This story was done in collaboration between me, Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and DaveMan1000 (both here and on DeviantART), and we own the OCs that are used in the story. AaronCottrell97 (known as stevecottrell on DeviantART) provided the Duel Layouts and additional ideas. Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
Gundam SEED characters, Orb, Blue Cosmos, M1 Astray, Strike Rouge, Murasame (c) Sunrise
Character of Lisa Drake (c) DaveMan1000
Character of David Xadashi (c) DaveMan1000
WARNING: Once again, this story is rated T for violence, some blood, suggestive themes, and some language. Reader discretion is advised.
WARNING 2: If you haven't read "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 2", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 4", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles (Pyramid of Light", "David Xadashi", "Lisa Drake", or "Team 4D's", you might want to do so before reading this story
Title: Sacred French Knights
The next morning at the stadium, hundreds to thousands of people were in the stands cheering for round two of Rex's tournament to commence. Matt, Michael, James R., David, Lisa, Sherry, Orga, and Clotho all had advanced after winning their duels in the last round. It was going to be exciting, it was going to be exhilarating, and it was going to be brutal in some spots. For the competitors, being tired before a big Turbo Duel was begging for trouble, as some of them quickly learned…
(elsewhere…)
"God, do I need some caffeine in my system…" yawned Lisa.
"Yeah? No kidding…" added Mayura sleepily, "Remember, we all were up until about 3 in the morning."
"Might I suggest we never do something like that again?" remarked James R., who looked like he would collapse onto the floor and fall asleep at any moment, "We know that about eight hours of sleep is always important, after all."
"About the only good things about us staying up 'that' late are our friends' good names being cleared, and that also we got to stay at Discord's mansion," Lisa pointed out, trying to stay awake, "It was wonderful! Did you see how huge it… it… it…"
She then let out another loud yawn before not bothering to continue with her sentence, because she was too tired to even speak. Currently, the large group had gathered in the stadium's food court with Lisa, Mayura, and James R. each getting some coffee from one of the food stands. They had at least half-an-hour to hang out before returning for the opening ceremony. While seated at the table, Matt, with his arms folded, was busy thinking about who the final Signer could be (David was revealed to be one last night). His thoughts were soon interrupted when David walked over to see him.
"Fudo-san? Is everything alright?" asked David, as he sat down at the other end of the table, "You look as though you're in deep thought over something."
"Well, Dave, that's because I'm thinking about who on Earth the sixth Signer could even be," answered Matt, "A part of me feels that it might be someone who's still in this tournament. Yeah, it's a pretty bad feeling considering who also remains besides James, Mike, you, Lisa, and I, but I honestly can't help but think about it."
David said nothing back, though he had to agree with his new, slightly older friend on who was the sixth and final Signer. But, most importantly, he (David) also wondered what would happen once all six Signers were gathered together? Would some kind of miracle happen? Nobody had any idea what would happen. Anyway, by the time Lisa got her coffee, she looked ready to faint on the spot from exhaustion.
"Coffee! The world's greatest pick me up drink!" The pink-haired girl rejoiced, taking hold of her cup of coffee and sniffing it before letting out a contented sigh from the aroma, "Oh man, this smells so good! As I said minutes ago, do I really need this."
"I bet so," chuckled James R., holding up his own coffee cup, "It's actually pretty good stuff."
"You know, I remember some advice I received a while ago," said Mayura, after taking a sip from her coffee cup, "I was told by my Dad that if I'm ever tired from a lack of sleep, I should just drink some coffee or another caffeine-based drink; it'll help wake me up."
"That's some damn good advice if I ever heard of any," agreed Lisa.
There was no doubt about that.
(elsewhere…)
Later in the stadium itself after half-an-hour passed, the MC was shown to be as energized to begin commentary on the duels as ever, while Lazar merely kept to himself.
"And welcome back, dueling fans!" began the MC, "Today, we officially kick off round two of Governor Godwin's new Duel Monsters tournament! Round one was great, but this round will be even better! In fact-"
"Before you go on…" interrupted Lazar, snatching the microphone from the MC. He then addressed the crowd, "We will now reveal who will be facing who in this round."
He took a remote from his pocket, turned around to face the monitor behind the podium, and pressed a random button. The monitor turned on and showed the standings for round two, and the eight duelists were paired up as followed:
-Lisa and Sherry
-Matt and Clotho
-David and James R.
-Michael and Orga
"So, I'm dueling Sherry!?" thought Lisa, surprised to say the least. She then lost that surprise when she turned to look at Sherry, who was standing nearby, "Not that I'm worried about dueling her or anything. I'll definitely put up a better fight than how Asagi fared—no, I'm gonna whip that French bitch's ass!"
Sherry, meanwhile, caught the dirty look that Lisa was giving her. Rather than say something, the blonde-haired young French woman merely snorted and looked away with disinterest. Even after being ignored and scoffed at, Lisa didn't let up with the glaring. Meanwhile, both Clotho and Orga were looking mighty pleased over the fact they were going to duel against Matt and Michael respectively.
"It looks like you and I get to take a crack at the champion and King respectively, Orga," grinned Clotho.
"I was hoping for that," agreed Orga, "That idiot Shani may have failed to defeat that annoying 'Blackwing'/'Assault Blackwing' duelist, but we'll succeed in defeating this country's two best duelists! After we're done doing that, I'll win this whole tournament!"
"What?!" snapped Clotho, "Who says you're gonna win the tournament, Orga? Everyone here knows that I'll be the one to win it all for Blue Cosmos!"
And the two Bio-CPU boys started arguing over who would win the tournament once again, much to the annoyance of both Azrael and Shani. Meanwhile, David noticed he would be facing James R. in round two. Speaking of James R., the brown-haired young man then approached his soon-to-be opponent.
"It appears you and I shall be engaging in battle, Hogan-kun," admitted David.
"We sure will be," agreed James R., before holding his right hand out, "When we do, may the best duelist win."
The two friends shook hands to seal the deal. Before long, Sherry turned and started to leave to go and get her Duel Runner. Along the way, she met up with Elsworth.
"M'lady," began Elsworth.
"Let's go, Elsworth," requested Sherry.
And the two continue on their way.
(elsewhere…)
Later on, Lisa was inside one of the garages getting ready for her Turbo Duel. Currently visiting were the three Astray girls.
"Sherry will be a tough duelist to beat," Asagi was saying, recalling how not-so-good her duel with Sherry went, "I did the best I could against her, but she totally overpowered me."
"I'll win, Asagi," reassured Lisa, while zipping her motorcyclist suit up, "Sherry may be good, but she's not invincible."
"As is the case with 'you' not being invincible, Drake-san," The voice of David echoed.
Lisa, Asagi, Mayura, and Juri all looked over to see the aqua blue-haired boy approaching them.
"Dave?" blinked Mayura.
Lisa was not happy, "You!" she hissed, storming up to David, "Are you thinking or saying I'll lose to Sherry?"
"It wouldn't be the first time your impulsiveness has lead you astray in the heat of combat," replied David harshly, before finishing with (in Japanese), "(それを台無しにしないでください.) Sore o dainashi ni shinaide kudasai. (Don't screw it up.)"
While the four Orb representatives couldn't tell what he's saying, his tone gave them, especially Lisa, all the clues they needed. From there, David turned and left.
"The bastard…" fumed Lisa, clenching both hands into fists and looking at them, "I'll show him!"
Apparently, after their argument the previous night, David and Lisa weren't majorly speaking to each other and constantly fired the stink eye at the other whenever possible. And whenever they tried speaking, they would simply get into an argument of sorts.
"Easy there, Lisa," soothed Asagi, laying a hand onto her friend's back, "Don't let your temper get to you. Otherwise, that French bully will walk all over you the way she did to me."
"I know that!" Lisa snapped in anger, before sighing and trying to calm down, "I'm sorry, Asagi… You're right, I shouldn't let my temper get the best of me."
"And it's high time you and Dave stopped hating each other," advised Juri, "We heard that he didn't intentionally try fondling you that night. It was an accident, so you need to get over-"
"Um, Juri, maybe you shouldn't bring that up right now," advised Mayura, clasping a hand onto the intelligent, dark blue-haired young woman's mouth to stop her from continuing, "Lisa really doesn't need to be reminded of something like that."
She was right about that; Juri noticed that Lisa was literally turning red in the face over being reminded of what David did to her during their infiltration of the NYPD headquarters.
"Good point," agreed Juri sheepishly, with her voice muffled because Mayura's hand was still over her mouth.
Before long, Lisa slipped her helmet on, climbed aboard Strike Rouge, revved the vehicle up, and drove out of the garage while leaving her three best friends behind.
(elsewhere…)
Inside another garage, Sherry picked up her helmet and looked at it for a moment before putting it on and turning to face her Duel Runner, Sturm und Drang. Before long, she started to have a flashback to when Carlie was defeated and a conversation she had with Elsworth.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Orga was ready to end the Turbo Duel…
"Alright, 'Tamer Editor', do the honors!" commanded Flashback Orga, "Destroy 'Black Rose Dragon' and end this duel, now!"
'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' obeyed, raising his staff and whipping it as if it were a whip, sending a green energy wave towards 'Black Rose Dragon'. 'Black Rose Dragon' was hit by the green energy wave, causing it to roar in searing pain.
"'Black Rose Dragon'!" cried Flashback Carlie.
Once 'Black Rose Dragon' exploded from its destruction, the energy wave continued and struck Bloody Kiss, causing Flashback Carlie to scream as the remains of her LP ran out (LP: 1600 → 0). From there, Bloody Kiss came to a complete stop, emitting steam. When the smoke finally cleared away, the audience burst into cheers over the great duel. In another part of the stand, Flashback Sherry could only stare in total disbelief over how her rival had been defeated in the first round despite being hailed as a great duelist and coming dangerously close to winning earlier on. It was a reality she was finding really hard to accept. Seething hard, the blonde-haired young French woman finally spoke out when the Flashback MC was announcing the winner of the duel.
"CARLIE!" she yelled out, hushing everyone into silence.
As expected, all eyes in the stands and on the track were on Sherry LeBlanc, who had approached the railing and yelled out to Flashback Carlie. Flashback Sherry looked both angry and disappointed at the same time.
"S-Sherry?" stammered Flashback Carlie.
"What the hell were you doing?!" demanded Flashback Sherry angrily, "You could have easily won against the likes of Orga. Instead, you decided to just throw the match! Are you that afraid of me that you would throw an easy tournament duel just so we would not be able to face each other?!"
Cue gasps from everybody else in the stadium, even Flashback Orga was rather surprised by this accusation; he felt sure he had won fair and square.
"I…didn't win on my own?" whispered Flashback Orga, before glaring at Flashback Carlie, "She…'let' me win?"
"No… Sherry, that's not true!" argued Flashback Carlie, shocked by the accusation, "I tried my very best, but Orga just made the better play! He won, and will advance!"
"I wished you luck earlier because a thought you would easily win this duel," berated Flashback Sherry, "I truly thought I was making the right choice then, but I guess I was wrong! You disgust me, Carlie!"
"Sherry, stop!" begged Flashback Carlie, "I…"
But alas, Flashback Sherry turned and stormed off instead of responding back. This made Carlie lower her head in sadness as she felt even worse about the situation.
(new scene…)
Inside the stadium hallway, Flashback Sherry limped about for a few moments before stopping and getting angry once again.
"Damn it, Carlie!" she freaked out, slamming her right fist into the wall.
"M'lady, are you okay?" The voice of Flashback Elsworth echoed, as he walked up towards his ward, "You seem really upset over Miss Carlie losing to Orga."
"It's because she threw the match…" seethed Flashback Sherry, looking at Flashback Elsworth, "Elsworth, that Carlie deliberately let herself lose just so we could never have to face each other! Why?! Why is she trying to avoid facing me in a duel? Is she so much of a coward despite being one of this country's best duelists?!"
"That's not the way 'I' saw it," countered Flashback Elsworth calmly, "That Orga chap, despite his vicious dueling style, won fair and square. No matter what difference Miss Carlie made, she 'still' would have lost the duel. Whether you like it or not, you have to accept that Orga was simply the better duelist in this match despite Miss Carlie's best effort."
"It does not matter," Flashback Sherry said in a low tone, "Carlie was my sole reason for agreeing to enter this tournament in the first place," She then turned to leave, "With her out, I have no other reason to continue competing. We're going home, Elsworth."
"M'lady… Sherry," interrupted Flashback Elsworth, calling his ward by her actual name (a thing he rarely did). When Flashback Sherry looked back at him, he continued speaking, "Is it really worth it?"
"Worth what?" repeated Flashback Sherry, "Elsworth, what are you talking about?"
"Your grudge against Miss Carlie," explained Flashback Elsworth, "Is it really worth turning your back on nearly everyone around you? Treating most people you come across with cold and uncaring disrespect just because of what happened between you two years ago? I want to ask you this… If your parents were alive today, would they really approve of the choices you've made?"
Flashback Sherry became silent, unsure on how to answer such a question.
"Please, M'lady," continued Flashback Elsworth, "For your own sake, try to let the anger and bitterness you feel towards Miss Carlie go, and begin moving on."
Again, there was no response.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Carlie… Although I cannot duel with you now," thought Sherry, "I will prove my strength to you and everyone else by winning this tournament."
From there, she climbed aboard Sturm und Drang and drove out of the garage for the stadium. No matter what, Sherry LeBlanc would prove her strength to everyone competing or watching, then she would finally be rid of her inner demons once and for all.
(elsewhere…)
"Everybody listen!" boomed the MC, "Now presenting our first pair of duelists for the second round of this action-packed tournament! First up; Lisa Drake of Orb!"
From there, Lisa shot out from the side lane on Strike Rouge before flashing a peace sign to the cheering crowd.
"She seems to be all fired up for the duel!" continued the MC, "Now, let's see if she can take on her opponent, Sherry LeBlanc!"
In an instant, Sherry's Sturm und Drang bolted down the track, making its lap before coming to a stop next to Strike Rouge.
"Hey, you," said Lisa suddenly.
"Hm?" replied Sherry, looking at her opponent without another word.
"What's the big idea, treating everyone around you like garbage?" Lisa asked firmly, "I saw the way you put Asagi down like that just because she lost to you. Let me tell you something here, Frenchy. Just because a person's dueling skills aren't up to your standard, that does not give you the right to be cold and nasty towards them!"
Sherry narrowed her eyes, but still said nothing.
"You don't deserve to call yourself a duelist!" continued Lisa, "If you insist on disrespecting everyone around you, then why should anyone give you any respect in the slightest just because you're good at card games?!"
"You shouldn't say something you don't know anything about," warned Sherry.
"What the hell?!"
"Instead," The blonde-haired young French woman went on, "we should settle things with our cards. Don't you agree?"
Lisa was not pleased with her opponent's harshness towards her, but did nod with agreement.
"Oh my! The duel hasn't even started, and already both sides are trash talking the other!" admired the MC, "In that case, let's get down to it! Action Field, on! 'Crossover Acceleration'!"
This caused the dueling track around them to glow as several Duel Monsters cards began to appear floating in little balls of light all around the track. Not only that, both Lisa and Sherry pressed a button on their respective Duel Runners.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the two, respective Duel Runners, "Autopilot activated."
Both Strike Rouge and Sturm und Drang started roaring as both duelists waited for the countdown to end, while the audience was excitedly waiting for the actual duel to begin. After a small delay, the countdown finally commenced…
"Turbo Duel! Acceleration!" shouted the MC wildly, once the three remaining ticks ran out.
On the last tick, both Duel Runners tore down the race track. Before long, Sherry won the race, which meant the first turn was hers (LP: 4000) x2.
"Sherry LeBlanc won the race!" announced the MC, "That means she gets to go first!"
"Here I go!" cut in Sherry, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Sherry LeBlanc (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Fleur de Vertiges", "Noble Knight Joan", "Noble Knight Iyvanne", "Glory of the Noble Knights", "Noble Knights of the Round Table", and "Morgan, the Enchantress of Avalon"
Action Card: N/A
Her drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Morgan, the Enchantress of Avalon', which she added into her hand (which contained 'Fleur de Vertiges', 'Noble Knight Joan', 'Noble Knight Iyvanne', 'Glory of the Noble Knights', and 'Noble Knights of the Round Table'), and took the one at the very end.
"I activate a Field Spell, 'Noble Knights of the Round Table'!" began Sherry, slotting her card into her Duel Runner.
The scenery of the track then began to change into that of the interior of a grand castle with a huge round table in the middle of the arena.
"Whoa! Are we in Camelot?" admired Lisa, looking around at the scenery.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," warned Sherry, "This isn't some fairy tale card… 'Noble Knights of the Round Table' is going to give you tons of problems, I promise you that!"
Lisa raised an eyebrow, "Oh really?" she deadpanned, "Care to tell me what my problems will be like?"
"Since you asked, I will explain this Field Spell's powers," offered Sherry, "During my End Phase: I can activate each of these effects up to once per turn, depending on the total number of 'Noble Knight' cards with different names in my GY and/or I control."
These were the effects written on the face-up 'Noble Knights of the Round Table' Spell Card:
-"3+: I must send 1 'Noble Knight' card from my Deck to ze GY."
-"6+: I must Special Summon 1 'Noble Knight' monster from my hand, zen I can equip 1 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell from my hand to zat monster."
-"9+: I must target 1 'Noble Knight' monster in my GY; I must add zat target to my hand."
-"12: I must draw 1 card."
"Well now, it does sound like a pretty powerful card," admitted Lisa, "Even then, it won't help you against someone like me!"
"Shut your mouth!" retorted Sherry, before placing another card onto her Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Noble Knight Iyvanne' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a red-haired knight wearing green armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1600).
"Furthermore, I'll also activate a Quick-Play Spell from my hand!" As Sherry spoke, she took and held another card out before slotting it into her Duel Runner, "'Glory of the Noble Knights'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized on the field behind Sturm und Drang.
"I must target 1 'Noble Knight' monster I control; I must equip it with 1 Equip Spell from my Deck that can equip to that target," explained Sherry. She took a card from her Deck and held it out for a moment before turning it over, "This is the card I will equip to 'Iyvanne', 'Noble Arms - Gallatin'!"
A majestic, glowing blade materialized in 'Noble Knight Iyvanne's' hands.
"I can only control 1 'Noble Arms - Gallatin," continued Sherry, explaining the first effect of her Equip Spell before going over the second effect, "'I must equip only to a Warrior monster. It gains 1000 ATK. 'Iyvanne's' ATK will be increased to 2700!"
'Noble Knight Iyvanne' grew stronger (ATK: 1700 → 2700).
"An ATK of 2700 already!" winced Lisa, "Man, I've got a lot on my plate this soon…"
"And now for 'Noble Knight Iyvanne's' effect!" declared Sherry, "If a 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell becomes equipped to this card: I can Special Summon 1 'Noble Knight Token', also I cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except 'Noble Knight' monsters," She then held her right hand out, "Come, 'Noble Knight Token'!"
Appearing onto the field was a knight decked out in armor with a helmet over its face (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"In addition, I'll activate the next effect of 'Iyvanne'!" Sherry went on, holding her right hand out, "While this card is equipped with a 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell, all other 'Noble Knight' monsters I control gain 500 ATK."
"Does it include 'Token'-based ones, too?" dreaded Lisa.
"It does!"
"Figured as much," The pink-haired girl groaned in dismay.
'Noble Knight Token' grew stronger (ATK: 1000 → 1500). From there, a face-down card materialized on the field behind Sturm und Drang before fading away for later use.
"I Set one card and end my turn!" said Sherry, "As of now, the effect of my Field Spell, 'Noble Knights of the Round Table', activates!" She took a card ('Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn') from her Deck and sent it to the GY, "Since I have three 'Noble Knights' on my field or in my GY in total, I'll send a 'Noble Knight' monster from my Deck to the GY. Now, Lisa, it's your turn! Are you a truly good duelist? If you are, then show me how good you are!"
"Don't mind if I do!" accepted Lisa, drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Two: Lisa Drake (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Naturia Eggplant", "Naturia Pumpkin", "Barkion's Bark", "Naturia Vein", "Naturia Sacred Tree", and "Naturia Synthesis"(!)
Action Card: N/A
Her drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Naturia Synthesis'. Adding the card into her hand, Lisa took another card ('Naturia Pumpkin') and placed it onto her Duel Runner.
"I Summon 'Naturia Pumpkin' in Attack Position!" she announced.
Appearing onto the field was the familiar green pumpkin with cartoony eyes, and limbs coming out of its body (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 800).
"The monster effect of 'Naturia Pumpkin'!" continued Lisa, "When this card is Normal Summoned while my opponent controls a monster: I can Special Summon 1 "Naturia" monster from my hand," She took another card from her hand and placed it onto her Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Naturia Vein' in Defense Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a small, plant-like creature with cartoony eyes and vines for limbs (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 300).
"Now then, have I got a real treat for you!" grinned Lisa.
"Treat?" dismissed Sherry.
"From my hand," As Lisa spoke, she took and held a card ('Barkion's Bark') out, "I'll activate 'Barkion's Bark'!" She then slotted it into her Duel Runner, causing the mentioned Spell card to materialize face-up on the field in-front of Strike Rouge, "If I control a face-up 'Naturia' monster: My opponent cannot activate Trap Cards this turn."
Lisa knew that her opponent would not be able to counter her attack if she were to go on the offensive this turn. Unfortunately, Sherry had other plans for something like that…
"Do you take me for a fool?" yelled Sherry, taking a card ('Morgan, the Enchantress of Avalon') from her hand and sending it, plus the 'Noble Arms - Gallatin' Spell Card, to the GY, "I won't let you seal off my Traps! When my opponent activates a card or effect, while I control a 'Noble Knight' monster and a 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell (Quick Effect): I can send 'Morgan, the Enchantress of Avalon' from my hand to the GY; I must destroy 1 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell I control, and if I do, negate the activation!"
From there, the spirit of a red-haired woman in a green gown briefly appeared with a barrage of swords.
"By destroying 'Noble Arms - Gallatin', I will negate the activation of 'Barkion's Back'!"
'Morgan, the Enchantress of Avalon' levitated 'Noble Arms - Gallatin' out of 'Noble Knight Iyvanne's' hands, and threw it towards Lisa's field, piercing the face-up 'Barkion's Bark' Spell Card.
"Damn!" swore Lisa, knowing that her activated card was useless now, "Heh! At least it came at the cost of your Equip Spell! Since it was destroyed, both your monsters lose their ATK boosts!"
'Noble Knight Iyvanne' (ATK: 2700 → 1700) and 'Noble Knight Token' (ATK: 1500 → 1000) returned to their respective default ATK stats.
"I wouldn't count on that," retorted Sherry, "'Noble Arms - Gallatin' has a second effect," She took a card ('Noble Arms - Gallatin') from her GY when it got ejected from there, "If this face-up card on the field is destroyed and sent to thy GY: I can target 1 Warrior 'Noble Knight' monster I control; equip this card to that target."
"Again?!" gawked Lisa, knowing what that meant.
Once again, the glowing blade manifested in 'Noble Knight Ivyanne's' hands as he and the 'Noble Knight Token' regained their strength (ATK: 1700 → 2700). Before long, another 'Noble Knight Token' appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"Because a 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell was equipped to it, the first effect of 'Noble Knight Iyvanne' activates, letting me Special Summon a 'Noble Knight Token' in Attack Position once per turn," reminded Sherry, "However, I cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except 'Noble Knight' monsters. And as he is equipped with a 'Noble Arms' Equip Spell, the second effect of 'Noble Knight Iyvanne' activates again! The ATK of all other 'Noble Knight' monsters I control will be increased by 500."
Both 'Noble Knight Tokens' grew stronger (ATK: 1000 → 1500) x2.
"I'm not done," warned Lisa, before holding her right hand out, "My Level 1 'Naturia Veil' tunes Level 4 'Naturia Pumpkin'!"
'Naturia Veil' jumped into the air and turned into a single Synchro Ring, which overwhelmed 'Naturia Pumpkin' until it turned into four orbs of light as Lisa was heard echoing a Summon Chant…
"Bare your fangs against oppressors trying to destroy the land, guardian of the tranquil forest!" chanted Lisa. as the symbols 4 + 1 = 5 were shown briefly just before the four orbs within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light as she spread her right arm out in welcome, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Naturia Beast'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence came to an end, was the green tiger-like monster with tree-like qualities (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1700).
"I hope you like tigers, because this one will sink its teeth into your two weaker monsters!" boasted Lisa.
"You are wrong!" cut in Sherry, causing the pink-haired girl to ease up. She then made her face-down card reappear on the field behind Sturm und Drang, "I activate a Trap, 'Fleur de Vertiges'!"
The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"When a monster is Special Summoned to my opponent's field: I must target that monster; I must banish that target."
A barrage of flower petals began to swarm the field around 'Naturia Beast', causing the tiger-like monster to roar before fading away into oblivion.
"What a trick!" narrated the MC, "Sherry just got rid of Lisa's monster the moment she Synchro Summoned it! This leaves Lisa without any monsters to protect herself!"
Indeed, and it left Lisa pretty frustrated.
"I Set two cards…" As she spoke on, two face-down cards materialized on the field around her before fading away for later use, "…and end my turn."
Both Strike Rouge and Sturm und Drang roared down the track as they crossed the finish line and went onto their next lap. Both duelists took their respective first turns, and now the real duel commenced.
"It's my turn!" announced Sherry, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Sherry LeBlanc (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (2): "Noble Knight Joan" and "Gwenhwyfar, Queen of Noble Arms"
Action Card: N/A
In an instant…
"As of now, the effect of 'Noble Arms - Gallatin'! During each of my Standby Phases, it loses 200 ATK."
'Noble Knight Iyvanne's' ATK went down slightly (ATK: 2700 → 2500).
"Now!" interrupted Lisa, as she held her right hand out, "I activate a Trap, 'Naturia Synthesis'!"
One of the Set cards reappeared on the field in-front of Strike Rouge, flipped face-up, and revealed itself.
"If I control no monsters: I must Special Summon 1 'Naturia' monster from my hand," explained Lisa. She then took and placed a card ('Naturia Eggplant') onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on her Duel Runner, "Appear now, 'Naturia Eggplant'!"
Appearing onto the field was what appeared to be a purple eggplant, but with the wings and stinger of a bee, and cartoony eyes (Level: 2/ATK: 1000/DEF: 700).
"Furthermore, I'll also activate a Continuous Trap, 'Naturia Sacred Tree'!" Lisa went on, as another Set card reappeared on the field, flipped face-up, and revealed itself as the card's second effect got an explanation, "I can Tribute 1 EARTH Plant monster; I must Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower EARTH Insect monster from my Deck."
As expected, 'Naturia Eggplant' faded away in a blue streak, meaning the second effect was picked.
"Appear now, 'Naturia Antjaw'!" ordered Lisa.
Appearing onto the field was an ant adorned with leaf wings, a large seed in its arms, and cartoony eyes (Level: 2/ATK: 400/DEF: 200).
"The effect of my sent 'Naturia Eggplant' activates!" Lisa went on, as a card ('Naturia Pumpkin') ejected from her GY and she took hold, "When this card is sent from the field to the GY: I can target 1 'Naturia' monster in my GY, except 'Naturia Eggplant'; I must add it to my hand,"
"Worthless!" insulted Sherry.
"Oh? Then watch this!" suggested Lisa, "I activate 'Naturia Synthesis's' second effect!" A card ('Naturia Hydrangea') emerged from her Deck, "If a monster Special Summoned by this effect leaves the field: I must…" She took and held the card up before placing it into her hand, "…add 1 'Naturia' monster from my Deck to my hand. It may not be much now, but you'll see what I have up my sleeve soon."
"In that case, I'll continue with my turn!" As Sherry spoke, she placed a card ('Noble Knight Joan') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Noble Knight Joan'!"
Appearing onto the field was a blonde-haired female knight dressed in rather majestic-looking armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1300).
"I overlay Level 4 'Noble Knight Iyvanne' and 'Noble Knight Joan'!" continued Sherry.
'Noble Knight Ivyanne' and 'Noble Knight Joan' turned into balls of energy and flew into the Overlay Network in the center of the track. Lisa braced herself, knowing that this was not going to be much fun.
"Xyz Summon!" shouted Sherry, "Rank 4! 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin'!"
Appearing onto the field was an armored knight with short brown hair and a red cape (Rank: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 2500). With the 'Noble Arms - Gallatin' Spell Card destroyed, both 'Noble Knight Tokens' had their ATK return to normal again (ATK: 1500 → 1000) x2.
"'Naturia Antjaw's' effect activates now!" exclaimed Lisa, as the 'Naturia Butterfly' Tuner Monster Card appeared face-up on the field beside her (on her left), "When my opponent Special Summons a monster(s) (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower 'Naturia' monster from my Deck. Come forth, 'Naturia Butterfly'!"
Appearing onto the field was a pink, cartoonish butterfly (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1200).
"I don't know what you're trying to show me, but it won't work," said Sherry harshly, "Because 'Noble Arms - Gallatin' was destroyed, its third effect activates again! But this time, I'll equip it onto 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin'!"
With that said, the glowing blade made 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' grow stronger (ATK: 1500 → 2500). Unfortunately, Lisa's troubles were far from being over…
"Also, I'll activate the effect of the 'Gwenhwyfar, Queen of Noble Arms' in my hand!" Sherry pointed out, readying a card ('Gwenhwyfar, Queen of Noble Arms') in-between the index and middle fingers of her right hand, "I can target 1 'Noble Knight' monster I control; I must equip this card from my hand or GY to that target. The equipped monster gains 300 ATK."
Briefly appearing onto the field was a woman with long, brown hair and a pink gown, and she merged with 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin', energizing him with more power (ATK: 2500 → 2800).
"The monster I'll equip 'Gwenhwyfar' to, will be 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin'! 'owever, now's where I need to continue with the effect of 'Gwenhwyfar'!" continued Sherry, "I must apply the appropriate effect, depending on the Attribute of the equipped monster."
And these were the effects written on the Monster Card in-question:
-"LIGHT: If the equipped monster would be destroyed by a card effect, I can destroy this card instead."
-"DARK: If the equipped monster battles an opponent's monster, at the start of the Damage Step: I can destroy that monster, then destroy this card."
"'King Custennin' is a LIGHT monster!" recalled Lisa, "That means you can use the first effect if I were to attack him."
"C'est exact!" confirmed Sherry in French, "Even then, this duel will end right here!" Lisa listened in alarm, "I activate the effect of 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin'!" He held up her 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' Xyz Monster Card while explaining the effect, "I can detach any number of materials from this card, then target that many cards my opponent controls; I must return them to the hand."
Both of the materials flew into 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin's' sword, causing it to begin glowing.
"Take this!" thundered Sherry, "'Naturia Antjaw' and 'Naturia Butterfly' both will return to your hand!"
'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' slashed his blade, creating a wave of light that struck and turned Lisa's two 'Naturia' monsters into balls of life before floating back into her hand.
"C-Crap…" The pink-haired girl winced, taking the two cards reluctantly.
"It looks like I win the duel!" declared Sherry, entering the Battle Phase, "'King Custennin', attack Lisa directly!"
'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' obeyed, diving towards Lisa and slashing his blade towards her.
"With three monsters facing her down, can Lisa do something to stop them even with an almost empty field?!" wailed the MC.
Lisa, driving Strike Rouge with everything she had, just barely avoided getting hit by 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin's' sword. Speeding down the track, Strike Rouge then passed by Sturm und Drang.
"You can't outrun my monster forever!" reminded Sherry loudly, "Sooner or later, you'll have to take the hit!"
Suddenly, Lisa spotted an Action Card up ahead. If she could only reach it, maybe it would help her out of this jam.
"Come on, Strike Rouge don't let me down!" begged Lisa, stepping on the gas. She got closer and closer until at last… "Got it!"
'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' raised his sword and lunged towards Strike Rouge again, which caused Lisa to turn with the Action Card in her right hand.
"I'm not gonna lose!" barked Lisa, holding the Action Spell Card out, "'Twinkle Comet'! I must target 1 monster on the field; it loses 1000 ATK until the End Phase, also I must inflict 500 damage to my opponent. Your 'King Custennin's' ATK will drop from 2800 down to 1800!"
A large comet then shot down from the sky, striking Sturm und Drang, causing Sherry to scream as she took minor damage (LP: 4000 → 3500). Not only that, but 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' grew weaker (ATK: 2800 → 1800).
"Continue your attack, 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin'!" ordered Sherry.
'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' obeyed, slashing his blade at Strike Rouge, causing it to spin along the track as Lisa braced herself while crying out (LP: 4000 → 2200). It was then Sturm und Drang once again claimed the lead.
"I still 'ave two more monsters zat can attack!" reminded Sherry, "Go forth, both 'Noble Knight Tokens'!"
The two 'Noble Knight Tokens' obeyed, slashing at Strike Rouge, causing Lisa to, again, yell out as she finally regained control while her LP dropped to dangerously low levels (LP: 2200 → 200).
"I should consider myself lucky," Lisa told herself, "If I didn't pick up that Action Card, that would have been it for me."
"So, you're still standing," huffed Sherry, unimpressed, "I end my turn 'ere. And because it's the End Phase…" She took a card ('Noble Knight Eachtar') from her Deck and sent it to the GY, "…the effect of 'Noble Knights of the Round Table' activates! Since I have three 'Noble Knight' cards on my field and in my GY in total, I'll send 1 'Noble Knight' card from my Deck to ze GY."
And since it was the End Phase, the effect of the 'Twinkle Comet' Action Spell Card ended and returned 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' to full power (ATK: 1800 → 2800).
"What a lucky break for Lisa!" hollered the MC, "The duel would have ended right now had she not picked up that Action Card! Can she do anything to change the flow of the Turbo Duel?! Only one way to find out!"
Over in the stands, Lisa's friends watched her with worry.
"Lisa…" whispered Juri.
"Lisa…" came from Ms. Simmons.
"Hmph!" The voice of David scoffed, "She just barely survived that one."
The three Astray girls looked and saw David standing nearby, watching the duel going on. Despite Lisa holding her own, it didn't impress him all that much. Back on the track…
"It's my turn!" announced Lisa, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Lisa Drake (LP: 200)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (4): "Naturia Pumpkin", "Naturia Antjaw", "Naturia Butterfly", and "Angel Baton"
Action Card: N/A
Her drawn card was the 'Angel Baton' Spell Card.
"Not exactly what I need, but it's a start," thought Lisa, before holding the drawn card out, "Spell Card, 'Angel Baton', activate! I must draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card."
Before long, two cards ('Leodrake's Mane' and 'Ancient Radiance') were drawn, and one card ('Naturia Antjaw') was discarded all the way to the GY.
"Oh, this is so much better," Lisa said to herself, smiling upon seeing what the drawn cards were. She then looked up, "Yo, Sherry! Are you ready to see me bring something sweet out?"
Sherry frowned, but remained on the silent front. It was then Lisa took a card from her hand and began her counterattack on Sherry…
"From my hand," said Lisa confidently, placing her card ('Naturia Pumpkin') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Runner, "I'll Summon 'Naturia Pumpkin' again!"
The green, cartoony pumpkin returned to the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 800).
"Now, I'm sure you know what it does, right?" teased Lisa, while placing another card onto her Duel Runner, "Since you do, I won't need to explain myself. Instead, I'll just Special Summon 'Naturia Butterfly' from my hand!"
Reappearing on the field was the pink butterfly monster (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1200).
"Finally, I'll activate the effect of the 'Naturia Hydrangea' in my hand!" Lisa went on, while placing another card onto her Duel Runner, "During my turn, if the effect of a 'Naturia' monster was activated on my field, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!"
Appearing onto the field was a trio of flowers with cartoonish eyes (Level: 5/ATK: 1900/DEF: 2000).
"I hope everyone's ready!" announced Lisa excitedly, looking all across the stadium, "The main star of the show's about to appear—my ace monster, that is!" She then gave the command, "My Level 3 'Naturia Butterfly' tunes Level 4 'Naturia Pumpkin'!"
The audience watched anxiously as 'Naturia Butterfly' flew into the air before turning into three Synchro Rings. 'Naturia Pumpkin' hovered upward and entered the trio of Synchro Rings, turning into four orbs of light as Lisa was heard performing a Summon Chant…
"The holy light of protection, shine now and become eternal life!" chanted Lisa, as the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were briefly shown just before the four orbs within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! A regal birth, 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'!"
Appearing from the beam of light and flying through the sky until it was above Lisa and her Duel Runner, was a long blue serpent-like dragon with an aqua-colored mane and fairy-like wings and armor on the torso (Level: 7/ATK: 2100/DEF: 3000). From the moment this glowing dragon appeared in the sky, Matt and his friends felt their right forearms glowing as they took a quick look at their respective birthmarks before looking back at the sky.
"Can it be-?" began Carlie, upon seeing 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'.
"Is that…" added James R., rubbing his eyes as though they were playing tricks on him.
"…the final dragon?" finished Matt.
"That must mean…Lisa has a birthmark as well!" realized Michael, "And if so, it would make her a Signer, too!"
"You mean the sixth and final Signer?!" gasped Zack, before looking back at the race track, "Lisa Drake, a hot-headed, reckless teenager, is actually a chosen one of the Crimson Dragon as well? Please tell me this is a dream or something."
Likewise, David was shocked over seeing 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'.
"(できますか?) Dekimasu ka? (Can it be?)" The aqua blue-haired boy stammered in Japanese, "(僕が目撃した最後のドラゴン?) Boku ga mokugeki shita saigo no doragon? (The final dragon I witnessed?)"
Back on the track…
"Are you ready, Sherry?" taunted Lisa, "If not, then too bad! I'll begin by activating 'Ancient Fairy Dragon's' second effect! I can destroy as many Field Spells on the field as possible, and if I do, gain 1000 LP, then I can add 1 Field Spell from my Deck to my hand with a different name than that of the destroyed card(s)."
"You don't have a Field Spell out!" argued Sherry.
"Hey, I said 'as many' Field Spells, which means I can target either mine or yours. Since I have none, I'll happily take down your own Field Spell."
"Vous ne pouvez pas!" The blonde-haired young French woman yelled in panic.
"Good luck stopping me then," challenged Lisa. From there, she raised her right hand into the air and gave the ultimate command to her ace monster, "Plain Back!"
From there, the glowing 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' let out a roar as the shockwaves caused the castle-like scenery to crumble. Before long, the track had returned to normal.
"This is amazing!" gawked the MC, "Lisa's Synchro Summoned something awesome and used it to destroy Sherry's Field Spell! The effect of 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' will also allow her to recover 1000 LP and add a Field Spell of her own from her Deck into her hand!"
Over with Lisa (LP: 200 → 1200), she regained some LP and took a card ('Ancient Forest') from her Deck and added it into her hand. Sherry, at the moment, was nearly red with fury.
"Espèce de petite salope stupide!" she ranted, all in very angry French.
"Too bad, so sad!" joked Lisa playfully, "In fact, I'm going to retake control of the duel as of right now!" She then held out a card, "Spell Card, 'Leodrake's Mane', activate! I must target 1 face-up 'Naturia' monster I control; its ATK becomes 3000, but I must negate its effects until the end of this turn."
'Naturia Hydrangea' received a lion's mane as it grew even stronger (ATK: 1900 → 3000). Meanwhile, Sherry drove past an Action Card, allowing Lisa to pick it up. Upon seeing what it was, another big smile appeared on her face.
"And I've got the perfect Action Card to aid 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'," bragged Lisa, holding the Action Spell Card out, "I activate 'Power Gem'! I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; it gains 800 ATK. This I'll use on my ace monster, 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'!"
'Ancient Fairy Dragon' let loose a roar as she glowed with light and grew stronger (ATK: 2100 → 2900).
"Dammit!" swore Sherry.
"Battle!" declared Lisa, entering the Battle Phase, "'Naturia Hydrangea', take down one of those 'Noble Knight Tokens'!"
'Naturia Hydrangea' obeyed, diving down towards one of the 'Noble Knight Tokens' and overwhelming it with flower petals. The first 'Noble Knight Token' shattered into shards of glass as Sherry seethed and her LP took a big drop (LP: 3500 → 1500). Up in the stands, the crowd began to grow excited over how the duel was going to end shortly.
"All she has to do is attack the other 'Noble Knight Token' with 'Ancient Fairy Dragon', and she's won!" cheered Mayura.
But I'm sorry to say Lisa had a few other ideas of her own…
"I activate the second effect of my Continuous Trap, 'Naturia Sacred Tree'!" she announced, without even thinking clearly, "I'll offer my 'Naturia Hydrangea' as a Tribute in order to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower EARTH Insect monster from my Deck once per turn."
'Naturia Hydrangea' faded away in blue streaks…
"Come, 'Naturia Dragonfly'!"
…and appearing onto the field was the familiar red and green dragonfly with cartoonish eyes (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 400). In the stands, Asagi, Mayura, and Juri each knew what Lisa was doing, and, in their eyes, it was not so good.
"What is she doing?!" wailed Mayura.
"Something tells me Lisa's being reckless again," worried Juri.
"Aww, why did she pick now of all times?!" groaned Asagi.
Back on the track…
"The monster effect of 'Naturia Dragonfly'!" said Lisa, "It gains 200 ATK for each 'Naturia' monster in my GY. Since there's six of them there, and that makes 'Naturia Dragonfly' gain 1200 ATK!"
'Naturia Dragonfly' glowed in light as it grew stronger (ATK: 1200 → 2400).
"Now to continue the battle!" Lisa went on, before issuing another command without even thinking, "'Naturia Dragonfly', attack the other 'Noble Knight Token'!"
'Naturia Dragonfly' obeyed, flying in and striking the other 'Noble Knight Token' head on, causing it to shatter. Sherry scowled as her LP took another big drop, but still didn't fully empty (LP: 1500 → 100). She then noticed something up ahead, which was an Action Card. To her luck, the boneheaded attack made by Lisa gave her enough time to make a grab for it.
"This is it, 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'!" whooped Lisa happily, "Let's finish this duel! Take down that 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin'! Eternal Sunshine!"
'Ancient Fairy Dragon' obeyed, charging up energy in her glowing wings, and letting loose a bright blast of light. Before it was too late, Sherry grabbed the Action Card just as 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' finally exploded due to his destruction through the battle with 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'. Strike Rouge zoomed past the smoke as its rider prepared to do a victory lap in celebration for seemingly winning the duel.
"Ha ha! I win!" rejoiced Lisa, believing the duel to be over.
"Are you sure about that?" A familiar female voice called out.
Lisa gasped, watching as Strum und Drang appeared out of a cloud of smoke. Not only that, Sherry's LP were also shown to be untouched (LP: 100).
"No way!" cried Lisa, "I destroyed your 'King Custennin' through that battle! Your LP should be fully depleted as a result of it!"
"I picked up an Action Card during your attack," replied Sherry, holding out her Action Spell Card, "It's called 'Damage Banish'. If I would take battle damage: I must reduce it to 0."
Lisa gasped again, realizing that her attack backfired. In the stands, Asagi merely brought a hand to her forehead and shook her head in disappointment.
"This happens almost every time Lisa gets cocky," she sighed grimly, "90% of the time when she has the proper way to win a duel sooner, she ends up delaying her victories by showing off."
Mayura and Juri both nodded silently in agreement, while both Mr. Kisaka and Ms. Simmons both continued to watch the duel without saying anything either. Back on the track, Lisa only continued to stare in complete shock over her failed attack.
"You know," cut in Sherry, causing Lisa to look over her shoulder at her opponent, "you could have won against me earlier on during your turn if you'd paid attention to what you had on your field."
"What?" peeped Lisa.
"Instead of activating your Trap Card, 'Naturia Sacred Tree'," explained Sherry, "you could have simply attacked both of my Tokens with your powered up 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'. Had you done so, you would have instantly won the duel. Instead, you've given me the chance to turn things back into my favor!"
Lisa flinched from being told the cold, hard truth, knowing that Sherry was right about that. Ultimately, however, she recovered while trying to save a little face.
"Y-Yeah, I know, but I 'wanted' to drag out the duel," insisted Lisa, "It wouldn't be much fun if I let it end like this," She then looked serious, "Besides, why are you taking this duel so seriously anyway? Lighten up, it's just a game! It's all in good fun!"
Sherry LeBlanc narrowed her eyes bitterly over hearing that. While she didn't seem to care when Asagi told her it was just a game, somehow the way 'Lisa' said it seemed…different. Sherry began to think back to when she was younger and living at the orphanage. While the other kids got tired of her seemingly putting them down each time she won and decided to stop playing with her altogether, during that time she was actually happy…
"Back then, I was…happy…in a way," thought Sherry, "Games were fun to play… I loved winning… But then…"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Outside at the orphanage's playground, Young Sherry and Young Carlie were playing Duel Monsters, ending with the former winning. Sadly, the taunting and jeering from Young Sherry became too much for Young Carlie, as she eventually clenched her fists in frustration. It was this moment that she was sick and tired of Young Sherry's constant bragging. Suddenly, she felt her right forearm (with the unknown birthmark) beginning to glow. This was a sign her unstable powers were…beginning to kick in.
"What?!" cried Young Sherry, seeing what was going on.
"I have had it!" roared Young Carlie viciously, not realizing what she was doing.
All of a sudden, the whole area started to quake itself to pieces, causing the nearby children to scream in terror, while the orphanage caretakers tried to keep everyone calm and seek shelter for the earthquake. Pretty soon, something started rising from the ground behind her. Young Sherry took a step back out of reflex. That something was the same 'Rose Tentacles' that Young Sherry destroyed in the duel. Too frightened to run away or even speak, Young Sherry could only shut her eyes and scream as 'Rose Tentacles' seemed to make a lung for her.
"Carlie! Stop!" The voice of Young James R. yelled.
Young Carlie's angry look softened when she heard her friend's voice, as the glowing birthmark on her right arm then ceased and 'Rose Tentacles' suddenly faded away. Almost immediately, the kids and orphanage caretakers all emerged from their hiding spots to see what had happened. Rather unfortunate, all eyes were on Young Carlie.
"You alright?" Young Zack asked Young Carlie.
"S-Sherry…" stammered Young Carlie, realizing what she almost did, "Sherry, I… I didn't…"
Without saying a word, Young Sherry, terrified and traumatized from the experience, got back to her feet and, while in tears, raced as far away from Young Carlie as possible without saying anything back to her. It would seem that this encounter had left a very nasty mental scar that would likely never heal itself. Judging from such a reaction, that was the end of Young Carlie and Young Sherry's friendship. Though it was her own fault for provoking Young Carlie, Young Carlie still felt sorry and couldn't help but blame herself for frightening the blonde-haired young French girl like that.
(Montage)
Later after being adopted by Flashback Elsworth, Young Sherry finally had a home of her own after her parents were killed. While it was a happy home and she felt at peace, there was still a scar in her heart that never healed, and it was caused by Carlie Izayoi. And, to make things worse, she never even apologized for it. Over the years as she grew into a teenager, Flashback Sherry slowly became bitter and resentful over how her 'former' best friend tried to kill her all because she couldn't handle losing, and, worst of all, not even apologizing for it. This change of attitude made her increasingly hostile to nearly everyone she met, with an exception to Flashback Elsworth and a few choice people.
(End Montage)
Years later, Flashback Sherry was competing in her first ever Turbo Duel. Throughout the match, she was not smiling at all. Eventually, she began her game-winning move…
"Bataille!" The blonde-haired young French woman announced in French, "'Chevalier de Fleur', attack!"
'Chevalier de Fleur' obeyed, slashing her blade at an enemy Duel Runner.
"I activate a Trap, 'Mirror Force'!" The male Turbo duelist announced, as a Set card appeared on the field beside him (on his right), flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must destroy all my opponent's Attack Position monsters."
"Useless!" shouted Flashback Sherry, "'Chevalier de Fleur's' special effect activates! Once per turn, during my turn, when my opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card (Quick Effect): I can negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card."
'Chevalier de Fleur' immediately slashed at the face-up 'Mirror Force' Trap Card, causing it to shatter into pieces of glass.
"GAH!" The male Turbo duelist panicked, before getting hit by 'Chevalier de Fleur's' sword, "Urrgh!"
DUEL RESULTS: Flashback Sherry LeBlanc wins!
Very quickly, Flashback Sherry was shown crushing various Turbo duelists quickly and brutally.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Until I defeat Carlie in a duel," thought Sherry, "I will never beat back my inner demons," She then spoke aloud, "So, you really want to know why I take dueling so seriously?"
"Obviously!" retorted Lisa.
From there, Sherry pointed out towards Carlie in the crowd.
"It's because of her, Carlie Izayoi!" she declared openly, "That girl is the 'Black Rose Witch' who ruined my life!"
Cue gasps from the audience (with very few exceptions). While they knew that Carlie was once known as the infamous 'Black Rose Witch', they were all shocked by the amount of anger, bitterness, and vitriol in Sherry's tone of voice when she said that.
"She ruined your life?" whispered Lisa before speaking up, "How could Carlie ruin your life?"
"Years ago," continued Sherry, "I was an orphan who lived with many other orphaned children. Carlie was one of them. We were best friends," In the audience, the members of Team 4D's, plus Discord, were listening to the explanation—especially both Carlie and James R., "One day, we were having a duel, and I was the clear victor. But instead of congratulating me on my victory, Carlie instead got angry and used her psychic powers to make an actual monster come to life. She tried to kill me just because she couldn't handle a loss!"
"Yo! That's not true and you know it!" snapped James R., nearly diving out of his seat, "The only reason that happened is because you-"
Sadly, he was grabbed by both Michael and Zack (the latter covering his mouth) and began dragging him away from the arena, trying their hardest not to let him break loose and do something possibly stupid or worse. Lisa, on the other hand, overheard the loud exclamation, and knew there had to be more to what Sherry was telling her. Sherry, meanwhile, continued speaking about why she dueled so seriously…
"From that point on," she was saying, "I dedicated my career as a duelist to become stronger and exact revenge on Carlie for giving me such mental scars. To that, I will crush anyone who faces me in a duel. To me, dueling is about reaching the top and seizing your moment no matter who you have to hurt in the process!"
"You're a filthy liar!" snarled Lisa, not believing what she was hearing from a fellow duelist, "Revenge and getting to the top… That's 'not' what dueling is all about! It's about trying your best and having fun!"
"Again, you shouldn't say things you know nothing about," retorted Sherry coldly, causing Lisa to growl in response, "For now, even if I'm at 100 LP, I'll still defeat you!" She then started talking about her destroyed 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin', "If 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' is destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to the GY: I can Special Summon 1 'Noble Knight' Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck, except 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin', and if I do, attach this card from the GY to that monster as material. (This is treated as an Xyz Summon.)"
From there, the spirit of 'Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin' briefly appeared before flying into the Overlay Network appearing in the center of the stadium's track. Sherry then began a Summon Chant…
"In all the history books, there is but one king whose name is spoken of. And now, his might shall shine in his greatest form!" chanted Sherry, just as the Overlay Network exploded and released something from it, "Xyz Summon! Come out! Rank 4! 'Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights'!"
Appearing out of the Overlay Network and posing on the field, was the evolved form of 'Noble Knight Artorigus' (Rank: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000).
"Not this one," worried Lisa, knowing that this was one of the monsters that defeated Asagi.
"'Artorigus's' first effect activates!" announced Sherry, as a card ('Noble Arms - Gallatin') ejected from her GY, "When this card is Xyz Summoned: I can target up to 3 'Noble Arms' Equip Spells with different names in my GY; I must equip those targets to this card."
From there, the glowing blade 'Gallatin' appeared in 'Artorigus's' hands as he grew stronger (ATK: 2000 → 3000). Grunting slightly, Lisa decided to try and buy some more time…
"Field Spell, 'Ancient Forest', activate!" she, while holding up the mentioned card, announced.
Upon slotting the card into her Duel Runner, he scenery around both duelists once again began to change, this time into a huge forest like setting.
"'Ancient Forest'?" pondered Sherry.
"When I activate this card: I must change any Defense Position monster(s) on the field to face-up Attack Position. Flip Effects are not activated at this time," explained Lisa, hoping that this would be enough to stall for more time, "Monsters can be Normal or Special Summoned in Defense Position, but cannot be Set or changed to Defense Position. If a monster attacks: I can destroy it at the end of the Battle Phase," She then held up a card while readying it, "I hope this will help me out."
Seconds later, a face-down card materialized on the field before fading away for later use.
"I Set one card and end my turn!" finished Lisa.
"So, you have 'Ancient Fairy Dragon', 'Naturia Dragonfly', 'Ancient Forest', and a Set card," remarked Sherry, "But those obstacles of yours will not stop me! No matter what you use to fight me, you will never defeat me! Once I take my turn, this duel will go back into my control!"
Lisa Drake, riding Strike Rouge while 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' and 'Naturia Dragonfly' both flew above her, drove in defiance as a huge, faded image of Sherry LeBlanc from the chest up loomed over her. This duel was certainly heating up to the extreme, wouldn't you agree? Who the winner would be was anybody's guess up to this point, especially if Sherry had far more cards and strategies she wanted to share with everybody in the stadium in order to win.
First, some big apologies to everyone for the large amount of cut content near the end, but this chapter had originally gotten so long (well over 15600 or so words, maybe even more than that number) that we've decided to just split it up into a two part chapter instead. The second half will include all of the remaining content set during and after the duel, so stay tuned for even more dueling action.