This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. 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
WARNING: These stories are rated T for moments of violence, mild blood, frightening moments, and some suggestive themes. Viewer discretion may be advised.
Title: Ninjas & Black Roses
It was the middle of the first day of the Battle City tournament. Duelists were still at it with their duels to earn the locator cards they needed to qualify for the finals—wherever it was. Thomas was walking down the street, thinking about the Rare Hunters and their mysterious leader, Marik.
"Where could they be? Somewhere in this crowd are Rare Hunters waiting to prey upon duelists… " thought Thomas, keeping a cautious eye out for anyone suspicious, "Using their filthy bootlegs to steal honest cards won with blood, sweat, and tears. There must be a clue to find them…"
However, there were a few duelists who were not competing in the tournament and were merely watching the duels going on. And in another part of Knapford City, those duelists were…
"Man, these duels are awesome!" James R. said to his friends.
Yup, Matt, James R., Carlie, Michael, and Zack were the ones who were not competing.
"I knew Boxford Corporation was able to pull off something as big as this, but I never expected it to be 'this' big," noted Zack.
"Look over there!" cried Carlie, noticing a nearby duel about to start, "Let's go watch that duel!"
The other members of Team 4D's nodded and walked over to watch. The second they reached the duel area, they recognized one of the duelists about to engage.
"That's Lady Stone, isn't it?" commented James R..
"It is," confirmed Matt, "But I don't know who her opponent exactly is."
"Lucky for you guys," said Zack smugly, holding up a pamphlet, "I have a little something that tells us the duelists competing in the tournament and their rarest cards," He started reading the duelist bio, showing a picture of Lady's opponent, "That guy's Wilbert Barclay, a duelist who plays a 'Ninja' Deck."
"The 'Ninja' archetype, eh?" mused Michael, "This I got to see."
On the field, Lady and Wilbert activated their Duel Disks and prepared to face each other. While Lady looked serious and determined, Wilbert was smiling and glad to be dueling a lovely-looking girl like Lady
"Ms. Polly, you understand the stakes of our duel, yes?" remarked Wilbert, as Lady listened carefully, "Should I win, I not only get your 'Harpie's Feather Duster' and your two Locator Cards, but we will also go out on a date!"
Lady scowled over the final option, but appeared to agree to it. Back with the crowd…
"Huh? A date should Lady lose?" gasped James R., "But isn't Lady still seeing Percy? Don't tell me they broke up!" He started yelling out to both duelists, annoying Zack, Matt, and Michael, "Hey, Lady! Why are you agreeing to go on a date with that guy should you lose the duel?! Aren't you and Percy still dating!?"
"Damn it, James!" grumbled Zack.
"Huh?" pondered Lady, before noticing who was among the people watching the duel, "You four-!"
"Are those friends of yours?" asked Wilbert, before grinning over the lone girl of Team 4D's, "And who's the babe of their group?"
The frowning Carlie looked a smidge uncomfortable with being hit on by Wilbert, which was noticed by Zack and the others.
"Excuse me, buddy, but do us a favor and keep your eyes off of our friend," berated Zack.
"I guess it doesn't matter; I prefer blondes more, anyway," shrugged Wilbert, before facing Lady once more, "Don't you worry about being out of the tournament so soon, our date will instead be a night to remember."
"Fat chance," dismissed Lady, before drawing five cards, "Here I come!"
Wilbert responded by also drawing five cards. When that was done, their respective LP counters on their Duel Disks lit up.
"Duel!" Lady and Wilbert announced at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
At last, the duel had begun.
"The first turn will go to me!" stated Wilbert, drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn One: Wilbert Barclay (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Ninja Soldier Katana", "Ninja Commander Ikusa", "Ninja Master Shogun", "Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl", "Ninja Commander Ikusa", and "Ninja Soldier Katana"
He added the card into his hand, looked at another card ('Ninja Commander Ikusa') in particular and took hold of it.
"Alright, this card will start things off," assumed Wilbert, as he placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "'Ninja Commander Ikusa' in Attack Position!"
The mentioned Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, causing a puff of smoke to appear in-front of the card. When the smoke cleared enough, a ninja warrior wearing black and green garbs was seen (Level: 3/ATK: 700/DEF: 700).
"A 'Ninja' monster…" thought Lady.
Suddenly, 'Ninja Commander Ikusa' split himself in two—a new 'Ninja' monster wearing dark blue garbs (Level: 3/ATK: 400/DEF: 400).
"Shadow Clone Art," revealed Wilbert, "This is 'Ikusa's' monster effect. When this card is Summoned in Attack Position: I can Special Summon 1 'Ninja Soldier Katana' from my hand in Attack Position."
"So, you can basically duplicate the number of monsters you control. Big whoop!" scoffed Lady, "You should be worried about protecting your ninjas, because I'm going to roll right through them!"
"Mm?" blinked Wilbert.
"Here goes! It's my turn!" declared Lady, drawing a card.
Turn Two: Lady Stone (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Mirror Wall", "Cyber Harpie Lady", "Amazoness Swords Woman", "Shadow of Eyes", "Birdface", and "Fairy's Hand Mirror"
Adding the drawn card into her hand, Lady took hold of another one to play.
"This is my card!" As Lady said that, she placed the card onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk, "Come, 'Amazoness Swords Woman'!"
A woman with wild, wavy hair, wearing skimpy clothing, and wielding a sword appeared on the beautiful blonde-haired girl's field (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600).
"Go forth, 'Amazoness Swords Woman'!" commanded Lady, as 'Amazoness Swords Woman' charged towards 'Ninja Soldier Katana', "Amazoness Slash!"
'Amazoness Swords Woman' jumped into the air, and 'Ninja Soldier Katana' raised his sword in an effort to block the attack. However, it proved to be useless; in one swift *SLASH!*, 'Ninja Soldier Katana' was destroyed by the stronger 'Amazoness Swords Woman', causing Wilbert to take a heavy amount of damage from the attack (LP: 4000 → 2900).
"Boy, I'm wondering what Wilbert was thinking using 'Ninja' monsters just as they are," chuckled James R., "He won't get very far if he doesn't buff their ATK or something."
"Careful, James," warned Matt, "'Ninja' monsters might lack in ATK, but they are still cunning and dangerous when used correctly."
"Right as always, Matt," agreed Zack, "A part of me feels something is up, and I'm hoping Lady catches on before it's too late."
Back on the field…
"From my hand, I'll Set one card face-down!" concluded Lady, slotting a card ('Fairy's Hand Mirror') into her Duel Disk. That caused a face-down card to appear on the field near her feet, "I end my turn!"
"My, my, I've heard that you powered up significantly since your first ever tournament," flirted Wilbert, before drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw card!"
Turn Three: Wilbert Barclay (LP: 2900)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (5): "Ninja Soldier Katana", "Ninja Commander Ikusa", "Ninja Master Shogun", "Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl", and "Trap Hole"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Trap Hole'; it was a pretty common card, but it was still very handy to catch opponents who try to Summon monsters with high ATK.
"I Set one card!" began Wilbert, slotting the drawn card into his Duel Disk and causing a face-down card to appear on the field. He then took another card ('Ninja Commander Ikusa') and held it out, "I Summon a second 'Ninja Commander Ikusa'!"
In a repeat of earlier, a smokescreen appeared in a spot on Wilbert's field. When the smoke cleared, there stood a second 'Ninja Commander Ikusa' (Level: 3/ATK: 700/DEF: 700). And, also like before, the monster split himself in two, creating a second 'Ninja Soldier Katana' (Level: 3/ATK: 400/DEF: 400). While that was going on, Murdoch was shown walking around the area when he spotted the members of Team 4D's.
"Oh wow! I never thought I'd see some of the heroes who helped save Sodor High from criminals!" thought Murdoch, excited, before raising his voice, "Hey! Come check out the world famous Team 4D's, everyone!"
Soon enough, lots and lots of people gathered around to interact with Matt and the likes, to talk with them, get autographs, and the likes. Wilbert, believing the crowd was here to see him win, was pleased.
"Do you see, Ms. Polly," beamed Wilbert, "My 'Ninja' monsters really are as popular as I've heard they are! People have come to cheer me on in this duel!"
"Oh brother," thought Lady, sweatdropping, "How dense can you be?" She snapped out of it and drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Lady Stone (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): "Mirror Wall", "Cyber Harpie Lady", "Shadow of Eyes", "Birdface", and "Harpie Girl"
Adding the card into her hand, Lady had a monster that was perfect to help cripple Wilbert's field and really reduce his LP.
"Try this monster on for size," dared Lady, placing a card ('Birdface') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk, "'Birdface' in Attack Position!"
Beginning to appear on the field was a large bird creature covered in armor.
"Ms. Polly, I know what you're planning to do," cut in Wilbert, "That's why I must stop you from destroying two of my monsters," He pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "Observe! Face-down card, open!" His Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Trap Hole'!"
As soon as 'Birdface' finished appearing, the ground below his feet disappeared, causing him to plummet into the GY.
"'Trap Hole'?!" cried Lady.
"When my opponent Normal or Flip Summons a monster with 1000 or more ATK: I must target that monster; I must destroy that target," explained Wilbert, "As common as it is, it can still come in handy to catch opponents offguard. Now, what else will you try?"
"That's easy; I'll still attack!" replied Lady heatedly, entering the Battle Phase, "My 'Amazoness Swords Woman' will attack your 'Ninja Commander Ikusa'!" As she announced the attack name, 'Amazoness Swords Woman' rushed towards 'Ninja Commander Ikusa', "Amazoness Slash!"
*SLASH!*
'Amazoness Swords Woman' cut 'Ninja Commander Ikusa' with her sword, destroying the weaker monster. Wilbert chuckled a little bit as his LP took another hit (LP: 2900 → 2100).
"Ms. Polly, I have been waiting for this moment," remarked Wilbert proudly.
"What do you mean?" frowned Lady.
"It's my turn," Wilbert responded, drawing a card, "Draw."
Turn Five: Wilbert Barclay (LP: 2100)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (3): "Ninja Master Shogun", "Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl", and "Ninja Smoke Ball"
After adding the drawn card into his hand, he took another card ('Ninja Master Shogun') and held it out to show the opponent.
"You see, this monster can't be Summoned unless 'Ninja Commander Ikusa' and 'Ninja Soldier Katana' are in my GY," continued Wilbert, "As you've destroyed them previously, I can now Summon my ace monster," Focus went towards the lone 'Ninja Soldier Katana' as he faded away in a blue streak, "I offer 'Ninja Soldier Katana' as a Tribute!" With the offer met, he placed a card ('Ninja Master Shogun') onto his Duel Disk, "I Tribute Summon 'Ninja Master Shogun' in Attack Position!"
Holding his right hand out, a Monster Card known as 'Ninja Master Shogun' flipped face-up and revealed itself, just before three scrolls unrolled into the dark abyss. Appearing on the field was a shogun-like monster wearing red armor, purple garbs, and wearing a red mask (Level: 5/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1600).
"'Ninja Master Shogun'!" fretted Lady, "What kind of powers does he have?"
"Allow me to tell you 'Ninja Master Shogun's' special effect," offered Wilbert, placing two cards ('Ninja Soldier Katana' and 'Ninja Commando Kabuki') onto his Duel Disk separately, "When this card is Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Ninja Soldier Katana' and 1 'Ninja Commando Kabuki' from my Deck in Attack Position."
To the crowd's surprise, a ninja wearing yellow garb jumped over them, followed by another 'Ninja Soldier Katana'.
"What the heck?!" yelled James R..
Both monsters landed on Wilbert's field, guarding 'Ninja Master Shogun' with their lives. 'Ninja Soldier Katana' (Level: 3/ATK: 400/DEF: 400) readied his sword, while 'Ninja Commando Kabuki' did a ninja-like hand gesture (Level: 3/ATK: 700/DEF: 700).
"Ms. Polly, I insist you allow me to show you the monster effect of 'Kabuki'," requested Wilbert, as 'Ninja Commando Kabuki' summoned cherry blossom petals all across the field. Pretty soon, a new, female ninja started to make herself known on the field, "When this card is Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Ninja' monster from my hand or Deck! The monster I'll Special Summon is 'Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl'!"
The ninja, actually kunoichi, had long dark red hair, wore a white mask, and wore red and black ninja garbs without sleeves (Level: 2/ATK: 300/DEF: 300). The gathered crowd was still focused on Team 4D's when Zack managed to get them to focus on the duel.
"Crap! Lady's in trouble!" he complained.
The other spectators finally noticed the duel.
"He's right; Lady is facing a whole squad of 'Ninja' monsters!" noted Murdoch.
The only member of the crowd to not be worried about Lady's bad predicament was Carlie, who seemed absolutely confident that Lady would not let it stop her.
"It's nothing for someone like Lady," reassured Carlie, "I 'know' she will fight them off."
Back on the field…
"An opening!" announced Wilbert, entering the Battle Phase, "My 'Ninja Master Shogun' will attack 'Amazoness Swords Woman'!" As he announced the attack name, 'Ninja Master Shogun' released a stream of fire from the mouth of his mask, "Fireball Art!"
The flames overwhelmed 'Amazoness Swords Woman' before she shattered into shards of glass, causing Lady to gasp in horror.
"I already know of 'Amazoness Swords Woman's' special ability," gloated Wilbert, "Your opponent takes any battle damage you would have taken from battles involving this card instead," He lost some LP (LP: 2100 → 2000), "I took 100 damage from the attack, but it's a small price to pay to win a duel and a date."
With Lady open for a direct attack, 'Ninja Commander Ikusa', 'Ninja Commando Kabuki', 'Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl' and 'Ninja Soldier Katana' all jumped into the air and unleashed a barrage of shuriken upon her. Lady screamed as she got pelted by the throwing weapons, dropping to a knee when the attack ended and her LP took a massive hit from the combined attacks of four 'Ninja' monsters (LP: 4000 → 1900).
"Ms. Polly, please do not think badly of me," said Wilbert, closing his eyes regretfully, "It mortifies me to attack my loved one. But love is a battle!" He opened his eyes, "Please accept this burning feeling throbbing inside my chest!"
"Where does he get this stuff?" thought Lady, annoyed.
With the crowd…
"Hey, guys? Some of the things that guy is saying sound familiar," mused Carlie.
"I think they're lines from one of Jean-Claude Magnum's ninja movies," stated James R., "I'm guessing Wilbert must be a Magnum fanboy or something if he's using some of them in an effort to pick up chicks."
"That guy really thinks that crap will actually work?" snorted Michael, "The ninja film with dialogue like that was a critical and financial disaster!"
"But what worries me is Lady has no monsters and only 1900 LP left," interrupted Matt, "If this keeps up, she will seriously have to go out on a date with this guy—and I don't think Percy would be happy to hear about it."
Back on the field…
"I Set one card face-down…" finished Wilbert, slotting a card into his Duel Disk and causing a face-down card to appear on the field near his feet, "…and end my turn."
"It's my turn!" declared Lady, before going into her thoughts, "I just need to concentrate… If I lose this duel, I'll be out of the tournament and can never face Thomas nor Percy in a rematch should we make it to the finals!" She drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Lady Stone (LP: 1900)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (5): "Mirror Wall", "Cyber Harpie Lady", "Shadow of Eyes", "Harpie Girl", and "Grave Arm"
After adding the card ('Grave Arm') into her hand—containing 'Mirror Wall', 'Cyber Harpie Lady', 'Shadow of Eyes', and 'Harpie Girl'—she took and placed another card ('Cyber Harpie Lady') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Cyber Harpie Lady' in Attack Position!" The voice of Lady proclaimed, as the latter half of the above scenario played out.
A winged-humanoid female wearing purple clothing and 'Cyber Shield'-like armor appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1300).
"According to the law of battle, when you wanna beat your enemy, you start with the boss first!" thought Lady, before entering her Battle Phase, "'Cyber Harpie', Scratch Crash!"
'Cyber Harpie Lady' obeyed, flying towards the opponent's field and attempting to slash 'Ninja Master Shogun' with her sharp feet. However…
"I activate a face-down Trap!" shouted Wilbert, as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Ninja Smoke Ball'!"
From there, 'Ninja Master Shogun' summoned a smoke ball and threw it at 'Cyber Harpie Lady', hitting her and causing a blinding smokescreen, preventing her from finding and attacking the monster she was commanded to attack. In the end, she decided not to attack.
"During my opponent's Battle Phase: I must end the Battle Phase immediately," explained Wilbert, "You can't attack what you can't even see."
"I…Set one card face-down and end my turn," winced Lady, slotting a card into her Duel Disk.
A second face-down card materialized on the field beside the first Set card, giving her two cards to use.
"Draw card," responded Wilbert, drawing a card.
Turn Seven: Wilbert Barclay (LP: 2000)
Deck: 29
Current Hand (1): "Great Kite of Ninja"
Upon seeing what he drew…
"Can you hear the people chatting, Ms. Polly?" smiled Wilbert, "The restaurant I plan to take you to for our date… It will be an experience you will never forget."
"Ugh! Your sappy ninja film dialogue is making me sick!" spat Lady.
"You're still lovely even when you're mouthing off," flirted Wilbert, before getting serious, "But my victory has been decided!" To prove it, he slotted the drawn card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "Equip Spell, 'Great Kite of Ninja', activate!"
A face-down card materialized on the field, but started to flutter into the sky before turning into a kite of sorts. 'Ninja Master Shogun' skillfully jumped into the sky and started hanging onto it.
"These are the first two effects of my Ninja Art: Great Kite of Ninja," The voice of Wilbert chortled, "Effect one… I must equip only to a 'Ninja' monster. I must negate any Spells/Traps that target the equipped monster. And the second effect… My opponent's monsters cannot target the equipped monster for an attack, but does not prevent my opponent from attacking me directly."
"No way!" recoiled Lady.
"And there's a third effect!" rambled Wilbert, "I can Tribute 1 monster; this turn, the equipped monster can attack my opponent directly!" Focus first went towards 'Ninja Soldier Katana' as he faded away in a blue streak, then focus went towards 'Ninja Master Shogun' as he gathered an electrical power, "I Tribute 'Ninja Soldier Katana' to allow 'Ninja Master Shogun' to attack you, Ms. Polly, directly! Lightning Art!"
Pointing downward at the opponent, 'Ninja Master Shogun' fired off a stream of lightning. Lady got zapped and yelled in pain as her LP dropped to critical levels when it ended (LP: 1900 → 300).
"My turn comes to an end," concluded Wilbert, "Let's just skip this meaningless duel, and start talking about what time I should pick you up for the date."
"This duel isn't over yet!" rebutted Lady hotly.
With the crowd…
"Man, if Lady doesn't win the duel soon, she will have to go on a date with another guy," fretted Murdoch, "Percy definitely won't like that."
"Isn't there anything Lady can do about that busted card?" complained James R..
"If she draws 'Harpie's Feather Duster', she can destroy it," answered Matt.
"Good point," James R. nodded, before getting an idea. He then stupidly called out to Lady, "Say, Lady, you wouldn't happen to have 'Harpie's Feather Duster' in your hand, would you?!"
"James!" scolded Carlie.
"I would've used it if I did!" grumbled Lady, annoyed.
"Oh… Then, for your date with Wilbert, can I serve as the musician?" requested James R..
"Are you honestly trying to be dumber than usual today?" hissed Zack.
"Oh, for goodness sake…" thought Lady, almost thinking the same thing.
"Now, now, no need to fight," reassured Wilbert, "I will always accept an offer from someone to play a musician role," He then moved his right hand across several cards on his Duel Disk and shifted them sideways, "But since you refuse to surrender, we'll resume the duel until its exciting conclusion," On cue, the remaining 'Ninja' monsters went into a defensive stance, "I switch my remaining monsters into Defense Position and end my turn!"
"It's my turn!" announced Lady, drawing a card.
Turn Eight: Lady Stone (LP: 300)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (4): "Shadow of Eyes", "Harpie Girl", "Grave Arm", and "Elegant Egotist"
She saw she'd drawn a Spell Card called 'Elegant Egotist'.
"It's not 'Harpie's Feather Duster', but I can still make it work to my advantage," thought Lady.
"So, did you draw 'Harpie's Feather Duster'?" pressed Wilbert.
There was silence from Lady, which the spectators took as a "no".
"Doesn't look like it!" groaned James R., "C'mon, Matt, isn't there anything Lady can do?"
"Forget about 'Ninja Master Shogun'!" responded Matt sharply, "As long as there's no Tributes for Wilbert's monster, he can't attack directly with 'Great Kite of Ninja's' effect!"
"He's right," agreed Michael, "As long as Lady cuts down Wilbert's monsters and finds ways to negate Summons, she can stop him."
"The problem though is he controls three 'Ninja' monsters," remembered Carlie, "And Lady controls a single monster. It's not looking good for Lady! So eventually it will be…"
"Hey, you're right!" acknowledged James R., before stupidly calling out to Lady again, "Hey, Lady, we've figured something out! As long as there's no Tributes for 'Ninja Master Shogun', he shouldn't be able to use the third effect of 'Great Kite of Ninja'!"
"Hey! This is an official duel, you know!" protested Lady, "Advice is strictly prohibited!"
"Oops…" mumbled James R., covering his mouth.
"Just do me a favor and shut up and never talk for the rest of this duel, dumbass," deadpanned Zack.
Despite James R. not being the brightest bulb of the bunch, Lady was keenly well aware of her situation, but thanks to what she drew, that was going to change in the blink of an eye.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Elegant Egotist'!" began Lady, slotting the card into her Duel Disk.
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"With this card, I'm going to get the monsters I need to cut your whole field in pieces," grinned Lady, "If 'Harpie Lady' is on the field: I must Special Summon 2 'Harpie Lady Tokens'. Their ATK/DEF becomes the same as 'Harpie Lady'!"
Back in the crowd…
"It will work," nodded Matt, "'Cyber Harpie' is treated as 'Harpie Lady' no matter where she is," Back on the field, 'Harpie Lady #2' and 'Harpie Lady #3' appeared on the field to fight alongside 'Harpie Lady #1', "This will give Lady exactly three monsters; enough to destroy the defending 'Ninja' monsters!"
"Scratch Crash!" The voice of Lady ordered, having entered her Battle Phase.
'Harpie Lady Sisters' obeyed, taking off in different directions to attack. 'Harpie Lady #3' struck down 'Ninja Commander Ikusa', while 'Harpie Lady #2' destroyed 'Ninja Commando Kabuki', and 'Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl' was finished off by 'Harpie Lady #1'.
"You did it, Lady!" cheered James R..
"Thanks to your advice, James," winked Lady, "Legally or not."
James R. smirked proudly. Wilbert, despite losing his weaker monsters and no longer having anymore Tributes to make 'Ninja Master Shogun' do a direct attack, seemed to be taking it all rather well.
"It seems you've destroyed nearly all of my monsters, Ms. Polly," accepted Wilbert, "But if I draw a 'Ninja' monster for my turn, I'll Summon it and offer it as a Tribute. When that happens, the duel will be over in an instant."
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn!" cut in Lady, just as another face-down card appeared on the field beside the first, unused card, "Alright, Wilbert, it's your turn! Let's see you draw a 'Ninja' monster for your turn!"
"Ms. Polly, this duel victory will not be for me, but for 'you'," promised Wilbert, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Nine: Wilbert Barclay (LP: 2000)
Deck: 28
Current Hand (1): "Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl"
Upon seeing what card he drew…
"I win," he whispered, before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "'Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl'!"
Cherry blossom petals all across the field, and, pretty soon, a second copy of 'Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl' made herself known (Level: 2/ATK: 300/DEF: 300).
"I have my 'Ninja' monster, Ms. Polly," warned Wilbert, before softening up "But don't you worry about this loss, for when this duel is over, we will have a wonderful date—maybe so wonderful we'll go out for a second date. Even a third date."
"Yeah, no, I've just won," observed Lady, causing Wilbert to ease up out of surprise. To prove her claim, she pressed a button on her Duel Disk and held her right hand out, "I activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'Grave Arm'!"
Her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, causing a large hand to burst out of the ground behind 'Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl'.
"What?!" panicked Wilbert.
"I must target 1 card on the field; I must destroy that target," smiled Lady, just before 'Kunoichi Ayame the Ninja Girl' was pulled underground by the hand, "Now you no longer have a monster to Tribute," She then drew a card, "Now, it's my turn!"
Turn Ten: Lady Stone (LP: 300)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (3): "Shadow of Eyes", "Harpie Girl", and "The Unfriendly Amazon"
Without looking at her drawn card, Lady immediately entered the Battle Phase.
"Without any other monster on your field, 'Ninja Master Shogun', when equipped with 'Great Kite of Ninja', can't directly protect you!" reminded Lady, "'Harpie Lady Sisters', attack the enemy player directly!" As she announced the attack name, 'Harpie Lady Sisters' flew towards the scared witless Wilbert, "Triple Scratch Crash!"
'Harpie Lady Sisters' were spinning together so fast that they practically became a tornado, slashing Wilbert ruthlessly as he yelled out.
"Oh no, Ms. Polly!" wailed Wilbert.
When the attack ended, he fell to his knees as the last of his LP were depleted (LP: 2000 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Lady Stone wins!
With the duel over, the crowd burst into cheers over Lady winning against a Jean-Claude Magnum fanboy. Meanwhile, Wilbert couldn't believe he lost despite working hard to master the 'Ninja' archetype. A shadow eventually loomed over him as he looked up and found Lady looking down at him with both hands at her hips.
"As we agreed, you'll surrender both your Locator Cards," said Lady firmly.
Wilbert sadly agreed, and handed his Locator Cards over—along with his 'Ninja Master Shogun' Effect Monster Card. To his surprise, Lady stopped him from giving it up.
"W-What? You don't want my rarest card even after we agreed to the wager?" stammered Wilbert.
"I'll let you keep your card on one condition," suggested Lady, "You never, ever again quote any of that dialogue from those Jean-Claude Magnum films to try attracting girls like me. Because, honestly, those films have earned, like, nothing in the box office and aren't even well-known! They are almost all B-level trash films!"
Wilbert looked down in shame, realizing that Lady was right; as big of a fan he (Wilbert) was of Jean-Claude Magnum, many of the films that the actor directed and/or performed in most recently were pretty awful and filled with rather cheesy and dumb dialogue. No wonder they were the subject of mockery on the internet. At last, he looked up and responded.
"I… I understand," whimpered Wilbert, "But I…" As Lady listened, she blushed slightly and became surprised with what he told her, "…just wanted to impress you. Make you think I was cool."
"Oh… Wilbert, I want to say that's very sweet of you to tell me," admitted Lady, truthfully, "But I'm sorry, I'm already in a relationship with someone…" When he heard her say that, Wilbert felt embarrassed and heartbroken, but looked up from what else was being said, "However, I think there might be a girl for you out there if you, instead of trying to be someone you're not, just be yourself," She seemed to smile, "You'll find that works more often than not."
The rest of Lady's speech seemed to make Wilbert feel much better as a smile of his own formed on his face. When Lady held out her left hand (with the Duel Disk) out, he accepted the help back up.
"Thank you, Ms. Polly, and I'm sorry for trying to get you to go on a date with me," apologized Wilbert.
"It's alright; you're not the first boy I had to contend with like that," dismissed Lady, "And, please, just call me Lady."
"Of course, Lady," agreed Wilbert, "Well, since you won my Locator Cards, I'm out of the tournament. Good luck making it to the finals! Bye!"
He turned and ran off, with Lady looking over her four Locator Cards and pocketing them before being approached by Murdoch, Zack, and the members of Team 4D's.
"Great duel, Lady!" praised Matt.
"That move you pulled with 'Grave Arm' was damn fine," put in Michael.
"Thanks!" replied Lady, "Those duels I had today earned me three Locator Cards, giving me four of them. Just two more, and I'll qualify for the finals."
"We just need Thomas, Percy, and James to catch up to your level," joked James R..
Lady laughed a little bit, but then stopped; she realized that outside one or two moments days ago, this was her first real conversation with Team 4D's and Zack, and she didn't know anything about them.
"Is something the matter?" worried James R..
"Oh no, nothing's wrong," reassured Lady, as Matt, Carlie, and Zack listened closely, "It's just that this is the first time I'm talking to you guys."
"Huh? What do you mean by that? Haven't we chatted a couple of times before?" wondered James R..
"No, you misunderstand me," corrected Lady, "This is the first I'm really talking to you. Unfortunately, I have no idea what you're all like besides being amazing duelists—and Zack being next in-line to run Industrial Illusions."
Matt, Zack, Carlie, Michael, and James R. all realized Lady was right about that.
"I see," assumed Zack.
"Well, why don't we change that?" offered Carlie.
"Alright," agreed Lady.
With that said, the bunch of teenagers approached the nearby benches and sat down, with Lady wondering what to ask first.
"So, what would you like to know?" urged Michael.
"Well, let's start with something basic…" said Lady thoughtfully, "What are your backstories all like?"
"Carlie, Mike, James, and I all met when we lived at an orphanage in California when we were younger," answered Zack, "James, Mike, and I ended up there when we lost our respective parents at some points."
"I lost my own parents in a house fire," recalled Matt, "Every since then, I lived with several orphans with our foster Mother and Father on the streets in Vancouver."
"As for me," revealed Carlie, "I was left at the orphanage by my parents because they couldn't handle someone with unstable powers."
"Unstable powers?" repeated Lady, peaking with curiosity.
"I'm a psychic duelist," Carlie went on, remembering some of the hardest parts of her younger life. When Lady appeared confused by the term 'psychic duelist', she (Carlie) better explained it, "According to Discord, I have the ability to materialize real Duel Monsters using cards and causing LP damage inflicted to the opponent to become real damage and pain, even outside of a duel."
"Real monsters…" uttered Lady.
"Whenever I was upset or stressed out, my powers triggered and caused chaos and destruction," noted Carlie, "When I was 10, the breaking point came when I returned home after another long, hard day at school."
FLASHBACK
Returning home from school was Young Carlie, now 10-years old, and she looked pretty glum since she had another bad day there. She entered the living room, where her brother, Young Ben, was the first to see her.
"Oh! Carlie!" greeted Young Ben.
"Hi, Ben…" mumbled Young Carlie dejectedly.
Flashback Mrs. Izayoi looked up from her knitting, seeing her daughter looking very down and became very sad that things were still not going all that well. Flashback Mr. Izayoi put down his newspaper and also saw Young Carlie looking really depressed.
"Carlie…" whispered Flashback Mr. Izayoi, before trying to smile, "Come on, cheer up," Young Carlie didn't look up while listening to him, and simply grabbed at her covered right forearm in a fit of frustration, "I know you're not happy about having an unknown power and birthmark, but I'm certain things will get better soon."
Flashback Mr. Izayoi kept smiling, while Flashback Mrs. Izayoi also smiled. Somehow, that form of reassurance didn't make Young Carlie feel any better. If anything, it only made her angry—very, very angry.
"Well, why can't they get better, now?!" complained Young Carlie, losing her temper at a rapid pace, "Why did I have to end up with powers that I can't even control?!"
"Carlie-!" stammered Flashback Mr. Izayoi.
"Tell me!" yelled Young Carlie, "Tell me why!" While continuing to rant, something on her forearm, which was a birthmark, started to glow without anyone noticing—proving that her power often triggered more frequently when she was either stressed out or upset, "Why did I suddenly have to become different from other children?!" She soon finished her furious sentence, "Why! Why just me?!"
"It's okay, Carlie," cried Young Ben, trying to calm his sister down, "Take it easy, just calm down."
But it was far too late, the whole living room started shaking itself to pieces thanks to Young Carlie's negative emotions accidentally triggering her unstable psychic powers. Bookcases were falling over, photo frames were smashed, forcing the other members of the family to take cover under a nearby table until the shaking stopped. Once again, Young Carlie was shocked and scared over what she unintentionally did. It got worse when her parents and brother emerged from under the table, and Flashback Mr. Izayoi got up and slowly approached her…
*SMACK!*
…before a second later, Young Carlie cried out as she was thrown to the floor in slow motion, compliments of a very horrified Flashback Mr. Izayoi. He had his right hand raised, making it very clear he slapped his own daughter after she nearly destroyed the living room and took their lives with her psychic powers. The look on his face, however, also made it painfully clear that he hated himself for hitting Young Carlie.
"Honey!" shrieked Flashback Mrs. Izayoi.
"Dad!" added Young Ben.
By now, Young Carlie had calmed down from her state of rage, replacing it all with nothing but hurt and sadness as she looked up with a red mark on her cheek.
"Why did you hit me, Daddy?" whimpered Young Carlie, weeping softly, "Is it because I'm not a normal kid?" She stood up and tearfully glared at her own parents, "Because…I'm a monster!?"
Flashback Mr. Izayoi was too ashamed to say anything back, but, after that incident, Flashback Mrs. Izayoi knew that there was no other alternative… She (Flashback Mrs. Izayoi) and her husband had to tell Young Carlie the bad news about the next chapter of her life.
"Carlie, please come over and sit down," said Flashback Mrs. Izayoi, "We need to talk."
"Huh?" pondered Young Carlie, sitting down on the couch.
"Listen very carefully, your Father and I, along with Ben, will always love you very much. That's something I promise you," proclaimed Flashback Mrs. Izayoi, before sitting down beside her daughter. She then started to tear up, "But… The thing is, you can't live with us anymore."
This not only earned her a horrified gasp from Young Carlie, but also from Young Ben, too.
"Your Father and I have talked long and hard about this, but the only possible answer is for you to live at an orphanage," continued Flashback Mrs. Izayoi, before clutching part of her dress, "We're hoping that there's someone out there who can better understand you and your powers that…" She looked over one more time, "…can adopt and help you learn to get control of them."
A very devastated Young Carlie couldn't believe she was learning of this from her own parents, and neither could Young Ben.
"Mom! Dad! You can't send her away!" objected Young Ben, "There must be another way to help her! Please don't make her leave us!"
"We're sorry, Ben," apologized Flashback Mr. Izayoi, shaking his head, "But there's just no other solution."
"We don't want our daughter to leave, but…" remarked Flashback Mrs. Izayoi, "We're just not properly qualified to handle the kind of power she possesses," She closed her eyes and let loose some tears, "Maybe one day, when she learns to control them, she can finally return home…"
Both Young Carlie and Young Ben finally started to cry over having to be separated.
(new scene…)
Two days later, a heartbroken Young Carlie was left at the orphanage for her own safety. She watched as her parents, who had very sad looks on their faces, drove away, leaving her all alone in a way. Young Ben was seen tearfully waving goodbye to his sister, and Young Carlie waved goodbye, too. Soon, the car drove away until it was out of sight.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"At the orphanage, outside of a couple of friends I made, I was bullied relentlessly by the other kids there for being a 'monster'," remembered Carlie, "Worst of all, my powers continued to get out of control whenever I was feeling negative emotions. It eventually cost me my friendship with one of my most important friends there…"
"When we got adopted by Discord and began to play Duel Monsters full time, Carlie's heart had completely closed off from other people," mused James R., "She began to hate the outside world for the ridicule she endured, and became one of the most violent players of Duel Monsters around—using her psychic powers to hurt other duelists."
A very sad-looking Lady Stone couldn't believe how horrible Carlie's early life must have been.
"All of that changed when we met Matt, however," stated Zack, "It was in San Francisco, late 2007."
Another flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
In a duel stadium, Flashback Matt was in the final battle of the tournament, preparing to take on Flashback Carlie in an effort to challenge Flashback Michael for the title of North American champion.
"Yeah! We've reached the finals!" cheered Flashback MC, "The winner of this final match will get the right to challenge the King!" On the nearby monitor, an image of Flashback Michael showed up, "Who will have an audience with the great King and win the chance to overthrow him!?" As he announced the first duelist, Flashback Carlie was seen walking out of a doorway, "The first challenger is the 'Black Rose Witch' herself, Carlie Izayoi!"
Almost immediately, Flashback Carlie was met with boos and jeers from the spectators.
"Beat that witch!" yelled Teenage Boy 1.
"Put that witch up to slaughter!" encouraged Teenage Boy 2.
Despite the ridicule she was getting (again), Flashback Carlie stoically remained quiet over it; to her, this duel was another way for her to relieve her anger and pain, and she would do it to the opponent she was going to face—and, to be frank, she didn't care if the audience ended up caught in the crossfire. From there, another duelist was shown emerging from the other doorway on the other end of the arena.
"And here he is, the Shooting Star of Satellite, Matt Fudo!" The voice of Flashback MC called out.
The audience, in contrast to their sheer contempt for, and fear of, Flashback Carlie, gave Flashback Matt a very warm welcome—especially after how epic the battle between him (Flashback Matt) and Flashback James R. in the last round was. Flashback Matt and Flashback Carlie walked over to meet.
"Good luck," encouraged Flashback Matt, holding out his right hand.
"Hmph! I won't need it," huffed Flashback Carlie coldly, holding out her right hand.
Both duelists shook hands, and Flashback Carlie roughly yanked her hand free and turned around to walk back to her end of the arena.
"Wait," The voice of Flashback Matt interrupted, and Flashback Carlie stopped to hear him out for a moment, "Don't let the crowd beat you down. Let's just have a fun and honorable battle."
Flashback Carlie smiled darkly to herself a moment over the advice, but then lots the brief smile and walked away without another word. Flashback Matt turned around and walked to his end of the arena, knowing he was in for another difficult match. In the stands, some friends of Matt were seen cheering for him.
"You can do it, Matt!" encouraged Flashback Jackson, a 14-year old boy with medium-length blue hair.
"Matt!" whooped Flashback Miharu, a 15-year old girl with medium-length reddish pink hair.
"Gosh, this battle is going to be so cool," noted Flashback Jocelyne, a 16-year old girl with short blonde hair.
Flashback Kai, a 15-year old boy with short gray hair and Flashback Chris, a 17-year old boy with spiky brown hair and some facial hair growing in, both nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, someone was watching from somewhere in the upper level of the stadium, and that someone was Flashback Discord. As good-natured and jolly as he was, he was looking dead serious about the duel coming to fruition—he knew something bad was going to happen at some point, and he (Flashback Discord) was hoping Flashback Matt could help Flashback Carlie at one point.
(new scene…)
Later on during the duel, Flashback Matt (LP: 4000) controlled 'Turret Warrior' (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 2000) and four things called 'Ivy Tokens' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0) x4. Flashback Carlie (LP: 4000), meanwhile, controlled nothing, but she wasn't worried in the slightest.
"It's my turn!" declared Flashback Carlie, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (6): ?, "Rose Tentacles", "Dark Verger", ?, ?, and "Seed of Deception"
Without skipping a beat…
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Seed of Deception'!" continued Flashback Carlie, slotting the card into her Duel Disk. That caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on her field, "I must Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower Plant monster from my hand… Appear now, 'Dark Verger'!"
Sprouting from the ground was a Plant monster with an eye on the left and right leaves respectively (Level: 2/ATK: 0/DEF: 1000).
"Next, I'll offer 'Dark Verger' as a Tribute!" As Carlie spoke those words, 'Dark Verger' seemed to melt into the ground. She then readied and placed a new card ('Rose Tentacles') onto her Duel Disk, "I Tribute Summon 'Rose Tentacles'!"
Appearing onto the field was a huge, living rose monster with thorn roots for tentacles (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1200).
"'Rose Tentacles', attack 'Turret Warrior'!" raged Flashback Carlie, entering her Battle Phase and yelling the attack name, "Thorn Whip!"
'Rose Tentacles' obeyed, sending its thorn vines towards 'Turret Warrior', constricting its arms and extending the thorns to destroy the weaker monster. The destruction of 'Turret Warrior' unleashed a mighty wind blast that everyone in the stands felt, which meant Flashback Carlie was unleashing her anger and pain against everyone around her—even putting her own friends in Flashback Michael, Flashback James R., and Flashback Zack in danger. Back on the field, Flashback Matt covered himself and winced a tiny bit as his LP took a small, if barely noticeable, hit (LP: 4000 → 3900).
"Matt only took 100 damage!" The voice of Flashback MC observed, "Could that have lightened the impact?"
"But that's not all," cut in Flashback Carlie, as Flashback Matt listened, "'Rose Tentacles' has two effects! The first… At the start of my Battle Phase, for each Plant monster my opponent currently controls, this card gains 1 additional attack during each Battle Phase this turn."
"Uh-oh! Matt has four 'Ivy Tokens' on his field!" gulped Flashback Jackson.
"It will allow the witch to strike him four more times," worried Flashback Jocelyne.
"The second effect of 'Rose Tentacles'… Each time this card destroys a Plant monster by battle: I must inflict 300 damage to my opponent!" revealed Flashback Carlie.
"Dammit! The destruction of those 'Ivy Tokens' will cause Matt to lose a total of 1200 LP!" The voice of Flashback Kai cursed, as focus went towards 'Rose Tentacles' then towards the 'Ivy Tokens' on Flashback Matt's field, "Plus, 'Wall of Ivy's' effect will cause the controller of an 'Ivy Token' to take 300 additional damage should it be destroyed—this will equal a grand total of 2400 damage!"
"After all, 600 damage per hit is nothing to sneeze at!" The voice of Chris agreed, as focus went towards the stoic, emotionally unstable Flashback Carlie, "If what we heard about Carlie is true, she's really going to beat the hell out of Matt!"
Almost immediately after realizing what was about to happen, many of the spectators started to flee from their seats. By then, however, it was too late, Flashback Carlie, back on the field, made her next move.
"'Rose Tentacles', attack 'Ivy Token'!" roared Flashback Carlie, "Thorn Whip One!"
'Rose Tentacles' reached over with its thorn vines and constricted the first 'Ivy Token', crushing and destroying it—but not before reaching over and slapping Flashback Matt across the face and causing another destructive wind blast that everyone in the stadium felt as they screamed with terror. From there, as Matt received damage, the same thorn vine wrapped around his upper right arm (LP: 3900 → 3300). Unfortunately, Flashback Carlie was only getting started with him.
"Thorn Whip Two!" she ordered viciously.
Obeying without remorse, 'Rose Tentacles' reached over with its thorn vines and destroyed a second 'Ivy Token' before wrapping around the middle of Flashback Matt's right leg, making him wince in pain as he took damage again (LP: 3300 → 2700). Watching from safety, Flashback Discord was very worried for both duelists duking it out—he was worried for Flashback Carlie's mentality, and also worried over the safety of Flashback Matt. Back below, Flashback Matt's friends watched from the stands, deeply scared over what he was being put through. Back on the field, Flashback Carlie, having snapped, was not done torturing her opponent.
"Thorn Whip Three!" exclaimed Flashback Carlie.
'Rose Tentacles', like before, reached over with more of its thorn vines and destroyed a third 'Ivy Token' before wrapping around the middle of Flashback Matt's left leg, nearly making him yell in agony as he took damage again (LP: 2700 → 2100). However, he held on, thinking about how Flashback Carlie was feeling.
"Rejection and anger-!" thought Flashback Matt painfully, "This pain is indeed Carlie crying out. But I can feel it," Thinking about the remaining emotion, Flashback Carlie was shown panting in exhaustion and rage, "I can feel your other emotion!"
Alas…
"This is the last attack," growled Flashback Carlie, "Last Thorn Whip!"
As commanded, 'Rose Tentacles' extended its remaining thorn vine, destroying the remaining 'Ivy Token' before wrapping around Flashback Matt's torso. With Flashback Matt completely constricted and helpless, he was lifted into the air and painfully squeezed as he felt the sharp thorns stabbing into his body while struggling to look down at Flashback Carlie. When he did, however, his eyes widened from realization. In the stands, Flashback James R. was watching closely when he, too, saw the emotion Flashback Carlie was displaying.
"Guys, I think Carlie's…smiling," gulped Flashback James R..
"Smiling?!" recoiled Flashback Zack, running over to look, "You mean she's actually-?"
Back on the field, Flashback Carlie, while panting, was, indeed, smiling in a deranged way.
"You're-!" murmured Flashback Matt.
Just then, before he could speak up about it, 'Rose Tentacles' violently slammed him back onto the ground, which caused another blast of destructive wind to be felt by everyone else in the stadium.
"Oh my! Carlie Izayoi's manifested attacks once again erupt, sending the stadium into a massive panic!" The voice of Flashback MC flailed about, "Truly, Carlie is indeed a witch!"
That comment was enough for the brave enough audience members remaining behind to start jeering and calling Flashback Carlie am evil witch more aggressively than ever before. The only exceptions were Flashback Matt's friends and Flashback Carlie's friends. Back on the field, when the smoke cleared, Matt laid on the ground but started to get back up as he took damage for the last time (LP: 2100 → 1500). Luckily, there was nothing more for Flashback Carlie to do, so he was able to begin his own turn.
"It's…my turn…" groaned Flashback Matt, weakly drawing a card.
Turn Six: Matt Fudo (LP: 1500)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, "Shield Warrior", and ?
Despite being very weak from several violent attacks, he didn't give up the fight.
"I…Summon 'Shield Warrior'…in Defense Position," struggled Flashback Matt, placing a card ('Shield Warrior') onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Disk.
Appearing on the field was a human warrior wielding a spear for a weapon and a shield for protection (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 1600).
"I also Set two cards…" coughed Matt, slotting two cards into his Duel Disk and causing two face-down cards to appear on the field, "…and end my turn."
Flashback Carlie paid no attention; she continued to smile insanely while huffing and puffing from the intensity of her onslaught—as though she actually enjoyed hurting anyone who faced her. The sight wasn't lost on Flashback Matt.
"I finally figured it out. The other emotion…" remarked Flashback Matt, as two images of Flashback Carlie smiling sadistically flashed before his eyes, "That's aside from your rejection and your anger. Carlie Izayoi… You enjoy destruction—that power of yours. You feel joy in those powers and use them to hurt those who hurt you."
"I…enjoy destruction?" repeated Flashback Carlie.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback briefly ended.
"Oh my goodness… Carlie, there was a time where you enjoyed painfully hurting others?" gasped Lady, while Carlie looked away in shame, "All because you were bullied and ridiculed?"
"I'm afraid it's all true," admitted Carlie, "The pain and agony I felt over the years… I wanted to make everyone else feel what it's like to be the victim of such disgusting things."
"She knew it was wrong, but couldn't stop because her heart had been closed off," reminded Michael, "Other than towards us and Discord, she was cold and hostile towards everyone else."
"Despite what she was putting me through, I wouldn't give up," added Matt, "My perseverance paid off at one point."
A second flashback began.
FLASHBACK
At this point during the duel, Flashback Matt managed to protect himself from losing to Flashback Carlie and her ace monster, 'Black Rose Dragon'. He also controlled a humanoid robot monster called 'Junk Warrior' and a weaker robot-like monster called 'Junk Synchron'. The first was something called a Synchro Monster, and the second was something called a Tuner monster. 'Black Rose Dragon' was also a Synchro Monster
"Level 3 'Junk Synchron' tunes Level 5 'Junk Warrior'!" announced Flashback Matt.
'Junk Synchron' pulled a cord on his armor and caused his motor backpack to start revving as his whole body started glowing a golden yellow. He then turned himself into three Synchro Rings, which hovered over 'Junk Warrior', with arms folded, before lowering and surrounding him, causing his whole body to become outlined and turn into five orbs of light as a Summon Chant from Flashback Matt was heard throughout.
"Clustering wishes will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Flashback Matt, as the symbols 5 + 3 = 8 were shown for a short period of time just before the five orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Take flight, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
The beam of light burst apart, before the sparkles of stardust left behind came together and formed the body of a majestic-looking white dragon. The new dragon, flying through the sky, let out a roar to signal its arrival to everyone in the stadium (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"Th-Th-Th-There it is!" The voice of Flashback MC screeched, as 'Stardust Dragon' was shown with its arms folded while flying in the sky, "This is the same monster that the legendary Shooting Star, Matt Fudo, used to defeat 'James the Black Bullet'! What majesty it shows!"
The crowd took in the excitement of seeing 'Stardust Dragon' once more. Flashback Matt's friends, however, were wondering what he was thinking about.
"Why? 'Junk Warrior's' ATK was higher!" protested Flashback Jackson.
"I think Matt is trying to do something in this duel," figured Flashback Miharu.
Back on the field, 'Stardust Dragon' and 'Black Rose Dragon' roared at each other. Flashback Matt and Flashback Carlie faced each other. Soon…
"Wretched mark…" muttered Flashback Carlie, looking down at the birthmark on her right forearm and clutching it, "I hate this mark. If I didn't have this power, I would…"
"You never enjoyed your powers," commented Flashback Matt, "Nor did you take pleasure in people's pain."
"Yes…" The voice of Flashback Carlie confirmed, while continuing to clutch at her right forearm as she felt the birthmark under her glove glowing, "This birthmark is a wretched mark engraved into the monsters who have transcended past people," She had an expression on her face that indicated she hated herself more every second, "That is why I hate myself," Faded clips of herself as a young girl causing destruction due to her unstable psychic powers played in the background as her explanation continued, "I almost felt I had to live with my uncontrollable affinity for destruction," The clips soon stopped playing, "But, the more and more I invited destruction, the more they changed into impulses for destruction. I gave up on being myself. I created another 'self'."
"Another self?" repeated Flashback Matt.
"When I'm in the mask, I'm not me. I'm not indifferent to enjoying destruction or laughing at pain," replied Flashback Carlie, before looking at the palms of her hands, "At least, that's what I was told. I was told I didn't need the mask and that I'm fine just how I am," She looked up, "I was saved by those words. I only need to live. No longer think. Just feel."
"You need to think on your own!" insisted Flashback Matt, "Don't run away from it, Carlie!"
"I have to. I can't do anything," snapped Flashback Carlie stubbornly.
"Yes, you can! The person who rejects that pleasure is still inside you!" The voice of Flashback Matt reassured, as he continued to encourage his opponent, "As long as you feel that way, you can start over! You can still save yourself!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Another self…" whispered Lady.
"Back then, whenever I wore that mask, I could hide my pain and no longer think, just feel," explained Carlie, as Matt was shown listening to her words, "Matt was trying to tell me that the real me, the one who hates hurting others, is still inside my heart somewhere," She smiled sadly, "He promised he would fight to bring it back out, and, well, he succeeded."
A final flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Matt had successfully defeated Flashback Carlie, and he started to run over and see her.
"Are you okay?" Flashback Matt asked immediately, just before stopping and gasping, "What?"
Flashback Carlie was shown to be crying her eyes out. Between the painful bullying she endured at the orphanage, being separated from her parents and brother at a young age, and nearly hurting Flashback Matt severely in the duel due to her completely losing it… It had all just become too much for her to bear.
"Help me…" wept Flashback Carlie, looking up towards her victorious opponent.
Flashback Matt slowly bent down to Flashback Carlie. The sight of her being in tears really made his heart ache.
"I don't have to be your enemy, Carlie," he said calmly, "I could be your friend. Wouldn't that be better than hurting people?"
The poor, broken Carlie only wrapped her arms around Flashback Matt as she continued to cry even as the audience booed and jeered at her.
"Yeah, you deserved that loss, witch!" The voice of Teenage Boy 3 hollered.
"You're nothing but a disgrace to dueling!" The voice of Teenage Boy 4 insulted, "You tried to kill that guy and all of us!"
About the only ones in the crowd who felt terrible for Flashback Carlie were Flashback James R., Flashback Zack, Flashback Michael, and even Flashback Matt's own friends. At last, Flashback James R. stood up and directed his anger towards the crowd.
"Hey, knock it off!" Flashback James R. berated the rude crowd, "You have no right to insult her just because she's different! She might have tried to hurt her opponent, but that's because she's been through enough of your nonsense for who knows how long!" He continued to look very angry as he yelled at anyone who insulted Flashback Carlie, "I swear you guys must really hate women and people who are not like yourselves to begin with! Well, what I can say about that is f-!"
Before Flashback James R.'s outburst could go on any further, Flashback Zack quieted him (Flashback James R.) down by placing a hand onto the shoulder. Fortunately, the outburst mostly made everybody there go quiet save for a couple of scattered insults, curses, and boos. Now Flashback James really didn't like getting mad since he was usually a nice, laidback, jokester type of a person, but when someone close to him was being picked on, he could and would definitely get mad. Back in the stadium center, Flashback Matt continued to comfort Flashback Carlie when…
"Thank you very much, son," The voice of Flashback Discord praised, as he walked up and smiled, "I think I can take it from here."
"Who are you, sir?" pressed Flashback Matt, speaking politely.
"Don't you know me? I am Discord J. Crawford," joked Flashback Discord playfully, "I am the CEO of Industrial Illusions. The company that created Duel Monsters."
"Industrial Illusions?" blinked Flashback Matt, "I've never heard of that company before."
"Oh?"
"That's right," The dirty blonde-haired boy admitted stoically, "You see, I've lived in Canada for most of my life. A street urchin in Vancouver you may say."
"I see… But then how did you learn to play Duel Monsters so well?" pondered Flashback Discord.
"While living with other orphans," noted Matt, as, in the stands, his friends watched and listened to the conversation, "some of whom have come with me to the United States to watch me compete in this tournament, I discovered Duel Monsters when I found a card on the streets," He smiled a little bit, "As I gathered more cards and learned to play, we quickly discovered I had a gift for the game."
An interested, Flashback Discord stared long and hard at Flashback Matt for what seemed like forever before overhearing Flashback Carlie continuing to cry in shame and depression. Flashback Discord, feeling sorry for his adopted daughter, took his coat off and put it on her.
"I'm sorry, but we will have to finish this discussion another time. Right now, Carlie needs some rest from the duel," reassured Flashback Discord.
With that said, the young man began to lead Flashback Carlie out of the stadium. Flashback Matt watched with a sad look on his face.
"Carlie…" uttered Flashback Matt sympathetically.
In the stands, Flashback James R., Flashback Zack, and even the cold and arrogant Flashback Michael felt sorry for Flashback Carlie. Flashback Matt's friends had a few things to say about Flashback Carlie.
"The poor girl…" whimpered Flashback Jocelyne.
"I sure wish there was a way we could help her," added Flashback Chris.
Back over with Flashback Discord escorting Flashback Carlie out, she had only one thought on her mind…
"Thank you, Matt. For freeing me from my darkness," thought Flashback Carlie.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, as Carlie closed her eyes.
"And that is all for my story," finished Carlie, "That's how I overcame my darkness. Overtime, I've learned to control my psychic abilities to the fullest."
"Well, that's good to hear," smiled Lady.
"Even then, it still haunts me to this day," Carlie went on, briefly envisioning her parents and brother in Ben, "Being separated from my family, being bullied at the orphanage… you get the picture."
Carlie very sad over remembering all of her bad times, but then her friends, even Michael Atlas of all people, all comforted her with a hug.
"Thank you, everyone," Carlie said, with a happy tear falling in her eye just as she returned the group hug, "This means so much to me."
The small crowd that remained behind after the duel all went "Aww…" at this heartwarming sight, while Lady merely smiled warmly. Just then, a clapping sound could be heard coming from someone else.
"How very touching," The voice of Discord chortled.
Walking into the area was, indeed, Discord, the one who adopted Matt, James R., Zack, Michael, and Carlie.
"Discord!" realized Matt.
"What brings you out here?" pressed Zack.
Discord chuckled, "Well, I am helping Spencer-boy sponsor his tournament, after all," he joked in response, "But I recently got bored and decided to take a walk—when I overheard everything."
"I'm really sorry to hear about Carlie's past," apologized Lady.
"Yes, I know," sighed Discord, who was also there for when Carlie closed off her heart, "It was definitely the hardest part of her life to go through. Plus I also know that she misses her parents and brother terribly," Then he smiledbig, "But maybe this bit of news will help cheer her up."
He reached into his coat pocket and took out a letter. Carlie looked puzzled.
"A letter? For me?" peeped Carlie.
"It sure is," confirmed Discord.
Without wasting a second, the curious Carlie Izayoi opened the envelope, took out the letter, and began to read it to herself. Once she finished, she nearly burst into tears.
"This…is from my brother, Ben," stammered Carlie.
"Really!?" blurted James R. in shock, "Well, don't keep us in suspense, what does it say?"
Carlie read the letter aloud to everyone.
"Dear Carlie, how are you? Mom and Dad have really missed you for quite some time since they were forced to give you up. Mr. Crawford told us over the phone that you were visiting the island of Sodor for a while. So, while Mom and Dad can't come, I'm actually coming over to visit you in person. I can't wait to see you after around 7-8 years.
Sincerely, your brother, Ben Izayoi."
Everyone (except Discord) in the area was shocked to the core. Carlie honestly felt like crying once more—but with joy instead of sadness.
"My brother is coming to visit me," Carlie sobbed happily, "Oh my gosh! The greatest, most wonderful brother I could ever ask for…is coming here!"
"That's wonderful news!" praised Matt.
"I'd say this calls for a celebration," put in James R.
"There will be time for that later," Discord interrupted, clapping his hands together, "We have to get to the harbor now."
"What?" gasped Carlie, "But…won't it be days before Ben gets here?"
"Not quite," declined Discord, "I actually got this letter from him days ago… but I waited until now to give it to you as a surprise."
Carlie's eyes widened, "Then that means-!"
"He is going to be arriving by ship today," concluded Discord.
Lady joyfully embraced Carlie, who couldn't be feeling any happier than she was now.
(elsewhere…)
A while later, Discord had taken Matt, Michael, James R., Zack, and Carlie with him to the big harbor. While she was very, very excited, Carlie, at the same time, was also feeling very, very nervous.
"I can't believe I'm about to actually see my brother for the first time in years," she said to herself, repeatedly.
"Hey, hey, it's gonna be okay, Carlie," comforted James R., "We're all right here with you."
Carlie only continued to fidget nervously. Just then, a new voice was heard calling out to her…
"Is that you, Carlie?"
The brown-haired girl looked up and gasped.
"Was that him…?" thought Carlie.
Standing nearby was an 18-year old boy with short black hair and glasses. He was wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. This was obviously Ben.
"Ben?" whispered Carlie, starting to tear up.
"Hello, Carlie," The boy smiled, "How's my favorite sister?"
That had done it; the flood gates had been opened. Without wasting another second, Vision Carlie raced towards Vision Ben and threw her arms around him in a hug while crying.
"Ben! Oh, Ben…" cried Carlie, who was clearly weeping hard, "You have no idea how much I've missed you!"
"And I missed you so much, too," agreed Ben, while also crying.
Matt, Michael, James R., and Zack all couldn't help but smile, while Discord couldn't help but shed tears at the heartfelt reunion—although his cries were more comical in nature.
"This is awesome," admired James R..
"For once, I agree with you," teased Zack.
Once the two siblings finished embracing, Carlie took Ben over to meet her friends.
"Ben, I'd like to introduce you to my adopted brothers and best friends," offered Carlie. She gestured to James R. first, "This is James Hogan. He plays a 'Blackwing' Deck."
"Hi," greeted James R..
"This is Zack," continued Carlie, as Zack adjusted the glasses on his face, "He's not a Duel Monsters player… but he knows the game inside out."
"Compliments of Discord J. Crawford," reminded Zack.
Ben smiled and waved at Zack in greeting, before Carlie gestured towards both Michael and Matt.
"These two are Matt Fudo and Michael Atlas," The voice of Carlie informed, as Matt smiled and gave a thumbs up and Michael folded his arms with a neutral expression on his face, "They are the two best duelists in all of America."
Ben was very impressed with meeting three top duelists and the heir to Industrial Illusions, thinking that Carlie was very lucky to have met such wonderful people.
"I'm very honored to meet you all," he complimented.
"Very much likewise, Benny-boy," agreed Discord.
Ben looked up, "You must be Mr. Crawford," he recalled, shaking hands with the CEO of Industrial Illusions while remembering the letter he sent, "I greatly appreciate you allowing me to come see Carlie for the first time in years."
"Please, just call me Discord like everyone else does," insisted Discord modestly.
Ben understood that and agreed to call Discord by his name from then on.
"Now, Benny-boy, currently there's a big Duel Monsters tournament being held here on the Island of Sodor," informed Discord, "It has been created by the Boxford Corporation with help from my company, Industrial Illusions."
"That sounds like fun," acknowledged Ben, happy to hear that, "Is Carlie participating? I'd love to see her win the tournament."
"Sorry, Ben, but I'm not competing in this tournament," denied Carlie, shaking her head to the surprise of Ben, "In fact, none of us are—if we were competing, we'd practically clean everybody's clocks with our Decks," She sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, "That wouldn't really be fair to many of the newcomers to the game."
"And there's a chance Matt and Mike would be the ones to fight in the finals," commented Zack, "Their rivalry would be on full display."
"I guess that makes sense," agreed Ben, disappointed, but quickly got over it, "Anyway, Carlie, I'm so happy to see you again after so long."
"I know!" squealed Carlie.
It was then Ben felt his stomach grumble as he smiled sheepishly like his sister did a few seconds ago.
"Umm, ha ha…" chuckled Ben, nervously, "Is there a good place around here to grab a bite to eat? I'm feeling rather hungry, having not eaten since this morning on the water."
"I know one good place we get go to," responded Michael, about to lead the way, "Let's go."
And so, the group left the harbor to go find a place in the city of Knapford City to grab a bite to eat for the celebration.
(elsewhere…)
Thanks to Michael though, they all went to the best outdoor pizza joint in the city. Carlie and Ben both did a lot, and I mean a lot, of catching up in the process, and they even played a friendly game of Duel Monsters while doing so. When they finished eating, Carlie also took Ben for a ride on her Duel Runner, Bloody Kiss. Yup, Carlie would never, ever forget that day. It would remain one of the most treasured moments in her whole life. No question about it.
This chapter in particular got a massive overhaul to include both a duel and a win for Lady, and some expanded backstory and character development for Carlie.
