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, Coordinators (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 3: 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 Siege of Orb
Opening up in the skies of New York City, the personal jet of Discord J. Crawford was shown leaving John F. Kennedy Airport, having spent the last half hour getting ready for the flight from New York City all the way to Hartford.
(inside…)
Within one of the rooms on the plane, Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka both were looking after the unconscious Mr. Zimmerman, who had shown up at the New York City stadium to the surprise of the Orb representatives. There, he delivered the horrible news that the Orb Duel School had been attacked and taken over by a group of delinquents and criminals led by the wanted Russian fugitive Sergey Volkov.
"Patrick…" whispered Ms. Simmons, before placing a gentle hand on her boss's forehead, "Please be okay, sir."
"So, Sergey has taken over Orb while we were away," frowned Mr. Kisaka, "How could he have done this in such a short period of time?"
Unfortunately, nothing more was said by either of the teachers as they continued to look after the headmaster of the school.
(outside…)
Within the dining section, the rest of the group, including Discord himself, were hanging around. The atmosphere amongst everyone was very quiet, dull, and grim.
"Geez, what a disaster this is," commented Zack, finally breaking the silence.
"You got that right," Sean agreed, seated at the table.
Lisa was discouraged, "Headmaster Zimmerman…" The pink-haired girl thought to herself, before her sadness became anger instead as she clenched her right hand into a fist and banged it on the table, "Damn you, Sergey! How dare you attack our school!"
Asagi, Mayura, and Juri each were, likewise, upset about the dueling school they attend being attacked and taken over by a hostile force, which Matt, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, noticed while thinking about how many people Sergey had possibly hurt along the way just to take over a dueling school. Either way, he had to at least remain positive and speak up in order to let his new friends know that everything would be okay.
"Don't worry, you four," reassured Matt, causing the eyes of Lisa and the Astray trio to look at him, "Together, we will defeat Sergey, bring him to justice, and free Orb from his control," In his mind, he started to think about Sergey (and not in a good way) yet again, "Sergey Volkov… He has to be stopped here and now; he's hurt too many people already since arriving in the United States."
"You know," interrupted Carlie, causing Matt to look over. The brown-haired young woman had been doing some thinking of her own, "It's too bad we couldn't get Sherry to come with us to Hartford; we're gonna need all the help we can get to stop Sergey."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Outside the New York City stadium, the group was running outside to get their Duel Runners (Flashback David and Flashback Lisa both already had theirs). Along the way, Flashback Carlie was not watching where she was going…
*CRASH!*
…and collided with Flashback Sherry.
"I'm sorry!" apologized Flashback Carlie hastily, before noticing… "S-Sherry?"
Flashback Sherry was assisted by Flashback Elsworth, but once on her feet she turned and glared at Flashback Carlie and her friends without saying anything throughout.
"You're still here?" grunted Flashback James R., "I thought you'd be long gone from-"
"Quiet!" hushed Flashback Carlie, before looking back at her rival, "Sherry, I know this won't mean anything, but…we need your help," When Flashback Sherry said nothing still, she went on, "The dueling school that a few of our new friends attend has been attacked and taken over by the criminal Sergey Volkov."
"Sergey Volkov?" repeated Flashback Elsworth.
"Unfortunately, we don't have the time to explain who he is. All we need is more help to rescue the dueling school. So, Sherry, will you please come with us to Hartford to stop Sergey?"
Flashback Sherry still said nothing; instead, she continued to glare at Flashback Carlie rather coldly.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Carlie continued to look discouraged at Sherry's attitude and lack of interest in helping her and the others.
"We shouldn't be surprised at her refusal," James R. pointed out, "Sherry has grown to care so little for other people after all, and will 'never' change her ways. 'Once' a bully, 'always' a bully."
"Well, that's not the term I'd use," uttered Lisa.
"We get it, Lisa," insisted Carlie.
All of a sudden…
"Everyone! Come here!" The voice of Mr. Kisaka called from one of the rooms, "Headmaster Zimmerman's finally awake and talking!"
That certainly brought some relief to our heroes.
"Thank heaven," said Janice.
"Same," agreed Futaba.
"Maybe now we can get an explanation as to what happened," finished David, as he followed Ren (his Father) to the room in-question.
(inside…)
Inside one of the rooms, the group had gathered near the bed Mr. Zimmerman had been resting in. He was still looking a little pale despite feeling better from resting. Currently, the gray-haired man was explaining all that happened while Asagi, Mayura, Juri, Lisa, Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka all were gone from Orb. When the story finished, everyone else was downright horrified by what the gang of delinquents and criminals had been doing to the students and teachers.
"It's all my fault," Mr. Zimmerman, upon finishing, berated himself in anguish, "I should have done something more to stop Orb from falling to outside forces," He gazed long and hard at the palms of his shaking hands before shutting his eyes and clenching them into fists, "I could have stopped them, but I didn't! I failed the students… I failed the staff… I failed all of you… I am a failure of a headmaster for a school… Discord, everyone, I'm so sorry!"
"Headmaster…" worried Ms. Simmons, as Discord laid a hand on her shoulder with a sad look on his face.
"Sir, none of this is your fault," comforted Mr. Kisaka, "The attack was completely unexpected. With how imposing and sadistic Sergey is, any other person would have done the same thing you did."
While that did help Mr. Zimmerman a little bit, it still did not erase the fact the feeling of remorse and survivor's guilt still hurt very much.
"Sergey and his gang are inhuman," cried Juri.
"That damn Sergey Volkov!" cursed Asagi, with the memory of her being viciously defeated by the Russian man still fresh in her mind, "He has to be stopped!"
"But the thing is…he could not have gotten the idea to attack Orb all on his own," proclaimed Zack, raising a very good point, "And from what we know, Azrael and Blue Cosmos had no involvement in this craziness."
"You're right, Zack," James R. agreed, before bringing up a thought of his own, "But if Blue Cosmos has no involvement in the attack, who else would have given Sergey the idea in the first place?"
And, once again, silence fell upon everyone in the room, seeing as nobody had a clue as to who else would have given Sergey the idea to attack and capture Orb.
(outside…)
Outside, the plane continued on its way out of New York City, and eventually out of the state of New York altogether.
(elsewhere…)
After almost half-an-hour of non-stop flying, Discord's jet finally touchdown at Bradley International Airport. After spending another half-an-hour getting ready, the team of duelists heading to Orb on their Duel Runners were decked out in their motorcyclist suits and helmets while standing by their respective Duel Runners:
-Matt: Fudo Go
-Michael: Wheel of Fortune
-Carlie: Bloody Kiss
-James R.: Blackbird
-Lisa: Strike Rouge
-David: The Wild Card
-Asagi: M1 Astray (211)
-Mayura: M1 Astray (212)
-Juri: M1 Astray (213)
-Ms. Simmons: Murasame (375)
-Mr. Kisaka: Murasame (377)
Zack: Normal Duel Runner
"Ready?" Matt asked his team seriously.
"Ready!" Everyone else (except David) answered in unison.
"I shall be momentarily," added David, before he turned and spoke to his friends and family, "This will be a dangerous mission, so I want all of you to stay here with Discord-senpai where it is safe."
Janice, Sean, Futaba, and Ren all nodded in agreement, but there was someone specifically who did not want David to go…
"(お兄ちゃん!) O nīchan! (Big Brother!)" cried Gabriella in Japanese, running forth and hugging David tightly, "Please don't go! We might lose you!"
"Gabriella…" whispered David, before speaking gently yet firmly, "Gabriella, I need you to listen to me; I am perfectly aware of the uncertainty that awaits me, but this is also something I have to do—my new friends need me."
There was another moment of silence. Eventually, Janice was the first to break said silence when she stepped forward and smiled.
"You're right about that, Dave," acknowledged Janice, "We know you're making the correct choice about it."
"Eeyup," put in Sean.
"Just do us a favor, son," requested Ren, "Please be very careful while out there."
David nodded, before noticing the sad look on his younger sister's face. Getting an idea to try and cheer Gabriella up, he took a card out of his Duel Disk and handed it to her.
"Here, I want you to hold onto this card for me," said David kindly.
Gabriella looked at the card, noticing it was the 'Dragon's Tranquil Barrage' Spell Card. It happened to be one of her Big Brother's best cards. Why would he give it to her?
"(お兄ちゃん,) O nīchan, (Big Brother,) why would you give me this?" Gabriella asked innocently, "It's one of your strongest cards. Won't you need this? Why would you give it to me?"
David smiled, "I will require it for the tournament when I return. Until then…" While speaking, he held Gabriella's hand in his own, making sure she held the card close, "…keep it safe for me. Can you promise me that?"
Taking in her brother's words carefully, Gabriella managed a rapid nod, not breaking eye contact with David.
"Listen to your brother, Gabriella," came from Lisa, "He knows what he's talking about most of the time. He 'will' come back safe and sound."
With that said, the departing gang climbed aboard their Duel Runners and roared out of the airport for the Orb Duel School, leaving behind Discord, Mr. Zimmerman, Sean, Janice, Gabriella, Ren, and Futaba all behind. Sean and Discord both waved until the Duel Runners were out of sight.
"Well, there they go," sighed Discord.
"You said it," agreed Sean.
Gabriella looked down at the 'Dragon's Tranquil Barrage' Spell Card she was given to look after. After staring at it for a full minute, tears welled in her eyes before beginning to cry because she believed something horrible would happen to David and he would never be seen again.
"Oh, Gabriella," soothed Futaba, approaching her daughter, "It will be okay; David will come back."
"(ママ!) Mama! (Mommy!)" screamed Gabriella in Japanese, turning and hugging Futaba while sobbing hard.
Everyone else watched the scene with sympathy for the young Japanese girl.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the famous Orb Duel School a little later, it was shown the school had changed considerably since Lisa, her friends, and her teachers all left to compete in Rex's tournament and it was attacked/captured by Sergey Volkov and an army he put together. The whole building now had many cracked windows, and the parking lot had several guard towers hastily set up for the punks to keep an eye out for intruders like the police. All in all, it looked more like a prison camp all the way from Siberia instead of a dueling school. Some punks could be seen observing out the windows from inside the building's various classrooms.
"Man, this is the greatest!" remarked Punk 1, laying on some old tires as though they were a lounge chair, "This Sergey guy really knows how to liven up a boring place."
"But he did warn us to keep an eye out for those who would want to spoil our fun," recalled Punk 2, "The police and what not."
"You guys worry too much," Punk 3, the leader of the trio, scoffed, "With so many of our guys inside this 'prison' making sure those who defied us don't interfere, ain't nobody stupid enough will come here. We outnumber them lousy Duel Monsters players five-to-one, and you guys know it. So, sit back, relax, and keep watch."
Just then, he and his two pals started to hear the sounds of motorcycles.
"…the hell?" quizzed Punk 2.
"I guess some idiots don't know when to not stick their noses in places they know they are not welcomed at," groaned Punk 3, standing up and stretching his arms out for a few seconds, "Boys, my Duel Disk."
As one of his two comrades leaned over and handed him a Duel Disk, several Duel Runners were racing in and stopping in the middle of the parking lot. To the outside guards' surprise, the Duel Runners weren't police-based, but were mostly ordinary, if also redesigned, Duel Runners. Speaking of which, Lisa, the Astray trio, Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka all stopped their Duel Runners, removed their helmets, and took a good, long, sad look at the building which used to look like a proper dueling school.
"Orb…" uttered Juri, depressed.
"It used to look so beautiful," put in Mayura.
"Now it looks more like a Hellish prison camp from Russia rather than a dueling school," finished Asagi glumly.
"The bastards who did this need to be taught a lesson, and fast!" Lisa requested with determination, before looking at Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka, "You two ready?"
Before anything else could be said…
"Hold it right there!" The voice of Punk 1 yelled out.
The Orb representatives, followed by Team 4D's and David, all looked nearby to notice three punks approaching while armed with Duel Disks.
"Who the hell are you guys?!" demanded Punk 2, "And you'd be wise to make it quick so we can capture you for long and painful interrogation!"
Before Lisa could speak up for her friends and teachers…
"They're proud duelists of this school, Orb!" proclaimed Michael, stepping forward while speaking about Lisa, Asagi, Mayura, Juri, Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka, "And they're with me—the King of Turbo Duelists, Michael Atlas! And unless you three want a serious beating by my hands, I would suggest you leave while you still can!"
Unfortunately, the threat caused the three punks to burst out laughing arrogantly, as though they didn't believe Michael, which seemed to anger him.
"You, King? What a load of BS!" dismissed Punk 1.
"Pal, your threats don't phase us one bit!" bragged Punk 2.
Michael frowned dangerously, "My words are not a threat—but a promise," he retorted hotly, "If you guys don't back off and let us pass, you will suffer the consequences."
"Is that a challenge I hear?" questioned Punk 3, smiling like a shark, "Don't answer, 'King', because I can tell it is. I accept your challenge on a few easy to understand conditions! One, if you lose, then you and your group will be forever locked in the school to endure torture from the rest of his my fellow gang members for the remainder of your days. And two, if you end up winning, then we'll willingly back off with no strings attached whatsoever."
Michael glared over the conditions, while with the rest of the group…
"If Mike loses, we'll all suffer the same fate as the rest of our teachers and classmates," worried Juri.
"Mike will win, Juri," reassured Ms. Simmons.
"Yeah!" agreed Lisa, "Mike can easily kick that guy's ass by using that Burning Soul ability of his!"
Back on the field, both duelists had their hands drawn as they faced each other.
"Alright, 'King', I'm gonna go first!" requested Punk 3, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn One: Enemy (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Steelswarm Cell", "Steelswarm Mantis", "Infestation Wave", "Infestation Ripples", "Solemn Wishes", and "Grisaille Prison"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Grisaille Prison', which brought a cocky smile onto his face as he added the card to his hand, picked another card, and held it up.
"If I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," announced Punk 3, placing his card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Steelswarm Cell'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large, black Ladybug-like insect (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"This here was a Special Summon," explained Punk 3, taking another card from his hand and placing it on top of the 'Steelswarm Cell' Effect Monster Card on his Duel Disk, "Hence I can still make a Normal Summon. Now, I'll Tribute my 'Steelswarm Cell' in order to Tribute Summon the Level 5 'Steelswarm Mantis'!"
'Steelswarm Cell' faded away in a blue streak, and appearing in its place was a large, black, praying mantis creature (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 0).
"From there, I'll activate 'Steelswarm Mantis's' monster effect!" Punk 3 went on, taking a LP hit (LP: 4000 → 3000), "When this card is Tribute Summoned by Tributing a 'Steelswarm' monster: I can pay 1000 LP, then target 1 'Steelswarm' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it."
Reappearing on the field was 'Steelswarm Cell' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"I've Special Summoned 'Steelswarm Cell' in Defense Position," said Punk 3, before holding out the four remaining cards from his hand and placing them into his Duel Disk, "Finally, I'll Set four cards and end my turn."
Four face-down cards materialized on the field.
"Well, this could be troublesome," remarked Lisa.
"You said it," agreed Zack, "Four face-down cards will give even Mike some reasons to worry seeing as they could be anything like 'Mirror Force', etc.."
Back on the field…
"Using up your whole hand just to try intimidating me… That won't work!" declared Michael, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Big Piece Golem", "Medium Piece Golem", "Vice Dragon", "Polymerization", "Fiendish Chain", and "Strong Wind Dragon"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Strong Wind Dragon'.
"Before you do anything else, let me show you a little something," Punk 3 requested, pointing to the Set card on the very far left, "I activate a Trap, 'Grisaille Prison'!" The face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, "If I control a face-up monster that was Tribute, Ritual, or Fusion Summoned: Until the end of my opponent's next turn, neither player can Synchro or Xyz Summon, Synchro and Xyz Monsters cannot attack, also their effects are negated."
This left the audience worried, but Michael simply frowned with disapproval.
"You're trying to prevent me from Synchro Summoning for a limited amount of time?" he scoffed, "Your strategy is a desperate ploy for survival; i told you it won't work against the likes of me."
"Say what?" pondered Punk 3.
"I must confess though, that I have no low Level monsters in my hand," continued Michael, "Meaning there's barely anything I can do."
Punk 3 looked gleeful upon hearing that. Oh, if only it ended there…
"However, even that won't stop me!" Michael boomed, taking another card ('Vice Dragon') from his hand and placing it onto his Duel Disk, "If only my opponent controls a monster, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand), but its original ATK/DEF become halved!" The device started lighting up, "Appear now, 'Vice Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field, while growing weaker, was the purple scaled dragon with greenish skin on the inside of its wings (Level: 5/ATK: 2000 → 1000/DEF: 2400 → 1200).
"Next, I'll offer my monster as a Tribute!" As he spoke, Michael took the 'Vice Dragon' Effect Monster Card off the Monster Zone on his Duel Disk and replaced it with the 'Strong Wind Dragon' Effect Monster Card, "By doing this, I'll Tribute Summon 'Strong Wind Dragon' in Attack Position!"
'Vice Dragon' faded away in a blue streak, and appearing onto the field in its place was a huge green dragon (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1000).
"I activate 'Strong Wind Dragon's' second effect!" Michael went on, "If this card is Tribute Summoned by Tributing a Dragon monster: It gains ATK equal to half the original ATK of the Tributed monster!"
A quick flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Michael wordlessly took the 'Vice Dragon' Effect Monster Card off the Monster Zone on his Duel Disk and replaced it with the 'Strong Wind Dragon' Effect Monster Card
"'Strong Wind Dragon' was Tribute Summoned…" narrated Michael, as the scene played out in full, "…using 'Vice Dragon', a Dragon, meaning it grows stronger by 1000 ATK, which is half of 'Vice Dragon's' original ATK!"
'Vice Dragon' faded away in a blue streak, and appearing onto the field in its place was a huge green dragon (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1000).
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and 'Strong Wind Dragon' combined with the spirit of 'Vice Dragon', causing it to grow even stronger (ATK: 2400 → 3400).
"And there's more!" exclaimed Michael.
"Huh? There is?" recoiled Punk 3.
On cue, the 'Polymerization' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, followed by both 'Big Piece Golem' and 'Medium Piece Golem' appearing on the field.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Polymerization', from my hand, fusing 'Big Piece Golem' with 'Medium Piece Golem'!" explained Michael, holding out three cards ('Polymerization', 'Big Piece Golem', and 'Medium Piece Golem') in his right hand as both mentioned monsters started fusing together, "Fusion Summon! Come, my servant, 'Multiple Piece Golem'!"
Appearing on the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was the large stone golem-like monster with colors based off both 'Big Piece Golem' and 'Medium Piece Golem' (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1300).
"To be facing two high Level monsters at once…" Punk 3 winced.
In the audience…
"This is really good," acknowledged Zack, "Mike's brought out two strong monsters."
"Yes, but there's still the problem of that guy's remaining Set cards," reminded Matt.
Back on the field…
"Battle!" announced Michael, entering the Battle Phase, "'Strong Wind Dragon', attack 'Steelswarm Cell'!" In his mind, "By doing this, my monster's third effect will enable it to inflict piercing damage to the opponent. With only 3000 LP, that guy will be knocked out of the duel in just one blow," While announcing the attack name, 'Strong Wind Dragon' leaned its head back and started to charge flames in its mouth for an attack, "Strong Hurricane!"
From there, the attack was fired towards 'Steelswarm Cell', looking certain to take it in an instant.
"Hey, 'King'!" called Punk 3 mockingly, "Did you know I was anticipating you to attack using 'Strong Wind Dragon'?!"
"What?" scowled Michael.
On cue, the left face-down card on Punk 3's field flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate a Trap, 'Infestation Wave'!" Punk 3 declared, "I must return 1 face-up Tribute Summoned 'Steelswarm' monster I control to the hand, then target 1 card my opponent controls; I must destroy it. So, I'll return 'Steelswarm Mantis' to my hand and destroy your 'Strong Wind Dragon'!"
From there, 'Steelswarm Mantis' was absorbed into the face-up 'Infestation Wave' Trap Card, resulting in a cyclone of bugs swarming out and attacking 'Strong Wind Dragon', destroying it in a massive explosion.
"Your 'Strong Wind Dragon' has been destroyed!" smirked Punk 3.
"Maybe so, but I still have 'Multiple Piece Golem'," reminded Michael, "'Multiple Piece Golem', attack 'Steelswarm Cell'!"
'Multiple Piece Golem' obeyed, throwing a rocky fist towards 'Steelswarm Cell', striking and destroying the much weaker monster.
"Is that all?" Punk 3 dismissed, acting as though he wanted to lose his monster, "Your Battle Phase has come to an end, after all."
"Not yet," replied Michael, as 'Multiple Piece Golem' started cracking apart, "The effect of 'Multiple Piece Golem' activates, now," He started to explain the effect, "At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card battled: I must return it to the Extra Deck, then, if all of the Fusion Materials that were used for the Fusion Summon of this card are in my GY, I can Special Summon all of them."
'Multiple Piece Golem' finally broke apart, and appearing on the field from the clearing dust was 'Big Piece Golem' (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 0) and 'Medium Piece Golem' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 0).
"Then, I'll activate the effect of 'Medium Piece Golem'!" As Michael spoke, he took a card from his Deck and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "When this card is Summoned, if I control 'Big Piece Golem': I can Special Summon 1 'Small Piece Golem' from my Deck. That monster's effect is negated while it is face-up on the field."
Appearing onto the field was a small, brown-colored Rock monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1100/DEF: 0). From there, a face-down card materialized on the field behind the three 'Piece Golem' monsters.
"I Set one card and end my turn!" finished Michael.
"Oh, a moment please, your turn's not done just yet!" interrupted Punk 3, just as the very far right face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, "I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Solemn Wishes'! This here card is gonna make me unstoppable! Each time I draw a card(s), I gain 500 LP..
"Great, just great…" thought Michael unhappily.
"Now, it's my turn!" yelled Punk 3, drawing a card and gaining 500 LP (LP: 3000 → 3500), "Draw!"
Turn Three: Enemy (LP: 3500)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (2): "Steelswarm Mantis" and "Card of Sanctity"
On cue, the 'Card of Sanctity' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"And wouldn't you know it? I activate another card that makes me draw cards!" boasted Punk 3, drawing five cards and gaining 500 more LP (LP: 3500 → 4000), "'Card of Sanctity'! Each player draws until they have 6 cards in their hand. As you can see, I've recovered 500 more LP thanks to 'Solemn Wishes'!"
Michael grunted a short response before drawing six new cards. Punk 3, meanwhile, grinned when he saw what his new hand contained. In fact, his hand now contained 'Steelswarm Mantis', 'Infestation Pandemic', 'Steelswarm Caller', 'Steelswarm Caucastag', 'Foolish Burial', and 'Double Summon'.
"My draws are on the mark," Punk 3 told himself, before taking and holding a card ('Foolish Burial') out, "From my new hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Foolish Burial'! I must send 1 monster from my Deck to the GY."
The crowd watched as Punk 3 took a card from his Deck and sent it to the GY.
"He's building his GY, man," Punk 1 remarked, smirking all the way.
"And that's a good thing," agreed Punk 2.
Meanwhile, a Monster Card known as 'Steelswarm Caller' materialized face-up on the field.
"Next, I'll Summon 'Steelswarm Caller'!" The voice of Punk 3 announced.
Appearing out of the card and onto the field, was a humanoid Insect/Fiend monster with wings (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 0). From there, the right Set card on Punk 3's field flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate a Trap, 'Infestation Ripples'!" continued Punk 3, taking a LP hit (LP: 4000 → 3500), "I must pay 500 LP, then target 1 Level 4 or lower 'Steelswarm' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target. And you know, I think I'll pick the monster I sent there using 'Foolish Burial'—my 'Steelswarm Gatekeeper'!"
Appearing onto the field was a black, cockroach-like creature with spikes on its shell (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1900). Over with the group…
"Something stinks," commented Carlie.
James R. felt sheepish, "Hehe…" he chuckled, "Sorry, that was me."
"James! That's gross and unfunny!" scowled Juri.
"She's right," agreed Mayura firmly, "That was not funny."
"This is serious, James, there's more to what our enemy is doing for his strategy," warned Mr. Kisaka, "I can almost feel it in a way."
Back on the field…
"Now, I'll make a second Normal Summon this turn by activating the Spell Card, "Double Summon'!" As Punk 3 spoke, he made the mentioned Spell Card materialize face-up on the field, "I can conduct 2 Normal Summons/Sets this turn, not just 1."
Michael gritted his teeth, waiting to see what was going to come out next.
"Now, here it comes again!" laughed Punk 3, placing a card ('Steelswarm Mantis') onto his Duel Disk once more, "I'll offer 'Steelswarm Caller' as a Tribute, and Tribute Summon 'Steelswarm Mantis'!"
Appearing onto the field, once 'Steelswarm Caller' vanished in blue streaks, was the very same large mantis-like creature (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 0).
"'Steelswarm Caller' has an effect," Punk 3 pointed out, taking another card ('Steelswarm Sentinel') from his Deck and placing it onto his Duel Disk, "When a 'Steelswarm' monster is Tribute Summoned face-up by Tributing this card: I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower 'Steelswarm' monster from my Deck. With that, I'll Special Summon 'Steelswarm Sentinel'!"
Appearing onto the field was a black cockroach with a pair of night goggles on (Level: 3/ATK: 1100/DEF: 0).
"While this card is in face-up Attack Position, Special Summoned Level 5 or higher monsters on the field cannot activate their effects!" revealed Punk 3, revealing his monster's only effect.
Uh-oh…
"This is not good," worried Mayura, "Mike uses quite a few powerful Level 5 or higher monsters with effects—and they are usually Special Summoned."
"As in Synchro Summoned," reminded Zack.
"You find that bad?" Punk 3 cut in, causing both Zack and Mayura to ease themselves up, "Then you'll find this to be worse!" His LP took a hit (LP: 3500 → 2500), "You guys remember the effect of 'Steelswarm Mantis', right? No? Well then… When this card is Tribute Summoned by Tributing a 'Steelswarm' monster: I can pay 1000 LP, then target 1 'Steelswarm' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it."
Reappearing on the field was 'Steelswarm Caller' (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 0).
"'Steelswarm Caller'?" uttered Michael, "Why that one again?"
"Oh, so you wanna know why I want to use that one again?" pressed Punk 3, "First, I'll activate the monster effect of my 'Steelswarm Gatekeeper'! If a 'Steelswarm' monster is Tribute Summoned face-up while this card is face-up on the field, I can Normal Summon/Set 1 monster in addition to my Normal Summon/Set that turn."
"Or perhaps 'not'?" said Michael coldly.
"Huh?"
"I activate a Continuous Trap," The lime green-haired young man announced, motioning his left hand (with the Duel Disk) towards his Set card, "'Fiendish Chain'!"
The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I must activate this card by targeting 1 Effect Monster on the field; I must negate the effects of that face-up monster while it is on the field, also that face-up monster cannot attack. When it is destroyed, I must destroy this card," explained Michael, "You will not be Summoning anymore monsters this turn!"
"Oh man, you got me real good!" Punk 3 laughed haughtily, "However, I'm smarter than you think I am! More than that, I'm more than prepared for your Trap Card!"
Michael eased up.
"Now, observe this Quick-Play Spell of mine," requested Punk 3, taking a card ('Infestation Pandemic') from his hand and holding it out to show everyone, "'Infestation Pandemic'! All face-up 'lswarm' monsters I currently control are unaffected by other Spell/Trap effects this turn."
"'lswarm' also means 'Steelswarm'," realized Zack.
"Yo, that's one smart cookie you are," cracked Punk 2.
"And you're correct, 'lswarm' also means 'Steelswarm'," confirmed Punk 1, "You all know what that means, right?"
Michael scowled in silence, but Punk 3 pretty much took it as a 'yes'. Not only that, the face-up 'Fiendish Chain' Trap Card glitched out and did not summon any chains to constrict 'Steelswarm Gatekeeper'. Meaning? Well…
"Now, I'll Tribute my 'Steelswarm Caller' and 'Steelswarm Sentinel'!" declared Punk 3, watching as both monsters of his faded away in a blue streak. He then took and placed another card ('Steelswarm Caucastag') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Tribute Summon 'Steelswarm Caucastag' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a much bigger and stronger insect-like creature with red markings (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 0).
"Jeez Louise! How many Normal Summons does this guy need to do?!" complained James R..
"Enough for our buddy to kick the King's face in!" Punk 2 called out.
"Quite right," Punk 3 agreed smugly, just before a monster known as 'Steelswarm Genome' appeared on the field (Level: 2/ATK: 1000/DEF: 0), "Now, I will first use the effect of my Tributed 'Steelswarm Caller' to Special Summon 'Steelswarm Genome' from my Deck in Attack Position! From there, I'll activate 'Steelswarm Caucastag's' effect! When this card is Tribute Summoned by Tributing 2 'Steelswarm' monsters: I must activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects written on the Monster Card in-question:
-"I must destroy all monsters on the field, except this card."
-"I must destroy all Spells and Traps on the field."
"Grr… I know what effect you're gonna pick, too," growled Michael.
"Really?" teased Punk 3, "Even though you do, I'm gonna tell everyone anyway! I'm gonna destroy every other monster on the field!"
From there, 'Steelswarm Caucastag' unleashed a powerful shockwave across the field, nuking the whole field of monsters except for itself. Just like that, Michael had lost all three of his 'Piece Golem' monsters, while Punk 3 lost his 'Steelswarm Genome'.
"Just like that-!" gawked Juri.
"All of Mike's monsters, gone!" added Asagi.
Back on the field…
"All of your monsters are gone, King!" boasted Punk 3, "You really are a moron for believing you're a match for someone like me!"
"Don't pull that bull with me!" snapped Michael.
"Then try to protect yourself—if you even can! 'Steelswarm Caucastag', direct attack!"
'Steelswarm Caucastag' obeyed, diving in to strike Michael head on.
"Say hello to 2800 damage!" hollered Punk 3.
Unfortunately, Michael was not about to let that happen…
"'Battle Fader'!" The lime green-haired young man announced, taking a card ('Battle Fader') from his hand and placing it onto his Duel Disk (sideways).
Appearing onto the field was a small, fiendish being with a bell attached to it, which rang and formed a shockwave-like barrier (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"What?!" Punk 3 cringed, "But it's still my turn!"
"Even then, I won't let you do as you please!" said Michael sternly, as he went over his 'Battle Fader's' effect, "When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack: I can Special Summon this card from my hand, then end the Battle Phase."
'Steelswarm Caucastag' struck the barrier created by 'Battle Fader', but was not able to break it. As a result, it backed off and returned to Punk 3's field.
"Dammit…" Punk 3 cussed, "I guess I have no other choice but to end my turn here. However, I promise to get you back on my next turn!"
Over with the audience…
"That guy's 'Steelswarm' Deck…" mused Zack, "I have to admit it's an interesting experiment. He's capable of swarming his field with monsters and make additional Normal Summons if the conditions are met perfectly."
"Talk about annoying to fight," groaned James R..
"It might be annoying to fight, but it's not completely impossible to fight," cut in Mr. Kisaka, "A duelist like Mike has the capability of overcoming it."
Back on the field…
"It's my turn!" declared Michael, drawing a card.
Turn Four: Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (6): "Red Warg", "Resonator Call", "Magic Hole Golem", "Urgent Tuning", "Sinister Sprocket", and "Trap Eater"
His hand now contained 'Red Warg', 'Resonator Call', 'Magic Hole Golem', 'Urgent Tuning', 'Sinister Sprocket', and the drawn 'Trap Eater'.
"Now, I'll send your Trap Card, 'Solemn Wishes', to the GY!" As Michael spoke, he pointed at his opponent's field, "This will allow me to Special Summon 'Trap Eater'!"
Beneath the face-up 'Solemn Wishes' Trap Card rose a creature with two horns and a very large mouth, and it ate the Trap Card whole before going over to Michael's field with a greedy chuckle (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1600).
"My 'Solemn Wishes'!" whined Punk 3.
"'Trap Eater' isn't the only monster you'll see," As Michael spoke some more, he placed a card ('Magic Hole Golem') onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Disk, "Next, I'll Summon 'Magic Hole Golem' in Defense Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a rock-like creature with a large hole in the center of it (Level: 3/ATK: 0/DEF: 2000).
"Once per turn, during my Main Phase 1: I can target 1 face-up monster I control; I must halve its ATK until the End Phase, and it can attack directly this turn," explained Michael, "Other monsters cannot attack the turn I activate this effect."
'Trap Eater's' ATK was cut in half (ATK: 1900 → 950).
"Go, 'Trap Eater'!" Michael ordered, "Attack the enemy player directly!"
'Trap Eater' obeyed, slipping past 'Steelswarm Caucastag' with some help from the magic from 'Magic Hole Golem' and headbutting Punk 3, knocking him back some as he lost a low amount of LP (LP: 2500 → 1550).
"Finally, I'll Set one card and end my turn!" finished Michael, holding out a card before placing it into his Duel Disk.
A face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Magic Hole Golem'. Speaking of whom, the effect of 'Magic Hole Golem' wore off, causing 'Trap Eater's' ATK to return to normal (ATK: 950 → 1900). It was also then the effect of the 'Grisaille Prison' Trap Card wore off.
"'Steelswarm Caucastag' is still stronger than all three of my monsters," thought Michael, "But with my Set Trap Card 'Urgent Tuning', I can Synchro Summon during that guy's Battle Phase. By tuning 'Battle Fader' and 'Magic Hole Golem' with 'Trap Eater', I can Synchro Summon 'Red Daemon's' and repel 'Steelswarm Caucastag'."
Well, we'd have to wait and see what happens next.
"I guess it's my move again!" declared Punk 3, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Enemy (LP: 1550)
Deck: 24
Current Hand (1): "Pot of Greed"
Looking at his drawn card, he held it out without a second thought.
"Spell Card, 'Pot of Greed'!" continued Punk 3, "I must draw 2 cards!"
After sending the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card to the GY and drawing two more cards, he saw that both cards were 'Monster Reborn' (Spell Card) and 'Steelswarm Hercules' (Effect Monster Card).
"Oh, I like these cards…" Punk 3 grinned to himself, "Alright, King! I'm gonna activate the Spell Card, 'Monster Reborn'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Resurrect, 'Steelswarm Genome'!"
Within seconds, 'Steelswarm Genome' returned to the field (Level: 2/ATK: 1000/DEF: 0).
"This card can be treated as 2 Tributes for the Tribute Summon of a 'Steelswarm' monster," explained Punk 3, removing both cards from his Duel Disk and sending them to the GY, "As a result, I'll Tribute both my monsters!"
From there, 'Steelswarm Genome' and 'Steelswarm Caucastag' vanished in blue streaks.
"Now, I'll Tribute Summon the Level 10 'Steelswarm Hercules'!" shouted Punk 3, placing his last card ('Steelswarm Hercules') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was perhaps the largest, and strongest of the 'Steelswarm' monsters (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 0).
"It cannot be Special Summoned," Punk 3 pointed out, "It requires 3 'Steelswarm' Tributes to Normal Summon (but cannot be Normal Set)."
"Level 10!" stammered Matt.
"With only two monsters!" added Carlie.
Michael himself scowled, knowing that he couldn't defend himself with 'Red Dragon Archfiend' at the moment if he tried to Summon it during the Battle Phase.
"Say, King, if you think 3200 ATK is scary," joked Punk 3 as he took a LP hit (LP: 1550 → 775), "wait until you see 'Steelswarm Hercules's' main monster effect! Once per turn: I can pay half my LP; I must destroy all other cards on the field!"
'Steelswarm Hercules' punched the ground, creating a giant tremor which swallowed up all cards on Michael's field.
"What?!" cried Michael, looking at his now empty field.
"And now, it's time you took a big hit!" proclaimed Punk 3, entering the Battle Phase. He motioned his left arm (with the Duel Disk) about, "Eat this, bastard! 'Steelswarm Hercules', attack the King directly!"
'Steelswarm Hercules' obeyed, letting loose a powerful punch that struck Michael head on, causing him to yell as he was thrown to the ground.
"That attack must hurt," taunted Punk 3, "King! From being hit by 'Steelswarm Hercules's' 3200 ATK, your LP will fall to a mere 800!"
Michael looked up weakly as he took massive damage (LP: 4000 → 800).
"Mike!" called Juri.
"Stay strong!" encouraged David.
"Don't you all worry about him!" reassured Punk 1 (falsely), causing the rest of the group to look over, "It won't last too much longer."
"And besides, you all should be honored and prepared to get tortured like none you have ever experienced before," added Punk 2, "Well, am I right?"
"Why don't you two just piss off!" yelled Lisa angrily, "Mike would never let something like this keep him down!"
"Damn right, Lisa," grunted Michael, returning to his feet before gazing at, and again addressing, his opponent, "It will take so much more than what you're doing to take me down," He clenched his right hand into a fist, "For you see, the fire in my soul is far too powerful to be put out by mere small fries like you."
"Small fry?!" snarled Punk 3, "Need I remind you what you face?! 'Steelswarm Hercules' has an ATK of 3200, and I can halve my own LP once per turn to nuke the whole field of other cards!"
"That guy does have a point," admitted Asagi, earning her a look from both Mayura and Juri, "'Steelswarm Hercules' will be an absolute pain to deal with."
"And the fact Mike has no more monsters on his field," agreed Juri.
"And need I remind you both that Mike still has access to Burning Soul?" interrupted Lisa, "If he can trigger it, he'll win."
Back on the field…
"Burning Soul…" scoffed Punk 3, "A complete load of horse crap! It doesn't scare me one bit!" He entered the End Phase, "I end my turn! Now, King! It's your final turn! Better make it count well."
Over with Matt…
"Mike only has possibly this turn to try and win," he thought to himself.
"The time to play around has ended," Michael told himself mentally, "I am the King, and the King will crush his enemies without mercy," He then spoke aloud while preparing to draw a card, "No more playing around! Let's kick this Ground Duel into overdrive!"
And Michael finally drew a card with a Destiny Draw.
Turn Six: Michael Atlas (LP: 800)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (6): "Red Warg", "Resonator Call", "Sinister Sprocket", and "Creation Resonator"
His drawn card was a Monster Card known as 'Creation Resonator'. He added the card into his hand, then picked another card to play.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Resonator Call'!" began Michael, holding the mentioned card out. While speaking, a card ('Red Resonator') ejected from the center of his Deck, which he took and added into his hand, "I must add 1 'Resonator' monster from my Deck to my hand."
Looking at what was in his hand, Michael started formulating a strategy with what cards it had on the go. When he finished planning thing out, he took the added card ('Red Resonator') from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk.
"I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Red Resonator'!" continued Michael.
Appearing onto the field was the 'Resonator' monster with a fiery gong and red mallet hammers (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 200).
"I activate 'Red Resonator's' first effect!" As Michael spoke, he took another card from his hand and readied it, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from my hand," He turned the card over and revealed it to be a Monster Card known as 'Sinister Sprocket', "Come, 'Sinister Sprocket'!"
Appearing onto the field was a black sprocket-like monster with a long chain (Level: 1/ATK: 400/DEF: 0).
"Furthermore, I'll play this card!" said Michael, holding up another card ('Red Warg') before placing another card ('Red Warg') onto his Duel Disk, "When I Normal Summon a 'Resonator' monster: I can Special Summon this card from my hand, but its ATK becomes halved! Appear now, 'Red Warg'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large wolf with flaming fur, sharp claws, and reduced ATK (Level: 6/ATK: 700/DEF: 2200).
"My Level 2 'Red Resonator' tunes Level 6 'Red Warg'!" Michael thundered on.
'Red Resonator' struck its tuning fork with its mallet, causing it to turn into two Synchro Rings which 'Red Warg' jumped into, becoming six orbs of light in the process as Michael echoed a Summon Chant throughout.
"The ruler's heartbeats will now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly. The six orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings then turned into a massive beam of light, which slammed onto Michael's field, "Synchro Summon! My very soul, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
Coming out of the beam of light, and flying into the sky, was the large and red-scaled dragon (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000).
"That was a weak move by you!" Punk 3 insulted, "In case you don't know, your ace monster is not a match for 'Steelswarm Hercules'!"
"Is that what you believe?" frowned Michael.
"Huh?"
"If I control a face-up Synchro Monster," As the lime green-haired young man spoke, he placed his drawn card ('Creation Resonator') onto his Duel Disk, "I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," The Duel Disk lit up, "Come, 'Creation Resonator'!"
Appearing onto the field was a 'Resonator' monster with a fan on its back (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 600).
"My soul is raging!" roared Michael, as he motioned his right arm near his chest and made the Signer Mark underneath his sleeve glow. This resulted in his body burning with crimson flames as he made his best move, "Burning Soul!" As he gave the final command, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' took off into the sky, while both 'Creation Resonator' and 'Sinister Sprocket' turned themselves into fiery Synchro Rings (three for 'Creation Resonator', and one for 'Sinister Sprocket'), "My Level 3 'Creation Resonator' and Level 1 'Sinister Sprocket' double tunes Level 8 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
"WHAT?!" The three punks yelled in shock.
Within seconds, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' found itself trapped inside a sphere of fire (obviously created by the fiery Synchro Rings left behind by both 'Creation Resonator' and 'Sinister Sprocket') while absorbing the outer flames and increasing its power as another Summon Chant followed.
"The King and The Devil, here and now, shall become as one. A Raging Spirit! Lift up the very cries of Creation itself!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 8 + 3 + 1 = 12 were shown briefly near the end. He then held up a familiar card ('Red Nova Dragon') taken from his Extra Deck, "Synchro Summon! Come forth, 'Red Nova Dragon'!"
Emerging from the sphere of fire was 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' bigger, even more powerful alternate form (Level: 12/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3000).
"Double tuning? 'Red Nova Dragon'?!" wailed Punk 3.
"Crap!" cursed Punk 1, looking as scared as could be.
"Why did he bring that card out of all times?!" added Punk 2.
'Red Nova Dragon', still flying in the sky, found itself facing 'Steelswarm Hercules'.
"Now, I'll activate 'Scar-Red Nova's' first effect!" said Michael determinedly, "It gains 500 ATK for each Tuner in my GY," Images of 'Trap Eater', 'Creation Resonator', 'Red Resonator', and 'Sinister Sprocket' appeared behind him as he went on, "I have four Tuners in my GY, meaning 'Red Nova Dragon' gains 2000 more ATK!"
From there, spirits of the four Tuner monsters briefly appeared on the field before merging with 'Red Nova Dragon', causing it to let out a roar as it grew much stronger (ATK: 3500 → 5500). Despite his earlier claim that he was not afraid of Burning Soul, Punk 3 was showing that he WAS afraid of it. It didn't exactly help that he was also facing a 'Red Nova Dragon' with 5500 ATK.
"Go forth, 'Scar-Red Nova'!" commanded Michael, entering the Battle Phase, "Take down 'Steelswarm Hercules' for good!" He announced his monster's attack name as fire started surrounding 'Red Nova Dragon' like an aura, "Burning Soul!"
'Red Nova Dragon' obeyed, dive-bombing towards 'Steelswarm Hercules', striking and causing the enemy monster to explode after a few seconds. Punk 3 braced himself and managed to stay on his feet despite the explosion's backlash. When the backlash did end, however, he collapsed onto a knee and punched at the ground in anger as he lost the remains of his (LP: 775 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Michael Atlas wins!
"No way!" Punk 1 cried out.
"The King actually got the boss!" wailed Punk 2.
As the hologram of 'Red Nova Dragon' faded away, Punk 3 noticed a growing shadow looming over him. Looking up and gasping in terror, he saw Michael Atlas glaring down upon him with an absolutely cold, scornful look on his face. After a few seconds of exchanging looks, Michael grabbed his enemy by the collar of his vest and lifted him up with only one hand, gazing piercingly into the punk's eyes without saying a word throughout.
"M-Mercy-!" Punk 3 whimpered fearfully.
What was the response to something like that? Oh, Michael clenching his right hand into a fist…
*SLAM!*
…and slamming it right into Punk 3's stomach, making his eyes widen and then close. With him unconscious, Michael violently threw the punk towards his two nearby friends and glared at them just as intensely, as though he was daring the both of them to face him in a duel if they so chose to do so. Rather than end up like their leader, the two punks made the wise move to turn tail and hurry towards the school like the cowards they truly were to warn everyone of the 'invaders'. Michael continued to glare until the two punks were inside the building despite having left one of their own to the mercy of possible law enforcement once they arrived, to which he turned and faced his friends.
"I hope you guys are prepared for what's ahead, seeing as there will be plenty more duels to come for all of us," warned Michael firmly, before looking back at the school, "That duel seconds ago was just a sample of what's to come."
"I don't care what else we face, or how skilled these jackasses are in dueling," said Lisa, talking hard, "All we should care about is saving this school."
"Right," agreed James R., before looking at Mayura, "Everything will be okay, Mayura. Just leave everything to me; I'll definitely protect you—err, Orb, from Sergey and his friends. Yeah! Orb, that's it!"
"James…" whispered Mayura, feeling very grateful.
"Once we're all inside, there will be no turning back," Matt pointed out, steppoing forward slightly, "Ready, everyone?"
The rest of the group nodded. Matt nodded back and looked towards the Orb Duel School with the same stoic, determined expression on his face.
"Let's go," requested Matt, running forward.
Everyone else soon followed. From here on out, nothing was going to stop them from defeating Sergey and his followers while also saving the Orb Duel School from the Russian man's rule.
(inside…)
Inside the front entrance way, everyone was looking around at the trashed area.
"Whoa! What a school!" whistled Zack.
"So, this is the inside of Orb," added Carlie.
"Nice place, though it does look a little trashed," finished James R. innocently (yet stupidly), before getting an elbow to the side by Michael over his comment, "OUCH! Err… nevermind."
"But this place is enormous," commented David, looking all around, "How do we know where to begin?"
"Why don't we all split up?" suggested Lisa, "We can cover more ground that way. And it's like you said, Dave; the school is massive, and we probably should not be together in one place for too long."
"A really good point," agreed Ms. Simmons, "And besides, some of us also need to go and free the other students and teachers."
"I can help you with that," offered Zack, holding up his bag, "I got my laptop all charged up for some system hacking."
"And I can safeguard you from any duelist who seeks us out," said David, standing beside the black-haired young man, "Is that okay?"
Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka both nodded, while Zack looked over and grinned.
"I'm going to the headmaster's office," proclaimed Matt, "Sergey is all mine to deal with."
"Not alone, you're not," cut in Carlie, walking up, "I'm going with you, Matt, whether you approve of it or you don't. Listen, all of us know you want revenge against Sergey for what happened not long ago, but there's a very high chance he'll be well-guarded, and you'll need someone who will watch your back along the way and make sure you don't do anything too boneheaded. That someone will be me!"
Matt was about to argue against that, but then he saw Carlie staring at him with a surprisingly stern, yet determined, look on her face. Knowing that his friend was not going to back down from her decision to accompany him, he himself instead backed down from refusing the request.
"You've become a very strong-willed young woman, Carlie," admitted Matt with a sigh, but then managed to smile slightly, "I guess there's little choice but to allow you to come with me to the main office."
Carlie smiled back.
"While you guys do that, Mike and I will head that way," said James R., pointing in another direction while Michael silently nodded in agreement.
"I'll be okay on my own," insisted Lisa, before looking towards her three fellow Orb duelists, "You three go and check out the docking area—if my hunch is right, Mr. Murdoch and the likes should be there."
"Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?" asked Juri.
"Juri, how long have you known me?" Lisa frowned in response, growing tired of being questioned as though she were weak when she really wasn't, "Don't answer, since it was a rhetorical question. Remember that I can take care of myself very well, and if any of those bastards get in my way or give me any form of crap, they'll face a beatdown they won't be walking away from in one piece!"
"You know, she's got a point," acknowledged Mayura.
"Whenever she's not being stubborn or hot-headed, she usually does," added Asagi.
"Please take care, Lisa," encouraged Juri.
"All of us will need to take care," reminded Mr. Kisaka, "These dueling criminals are dangerous, and they will stop at nothing to make sure this school remains theirs."
"We'll be careful, Mr. Kisaka," reassured Asagi.
"We'll make sure Orb is back under the ownership of Headmaster Zimmerman!" put in Mayura.
"For Orb!" chanted Juri, holding her right hand out in-front of her, "Right, everyone?"
In response, Mayura and Asagi both placed their own right hands on top of their best friend's right hand, which was followed by Lisa doing the same thing. Soon, the rest of the group placed their respective right hands on top of the other's hand.
"FOR ORB!" They all exclaimed at the same time.
With that done, the group split up and moved into different directions of the entrance way. As of now, Mr. Zimmerman, the teachers, and various other duelists-in-training everywhere were counting on them to succeed. Whatever was ahead for them, they would not fail; they would defeat the enemies that attacked Orb and liberate it once more.
And so, the second (although much smaller, but also more impactful) arc begins. Will our heroes be successful in stopping this gang (especially Sergey) and freeing Orb from their tyranny? Stay tuned to find out more, as there will be plenty more duels to go in this "war"-like setting before the first half of the story is finally done.