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: Thunderous Constellations
Opening up in a hallway of Orb, Matt and Carlie both were searching for the headmaster's office, which would no doubt have Sergey waiting for anybody foolish enough to try and challenge him for ownership of the school.
"You know, Matt," panted Carlie, bending over with her hands on her knees. She had stopped for a moment to catch her breath, "We probably should have asked our friends from this school for possible directions to the headmaster's office before leaving them to try and find Sergey."
"There wasn't enough time for that," Matt pointed out, "We're just going to have to find the office for ourselves. Now, let's go!"
Carlie just sighed in response, hoping that her friend was right (as he usually was), but she couldn't help but think that, this time, he was being a little reckless in his decision. As the pair continued exploring the hallways, they were surprised that the hall was empty of both punks and criminals. They cautiously walked through the area, expecting an ambush at any given moment.
"I really don't like the looks of this place…" worried Carlie.
"Me neither, but we have to press forward," insisted Matt, "Come on, this way."
As the two young adults walked through the hallway, a bunch of loud yells were heard, causing them to stop moving; several punks were seen emerging from empty, unused classrooms or from behind corners from up ahead.
"Great, we're already in very deep trouble," muttered Carlie.
Matt merely gritted his teeth; so help him, those guys were not going to stop him from reaching Sergey.
"We're not gonna let you reach our boss," hissed Hallway Punk 1.
"This dueling school belongs to Sergey Volkov, now!" added Hallway Punk 2.
Both Carlie and Matt prepared themselves for a potentially violent confrontation with the punks.
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, Michael and James R. both were searching another hallway when they entered one of the school's lunchrooms
(inside…)
Inside the lunchroom…
"A lunchroom?" wondered Michael.
"You know, Mike, it would be nice to eat here," shrugged James R., before noticing something, "Yikes! It looks like we're not alone here!"
Sadly not… Nearby, some punks were currently on break from patrolling their 'new home'. However, they overheard James R. yelling and turned to see the intruders. Michael scowled, while James R. looked nervous. It got worse when they heard a locking sound behind them; they turned, and saw two more punks (the same ones from earlier on) having entered the lunchroom and locked the door in the process, ensuring both members of Team 4D's were trapped with no way out.
"Well, well… Look what we have here, boys?" snickered Lunchroom Punk 1, standing up while staring at Michael, "We have a famous visitor visiting—it's Michael Atlas! How lucky are we?"
"That's the one," Punk 1 confirmed, the same one from outside, with him and his friend walking past Michael and James R. to approach the rest of the punks, "He's the one who defeated our boss in a duel not long ago."
The other lunchroom punks seemed to smirk with satisfaction.
"In that case, if any of you wish to duel with me, I'll take you on!" offered Michael, "Hell, I'll take all of you on if that's what you want!"
"As if," A voice (male) refused.
Some of the punks by the tables stepped aside, and another punk with silver hair and a scar across his face stepped forward. Michael frowned, wondering what the guy meant when he said "As if".
"I have a much better idea," The scarred punk, named Yzak Joule, offered, "I request to have a duel with your friend there… You know, the 'overrated duelist'."
"WHAT?!" raged James R. comically, not taking being called an 'overrated duelist' all that well, "Who are you calling overrated?!"
The lunchroom punks (plus the two punks from outside) began laughing.
"That's right, we think you're overrated!" jeered Lunchroom Punk 1.
"The fact you use 'Blackwings' and 'Assault Blackwings'—two of the most overrated archetypes in Duel Monsters—is a sign you yourself are overrated!" proclaimed Lunchroom Punk 2, "I mean, how overrated can you be?"
"Oh yeah?!" exclaimed James R., fuming with an anger pressure mark appearing on the side of his head as he (James R.) looked back at the smirking Yzak, pointing, and raving, "I'll duel you! I'll kick butt and take names in the process!"
Yzak was eager to tear James R. apart.
(elsewhere…)
Back in one of the hallways, Matt and Carlie both were fighting off the punks attacking them. The fact Carlie was holding her own in the battle showed she was a pretty skilled fighter—not on par with Matt, but still good enough. The bad news? She and Matt were getting overpowered by sheer numbers. Eventually…
"That's enough," A voice (male) requested, "We have guests, after all."
The fighting soon stopped, and another punk, one with tanned skin, blonde hair, and a sarcastic demeanor stepped forward as he grinned at Carlie with interest.
"Wow, you look like a very cute one," The blonde-haired punk, named Dearka Elsman, flirted, making Carlie look a little angry at being hit on, "How's about you and I having a duel to pass a little time? What do you say to it? Sounds like a fun idea, yes?"
"Not interested," said Carlie coldly.
Dearka didn't respond with anything other than keeping the cold smile on his face. Suddenly, Carlie heard Matt yell out in pain, and when she turned, she saw him captured by two punks and being slugged across the face and/or stomach by a third punk.
"Matt!" cried Carlie, before hearing Dearka chuckle cruelly, "Grr!"
"I'll ask you again; will you have a duel with me?" requested Dearka, as Hallway Punk 1 took out a razor sharp knife and pointed to it as though he were showing it off, "If you say no, then I can't guarantee your friend will live to see the sun rise again."
Carlie scowled, as did Matt despite being viciously beaten up.
"On the other hand, if you accept my duel invitation, then nothing bad will happen to him," said Dearka playfully, "It's such an easy choice that even someone like you should know what the correct answer is."
"You…! Fine… I'll take you on," growled Carlie.
"Carlie…" whispered Matt.
"Just promise me one thing; promise me that if I win, you will let my friend go and let us pass without opposition," requested Carlie, "Do you agree to that?"
"Of course," accepted Dearka, "I'll do anything for a woman as cute as you," In his mind… "Or not… Like it would be that easy for a promise such as that to be kept."
Both duelists activated their Duel Disks for their duel and drew opening hands.
"Duel!" Carlie and Dearka both announced at once (LP: 4000) x2.
And thus, the duel began.
"It's the great one's turn—me!" boasted Dearka, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Dearka Elsman (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Satellarknight Altair", "Stellarnova Alpha", "Ties of the Brethren", "Satellarknight Alsahm", "Monster Reborn", and "Wonder Xyz"
His drawn card was the "Wonder Xyz' Trap Card. Adding the card into his hand, Dearka took another card and placed it onto his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Satellarknight Alsahm' in Attack Position!" he continued.
Appearing onto the field was an archer-like Warrior monster wearing bright armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1800).
"A 'tellarknight' monster," realized Carlie.
"I activate 'Satellarknight Alsahm's' effect!" exclaimed Dearka, as his monster started to attack, "If this card is Summoned: I can inflict 1000 damage to my opponent!" He issued the order, "Now, 'Alsahm', open fire!"
'Satellarknight Alsahm' fired the arrow, striking Carlie and pushing her back a little bit as her LP took a sharp hit (LP: 4000 → 3000).
"The first blow has been dealt already," uttered Matt.
"Not much of a first blow, but I guess it will do," shrugged Dearka, before holding another card ('Ties of the Brethren') out, "Next, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Ties of the Brethren', from my hand!" He took a LP hit (LP: 4000 → 3000), "I must pay 1000 LP, then target 1 Level 4 or lower monster I control; I must Special Summon 2 Level 4 monsters from my hand or Deck with the same Type as the targeted monster, but they cannot attack or be Tributed," On cue, two Monster Cards known as 'Satellarknight Deneb' and 'Satellarknight Unukalhai' respectively materialized face-up on the field, "From my Deck, I'll Special Summon 'Satellarknight Deneb' and 'Satellarknight Unukalhai'!"
Appearing onto the field were two more 'tellarknight' monsters called 'Satellarknight Deneb' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000) and 'Satellarknight Unukalhai' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000) respectively.
"Then, I'll activate 'Deneb's' monster effect!" Dearka went on, drawing a card and looking at it, "If this card is Summoned: I can add 1 'tellarknight' monster from my Deck to my hand, except 'Satellarknight Deneb'," He saw his card was a Monster Card known as 'Satellarknight Vega', "And there's also the effect of 'Satellarknight Unukalhai', am I right?"
"Yes," agreed Carlie, "If this card is Summoned: You can send 1 'tellarknight' card from your Deck to the GY, except 'Satellarknight Unukalhai'."
"Man, what a smart woman you are," purred Dearka, whistling a little bit before drawing a card ('Satellarknight Capella') and sending it to the GY. He then slotted a card into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card and end my turn"
A face-down card materialized on the field.
"This guy Summoned three monsters, but he didn't use them to build the Overlay Network," thought Carlie, "I bet he needs another monster or two to do that. Well, I won't give him that chance," She drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 3000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Rose Blizzard", "Hedge Guard", "Phoenixian Seed", "Thorn of Malice", "White Rose Dragon", and "Red Rose Dragon"
Her drawn card was the 'Red Rose Dragon' Tuner Monster Card, while the rest of her hand contained 'Rose Blizzard', 'Hedge Guard', 'Phoenixian Seed', 'Thorn of Malice', and 'White Rose Dragon'.
"From my hand," began Carlie, adding the drawn card into her hand and taking another out, "I'll Summon 'White Rose Dragon'! It will come here in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a small plant-like dragon with white rose features (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1000).
"The first effect of 'White Rose Dragon' activates!" Carlie went on, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Rose Dragon' monster from my hand or GY, except 'White Rose Dragon'," She took and placed another card ('Red Rose Dragon') onto her Duel Disk, "Come, 'Red Rose Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was the small, dragon-like creature with red roses on its back (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1800). Both 'White Rose Dragon' and 'Red Rose Dragon' were shown flying side-by-side.
"A Tuner monster!" cried Dearka.
"Right," confirmed Carlie, nodding, before holding her right hand up as 'Red Rose Dragon' flew into the air before beginning to glow, "My Level 3 'Red Rose Dragon' tunes Level 4 'White Rose Dragon'!"
'Red Rose Dragon' turned into three Synchro Rings, which hovered and overwhelmed 'White Rose Dragon' and turned it into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant from Carlie followed…
"Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom!" Carlie chanted in a surprisingly chilling tone, as the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly. From there, the four orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, which slammed down onto the field around her, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
When the beam of light dimmed, there, now on the field, was the dragon made of rose petals (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).
"'B-Black Rose Dragon'?" stammered Dearka, who was not sounding so sarcastic, now.
"The third effect of 'White Rose Dragon' activates," cut in Carlie, drawing a card ('Staysailor Romarin') and sending it to the GY, "If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I can send 1 Level 4 or higher Plant monster from my Deck to the GY. However, there's also the effect of 'Red Rose Dragon'."
Dearka recoiled a little bit.
"If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I can Special Summon 1 'Rose Dragon' monster from my hand or Deck, except 'Red Rose Dragon', then, if it was sent for the Synchro Summon of 'Black Rose Dragon' or a Plant Synchro Monster, I can also add 1 'Frozen Rose' or 1 'Blooming of the Darkest Rose' from my Deck to my hand," White speaking, Carlie took her Deck out of her Duel Disk and looked through it before taking two cards ('Blue Rose Dragon' and 'Frozen Rose') from it, "I got some of my better cards added," After a brief pause, appearing onto the field was 'Blue Rose Dragon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200), "I Special Summon 'Blue Rose Dragon' from my Deck in Attack Position!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside one of the lunchrooms, Yzak and James R. both had activated their Duel Disks and drawn their opening hands.
"Let's go, 'overrated duelist'!" declared Yzak (LP: 4000).
"Bring it on!" accepted James R. (LP: 4000).
The punks all cheered for their comrade to win, while Michael simply watched with silence in hopes that his slightly younger friend would win the duel.
"Now, I'll start us off," offered Yzak, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Yzak Joule (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Thunder Dragons' Hundred Thunders", "Thunder Dragondark", "Thunder Dragonroar", "Thunder Dragon Discharge", "Thunder Dragonlord", and "Thunder Dragonmatrix"
After a few seconds of looking at what he drew over, he held the card ('Thunder Dragonmatrix') out.
"Come forth, 'Thunder Dragonmatrix'!" ordered Yzak.
Appearing onto the field was a large orb that looked to be crackling with electricity (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 2000).
"A 'Thunder Dragon' monster!" realized Michael.
"But why that one?" quizzed James R., knowing there were far stronger monsters in that archetype, "Its Level is only 1, and it has an ATK of 0!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, 'overrated duelist'," dismissed Yzak, taking a card ('Thunder Dragondark') and discarding it, "I activate the first effect of the 'Thunder Dragondark' in my hand!" While speaking, another card ('Thunder Dragondark') ejected from his Deck, which he took and added into his hand, "(Quick Effect): I can discard this card; I must add 1 'Thunder Dragondark' from my Deck to my hand. And, as of this moment, I'll show you the power…of 'Thunder Dragon Colossus'!"
"'Thunder Dragon Colossus'?" repeated James R., "Isn't that an Extra Deck monster?"
"It is," confirmed Yzak, "In addition to being Fusion Summoned normally, this is a monster that can also be Special Summoned through Tributing a Thunder Effect non-Fusion Monster," He motioned his left arm (with the Duel Disk) about, "Watch as I offer 'Thunder Dragonmatrix' as a Tribute!" A bolt of lightning suddenly struck 'Thunder Dragonmatrix', causing a massive explosion to cloud the field, "And now, I'll Special Summon 'Thunder Dragon Colossus'!"
When the smoke cleared, there, now on the field, was a large black and purple serpent-like dragon with spiked wings and a very bad temper (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2400).
"Furthermore, there's the second effect of 'Thunder Dragonmatrix'!" continued Yzak, drawing a card ('Thunder Dragonmatrix'), "If this card is banished, or sent from the field to the GY: I can add 1 'Thunder Dragonmatrix' from my Deck to my hand."
Nearby…
"That bastard," thought Michael, "He's trying to bring out another powerful monster very quickly."
Sadly so…
"From there, I'll banish the Level 6 'Thunder Dragonroar' from my hand!" Yzak announced, making a card ('Thunder Dragonroar') in his hand fade away into oblivion, "By banishing a Level 8 or lower Thunder monster from my hand or face-up field during the turn a Thunder monster's effect was activated in the hand, I'm able to Special Summon something really good from my hand."
"Great, another powerful monster?" complained James R..
"You're damn right!" chuckled Yzak, before holding yet another card ('Thunder Dragonlord') out, "Appear now, 'Thunder Dragonlord'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large, white electrical dragon, and it let out a loud roar to signal its obvious arrival (Level: 9/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000). James R. was sweating nervously at having to contend with two strong monsters right off the bat.
"Next, I'll activate the second effect of my banished 'Thunder Dragonroar'!" continued Yzak, as a 'Thunder Dragon'-like griffon appeared on the field (Level: 6/ATK: 1800/DEF: 2200), "If this card is banished, or sent from the field to the GY: I can Special Summon 1 'Thunder Dragon' monster from my Deck, but return it to the hand during the End Phase. As you can see, I've Special Summoned 'Thunder Dragonhawk' in Defense Position."
"Just stay cool, man," thought James R., "That monster won't stay out for much longer, and there's nothing it can really do to hurt you."
"I Set one card and end my turn," finished Yzak, slotting a card into his Duel Disk.
A face-down card materialized on the field, just before 'Thunder Dragonhawk' dissolved into blue specks of dust.
"And now, 'Thunder Dragonhawk' will be added into my hand," Yzak reminded, as a card was added into his hand. He then drew and sent a card ('Thunder Dragonduo') to the GY, "I'll also activate the third effect of 'Thunder Dragonlord'! Once per turn, during my End Phase: I can send 1 'Thunder Dragon' card from my Deck to the GY."
James R. flinched over the surprisingly effective strategy his opponent used on the first turn of the whole duel in order to quickly get two powerful monsters onto the field. However, that sense of concern quickly wore off, and he closed his eyes and grinned.
"Heh! I guess there's that old saying," said James R. calmly, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall," He opened his eyes and drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: James R. Hogan (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn", "Black Return", "Blackwing - Gust the Backblast", "Blackwing - Pinaki the Waxing Moon", "Blackwing - Boobytrap", and "Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind"
His hand contained 'Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn', 'Black Return', 'Blackwing - Gust the Backblast', 'Blackwing - Pinaki the Waxing Moon', 'Blackwing - Boobytrap', and the drawn 'Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind'.
"Sweet!" rejoiced James R., before taking a new card from his hand and placing it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk and used its first effect, "If I control no cards, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," He held his left hand (with the Duel Disk) out, "Come, 'Blackwing - Gust the Backblast'!"
Appearing on the field was a humanoid bird-like man with two blue/black-feathered wings (Level: 2/ATK: 900/DEF: 1400).
"Next up! If I control a 'Blackwing' monster other than 'Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," continued James R., readying and placing another card (using its first effect) onto his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn'!"
Appearing on the field was another humanoid bird-like man, this time with more blue/black feathers while wearing a Chinese outfit (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 300). And following THAT, appearing on the field was a smaller bird-like monster wearing a blue vest, a turban with two red feathers, and wielding a bow and arrow (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1000).
"From there, I'll Normal Summon the Tuner monster, 'Blackwing - Pinaki the Waxing Moon'!" As he spoke, James R. pointed at two of his monsters, "My Level 3 'Pinaki the Waxing Moon' tunes Level 4 'Kris the Crack of Dawn'!"
'Blackwing - Pinaki the Waxing Moon' flew upward and turned into three Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn' flew into before turning into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant followed…
"Spread your ebony wings, and storm forth in tandem with the roaring thunder! A slash of lightning!" chanted James R., as the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly just as the four orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Cascade, 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and onto the field, while swinging his sword briefly, was a rather mighty-looking humanoid bird-like swordsman (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2000).
"I activate the second effect of 'Raikiri the Rain Shower'!" began James R.. From there, 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' opened his wings and prepared to take flight, "Once per turn: I can target cards my opponent controls, up to the number of 'Blackwing' monsters I control; I must destroy them!"
"You wouldn't!" threatened Yzak.
"Oh, against someone like you, I would do that and so much more," James R. said back, cheekily, "I control two different 'Blackwing' monsters in 'Raikiri the Rain Shower' and 'Gust the Backblast', so I'll destroy two of your monsters," He directed his attention towards 'Thunder Dragonlord' and 'Thunder Dragon Colossus', "With them being 'Thunder Dragonlord' and 'Thunder Dragon Colossus'!"
'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' flew into the air and slashed his wings twice, sending two rippling waves towards 'Thunder Dragonlord' and 'Thunder Dragon Colossus', which would destroy them on contact.
"You're too naive, 'overrated duelist'!" insulted Yzak, "Do you believe I'm naive enough to not anticipating your attack?"
"Huh?" flinched James R..
"I activate the second effect of 'Thunder Dragonlord'!" bragged Yzak, pointing upward with his right hand, "Once per opponent's turn (Quick Effect): I can banish 2 cards from my GY, including a Thunder monster, then target 1 Thunder monster I control; my opponent cannot target it with card effects this turn!" From there, two cards ('Thunder Dragondark' and 'Thunder Dragonduo') ejected from his GY, which he took and held out to show his opponent, "By banishing 'Thunder Dragondark' and 'Thunder Dragonduo', 'Thunder Dragonlord' will not be destroyed by your card effects!"
James R. sweated a little bit, but Yzak still had more he wanted to so show his opponent.
"And don't think 'Thunder Dragon Colossus' will be destroyed, either," continued Yzak, "I activate my monster's second effect! If this card would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can banish 1 Thunder monster from my GY instead."
"What?!" recoiled James R..
"That's right," As Yzak spoke, a card ('Thunder Dragondark') ejected from his GY before fading away into oblivion, "By banishing 'Thunder Dragondark', 'Thunder Dragon Colossus's' destruction is negated, too!"
Both ripples reached and struck 'Thunder Dragonlord' and 'Thunder Dragon Colossus', but the two monsters were not fazed by them. James R. scowled, annoyed that he didn't destroy the two enemy monsters.
"From there, I'll activate my banished 'Thunder Dragondark's' second effect!" Yzak pointed out, taking a card ('Thunder Dragon Fusion') from his Deck and adding it into his hand, "If this card is banished, or sent from the field to the GY: I can add 1 'Thunder Dragon' card from my Deck to my hand, except 'Thunder Dragondark'."
"Any 'Thunder Dragon' card?" repeated James R., before bowing his head, closing his eyes, and smiling, "Well, that sounds pretty interesting."
"What's it to you, you damned bastard?" growled Yzak.
"You've blocked 'Raikiri the Rain Shower's' attack," answered James R., looking up while opening his eyes and continuing to smile, "But while you did that, I still have 'Gust the Backblast' on my field," He then gave another familiar command, just as both 'Blackwing - Gust the Backblast' and 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' stood ready, "My Level 7 'Raikiri the Rain Shower' tunes Level 2 'Gust the Backblast'!"
"WHAT?!" The other lunchroom punks cried out.
"Dammit," thought Yzak, remembering a detail about 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower', "Because 'Raikiri the Rain Shower' was Synchro Summoned with a 'Blackwing' monster as material, it's treated as a Tuner monster via his first effect!"
From there, 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' turned himself into seven Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Gust the Backblast' flew into while turning into two orbs of light as a Summon Chant from James R. echoed throughout.
"Ebony wings, spread amidst gathering clouds! Become the sword that divides the heavens!" chanted James R., as the symbols 2 + 7 = 9 were shown briefly just before the two orbs of light within the seven Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Descend, 'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm'!"
Flying of the beam of light and landing on the floor, was a huge, Winged Beast-like warrior dressed in dark red armor with a jagged sword (Level: 9/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1800). The punks in the lunchroom either were dismayed or actually amazed at seeing such a rare Synchro Monster. Michael, meanwhile, was silently pleased James R. was getting serious in his dueling.
"The first effect of 'Kusanagi the Gathering Storm' activates!" announced James R., as Yzak listened, "When this card is Synchro Summoned: It gains ATK equal to the total ATK of the 'Blackwing' Synchro Monsters used as Synchro Materials, until the end of this turn," He started to recall what he used for the Synchro Summon as an enlarged image of the 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' loomed in the background, "The only Synchro Monster that was used as Synchro Material was 'Raikiri the Rain Shower', who has an ATK of 2600, meaning 'Kusanagi the Gathering Storm' gains that much ATK!"
'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm' grew stronger (ATK: 3000 → 5600).
(elsewhere…)
Back in one of the hallways, the duel between Carlie (LP: 3000) and Dearka (LP: 3000) was not getting any cooler; the former control 'Black Rose Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800) and 'Blue Rose Dragon (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200), while the latter controlled 'Satellarknight Alsahm' (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1800), 'Satellarknight Deneb' (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000), and 'Satellarknight Unukalhai' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000). Nearby, Matt was still being held captive by some of the punks, and had been pretty quiet up to this point in the duel.
"I activate the second effect of 'Staysailor Romarin'!" announced Carlie, taking a card ('Garden Rose Maiden') from his Duel Disk's Extra Deck section and sending it to the GY, "If this card is sent to the GY by a card effect: I can send 1 Level 5 or lower Plant monster from my Deck or Extra Deck to the GY."
Dearka smirked and gave his female opponent a quick look over.
"Well, well," he remarked, "You seem to have nice 'leaves'."
"I'm sorry?" gawked Carlie, immediately getting the innuendo behind the comment and feeling offended/disgusted by it, "Did you seriously just say 'nice leaves'?!"
"Definitely! You got nice 'leaves'!" said Dearka pervertedly, "Oh, and did you know? Your 'branches' aren't too bad, either!" He chuckled as he watched his opponent briefly looking herself over before pointing to his Set card, "Now then, it's time I activated my face-down card, 'Wonder Xyz'!" The face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, with focus then going directly towards it before the Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field, "Immediately after this effect resolves, I must Xyz Summon 1 Xyz Monster using monsters I control as materials. Those materials will be 'Satellarknight Alsahm', 'Satellarknight Deneb', and 'Satellarknight Unukalhai'!"
As the end of the explanation proceeded, the three mentioned monsters turned to yellow auras of light and flew into the Overlay Network.
"Galactic Knight of Virtue, take up thy sword and cut through the stars and space that defy thee!" chanted Dearka, as something shot out of the Overlay Network, "Xyz Summon! Rank 4! 'Stellarknight Triverr'!"
Landing on the field after jumping out of the Overlay Network, was a knight in silver armor wielding a sword and a shield with the 'Stellar' symbol (Rank: 4/ATK: 2100/DEF: 2500).
"What do you think? It's quite the knight-in-shining armor, isn't it?" flirted Dearka.
"Forgive me if I withhold my enthusiasm," deadpanned Carlie.
"Well, maybe the second effect of my monster might change your mind?" offered Dearka (unhelpfully), "If this card is Xyz Summoned: I must return all other cards on the field to the hand. You know what that means, right? While 'Blue Rose Dragon' returns to your hand, 'Black Rose Dragon' will go back to your Extra Deck instead!"
The brown-haired young woman did not like the sound of that at all. Meanwhile, a glowing 'Stellarknight Triverr' raised his sword and started charging it with power.
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell!" interrupted Carlie, holding out a card ('Frozen Rose'), "It is called 'Frozen Rose'! I must send 1 face-up monster I control to the GY; I must apply this effect, depending on the Type it had on the field."
These were the effects written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"Plant: During the End Phase of this turn, I must draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card."
-"Non-Plant: I must add 1 Level 4 or lower Plant monster from my Deck to my hand."
'Black Rose Dragon' let out a roar, just as 'Stellarknight Triverr' charged forth, slashing 'Blue Rose Dragon' along the way and turning it into a small yellow, which then returned to Carlie's hand as a card. Before the knight-like monster could slash 'Black Rose Dragon', Carlie's ace monster faded away in a blue streak.
"What?!" cried Dearka.
"You won't be touching 'Black Rose Dragon' and sending it back into my Extra Deck that easily," scolded Carlie, sending her card ('Black Rose Dragon') to the GY. She then took another card ('Rose Spirit') from her Deck and added it into her hand, "Now then, because 'Black Rose Dragon' is a non-Plant monster, I get to add a Level 4 or lower Plant monster into my hand."
Dearka sighed, "At least 'Black Rose Dragon' is gone…"
"Guess again," cut in Carlie sharply, causing Dearka to look nervous. She then made a card ('Garden Rose Maiden') eject from her GY, "I activate the second effect of 'Garden Rose Maiden'! I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Rose Dragon' monster or 1 Dragon Synchro Monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it. I bet you can guess what I'm going to bring back, right?"
There was no response. Carlie grinned as she had a feeling her opponent knew the answer to it.
"That's right," she confirmed, as a storm of rose petals started up, "Return again, 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
The rose petals came together, forming the full body of 'Black Rose Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).
"I might not be able to use my monster's Black Rose Gale effect, but offensively it's stronger than your 'Stellarknight Triverr'!" reminded Carlie, before entering the Battle Phase, "Go, 'Black Rose'!" She gave the command as her monster started charging its signature attack, "Black Rose Flare!"
'Black Rose Dragon obeyed, firing its deadly blast of fire towards 'Stellarknight Triverr', striking and destroying the enemy monster. Dearka braced himself from the force of the attack as he took slight damage (LP: 3000 → 2700).
"But by destroying 'Stellarknight Triverr' while it has material, I'll activate his fourth effect!" exclaimed Dearka, "If this card with material is sent to the GY: I can target 1 'tellarknight' monster in your GY; I must Special Summon it!" He took a card ('Satellarknight Alsahm') from his GY and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "Resurrect, 'Satellarknight Alsahm'!"
The archer-like 'tellarknight' returned to the field in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1800).
"I chose this monster for a reason," bragged Dearka, "You remember 'Satellarknight Alsahm's' effect right? The one where if this monster is Summoned you'll take 1000 damage?"
"Don't remind me," groaned Carlie.
"Seeing as you do remember, I'm gonna hit you for 1000 more damage!" Dearka went on, before issuing an order, "'Satellarknight Alsahm', open fire!"
"That attack will reduce Carlie to 2000 LP!" thought Matt frantically.
'Satellarknight Alsahm' fired another arrow towards his target.
"Not this time!" declared Carlie, sending a card ('Rose Spirit') from her hand to the GY, "I activate the effect of 'Rose Spirit'!"
A small plant-like creature with roses for hands briefly appeared on the field.
"'Rose Spirit'?" pondered Dearka, looking a little confused, "Are those hands or pom-poms?"
"Very funny," frowned Carlie, before resuming explaining what her card did, "When my opponent activates a card or effect that would inflict effect damage to me (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY; my opponent takes the effect damage from that card or effect, instead!"
From there, 'Rose Spirit' caught the arrow with her rose pom-pom hands, crushing it into light, then waving the light back towards Dearka, causing him to shield himself once again (LP: 2700 → 1700).
"I Set one card and finish my turn," finished Carlie, just as a face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Black Rose Dragon'.
(elsewhere…)
Back in one of the lunchrooms, the duel between James R. (LP: 4000) and Yzak (LP: 4000) was ongoing. The former controlled 'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm' (Level: 9/ATK: 5600/DEF: 1800), and the latter controlled 'Thunder Dragon Colossus' (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2400) and 'Thunder Dragonlord' (Level: 9/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000).
"Hey, man, I just thought of something," remarked Lunchroom Punk 1.
"Yeah? What are you thinking?" grunted Lunchroom Punk 2.
"It's about that 'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm'," Lunchroom Punk 1 said, before grinning eagerly (if also dumbly), "That monster shares part of the name of a gigantic space battleship from a Japanese animated show I liked watching when I was a teenager—and I still do, today."
Lunchroom Punk 3 got highly annoyed and dope smacked Lunchroom Punk 1 upside the head over the unnecessary positive comment about James R.'s Synchro Monster. Speaking of whom, the brown-haired young man entered his Battle Phase (at last)…
"Here I go!" announced James R., "'Kusanagi the Gathering Storm', attack 'Thunder Dragon Colossus'!"
'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm' obeyed, diving into battle with its mighty blade.
"You're really damn stupid, 'overrated duelist'!" insulted Yzak, before taking a card ('Thunder Dragonmatrix') from his hand and discarding it, "I activate the first effect of the 'Thunder Dragonmatrix' in my hand! (Quick Effect): I can discard this card, then target 1 Thunder monster I control; it gains 500 ATK! The Thunder monster that will be targeted will, obviously, be 'Thunder Dragon Colossus'!"
'Thunder Dragon Colossus' grew stronger from the boost (ATK: 2600 → 3100). Despite the slight buff in power, the dragon giant was still no match for 'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm', and got struck by the sword. Yzak shut his eyes and winced as he took major damage from the attack (LP: 4000 → 1900).
"Next, I'll activate the second effect of 'Thunder Dragon Colossus'!" Yzak yelled out, as a card ('Thunder Dragonmatrix') ejected from his GY before fading away into oblivion, "If this card would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can banish 1 Thunder monster from my GY instead. Therefore, my monster's destruction is negated!"
'Thunder Dragon Colossus' was able to withstand 'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm's' attack, forcing the 'Assault Blackwing' monster to back off. Ending his Battle Phase, James R. actually wasn't too sore about his attack not destroying one of those two Thunder monsters; he merely looked back at his hand, took two cards from it, and slotted them into separate Spell & Trap Zones on his Duel Disk.
"I Set two cards and end my turn," he concluded, entering the End Phase while two face-down cards appeared on the field near his feet, "As of this moment, the first effect of 'Kusanagi the Gathering Storm' wears off."
'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm's' ATK returned to normal (ATK: 5600 → 3000).
"Not only that, I'll activate the second effect of 'Blackwing - Pinaki the Waxing Moon'!" continued James R., cheerfully clenching his right hand into a fist and holding it up, "During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was sent there from the field this turn: I can…" He started to reach for his Deck to draw a card, "…add 1 'Blackwing' monster from my Deck to my hand, except 'Blackwing - Pinaki the Waxing Moon'."
"Wrong, you idiot!" interrupted Yzak, "You can't do that."
"What, I can't?" blinked James R., "Why not?"
"The first effect of 'Thunder Dragon Colossus' is the reason why," Yzak confessed, pointing forth, "Cards cannot be added from the Main Deck to my opponent's hand except by drawing them!"
"Nuts…" complained James R., withdrawing the fingers of his right hand while completely disappointed.
"That's right," said Yzak smugly, "Be disappointed by not being able to draw one of your overrated cards," He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Three: Yzak Joule (LP: 1900)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (4): "Thunder Dragons' Hundred Thunders", "Thunder Dragonhawk", "Thunder Dragon Fusion", and "Pot of Greed"
On cue, the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Spell Card, 'Pot of Greed'!" Yzak declared, drawing two more cards, "I must draw 2 cards! Now, did I-?"
His drawn cards were the 'Burial from a Different Dimension' Spell Card and the 'Thunder Dragon' Effect Monster Card.
"Perfect!" Yzak thought to himself, looking mainly at the first drawn card, "I'll save this card for later on," He then pointed at his Set card, "Continuous Trap, open! 'Thunder Dragon Discharge', activate!"
The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"That card!" realized Michael, knowing about that Trap Card, "The activation of your Thunder monsters' effects cannot be negated! That will make it so James can't stop your monsters from activating their effects!"
Yzak's smirking face confirmed that plan. Needless to say, James R. was far from being pleased about hearing that.
"And there's more!" As he spoke, Yzak held another card out, "Spell Card, 'Thunder Dragon Fusion'! I must Fusion Summon 1 Thunder Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, by shuffling the Fusion Materials listed on it into the Deck, from among my cards on the field, in my GY, and/or my face-up banished cards."
"Even banished monsters?" flinched James R..
"Even banished monsters," acknowledged Yzak, before holding out his right hand and making three cards ('Thunder Dragondark', 'Thunder Dragonduo', and 'Thunder Dragonmatrix') reappear in them before shuffling them back into his Deck for later use, "Now, these three Thunder monsters were banished earlier on, so I'll shuffle them back into my Deck, right now!"
The three dragons briefly reappeared on the field before being absorbed into the face-up 'Thunder Dragon Fusion' Spell Card.
"Dragons who rule the realms of storms, gather your power and rain down the thunder which booms across the heavens!" chanted Yzak, standing firm with a Fusion Vortex background behind him. He then brought both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 10! 'Thunder Dragon Titan'!"
Appearing out of the Fusion Vortex onto the field, as several flashes of lighting struck the field, was a huge 'Thunder Dragon' with three heads, similar to 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' and 'Cyber End Dragon' (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 3200).
"Yeesh! That thing is huge…" murmured James R..
"You think that's bad for you, just wait; the worst is yet to come!" taunted Yzak, "Before you find out what I mean, I'm gonna show you the second effect of my Trap Card, 'Thunder Dragon Discharge'! Once per turn, if a 'Thunder Dragon' monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned to my field: I can target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; I must banish 1 Thunder monster from my Deck, and if I do, destroy that target," A card ('Thunder Dragonmatrix') ejected from his Deck before fading away into oblivion, "By banishing my returned 'Thunder Dragonmatrix', one of your two face-down cards will be wiped out!"
The face-up 'Thunder Dragon Discharge' Trap Card fired off a beam of electrical plasma towards one of the Set cards on James R.'s field. The Set card on the left was hit and exploded from destruction moments later.
"Now you only have one face-down card left!" Yzak proclaimed, laughing deviously. He then heard laughter coming from his opponent, "Huh? What are 'you' laughing at?"
James R. stopped laughing, "Didn't you know?" he joked, grinning big, "You did exactly what I wanted you to do."
"What are you talking about?" huffed Yzak, "You're not making any sense!"
"You still don't understand?" shrugged James R., "I guess it can't be helped… You see, one of the Set cards you destroyed was a Trap Card called 'Blackwing - Boobytrap'."
"'Blackwing - Boobytrap'?" repeated Yzak, "What the hell does that card do?"
"It does…nothing," replied James R..
"Nothing?" Yzak blinked, "Then why'd you Set it if it does nothing?"
"Because its effect 'only' works when it's destroyed while Set on my field," said James R., as he began explaining the effect while a large image of his 'Blackwing - Boobytrap' Trap Card loomed in a black background, "When this Set card is destroyed by my opponent's card effect while I control a face-up 'Blackwing' monster: I must inflict 1000 damage to my opponent, then draw 1 card."
Yzak, now glowing red, let out a loud yell of either pain or anger as he took more damage (LP: 1900 → 900).
"This is bad!" wailed Lunchroom Punk 2, "If the boss takes another big hit like that, he'll lose the duel!"
"That 'overrated bastard'!" fumed Lunchroom Punk 4, "He won't get away with this!"
Back on the field, Yzak seethed as he watched his opponent draw a card without a care in the world.
"Look at the difference between our LP," cracked James R., "Sure you command a few powerful monsters, but I currently have the LP advantage!"
"Keep talking!" snapped Yzak, before easing up and grinning, "Even with 900 LP left, I'm not worried at all. And besides, the card I banished was 'Thunder Dragonmatrix'. You know what this means, right?"
"You end your turn?" deadpanned James R..
"No! It means I get to activate that monster's second effect! If this card is banished, or sent from the field to the GY: I can add 1 'Thunder Dragonmatrix' from my Deck to my hand."
"That's gotta be like the third copy added to your hand," The brown-haired young man commented, watching as Yzak took a card from his (Yzak) Deck and add it into the hand, "Well, is it?"
"That's right," confirmed Yzak, before taking a card ('Thunder Dragonhawk') from his hand and holding it out to show the opponent, "Next, I'll activate the first effect of 'Thunder Dragonhawk'! I can discard this card; I must Special Summon 1 of my 'Thunder Dragon' monsters that is banished or in my GY, except 'Thunder Dragonhawk'."
But nothing seemed to happen.
"Hey, aren't you going to bring a 'Thunder Dragon' monster back?" pressed James R..
"Patience," teased Yzak, "I have to activate the second effect of 'Thunder Dragon Titan' first," Focus then went towards 'Thunder Dragon Titan' for the explanation, "When a Thunder monster's effect is activated in the hand, even during the Damage Step (Quick Effect): I can destroy 1 card on the field."
James R. recoiled, because he knew that 'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm' was going to be targeted and destroyed. Sadly, that looked to be the case…
"'Thunder Dragon Titan', destroy 'Kusanagi the Gathering Storm'!" commanded Yzak, just as his monster started charging lightning around its body, "Titan Lightning!"
'Thunder Dragon Titan' obeyed, letting loose the stored up electricity upon the field. 'Assault Blackwing - Kusanagi the Gathering Storm' was hit by the effect and exploded from its destruction.
"You've destroyed my 'Kusanagi the Gathering Storm'-!" winced James R..
"There! Now the effect of 'Thunder Dragonhawk' can resolve in peace," chuckled Yzak, before making a card appear on a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come forth, 'Thunder Dragonroar'!"
Appearing onto the field was a blue thunder-like creature with wings sticking out of its front arms. With that, 'Thunder Dragonroar' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 0), 'Thunder Dragon Titan' (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 3200), 'Thunder Dragonlord' (Level: 9/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000), and 'Thunder Dragon Colossus' (Level: 8/ATK: 3100/DEF: 2400) all were ready to attack and end the duel on command.
"If that guy attacks, James will be defeated!" thought Michael, before speaking aloud, "James, you'd better not lose to those nobodies! Our friends from this school are counting on us to stop these guys!"
"Sorry to have to point this out, but your friend, the 'overrated duelist', doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hell in winning this duel!" dismissed Yzak, "He has no monsters, and only one Set card standing between me and victory!"
"Is that so?" questioned James R., "In that case, why don't you try attacking me if you're so confident in your victory?"
"Gladly!" accepted Yzak recklessly, entering the Battle Phase, "'Thunder Dragon Titan', attack the opponent directly!"
'Thunder Dragon Titan' obeyed, charging blasts from its three heads, and firing towards James R..
"This will be the first blow!" hollered Yzak.
"Are you certain of that?" interrupted James R. firmly, causing Yzak to ease up. He then took a card ('Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind') from his hand and held it out for a couple of seconds before placing it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I activate the first effect of the 'Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind' in my hand! When my opponent declares a direct attack: I can Special Summon this card from my hand! Appear now, 'Ghibli the Searing Wind'!"
Appearing onto the field was a small bird-like creature with three sets of black and white wings, three feathery tails, and a red hairdo (Level: 3/ATK: 0/DEF: 1600).
"You believe that alone will stop my four monsters from finishing you?" growled Yzak.
"Maybe not, but with my face-down card, I might still have a fighting chance for survival," smirked James R., before motioning his right arm towards his remaining Set card, "I activate a Trap, 'Black Return'!" The face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, allowing him to go over its effect, "When exactly 1 'Blackwing' monster (and no other monster) is Special Summoned: I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must gain LP equal to the ATK of that target, and if I do, return it to the hand."
From there, an aura glowed around 'Thunder Dragon Titan' as it flew over to James R., causing his LP to rise (LP: 4000 → 7200).
"My 'Thunder Dragon Titan' returned to the Extra Deck-!" uttered Yzak, looking pretty miffed by what happened, "Fine! I might not be able to defeat you this turn, but I can still clear your field and reduce your LP with my anger! 'Thunder Dragonroar', take down 'Ghibli the Searing Wind'!"
'Thunder Dragonroar' obeyed, lunging forward and sinking its teeth into 'Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind', causing the weaker monster to shatter into shards of glass. James R. grimaced when he realized he was wide open for two powerful attacks.
"You're open again!" continued Yzak, "'Thunder Dragonlord', attack the opponent directly!"
''Thunder Dragonlord' obeyed, firing an electrical breath attack at James R. striking and causing him to yell out in pain (LP: 7200 → 4200).
"There's more!" Yzak pointed out, "'Thunder Dragon Colossus', go get 'im! Judgment Wave!"
'Thunder Dragon Colossus' obeyed, firing a blast of its own at James R. and striking him, which brought him to a knee as his LP fell to low levels (LP: 3200 → 1100).
"And now to bring 'Thunder Dragon Titan' out again!" As he said that, Yzak made a card fade away from his hand and then pointed at 'Thunder Dragon Colossus, "By banishing 'Thunder Dragon Colossus', a Thunder Fusion Monster, and a Thunder monster, like 'Thunder Dragon', from my hand, I'm able to bring 'Thunder Dragon Titan' right back!"
'Thunder Dragon Colossus' was absorbed into the Fusion Vortex near the ceiling, and firing out of it and onto the field was 'Thunder Dragon Titan' (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 3200).
"Then, from my hand, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Burial from a Different Dimension'!" announced Yzak, holding up his drawn card ('Burial from a Different Dimension'), "I must target up to 3 banished monsters; I must return them to the GY!"
On cue, two cards ('Thunder Dragonmatrix' and 'Thunder Dragon Colossus') reappeared and floated around him before he took and placed them inside his GY. Then, he took a card from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk.
"I Set one card and end my turn," Yzak finished, as a face-down card ('Thunder Dragons' Hundred Thunders') materialized on the field, "As of now, the third effect of 'Thunder Dragonlord' activates!" He drew a card ('Thunder Dragondark') and sent it to the GY, "Once per turn, during my End Phase: I can send 1 'Thunder Dragon' card from my Deck to the GY."
James R. looked concerned at what he was facing, and the lunchroom punks all looked eager to see him lose. Meanwhile, Yzak was smiling and thinking about what card he Set before ending his turn…
"'Thunder Dragons' Hundred Thunders'…" he thought to himself, "If that punk does manage to try anything funny to clear my field of monsters, I'll use this card and re-swarm my whole field."
Whoa… Foreshadowing much?
(elsewhere…)
Back in one of the hallways, Carlie and Dearka were still dueling, with the former's turn being over.
"It's my turn!" declared Dearka drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Dearka Elsman (LP: 1700)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (5): "Satellarknight Altair", "Stellarnova Alpha", "Monster Reborn", "Satellarknight Vega", and "Stellarnova Wave"
His drawn card was a Trap Card known as 'Stellarnova Wave'.
"From my hand," Dearka was saying, adding his card into his hand and taking another from there, "I'll Summon 'Satellarknight Vega' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a female monster dressed in the 'tellarknight' robes with a star hoop around her (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1600).
"Now I'll activate my monster's effect!" continued Dearka, taking another card from his hand, "If this card is Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'tellarknight' monster from my hand, except 'Satellarknight Vega'," He placed the card onto his Duel Disk, "Now, I'll Special Summon 'Satellarknight Altair'!"
Appearing onto the field was a monster in 'tellarknight' robes with a pair of blue, robotic wings on its back (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1300).
"The effect of 'Satellarknight Altair' activates!" As he spoke, Dearka made a 'tellarknight' monster named 'Satellarknight Capella' appear on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 2200), "If this card is Summoned: I can target 1 'tellarknight' monster in my GY, except 'Satellarknight Altair'; I must…" he was shown withdrawing the index and middle fingers of his right hand from his Duel Disk, "…Special Summon that monster in Defense Position, also monsters I control cannot attack for the rest of this turn, except 'tellarknight' monsters," Carlie seemed to scowl over his taunts, "I've chosen to bring 'Satellarknight Capella' back."
"You go, man!" whooped Hallway Punk 2.
"Hmph!" grinned Dearka, appreciating the encouragement from his comrades, "I activate the effect of 'Satellarknight Capella'! If this card is Summoned: I can apply the effect below for the rest of this turn."
This was the effect written on the Xyz Monster Card in-question:
-"I can treat Level 4 or lower 'tellarknight' monsters I control as Level 5 when Xyz Summoning using 3 or more monsters as materials."
"That means you can overlay all three of your Level 4 monsters as though they're each Level 5 monsters!" gasped Carlie.
"That's right," nodded Dearka, before giving the command, "I overlay Level 5 'Satellarknight Vega', 'Satellarknight Altair', and 'Satellarknight Capella'!"
The three monsters turned to yellow auras of light and flew into the returning Overlay Network in the center of the field.
"Great beast of the stars above, align the fates that will exterminate the darkness you face!" Dearka chanted, as something shot out of the Overlay Network, "Xyz Summon! Come out! Rank 5! 'Stellarknight Constellar Diamond'!"
Appearing out of the Overlay Network onto the field with several orbs floating around it, was a huge, dragon-like creature whose scales resembled the color of the 'tellarknight' colors (Rank: 5/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2000).
"'Stellarknight Constellar Diamond'!" cried Carlie.
"This is bad!" came from Matt, knowing the enemy monster's second effect, "So long as 'Stellarknight Constellar Diamond' has material equipped to it, neither player can send cards from the Deck to the GY, and any card that returns from the GY to the hand is banished instead."
"Well done, you've figured out my monster's strengths," praised Dearka (what else?) sarcastically, clapping falsely. He then held another card ('Monster Reborn'), "From my hand, I'll activate 'Monster Reborn'! I revive 'Satellarknight Unukalhai'!"
'Satellarknight Unukalhai' returned to the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000).
"Having been Summoned again," Dearka rambled on, drawing a card ('Satellarknight Procyon') and sending it to the GY, "I'll use 'Satellarknight Unukalhai's' effect again to send a 'tellarknight' monster from my Deck to the GY," He then held his right hand out, "I overlay Level 4 'Satellarknight Alsahm' and 'Satellarknight Unukalhai'!"
The two monsters turned to yellow auras of light and flew into the returning Overlay Network in the center of the field.
"Dark champion of virtue, ride forth and strike down any who dare question you!" chanted Dearka, as something shot out of the Overlay Network, "Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 4! 'Darktellarknight Batlamyus'!"
Appearing onto the field was a rather dark looking centaur-like knight (Rank: 4/ATK: 2600/DEF: 550).
"The first effect of 'Darktellarknight Batlamyus'!" declared Dearka, "All face-up monsters on the field become DARK. That includes my 'tellarknight' monsters and your 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
From there, 'Black Rose Dragon's' petals changed from red to black and a darker aura glowed around the remaining 'tellarknight' monsters. This concerned Carlie, as there had to be more to what she was seeing. Well, she had a reason to be concerned…
"I should warn you," Dearka pointed out, "If you have anything that will try to stop my attacks, think again. The third effect of 'Stellarknight Constellar Diamond' can and will stop you. When an opponent's DARK monster activates its effect (Quick Effect): I can detach 1 material from this card; I must negate that activation, and if I do, destroy it," He entered the Battle Phase, "Battle! 'Stellarknight Constellar Diamond', attack 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
'Stellarknight Constellar Diamond' obeyed, firing a powerful blast of light/dark energy towards 'Black Rose Dragon'.
"'Black Rose Dragon' will fall!" laughed Dearka.
"It won't!" cut in Carlie, holding a card ('Hedge Guard') out before sending it into her GY, "I activate the effect of 'Hedge Guard'!"
Dearka raised an eyebrow. A large hedge-like shield appeared on the field in-front of 'Black Rose Dragon', just as the energy attack hit both monsters and caused 'Hedge Guard' to slowly change its color as the enemy attack kept hurting it.
"During damage calculation, when a monster I control battles (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY; that monster cannot be destroyed by this battle, but I must halve its ATK after damage calculation until the end of this turn!" The voice of Carlie explained, as 'Hedge Guard' then shattered into shards of glass. She still looked pleased that her ace monster was able to survive, "'Black Rose Dragon' is not destroyed!"
"But the damage calculation will be applied as normal!" reminded Dearka.
Carlie grimaced as she glowed red for a few seconds and took slight battle damage (LP: 3000 → 2700).
"Since the Damage Step has passed," she went on, "'Black Rose's' ATK is halved until the end of this turn!"
'Black Rose Dragon' roared as it grew weaker (ATK: 2400 → 1200).
"Just in time!" jeered Dearka, "'Darktellarknight Batlamyus', finish off 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
'Darktellarknight Batlamyus' obeyed, charging towards the weakened dragon.
"I activate a Trap, 'Rose Blizzard'!" announced Carlie, as her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When a monster I control is targeted for an attack: I must negate the attack, then change the attacking monster to Defense Position!"
A huge blizzard of frozen rose petals flew from the face-up 'Rose Blizzard' Trap Card all across the field, forcing 'Darktellarknight Batlamyus' into a defensive stance (ATK: 2600 → DEF: 550). Snorting dismissively, Dearka took a card from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk.
"I Set one card," he concluded, as a face-down card materialized on the field, "And with that, my turn will end here!"
As it was the End Phase, the effect of 'Hedge Guard' wore off on 'Black Rose Dragon' and allowed the Signer Dragon to regain its lost ATK (ATK: 1200 → 2400).
(elsewhere…)
Inside one of the lunchrooms, Yzak was laughing arrogantly at his opponent—mostly because he was in a position to win.
"For someone who is completely overrated as a duelist, you sure do duel so passively and laid back!" proclaimed Yzak, "No wonder I'm about to win against the likes of you!"
"Hmm…" wondered James R., grinning big, "Who's dueling passively or laid back? I've been dueling at my best all along."
The brown-haired young man drew a card, while Yzak looked dismissive over that claim.
Turn Four: James R. Hogan (LP: 1100)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (2): "Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor" and "Cards for Black Feathers"
He saw that he had drawn the 'Cards for Black Feathers' Spell Card.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Cards for Black Feathers'!" announced James R., holding his drawn card out. He then sent his only remaining card ('Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor') from his hand to the GY, "I must send 1 'Blackwing' monster from my hand to the GY; I must draw 2 cards."
"Are you gonna bet on what you draw to get you out of your sticky situation?" dismissed Yzak.
"Sometimes it comes down to it in a duel," replied James R., preparing to draw his final cards, "Here I go! DRAW!"
From there, he performed the ever handy Destiny Draw for his (what else?) draw. Both cards were revealed to be 'Blackwing - Gladius the Midnight Sun' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind' (Tuner Monster Card).
"They're here!" cried James R., before taking one of the cards ('Blackwing - Auster the South Wind') and placing it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind'!"
Appearing onto the field was a yellow hatching with multicolored wings (Level: 4/ATK: 1300/DEF: 0).
"Next! If the only face-up monster I control is 1 'Blackwing' monster other than 'Blackwing - Gladius the Midnight Sun', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," As James R., with his last card in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand, spoke, he placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk and used its first effect, "Let's go, 'Gladius the Midnight Sun'!"
Appearing onto the field was a 'Blackwing' monster dressed in silver armor wielding a pair of knives (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 1500). From there, 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind' turned himself into four Synchro Rings.
"My Level 4 'Auster the South Wind' tunes Level 3 'Gladius the Midnight Sun'!" The voice of James R. cried out, as the above scenario played out.
As the command was given, the four Synchro Rings hovered over, lowered, and overwhelmed 'Blackwing - Gladius the Midnight Sun' and turned him into three orbs of light as a Summon Chant followed…
"Wet those ebony wings. Resonate with the drizzling rain, single strike of lightning!" chanted James R., as the symbols 3 + 4 = 7 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Pierce through, 'Assault Blackwing - Chidori the Rain Sprinkling'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and onto the field, was an armored 'Blackwing' monster with a sword (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2000).
"The first effect, like some of my other 'Assault Blackwing' monsters have, treats 'Chidori the Rain Sprinkling' as a Tuner monster when Synchro Summoned by 'Blackwing' monsters used as Synchro Material!" reminded James R., "And there's also my monster's second effect! It gains 300 ATK for each 'Blackwing' monster in my GY."
The spirits of nine different 'Blackwing' monsters appeared behind James R. as he smirked and gave a thumbs up.
"I have nine such monsters in my GY," he went on, "That means 'Chidori the Rain Sprinkling' gains 2700 ATK!"
'Assault Blackwing - Chidori the Rain Sprinkling' grew stronger (ATK: 2600 → 5300).
"If you think I'm gonna let you win using that monster, you're wrong!" Yzak huffed in response, sending a card ('Thunder Dragonmatrix') from his hand to the GY, "Remember the first effect of my 'Thunder Dragonmatrix'? (Quick Effect): I can discard this card, then target 1 Thunder monster I control; it gains 500 ATK. Obviously, I'm gonna choose 'Thunder Dragon Titan' to take the power increase!"
'Thunder Dragon Titan' roared as it grew stronger (ATK: 3200 → 3700).
"But that's not your aim… The second effect of 'Thunder Dragon Titan' is your real goal, isn't it?" recalled James R..
"That's right; the first effect of my monster activates, right now," nodded Yzak, "When a Thunder monster's effect is activated in the hand, even during the Damage Step (Quick Effect): I can destroy 1 card on the field," As 'Thunder Dragon Titan' charged its body with power, he made one more comment before announcing his monster's effect name, "In this case, your 'Chidori the Rain Sprinkling'! Go, Titan Lightning!"
'Thunder Dragon Titan' released the stored up power as bolts of lightning burst across the field, striking 'Assault Blackwing - Chidori the Rain Sprinkling' and destroying the monster in an explosion.
"With that monster gone, that 'overrated duelist' has no way to win!" proclaimed Lunchroom Punk 5.
"I guess he's all bark and no bite!" Lunchroom Punk 6 added in scornfully.
Yzak folded his arms with a triumphant look on his face, while James R. had his head bowed and a shadow covering his resigned eyes, as though he thought it was all over for him—at least until his mouth formed a small, confident smile as he uttered a few familiar words no opponent should ever hear…
"Are you sure about that?"
Yzak eased up, and the other punks in the lunchroom were equally stunned by what they're hearing. Did James R. have another strategy planned despite having no cards in his hand and no monsters on his field? Well, he actually did. And it was one that none of the punks were expecting.
"I activate the second effect of 'Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor'!" began James R., as two cards ('Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' and 'Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor') ejected from his GY, "I can target 1 non-Tuner 'Blackwing' monster in my GY; I must…" He took and held the card up until it dissolved into specks of dust, "…banish both this card and that target, and if I do, Special Summon 1 Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck whose Level equals the total Levels of the banished monsters."
Appearing on the field for a brief amount of time were both 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' and 'Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor'.
"Let's do it, you guys!" James R. said eagerly, "My Level 1 'Vayu the Emblem of Honor'…" He thrust his right hand out, "… tunes Level 7 'Raikiri the Rain Shower'!"
'Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor' turned into a Synchro Ring, which 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' dove into while turning into seven orbs of light as a Summon Chant from James R. echoed throughout.
"Darkened whirlwind, reveal hidden wishes on your wings!" chanted James R., as the symbols 7 + 1 = 8 were shown briefly just before the seven orbs of light within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Soar, 'Black-Winged Dragon'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light was the mighty bird-like dragon with white wings (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1600). With renewed hope, James R. rolled up the right sleeve of his jacket and exposed the Dragon's Tail birthmark on his forearm and made it glow.
"My final hope has arrived!" The brown-haired young man proclaimed with pride.
Meanwhile, Michael made the Dragon's Wings birthmark on his right forearm underneath his motorcyclist suit glow as well, as though he was giving his friend the power needed to win the duel.
"James! My power is your power!" reassured Michael, "I'm with you until the very end!"
The punks all were deeply shocked by the arrival of James R.'s ace monster—well, at least until one of them realized one thing about 'Black-Winged Dragon'; its ATK was less than most of the Thunder monsters Yzak controlled.
"It's not so bad," insisted Lunchroom Punk 7, "'Black-Winged Dragon' might be powerful, but it only has an ATK of 2800!" Some of the lunchroom punks listened and grew hopeful, "It's enough to beat 'Thunder Dragonroar', but it cannot hope to match or beat 'Thunder Dragon Titan' and 'Thunder Dragonlord'."
Back on the field…
"He's right, y'know," agreed Yzak, "Your dragon is no match for my monsters. As a matter of fact, it and your wishes will die right here!"
"No! Our wishes will not die here!" proclaimed James R., commencing his final counterattack, "I activate the second effect of 'Auster the South Wind'!" He made the mentioned card ('Blackwing - Auster the South Wind') eject from his GY before having it fade away into oblivion after a few seconds, "I can banish this card from the GY to activate 1 of the following effects."
These were the effects written on the 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind' Tuner Monster Card:
-"I must place Black Feather Counter(s) on 1 'Black-Winged Dragon' I control, equal to the number of card(s) my opponent controls."
-"I must place 1 Wedge Counter on each face-up monster my opponent controls that does not have one."
"Which one will you pick?" worried Yzak.
"I think I'll go with the first one," said James R. knowingly, "For every card you, the opponent, control, a Black Father Counter will be added to 'Black-Winged Dragon'," He pointed at his opponent's field, "You have five different cards. 'Thunder Dragon Titan', 'Thunder Dragonlord', 'Thunder Dragonroar', your Continuous Trap 'Thunder Dragon Discharge', and your face-down card. That means 'Black-Winged Dragon' gains five Black Feather Counters!"
From there, many of 'Black-Winged Dragon's' feathers turned from white to red.
"This will trigger the second effect of 'Black-Feather'!" recalled James R., "This card loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather Counter on it."
With five such Counters on it, 'Black-Winged Dragon's' ATK completely depleted itself (ATK: 2800 → 0). Yzak burst into loud laughter over his opponent's seemingly stupid choice of action in the final turn of the duel.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Have you actually lost your mind by weakening your 'final hope'?" chortled Yzak, "Now it's as good as useless to you, seeing as it can't even beat or survive my 'Thunder Dragonroar'!"
"Don't underestimate the power of 'Black-Feather'!" warned Michael.
"Who exactly is underestimating it? I'm just pointing out the cold, hard facts!"
"But did you ever stop and think for a second there might be a 'reason' this monster has such an effect?" interrupted James R., causing Yzak to ease up a little bit, "Right now, I'm going to end this duel this turn. In fact, I'll do it without even attacking."
"Without attacking? How in the hell will you do that?" questioned Yzak.
"With 'Black-Feather's' third effect!" James R. answered, taking and holding up his ace card ('Black-Winged Dragon') from his Duel Disk, "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…" As the explanation went on, 'Black-Winged Dragon' stood still while waiting for the command to be given "…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."
"WHAT?!" exclaimed Yzak, fearfully.
"Thaaaaat's right!" smirked James R., placing his card ('Black-Winged Dragon') back on his Duel Disk, "By removing those five Black Feather Counters, 'Thunder Dragon Titan' will lose 3500 ATK, and then you'll take that amount as damage!" He then gave the command to his monster, as it roared and started to take flight, once more, "'Black-Feather', let 'em fly! Black Burst!"
'Black-Winged Dragon' obeyed, charging a powerful blast from its talons and firing a black shockwave-like ripple across the field towards the onslaught of 'Thunder Dragon' monsters, creating a huge explosion on the opponent's field. 'Thunder Dragon Titan' roared in agony as its ATK was drastically reduced (ATK: 3700 → 200), while also the explosion itself threw Yzak across the lunchroom, screaming in terror and defeat through being overkilled (LP: 900 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: James R. Hogan wins!
He soon landed on a nearby table, breaking it apart on contact as he fell unconscious. With the duel over, the holograms of the monsters faded away.
"Alright! How's 'that' for overrated?!" cheered James R., punching his right fist in the air. He then rubbed the index finger of his right hand underneath his nose before looking at the other lunchroom punks rather eagerly, "So, anyway, I still have lots of fight left in me. Who else wants a dueling piece of the old Hogan Bullet Train?"
The other punks were surprised and most upset at their comrade's loss. In fact, they were so upset that they simply unequipped their Duel Disks, tossed them aside, and decided to just beat up the two intruders using their fists. Both members of Team 4D's were surrounded by numerous enemies in just seconds.
"Good answer… Good answer…" uttered James R. sarcastically.
The brown-haired young man and Michael both knew they were in for a fight.
(elsewhere…)
Back in one of the hallways, Dearka was looking mighty pleased at having dealt his opponent a bit of a blow. Sure, he didn't destroy 'Black Rose Dragon', but he still had the advantage at the moment. Regardless, it was Carlie's turn, and she was going to turn things around and win in order to earn Matt's freedom.
"It's my turn!" The brown-haired young woman announced, drawing a card with a Destiny Draw, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 2700)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (4): "Phoenixian Seed", "Thorn of Malice", "Blue Rose Dragon", and "De-Synchro"
Her drawn card was the 'De-Synchro' Spell Card.
"I've got it," thought Carlie. She added the card into her hand and held another card ('Thorn of Malice'), "From my hand, I'll activate the Equip Spell, 'Thorn of Malice'! I'll equip this onto 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
Razor sharp thorn vines were given to 'Black Rose Dragon', further enhancing its ATK (ATK: 2400 → 3000).
"I must equip only to 'Black Rose Dragon' or a Plant monster," explained Carlie, "It gains 600 ATK. If the equipped monster attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage."
"Heh! I won't let you do that," sneered Dearka, as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Counter Trap, 'Stellarnova Alpha', activate! When a Spell/Trap, or monster effect, is activated: I must send 1 face-up 'tellarknight' monster I control to the GY; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card, then draw 1 card. So, by sending 'Darktellarknight Batlamyus' from my field to the GY, your 'Thorn of Malice' is negated and destroyed, while I get to draw a card."
From there, 'Darktellarknight' turned into a ball of light, which shattered the face-up 'Thorn of Malice' Spell Card, which also got rid of 'Black Rose Dragon's' thorn vines and ATK bonus (ATK: 3000 → 2400). Dearka then drew a card and saw it was a Spell Card called 'Stellarknight Alpha', which made him smile with dark intentions before he looked up at Carlie, who seemed to smile as well.
"Huh?" Dearka blinked, now puzzled by his opponent's behavior, "Why do you look so happy? I just got rid of your Equip Spell."
"That's because by making you use up your Trap Card, my real strategy can begin blooming," acknowledged Carlie, taking a card ('De-Synchro') from her hand and holding it out, "And it starts with this, the Spell Card, 'De-Synchro'! I must target 1 Synchro Monster on the field; I must return that target to the Extra Deck, then, if all of the monsters that were used for the Synchro Summon of that monster are in my GY, I can Special Summon all of them."
"Hold the phone!" recoiled Dearka, realizing Carlie's plan, "You're gonna split 'Black Rose Dragon' up?"
And that's exactly what happened; 'Black Rose Dragon' split itself apart into both 'White Rose Dragon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1000) and 'Red Rose Dragon' (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1800). With the tide about to turn, Carlie motioned her right arm across her chest and made the Dragon's Foot birthmark glow with power. Despite being held captive still, Matt was able to feel the Dragon's Head birthmark on his own right forearm glow in response.
"You, your friends, and Sergey all have no right to hold onto the Orb Duel School," boomed Carlie, before taking a card ('Blue Rose Dragon') from her hand and placing it onto her Duel Disk, "Now, I'll Summon a third 'Rose Dragon'… Come forth, 'Blue Rose Dragon'! Attack Position!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Blue Rose Dragon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200). Dearka practically flinched, because he knew exactly what Carlie was about to do. What was she going to do? That's easy…
"My Level 3 'Red Rose Dragon' tunes Level 4 'White Rose Dragon'!" The voice of Carlie uttered.
As they heard the order, 'Red Rose Dragon' flew into the air and turned into three Synchro Rings, which hovered and overwhelmed 'White Rose Dragon' and turned it into four orbs of light. The Symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown as a Summon Chant from Carlie followed (again)…
"Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom!" Carlie chanted in a surprisingly chilling tone (again), as the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly. From there, the four orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and returning to the field, was the triumphant return of 'Black Rose Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800). The freaked out punks in the hallway knew that there was nothing their friend was able to do to prevent 'Black Rose Dragon' from nuking the whole field, and Carlie knew of this, immediately taking advantage of it.
"I activate 'Black Rose's' first effect!" she began, "When this card is Synchro Summoned: I can destroy all cards on the field," She held her right hand out and gave the command, "Do it, 'Black Rose Dragon'! Destroy everything on the field! Black Rose Gale!"
'Black Rose Dragon' obeyed, roaring as it created a giant gust of wind, destroying every other card in play, and, basically, itself. When the wind finally died down, all that was left on the field were a bunch of rose petals.
"All our cards are gone…" winced Dearka, "However, you also destroyed your own monsters, too!"
"Don't be so sure," interrupted Carlie, talking about the leftover roses in the middle of her field, "Do you see the rose petals left on my field? Well, they're a sign that 'Black Rose Dragon' is about to return."
"Return?!"
"She's right," Matt pointed out, "By destroying 'Blue Rose Dragon', its effect activates," He started going over the effect, while an image of the 'Blue Rose Dragon' Effect Monster Card was shown beside him on the left, "When this card on the field is destroyed and sent to the GY: You can target 1 'Black Rose Dragon' or 1 Plant monster in your GY; Special Summon that monster."
Back on the field…
"Quite so, Matt," agreed Carlie, looking over and nodding before resuming her focus on the duel, "Now, the roses will revive 'Black Rose Dragon' from the GY…now!"
The gust of wind picked up again, blowing the rose petals about until they combined together into the full body of 'Black Rose Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).
"This can't be happening!" protested Dearka.
"This attack will end things!" announced Carlie, entering the Battle Phase, "'Black Rose Dragon', attack the enemy player directly!"
'Black Rose Dragon' obeyed, opening its mouth and beginning to charge up its main attack.
"W-Wait a moment, can't we talk about this?!" wailed Dearka.
"Black Rose Flare!" shouted Carlie, ignoring the pleading.
'Black Rose Dragon' unleashed its fiery blast, striking Dearka head-on and causing him to scream in defeat as he was then thrown across the hallway (LP: 1700 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Carlie Izayoi wins!
With the duel over and won, 'Black Rose Dragon' faded away as Carlie closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh over winning.
"Now," Carlie began fiercely, after opening her eyes, "I am ordering you to release Matt and let us pass, this instant!"
Dearka got onto his hands and knees and weakly looked up in anger.
"This wasn't how it was supposed to happen," he mumbled unhappily, "I was supposed to win and defend the 'real' headmaster of this boring place!"
"Too bad!" retorted Carlie, "Sergey is not this school's rightful headmaster! You guys took the school by force and likely hurt a lot of inspiring young duelists. No matter what you all try, my friends and I will defeat Sergey and liberate it once more!"
"Grrr! I guess there's no other choice," growled Dearka. He then turned to his friends, "There's been a change of plans, guys! Kill them both!"
"What?!" exclaimed Matt, as he got roughly slugged in the stomach.
"That isn't what we agreed to!" yelled Carlie, before getting swarmed by punks.
"Did you expect me to keep my word even if it's to a cute woman?" dismissed Dearka, "As if! My loyalty is to Sergey Volkov forever!"
Before any more harm could come to the two members of Team 4D's, everyone in the hallway started to hear the sound of a Duel Runner. Seconds later, a very familiar Duel Runner came roaring from around a corner and stopping nearby.
"The hell?" gawked Hallway Punk 2.
"Who's that guy?" demanded Hallway Punk 4.
The rider of the Duel Runner (Sturm und Drang) got up and fearlessly stared down the punks who had captured Matt and Carlie.
"Let them both go," The rider, speaking in a thick French accent, requested hotly.
"Now, now, all in good time, man," offered Dearka, believing the intruder to be male, "First though, why don't you take off the helmet and tell us who you are?"
The rider silently responded by taking off the motorcyclist helmet and tossing it aside, showing off long blonde hair. As soon as both Matt and Carlie got a look at their savior, they, especially Carlie, gasped in both shock and realization.
"S-Sherry?" whispered Carlie.
"A woman?" Dearka pondered, while a few other punks were likewise surprised, "You're a woman?"
Yup, as it turned out, Matt and Carlie's savior happened to be the French duelist Sherry LeBlanc, and she looked ready to rumble with the punks.