Yu-Gi-Oh! 6D's: Legend of the Six Dragons

by SF64Rules91

It's Spring 2012, with Matt Fudo and his friends all being invited to compete in a Turbo Duel tournament in New York City by a man named Rex Godwin. Along the way, they will meet new friends—with two of them having access to powers and servants of the Crimson Dragon. Eventually, this group of heroes must unite and fight against a cult of wicked duelists known as the "Dark Signers".

16. The King's Gambit

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: The King's Gambit

Opening up within the New York City stadium, Wheel of Fortune and Calamity both roared down the track as the Turbo Duel between Michael (LP: 6600) and Orga (LP: 3500) continued. The former's turn had come to an end, and that meant it was the latter's turn.

"So far, the King has the upper hand!" The voice of the MC narrated, just as Orga was shown drawing a card and beginning his (Orga) turn, "But it does not mean that his opponent is going to give up just like that!"

---

Turn Four: Orga Sabnak (LP: 3500)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (2): "Gladiator Beast's Comeback" and "Pot of Greed"
Action Card: N/A

---

Without skipping a beat, Orga slotted his drawn card ('Pot of Greed') into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner, causing the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field beside Calamity (on its right).

"I activate the Spell Card, 'Pot of Greed'!" While speaking, Orga drew two more cards (in at a time), "I must draw 2 cards!"

The cards were 'Gladiator Beast United' (Spell Card) and 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' (Effect Monster Card). Adding both cards into his hand, Orga took and held another card ('Gladiator Beast's Comeback') out to play.

"Then, from my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Gladiator Beast's Comeback'!" announced Orga, "I must Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my hand or GY, with a different Type from the monsters I control. It cannot be destroyed by battle," He then took a card ('Gladiator Beast Augustus') from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Gladiator Beast Augustus'!"

Appearing onto the field was a vulture-like warrior dressed in armor, and it had gotten stronger almost immediately (Level: 8/ATK: 3100/DEF: 1000).

"This monster is a Winged Beast," explained Orga, "To state the obvious, it's different compared to my other two 'Gladiator Beast' monsters, which are Sea Serpent and Beast-Warrior respectively," He then held his right hand out and motioned it a bit, "Now, I'm gonna send 'Augustus' and 'Vespasius' both back into my Deck, and 'Tamer Editor' back into my Extra Deck!"

The three monsters faded in colored waves of light as a Fusion Summon sequence commenced.

"Roaming spirits of ancient gladiators! Gather under the name of the emperor and offer your power!" chanted Orga, before carefully bringing both hands together, "Contact Fusion! Come, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'!"

Appearing onto the field was a powerful reptile-like warrior in dark armor with a sword and shield (Level: 8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2800).

"And there's a lot more where that came from!" bragged Orga, "I activate the effect of 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'! If this card is Special Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, except 'Gladiator Beast Andabatae', ignoring its Summoning conditions, but if it battles, shuffle it into the Extra Deck at the end of the Damage Step," He narrowed his eyes as his smile grew savage, "Behold my 'Gladiator Beast' Extra Deck combo! I Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' from my Extra Deck, ignoring the Summoning Conditions!"

Reappearing on the field was 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' (Level: 8/ATK: 2400/DEF: 3000).

"Now all I need is the final piece!" declared Orga, "I'll gain it by activating the effect of 'Tamer Editor'! Once per turn: I can choose 1 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster in any player's Extra Deck and Special Summon it to its controller's field in Attack Position, ignoring its Summoning conditions," A card ejected from his Extra Deck slot, and he took hold of it and placed it onto his Duel Runner, "This one will do for me… Come forth, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!"

Appearing onto the field was the powerful, winged beast-like warrior in armor (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500). All three 'Gladiator Beast' monsters faced off against both 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Chaos King Archfiend', while Michael remained completely unafraid of the opposition.

"Hmph! This is all a desperate ploy by you, the clown, to try and intimidate me, the King," The lime green-haired young man dismissed, briefly closing his eyes while speaking. He then opened them fiercely, "I will say it again! No matter what cheap tricks and tactics you try against me, I will win this duel without taking a single point of damage!"

"Don't screw with me!" warned Orga, getting angry again.

He then watched as Wheel of Fortune drove to the side a bit before its rider reached out and grabbed an Action Card. Orga scoffed, figuring it wouldn't help Michael out of his situation, especially once he used 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' to clear away one of those annoying monsters of the so-called 'King'.

"'Former King', your precious 'Red Daemon's' and one of your face-down cards are about to be destroyed!" proclaimed Orga, as he reveals the first effect of his Fusion Summoned monster, "When 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' is Special Summoned: I can target up to 2 cards on the field; I must destroy those targets," When his opponent said nothing back, he continued, "That's right, I'm gonna wipe out your ace monster and weaken your resolve to duel! Get ready to attack, 'Gyzarus'!"

'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' obeyed, creating a large gust of wind which blew towards Michael's field. Once the wind reached Wheel of Fortune, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' would be destroyed along with one of those Set cards. Alas, it was not meant to be…

"You're too naive, Orga!" shouted Michael, "Do you honestly believe you can destroy my very soul, 'Red Daemon's', with a simple monster effect like that!?"

"What're you talking about?" questioned Orga.

Before long, one of the face-down cards belonging to Michael reappeared on the field behind Wheel of Fortune, flipped face-up, and revealed itself.

"Face-down card, open!" The voice of Michael announced, as the above scenario played out, "I activate a Trap, 'Assault Mode Activate'!"

"W-What?! 'Assault Mode Activate', is it?" recoiled Orga.

'Red Dragon Archfiend', flying back into the sky, let out a roar as powerful crimson flames engulfed its whole body. When the flames eventually died down, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' now had bits and pieces of armor placed all across its body as its Level and stats all went WAY up (Level: 8 → 10/ATK: 3000 → 3500/DEF: 2000 → 2500).

"I must Tribute 1 Synchro Monster; I must Special Summon 1 '/Assault Mode' monster, whose name includes the Tributed monster's name, from my Deck in Attack Position," explained Michael, "'Red Dragon Archfiend' is now known as 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'!"

'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' descended back down until it was flying above Wheel of Fortune and let out a loud roar, stopping the gust of wind created by 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'. In the stands…

"This is amazing, everyone!" cried Megan, still reporting on the tournament, "The King has done it again; he has successfully turned a bad situation back into his favor!"

The rest of the crowd, meanwhile, cheered in response to Michael's turnaround move. The only ones not cheering were Azrael, Clotho, and Shani. Back on the track, Orga flinched when he saw 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' repelling his attack, but quickly recovered from the initial shock.

"So what about it?" scoffed Orga, "I'm not afraid of your new monster. In fact, I'll probably have it destroyed before you know it!"

"It'll have to wait, because you currently can't do anything to destroy my very soul!" reminded Michael, "During the turn it is Special Summoned, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and is unaffected by my opponent's card effects."

Orga scowled in response. Oh, and if only the very bad news ended there…

"Furthermore, I'll also activate another Trap Card!" As Michael spoke, his final face-down card reappeared on the field behind Wheel of Fortune, flipped face-up, and revealed itself to be… "'Synchro Barrier'! I must Tribute 1 Synchro Monster: I do not take any damage, until the end of the next turn."

"No damage?!" gawked Orga, before going into his thoughts, "Damn that guy! If he hadn't activated that card, I could have picked up an Action Card or two and used them to power the ATK of either 'Tamer Editor' or 'Gyzarus' and then destroy 'Chaos King Archfiend', therefore damaging him!"

"None!" confirmed Michael, "So now, I'll Tribute 'Chaos King Archfiend' in order to use my Trap's effect!"

'Chaos King Archfiend' vanished and turned into a huge Synchro Ring, which enlarged into a protective shield around Wheel of Fortune. This would protect Michael from any possible attack made by Orga for the time being.

"'Chaos King Archfiend' has served me well up to this point," acknowledged Michael, looking at the 'Chaos King Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card for a moment before sending it to the GY, "Thanks to it, I have all I need to defeat you, representative of Blue Cosmos! Bow down before the King!"

"I never will bow before you!" snarled Orga, refusing to look like a fool in-front of Michael while taking a card from his (Orga) hand and slotting it into his Duel Runner, "I Set one card and end my turn!"

Both Wheel of Fortune and Calamity raced past an Action Card and further down the track. In the stands, David, his family, and friends were really getting into the duel.

"Wow, Atlas-sama is revelling in this game quite a lot," remarked David.

"It appears to be Mike's way of entertaining the crowd," Janice pointed out, "He always seems to like doing that."

"Huh, no kidding," agreed Sean.

Nearby with the Blue Cosmos representatives…

"Orga…" thought Azrael, looking somewhat unhappy, "He seems to be getting sloppy in his dueling. Perhaps his victory over Carlie is making him a bit cocky and sure of himself. That's not what 'I' want to see! I want all students dueling for me and Blue Cosmos to be utterly ruthless in battle and win, not let someone else walk all over them."

Back on the track, the duel continued.

"It's my turn!" began Michael, drawing a card.

---

Turn Five: Michael Atlas (LP: 6600)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (2): "Assault Revival" and "Angel Baton"
Action Card: "Illumination"

---

Almost immediately, he slotted the card into his Duel Disk.

"I activate the Spell Card, 'Angel Baton'!" began Michael, just as the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself. He then drew two more cards, took one ('Absolute King Back Jack') of them, and discarded it into his GY, "I must draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card!"

All of a sudden, the spirit of a familiar-looking monster started to appear on the field.

"Wh-What the hell is-?!" gasped Orga.

The monster appearing onto the field resembled a chibi-version of Michael, only with blonde hair instead of lime green hair.

"The card I discarded is a monster called 'Absolute King Back Jack'," explained Michael, drawing the top three cards, looking them over, and explaining his monster's second effect, "If this card is sent to the GY: I can look at 3 cards from the top of my Deck, then place them on the top of the Deck in any order."

The cards were 'Assault Slash' (Trap Card), 'Battle Fader' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Mind Trust' (Spell Card). Without saying anything (yet), he immediately placed the three cards back on top of his Deck.

"I'll leave these cards in the same order they were in," While speaking, Michael turned Wheel of Fortune around to face the opponent (while still driving down the track) and motioned his right hand out, "Battle! 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', take down 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'!" Announcing the attack name, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' lit its right fist on fire similar to how 'Red Dragon Archfiend' would do so before moving in, "Extreme Crimson Force!"

From there, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' lunged forward with its inflamed claw aimed towards 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'.

"You think that'll beat my monster?" cut in Orga, making Michael frown, "If you seriously believe that, then let me show you something!" He then made his Set card reappear on the field in-front of Calamity, "I activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'Gladiator Beasts United'!"

The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself.

"During the Battle Phase: I must shuffle into the Deck, from my hand, field, or GY, the Fusion Materials that are listed on a 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster, then Special Summon that Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, ignoring its Summoning conditions," explained Orga, "I cannot declare attacks the turn I activate this card, except with 'Gladiator Beast' monsters."

Before 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' could strike 'Gladiator Beast Andabata', the enemy monster turned into an orb of light and flew out of the way and into the sky. Both 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' also turned into orbs of light and flew into the sky as well.

"As you can see," cracked Orga, "I'm using all three of my 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monsters."

The familiar Fusion Vortex appeared in the sky, and all three orbs of light flew into it.

"Contact Fusion!" yelled Orga, carefully bringing both hands together, "'Gladiator Beast Nerokius'!"

Appearing onto the field once the Fusion Vortex had faded was a large armored bat-like creature (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1900).

"If you must know, it cannot be destroyed by battle," said Orga snidely.

"Hmph! Pretty fitting for someone like you," replied Michael haughtily, "However, it still won't be of any help," He then went over his ace monster's first effect because a replay was occuring, "After damage calculation, if 'Red Daemon's' attacked: I must destroy all other monsters on the field!" With the dramatic wave of his right arm, he issued the order, "'Red Daemon's', attack again!"

Obeying the command, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' started charging flames in its mouth.

"Crimson The End!" The voice of Michael hollered.

From there, the flames were breathed over near Calamity and 'Gladiator Beast Nerokius', striking the latter and causing an explosion to cloud that part of the track. Michael smiled to himself after thinking he managed to destroy 'Gladiator Beast Nerokius' anyway. Just then, both Calamity and 'Gladiator Beast Nerokius' emerged from the smoke undamaged.

"What?!" reeled Michael.

"I guess I should have told you something else," taunted Orga, "If this card battles, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. Ha! That means when you tried your luck with a replay attack, 'Red Daemon's' Crimson The End had no effect at all!"

With an exception to the Blue Cosmos representatives, the audience looked discouraged by the seeming misplay by Michael. To their surprise, however, Michael simply snickered quietly before bursting into loud, arrogant laughter, shocking and angering Orga yet again.

"W-Why are you laughing?!" The mustard yellow-haired young man questioned harshly.

"Well, well, well! So the clown actually had a hidden trick up his sleeve this whole time?" teased Michael, once he stopped laughing. He then looked over his shoulder at Orga with a cool smirk on his face, "I like it! Keep at it, keep entertaining me!"

Speaking of Orga, he was seething over being insulted yet again, and the latest one resulted in him finally reaching his breaking point.

"SHUT UP!" barked Orga, "Somebody like you will never understand the 'Hell' that Clotho, Shani, and I each went through just to become duelists in the first place!"

"Hm?" pondered Michael, without saying anything else.

From there, Orga closed his eyes as a flashback began.

---

FLASHBACK

It was years ago in the city of Hartford, Duel Monsters had just been released in the United States and became an enormous hit with the general public. Young Orga, Young Clotho, and Young Shani each were ordinary guys living out their lives like other people their age.

"Come on, you really shouldn't be wearing these stupid things," snorted Young Orga, swiping Young Juri's pink wire-framed glasses from her face, "They make you look like a nerd."

"My glasses! I can't see without them!" cried Young Juri, quickly falling on her hands and knees while being unable to see anything, "Give them back, Orga!"

The three younger Bio-CPU boys simply laughed meanly over their little 'joke', but they then got into a violent encounter with both Young Asagi and Young Mayura, who were very protective of their intelligent friend. Needless to say, the boys always had a strong rivalry with the three Astray girls even when they were all younger kids.

(new scene…)

Inside one of the card shops, Young Orga was currently dueling another kid. Ultimately, the kid managed to defeat Young Orga rather quickly.

"What?!" whined Young Orga, not happy over losing the duel, "Me, lose!?" He slammed his hand of cards onto the table in a fit of frustration, "What a bunch of baloney!"

(new scene…)

Young Orga wasn't the only one to nearly always lose, Young Clotho and Young Shani also got their respective butts kicked often as well. They lost duels to the other kids, and especially to their own rivals (and even the girls weren't very good at the game). And this continued for the foreseeable future.

(new scene…)

Years later (April of 2008), Flashback Orga was inside his room on the computer, about to do some random surfing on the internet when, after opening up Internet Explorer, he came upon something interesting in the news section on the home page.

"Hmm? What do we have here?" he pondered to himself, absentmindedly clicking on the link.

It turns out the link led to a site containing big time information about a new school being built and funded by Industrial Illusions in Hartford specifically to help those who wish to become duelists and Turbo duelists. The best news about it? It didn't cost very much to apply, and was going to open real soon.

"A school that teaches people how to play Duel Monsters?" As Flashback Orga carefully read through the information, a big smile appeared on his face when he finished, "This… this is perfect!" The webpage for the new school was shown, "If we attend this school, we can finally become the duelists we always wanted to be and then some!" And he grabbed his phone and texted his two best friends the news. "I have to tell Clotho and Shani about it!"

Seconds later, he got some excited responses.

(elsewhere…)

Later that day at the mall, Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani each were walking around looking for something to do when they overheard some familiar voices chatting nearby…

"Can you girls believe that an actual dueling school is being built here in Hartford?" The voice of Flashback Asagi asked happily.

"I never actually thought it would happen," The voice of Flashback Juri replied.

The three Bio-CPU boys then looked and saw their goody-good female counterparts seated on a nearby bench and talking about the new school. Grinning deviously, Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani each decided to go and say 'hello' to the three girls.

"Man, an actual school that teaches people how to play Duel Monsters," admired Flashback Mayura, before leaning back and resting both hands behind her head, "And they even will teach you how to play the game while riding on motorcycles. It sounds dangerous, but, at the same time, it also sounds fun and adventurous!"

"You wanna know what I think?" suggested Flashback Asagi, "The three of us should join the school when it opens up. Our dueling really isn't all that good, and we could certainly use the improvement so that we become better."

"Do you think they will accept any of us?" wondered Flashback Juri.

"I doubt it," The voice of Clotho said dismissively, as he, Flashback Orga, and Flashback Shani each walked into frame and surprised (not to mention annoyed) the three Astray girls, "They only want 'good' duelists."

"Oh, you mean like neither of us?" grinned Flashback Asagi, referring to herself and her two best friends, "Because it's not like you three are any better at the game than we are."

Becoming very cross, Flashback Clotho got up to the wavy blonde-haired girl's face.

"You wanna repeat that to my face?" he challenged.

Still smiling, Flashback Asagi remained unafraid of her forever rival, while Flashback Mayura quickly got between the pair and forced Flashback Clotho away.

"For your information, the school will totally accept us!" insisted Flashback Mayura.

"Wanna bet on that?" dared Flashback Shani.

"You're on!" accepted Flashback Juri, who was not above doing something like this, "The losers have to buy the winners lunch!"

"Huh! Good choice of bet," teased Flashback Orga, "When we three win, you girls are gonna buy us all the pizza we can eat."

And the two small groups sealed the deal with a handshake, meaning there were no take backs.

(new scene…)

Eventually, it was the day Orb (the dueling school) finally opened for business. The confirmed headmaster, Patrick Zimmerman, was standing behind a podium speaking to the gathered crowd.

"I would like to thank each and every one of you who came to the opening of our new Dueling Academy," said Flashback Mr. Zimmerman, "Here at Orb, we will welcome all who wish to become talented duelists, and help train them into becoming the best they can be," The gathered crowd listened to the speech, "The school, funded by Industrial Illusions's CEO Discord J. Crawford, has also picked the best teachers and staff they could provide. I can assure everyone here that the up-and-coming duelists will be in very good hands."

Amongst the new teachers standing nearby was Erica Simmons, a former card designer who worked for Industrial Illusions before quitting after Discord recommended her for a teaching position at the new school. Flashback Erica silently smiled at the speech.

"And now, we declare Orb to be officially opened!" finished Flashback Mr. Zimmerman.

From there, he cut the ribbon leading to the school, causing lots and lots of cheers and applause from the crowd as they all started approaching. In the crowd were the three Bio-CPU boys and the three Astray girls.

"Well, girls, are you ready?" asked Flashback Asagi, looking at her two best friends.

"As we'll ever be," Flashback Juri answered, after taking a deep breath.

"Are you guys ready to get into a sweet-looking duel school?" boasted Flashback Orga, looking at his two best friends.

"Do you need to ask?" chuckled Flashback Clotho, as Flashback Shani smirked in agreement.

Before long, both small groups approached Flashback Mr. Zimmerman.

"Um… Excuse me?" began Flashback Juri politely.

"Hey!" Flashback Orga said more loudly.

Flashback Mr. Zimmerman turned and smiled at the trio of boys and girls respectively.

"Oh, hello, are you six here to sign up and learn about dueling?" he wondered kindly.

Flashback Mayura nodded, "That's right."

"You see, we really want to learn how to become duelists as talented as those like Matt Fudo, Michael Atlas, James Hogan, and Carlie Izayoi," put in Flashback Asagi, before taking a few steps forward, "Mayura, Juri, and I have always treated our opponents with-"

"Forget those three!" interrupted Flashback Clotho, rudely shoving Flashback Asagi aside, "Orga, Shani, and I are really tired of losing duels to other people!"

Flashback Mr. Zimmerman turned to look at the three Bio-CPU boys.

"Ever since the game was released in the states, we've been sucking real badly!" said Flashback Orga, "We don't want to suck anymore! Plus the idea of playing Duel Monsters while riding motorcycles sounds like a lot of fun."

"That's why we need to join this school!" proclaimed Flashback Shani, "It's the only way we can finally start getting the respect we want. We just have to start winning duels!"

Hearing this explanation caused Flashback Mr. Zimmerman to frown.

"Is that all what you three boys want?" he asked slowly and sternly, "You want to become duelists in order to get respect from other people?"

"And so we don't lose again!" corrected Flashback Orga, "It's as simple as that!"

"Oh dear… Oh my…" muttered Flashback Mr. Zimmerman, sounding pretty disappointed as he brought his left hand to his forehead, "I…really don't know what to say about you three."

"I bet we're great!" grinned Flashback Clotho.

"Oh, give me a break," Flashback Asagi groaned to only herself, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

"So, are you gonna let Orga, Clotho, and I in?" pressed Flashback Shani hopefully.

There was a long silence, seeing as Flashback Mr. Zimmerman was thinking long and hard about the three Bio-CPU boys before he came to a difficult decision on what to do with them.

"I'm sorry, you three, but Orb will not accept youths who only want to duel just to win and get respect," Flashback Mr. Zimmerman said with regret, while the Astray trio listened with interest, "According to Discord, there's more to dueling than just winning. Duelists need to show respect and kindness to their opponents," He looked disappointed with himself over what he was saying, but he had rules to follow, "After all, dueling is about having fun and trying your best."

As expected, the Biological CPU trio were absolutely shocked that they were being turned down, before trying very hard to deny the reality in-front of them. Before Flashback Mr. Zimmerman could speak some more…

"I agree," The voice of Flashback Ms. Simmons concurred, as she walked up, "Dueling is more than just winning and earning respect, it's also about respecting your opponent, your own cards, and having fun," She folded her arms, "If you are not going to respect those around you, why should they give 'you' any respect in return?"

"You mean-?" stammered Flashback Shani.

"Yes, it means you boys will not be able to sign up for this school unless you learn the true meanings of dueling," admitted Flashback Mr. Zimmerman, feeling very sorry, "I do apologize for the inconvenience."

This bit of bad news disappointed Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani greatly. Now they were going to be forever stuck as third-rated duelists with fourth-rated Decks.

"Sir, what about us?" suggested Flashback Mayura.

"We'd like to become duelists, too," added Flashback Asagi.

Flashback Mr. Zimmerman faced the three Astray girls, unsure if he would accept them.

"I can assure you that when Duel Monsters first came out and we tried it out, Asagi, Mayura, and I always respected our opponents," reassured Flashback Juri, before looking towards the three Bio-CPU boys and secretly using them as an example (without actually saying anything about it), "Heck, even when they don't respect us in the slightest, we respect them."

"Eh?" quizzed Flashback Shani.

"And that goes the same for our cards," put in Flashback Mayura.

"Hmm… I see," mused Flashback Mr. Zimmerman thoughtfully.

The three Astray girls looked hopeful that they would be accepted; they watched as Flashback Mr. Zimmerman pulled Flashback Ms. Simmons aside for a moment to talk.

"Erica, what do you think of those three young ladies?" pondered Flashback Mr. Zimmerman.

"These three seem to have a great potential within them," smiled Flashback Miss Simmons, "And unlike those three boys, they do seem to share the same respect and honor all duelists should have."

"Yes, I can tell. Based on what we were told, we will give them a chance."

Finally, the two adults turned and walked back over to the small group of teenagers.

"Well?" asked Flashback Mayura.

"It would seem you three girls do show honor and respect to your opponents and cards," said Flashback Mr. Zimmerman truthfully, "That's what we at Orb like to see."

Flashback Asagi beamed, "Does this mean-?!"

"Are you telling us we're in?" put in Flashback Juri.

Flashback Mr. Zimmerman and Flashback Ms. Simmons both nodded, confirming it. Flashback Asagi, Flashback Mayura, and Flashback Juri each were so overjoyed and giddy that they hugged each other and started squealing in sheer delight, while the three Bio-CPU boys just stood there dumbfounded with their mouths wide open.

"That's it?" blinked Flashback Clotho.

"You're just gonna accept them into Orb?" gawked Flashback Orga.

"As I pointed out not that long ago, we have honor and respect for our opponents and our cards," Flashback Juri reminded, before adding… "However, you three don't."

"Thanks a lot, you three," praised Flashback Asagi, playfully and sarcastically.

"We couldn't have gotten in without your help," winked Flashback Mayura, "See ya later—for lunch, that is, since you three will be paying for it!"

With that, the three Astray girls happily followed their new teacher and headmaster inside the school to be shown around, leaving Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani each behind in stunned silence. Realizing they had been duped and also lost the bet, they face-faulted in complete defeat and humiliation.

(new scene…)

Another couple of afternoons later, the three Bio-CPU boys were hanging out at their usual spot in the middle of town after school. Their 'hideout' (if you wanna call it one) had a mini-pantry full of some goodies like potato chips and such, small bookcases and shelves full of comic books and paperback novels, comfy hammocks, a table with a boombox on top, and even a television that had access to a couple of channels.

"This just sucks!" complained Flashback Clotho, after taking a long sip from his can of soda and slamming it onto the table, "I can't believe we were rejected for not knowing how to show honor and respect to our opponents! Who the hell does that guy think he is?"

"Honor and respect is for hippies!" grunted Flashback Orga, taking a huge bite out of a sandwich and hurling it away afterward.

Flashback Shani didn't pay any attention; he was laying on his hammock listening to music with his headphones on, trying to block out the outside world. Without much choice, Flashback Orga started flipping through TV channels to see what was worth watching before coming across a commercial for a dueling-related school. He was just about to change the channel again when he was stopped by Flashback Clotho.

"Hold it, Orga!" The orange/red-haired boy said hastily, "I want to see this."

"Why?" snorted Flashback Orga, "It's likely a commercial for that dueling school we got rejected from."

"No, this one's for a different school!" corrected Flashback Clotho.

"Huh? Another school?"

Flashback Shani, managing to overhear the words 'different school', sat up and removed his headphones in order to listen. Flashback Orga also became interested in seeing what this commercial was like, and so he decided against changing the channel. This television commercial was showing footage of various duelists facing off against each other as well as a huge, fancy-looking academy of sorts.

"This is Albany's Blue Cosmos," The voice of a young man (Flashback Azrael) recited, "At this fine Dueling Academy, we will accept any willing students who want to become the best of the best, and we will train them to become the greatest duelists that ever existed. To apply for the school, just call the number on the screen."

As the footage and narration proceeded, the number (1-800-713-8339) appeared at the bottom of the screen. Interested, Flashback Clotho took out a notepad and pencil and wrote it all down. Once the commercial ended, he shut off the television and smiled big.

"Guys, this is our answer!" realized Flashback Clotho, holding up the note piece with the number he wrote down, "All we need to do is move to 'Albany - New York' and attend that school Blue Cosmos! If we study hard enough there, we can become unbeatable and finally get the respect we always wanted!"

"Yeah!" agreed Flashback Orga.

"It sounds good, but there's a slight flaw in the plan," commented Flashback Shani, "We need to ask our families for permission."

"Then we'll just have to ask them about it and beg to, run away if needed," figured Flashback Clotho, "Enrolling at Blue Cosmos might be the only way we'll never lose duels again. You two understand that, right?"

Flashback Orga nodded in agreement, while Flashback Shani decided to nod as well.

(elsewhere…)

A couple of days later, a bus was driving down the highway from Hartford all the way to Albany.

(inside…)

Inside the bus, passengers, which included Flashback Orga (who was reading a novel), Flashback Clotho (who was playing a game on his Nintendo DS), and Flashback Shani (who was listening to music with his headphones on), were seated and waiting patiently to reach their destination. After some long conversations with their respective families over going to Blue Cosmos in Albany, the parents agreed to let them go there to continue their education and become duelists.

"After we were rejected by Orb," narrated Orga, as his flashback self and best friends enjoyed the bus ride, "we learned of another school called Blue Cosmos. It would accept people who want to win, and that's what we wanted more than anything. After we asked our parents to go there, they agreed to let us travel all the way to Albany."

(elsewhere…)

Eventually, the bus arrived in the city of Albany, and the bus pulled over outside the school the three Bio-CPU boys heard of; Blue Cosmos. To their amazement, it was as huge and fancy as they saw in that commercial.

"Gentlemen, we have reached the Promised Land," Flashback Orga announced proudly, as he and his best friends carried their luggage with them, "Once we walk through these doors, we will be on our way to becoming the greatest duelists in the world!"

Flashback Clotho and Flashback Shani both grinned at their leader's prediction—becoming the greatest duelists in the world did have a nice ring to it.

(elsewhere…)

Inside the main office, Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani each were standing near the desk of the school's headmaster, Muruta Azrael.

"So, I've heard you three were rejected from Orb, yes?" questioned Flashback Azrael, not wasting any time asking the questions.

"We were rejected," confirmed Flashback Orga, "They didn't allow us in because they claim we have no honor or respect for other players."

Flashback Azrael raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. He instead allowed the three Bio-CPU boys to speak on.

"After losing so many duels over the years, we can't take it anymore!" claimed Flashback Clotho.

"All we want to do is win," finished Flashback Shani, "Is it too much to ask?"

"In that case, if victory is what you boys desire most, then you have definitely come to the right place," reassured Flashback Azrael, standing up while adjusting his tie while smiling, "Anyone who wants nothing more than to win will get what they wish for. Beginning tomorrow, your first classes at Blue Cosmos will commence."

The three Bio-CPU boys were absolutely thrilled with what they heard.

"This is amazing!" rejoiced Flashback Clotho.

"No longer are we going to be looked down upon!" added Flashback Shani.

"These classes are bound to be a ton of fun," concluded Flashback Orga, before sharing high-fives with his two best friends.

Oh, how a simple TV commercial could blind you to the reality of the matter…

(new scene…)

The next day, Flashback Orga was on a platform while equipped with a Duel Disk. On his field was a large, green-skinned cyclops monster known as 'Hitotsu-Me Giant', having just played the card.

"Hey, this is pretty cool," admired Flashback Orga, "These Duel Disks can actually create life-like monsters."

"It's my turn!" The male teacher bellowed, drawing a card, "Draw!"

---

Turn ?: Blue Cosmos Teacher (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Polymerization"

---

Very quickly, he held his drawn card ('Polymerization') out.

"I activate the Spell Card, 'Polymerization'!" The male teacher declared, "I must Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material," He then spoke of two Monster Cards ('Battle Ox' and 'Mystic Horseman'), "I use this card to fuse the 'Battle Ox' with the 'Mystic Horseman' in my hand together!"

The two mentioned monsters briefly appeared on the field before entering the Fusion Vortex and fusing together.

"Appear now, 'Rabid Horseman'!" The voice of the male teacher, as the above scenario played out, bellowed.

Appearing onto the field as the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was a combination between 'Battle Ox' and 'Mystic Horseman' (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).

"Oh crap," groaned Flashback Orga.

"Go, 'Rabid Horseman'!" The male teacher ordered, "Take down 'Hitotsu-Me Giant'!"

'Rabid Horseman' obeyed, slicing 'Hitotsu-Me Giant' with its mighty axe. The cyclops monster shattered into shards of glass a few seconds later as Flashback Orga braced himself and took large damage (LP: 4000 → 3200). Before saying anything, he suddenly got an intense electrical shock from the Duel Disk, causing the mustard yellow-haired boy to scream in pain before collapsing onto his hands and knees.

"Wh-What the hell…was that about!?" panted Flashback Orga, now feeling exhausted.

"The Duel Disk you are wearing is rigged to issue an electric shock every time its user takes damage," The male teacher explained harshly, "If you're to ever become a professional duelist and win, you must strike your enemies first before they get the chance to strike you! Am I clear?!"

Flashback Orga honestly did not know what to say about that.

(elsewhere…)

Outside on the track, Flashback Clotho was decked out in a motorcyclist suit, riding his first Duel Runner, and experiencing his very first Turbo Duel.

"So, I play my cards like this," he was telling himself, taking a card from his hand and preparing to place it onto a Monster Zone on the Duel Runner, "This is my card! I-"

Before Flashback Clotho could play his card, his (also male) instructor drove up on his own Duel Runner and started violently bashing it into Clotho's Duel Runner.

"H-Hey!" wailed Flashback Clotho, "What are you-?!"

"On the Turbo Dueling course, you must be able to not only duel well, but also keep your mind on the road when facing your opponent!" The instructor shouted, "Otherwise, 'this' could happen!"

He then rammed the Duel Runner so hard, that Flashback Clotho lost control and ran off the course before being sent flying off the vehicle, causing the duel to end with no result and nearly getting Flashback Clotho injured quite badly. Luckily, he had a soft landing.

"This…is the Promised Land…?" coughed Flashback Clotho, lying on the ground.

(elsewhere…)

In another room, Flashback Shani was not having a better day than his two best friends. In fact, his day was just as bad. He was in the middle of duel with a male teacher of his own, Duel Disk and all. The good news? There was no shock feature on the Duel Disks. The bad news? Flashback Shani was about to lose the duel.

"Go, 'Curse of Dragon'!" The second male teacher commanded, "Hell Flame!"

The yellow dragon obeyed, firing a blast of flames that struck and knocked Flashback Shani back as he cried out (LP: 1200 → 0).

---

DUEL RESULTS: Second Male Teacher wins!

---

Before Flashback Shani knew what was going on, he was grabbed by the jacket collar by the angry-looking teacher and slammed into the wall pretty roughly.

"Pathetic!" The second male teacher yelled angrily, "Absolutely pathetic! You couldn't even inflict a single point of damage towards me! How do you ever expect to become a dueling champion if you do not go all out on the field of battle?!"

"Th-The cards in my hand were-" Flashback Shani tried protesting.

"No excuses!" The second male teacher berated, "You will either shape up, or there's a chance you will be kicked out! Do I make myself clear, kid?!"

It was then Shani knew it would be wise to keep quiet.

(elsewhere…)

By the end of the first school day, the Biological CPU trio met up inside their dorm to discuss their respective first days. To make a long story short, their days were atrocious.

"These people are lunatics!" complained Flashback Clotho, "They're not trying to 'train' us. They're practically trying to 'kill' us!"

"That's what we get for trusting a TV commercial," remarked Flashback Shani, before collapsing onto one of the beds, "It's only been our first day, and I'm already starting to think coming here was a bad idea."

"Shani! You're not thinking of quitting already, are you?" pressed Flashback Orga, aghast by what he heard. When his younger friend sat up yet didn't respond, he continued, "Besides, Clotho and I are just as unhappy with how horrible these people are, but we've come this far already, so we'll just have to grin and bear with it."

Flashback Shani's eye(s) widened with fear, but Flashback Clotho spoke up before he could.

"Orga's right," acknowledged Flashback Clotho, "You know how we want to be taken seriously by the public as duelists? We never want to lose a duel again, right? That means we can't chicken out. If we have to go through 'Hell' to reach our goals, then so be it!" He closed his eyes and sighed for a moment before opening them and smiling, "Look, we each might not get along at times, but at this point we're all that we have since we left our respective families to come here. We need to stick together."

Flashback Shani thought about it, and then, even though there was still great fear in his eye(s), he relented and agreed to stay as well.

(Montage)

For the next several months, the three Bio-CPU boys endured torture, abuse, and even being experimented on in order to learn and improve their dueling. If they wanted to win duels, they had to show promise in their performances. If they did not show any signs of improvement, then they were usually punished rather brutally by the teachers either through physical violence or from electrical shock torture. Despite initial hesitancy on their part because they could eventually be killed by the teachings from their dueling professors, Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani each decided to just take and use it as a learning experience to not mess up next time. While they started to show noteworthy improvement in their grades and dueling moving into the new year, the torture and abuse slowly started to wreak havoc on their psyches and make them increasingly unstable and prone to violent dueling and outbursts themselves. In fact, during one practice duel, Flashback Shani, enduring one shock too many, finally snapped and commenced a deadly combo so damaging that not only was his teacher defeated and shocked to the extreme, his Duel Disk even exploded from the resulting surge of power. When the smoke cleared away, the teacher was knocked unconscious. Flashback Shani was initially horrified over what he did, but then seemed to smile because he managed to win the duel. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only incident to occur either… Outside on the race track, Flashback Clotho was engaging in a Turbo Duel with another instructor, and, like from the first day, he and the Duel Runner were getting viciously attacked.

"What the hell are you doing?!" The male instructor demanded, as he smashed into Flashback Clotho's Duel Runner, "Do you even remember the lesson that was taught to you from day one?!"

Before he could begin explaining the lesson again, Flashback Clotho, now with a maddening look on his face, began fighting back, bashing at his instructor's Duel Runner with an equal amount of force.

"DIE, NOOB!" Flashback Clotho hollered angrily.

Yelling out, the male instructor was thrown from his Duel Runner and into some hay off the track. This ended the duel without any results. Flashback Clotho stopped his Duel Runner and began huffing and puffing from his insane fit of rage…before, like Flashback Shani, smiling over what he did. As for Flashback Orga, he was inside a classroom getting berated and physically beaten by another male teacher over making a simple mistake in what cards to play, and what order they should be played in. Like his two best friends, however, this time Flashback Orga did not stand for the abuse—he fought back and managed to hurl the teacher into some tables, destroying them and injuring the teacher in the process. Huffing and puffing, Flashback Orga started to smile over how truly good that felt.

"I… I…will win," he hissed in slow-gaining insanity, "I won't…be looked down upon again!"

(End Montage)

Inside Flashback Azrael's office, the ruthless blonde-haired young man, sitting in his chair, had his eyes closed and back turned on the three Bio-CPU boys, who had been called down to the office. Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani each did not know what to expect, so they wisely remained quiet until their headmaster spoke up.

"Oh dear… Boys, I've heard of some incidents involving you," began Flashback Azrael, before turning his chair around to face the three students while opening his eyes, "The staff told me you injured some of the teachers and a few of the other students. Is this true?"

"W-Well…" stammered Flashback Orga nervously.

"I think it's pretty clear you three did," Flashback Azrael interrupted, standing up from his chair and looking as though he was disappointed with the trio, "I really don't know what to say about that. Still, I have to do something about it, and this is what I think needs to be done."

With the snap of his fingers, three staff members (two male and one female) stepped forward, making the three Bio-CPU boys think they were going to be punished again. But, to their great surprise, they were instead…handed Decks. Not only that, Flashback Azrael no longer looked disappointed, but rather pleased instead.

"Huh?" peeped Flashback Shani.

"Headmaster Azrael?" pondered Flashback Clotho.

"As you can see, I'm very impressed," smiled Flashback Azrael, sounding genuinely truthful, "Me hearing this must mean your grades and dueling performances have been improving drastically for the first time since you started attending Blue Cosmos," Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani each listened to him talk, "To me, it also means you're each ready for your big test."

"Big test?" repeated Flashback Orga, "What sort of test? And why are we being given these Decks?"

"I'm glad you asked. In a few days, our school will be visited by a number of students and teachers from Orb to either watch or participate in an exhibition duel," Flashback Azrael replied, wanting to teach Orb a little lesson and show that it would have fierce competition, "Seeing as I remember you three being rejected from that school, I thought you'd might like to…take revenge?"

"Revenge?" blinked Flashback Clotho, before he (Flashback Orga) and his two friends started thinking back to when Flashback Mr. Zimmerman turned them down, "That's right… Orb turned us down…"

"And instead allowed those three lousy girls in," put in Flashback Shani darkly, having never forgotten it at all, "It wasn't fair of them to do that to us!"

"In that case, if you're still that sore about it, are you three willing to compete in these exhibition duels to settle some old scores?" offered Flashback Azrael.

It didn't even take a full minute for Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani each to make a decision before they quickly accepted their new Decks.

"We'll duel," confirmed Flashback Orga, taking the 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Deck.

"Whoever faces us…" put in Flashback Clotho, taking the 'Infernity' Synchro Deck.

"…will go down," finished Flashback Shani, taking the 'Gishki' Ritual/Xyz Deck.

"That's wonderful!" praised Flashback Azrael, clapping pleasantly, "Now, you three practice hard for those duels. And remember, you need to have 'fun' as you're dueling…" His tone then darkened, "…or else."

The three Bio-CPU boys flinched a little bit from the tone, which they knew meant "win your duels, or you'll be punished" without actually saying those words. Nevertheless, they would not let their headmaster or Blue Cosmos down.

(new scene…)

A few days later, all of Blue Cosmos and a good portion of Orb had gathered in the battlegrounds for three separate exhibition duels of Blue Cosmos vs Orb. Three duelists from Orb (all male) prepared to duel against Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani. Speaking of which, the three boys were looking very uneasy after working almost three days straight to prepare for the duels. Amongst those in the stands watching were Flashback Asagi, Flashback Mayura, and Flashback Juri. When they heard that their rivals left Hartford to join Blue Cosmos in Albany, they were shocked—yet not surprised. Although what shocked them even more was how scared they looked to duel.

"Those three 'are' Orga, Clotho, and Shani, right?" commented Flashback Mayura.

"That's them, alright, but I've never seen any of them like this before," added Flashback Juri.

Flashback Asagi watched the three Bio-CPU boys carefully, wondering if this was the work of this dueling school Blue Cosmos.

*BOOM!*

As the trio of duels finally ensued, several massive explosions clouded the grounds, throwing the three male Orb students across the field, screaming, before hitting the ground, badly injured as their respective LP gauges were depleted (LP: 0) x3.

---

DUEL RESULTS: Orga Sabnak, Clotho Buer, and Shani Andras each win

---

As it turned out, Flashback Orga, commanding 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor', 'Gladiator Beast Andabata', and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', Flashback Clotho, commanding 'Infernity Doom Dragon', and Shani, commanding 'Evigishki Soul Ogre', were the ones who did the deed. In only a couple of turns, they had shown the entire audience just how dangerous and savage they had become in the dueling scene, viciously defeating their 'weak' opponents without much trouble. Watching the trio of duels from the big stage, Flashback Azrael was seen smiling to himself, knowing that his three students had surpassed his expectations and then some. Nobody knew what he was thinking, and, to be frank, he wouldn't really care what anyone thought about him or his school after today.

"This is… this is power!" murmured Flashback Orga, looking at the palms of his hands in amazement, "The power to win duels!"

"All that hard work and torture…" added Flashback Clotho.

"…has paid off," finished Flashback Shani, "No one can ever beat us, now!"

Feeling like they were unbeatable, the three Bio-CPU boys then snickered quietly to themselves initially, but the snickering soon became loud, maddening, evil laughter, seeing as they had finally proven themselves to everyone who was watching the duel. Speaking of audience, the Blue Cosmos students and teachers watching started applauding for the 'great' and 'fun' duel, while the Orb students who came to watch were absolutely horrified over the brutal dueling from Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani, and they even laughed after seriously injuring their opponents. After witnessing the whole duel with their own eyes, Flashback Asagi, Flashback Mayura, and Flashback Juri each came to the conclusion that their rivals had practically become monsters with little to no empathy, only seeking victory in duels and nothing more.

"Clotho, Shani, and I have seen and been to 'Hell'," narrated Orga, as the above scenario played out, "If you're curious to know, Hell is the Blue Cosmos school. We've worked and dueled tirelessly day in and day out in order to take the abuse and torture just so we can improve our dueling and become Turbo duelists in order to escape Hell, and now, we've done just that!"

END FLASHBACK

---

The flashback finally ended, and within Orga's eyes were flames of pure, animalistic rage. In the stands, Azrael merely folded his arms and watched with an uncaring expression on his (Azrael) face, while both Clotho and Shani had looks of anger on their own faces, having remembered being in Hell as well. All across the stands, the audience had been hushed into complete silence after hearing that long and painful tale. There were only a few exceptions, and they were commenting on the Biological CPU trio.

"Those guys…" muttered James R..

"You got that right," agreed Zack.

"Their ferocity in duels is similar to cornered animals," remarked Carlie, "The closer they are to defeat, the more savage they become."

"Yeah," added Matt, "Their increasing feral nature and showing of strength are all to protect themselves. Any duelist would have to take care not to get slaughtered."

"Geez," Lisa thought to herself, "Looks like I got off much luckier with Shani than I originally thought."

"My gosh, they're basically maniacs," winced Janice.

"That's not the term I'd call them, but those three are definitely that and more," acknowledged Sean.

"Right," said David, while placing a hand on Gabriella's right forearm to comfort her.

Back on the track, Michael, after hearing the story, finally spoke up—and what he said about it really stunned the audience.

"So what?" Michael asked coldly, surprising Orga.

"W-What do you-?" The mustard yellow-haired young man stammered.

As expected, the audience was left stunned by the stinging comment made by the King of Turbo duelists over the backstories of Orga Sabnak, Clotho Buer, and Shani Andras. To make a long story short, Michael was not feeling any sympathy for his opponent.

"Hmph! All I can make from your little sob story," grunted Michael harshly, making himself clear as day, "is that you and your little pals are nothing more than cowardly dogs who attack anything and run desperately to hide in your little kennels the second you feel even the slightest threat to yourselves."

Orga was angered, "K-Keep quiet, you-!" he snapped, "You don't know what you're talking about!"

"Oh, but I do," Michael spat forcefully, "You and your friends took in abuse and torture just because you want to win a duel? What a pathetic reason for becoming monsters yourselves!" The audience, especially the Orb representitives, listened, "You three have no one to blame for your descent into madness but yourselves for not backing out when you had the chance and finding another path forward!" He resumed his focus on the duel, "Therefore, you won't get any sympathy from me nor anyone else in this stadium!"

Orga fumed with fury. How dare that guy… How dare Michael Atlas claim it was their own fault for ending up unstable, psychopathic wrecks! He'll pay… he WILL pay dearly! Finally, the duel continued.

"We'll see about that!" howled Orga out of pure hatred, before thrusting his right hand out, "I activate the third effect of 'Gladiator Beast Nerokius'! At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card battled: I can shuffle it into the Extra Deck; I must Special Summon 2 'Gladiator Beast' monsters from my Deck."

Michael briefly looked over his shoulder, watching as 'Gladiator Beast Nerokius' turned into purple energy, soared into the sky, and entered Calamity (into the Extra Deck). Orga then took two cards from his Deck and readied them in his right hand for use.

"Now then," Orga went on, before placing both cards onto his Duel Runner, "I'm gonna Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' in Attack Position, and 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' in Defense Position!"

Reappearing onto the field was the vulture-like warrior (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1000). Joining him, this time, was a blue, fish-like creature with limbs and armor in a defensive position (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 400).

"The main star for this turn is 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo'," admitted Orga, "The first effect of my monster activates!" Focus then went onto his 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo', "When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gladiator Beast' monster: I must target 1 face-up monster; I must destroy that target," He clenched his right hand into a fist, "This time, I'll destroy your 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'—it's a sitting duck without the effect of 'Assault Mode Activate' to protect it! Go forth, 'Murmillo'! Take down the 'Former King's' ace monster!"

'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' obeyed, firing a jet of powerful water towards 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'. It looked as though the powerful dragon was due for a rather uncomfortable bath, while Orga laughed psychotically with triumph at thinking that it would finally be destroyed. Unfortunately for the crazed young man…

"You just don't get it at all!" accused Michael, causing Orga to stop laughing and listen carefully, "You can never defeat the King nor his very soul like this!" He then held out his Action Spell Card ('Illumination') and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "I activate the Action Spell, 'Illumination'!"

The mentioned Action Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind Wheel of Fortune.

"I must activate 1 of these effects for the rest of this turn," explained Michael, about to go over the list of effects his card had.

These were the effects in-question:
-"Once per turn, when an effect that would negate a Normal or Special Summon resolves, I must negate that effect."
-"Once per turn, when an effect that would destroy a monster(s) resolves, I must negate that effect."

"Damn!" swore Orga, "You're gonna pick the second effect, aren't you?"

"For a fool, you catch on real quick," sneered Michael, "Yes! I will choose the second effect! This will prevent 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode's' destruction from your monster's effect by negating it!"

A barrier of light formed around 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', protecting it from the tidal wave and destruction.

"'Red Daemon's' is safe again!" declared Michael.

Orga gritted his teeth in frustration. Over in the stands, the Blue Cosmos representatives were getting increasingly unhappy with Orga's performance in the duel.

"Orga, you stupid idiot!" insulted Clotho loudly, "What the hell do you think you're doing out there?!"

Shani, meanwhile, was far more busy listening to music than to berate his friend in the dueling hotseat. As for Azrael, he was becoming more and more agitated over what he (Azrael) perceived as poor dueling from Orga. Back over with Michael…

"I Set two cards and end my turn!" finished Michael, holding up two cards in his right hand before slotting them into his Duel Disk, "From there, the effect of 'Synchro Barrier' comes to an end."

Orga was already plenty angry throughout the duel, but now? Now he was really pissed off, ready to do whatever it took to win the duel.

"No more playing around!" exclaimed Orga, "This time, I'm gonna stop holding back! I'll show you and everyone else my very best!"

Michael simply snorted dismissively of the threat belonging to a cowardly canine, while Orga drew a card and begun his turn.

---

Turn Six: Orga Sabnak (LP: 3500)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (1): "Gladiator Beast Lanista"
Action Card: N/A

---

His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Gladiator Beast Lanista'. Without wasting a second, he placed the card onto his Duel Runner.

"I Summon 'Gladiator Beast Lanista'!" announced Orga.

Appearing onto the field was an eagle-like warrior in green armor with a spear (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200).

"Once again, I'm gonna shuffle my three 'Gladiator Beast' monsters into my Deck!" continued Orga, holding his right hand out towards the three monsters on his field, "'Augustus', 'Murmillo', 'Lanista', return to my Deck!"

As the command was given, 'Gladiator Beast Augustus', 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo', and 'Gladiator Beast Lanista' each turned into purple energy orbs and flew into the sky and the Fusion Vortex.

"Contact Fusion!" shouted Orga, carefully bringing his hands together, "Come, 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'!"

Reappearing onto the field was 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' (Level: 8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2800).

"Orga's going for his old strategy again!" realized Juri.

"That means if Mike doesn't do something, he could actually lose his best monster and maybe even take damage!" put in Lisa.

Back on the track, a card ('Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor') ejected from the Extra Deck slot of Calamity, and Orga took hold of it gleefully.

"I activate 'Andabata's' first monster effect!" warned Orga, readying his favorite card,, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, except 'Gladiator Beast Andabatae', ignoring its Summoning conditions, but if it battles, shuffle it into the Extra Deck at the end of the Damage Step!" He placed the card onto his Duel Runner, "Resurrect, 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor'!"

Within seconds, the deer-like warrior returned to the field (Level: 8/ATK: 2400/DEF: 3000).

"And with this monster, comes another effect AND monster!" Orga pointed out, taking another card ('Gladiator Beast Gyzarus') from his Extra Deck slot as it ejected from there, "Once per turn: I can choose 1 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster in any player's Extra Deck and Special Summon it to its controller's field in Attack Position, ignoring its Summoning conditions," He placed the card onto his Duel Runner again, "I Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!"

Reappearing on the field was 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1600).

"This is your so-called best?" huffed Michael, being very unimpressed over the same strategy being used, "It failed you once before, and it will fail you again."

"This time it will work!" insisted Orga.

"Oh no! What's the King gonna do?!" The voice of the MC panicked, as both Wheel of Fortune and Calamity zoomed across the finish line again and began another long lap around the track, "If nothing is done, he will lose 'Red Daemon's'! If that were to happen, there's a high chance his prediction will fail to come true if he gets attacked directly soon after! Don't lose it all, King!"

Over with Michael…

"I activate a Trap, 'Red Gem'!" interrupted Michael, as his first Set card reappeared on the field beside him (on his right), flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "'Red' monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects until the end of this turn!"

The face-up 'Red Gem' Trap Card turned around and faced the direction Calamity and the three 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monsters were in.

"Dammit! You've stopped my combo again!" grimaced Orga.

"And I'm far from being done!" warned Michael, as a card ('Absolute King Back Jack') ejected from his GY and he took it and held it out, "I'll also activate the first effect of 'Absolute King Back Jack'! During my opponent's turn (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from the GY; I must excavate the top card of my Deck, and if it is a Normal Trap, Set it to my field. Otherwise, send it to the GY. That Set card can be activated during this turn."

"That's risky!" objected Orga, "You can't tell if the top card will even be a Normal Trap!"

"I have to disagree with you there," responded Michael firmly, making his opponent gasp, "Remember 'Absolute King Back Jack' from earlier when I sent it to the GY? I used its effect of looking at the top three cards of my Deck and rearranging them in any order I want, which means I already know exactly what I'm about to pull from the top of my Deck," He then reached for his Deck and got ready to draw the top card, "Let's kick this Turbo Duel into overdrive!" Finally, he drew the card with a good old-fashioned Destiny Draw, "DRAAAAW!"

The card that was drawn was a Trap Card known as 'Assault Slash'. Best of all? It was indeed a Normal Trap.

"Just what I need!" thought Michael, before briefly holding the card out before slotting it into his Duel Disk, "I activate a Trap Card, 'Assault Slash'!"

"What?!" panicked Orga. In his mind… "Those top three cards really contained a Normal Trap, and now he's picked it up!"

The mentioned Trap Card, 'Assault Slash', materialized face-up on the field behind Wheel of Fortune and in the direction of Raider and the three 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monsters currently out.

"Behold this card's power!" hollered Michael, "If I control an '/Assault Mode' monster: I must destroy all face-up monsters on the field!"

"All monsters?!" flinched Orga in horror, "And since you activated 'Red Gem' beforehand, your own monster will 'not' be destroyed by your Trap Card!"

'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' flew high into the sky until it was outside the stadium.

"'Red Daemon's', do the honors!" ordered Michael, before looking up into the sky at his ace monster, "DESTROY ALL OF ORGA'S MONSTERS HERE AND NOW!"

With a demonic roar, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' charged and unleashed a massive blast of fire into the stadium below, causing the whole track to turn into a complete inferno (a ring of fire to be exact). 'Gladiator Beast Andabata', 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor', and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' each roared in agony before literally burning away into ash, while Orga howled in pain from the flames all around him, and Michael remain unfazed and unhurt by the flames of his very soul—in fact, he just smiled over it.

"What a comeback!" The voice of the MC shrieked, watching as the flames on the road died down, "The King has completely reduced Orga's field to nothing but a pile of ash!"

Orga was shocked and outraged that his plan had been stopped (again), and now he had no more cards in his hand. Shaking his head, he stubbornly refused to give it up.

"I won't lose to you, 'Former King'!" screamed Orga, "I just won't lose! I refuse to lose to anyone again!"

To prove his point, he drove Calamity nearby and picked up an Action Card. Looking at it carefully, Orga looked back over towards Michael and entered the End Phase.

"I end my turn here!" The mustard yellow-haired young man finished.

"Stubborn and defiant to the very end, I see," sighed Michael, frowning deeply before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"

---

Turn Seven: Michael Atlas (LP: 6600)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (1): "Battle Fader"
Action Card: N/A

---

Once again, Michael made Wheel of Fortune turn around to face the enemy duelist (while still driving down the track). The time for him to end the duel had come!

"Battle!" boomed Michael, "This duel is over! 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', attack the opposing player directly!" He then announced his monster's attack name, "Extreme Crimson Force!"

'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' obeyed, charging a flame within its right fist and flying towards the defenseless Calamity.

"Not this time!" shouted Orga, before holding his Action Card out, "Action Spell, 'Single Destruction', activate! If my opponent controls exactly 1 monster: I must target that monster; I must destroy it! Sorry, 'Former King', but your very soul is about to finally meet its end!"

The 'Single Destruction' Action Spell Card in his fingers turned into an energized yellow arrow, which shot forth and impaled 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' in its chest. 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' roared in pain before finally exploding massively in a blaze of death.

"MIKE!" Juri, Megan, James R., Carlie, Discord, Sean, Janice, David, and Lisa all yelled out.

Left behind from the explosion/destruction of 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' was a thick blanket of smoke, and Orga was smiling to himself while thinking he had finally defeated his opponent's ace monster.

"I'm safe," sighed Orga, feeling nothing but a sense of relief and victory, "Not only that, I finally defeated 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"

"Are you sure about that?" The voice of Michael cut in, sounding grim.

Orga eased up when he heard those familiar words. Meanwhile, within the smoke, all was quiet. Just then a pair of deadly red eyes were shown shining dangerously. Orga and most of the audience recoiled when they saw those eyes. Sure enough, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' burst through the smoke and back into the sky with a loud, demonic-sounding roar.

"That's 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!" cried Asagi.

"It's back again!" exclaimed Lisa.

Back on the track…

"H-HOW?!" wailed Orga.

The angry-looking 'Red Dragon Archfiend' let out a low and threatening growl, showing it was not impressed with how the opponent tried to get rid of it.

"Apparently, you don't seem to know enough on how '/Assault Mode' monsters work," scolded Michael, with Wheel of Fortune properly driving down the track again, "You did destroy 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', but by doing so you've activated its second and final effect!" Focus went towards the 'Red Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card on the Duel Disk, "When this card on the field is destroyed: I can target 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' in my GY; I must Special Summon that target!"

'Red Dragon Archfiend', still in the sky, awaited orders to attack (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000).

"Let's do it, 'Red Daemon's'!" commanded Michael. In the sky, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' lit its right fist on fire as its owner announced the attack name, "Attack Orga directly! Absolute Powerforce!"

Overhearing the command, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' charged back into the stadium and slugging Calamity with its flaming fist, causing Orga to scream as his Duel Runner got pushed back roughly as his LP really got hit hard (LP: 3500 → 500).

"And there's more!" continued Michael, as his final Set card materialized back onto the field, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Assault Revival'!"

"'Assault Revival'?!" gawked Orga.

"That's right! I must banish 1 'Assault Mode Activate' from my GY; I must destroy all monsters I control, then Special Summon 1 '/Assault Mode' monster from my GY, ignoring its Summoning conditions," explained Michael, allowing a card ('Assault Mode Activate') to eject from his GY before fading away into oblivion, "Its effect(s) is negated, and it cannot be Tributed. I must banish it if it leaves the field."

'Red Dragon Archfiend' let out another roar as more crimson flames engulfed its body, which meant one thing…

"Resurrect, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'!" yelled Michael.

When the flames around 'Red Dragon Archfiend' died down, it was back in its '/Assault Mode' form (Level: 10/ATK: 3500/DEF: 2500). With his field completely open, Orga had come to a haunting realization on how the duel went up to this moment…

"All along, I've been blinded by the desire to utterly crush that 'Former King' and defy his claims of winning without taking damage," thought Orga, as focus went towards Michael, then 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode', "By doing so, I fell completely into the palm of his hand and allowed the duel to run at his pace the entire time, giving him complete control over everything without me realizing the truth until it's far too late."

Unfortunately for him, it was indeed too late for him to save himself from guaranteed defeat.

"Worthless clown!" thundered Michael, while turning Wheel of Fortune around to face the opponent (while still driving down the track) a third time, "Burn this image into your brain, and kneel before the King!" He then pointed upward at 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' to issue it a command, "'Red Daemon's', end this duel!"

'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' obeyed, but rather than charging its right claw with fire like usual, it instead started to engulf itself with powerful crimson flames for a final charge at the opponent.

"Extreme Crimson Force!" The voice of Michael roared with such force (no pun intended).

'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' charged like a meteorite back towards the stadium and especially a defenseless Orga Sabnak. Speaking of Orga, all he could do was look up and watch in horror at his impending loss. There were no Action Cards nearby, and his Duel Runner, Calamity, was in no way fast enough to avoid the incoming attack. At last, the flaming 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' collided with Calamity…

*KABOOM!*

The force of the resulting explosion caused a screaming Orga to be sent flying from his Duel Runner across the field as his LP ran out (LP: 500 → 0).

---

DUEL RESULTS: Michael Atlas wins!

---

Orga Sabnak landed in a nearby stack of hay. He wasn't hurt all that badly, but when he weakly sat up to take a look at Calamity, he saw that his Duel Runner was pretty badly damaged from the powerful collision from 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'. At first, as the hologram of 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' faded away, there was nothing but silence amongst everyone in the stadium, but it was broken by a very, very happy MC, who delivered the final results.

"IT'S ALL OVER!" he was howling, "The King has won the duel! The King has won the duel! His prediction on winning while not taking any damage has also come true! He has succeeded! The King of Kings has done it again!"

From there, the whole crowd erupted with applause. Taking it in, Michael revved Wheel of Fortune and began his traditional victory lap. While doing so, he also pointed into the sky and delivered a short, but meaningful, speech…

"Who's the Master of Faster?" he chanted proudly, "Who rules the Duel? That's right, it's me, Michael Atlas!"

Over with the Orb representatives, Juri was shown standing and applauding like no tomorrow over her crush being victorious over her rival (Orga). All of a sudden, she (Juri) felt someone nudging at her side, and then saw it was Asagi who did it—and there was a very sly, playful look on her (Asagi) face. Realizing what she was doing, a subdued Juri immediately sat back down and blushed while Asagi, Mayura, and Lisa (yes, even her) each giggled mischievously, and both Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka just smiled. Over with the Blue Cosmos representatives, Azrael angrily stood up from his seat and stormed out of the stands without a word. Clotho and Shani both knew that this was a 'very' bad sign for them along with Orga.

"Great, our headmaster is pissed and it means the three of us are really in for it," grumbled Shani.

"Thanks a lot, Orga…" Clotho added, quietly and sarcastically.

From there, they both stood up and reluctantly followed their fuming headmaster, while the rest of the audience continued cheering for Michael's victory. Near one of the exits, Megan stopped clapping long enough to turn back towards the camera and finish her report for the day.

"And wouldn't you believe it? The King of Kings, Michael Atlas, has defeated Orga Sabnak!" The raven-haired young woman pointed out, "With this duel done, round two has officially come to a close, but don't worry, there's still the semi-finals to look forward to. Until then, this is Megan Haw, signing off!"

Ken then shut off the camera, while Megan sighed in exhaustion.

"Man, was the second round epic or what?" commented Ken pleasantly.

"That it was—four long and challenging duels," groaned Megan, "And we still have the semi-finals and the finals both to cover," She then felt her stomach grumbling as she clutched it and fell to her knees, "Aaaaand I'm hungry."

Ken smiled sheepishly, but had to agree seeing as he was feeling hungry as well.

(elsewhere…)

Inside the stadium's food court a while later, our heroes along with their friends and loved ones had gathered for a small celebration.

"This is awesome!" rejoiced Lisa, "Four of us made it to the semi-finals!"

Michael then stood up with a glass of iced tea in-hand as though he was preparing to give a toast for everyone.

"This is perfect!" agreed Michael, "Not only that, all six Signers have finally gathered! Matt, myself, Carlie, James, David, and Lisa!"

"Whatever our role in all of this is, we will find it, together!" finished Matt.

Both Carlie and Zack nodded in agreement. While over at two separate tables at a distance from each other, David, with his friends and family, and Lisa, with her friends and teachers, were busy chatting about the events of today when the two teenagers remembered a little something.

"Oh man…" recalled Lisa.

"This evening…" came from David.

First with Lisa… She stood up from her seat and started glancing apprehensively in David's direction, secretly hoping the arrangement they had made may have slipped his mind. However, the length of which she had been looking at him wasn't missed by the others.

"Lisa?" quizzed Asagi, "You okay over there? You kinda zoned out."

Lisa quickly regained herself and tried to pretend that nothing was up.

"Oh! Urr… yeah! Just, err… thinking!" she stuttered, trying to think up an excuse, "Yeah, that's it! Thinking!"

While everyone else was silent on the response, Juri, however, was very quick to notice the direction her friend had been staring in, and immediately was not at all fooled by the obvious lie being told.

"Lisa, does this have something to do with Dave again?" Juri asked with genuine concern, "Don't you think you've been at his throat long enough? After all, it was an accident."

"I don't care if it was an accident, he still got a good handful and that's more than enough!" responded Lisa defensively, "Also, it really doesn't matter, 'cause I plan to let him know 'exactly' how I feel when I meet up with him later!"

There was a short silence at the table, and Lisa quickly began to realize she might have said a little too much.

"What?" said Mayura flatly.

"Aww crap!" thought Lisa, now looking very freaked out. She then recovered and smiled timidly at her friends and teachers, while a slight blush adorned her cheeks, "Err… that's not what I meant! I actually meant to say that I have an appointment shortly, and I need to head out now!"

"An appointment? Since when did you need to make one?" questioned Mr. Kisaka, raising an eyebrow, "You were perfectly fine when we first arrived in New York City."

Lisa scratched the back of her head, "Um… well…"

"Hmm… I think I'm starting to get the idea… Does this 'appointment' have anything to do with Dave by any chance?" teased Juri, as Asagi and Mayura both leaned in with interest, "Why not tell us what's 'really' going on between you two?"

Lisa wanted to retort, but simply couldn't get any words out. Instead, she silently started to come to a realization on something, and it was one she did not like. Over with David… The aqua blue-haired boy, noticing the commotion from Lisa's table, stood up from his seat and tried sneaking away, knowing what was probably transpiring over there. Would he get away before he was caught? Don't bet on it…

"Hey, son, where are ya going?" pondered Ren.

David stopped and sheepishly turned around while looking jumpy.

"You're leaving during a nice-looking party?" joked Sean, "It's for you and everyone else who's advanced like Matt, Mike, and Lisa. Come on, stay for a while!"

"Um… my apologies Sean-kun, Dad, but I'm afraid I can't stay for much longer," apologized David, "As I have a… prior engagement this evening."

Everyone looked curiously at David, clearly noticing his agitated demeanor.

"Prior engagement?" blinked Janice, "On your own?"

"Well… not…'exactly' by my lonesome…" replied David, scratching the back of his neck.

"Why? Who are you meeting?" pressed Futaba curiously.

David felt like he was backed into a corner; with all eyes on him and no method to word his way out of the situation, he finally caved and made the confession.

"Um… Drake-san…at Bryant Park," David responded nervously, before quickly adding, "After our little confrontation the prior night, I believe it is in both of our best interest that we go somewhere quiet and peaceful so we can discuss matters in a professional manner to hopefully resolve our dispute."

Sean raised an eyebrow, "You sure that's all you're doing?"

There was some brief silence, mainly because David had no idea on how to respond to the question.

"Soooo…you're actually going out with Lisa on a date?" said Janice innocently.

"D-Date?!" croaked David, with his eyes widening, "When did I ever-?"

It was right around that second where both teenagers had reality hit the two of them especially hard.

"Wait… Did I just agree to go on a date with Drake-san/David?!" They both exclaimed at the same time (Lisa referring to David by his name, and David referring Lisa as 'Drake-san'), "I did?!"

It was then the eyes from EVERYONE (including Team 4D's, Discord, Megan, and Ken) in the food court came upon the pair upon hearing them yell. Not wanting to take in any potential teasing from their friends (and family members in David's case), David and Lisa both scuttled out of the area as fast as their respective legs could carry them.

"Hey, what was that all about?" wondered Carlie.

"Beats me," shrugged Discord.

"It probably wasn't all that important," dismissed James R., "For now, let's just continue enjoying this little party!"

Good idea…

(elsewhere…)

Later on outside the Plaza Hotel, an angry Muruta Azrael's voice could be heard coming from inside the building…

"I can't believe you lost the duel, Orga!" he was yelling.

(inside…)

Inside a fancy hotel suite, Orga, still wearing his motorcyclist suit from earlier, along with both Shani and Clotho were standing nearby enduring a lengthy tirade from their nearly red-faced, furious headmaster, who was naturally outraged that the competing Blue Cosmos students he brought all the way to New York City to compete and win it all were officially out of the tournament, and also the fact his school was publicly humiliated once again. Him or his school being defeated in anything was something Azrael already hated with a passion, but being humiliated was the one thing he despised even more.

"You were horrible out there!" raged Azrael, "Your dueling against the King was absolutely atrocious—probably the most atrocious and pathetic performance I have ever witnessed since accepting you and the other two into Blue Cosmos years ago!" He started pacing around in the middle of the room while worked into a tizzy, "To make things far worse, all three of you were eliminated from the tournament, and the school's been left embarrassed again!" He ruffled at his hair, "How could this have happened? HOW?!"

"Headmaster Azrael-!" protested Orga pathetically.

"Sir, I swear we did the best we could!" argued Clotho, even though it was pointless to tell his headmaster this in his (Azrael) current state of mind.

"Best?!" Azrael snarled back, stopping with the pacing before looking back at Clotho, "If that really was your best dueling, you three would have actually defeated Matt, Michael, and James and advanced through this tournament instead of suffering humiliating defeats by their hands!" He then quelled his anger a little bit (although not by much) and faced his defeated students, "Seeing as you three failed to win the tournament for Blue Cosmos, you each will have to be punished by the staff when we get back to the school."

The three Bio-CPU boys knew exactly the punishment that awaited them when they returned, and were less than thrilled about it. Fortunately for them, their headmaster was not finished speaking…

"However, it will have to wait, seeing as we will be remaining here in New York City for a little while longer," informed Azrael.

"Huh?" wondered Shani, surprised they weren't leaving just yet.

"What for?" asked Orga.

"We'll be spending time at the libraries across the city doing research on the Crimson Dragon," answered Azrael, "I'm interested in learning more about it, and I'll need help in looking up the info needed," He then started to leave, "Now, I want you boys to think long and hard about what happened today while I visit the nearest library."

From there, the ruthless blonde-haired man exited the room, leaving Orga, Clotho, and Shani each alone to discuss stuff amongst themselves. They were each thinking about how they lost this soon in a tournament this important to Blue Cosmos and its reputation—and there were three duelists the Bio-CPU boys blamed for just that. A trio of flashbacks then ensued.

---

FLASHBACK

First was Shani's defeat in the first round…

"As of this moment," Flashback James R. went on, "I'll activate 'Black-Winged Dragon's' third effect! Once per turn: I can remove all Black Feather Counters on this card, then target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; that target loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather Counter I removed, and if it does, I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to the ATK lost by this effect," He then pointed upward at 'Black-Winged Dragon' still flying above him and Blackbird, "'Black-Winged Dragon' is equipped with four Black Feather Counters, meaning when I unequip them, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' will lose 700 ATK for each Counter and you'll take damage equal to the ATK lost!"

"Four Black Feather Counters equals 2800!" realized Flashback Shani, growing horrified (LP: 2100), "Not only will 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' lose that much ATK, but I'll also take that much damage!"

"Correct!" confirmed Flashback James R., before again pointing upward at 'Black-Winged Dragon' in the sky, "'Black-Winged Dragon', use your special ability to hit 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' with your Black Feather Counters! Black Burst!"

'Black-Winged Dragon' obeyed, channeling a powerful burst from its red and black wings before, with a roar, firing it towards 'Evigishki Soul Ogre', who got hit by the attack and lost all of its ATK as a result (ATK: 2800 → 0).

"Since 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' lost 2800 ATK," reminded Flashback James R., before pointing at his opponent, "you, Shani, will take damage equal to that amount!" He then clenched his right hand into a fist, "This duel…is done!"

Flashback Shani's eyes (or, again, eye) widened as he helplessly watched the remains of 'Black-Winged Dragon's' effect come straight for him and Forbidden before finally colliding.

*KABOOM!*

An explosion ensued from the collision.

"What an attack from 'Black-Winged Dragon'!" cried the Flashback MC, "Without actually attacking, James has dealt Shani a fatal blow!"

When the smoke finally cleared away, Flashback Shani, with a look of disbelief on his face, slowed his Forbidden to a complete stop as it emitted steam and his LP gauge ran out (LP: 2100 → 0).

(new scene…)

Next was Clotho's defeat in the second round…

"I see," acknowledged Flashback Matt, already getting the idea of the opponent's strategy, "You're going to banish an 'Infernity' card from your GY in order to destroy my 'Second Booster'," He then held his right hand out, "However, you seem to have forgotten about my 'Stardust Dragon's' first effect!" In the sky, as he announced the effect name, 'Stardust Dragon' let out a roar, "Victim Sanctuary!"

From there, the monster vanished in specks of stardust which enveloped the face-up 'Infernity Break' Trap Card, causing it to shatter into shards of glass. Rather than be surprised or upset by it, Flashback Clotho…instead smiled over his Trap Card being destroyed.

"Actually," Flashback Clotho was saying, "my real goal was to make you use 'Stardust's' first effect again."

Flashback Matt raised an eyebrow but remained silent, allowing the orange/red-haired young man to continue.

"Even if you use 'Second Booster's' effect on your revived 'Jet Warrior', it won't be enough for you to defeat me," rambled Flashback Clotho, "You would only reduce me to 100 LP, therefore giving me another shot at stopping you! Plus if you try making a grab for an Action Card, I'll just do my absolute hardest to stop you! I think it's clear who the duel winner will be—me!"

"I won't need to grab an Action Card this time around," dismissed Flashback Matt sternly, making Flashback Clotho ease up in confusion, "You see, I still have one trump card left."

"One trump card left?" repeated Flashback Clotho, before realizing what his opponent meant.

"Face-down card, open!" declared Flashback Matt, as his other Set card reappeared on the field next to Fudo Go (on its left), flipped face-up, and revealed itself to be… "I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Stardust Wish'!"

"'Stardust Wish', is it?!" stammered Flashback Clotho in horror.

"Once per turn, if a 'Stardust' Synchro Monster I control is Tributed to activate its own effect (except during the Damage Step): I can target that monster; I must Special Summon it," explained Flashback Matt, "My opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation," He then raised his right hand into the air, "Resurrect, 'Stardust Dragon'!"

A pillar of starlight light erupted from Fudo Go and into the sky. When the pillar died down, the specks of stardust left behind formed together into the body of 'Stardust Dragon', who let loose a roar of triumph over being back on the field again (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).

"'Stardust Wish' has a second effect… Monsters Special Summoned by this effect cannot be destroyed by battle while in Attack Position," Flashback Matt went on, before going and removing the 'Second Booster' Effect Monster Card from its Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Next, I'll activate the special effect of my 'Second Booster'!" He then readied his card for a few seconds before sending it to the GY while speaking, "(Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card, then target 1 face-up Attack Position monster I control; it gains 1500 ATK until the end of this turn."

Flashback Clotho helplessly watched as 'Second Booster' flew into the air before merging together with 'Stardust Dragon', causing the Dragon Synchro Monster to roar as its ATK went up (ATK: 2500 → 4000).

"This… this is impossible!" whispered Flashback Clotho fearfully, "I'm about to be defeated? No damn way! I can't lose this soon! And I especially can't lose to someone like you!"

"Unfortunately, that's just how Duel Monsters goes—there are winners in the game, and there are losers!" said Flashback Matt firmly, before entering the Battle Phase, "Let's go, 'Stardust'! Attack 'Infernity Doom Dragon' with all your might!" As he announced the attack name, 'Stardust Dragon' obeyed, flying through the sky until it came face-to-face with 'Infernity Doom Dragon' once more, "Roar! Cosmic Flare!"

'Stardust Dragon' charged a white flame blast and fired it, while 'Infernity Doom Dragon' tried fighting back by firing off a Death Fire Blast. Both attacks collided and began pushing the other back, but Cosmic Flare won out, hitting 'Infernity Doom Dragon' and causing it to roar in pain before finally exploding. Flashback Clotho screamed as he felt the backlash from the destruction of his ace monster and his LP gauge finally emptied (LP: 700 → 0).

(new scene…)

And finally, Orga's defeat also occurring in round two…

"Let's do it, 'Red Daemon's'!" commanded Flashback Michael. In the sky, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' lit its right fist on fire as its owner announced the attack name, "Attack Orga directly! Absolute Powerforce!"

Overhearing the command, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' charged back into the stadium and slugging Calamity with its flaming fist, causing Flashback Orga to scream as his Duel Runner got pushed back roughly as his LP really got hit hard (LP: 3500 → 500).

"And there's more!" continued Flashback Michael, as his final Set card materialized back onto the field, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Assault Revival'!"

"'Assault Revival'?!" gawked Flashback Orga.

"That's right! I must banish 1 'Assault Mode Activate' from my GY; I must destroy all monsters I control, then Special Summon 1 '/Assault Mode' monster from my GY, ignoring its Summoning conditions," explained Flashback Michael, allowing a card ('Assault Mode Activate') to eject from his GY before fading away into oblivion, "Its effect(s) is negated, and it cannot be Tributed. I must banish it if it leaves the field."

'Red Dragon Archfiend' let out another roar as more crimson flames engulfed its body, which meant one thing…

"Resurrect, 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode'!" yelled Flashback Michael.

When the flames around 'Red Dragon Archfiend' died down, it was back in its '/Assault Mode' form (Level: 10/ATK: 3500/DEF: 2500). With his field completely open, Flashback Orga had come to a haunting realization on how the duel went up to this moment. And right now, it was too late for him to save himself from guaranteed defeat.

"Worthless clown!" thundered Flashback Michael, while turning Wheel of Fortune around to face the opponent (while still driving down the track) a third time, "Burn this image into your brain, and kneel before the King!" He then pointed upward at 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' to issue it a command, "'Red Daemon's', end this duel!"

'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' obeyed, but rather than charging its right claw with fire like usual, it instead started to engulf itself with powerful crimson flames for a final charge at the opponent.

"Extreme Crimson Force!" The voice of Flashback Michael roared with such force (no pun intended).

'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' charged like a meteorite back towards the stadium and especially a defenseless Orga Sabnak. Speaking of Flashback Orga, all he could do was look up and watch in horror at his impending loss. There were no Action Cards nearby, and his Duel Runner, Calamity, was in no way fast enough to avoid the incoming attack. At last, the flaming 'Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode' collided with Calamity…

*KABOOM!*

The force of the resulting explosion caused a screaming Flashback Orga to be sent flying from his Duel Runner across the field as his LP ran out (LP: 500 → 0).

END FLASHBACK

---

When the flashbacks ended, Orga Sabnak, Clotho Buer, and Shani Andras each narrowed their eyes in pure hatred of their new enemies. The next time they all met in a Turbo Duel, things between each party would certainly be far less 'friendly' than last time. And if you thought the three Bio-CPU boys' rivalry with the three Astray girls was bad, this new rivalry with the three best duelists in all of North America was even worse than that.

"They're gonna pay," hissed Shani angrily.

"Those three duelists," added Clotho, referring to Matt, Michael, and James R..

"That's a promise," vowed Orga.

---

Oh man, this was another really long one, and somewhat troubled in writing since it took longer than I thought to get finished. Oh well, hopefully the next chapter will not take nearly as long to get written up (maybe). Anyway, if the final lines of Orga, Clotho, and Shani in the chapter are any indication (based on their final lines from Episode 39 of the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED"—with the episode titled "Athrun"), Matt, Michael, and James R. each have gained a dangerous new rival (Matt: Clotho, Michael: Orga, James R.: Shani), and those already heated rivalries are only going to get more hot, brutal, and intense later on.

For now, the second round has finally ended, and the semi-finals will be coming up real soon, where Matt, Michael, David, and Lisa will battle it out for the Action Duel crown. The next chapter will simply have our heroes split up and taking a brief break from the tournament, while David and Lisa both have to meet up at Bryant Park to try and talk things out between them (or have a 'date'). How will it all play out? Stay tuned to find the answer out.