on the field in-front of Fudo Go, "I activate a Trap, 'Skill Successor'!" The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must target 1 face-up monster I control; it gains 400 ATK until the end of this turn!"
As 'T.G. Halberd Cannon's' attack approached, it struck 'Shooting Star Dragon'—just as it started gaining additional strength (ATK: 3700 → 4100), allowing the monster to survive.
"Strike back, 'Shooting Star'!" commanded Matt.
Using both arms, 'Shooting Star Dragon' scattered the plasma beam, leaned its head back, then fired off a Cosmic Flare-like attack, striking 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' and destroying the monster in a massive explosion. Ms. Simmons felt the explosion's backlash as her LP only took a tiny drop (LP: 2500 → 2400).
"But the second effect of 'Halberd Cannon' activates!" stated Ms. Simmons, before holding up her 'T.G. Blade Blaster' Synchro Monster Card, "When this card leaves the field: I can Special Summon 1 'T.G. Blade Blaster' from my Extra Deck!"
"Which you won't do!" countered Matt, as his Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of Fudo Go and revealed itself, "I activate 'Scrap-Iron Signal'! I negate the activation of 'Halberd Cannon's' effect!"
"What?" Ms. Simmons recoiled, before being forced to return her card to the Extra Deck. With nothing left to do but still in a very strong position, she entered her End Phase, "I end my turn, which ends the effects of 'Forbidden Chalice' and 'Skill Successor'!"
'Shooting Star Dragon's' ATK then returned to normal (ATK: 4100 → 3300).
"Matt Fudo, you've done exceedingly well making it this far against me," The voice of Ms. Simmons praised, as Matt listened and eased up. Unfortunately, despite the compliment, she was prepared to end the duel on her next turn, "But your chances of winning are growing slimmer and slimmer by the minute!" As explained the reason why, focus went onto Murasame's monitor displaying the amount of Speed Counters she currently had, "On my next turn, my Speed Counters will rise to four, so if I draw a Spell Card, 'High Speed World' will let me inflict 800 damage to you and drain the remains of your LP," Focus then shifted towards 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode', "while 'Shooting Star' still can't defeat 'Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' with only 3300 ATK, even if you use the second effect of 'Skill Successor' to grant it 800 ATK!"
Matt bowed his head slightly, while in the stands…
"I think it's official," sighed James R., "Matt did the best he could, but it looks like the duel is all set to go to Erica again."
"Matty…" murmured Ashima.
"It's to be expected," said Michael coldly, with his arms folded again, "Matt Fudo, you've disappointed me again," He looked away from the duel in disgust, "You still never officially showed me the true power of being the Ultimate Coordinator."
"Not yet," The voice of Matt suddenly spoke up.
That got Michael's attention, causing him to turn and resume watching the duel. Back on the track, specifically on Fudo Go, Matt raised his head and smiled with confidence. Ms. Simmons was looking over her shoulder when she saw the expression.
"In case you haven't noticed, my LP have not run out, and no matter how low they get, 'Shooting Star' and I will never give up the fight—not until we surpass you, Erica Simmons, your Top Clear Mind, and 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'," reassured Matt, before looking up into the sky, "Isn't that right, partner?"
High in the sky, 'Shooting Star Dragon' roared fiercely in agreement. In the stands again, the remaining Signers all began to feel their birthmarks glowing and responding to Matt's passionate words.
"Well, well, well… I guess this means the Crimson Dragon is about to give Matt access to 'Majestic Dragon'," observed Zack.
"Hold on a moment, this glowing sensation is different from normal," corrected Lisa.
"I think she's right," agreed James R..
"I wonder…?" Ashima pondered to herself, looking at the glowing birthmark on Carlie's right, gloved forearm with curiosity, "Can this be the possible answer Matty's looking for?"
"Only one way to find out," answered Carlie, raising her right arm (Dragon's Foot) slightly, "Matt, my power is your power!"
In response, James R. (Dragon's Tail), David (Dragon's Heart), Lisa (Dragon's Hand), and even Michael (Dragon's Wings) raised their own right arms and made their birthmarks vanish. Back on the track, the full Seal of the Crimson Dragon was shown shining brightly on Matt's back—just as a powerful aura of light formed around him and Fudo Go, and a glowing card appeared on top of his Deck. He pressed the index and middle fingers of his right hand on top, knowing he would finish the duel on this turn.
"This is the final turn, Erica!" bellowed Matt, before drawing his card with a Destiny Draw and a hot-blooded scream, "DRAAAAAAAW!"
Both players gained a final Speed Counter:
-Matt: 6 → 7
-Ms. Simmons: 2 → 3
Turn Eight: Matt Fudo (LP: 200)
Deck: 38
Current Hand (1): "Converging Wills Dragon"
Speed Counters: 7
Without wasting a second, Matt looked at his drawn card and smiled.
"This is the card I need to surpass Top Clear Mind and 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'," revealed Matt, before holding the card ('Converging Wills Dragon') out, "I activate the second effect of 'Converging Wills Dragon'!"
"'Converging Wills Dragon'?!" panicked Ms. Simmons.
"What?! That's not 'Majestic Dragon'!" protested Carlie.
"It's a whole new card!" finished Lisa.
"When I draw this card: I can reveal it; I must Special Summon it from my hand, then, if I control a Level 8 or higher Dragon Synchro Monster, I can Special Summon 1 Level 1 Dragon monster from my Deck," explained Matt, before placing the card ('Converging Wills Dragon') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Appear now, 'Converging Wills Dragon'!"
Appearing on the field was a personal version of 'Majestic Dragon', based on both the Crimson Dragon and the resplendent quetzal (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"And then, from my Deck, I'll Special Summon 'Stardust Wurm'!" continued Matt, holding up another card ('Stardust Wurm') from his Deck.
Appearing on the field was the miniature, wyvern-like version of 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"As of this moment, I'll activate the third effect of 'Wheel Synchron'!" As Matt spoke, a card ('Wheel Synchron') ejected from his GY, "I can banish this card from my GY," He took and held the card up as it faded away into oblivion, "then target 1 Synchro Monster I control; I must reduce its Level by up to 4!" Focus went towards 'Shooting Star Dragon', who let out a roar as its Level was reduced very slightly (Level: 10 → 9), "I target 'Shooting Star' and reduce its Level by one!" The audience listened to the rest of his words, "There's also the first effect of 'Converging Wills Dragon'! This card's name becomes 'Majestic Dragon' while on the field or in the GY."
"What can Fudo-san Synchro Summon with those monsters?" pressed David.
"'Majestic Star Dragon' is a Level 10 monster, but the monsters Matt controls equal a Level of 11," James R. pointed out.
"Look, we're about to find out!" exclaimed Ashima.
Back on the track, seeing as 'Converging Wills Dragon' was a Tuner monster, and Matt controlled both 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Stardust Wurm', the following could happen…
"I tune Level 9 'Shooting Star Dragon', Level 1 'Stardust Wurm' into Level 1 'Converging Wills Dragon'!" The voice of Matt continued, just as 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Stardust Wurm' both flew into the sky, "Let's rev it up!"
"Using an Accel Synchro Monster as Synchro Material?!" gasped Ms. Simmons.
And so, she watched as the glowing 'Converging Wills Dragon' began growing bigger and bigger, overwhelming both monsters. The bodies of 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Stardust Wurm' were outlined and showing glowing balls of light (nine for 'Shooting Star Dragon', and one for 'Stardust Wurm') within as they entered a single golden Synchro Ring and a completely new Summon Chant from Matt followed…
"Gathering desires will awaken a shining miracle! Become the path its light shines upon!"
As the symbols 9 + 1 + 1 = 11 were briefly shown, the ten orbs of light lined up within the body of 'Converging Wills 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 overwhelmed him and Fudo Go as he found himself riding the head of a whole new monster, "Descend, 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon'!"
Flying through the sky was what looked to be a bigger, 'Shooting Star Dragon' version of 'Majestic Dragon' (Level: 11/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3300). The sight of the incredibly powerful monster hushed everyone into silence as they took in the majestic appearance of Matt's new monster.
"Mr. Matt's monster is amazing," whispered Ryuta, before his Father looked over, "But it's still not as powerful as Mommy's monster."
"Don't forget, Ryuta," Mr. Simmons pointed out, "that Matt has 'Skill Successor' in his GY and it's his turn," Curiously, Ryuta looked over to face him (Mr. Simmons), "During your turn, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: You can banish…" On the track, his words echoed as Murasame was being chased by 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon', "…this card from your GY, then target 1 face-up monster you control; that target gains 800 ATK until the end of this turn."
"'Shooting Savior Star's' second effect!" declared Matt, who was riding atop of 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon's' head, "This card gains 1 additional attack each Battle Phase for every monster in my GY that is 'Stardust Dragon' or is a Synchro Monster that mentions 'Stardust Dragon'!" In the background behind him, images of some cards ('Stardust Dragon', 'Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon', and 'Shooting Star Dragon') were shown, "I currently have three Synchro Monsters that mention 'Stardust Dragon', so my monster can attack up to four times!"
Ms. Simmons gasped with shock, but it only got worse for her as Matt made another move.
"I also activate the second effect of 'Skill Successor'!" As Matt spoke, a card ('Skill Successor') from within the abyss (GY) slowly emerged before fading away into oblivion halfway through. It was then that 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' was struck by a beam of golden energy coming from the GY Zone and caused it to grow even more powerful (ATK: 4000 → 4800), "'Shooting Savior Star' gains 800 ATK!"
"Now 'Shooting Savior Star' has higher ATK than my 'Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'!" stammered Ms. Simmons.
That was sadly the truth about 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' (ATK: 4500), and Matt was more than ready to end the duel with just two attacks.
"Battle!" shouted Matt, entering the Battle Phase.
"Matt has finally found a way to surpass his limits without the need of either Top Clear Mind or Delta Accel Synchro," thought Ms. Simmons, closing her eyes with resignation, "He's surpassed me."
"'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon', attack 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'!" ordered Matt, as 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' flew through the sky while doing magnificent aerial dynamics that 'Majestic Star Dragon' and 'Shooting Star Dragon' were known for doing, "Shooting Blaster Mirage!"
In a last ditch effort to avoid getting destroyed, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' aimed its weapon at 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' and fired an attack. 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' got hit, but instead of being slowed down it immediately burst through the desperate attack and struck the head of Ms. Simmons's ace monster, destroying it before the rest of the body sparked and exploded from destruction. The explosion's backlash was massive and felt by everyone in the stands, while Ms. Simmons only wobbled slightly on Murasame and lost a little bit of LP from the battle (LP: 2400 → 2100)—which didn't matter in the long run since the Battle Phase was not about to end anytime soon. Since it was destroyed, the second effect of 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' would normally let Ms. Simmons revive 'T.G. Halberd Cannon', but with 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' still having three more attacks, as well as the 'Scrap-Iron Signal' Trap Card still being Set and ready to be activated, she didn't even attempt to fight back; instead, she silently and humbly accepted her incoming defeat.
"The final blow!" cried Matt, pointing downward, "'Shooting Savior Star', attack Erica directly!"
'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' obeyed, but rather than charge towards and smash into the much smaller target, it instead took it easy and charged a Cosmic Flare-like attack in its mouth and fired it off, striking Murasame as Ms. Simmons merely smiled to herself and her Duel Runner emitted steam and came to a complete stop, with her LP gauge drained completely (LP: 2100 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Matt Fudo wins!
'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' let out a final roar before fading away, thus leaving Matt and Fudo Go back on the track. Matt and Ms. Simmons locked gazes for what seemed like forever, while the audience was completely hushed and left wondering what would happen next. The silence was soon broken when Michael, looking long and hard at Matt, unfolded his arms and began to slowly clap. He was soon joined by James R, then Zack, then Mr. Zimmerman, and then Ren, Futaba, and Gabriella. Pretty soon, the whole stadium erupted into cheers and standing ovation.
"Amazing! Matt defeated Erica!" whooped Carlie.
"What a duel!" agreed James R..
Over with Ms. Simmons's son and ex-husband while they applauded…
"Hey, Ryuta, I hope you're not too upset over your Mother losing to Matt," Mr. Simmons said hopefully.
"I don't care about that, Daddy," insisted Ryuta, who was all smiles, "I think Mommy and Mr. Matt dueled amazingly."
Mr. Simmons smiled from that response. Back on the track, Matt and Ms. Simmons, with their respective helmets removed, approached each other to deliver some words about the duel.
"Congratulations, Matt, you're the winner," acknowledged Ms. Simmons.
"Yeah," nodded Matt, smiling with pride, "And thank you for teaching me about surpassing my limits—you really were the strongest duelist I've ever faced."
Ms. Simmons smiled back, "You will eventually learn to go even further than you did today," she promised, before holding her right hand out, "You'll reach a state of Clear Mind exclusive to yourself."
Matt looked a little surprised by such a statement, but recovered and shook hands with Erica Simmons while the crowd continued to cheer them on and the sun shined brightly before becoming night time hours later.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the school's docking bay, Matt was alone and doing some repair work on Fudo Go due to the earlier intense match when he heard footsteps. Looking nearby, the dirty blonde-haired young man found Michael approaching.
"Mike?" blinked Matt, stopping his work and standing back up, "What brings you here?"
"To talk," answered Michael gruffly, "I want to tell you that I think you were outstanding in the duel with Erica," When Matt said nothing back, he (Michael) went on, "It looks like I've been wrong about you all along—you really are the greatest rival I could ever ask for," He then looked a little guilty with himself, "I also want to apologize…for the things I said after I defeated you in that Turbo Duel and for starting that earlier fight."
"Hey, it's all cool, man," Matt responded calmly, approaching his best friend/forever rival, "I forgive you, Mike—but, at the same time, I want you to know that I really needed that verbal and physical beating."
"Hmph, you're always the forgiving type, aren't you?" huffed Michael, closing his eyes briefly while trying to sound cool and uncaring. He then opened them and genuinely smiled, "Then again, that's also why we're friends and rivals, and always will be."
"Yeah!" grinned Matt.
With that said, both young men shook hands and fully patched up their friendship. That was in time for someone else to arrive.
"Mike, is Matty still in there?" The voice of Ashima echoed, causing Matt and Michael to look over and find her walking up, "Hello, Matt… I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
"Ashima?" muttered Matt, before looking down in shame, "It's you…"
Michael, deciding to let the two be alone, turned and left the docking bay without a word. There was a long, awkward, and tense silence between both sides due to what happened the night before when Matt outright rejected Ashima's help and broke her heart.
"Ashima, I…" began Matt, struggling to get his words out while mentally cursing himself, "I don't…"
Ashima reached out and gently placed her hand on Matt's shoulder, preventing him from continuing as he dropped the wrench in his left hand, which landed on the floor with a loud *CLANG!*.
"You were hurting, Matty," reminded Ashima solemnly, "You blamed your Father for turning you into the Ultimate Coordinator, and yourself for how it all happened."
"That's still no excuse for what I ended up saying to you," Matt responded, too ashamed to even look Ashima in the face, "We all have our moments, but taking it out on others is unacceptable."
Ashima merely listened as Matt continued on.
"I promised things would always be okay between us; that we'd make it through this together… and I betrayed my word…" sighed Matt soberly, trying to look at his love interest but failing, "I betrayed 'you'…"
Ashima gently moved her hand to caress Matt's face.
"I won't act like what you said didn't hurt me," began Ashima gently, "But self-loathing will only make it worse. You can't shut other people out. I've seen what that can do to someone…" She then pulled Matt into a light embrace, "…and I don't want that for you."
"I know," replied Matt, "It was the same with Thomas, Emily, and their own origins," He shook his head, "However, like I said earlier, I finally know the truth."
Ashima was curious, "The truth? How exactly did you find out?"
"I saw a vision," Matt recalled, as a few faded clips of him meeting with the late Mu Fudo were superimposed over him, "After I made Erica use up the amount of times Close Summon can be used by 'Halberd Cannon', I heard my Father call out to me. We talked it out and he told me everything."
"Then…that means Rutger-!" Ashima started to say.
"It means Rutger deliberately left out a number of things to make it seem like it was all my Father's doing," confirmed Matt.
Ashima looked visibly outraged that Rutger would do such a thing, but remembered that the Dark Signers would attempt to break their opponents during a duel—as poor David learned the hard way back when he (David) faced Vincent for the final time.
"Luckily, Rutger's gone now," whispered Ashima, "We won't see him again… And…"
"…now things are starting to fall into place," finished Matt, before taking Ashima by her hands, "Still though, if there's anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"Matty, just knowing that you're finally okay is enough for me," Ashima stated sincerely, "Let's just leave the 'then' behind us and focus on the 'now', alright?"
Matt silently brought Ashima into a warm hug, to which she returned. The two of them melted into each other's embrace, having buried the previous night's incident behind them.
(elsewhere…)
Within the bathroom of her dorm, a naked Ms. Simmons was in the process of taking a shower (with thick steam from the hot water ensuring full cover up). Currently, Ryuta was playing with Gabriella for a little while in the Xadashi family's dorm. With both kids being the same age, they became fast friends—something that David, Lisa, and even both Ren and Futaba found to be adorable. As Ms. Simmons shampooed her head, she thought back to how Matt Synchro Summoned 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' using 'Shooting Star Dragon' as material and ultimately defeated her.
"He's gotten very far as a Coordinator," Ms. Simmons thought to herself, very impressed with how Matt won the duel, "I wonder if, maybe one day, he will reach Top Clear Mind—or even surpass it… I guess we'll find that out someday," While continuing to wash herself, she looked up at the ceiling, "After all, the future is always full of surprises."
That it was.
And after almost a whole month with no new chapter, we finally have one written and posted. Matt has won against Erica, he made up with Mike and Ashima, and all is well again, right? Well, unless you count the impending danger regarding the Dark Signers now possessing Ledonir with a spider. Anyway, work on the next set of chapters will be a little slow since we're all still planning out how they'll go. Stay tuned for the next chapter when it comes out, and, as ever, stay safe in these trying times we're living in.
UPDATE: We have a whole new chapter idea, and it requires the original ending to be cut and moved to there instead. Trust me, this going to be important.