Chapter 24: A Dark Signer is Born

"Come on, where is it?"

Misty scrounged through the files meticulously, searching for any leads to what happened to her brother, but so far nothing came up.

She thought that breaking into the Arcadia Movement would be the hardest part, but as it turns out cracking their overly complicated filing system was.

"Well, well, well. Looks like we have a rat in our building."

Misty jumped, surprised to see Sayer stalking his way towards her..

"I'm honored that the famous Misty Trendwell has graced my humble building with a visit."

"Cut the pleasantries! What have you done with my brother?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb with me! I know he went here to you for help, what did you do to him?"

Sayer chuckled, making Misty's blood boil.

"Ah yes, now I remember. But I'm afraid that's top secret information. And since you've been going through my files, I'm afraid I can't let you leave this room alive. However…"

He hit a hidden panel on the wall, revealing a duel disk, which he put on.

"I'm in a sporting mood, so let's make this interesting. Beat me in a duel, and I'll let you go with the information you seek. If you can, that is."

Realizing she didn't have much choice, Misty raised her duel disk.

"Fine."

DUEL!

Sayer: 4000

Misty: 4000

"Since you're the intruder, I'll make the first move. And I'll start with my Telekinetic Shocker (1700/700) in attack mode! Next, I'll set one card face down and end my turn."

"I'll set one monster face down, and two cards face down to end my turn."

Alright, we could be in a better situation, but not to worry. My Worm Dimikles will match his Shocker's attack points, and even if he summons a stronger monster, my Castle Walls and Reliable Guardian will boost him enough that it won't matter.

"How pathetic. Here I was hoping that a Fortune Cup Semi-finalist would prove to be more of a challenge, and yet you were utterly disappointing."

"What're you talking about? The duel just started!"

"And I'm about to finish it! I activate the spell card, Psychokinesis! Since I control a Psychic type monster, I can destroy one card you control. Say goodbye to your face down!'

"What?"

Misty could only stare in shock as a ball of psychic energy vaporized her only line of defense.

"Of course, I then take 1000 points of damage. But no pain, no gain!"

Sayer: 3000

"Next, I summon Psychic Commander (1400/800) in attack mode! Attack her directly, my monsters!"

Misty braced herself, the electric shocks and energy blast ripping through her body as she screamed in pain.

Misty: 900

Misty coughed terrified to see blood on the ground where she had heaved as Sayer chuckled.

"Now do you realize your mistake in accepting my challenge? This is the true potential of a Psychic duelist, not like that weakling Toby!"

"Don't you dare say his name!" Misty spat, despite the immense pain she felt.

"I admire your spirit, I really do, but this duel is over. I reveal my trap card, Urgent Tuning! This lets me Synchro Summon during the battle phase. So my level 3 Psychic Commander tunes with my level 4 Telekinetic Shocker! Rise forth, Psychic Lifetrancer (2400/2000)! Finish her off!"

Misty could only close her eyes as the electricity surged through her, frying her body.

"Toby…I'm sorry…"

With that, she collapsed to the floor, her body finally giving out.

Misty: 0000

Sayer shook his head and walked away, leaving Misty's body to be picked up and thrown out later.

"Pity, I could use an inside man."

But unbeknownst to him, Misty was not dead just yet. Although driven to near death, she still clung to life, even as it faded from her body. And as she laid there, her mind fighting to stay conscious, a voice spoke to her.

Rise…your job is not yet done.

"I…I can't…"

You can, and you'll get revenge on those who've wronged you.

"I…will?"

Yes, if you accept my power…

"I accept…"

Then allow yourself to be reborn!

With that, Misty passed away, a purple fog enveloping her body.

"Let go of me, you freaks!"

But despite Akiza's best efforts, the guards' grip on her remained strong, dragging her to an unseen fate. But as they rounded a bend, one of them was decked right across the face, sprawling him out on the floor. Before the other guard could react, he also received a punch to the face, knocking him out as well. When Akiza turned to thank her savior, she found bolt Tanner rubbing his knuckles.

"Heh, not so tough without your fancy tricks, are ya?"

"Thanks for the save, Bolt. Are Leo and Luna-"

She didn't even get to finish her question before the twins ran up and hugged her, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief as she returned it.

"Thank god. They didn't hurt you, did they?"

"Nah, I would've beat them if they tried!"

"They put us in a cell, but Blister helped us escape!"

"Good, now let's get out of here!

Suddenly, Akiza and Luna's marks began glowing, burning into their arms.

"What the-"

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

"Going somewhere?I thought we could get to know each other."

Suddenly, another person stepped out from behind a pillar. Unlike the green uniformed Arcadia Movement members, her outfit was a black crop top. Most unsettling, her eyes were completely black, and a Hummingbird birthmark was on her right arm.

"Who are you?"

"Aw, you mean Jackie never mentioned me? I'm crushed. The name's Carly, and it's time for you signers to fall!"

Akiza growled, and raised her duel disk.

"Tanner, get Leo and Luna out of here!"

"But what about you?"

"Go! I'll be fine."

"Come on kids, let's get out of here!"

Tanner and the kids ran, leaving Akiza to face Carly alone.

"I wish you were Jack, but I guess I'll have to wait. No matter, I could use a warm up."

"I don't know what your grudge against Jack is, but if you want him you'll have to go through me!"

"Easy as pie."

DUEL!