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: A Vow for the Victims
Opening up within the small town outside New York City, Zack, James R., Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka were watching the final battle between Matt (joined by Ashima) and Clotho on the monitor of Zack's Duel Runner. So far, Clotho had the advantage after Summoning 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' and bringing back 'Infernity Conjurer' for another round.
"Man, that 'Infernity Conjurer' is such a pain!" complained James R., "So long as it remains on the field, and Clotho's hand stays empty, all of Matt's monsters lose 800 ATK."
"Matt will need to Accel Synchro Summon for a chance to win the duel," noted Ms. Simmons.
"Problem there, Erica," frowned Zack, "Matt doesn't have 'Stardust Dragon' nor a Tuner Synchro Monster on the field, let alone anything in his hand."
"That's true, but it isn't an impossibility for Matt," said Mr. Kisaka, with his arms folded, "He has what it takes to do it—he just needs to have the proper cards drawn."
Zack listened carefully to one of the teachers from Orb talking about Matt, before returning to watch the Turbo Duel. The monitor showed footage of Clotho about to enter his End Phase.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the geoglyph, Freedom was being chased by Raider, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu', and 'Infernity Conjurer'. Clotho (LP: 2400) was shown smiling smugly while Matt (LP: 200) and Ashima both waited for the End Phase to come. Once it passed, the former would be able to find a way for them to get out of this dire mess before 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' could finish the duel.
"I will end my turn here," concluded Clotho, "Now, Matt, it's your turn! Do me a favor and satisfy me with the final moments of your life!"
"This duel isn't over!" countered Matt, drawing a card as Ashima held onto him tightly, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained a Speed Counter again:
-Matt: 6 → 7
-Clotho: 6 → 7
Turn Eight: Matt Fudo (LP: 200)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (1): "Tricular"
Speed Counters: 7
His drawn card was a Monster Card known as 'Tricular'.
"This isn't going to be enough," thought Matt, "Luckily I have enough Speed Counters for this next play," He spoke aloud, just as his Speed Counter gauge was fully reduced (SPC: 7 → 0), "I activate 'High Speed World's' third effect! Once per turn: I can remove 7 Speed Counters of my own; I must…" He drew another card, "…draw 1 card!"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Damage Influence'(!), and he was also holding the 'Tricular' Effect Monster Card next to it. Looking over both cards, Matt decided to take a big risk if it meant defeating Clotho and saving Ashima and himself.
"I Summon 'Tricular' in Defense Position!" began Matt, placing a card ('Tricular') onto his Duel Runner.
Appearing on the field was a blue robotic machine mounted on three wheels, with one a single headlight for the eyes (Level: 3/ATK: 0/DEF: 300), but it had gotten weakened thanks to 'Infernity Conjurer'. Ashima was a little worried over that monster being used to protect Matt and her, but Matt wasn't finished just yet.
"In addition, I'll Set one card…" finished Matt, holding up his last card. He slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner, "…and end my turn!"
"Matt, I really hope you have a plan for us to survive an incoming attack by an 'Earthbound Immortal'," fretted Ashima.
"Everything will be alright," reassured Matt, smiling, "We'll make it out of this alive."
When she saw the look in Matt's eyes, Ashima knew that he could be trusted in his word. At the same time, she also knew that Clotho was not messing around any longer.
"You end your turn? Are you sure?" teased Clotho, "Are those going to be your last words?"
"Clotho, it's your turn," responded Matt calmly.
"Alright, don't say I didn't warn you," shrugged Clotho, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Once more, both players gained a Speed Counter:
-Matt: 0 → 1
-Clotho: 7 → 8
Turn Nine: Clotho Buer (LP: 2400)
Deck: 36
Current Hand (1): "Infernity Archfiend"
Speed Counters: 8
Upon seeing his drawn 'Infernity Archfiend' Effect Monster Card, Clotho knew he got exactly what he needed to help get his final ace monster out to ensure his victory.
"This is it!" screeched Clotho, before holding his drawn card ('Infernity Archfiend') out, "I activate the first effect of 'Infernity Archfiend'! When I draw this card, if I have no other cards in my hand: I can reveal this card; I must Special Summon this card from my hand!" He placed the card onto his Duel Runner, "Come forth, 'Infernity Archfiend'!"
Appearing onto the field was the rather wicked (evil)-looking fiend with crazy orange hair (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200).
"'Infernity Archfiend'," remembered Matt.
"Next, I'll activate 'Infernity Archfiend's' second effect!" continued Clotho, just as a random card ejected from the middle of his Deck, "When this card is Special Summoned: I can add…" He took the card and held it up without showing the artwork, "…1 'Infernity' card from my Deck to my hand. I must have no cards in my hand to activate and to resolve this effect," From there, the orange/red-haired young man turned the card ('Infernity Necromancer') over and revealed what it was, "This one will do nicely, 'Infernity Necromancer'!"
"'Infernity Necromancer'?" frowned Ashima, "What are your motives for adding that card into your hand?"
"Clotho still has one major ace monster yet to bring out," guessed Matt, "Another very powerful Dragon monster."
Ashima's eyes widened, "You mean-?"
"He's right!" interrupted Clotho, before raising his added card ('Infernity Necromancer') upward, "I Summon…" He placed the card onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Runner, "…'Infernity Necromancer'!"
Appearing on the field was a ghostly Fiend monster wearing a cloak (Level: 3/ATK: 0/DEF: 2000).
"This card gains a second effect so long as my hand has no cards," revealed Clotho, just as enlarged version of the 'Infernity Necromancer' Effect Monster Card appeared on his right, "Once per turn: I can target 1 'Infernity' monster in my GY, except 'Infernity Necromancer'; I must Special Summon it!" At last, a card ('Infernity Avenger') ejected from his GY, "I Special Summon 'Infernity Avenger'!"
Appearing onto the field was the small, fiendish cowboy with no torso (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0). Matt and Ashima braced themselves, knowing that 'Infernity Doom Dragon' was on its way. Before long, Clotho, flanked by 'Infernity Archfiend', 'Infernity Necromancer', and 'Infernity Avenger', issued the terrifying command.
"My Level 1 'Infernity Avenger' tunes Level 4 'Infernity Archfiend' and Level 3 'Infernity Conjurer'!" he declared.
'Infernity Avenger' turned into a single Synchro Ring, which 'Infernity Archfiend' and 'Infernity Conjurer' soared into while turning into seven orbs of light (four for 'Infernity Archfiend' and three for 'Infernity Conjurer') as a Summon Chant from Clotho was heard throughout the sequence.
"The dead and the living… The moment they meet at zero, the demonic dragon will be released from the cage of eternity!" chanted Clotho, as the symbols 4 + 3 + 1 = 8 were shown briefly just before the lone orb of light within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Come forth, 'Infernity Doom Dragon'!"
Appearing on the field, when the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was what almost resembled Michael's 'Dread Dragon', except it was colored differently, was bigger, and, quite obviously, more powerful and mean-looking (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2400). Clotho burst into more cackling laughter as his final ace monster flew above him, while Matt and Ashima watched in total concern—but the latter did try to make the situation a little better for the former.
"'Infernity Conjurer' is gone again, Matty," reassured Ashima, as 'Tricular' regained its lost ATK (ATK: 0 → 300), "That means your monsters will no longer lose 800 ATK."
"But having a defending monster around won't save you thanks to 'Ccapac Apu'!" bragged Clotho, "And since you likely have something that will stop an attack, I'm gonna do something to make sure that my attack 'will' work!" He then held up two cards ('Infernity Queen' and 'Infernity Dwarf') taken from his GY, "Remember 'Infernity Queen'? I activate her monster effect again!" One of the cards ('Infernity Dwarf') faded away into oblivion, as focus went towards 'Infernity Doom Dragon' as it eventually looked down and roared, "If I have no cards in my hand and this card is in my GY: I can banish 1 DARK monster from my GY, then target 1 DARK monster I control; it can attack directly this turn!"
(elsewhere…)
Back outside the geoglyph…
"This is bad! Matt and Ashima won't be able to withstand a single attack by any of those powerful monsters!" wailed James R..
"Hang on there a moment, you worrywart," cut in Zack, causing James R. to look over. He adjusted the glasses on his face, "There's a little something you forgot about, and it's Matt's face-down card."
"Do you know what it could be?" asked Mr. Kisaka.
"I'm hoping it's one of the most recent cards Discord and I had Industrial Illusions make," confirmed Zack, as the faded still of a Trap Card was superimposed over him, "If it is that one card, Matt will be able to defend himself from Clotho this turn."
(elsewhere…)
Back in the geoglyph, Matt made a move to save himself and Ashima from being struck directly.
"I activate a Trap, 'Damage Influence'!" announced Matt, as his Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Freedom. It then flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If my opponent controls 2 or more monsters: I must target 1 monster I control; I must equip this card to it!" Focus went towards 'Tricular', "I equip the card to 'Tricular'!"
"What good will that Trap Card do for you?" scoffed Clotho, "More to the point, what does it actually do?"
"I'll explain to you the second effect of 'Damage Influence'," replied Matt, "While this card is equipped to a monster, that monster cannot be destroyed by card effects, also, I take no battle damage from battles other than those that involve the equipped monster (even if this card leaves the field)."
"What?!" exclaimed Clotho.
"Yup," acknowledged Matt, while Ashima closed her eyes and sighed with relief, "You want at my LP? You'll have to destroy 'Tricular' first!" He smiled smugly, "So which monster shall attack first? Pick wisely, Clotho."
"Damn that moron!" thought Clotho, "I can't simply use 'Infernity Doom Dragon's' effect to destroy that piece of crap monster of his… I'll just have to rough him up through brute force," He spoke aloud, "So be it!" While issuing the order to attack, having entered the Battle Phase, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' started to reach in for an attack, "My 'Ccapac Apu' will attack 'Tricular'!"
'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' right hand started glowing with an aura, striking 'Tricular' and destroying it with no effort. The whole area shook up, but Freedom and Raider were able to stay on the road.
"Your monster was in Defense Position, but what I have in store for you will change that!" vowed Clotho, "I activate the sixth effect of 'Ccapac Apu'!" He pointed upward at 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' as it started glowing purple, "If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle: I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to the destroyed monster's ATK!" From there, he chuckled madly, "'Tricular' had 300 ATK, meaning you'll take 300 damage! With only 200 LP left, the result will be you being declared the loser!"
'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' fired off a purple beam of energy from its chest towards Freedom below. Frightened over the end coming, Ashima shut her eyes and held onto Matt for dear life. Matt, however, was not done.
"That won't work!" yelled Matt, as the destroyed 'Damage Influence' Trap Card reappeared face-up on the field beside him (on his left), "I activate the third effect of 'Damage Influence'!" A magical barrier surrounded Freedom, protecting him and Ashima from the attack, "When I would take damage from a card effect: I can banish this card from my GY; until the end of this turn, I take no effect damage that is less than or equal to the total number of currently banished monsters x 200!"
"How many monsters are banished?" pondered Ashima.
"Eighteen in total," answered Matt, as, within the darkness, various banished cards ('Quillbolt Hedgehog', 'Rapid Warrior', 'Junk Dragonlet', 'Mono Synchron', 'Stardust Wurm', 'Stardust Phantom', 'Shooting Riser Dragon', 'Infernity Pawn', 'Infernity Destroyer', 'Infernity Patriarch', 'Infernity Guardian', 'Infernity Randomizer', 'Infernity General', 'Infernity Conjurer', 'Infernity Dwarf', 'Infernity Doom Enforcer', 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', and 'Void Ogre Dragon') were shown floating around, "Any effect damage that it's lower or equal to 3600 is reduced to 0."
The attack by 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' soon ended, causing the barrier to shatter apart.
"Great job, Matt! You saved us both!" praised Ashima.
"Damn your cheap defense trick! But with your monster destroyed, I still can attack you directly with 'Infernity Doom Dragon'!" gloated Clotho, "I win either way!"
"Not a chance in hell!" smirked Matt, before holding up another card ('Bicular') taken from his Deck, "Appear now, 'Bicular'!"
Appearing on the field was a yellow machine-like monster mounted on two wheels ready for battle (Level: 2/ATK: 200/DEF: 200).
"What?! 'Bicular'?" cried Clotho.
"The monster effect of 'Tricular'," explained Matt, "When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I can Special Summon 1 'Bicular' from my hand or Deck."
"Meaning all you can do now is attack 'Bicular'," added Ashima.
"Heh! If that's what you want!" raged Clotho, as 'Infernity Doom Dragon' charged flames in its mouth and let the attack loose, "I'll let you both have it! Death Fire Blast!""
The fire stream struck and roasted 'Bicular' alive. Matt covered himself with his right arm from the brief backlash from the destruction of his monster.
"But I'll use this moment to activate 'Bicular's' monster effect!" announced Matt, before holding up a card ('Unicycular') taken from his Deck, "When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I can Special Summon 1 'Unicycular' from my hand or Deck," He placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Unicycular'!"
Appearing on the field was a red unicycle robot-like monster (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"It's like no matter how many of those weak monsters I destroy, you manage to keep replacing them!" berated Clotho, "Nevertheless, I'll keep blowing them away until I can get at your low LP! I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!" His Speed Counter gauge near emptied itself (SPC: 8 → 1), "Once per turn: I can remove 7 Speed Counters of my own; I must…" He drew another card, "…draw 1 card!"
Upon seeing what card he drew, Clotho smirked evilly. Matt and Ashima, meanwhile, waited to see what else would be played. Clotho readied his drawn card and, with the swing of the right arm, slotted it into his Duel Runner.
"I Set one card and end my turn!" finished Clotho, as a face-down card appeared on the field in-front of Raider before fading away for later use. He went into his thoughts, "With this card of mine, you'll never be able to defeat me!" With that thought firmly planted in his head, he spoke aloud to the opponent, "Now, Matt, it's your turn!"
"Clotho is acting really confident," thought Matt, "That face-down card of his must be something he needs to make sure he beats me. Still… I need to press forward no matter what is thrown in my direction!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
And both players gained a final Speed Counter:
-Matt: 1 → 2
-Clotho: 1 → 2
Turn Ten: Matt Fudo (LP: 200)
Deck: 29
Current Hand (1): "Final Offguard"
Speed Counters: 2
Seconds later…
"And now, it's time for me to effectively seal the duel in 'my' favor!" laughed Clotho, "Are you ready, you damn, cheating Coordinator!" With the swing of the right arm, his Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Raider, "Continuous Trap, 'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal', activate!" On cue, the card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Once per turn, if an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must target the attacking monster; I must destroy that target, and if I do, inflict damage to my opponent equal to half the destroyed monster's ATK!" As he rambled on, Matt and a very nervous Ashima listened to him, "I must control an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster with ATK higher than the ATK of the attacking monster to activate and to resolve this effect."
(elsewhere…)
Outside the geoglyph, Zack slammed his right fist on the side of his (Zack) Duel Runner, knowing the situation Matt was in had only gotten worse.
"Thanks to 'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal' any monster that Matt uses to attack Clotho will be destroyed and damage him instead," noted Zack, "It's as Erica mentioned… Matt will need to Accel Synchro Summon if he wants any chance of winning this duel."
Ms. Simmons nodded in agreement, then looked back into the geoglyph. She wondered if Matt understood what he needed to do.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the geoglyph, Matt looked at his drawn 'Final Offguard' Spell Card before holding it out.
"Spell Card, 'Final Offguard'!" began Matt, "If my LP are lower than my opponent's and only my opponent controls a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck: I must…" He drew two more cards, "…draw 2 cards."
The drawn cards were 'Phantom Synchro'(!) (Spell Card) and 'Jet Synchron' (Tuner Monster Card). The former card was needed, but so was another certain card. Luckily, the latter card would greatly help him get the ability to draw another card.
"I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Jet Synchron'!" called Matt, placing the card ('Jet Synchron') onto his Duel Runner.
Appearing on the field was the jet-like Machine monster (Level: 1/ATK: 500/DEF: 0), and it, along with 'Unicycular', took off for the dark sky.
"Level 1 'Jet Synchron' tunes Level 1 'Unicycular'!" The voice of Matt requested, as the above scenario played out.
As the command to tune was being given, 'Jet Synchron' flew into the air and turned into a single Synchro Ring, which 'Unicycular' flew into while turning into a single orb of light as a Summon Chant followed…
"Clustering wishes will call out a new speed's horizon! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 1 + 1 = 2 were shown briefly just before the lone orb of light within the single Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! The power of hope, Synchro Tuner, 'Formula Synchron'!"
Appearing onto the field was the robotic, humanoid racing car-like monster (Level: 2/ATK: 200/DEF: 1500).
"A Synchro Tuner, is it?!" snarled Clotho.
"'Formula Synchron's' first effect!" said Matt, "When this card is Synchro Summoned: I can draw 1 card," He pressed the index and middle fingers of his right hand on top of his Deck, knowing it all came down to this draw, "This is it, my last shot… If I don't get the final card I need, I will have failed everyone."
Ashima carefully leaned and saw some hesitation in Matt's eyes; the worry of drawing the wrong card and risk getting himself and her both killed. That caused her to become worried, too, since she didn't want Matt to be feeling this way.
"Matty…" uttered Ashima.
"No, Ashima, it's alright," The voice of Matt responded, causing Ashima to ease up. He was shown recovering from looking worried, narrowing his eyes as he went on, "I promise you that I'll open up the road to our respective futures!" At last, with a hot-blooded scream, he drew his card with a Destiny Draw, "DRAAAAAAAW!"
Without even looking at what he drew, Matt's lips went from grim to forming a small smile of triumph like he got what he needed.
"It's here," murmured Matt.
"Huh?" gasped Ashima, "Are you sure?"
Matt didn't answer; all he did was study all of his options and realize a full, game-winning combo involving 'Jet Synchron', 'Stardust Trail', 'Stardust Synchron', 'Phantom Synchro', 'Arrive in Light', 'Stardust Dragon', 'Shooting Star Dragon', 'Arrive in Light', 'Converging Wills Dragon', and, finally, 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon'.
"I activate 'Jet Synchron's' second effect!" proclaimed Matt, holding up his drawn card ('Stardust Trail'), "If this card is in my GY: I can…" He placed the card in his GY, causing another card ('Jet Synchron') to emerge, "…send 1 card from my hand to the GY; I must…" The card was taken and held up to be shown, "…Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Jet Synchron' (Level: 1/ATK: 500/DEF: 0).
"From there, I'll activate 'Stardust Synchron's' first effect!" As Matt spoke, 'Jet Synchron' faded away in a blue streak, "If this card is in my hand or GY: I can Tribute 1 monster; I must…" Appearing on the field in the monster's place was the miniature, 'Synchron' version of 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000), "…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!"
"Matt, what are you doing?" asked Ashima, "I don't mean to doubt what you're doing, but did you see a way to win the duel?"
"Just watch me carefully, Ashima," suggested Matt playfully, "You'll find that out soon," He then returned his focus to the duel, "'Stardust Synchron's' second effect!" He drew a card, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand that mentions 'Stardust Dragon'!" He then held it forward while making another move, "Next, I'll activate the first effect of '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 with her hair color being instead reddish violet instead of brown (Level: 4/ATK: 500/DEF: 2000) "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!"
"Why'd you have to bring that stupid one out?" pouted Clotho, "She looks way too much like your friend, the lousy 'Black Rose Witch'!"
"Watch what you say about Carlie!" retorted Ashima hotly.
"She is our friend, and we will not let you spit at her name!" agreed Matt, "In this duel, I will fully surpass my limitations do defeat you!"
Ashima suddenly winced when Matt's clothed back started glowing more brightly than ever, which was due to the full Seal of the Crimson Dragon still being there—however, it was powering up for the first time since it happened in his Turbo Duel rematch with Ms. Simmons. Ashima was both shocked and amazed.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the geoglyph, Zack and the others were continuing to watch the duel on the monitor of Zack's Duel Runner. They overheard Matt's words about surpassing his own limitations, and, upon looking up into the sky, they saw a glowing spec within the geoglyph of the Giant.
"What's that?!" exclaimed James R..
"Don't you remember? This happened when Matt battled Erica for the second time," recalled Zack.
"Yes, and when that happened, Matt received a new power," confirmed Mr. Kisaka, "'Converging Wills Dragon'."
"Matt is about to receive that power again," realized Ms. Simmons.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the geoglyph, Matt's final counterattack resumed when he held out another card ('Arrive in Light')
"I activate the Continuous Spell, 'Arrive in Light'!" revealed Matt, just as another glowing card was placed on top of his Deck, "When this card is activated: I must place 1 Level 1 Dragon monster from my hand or Deck on top of the Deck!" He smiled cockily (for good reason), "The second effect of my card… Neither player can return 'Stardust Dragon', or a Synchro Monster that lists 'Stardust Dragon' in its text, from the field to the Extra Deck."
Clotho gritted his teeth, but wisely remained quiet.
"Next, I'll activate 'Phantom Synchro'!" continued Matt, slotting a card into his Duel Runner. Then, with the swing of his right arm, the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field next to him (on his right), "I must target 1 face-up Tuner I control; this turn, if that card would be used as Synchro Material, the Synchro Monster I Synchro Summon must be in my GY!" From there, 'Stardust Trail' and 'Stardust Synchron' both took off for the sky, "Level 4 'Stardust Synchron' tunes Level 4 'Stardust Trail'!"
'Stardust Synchron' turned into four Synchro Rings, which 'Stardust Trail' soared into while turning into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant followed.
"Gathering stars will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 4 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive bean of light, "Phantom Synchro! Take flight, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
As the beam of light burst apart, the lean, white-colored, majestic-looking Signer Dragon flew into the sky in triumph (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"As they've left the field, 'Stardust Trail' and 'Stardust Synchron' have been banished," accepted Matt, "But they've served their purpose well!" From there, appearing on the field was another, much weaker 'Stardust Trail' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "The second effect of 'Stardust Trail'! If a 'Warrior', 'Synchron', or 'Stardust' Synchro Monster is Synchro Summoned using this card as material: I can Special Summon 1 'Stardust Token'."
"Does this mean-?" stammered Ashima.
"As of now, I'll activate the third effect of 'Arrive in Light'!" interrupted Matt, looking at the glowing card on top of his Deck, "If a Synchro Monster(s) is Special Summoned (except during the Damage Step): I can apply 1 of these effects," He was shown narrowing his eyes, "but I cannot apply that same effect of 'Arrive in Light' again this turn."
These were the effects written on the 'Arrive in Light' Spell Card:
-"I must draw 1 card!"
-"I must Special Summon 1 Tuner from my hand!"
"Considering the top card is 'Converging Wills Dragon'… commented Ashima.
"Right," nodded Matt, before drawing the glowing card, "I'll draw 'that' card!" Upon seeing the 'Converging Wills Dragon' Tuner Monster Card, he smiled slightly while Ashima looked stunned by what she saw, "Ashima, 'our' wishes have come true."
"'Converging Wills Dragon'," thought Ashima.
"I'm not done!" Matt was saying to Clotho, before making his 'Transaction Rollback' Trap Card reappear face-up on the field in-front of Freedom, "I activate the second effect of 'Transaction Rollback'!" He then glowed red and felt his LP being cut in half again (LP: 200 → 100), "I can banish this card from my GY and pay half my LP, then target 1 Normal Trap in my GY, except 'Transaction Rollback'; this effect becomes that card's activation effect."
"Don't tell me he's going to pick 'that' card!" thought Clotho, knowing what was coming.
"The Trap Card I choose…" uttered Matt, before thrusting his right hand forth, "…is 'Synchro Forceback'!" The face-up 'Transaction Rollback' Trap Card changed into the 'Synchro Forceback' Trap Card, "I must target monsters on the field, up to the number of Synchro Monsters with different names I control; return them to the hand!" He remained stern-looking while speaking a little more before holding the hand out and swinging it about, "Clotho, since I control two Synchro Monsters, I get to target two monsters of yours and send them back to your hand. Vanish, 'Infernity Necromancer' and 'Infernity Doom Dragon'!"
Clotho watched in horror as his two monsters, especially his final ace monster, both turned into orbs of light and retreated into his Duel Runner—since 'Infernity Doom Dragon' was a Synchro Monster, it was sent back to the Extra Deck instead.
"Clotho, you've done enough damage to humanity!" stated Matt firmly, "As of now, I'm going to stop you with the power I was given!" After a brief pause, he finished 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 Freedom. And so, the ultimate comeback commenced in full.
"Level 2 Synchro Tuner, 'Formula Synchron'," 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, "tunes Level 8 Synchro Monster, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
"W-Wait, I'm riding with Matty," thought Ashima, realizing she was in for a real treat, "I actually get to see… how it feels… I get to see just how surpassing one's limitations is done."
From there, 'Formula Synchron' 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, Freedom 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!" chanted Matt, raising his right hand into the air above 'Stardust Dragon', "Become the path its light shines upon!"
More and more flames surrounded Freedom as it went faster and faster, just as Matt gave quite possibly one of the strongest, most hot-blooded screams anyone in the geoglyph 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 Freedom 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," whispered Clotho.
Within seconds, however, Freedom (and both its rider and passenger) reappeared from the same vortex, overtaking the very stunned Clotho and Raider once again. 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 dark sky before stopping above Freedom, was none other than 'Stardust Dragon's' bigger, more powerful, more evolved form (Level: 10/ATK: 3300/DEF: 2500). 'Shooting Star Dragon' then faced 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu', knowing it was the last major target needing to be defeated in order to finish the duel. Ashima, meanwhile, was holding on tight to Matt while looking amazed; never had she experienced anything so wonderful in her whole life.
(elsewhere…)
Back outside the geoglyph, Zack, James R., Mr. Kisaka, and Ms. Simmons could all see 'Shooting Star Dragon' in the sky and about to fight 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' if needed.
"Oh yeah! There it is!" cheered James R., "'Shooting Star Dragon'!"
"And Matt now has 'Converging Wills Dragon' in his hand," noted Zack, grinning big, "If Matt can just lower 'Shooting Star's' Level a little, he can Synchro Summon 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon'."
Mr. Kisaka and Ms. Simmons both nodded, knowing Matt would win the duel if that were to happen.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the geoglyph, Matt made the 'Arrive in Light' Spell Card flip face-up on his field beside him (on his right) once more.
"Since I Special Summoned a Synchro Monster, the next effect of my Continuous Spell, 'Arrive in Light'!" reminded Matt, "I must Special Summon 1 Tuner from my hand," Taking the glowing card ('Converging Wills Dragon') from his hand, he placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Appear now, 'Converging Wills Dragon'!"
Appearing on the field was the personal version of 'Majestic Dragon', based on both the Crimson Dragon and the resplendent quetzal (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"I also activate the third effect of 'Wheel Synchron'!" Matt went on, as, within the abyss (GY), the 'Wheel Synchron' Tuner Monster Card slowly emerged before dissolving into specs of dust—as focus then went towards 'Shooting Star Dragon' as it started glowing yellow and its Level got slightly modified (Level: 10 → 9), "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 Synchro Monster I control; I must reduce its Level by up to 4! I target 'Shooting Star Dragon' and reduce its Level by 1!" Focus then shifted towards the 'Converging Wills Dragon' still flying in the sky, "'Converging Wills Dragon's' first effect! This card's name becomes 'Majestic Dragon' while on the field or in the GY!"
Ashima and Clotho both anticipate the big arrival, but for completely different reasons. Ashima because she knew 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' was going to win Matt the duel, and Clotho because he knew he was going to lose the duel once 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' hit the field. Seeing as 'Converging Wills Dragon' was a Tuner monster, and Matt controlled both 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Stardust Token', the following could happen…
"My Level 1 'Converging Wills Dragon' tunes Level 9 'Shooting Star Dragon' and Level 1 'Stardust Token'!" The voice of Matt continued, just as 'Shooting Star Dragon', 'Stardust Token', and 'Converging Wills Dragon' each flew into the dark sky, "Let's rev it up!"
The glowing 'Converging Wills Dragon' began growing bigger and bigger until it was overwhelming 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Stardust Token'. While that was going on and more, a completely new Summon Chant from Matt followed…
"Gathering desires will awaken a shining miracle!" chanted Matt, as the bodies of 'Shooting Star Dragon' and 'Stardust Token' flew into the single, gigantic golden Synchro Ring and became outlined while showing glowing balls of light (nine for 'Shooting Star Dragon', and one for 'Stardust Token') from within, "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 Freedom as he and Ashima found themselves 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). Clotho, with gritted teeth, was horrified to see the newest addition to Matt's power, and knew that it was all over now—or was it over for him?
"This duel is over!" The voice of Matt thundered, causing Clotho to look back up. He held his right hand out, "I activate 'Shooting Savior Star's' first effect!" In the sky, as he explained away, 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' faced 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' and started to drain away its power, "Once per turn: I can negate the effects of 1 Effect Monster my opponent controls! I negate 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu's' effects! Majestic Sublimation!"
Upon being drained of all its power, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' slumped over in a very weakened state. Without any of its power, 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' was able to attack and destroy it with nothing to stop it, and its destruction would release all of the souls stolen from earlier on. All of a sudden, Clotho no longer looked worried about losing. In fact, he appeared to be smiling.
"Go ahead then," dared Clotho, "Attack 'Ccapac Apu' if you want."
"Say what?" frowned Matt, who, along with Ashima, was surprised and suspicious over the offer, "What are you-?"
"Matt…" A familiar voice (female) echoed.
"What?!" gasped Matt.
"What? What is it?" urged Ashima.
Matt, believing he was hearing things, brought his right hand to the side of his head and winced from what he felt was pain, much to Ashima's concern. He soon recovered from the pain when he kept hearing the voice.
"I heard a voice," Matt claimed, looking around for the source. He then looked straight ahead and froze, "There! It can't be!"
Looking up at 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu', Matt saw a familiar face and body superimposed over its body. The young woman had wavy blonde hair that reached her chin, and she wore the female Orb motorcyclist suit. Matt couldn't believe who he was seeing superimposed over 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu'.
"Ashima, it's Asagi!" cried Matt, "She's trapped on 'Ccapac Apu'!"
"Asagi? Matt, are you sure?" quizzed Ashima, who couldn't see anything on 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu's' body, "I don't see anything there."
She suddenly felt the same amount of pain in her head when she soon started to hear the voice herself.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the geoglyph, everyone had overheard Matt's exclamation about Asagi Caldwell being trapped on the body of 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu', but, like Ashima, they couldn't see Asagi.
"Matt sees Asagi trapped on 'Ccapac Apu'?" blinked James R..
"That's crazy!" protested Zack, "None of us can even see or hear her! Could Clotho be trying to do something to confuse Matt and prevent him from attacking?"
Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka were also surprised by what Matt claimed to hear and see, leaving them to wonder if Clotho was, indeed, trying to confuse and/or hurt Matt, or if Matt was, in fact, being truthful about the claim.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the geoglyph, while Ashima was still in pain from hearing voices, Matt continued to gazed up in horror at 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu', where he could see Asagi superimposed over its body while looking very weak. Clotho was also looking up at his monster and could see his deceased rival squirming and calling out to Matt in a helpless sort of way.
"Well, Matt, what are you waiting for?" taunted Clotho, as Matt looked over in anger, "You can go ahead and defeat the 'Earthbound Immortal' if you want to," He (Clotho) smiled like a shark, enjoying putting the hurt on Matt's heart, "But if you do that, you could also end up tainting the soul that was imprinted onto its body when it first killed her!"
"You bastard!" shouted Matt furiously, "Deliberately using my friend as a human shield! Fight me like a True Duelist if you believe yourself to be one!"
"What? And risk losing like this?" sneered Clotho, clearly not caring about what he was doing, "I'm going to win this duel, even if I have to resort to cheating! And there isn't a damn thing you can do about it, so think through your decision very carefully!" As he (Clotho) egged on the opponent, Matt looked frustrated and dismayed, "Pick the wrong choice, and you can never bring her back from the dead!"
"Ngh… Dammit!" grimaced Matt, "What am I going to do?" He looked up at 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu', still seeing Asagi superimposed over its body, "Asagi, I promise to find some other way to save you!"
At last, when she looked down at 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' after the pain in her head died down and her vision cleared back up, Ashima finally started to see Asagi trapped on the body of the enemy monster. Gasping in horror, Ashima realized Matt wasn't hearing or seeing things and could, in fact, see Asagi.
"This can't be real," whispered Ashima, putting both hands over her mouth before looking at Matt, "Matty…!"
Matt remained extremely conflicted on what to do; did he dare attack 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu'? If he did, he would defeat the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster and free all of the souls it had taken, which would also give him a clean shot at the opponent's LP. But what if Clotho was right? Would destroying 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' ensure that Asagi remained dead? Then again, if Matt didn't destroy 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' now, Clotho would be able to take advantage of the situation and take his own turn. Before Clotho could speak up, someone else spoke up in his place…
"Matt…" The voice of Asagi called out, as she was seen no longer struggling on the body of 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu'. In fact, she seemed to be smiling, "Don't worry about me," Matt and Ashima listened to the sound of her voice and speech, "Just focus on defeating 'Ccapac Apu'!"
"A-Asagi… No, I won't!" refused Matt, while Asagi stopped smiling and listened to him, "If I did that, I'd be sacrificing what remains of your life!" He remained defiant and very desperate, "I won't sacrifice the life of a friend! I'll find some other way to win without resorting to that!"
"What matters right now is you defeating that jerk Clotho," insisted Asagi, "I promise you that when 'Ccapac Apu' is destroyed, I won't be gone forever. Somehow, someway, I know you'll find a way to bring all of us back," To seal the deal, she winked and decided to say Matt's catchphrase to help psyche him up, "Let's rev it up!"
Still looking up, Matt and Ashima both smiled, nodded, and finally agreed to put an end to another Dark Signer. As for Clotho, all he could do about it was scream in rage and hatred of Asagi Caldwell, knowing that his (Clotho) plan to demoralize Matt had failed because Asagi had to pick a time to open her mouth and say something that wasn't a plea for help. Matt, meanwhile, finally entered his Battle Phase.
"Battle!" announced Matt, "The effect of 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon'! This card gains 1 additional attack each Battle Phase for every monster in my GY that is 'Stardust Dragon' or is a Synchro Monster with 'Stardust Dragon' in its text!" In the dark background, three cards ('Stardust Dragon', 'Majestic Star Dragon', and 'Shooting Star Dragon') loomed as he spoke about them, "There's 'Stardust Dragon', 'Majestic Star Dragon', and 'Shooting Star Dragon'! This will allow for 'Shooting Savior Star' to attack up to four times per Battle Phase!"
"It can't be… It's impossible for me to lose to Matt once more…" thought Clotho, stunned by his incoming loss. He then, in anger, spoke aloud, "You friggin' cheater! How could I be defeated by you again?!"
"You're in no position to call Matt a cheater when you yourself cheated in this duel twice by trying to sacrifice my soul, and later tried to use Asagi as shield to save your sorry hide," retorted Ashima hotly, "And besides, you brought this all upon yourself when you joined the Dark Signers after gaining a petty grudge against Matt over losing to him in a Duel Monsters tournament and then causing misery throughout."
"And now I'll put an end to your threat," agreed Matt, just as 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' soared through the darkened sky while doing magnificent aerial dynamics that 'Majestic Star Dragon' and 'Shooting Star Dragon' were known for doing, "'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon', attack 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu'! Shooting Blaster Mirage!"
Flying in for the attack, 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' drilled right through 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu's' body and flew out from the other end as, still riding on the head of the 'Majestic' Synchro Monster, Matt and Ashima looked down at the monitor of Freedom and saw Asagi's reflection in the body of the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster and smiling one final time at them both and her other friends.
"Thank you, Matt," murmured Asagi, "See you soon, cutie…"
The mortally wounded 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu' roared and finally collapsed onto the control tower Clotho was guarding and exploded from its destruction, destroying the tower in the process. While that happened, Clotho Buer screamed once more as he felt the devastating backlash from his monster's destruction and his remaining LP were immediately reduced to the empty zone as though the single attack finished him off (LP: 2400 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Matt Fudo wins!
To make matters worse for him, he began to lose control of the heavily damaged and sparking Raider, exiting the remains of the geoglyph and crashing into the nearby wall of the crumbling tower, causing the Duel Runner to explode and instantly killing him in the process. Freedom drove by as Matt and Ashima looked very serious about the whole thing despite the former being the winner of the duel.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the dying geoglyph, Zack, James R., Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka all watched as the final parts of the fire wall died down, and the geoglyph of the Giant in the sky faded away. All that was left behind was serious damage caused by Clotho and 'Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu'. the group all remained silent throughout the scene while knowing that they had defeated another Dark Signer, meaning only three Dark Signers, Orga, Misty, and Azrael, were left to beat. Just then, they all heard a familiar roar and looked upward, finding 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' flying towards the nearby river.
(elsewhere…)
A short time later, Matt and Ashima, standing alone near the river and beside Freedom, looked out into the distance as 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' flew away. Ashima said nothing, while a grief-stricken Matt had his head bowed as he had a pair of flashbacks.
FLASHBACK
During Flashback Matt and Flashback David's Turbo Duel in Rex's new tournament…
"Matt! Matt Fudo!" A familiar voice (female) cut in, echoing.
Flashback Matt looked up in surprise, looking around for the sign of the voice before turning nearby and found Flashback Asagi and her two friends standing on the podium along with a comically weeping Flashback MC. Flashback Asagi was still bandaged up, but otherwise was doing alright thanks to Flashback Mayura and Flashback Juri both helping her.
"Asagi?" whispered Flashback Matt.
In the stands, Flashback Discord, Flashback Michael, Flashback James R., Flashback Carlie, Flashback Michael, Flashback Zack, Flashback Sean, Flashback Janice, Flashback Ren, Flashback Futaba, Flashback Gabriella, Flashback Lisa, Flashback Mr. Kisaka, and Flashback Ms. Simmons all were astonished to see Flashback Asagi, Flashback Mayura, and Flashback Juri each on the podium, even though they were supposed to be staying at the hotel, especially so that the former could get some rest and continue nursing her injuries. Back on the podium, Flashback Asagi began speaking to Flashback Matt.
"Matt, I want you to know that I'm doing fine," began Flashback Asagi, speaking into the microphone and directing her attention to her new friend as, back on the field, he listened, "More importantly, I don't blame you for what happened to me last night. In fact, I've never blamed you. Not even once," She smiled as faded clips of Flashback Matt arriving on Fudo Go, him rushing over and holding her in his arms, and her smiling at him before falling unconscious last night were superimposed over her, "I was just relieved you came when you could, and that's all I could ever ask for—as a matter of fact, your arrival with the police actually 'saved' the three of us from being pummeled to death by Sergey after I lost that duel."
"Asagi…" whispered Flashback Matt, listening carefully.
Back on the podium…
"However, I can't help but feel disappointed in you, right now," Flashback Asagi went on, now looking a little bit stern as she proceeded with her speech, "You're rushing to win the duel just because you're too worried about me. I'm sorry, but that's not you, at all. You're someone who duels with his heart and gives every card a chance to be used," On the track, as she went on, Flashback Matt still continued listening to the speech directed at him, "More than that, you're a True Duelist, and it's about time you started acting like one again!" While finishing up her speech, she smiled with nothing but kindness, "Now, what do you say? Are you a True Duelist, or not?"
The whole stadium did not say a single word throughout the powerful speech made by Asagi Caldwell, with an exception to occasional scattered utterances of "Asagi…" or "Matt…" from people like Flashback Ms. Simmons, Flashback Lisa, Flashback Megan, Flashback Michael, Flashback Carlie, etc.. Speaking of Flashback Matt… After listening to the entire speech, the dirty blonde-haired young man bowed his head and closed his eyes while starting to do some thinking about the speeches made by his two friends in a short period of time.
"Dave and Asagi both…are right," Flashback Matt thought to himself, finally feeling his guilt over last night leaving him, "Dave's been dueling me with all he's got, and yet I haven't been putting all of my heart and soul into the duel, and that isn't me at all. More importantly, I really 'did' save my friends last night, and that I was wrong to blame myself for Asagi getting hurt, and, most importantly, I should not allow myself to wallow in guilt."
There was another long silence throughout, while both Flashback David and Flashback Asagi hoped that their words got through to Flashback Matt.
"Matt…" uttered Flashback Asagi.
"Fudo-san…" came from Flashback David.
At long last, Flashback Matt raised his head and smiled pridefully.
"Everyone, I'm back!" he declared.
The audience, along with Flashback David, the Astray trio, Flashback MC, and, quite surprisingly, Flashback Lazar, gasped with hope and relief.
(new scene…)
The geoglyph finally died down with the match finally over, leaving behind more destruction from the intense Turbo Duel. This also allowed for Flashback Matt and Flashback Rin to finally go and see their wounded friend. Once they arrived, Flashback Matt knelt down and held Flashback Asagi's broken body in his arms.
"Asagi! Asagi, can you hear me?!" hollered Flashback Matt in desperation.
Unlike her two best friends, Flashback Asagi was only barely conscious—but because of the deep wounds to her inner organs, she would not last much longer. She just had enough time to deliver a few words of apology for failing Flashback Matt, her other friends, and, most of all, failing her two best friends, Flashback Mayura and Flashback Juri, when they needed her the most.
"M-Matt…" uttered Flashback Asagi weakly, looking at Flashback Matt in the eyes, "I'm so sorry that we…failed to win…" She continued to look and sound glum, "Please forgive me…"
"Asagi…" whispered Flashback Matt sadly.
Smiling one last time, Flashback Asagi tried to reach over and touch the side of Flashback Matt's face with her right hand as a form of affection, but failed at the last second as she closed her eyes and her limbs becoming unresponsive as she died in his arms. Flashback Matt closed his eyes, shedding a tear or two in the process.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback, and Matt's whole body shuddered with emotion from the memories of his deceased friend. Even when Ashima wrapped her right arm around him to comfort him, it didn't help him at all.
"Asagi… Thank you for being such a loyal and true friend…" Matt told himself, before clenching his left hand into a fist and slowly shaking it with determination, "I…will…for my friend… for you and everyone who had died in this war… be sure to defeat the Dark Signers!" Several tears then fell into his gloved fist as he began to sob, raise his head towards the sky, and scream with sheer anguish, "ASAGIIIIII!"
His heartbroken, skyward scream echoed into the clearing sky, while Ashima never said a word throughout the moment—although she was clearly feeling an equal amount of sorrow over what just happened, and was also feeling for her poor boyfriend. 'Shooting Majestic Star Dragon' soon faded away into the returning sun as Matt and Ashima briefly grieved together.
Yeah, I know it's a little weird for me to be posting a chapter with a very sad ending directly on my Birthday, but I don't really see anything wrong with doing that. Anyway, there will be a short, one month break from this story before we resume working on it.