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: The Duelist from India
Somewhere in Knapford City, the duels for day two of the Battle City tournament were still going on—and it was just around 10:00 am in the morning, so there was still lots of time to finish up getting six Locator Cards. While everything between Percy and Diesel was going on, James was currently dueling a purple-haired boy named Charlie. Watching from the sidelines were Gordon and Henry.
"Ha ha! This is great!" whooped Charlie (LP: 2300).
"Hey, hey! Don't count me out just yet," advised James (LP: 1000), "I've got 'Flame Wingman', you know!"
At the center of the field, both duelists controlled the following monsters:
-Charlie: A human male wearing white armor and wielding a sword called 'Mystic Swordsman LV6' (Level: 6/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1700). There was also a Set card behind him.
-James: A green monster with a red dragon head for an arm known as 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman' (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1200).
"Why should I be worried about that?" chuckled Charlie, "My 'Mystic Swordsman LV6' has more ATK than your 'Flame Wingman'!"
"That will change!" As James said that, he took a card ('Skyscraper') from his hand and held it out, "From my hand, I'll activate the Field Spell, 'Skyscraper'!"
"Huh? 'Skyscraper'?" blinked Charlie, "I thought we're already in a big city with tons of big buildings?"
James sighed with annoyance, then, when a slot at the right side of his Duel Disk opened up, he inserted his card ('Skyscraper') into the Field Zone. Once it was placed, the slot closed up and lit up the Duel Disk. Nearby, a very beautiful-looking 17-year old girl with tannish skin was seen walking before stopping to observe the duel. She had long flowing brownish black hair that was adorned with a few lavender streaks, with a pink lily situated on the top-left side of her head. She wore a pink dress shirt with a purplish dress skirt decorated with white trimmings, stocking-like pants that were decorated with several vibrant patterns, and what looked like pink high-heeled shoes. Her name was Ashima Nilgiri. Back at the duel, Charlie looked around with curiosity, then upward and found 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman' perched at the top of a fake building with both arms folded.
"How's that?" bragged James, "Now my 'HERO' monster is totally in the zone!" He entered the Battle Phase, "Let's go, 'Flame Wingman'!"
Facing 'Mystic Swordsman LV6', 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman' jumped off and aimed his dragon head for a weapon.
"Attacking with a weaker monster? That's not like you, James," noted Charlie, "'Mystic Swordsman LV6' has much higher ATK than your own monster."
"Don't be so sure of that," corrected James.
Charlie gasped.
"The continuous effect of the Field Spell, 'Skyscraper'!" declared James, "If an 'Elemental HERO' monster attacks a monster that has a higher ATK, the attacking monster gains 1000 ATK during damage calculation only!" He punched his right fist forth, "Skydive Scorcher!"
In the sky, 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman' grew stronger (ATK: 2100 → 3100), then got inflamed and charged towards 'Mystic Swordsman LV6'.
"Once I destroy 'Mystic Swordsman LV6', 'Flame Wingman's' effect will activate!" beamed James, as Charlie watched with some concern as 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman' got closer than ever to striking, "When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the GY: I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to the ATK of the destroyed monster in the GY!"
Just when it looked like 'Mystic Swordsman LV6' would be destroyed, therefore defeating Charlie by 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman's' effect, Charlie himself made a surprise move.
"I actually expected you'd try something like that," Charlie grinned, pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "So I'll activate this Quick-Play Spell, 'Stop Hammer'!"
The face-down card on his field flipped face-up and revealed itself, causing a large hammer with a giant purple hand and the word "Stop" written on it in yellow letters to appear in midair and block the attack by 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman' with one swing.
"What?!" cringed James.
"During the Battle Step, when an attack is occurring: I must negate the attack, and if I do, the attacking monster loses 500 ATK!" explained Charlie, "You can try that attack all you want, but all you'll do is exhaust yourself!"
"We'll see about that! Come on, 'Flame Wingman', you can do it!" called James.
But it was no good, the hammer was able to repel Skydive Scorcher and force 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman' back while lowering his ATK a little bit (ATK: 3100 → 1600), before it shattered into shards of glass.
"Yes! I've stopped your attack!" rejoiced Charlie (LP: 2300), "Plus I'm unharmed!"
"Damn… That was pretty good," grunted James, before taking another card from his hand, "In that case, for the last move, I'll Set one card face-"
"Excuse me?" A female voice cut in, "Can you help me? I'm new to the island."
James immediately stopped his move before completing it. Nearby, Gordon and Henry, who were both watching their red-haired friend duel against Charlie, also heard the voice.
"What was that?" Henry pondered, looking around.
"Beats me," replied Gordon, before grinning, "But whoever that voice belongs to, it sounds…alluring."
The boys all turned in the direction of the beautiful female voice, finding the same girl from seconds ago emerging from a nearby alleyway.
"Whoa," said James.
"Who's she?" came from Charlie.
"Hello," Ashima greeted kindly, speaking with an Indian accent, "Could one of you tell me where I can find someone to duel?"
The boys just stared on in complete silence. This girl…looked so beautiful. Ashima, however, started to feel a bit uncomfortable from the silence and being stared at by those four boys.
"Um… Okay, I'm sorry to have bothered you four," she apologized, turning around and leaving.
With that said, the girl left, walking by Henry and Gordon as they watched her. Once she was gone, Charlie finally spoke up…
"Who was that?" The purple-haired boy asked at last.
"Not a clue. I've never seen her before," shrugged Gordon.
"Me neither," agreed Henry.
"But I did notice she had a Duel Disk on her arm," remarked James, "She must be a duelist competing in the tournament."
"Um… Speaking of duels, where are the monsters?" mused Henry.
Back on the field, Henry's question caused James and Charlie both to finally notice that their respective fields were suddenly empty of any and all played cards.
DUEL RESULTS: No results!
"Ah, geez…" groaned Charlie, "I guess we both stopped playing long enough for the duel to automatically end without any results."
"Dammit!" whined James immaturely, "And I was so close to winning, too!"
Charlie grinned, "Up for a rematch?"
"You know it," accepted James.
With that said, both duelists retrieved all of their used up cards, shuffled them into their respective Decks, drew five cards, and started over.
"Duel!" James and Charlie announced at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
Nearby, Gordon and Henry both sighed, wondering how long this was going to take.
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, Ashima was now walking down a street admiring all the sights and wanting a duel despite not being a competitor for the tournament. Unfortunately for her, lots of other guys (ranging from ages 15 to 18) were mostly staring at her, admiring her beauty. Coupled with the girl being new to the island, it was very…how shall I say it? Awkward.
"The island is nice," Ashima thought to herself, "But, to be honest, some of the boys around here could be less…boorish."
Luckily, she soon spotted an outdoor cafe nearby and saw two other teenage boys her age seated at a table enjoying some lunch while chatting pleasantly. Although they were not wearing Duel Disks, they did appear to have Duel Runners parked nearby.
"Perhaps I can go ask them," figured Ashima.
What she didn't know was that those two boys were Matt Fudo and Michael Atlas, two of some of the most famous duelists in the world. Speaking of which…
"I wonder how Ben is enjoying the Island of Sodor, right now?" wondered Michael.
"Beats me, but Carlie is still very happy to see him," Matt pointed out.
Before Michael could respond…
"Pardon me, but would either of you be interested in a duel?" The voice of Ashima pressed.
Matt and Michael looked over, finding Ashima standing beside their table. Ashima felt a little hesitant, hoping one of the two boys would actually take her up on her offer. To her pleasant surprise, Matt smiled back.
"Oh, hello there," greeted Matt, "Are you a competitor in Battle City?"
"No," denied Ashima, "I'm just visiting the Island of Sodor for a few days with some friends before I have to return home to India. But I am a duelist, and I was hoping to get at least one duel before I leave tomorrow."
"Unfortunately, Matt and I are not competing either," informed Michael, before wondering something, "Has anyone even accepted your challenge?"
Ashima sighed, making it clear she got no duel acceptance from anyone else, mostly from boys who would rather admire her for her beauty rather than take her seriously as a duelist.
"If that's the case," cut in Matt, "If you're looking for a friendly duel to close off your vacation, I'll be glad to face you."
Before Ashima could say anything else, Matt stood up, reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his Deck, inserted into a Deck holder on his left wrist, and went towards Fudo Go, his Duel Runner while holding up a remote taken from his other pocket and pressing a button.
"Duel Disk function, on," came a computerized voice aboard the Duel Runner.
It was then the Monster Zones and Spell & Trap Zones came together into a Duel Disk blade, as the main part of the Duel Runner suddenly rose up, and Matt attached it to his Deck holder, forming a Duel Disk for him to use.
"Wow! That's a hybrid!" admired Ashima.
"Yup," confirmed Matt, "My friends made it for me."
Ashima nodded, "Before we start, who are you guys?"
"My name is Matt Fudo, Duel Monsters champion of North America," introduced Matt, "And yourself?"
"My name is Ashima, Ashima Nilgiri," answered Ashima.
"Ashima Nilgiri," thought Michael, "Why does that name sound familiar to me…?"
Matt and Ashima soon took their spots for their match, drawing five cards as it finally began.
"Duel!" Matt and Ashima proclaimed at the same time (LP: 4000) x2
Michael folded his arms, wanting to see just how good this Ashima was at dueling.
"Matt, allow me to take the first turn," requested Ashima, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Ashima Nilgiri (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Butterspy Courage", "Swallowtail Butterspy", "Blue Mountain Butterspy", "Butterflyoke", "Moonlit Papillon", and "Morpho Butterspy"
She placed the card into her hand, which contained 'Butterspy Courage', 'Swallowtail Butterspy', 'Blue Mountain Butterspy', 'Butterflyoke', 'Moonlit Papillon', and the added 'Morpho Butterspy'.
"My first card!" began Ashima, holding up a card taken from her hand. She turned it ('Swallowtail Butterspy') over and revealed what it was, "'Swallowtail Butterspy'!"
Appearing on the field was a large butterfly with a female body shape and two large orange wings with black and dark pink patterns (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200). Over with Michael…
"A 'Butterspy' monster!" thought Michael, looking surprised, "Can she be-?"
Back on the field…
"And there's more!" As Ashima went on, she placed another card ('Blue Mountain Butterspy') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Blue Mountain Butterspy'!" As she explained the sole effect of her monster, appearing on the field was another female monster with two large aqua-colored wings (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 1700), "When I Normal Summon a Warrior monster: I can Special Summon this card from my hand."
"Two 'Butterspy' monsters with a Level of 4," thought Matt, getting the same idea Michael had about the opponent, "Is she really-?"
Sure enough…
"I overlay Level 4 'Swallowtail Butterspy' and 'Blue Mountain Butterspy'!" announced Ashima, just as a large magical circle appeared in the center of the field, "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"
"Overlay Network?!" gasped Matt.
From there, both 'Swallowtail Butterspy' and 'Blue Mountain Butterspy' were absorbed into what was called the Overlay Network. Some people nearby took notice of what was happening, wondering if that was the doing of one of India's most beloved duelists. Back on the field, a new monster could be seen coming out of it. The monster was a humanoid, female butterfly with two large black, purple wings.
"Graceful dancer of the sky, spread your glowing wings and shine with the beauty of might!" chanted Ashima, "Xyz Summon! Appear now, 'Photon Papilloperative'!"
The new monster fluttered into the sky with two yellow orbs of light circling around her (Rank: 4/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1800).
"Xyz Summon!" realized Matt.
"Then it's true!" cried Michael, finally recognizing Ashima from somewhere, "You're the very same Ashima Nilgiri of India!"
"Hmhmhm… I guess the secret's out," giggled Ashima playfully, taking another card from her hand, "But you two guessed it too late," She slotted the card into her Duel Disk, "I Set one card and end my turn!"
A face-down card appeared on the field near her feet. Matt, despite facing an Xyz-based duelist, didn't look as worried as one would expect. Scratch that, he wasn't worried at all. In fact, he thought this was going to be a fun duel.
"Interesting," remarked Matt, "Ashima, I'm really getting into this."
"I'm glad to hear you say that, Matt," smiled Ashima, "Since you're North America's strongest duelist, show me nothing but your best!"
"You got it!" accepted Matt, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Matt Fudo (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Speed Warrior", "One for One", "Junk Synchron", "Quillbolt Hedgehog", "Graceful Revival", and "Scrap-Iron Scarecrow"
Like Ashima before him, he placed his drawn card into his hand, which contained 'Speed Warrior', 'One for One', 'Junk Synchron', 'Quillbolt Hedgehog', 'Graceful Revival', and 'Scrap-Iron Scarecrow'.
"Here I come, Ashima!" boomed Matt, holding up a card ('One for One') taken from his hand, "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'One for One'!"
Ashima flinched a little bit, watching as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I must send 1 monster from my hand to the GY; I must…" explained Matt, taking a card ('Quillbolt Hedgehog') and placing it into his GY, "…Special Summon 1 Level 1 monster from my hand or Deck," He then took a card ('Sonic Chick') from his Deck and held it up for a few seconds before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "This is the monster I choose, 'Sonic Chick'!"
Appearing on the field was a small, pink roadrunner with red running shoes (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 300).
"Oh, that monster is so cute!" gushed Ashima, bringing both hands together.
"And next," continued Matt, as Ashima eased up and waited for the next move. He then placed another card ('Junk Synchron') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I'll Summon the Tuner monster, 'Junk Synchron'!"
An orange, robotic-like monster appeared on the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 500). Now it was Ashima's turn to gasp.
"A Tuner monster!" she recoiled.
"I activate 'Junk Synchron's' monster effect!" cut in Matt, holding up a card taken from his GY, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can target 1 Level 2 or lower monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Defense Position, but negate its effects!" He turned it ('Quillbolt Hedgehog') over and revealed what it was, "I Special Summon 'Quillbolt Hedgehog'!"
Appearing on the field was an orange-colored hedgehog with bolts for quills (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 800). More people nearby noticed what was going on and got excited. From there, '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.
"My Level 3 'Junk Synchron' tunes Level 2 'Quillbolt Hedgehog'!" The voice of Matt announced.
With that said, 'Junk Synchron' transformed into three large green rings called Synchro Rings, which floated around in the sky before lining up above 'Quillbolt Hedgehog', lowering, and overwhelming the weaker monster and outlining its whole body into two orbs of light as a Summon Chant was heard.
"Gathering stars will call upon a new force! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 2 + 3 = 5 were shown briefly before the two orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon!" Two fists punched out of the light beam, shattering it apart, "Show yourself, 'Junk Warrior'!"
A purple robot-like warrior appeared onto the field, getting into a karate pose with a yell (Level: 5/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1300).
"A Synchro Summon!" realized Ashima.
Nearby with Michael…
"So, there you have it, Ashima," teased Michael, "Matt Fudo is a Synchro user, just like me and the rest of our friends."
Back on the field…
"Mike's right, Ashima," agreed Matt, "Now, I'll show you 'Junk Warrior's' special ability! Power of Fellows!" Focus went towards 'Junk Warrior' as he felt himself gaining strength from 'Sonic Chick' being on the field, "It gains ATK equal to the total ATK of all Level 2 or lower monsters I control!"
'Junk Warrior' crossed both arms together, then out as he gained more ATK (ATK: 2300 → 2600).
"I was taught that no card, no matter how low Leveled they might be, is useless," revealed Matt, while Ashima listened, "It seems you know of that, too."
There was no response from Ashima, and Matt entered his Battle Phase. From there, 'Junk Warrior' started firing up his jetpacks before diving through the area towards 'Photon Papilloperative'.
"'Junk Warrior', attack 'Photon Papilloperative'!" The voice of Matt commanded, as 'Junk Warrior' raised the right fist back, "Scrap Fist!"
'Junk Warrior' obeyed, throwing an energized punch with a loud yell.
"It looks like you'll destroy my monster, Matt," commented Ashima confidently, "Or will you?"
Matt eased up slightly, having a feeling he fell into a trap or something. Sure enough, he had fallen into one.
"I activate a Trap, 'Butterflyoke'!" yelled Ashima, as her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must target the attacking monster; I must change that target to Defense Position, and if I do, equip this card to that monster."
A purple energy wave fired from the face-up 'Butterflyoke' Trap Card, striking 'Junk Warrior' and forcing him to stop his attack, return to Matt's field, and shift into a more defensive stance.
"And my Trap Card has a second effect," warned Ashima, "Once per turn, during either player's Main Phase or Battle Phase: I can change the equipped monster's battle position. It might not be much of an effect, but what if I told you I have a way to take advantage of that?"
Matt wondered the same thing, but, at the same time, he believed he was ready to protect himself from such a move. To that end, he took two cards from his hand.
"I Set two cards and end my turn," concluded Matt.
He slotted both cards into separate Spell & Trap Zones on his Duel Disk, causing two face-down cards to appear on the field. Nearby, Michael was left wondering what the future turns of the duel would be like. Back on the field, Ashima was ready to begin her next turn.
"Okay, Matt, let's continue with our duel," advised Ashima, "Only one of us can win, but I believe it will be me," She reached over to draw her card, "It's my turn!"
"Look! There she is!" the voice of a male Duelist echoed.
"It's really her!" the voice of a second male Duelist added in.
A fearful Ashima immediately froze in her place. Matt, meanwhile, saw a great number of male duelists approaching in a hurry, all with hearts in their eyes.
"What luck! The beautiful Ashima Nilgiri of India is actually dueling here!" squealed Male Duelist 1.
"She's the Queen of Xyz!" put in a third male Duelist, "I call dibs on a duel!"
Now Ashima did love having fans of her dueling and more, but she really didn't want to have to contend with any diehard 'fanboys' coming to her for a duel or date. Matt and Michael both knew this, and they were quick to help her out.
"This way!" exclaimed Michael, leading Ashima away.
Matt followed suit. Because of the interruption, the duel ended up canceled with all holograms fading away.
DUEL RESULTS: No results!
Quickly, Matt and Michael jumped onto Fudo Go and Wheel of Fortune respectively, with Ashima climbing aboard the former.
"Here, put this on," requested Matt, giving Ashima a helmet, "Now, hang on tight."
The Duel Runners roared to life and quickly drove away before the large group of male duelists could reach them.
"Aww, they got away," bemoaned Male Duelist 2.
"We'll never see Ashima again!" cried Male Duelist 4, sinking to his knees.
(elsewhere…)
The drive took the trio a short ride outside the city.
"Thanks," acknowledged Ashima, removing her helmet.
"Don't mention it," replied Michael casually.
"I guess you didn't think you'd meet any fans while outside your home country, right?" commented Matt.
"I guess that's what happens when you're famous in the dueling world," sighed Ashima, getting off Fudo Go, "You tend to attract a crowd no matter where you go," As she made an offer to him, Matt raised the faceplate of his helmet, "What do you say we call our match a DRAW?"
"That works for me," Matt accepted gratefully.
The two duelists shook hands to seal the deal. For a long time, Matt, Michael, and Ashima sat on the bench and looked out towards Knapford City, where they could see light shows from the various duels still going on there.
"So, this is what Battle City is like," admired Ashima.
"Boxford Corporation and Industrial Illusions went all out to make it big," stated Matt.
"So far, no one knows where the finals are being held; not even us," finished Michael, before narrowing his eyes knowingly, "But despite him saying otherwise, I've a feeling Spencer 'does' in fact know the location."
"Spencer Gresley…? The CEO of Boxford Corporation… Yes, I know of him," frowned Ashima, "A very, very skilled duelist with an equally bad attitude to match," She then remembered something about Matt's Duel Runner and Duel Disk, "By the way, Matt, you said your friends made that Duel Disk for you, right?"
"That's right," confirmed Matt, "It was years ago when I was living on the streets of Vancouver in Canada," He looked upward over the fond memories, "It was thanks to them I'm even here as one one of the strongest duelists, today."
As much as she admired Matt for that, Ashima was still curious on the story of his childhood.
"Is it alright if I ask what happened?" she asked hopefully, "Since we're far from any duelists, we'll be safe and sound from interruption."
"This should be an interesting tale," smirked Michael, folding his arms.
Matt chuckled to himself, seeing no harm in telling his new friend and best friend/rival the tale.
"Sure, I don't mind," nodded Matt, "It began a few years ago after my parents died in a house fire."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
In the streets of Vancouver, a boy with short gray hair, Young Kai, was seen running into an alleyway to meet with his friends. Apparently, the other kids just discovered something new and fun; a card game called Duel Monsters. When he heard about it, Young Kai was keen on trying it out.
"Guys, where are you?" called Young Kai.
"Hey, Kai, you're late!" The voice of Young Chris berated.
Young Kai was met upon by Young Chris, Young Jackson, Young Jocelyne, and Young Miharu, fellow orphans who were taken in by both Flashback Caridad and Flashback Haruma.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm always late," scoffed Young Kai, "Now, where's this amazing card game you want to show me?"
"Hold on, aren't we missing one more person?" reminded Young Jocelyne.
"You're right, Matt's missing from our group," agreed Young Jackson, "Let's go and find him first!"
Young Kai groaned, really wanting to see what was so amazing about this card game known as Duel Monsters—but the rest of the group wanted Matt around, too. He ultimately decided to help out with the search.
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere in the city, Young Matt was sitting on the edge of a building, brooding. Ever since he had been taken in by some kind people after his parents died in that terrible house fire, he had mostly been on his own doing some thinking about where he belonged in this world.
"Huh? So here you are," The voice of Young Jackson echoed.
Young Matt looked up, then over his shoulder at the nearby fire exit. Emerging from the door was Young Jackson, and standing beside him were Young Miharu, Young Chris, and Young Kai, with Young Jocelyne waiting inside the building.
"Oh, you guys," murmured Young Matt.
"You were taking too long to show up to the hideout, so we came looking for you," noted Young Miharu.
Young Matt said nothing and went back to doing his thinking.
"Hey, why the long face?" worried Young Chris, approaching and sitting down next to Young Matt, "You still miss your folks, is that it?"
"That and more," sighed Young Matt.
"More?"
"Sometimes I have to wonder," The dirty blonde-haired young boy pondered, "Why did I survive the fire, but my parents didn't? Why was I brought into this world in the first place? There are so many questions I have about myself, but so few answers."
"Matt…" whispered Young Jocelyne.
"Come on, man," encouraged Young Kai, walking up to Young Matt, "You shouldn't feel that bad. It's okay to miss your parents; heck, we all miss our own families. But to feel you don't know what…" He sat down on the building's edge, "…purpose you have in this world? Well, I'm sorry, but that's just crazy," From there, he smiled, "You're you, and nobody can change that. What happened is in the past, and this is the future."
"Kai…" uttered Young Matt.
"So, what do you say?" Young Kai went on, "Wanna check out this amazing card game the rest of the gang discovered?"
After what seemed like forever on his part, Young Matt eventually smiled slightly and nodded.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside their little hideout, Young Matt, Young Kai, Young Chris, Young Jackson, Young Jocelyne, and Young Miharu sat down around a bunch of cards.
"This is Duel Monsters?" pressed Young Kai.
"Yup," confirmed Young Jocelyne, picking up a card ('Exarion Universe'), "It was created by Discord J. Crawford."
"According to Haruma, he is the founder and CEO of Industrial Illusions," remembered Young Jackson.
"I have some of the game rules written up here," offered Young Chris.
Since there weren't very many cards around, they all took turns building Decks of twenty cards and using some very simplified rules.
"Ready?" urged Young Chris.
"Ready," nodded Young Matt.
After they each got to play two games at a time, the sun was beginning to go down.
"I guess it's time to return home," yawned Young Jackson.
"Yeah, but I still can't believe Matt didn't lose a single duel to any of us," remarked Young Kai, nudging Young Matt teasingly, "Despite being a newbie like the rest of us, it looks like he seems to have a knack for the game."
"I just got lucky, that's all," insisted Young Matt modestly.
Young Jackson and Young Kai both laughed, running off as the rest of the group followed suit.
"I don't know how exactly, but it seemed to us I did have a thing for the game," narrated Matt, "As we discovered more and more cards, we started building our own Decks and using the more advanced rules seen today."
(new scene…)
A number of years had passed… Everyone had gathered at the mess hall for dinner. Also present were the foster parents for Flashback Matt and his friends and the other orphans, Caridad and Haruma. Flashback Caridad was a woman with long purple hair, Flashback Haruma was a man with short brown hair. The only person currently missing was Flashback Kai.
"He's late for dinner again?" complained Flashback Jackson.
"What happened this time? He discovered another abandoned rare card?" joked Flashback Chris.
"Now, now, don't say that about Kai," scolded Flashback Caridad.
Before anyone else could speak up, they could hear a loud yell coming from the nearby exit. The doors then slammed open, revealing Flashback Kai in a massive frenzy.
"Kai, what on Earth?!" gasped Flashback Haruma.
After taking a few seconds of panting from his exhausting run, Flashback Kai held up something in his hands—a poster.
"What's that in Kai's hands?" asked Male Orphan 1.
Flashback Caridad and Flashback Haruma both approached as Flashback Kai gave the latter the poster to check out.
"It's a flier for a Duel Monsters tournament here in Vancouver," read Flashback Haruma.
"The winner gets the chance to participate in the tournament in San Francisco with the opportunity to challenge the King of Duelists, Michael Atlas," added Flashback Caridad, looking up along with her husband, "All expenses paid."
"A real Duel Monsters tournament," murmured Flashback Jocelyne.
By now, all of the other orphans were whispering about the tournament to themselves.
"The prize money is worth $3 million," blurted Flashback Kai, "If someone can win this tournament, then win the next tournament and dethrone the King, we of this 'Satellite' can finally move up in this world."
"Hmm… I don't know about that," worried Flashback Caridad, "The cards we've been finding are mostly commons that nobody plays with anymore."
"And many more experienced players have advanced their strategies as the game evolved," recalled Flashback Haruma.
"But we have to take this chance!" argued Flashback Kai, "We've had too many close calls with the government already, to the point of nearly losing the only home we have left. We've been treated like garbage for too long now! Something has to change, and this is our moment to make that change!"
There was a long silence in the mess hall as all of the orphans looked at each other, wondering if someone amongst them could, in fact, win the two tournaments in a row.
"Kai's right," The voice of Matt acknowledged, causing everyone else to look over. He was seen standing up from his seat at a table, "I want a better tomorrow. I can't stand a world without change!"
"What are you saying, Matt?" frowned Flashback Chris.
"What I'm saying is I'll be the one to change our lives for the better," said Matt seriously, "I'll enter that tournament and win."
Cue a series of gasps from everyone in the mess hall.
"Matt, you can't be serious," protested Flashback Miharu.
"Do you know how intense the competition will be?" Flashback Jocelyne pointed out.
"Kai said it best; we of Satellite have been mistreated by other people for too long," noted Flashback Matt, "That's why someone has to prove that we're not as different as everyone claims we are."
"Matt, are you sure you want to do this?" pressed Flashback Caridad.
"I'm sure as hell I do; more than anything," answered Flashback Matt, "Mom… Dad… I promise I won't let any of you down."
Flashback Caridad and Flashback Haruma stared at the dirty blonde-haired boy long and hard, seeing just how serious he was about wanting to make their lives better—especially since he referred to them as 'Mom' and 'Dad'. At last, the two foster parents smiled gently and gave their son their blessing.
"Alright, Matt, we'll let you participate," assured Flashback Haruma.
"If you believe you have what it takes to win, then we won't try to stop you," vowed Flashback Caridad.
Flashback Matt smiled back, and all of the other orphans cheered for their possible savior. Flashback Kai, meanwhile, gathered Flashback Chris, Flashback Jackson, Flashback Jocelyne, and Flashback Miharu and led them out of the mess hall.
(new scene…)
Inside his bedroom, nearly two weeks passed since he decided to sign up for the upcoming Duel Monsters tournament, Flashback Matt had finished building his new Deck using as many of the cards the people of Vancouver discarded, his friends and fellow orphans provided, and more. As good as it was, Flashback Matt knew that the battles ahead were going to be hard as the players competing were likely using much stronger, very competitive friendly Decks.
"This tournament isn't going to be easy to win," thought Flashback Matt, "But I trust this Deck, because no card, no matter how low Leveled they might be, is useless," There was then a knock on the door, "Yes?"
The door opened, and Flashback Kai and Flashback Jackson came inside.
"All done working on your Deck?" teased Flashback Kai.
"Uh-huh," confirmed Flashback Matt, holding his Deck up, "It's right here."
"That's great and all, but can you close your eyes for a few seconds, please?" suggested Flashback Jackson, much to Flashback Matt's surprise, "We have something special to show you."
Flashback Matt did what he was told; he closed his eyes. While that was happening, Flashback Kai turned to the doorway and snapped his fingers, causing Flashback Chris to walk inside with something in his hands.
"Okay, you can look," offered Flashback Chris.
Flashback Matt opened his eyes, looked down, and gasped. Flashback Chris was holding up what appeared to be a custom designed Duel Disk.
"Like it?" grinned Flashback Chris, "Kai had us salvage whatever mechanical parts we could find around the city."
"We didn't tell you ahead of time that you need a Duel Disk to participate in the tournaments ahead," advised Flashback Jackson, before winking and giving a thumbs up, "This is a surprise from all of us to help you."
Flashback Matt just smiled at how thoughtful his friends were.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Oh my…" breathed Ashima.
"As I said, if it wasn't for my friends, I wouldn't be here today," mused Matt thoughtfully, as several faded stills from his time in the first tournament were superimposed over him, one image at a time, "Despite the odds being stacked against me, I was able to win the first tournament in Vancouver to earn an all expenses paid trip to San Francisco to participate in the tournament there."
"And that's where he met me and the rest of Team 4D's," put in Michael.
"Team 4D's?" blinked Ashima.
"That's the name of the team we formed…" explained Matt, as he held up a card ('Stardust Dragon'), to which Michael responded by also holding up a card ('Red Dragon Archfiend'), "…after the dragons we wield."
Wanting to see them up close, Ashima took hold of the two cards and stared at them, having never seen the likes of them before. She suddenly gasped as though she sensed the roar of another dragon.
"What? What was that?" stammered Ashima.
Matt and Michael watched with some concern, wondering if something was the matter. Quickly shaking her head, Ashima smiled the best she could and gave the cards back to their respective owners.
"Sorry about that, but I think they look really cool," reassured Ashima.
"There are two more owned by other friends of ours," revealed Matt, as an enlarged image of the 'Black Rose Dragon' Synchro Monster Card loomed in the background behind him, "First is 'Black Rose Dragon', owned by Carlie Izayoi…" An enlarged image of the 'Black-Winged Dragon' Synchro Monster Card was then seen, "And there's 'Black-Winged Dragon', used by James Hogan."
"'Black Rose Dragon'… 'Black-Winged Dragon'…" repeated Ashima.
"But there are also two more dragons out there," reminded Michael, "It's been the mission of Team 4D's to seek them out. For what reason, we don't know yet."
"They're out there somewhere, and we will find them, some day," promised Matt.
Ashima didn't respond; she just stared at her two new friends, pondering at what she had just learned.
(elsewhere…)
After two hours passed, Matt, Michael, and Ashima arrived back in the city. Once Fudo Go and Wheel of Fortune came to a stop, Ashima removed her helmet and got off of the former.
"Thank you two so much for everything," Ashima said gratefully, before looking back to Matt, "Especially you, Matt."
Even as serious and stoic as he was, Matt couldn't help but blush.
"Ashima…" he whispered, taking a few seconds before speaking up again, "Will…we ever see you again?"
The black-haired Indian girl blushed too, knowing that Matt really meant himself but didn't want to say it out loud, but recovered quickly to answer the question.
"Perhaps you will," figured Ashima, winking, "Don't be a stranger."
Since there was still lots of time left in the day before having to return to the hotel to rest up for the flight back home, Ashima turned around and ran off to try and find a duel with anyone left in the tournament—this time in hopes of avoiding anymore 'fanboys'. Matt continued to watch the Indian girl leave with an expressionless look on his face.
"Ashima," thought Matt.
"Well, that sure was a good way to spend the rest of the morning, eh?" chortled Michael, nudged his best friend's side playfully.
"Yeah…" muttered Matt quietly.
Before Michael could speak on, he looked up and saw the clouds darkening.
"Huh? Those storm clouds?" wondered Michael. He looked concerned about a possible storm coming, "It was sunny just a few minutes ago, too, and the weather report said it would stay that way."
"If that's the case, we'd better get inside a building so we don't get drenched," offered Matt, looking upward.
Thunder and lightning struck, but then the two teenage boys gasped and saw something emerging from the dark clouds—a gigantic red-scaled dragon of sorts.
"What the hell?!" gawked Michael, "What is that thing?!"
"I don't know, Mike, but we'd better go check it out," Matt suggested seriously, knowing the direction that monster was coming from, "It's coming somewhere at the river canal."
The two champion duelists then revved up their respective Duel Runners (Matt: Fudo Go, Michael: Wheel of Fortune) and drove off to check out what was emerging from the dark clouds in the distance.
A major overhaul this one got, namely to include Matt and Ashima's duel and some significant changes to Matt's flashback to his backstory, plus a small hint at Ashima's gift and likely ability to see Duel Spirits.