This story was done in collaboration between me, Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and DaveMan1000 (both here and on DeviantART), and we own the OCs that are used in the story. AaronCottrell97 (known as stevecottrell on DeviantART) provided the Duel Layouts and additional ideas. Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
Gundam SEED characters, Orb, Blue Cosmos, M1 Astray, Strike Rouge, Murasame (c) Sunrise
Character of Lisa Drake (c) DaveMan1000
Character of David Xadashi (c) DaveMan1000
Jak and Daxter characters, Orange Lightning, Road Blade (c) Naughty Dog
Ratchet & Clank characters (c) Insomniac
WARNING: Once again, this story is rated T for violence, some blood, suggestive themes, and some language. Reader discretion is advised.
WARNING 2: If you haven't read "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 2", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 4", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles (Pyramid of Light", "David Xadashi", "Lisa Drake", or "Team 4D's", you might want to do so before reading this story
On a stage inside the Orb Duel School, five face-down cards were lined up on a large blackboard. On cue, David Xadashi and Lisa Drake both showed up and began speaking to the audience for only a brief amount of time.
"(こんにちは、みんな!) Kon'nichiwa, min'na! (Hello, everyone!)" greeted David in Japanese, "Have Lisa-chan and I got a surprising edition of 'This week's noteworthy cards' planned for today!"
"That we do, my friend," agreed Lisa, "That we do," She and David held their arms out at the blackboard with the five cards (still showing their backing) lined up, "First of all, here are the cards we'd like to show off. I think you guys will like them a lot!"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' (Xyz Monster Card)
-'Naturia Gaiastrio' (Fusion Monster Card)
-'Morphtronic Earfon' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Evolzar Solda' (Xyz Monster Card)
-'Gadget Gamer' (Effect Monster Card)
"Wow!" gasped David, staring at the middle card ('Morphtronic Earfon'), "This is a card you gave me!"
"Yup, that's the one," confirmed Lisa, before reading one of the card's effects, "If this card is Special Summoned: You can target 1 face-up monster on the field; treat it as a Tuner until the end of this turn," She chuckled, "That's helpful, since it really helps with Synchro Summoning."
"And I have you to thank for it, Lisa-chan," praised David, before he and Lisa turned to face the audience, "That's a card Lisa-chan gave me as a gift, everyone!"
"And I'm confident he'll use it really well," put in Lisa, "And, of course, we can't forget the other cards we showed off. You'll really like them," She and David started waving goodbye, "And now, have a good night, everyone!"
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: Strength in Unity
Opening up in Orb's Turbo Duel stadium, the Turbo Duel for fun between David and Lisa against Daxter and Tess was ongoing with both sides retaining full LP, and it was still Tess's turn. The fields were currently as followed:
-David and Lisa (LP: 8000): Both controlled 'Morphtronic Celfon' (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100), 'Naturia Mantis' (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1500), and 'Naturia Rosewhip' (Level: 3/ATK: 400/DEF: 1700)
-Daxter and Tess (LP: 8000): Both controlled 'Inzektor Exa-Stag' (Rank: 5/ATK: 800/DEF: 800), 'Evolzar Dolkka' (Rank: 4/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1700), and 'Evolzar Laggia' (Rank: 4/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"I activate the first effect of the 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket' in my GY!" As the card explanation proceeded, a card ('Inzektor Ladybug') ejected from Tess's GY and faded away into oblivion before another card ('Inzektor Giga-Cricket') emerged and was taken, "If this card is in my GY: I can banish 1 Insect monster from my GY, then target 1 face-up 'Inzektor' monster I control; I must equip this card from the GY to that target," She held up the retrieved card, "Now then, by banishing 'Inzektor Ladybug' from my GY, I'll equip 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket' onto 'Inzektor Exa-Stag'!"
Tess slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Runner, which caused 'Inzektor Exa-Stag' to grow stronger again (ATK: 800 → 2000).
"The second effect of 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket'!" continued Tess, "While this card is equipped to a monster, that monster's original ATK becomes 2000, and if it attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage," The grin on her face became more dangerous-looking, "From there, I'll give up 'Inzektor Exa-Stag's' final material and activate its effect!"
The remaining material floating around 'Inzektor Exa-Stag' faded away, and then held both hands out, unleashing a hypnotic ray that possessed 'Naturia Mantis' and brought it onto Tess's field before turning into a spirit and becoming one with the puppeteer itself. With a monster equipped to it, 'Inzektor Exa-Stag' gained more power (ATK: 2000 → 2850/DEF: 800 → 1550).
"Then, from my hand," said Tess, with a playful wink, before placing another card onto her Duel Runner, "I'll Summon 'Inzektor Centipede'!"
Appearing onto the field was a mechanical-looking centipede monster on two legs (Level: 3/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200).
"I activate my monster's first effect!" Tess exclaimed with determination, before holding up another card ('Inzektor Hornet') while speaking, "Once per turn: I can equip 1 'Inzektor' monster from my hand or GY to this card," She slotted the card into her Duel Disk, and appearing on the field was the spirit of a humanoid monster wearing black and yellow armor with hornet-like wings, helmet, and a stinger-like rod, "I equip 'Inzektor Hornet' to 'Inzektor Centipede'!"
'Inzektor Hornet' became one with 'Inzektor Centipede' similar to armor.
"While this card is equipped to a monster, that monster's Level is increased by 3, also it gains ATK/DEF equal to this card's ATK/DEF," explained Tess, revealing the second effect of 'Inzektor Hornet'. From there, 'Inzektor Centipede' gained more power (Level: 3 → 6/ATK: 1600 → 2100/DEF: 1200 → 1400), "'Inzektor Centipede' now has 2100 ATK, 1400 DEF, and is a Level 6 monster!"
This brought some discomfort to both David and Lisa.
"However…" The voice of Tess seemed to go on.
"Huh?" peeped Lisa.
"Are you telling us there's more?" added David.
"I have a better use for 'Inzektor Hornet'," admitted Tess, "I'll activate its third effect," While speaking on, the spirit of 'Inzektor Hornet' emerged from 'Inzektor Centipede' and charged towards and striking 'Naturia Rosewhip' with the stinger rod, "While this card is equipped to a monster: I can send this Equip Card to the GY, then target 1 card on the field; I must destroy that target!"
'Naturia Rosewhip' and 'Inzektor Hornet' both shattered into shards of glass.
"Damn!" cried Lisa.
"Well, that's too bad for you, kiddos," taunted Daxter, "Now Tess and I can activate as many Spells and Traps as we want!"
"Just don't forget that destroying 'Inzektor Hornet' will return 'Inzektor Centipede's' stats to their normal amount," reminded David.
'Inzektor Centipede's' Level, ATK, and DEF each returned to normal (Level: 6 → 3/ATK: 2100 → 1600/DEF: 1400 → 1200).
"But this will allow me to activate 'Inzektor Centipede's' second effect!" Tess pointed out, drawing a card, "If an Equip Card(s) is sent to my GY while equipped to…" She saw it was a Spell Card known as 'Zektrike Kou-ou', "…this card (except during the Damage Step): I can add 1 'Inzektor' card from my Deck to my hand," Without wasting a second, the woman held her added card out, "I activate this card immediately, 'Zektrike Kou-ou'! I must send 1 other 'Inzektor' card from my hand or face-up field to the GY, then activate 1 of these effects!"
These were the effects written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"I must choose 1 'Inzektor' monster from my Deck and either Special Summon it, or equip it to 1 'Inzektor' monster I control."
-"I must equip 1 'Inzektor' Equip Spell from my Deck to 1 'Inzektor' monster I control."
"Ngh…" grunted David.
"Aunt Tess…" grumbled Lisa.
"Now that I've paid the necessary cost," concluded Tess, before sending a card ('Inzektor Giga-Mantis') to the GY, "I now need to choose an effect… Hmm… decisions, decisions…" She made her decision; she drew a card, looked at it, then placed it onto her Duel Runner, "Alright! I will choose 1 'Inzektor' monster from my Deck and Special Summon it! Come forth, 'Inzektor Giga-Weevil'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large mechanical, weevil monster on two legs (Level: 6/ATK: 0/DEF: 2600). In the stands, both Mr. Kisaka and Matt were aware that all Tess needed was one more Level 6 monster, and she would be able to Xyz Summon a Rank 6 monster. Back over with Tess, she continued with her turn.
"And next, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Resonance Device'!" declared Tess, slotting the mentioned card in-between the index and middle fingers of her right hand into her Duel Runner, "I must target 2 face-up monsters I control with the same Type and Attribute; I must change one of their Levels to the current Level of the other, until the end of this turn," While speaking some more, 'Inzektor Giga-Weevil' and 'Inzektor Centipede' (Level: 3 → 6) both got some focus as the latter got its Level changed, "By targeting 'Inzektor Giga-Weevil' and 'Inzektor Centipede', the latter becomes a Level 6 monster!"
"What? I thought Tess would try to bring one more Level 6 monster out, not change the Level of another monster she or Daxter controls," A surprised Juri gasped.
"Well, Juri, that's how most Xyz users play," said Ashima knowingly, being a major user of the Xyz Summon, "It really shouldn't come as a surprise to even you."
Back on the track…
"I overlay Level 6 'Inzektor Centipede' and 'Inzektor Giga-Weevil'!" announced Tess.
The Overlay Network returned again, absorbing both of Tess's monsters. Another new monster started to emerge from the Overlay Network, which was a large mechanical insect monster colored mostly black with golden bits all-around and on two legs—all while a Summon Chant followed.
"Mighty insect champion! Unleash great strength and take down those who defy you!" chanted Tess, "Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 6! 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle'!"
The new monster posed on the field for battle (Rank: 6/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000). This gave Lisa and David a total of four different Xyz Monsters to face off against.
"Nicely done, baby," praised Daxter, "Now, let's kick the asses of these two so hard they'll even start crying when we win!"
"Oh, Daxter-Waxter, you know the best things to say," blushed Tess, flattered, before she returned her attention to the duel, "I activate the first effect of 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle'! When this card is Xyz Summoned: I can target 1 monster in either GY; I must equip that target to this card," She took a card ('Inzektor Giga-Mantis') from her GY and readied it, "This card gains ATK/DEF equal to half the original ATK/DEF of the monster equipped by this effect."
"Isn't that-?" pressed Lisa.
"Yup, I've picked 'Inzektor Giga-Mantis'," confirmed Tess, before slotting her card into her Duel Runner, "I equip it to 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle'!"
The spirit of 'Inzektor Giga-Mantis' appeared on the field, just before becoming one with 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' and beefing up its power by a fair amount—actually, greater than a simple fair amount (ATK: 1000 → 2200 → 3600).
"What?!" recoiled David, "'Inzektor Exa-Beetle's' ATK increased to 3600 instead of 2200?!"
"Tee hee hee! You can thank 'Inzektor Giga-Mantis's' second effect for that," giggled Tess, "While this card is equipped to a monster, that monster's original ATK becomes 2400."
"As I knew you would do…" muttered Lisa.
From there, a material floating around 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' faded away, causing the monster to raise both hands into the air.
"I activate 'Exa-Beetle's' second effect!" The voice of Tess announced, as the above scenario played out. From there, 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' lowered its hands and fired a beam towards 'Naturia Mantis' (Tess) and 'Morphtronic Celfon' (David), "Once per turn: I can detach 1 material from this card, then target 1 face-up card on each field; I must send those targets to the GY."
Both 'Naturia Mantis' and 'Morphtronic Celfon' shattered into shards of glass—though the loss of 'Naturia Mantis' caused 'Inzektor Exa-Stag's' stats to drop a little bit (ATK: 2850 → 2000/DEF: 1550 → 800). It didn't matter much, since David and Lisa both were wide open for an attack by four different Xyz Monsters
"Battle!" yelled Tess, entering her Battle Phase, "Sorry, Lisa, but you and your cute boy both will have to be attacked!" As she ordered her first monster to attack, 'Evolzar Laggia' fired off a blast of fire, "'Evolzar Laggia', attack Dave directly!"
The flame blast struck The Wild Card, causing David to cry out as he and Lisa took the first damage of the whole duel (Team LP: 8000 → 5600).
"Dave, are you okay?!" called Lisa with worry.
"N-Never better, Lisa-chan," groaned David, recovering from being attacked, "Unfortunately, it won't remain that way for much longer."
"Go, 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle'!" ordered Tess, "Attack Lisa directly!"
'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' obeyed, charging electricity into its lance and lunging it towards Strike Rouge.
"Face-down card, open!" hollered David, as his remaining Set card flipped face-up on the field and revealed itself, "'Morphtronics, Scramble'! When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack while I control no monsters: I must target the attacking monster; I must negate the attack, and if I do, Special Summon 1 'Morphtronic' monster from my hand," He pointed at 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle', "First, I target your 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' and negate its attack!"
'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' was about to strike Strike Rouge, but a barrier formed around the Duel Runner and deflected the attack. Tess was not happy her attack was stopped. David then took the last card from his hand.
"I Summon my last card!" The aqua blue-haired boy howled, before placing the card onto his Duel Runner, "'Morphtronic Boomboxen'! Defense Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a large red boombox (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 400). Tess knew about the Defense Position effect of 'Morphtronic Boomboxen', so she proceeded to point towards her husband's other monster first.
"I use 'Evolzar Dolkka' to attack 'Morphtronic Boomboxen'!" she proclaimed.
'Evolzar Dolkka' obeyed, firing off another blast of fire—this time as an actual attack.
"Great, I can only block off one attack," thought David. Without any choice, he made a move, "I activate the Defense Position effect of 'Morphtronic Boomboxen'!" A barrier formed around 'Morphtronic Boomboxen', protecting it from the flames, "Once per turn, when a face-up 'Morphtronic' monster I control is targeted for an attack: I must negate the attack."
"But Tess still has one more monster," reminded Daxter, as his focus went towards 'Inzektor Exa-Stag' (ATK: 2000), "That's 'Inzektor Exa-Stag', which not only has 2000 ATK, but also is equipped with 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket'!"
"He's right," David told himself, mentally, "While equipped with 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket', 'Inzektor Exa-Stag' is able to inflict piercing damage when attacking a monster in Defense Position."
"Furthermore, as you mentioned, you can only use 'Morphtronic Boomboxen's' effect once per Battle Phase," continued Daxter, "This means you can't block off the remaining attack!"
"Take this!" shouted Tess, as 'Inzektor Exa-Stag' started to attack again, "'Inzektor Exa-Stag', destroy 'Morphtronic Boomboxen'!"
'Inzektor Exa-Stag' obeyed, crushing 'Morphtronic Boomboxen' with its fist, destroying the monster in an explosion. David winced as more damage was sustained because of the piercing effect (Team LP: 5600 → 4000). In the stands, the spectators were commenting on the duel thus far.
"Daxter and Tess both are really good," admitted Ashima.
"Right," nodded Matt, "All of four of them are great parallels to each other," His focus went towards Lisa and Daxter first, "Lisa and Daxter both have Decks that focus on trying to counter and negate anything their opponent does," Then his focus changed towards David and Tess, "While David and Tess both focus heavily on Equip Cards to benefit their monsters."
"Awesome…!" murmured Asagi, amazed.
"But Dave and Lisa have lost half of their LP from Tess's attacks!" said Juri urgently.
"Luckily, it's Lisa's turn," recalled Zack.
Back on the track, Tess entered her End Phase.
"I end my turn!" she declared, and looked over her shoulder at her niece, "Alright, Lisa, do your best, now!"
"It's not gonna be easy to do your best when you only have half your LP remaining," thought Lisa bitterly, before drawing a card and speaking aloud, "It's my turn!"
All four duelists gained a Spell Counter:
-David/Lisa: 4 → 5
-Daxter/Tess: 4 → 5
Turn Six: Lisa Drake (Team LP: 4000)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (4): "Naturia Forest", "Naturia Tulip", "Naturia Pumpkin", and "Pot of Greed"
Speed Counters: 5
Lisa's drawn card was the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card, which she held out without a second thought.
"Spell Card, 'Pot of Greed', activate!" began Lisa, before drawing two more cards, "I must draw 2 cards!"
Both cards were 'Leodrake's Mane' (Spell Card) and 'Necro Fusion' (Trap Card), and they were good cards. Lisa added them into her hand, and selected another card ('Naturia Pumpkin') to play.
"I Summon 'Naturia Pumpkin' from my hand!" As she spoke those words, the pink-haired girl placed it onto her Duel Runner, "Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was the cartoonish green pumpkin (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 800).
"When this card is Normal Summoned while my opponent controls a monster: I can Special Summon 1 'Naturia' monster from my hand," said Lisa, explaining her monster's effect. She then took and placed another card ('Naturia Tulip') onto her Duel Runner, "Come, 'Naturia Tulip'!"
Appearing onto the field was the cartoonish-looking tulip (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 1500).
"Now I activate the second effect of 'Gadget Box'!" declared Lisa, as another orb from the metallic box blinked away. Then appearing on the field was another 'Gadget Box Token' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "Once per turn: I can remove 1 Morph Counter from my field, and if I do, Special Summon 1 'Gadget Box Token'. I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck while this Token is on the field, except Synchro Monsters."
That gave Lisa three monsters with Levels equalling seven in total. Before long, 'Naturia Tulip' hovered into the air and turned into two Synchro Rings.
"My Level 2 Tuner 'Naturia Tulip' tunes Level 4 'Naturia Pumpkin'…" The voice of Lisa echoed, as the above scenario played out, "…and Level 1 'Gadget Box Token'!"
The two Synchro Rings hovered over, lowered, and surrounded both 'Naturia Pumpkin' and 'Gadget Box Token', turning them into five orbs of light (four for 'Naturia Pumpkin' and one for 'Gadget Box Token') as a Summon Chant from Lisa was proudly heard.
"Gentle creature of nature, withdraw yourself from your protective shell, and prove to the corrupt of business that nature will always win," chanted Lisa, sd the symbols 4 + 1 + 2 = 7 were shown briefly just before the five orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Show yourself, 'Naturia Landoise'!"
Emerging from the resulting beam of light and onto the field, was the familiar giant rock-like tortoise with a hill of grass and a tree on its shell (Level: 7/ATK: 2350/DEF: 1600).
"And you know, this is just the beginning!" Lisa insisted confidently, before readying a card ('Naturia Molcricket') she took from her GY, "The second effect of 'Naturia Molcricket' activates!" She placed the card onto her Duel Runner, and reappearing on the field was 'Naturia Molcricket' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "If my opponent Special Summons a monster(s) from the Extra Deck, or I Special Summon a 'Naturia' monster(s) from the Extra Deck, while this card is in my GY: I can Special Summon this card."
"But now you're gonna use your monster's first effect to Tribute it!" remembered Daxter.
"Yup!" confirmed Lisa, just before 'Naturia Molcricket' shattered into shards of glass, "During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card; I must Special Summon 1 'Naturia' monster from my Deck," She then took two cards, looked at them, then placed them onto her Duel Runner, "If my opponent controls a face-up monster(s) with the highest ATK on the field, I can Special Summon 2 instead!"
Appearing onto the field were both 'Naturia Beetle' (Level: 4/ATK: 400/DEF: 1800) and 'Naturia Stinkbug' (Level: 3/ATK: 200/DEF: 500).
"My Level 3 'Naturia Stinkbug' tunes Level 4 'Naturia Beetle' !"
'Naturia Stinkbug' turned into three Synchro Rings, which 'Naturia Beetle' lept into before turning into four orbs of light as a familiar Summon Chant from Lisa proceeded.
"The holy light of protection, shine now and become eternal life!" chanted Lisa, as the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! A regal birth, 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'!"
Appearing from the beam of light and flying through the sky, was the blue serpent-like dragon with the aqua-colored mane and fairy-like wings and armor on the torso (Level: 7/ATK: 2100/DEF: 3000).
"'Ancient Fairy'?" gasped Tess.
"Crap… Double crap… Triple crap!" swore Daxter.
"I believe a comeback is in the works," David told himself.
"Next, I'll activate the third effect of my Trap Card, 'Ancient Radiance'!" As Lisa spoke, a card ('Ancient Radiance') ejected from her GY and faded away. This allowed for 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' to start glowing in a bright light, "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' I control; I must switch its current ATK/DEF until the end of my opponent's next turn!"
The bright light energized 'Ancient Fairy Dragon', switching its stats around (ATK: 2100 → 3000/3000 → 2100).
"Now, Dave, I'm gonna show you how that new card works," offered Lisa, before looking over her shoulder slightly, "That is, if you don't mind."
"It's all yours, Lisa-chan!" accepted David.
That was all Lisa needed to hear…
"I activate the third effect of the 'Morphtronic Earfon' in our GY!" announced Lisa, as 'Morphtronic Earfon' reappeared on the field and shrank to the size of proper earphones before equipping themselves to 'Ancient Fairy Dragon', "I can target 1 Synchro Monster on the field; I must equip this card from my field or GY to it," She then held up another card ('Leodrake's Mane') and explained what it was and what it did before slotting it into her Duel Runner, "Then I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Leodrake's Mane'! I must target 1 face-up 'Naturia' monster I control; its ATK becomes 3000, but I must negate its effects until the end of this turn."
'Naturia Landoise' grew stronger as a lion's mane formed around its head (ATK: 2350 → 3000).
"I think I should tell you both some bad news about 'Morphtronic Earfon'," warned Lisa, as she raised her right hand and snapped the fingers as she went over 'Morphtronic Earfon's' third effect, "While this card is an Equip Card, the equipped monster can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase," She entered her Battle Phase, "Speaking of which, it's time for 'Ancient Fairy' to attack you guys!" 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' flew through the sky until in-front of the sun, "Eternal Sunshine!"
'Ancient Fairy Dragon' obeyed, radiating a huge ray of sunlight from its body, causing everyone else in the stadium to shield their eyes. Due to the effect of 'Morphtronic Earfon', this attack ended up destroying both 'Evolzar Dolkka' and 'Evolzar Laggia' at the same time. The combination of both blows finally did some major damage to Daxter and Tess (Team LP: 8000 → 6700)
"(やった!) Yatta! (Hooray!)" cheered David in Japanese, "We finally did damage!"
"And my Battle Phase is still on considering I also control 'Naturia Landoise'," Lisa pointed out, before giving an order to her remaining monster, "'Naturia Landoise', take down 'Inzektor Exa-Stag'!"
'Naturia Landoise' obeyed, jumping into the sky and stomping onto 'Inzektor Exa-Stag', crushing it into shards of glass. Tess braced herself from the force of the attack as more LP were lost (Team LP: 6700 → 5700).
"I Set one card and end my turn!" finished Lisa, while making a face-down card materialize on the field in-front of Strike Rouge and letting it fade away for later use. Since it was the End Phase, the ATK of 'Naturia Landoise' returned to normal (ATK: 3000 → 2350), "The effect of 'Leodrake's Mane' expires!"
"Don't worry, Tess baby, just leave the rest to me!" reassured Daxter, before drawing a card, "Draw!"
Another Speed Counter was added to the respective pile both teams had:
-David/Lisa: 5 → 6
-Daxter/Tess: 5 → 6
Turn Seven: Daxter Drake (Team LP: 5600)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (1): "Card of Demise"
Speed Counters: 6
On cue, the 'Card of Demise' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field beside Orange Lightning (on its right).
"I activate 'Card of Demise'! I must draw until I have 5 cards in my hand," began Daxter, drawing five new cards and looking at them, "but send all cards in my hand to the GY during my 5th Standby Phase after activation."
His new hand contained 'Evo-Price', 'Evoltile Gephyro', 'Evolsaur Terias', 'Evoltile Megachirella', and 'Evolutionary Bridge'. Since there was a Spell Card ('Evo-Price') in his hand, he was able to take advantage of the 'High Speed World' Spell Card.
"I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!" continued Daxter, as the Speed Counter gauge on the monitor of Orange Lightning depleted itself (SPC: 6 → 2), "Once per turn: I can remove 4 Speed Counters of my own, then reveal any number of Spell Cards in my hand; I must inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each card revealed," He then held out a Spell Card ('Evo-Price'), "By revealing a single Spell Card, you both will be taking 800 damage!"
David and Lisa both glowed red and grimaced as their combined LP took another hit (Team LP: 4000 → 3200).
"Then I'll activate the second effect of 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle'!" As Daxter said that, the final material floating around 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' faded away as it raised both hands into the air, "Once per turn: I can detach 1 material from this card, then target 1 face-up card on each field; I must send those targets to the GY."
"Not this time!" interrupted Lisa.
"What?!" cringed Daxter.
"The sole effect of 'Naturia Landoise' will stop that!" Lisa proclaimed, just as she sent a card ('Naturia Forest') from her hand to the GY, "When a monster effect is activated (Quick Effect): I can send 1 Spell from my hand to the GY; I must negate…" 'Naturia Landoise' jumped into the air and landed on top of 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' and crushed it, preventing it from finishing its effect, "…the activation, and if I do, destroy that monster. This card must be face-up on the field to activate and to resolve this effect."
"This is complete bull!" complained Daxter.
In the stands, Mayura and Asagi both cheered over Lisa managing to destroy 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle', but Matt wasn't too sure this was the complete end of 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle'. Back on the track, an unhappy Daxter continued with his turn.
"I activate the third effect of 'Inzektor Giga-Mantis'!" shouted Daxter, "If this card is sent to the GY while equipped to a monster: I can target 1 'Inzektor' monster in my GY except 'Inzektor Giga-Mantis'; I must Special Summon that target," He readied a card ('Inzektor Exa-Beetle') he took from his GY and placed it onto his Duel Runner, "Resurrect, 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' (Rank: 6/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000), but without any material attached to it, its effects couldn't be used.
"From there, I'll activate the first effect of the 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket' in my GY!" As the explanation began, Daxter held up a card ('Inzektor Exa-Stag') taken from his GY and allowed it to fade away into oblivion, "If this card is in my GY: I can banish 1 Insect monster from my GY, then target 1 face-up 'Inzektor' monster I control; I must equip this card from the GY to that target," He swung his right arm about, "I equip 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket' to 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle'!" The spirit of 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket' appeared on the field and became one with 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' and raised its power (1000 → 2000), "While this card is equipped to a monster, that monster's original ATK becomes 2000, and if it attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage."
"It's almost back to how it was earlier," thought Lisa, before casting a glance upward at her 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' (ATK: 3000), "But I'm not worried; 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' still has 3000 ATK at least for a little longer. Uncle Daxter would have to be crazy to declare an attack this early."
"I activate a Continuous Spell, 'Evo-Price', from my hand!" announced Daxter, as he made the mentioned Spell Card materialize face-up on the field beside him (on his left), "Once per turn, if a monster is Special Summoned by the effect of an 'Evoltile' monster (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 card on the field; I must destroy that target," He then took another card ('Evoltile Megachirella') from his hand and placed it onto his field, "Next, I'll Summon 'Evoltile Megachirella'!"
Appearing on the field was a red-magenta reptile-like monster based on the extinct reptile Megachirella (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Evoltile Megachirella's' first effect!" declared Daxter, just as he sent a card ('Evoltile Gephyro') to the GY and 'Evoltile Megachirella' faded away in a blue streak, "I can Tribute 1 Reptile monster, then discard 1 card; I must Special Summon…" He briefly readied before placing a card ('Evolsaur Elias') taken from his Deck onto his Duel Runner, "…1 Level 6 or lower FIRE Dinosaur monster from my Deck! Appear, 'Evolsaur Elias'!"
Appearing on the field was a large, spiked sauropod dinosaur known as an Amphicoelias (Level: 6/ATK: 100/DEF: 2400).
"By Special Summoning a monster through the effect of an 'Evoltile' monster," recalled Daxter, just as his face-up 'Evo-Price' Spell Card fired off a beam and striking 'Ancient Fairy Dragon', "one card on the field will be destroyed!"
When the attack ended, 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' let out a weak roar before collapsing onto the track near Strike Rouge and exploding from its destruction.
"'Ancient Fairy Dragon'!" cried Lisa.
"When 'Evolsaur Elias' is Special Summoned by the effect of an 'Evoltile' monster: I can Special Summon 1 Level 6 or lower FIRE Dinosaur monster from my hand!" When that was explained, Daxter placed one more card onto his Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Evolsaur Terias'!"
Appearing on the field was a large, green and black scaled theropod dinosaur known as the Epanterias (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 600).
"I overlay Level 6 'Evolsaur Elias' and 'Evolsaur Terias'!" announced Daxter.
The Overlay Network returned for a final time, absorbing both of Daxter's monsters. Another new monster started to emerge from the Overlay Network, which appeared to look like a large white/blue-skinned dragon with a sharp horn—all while a Summon Chant followed.
"Dragon of evolution! Blaze the skies and incinerate your foes!" chanted Daxter, "Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 6! 'Evolzar Solda'!"
The new monster posted on the field for battle (Rank: 6/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1000). In the stands…
"Awesome…" muttered Asagi.
"Since it has material attached to it, 'Evolzar Solda' can't be destroyed by card effects," came from Mayura.
Back on the field, 'Evolzar Solda' charged towards a defenseless 'Naturia Landoise'.
"Battle!" The voice of Daxter announced, just before 'Evolzar Solda' opened its mouth and fired off a blast of fire, "'Evolzar Solda', take down 'Naturia Landoise'!"
'Naturia Landoise' exploded from destruction, causing Lisa and David both to lose more LP (Team LP: 3200 → 2950). Fortunately, Lisa had a move that would be able to save them both.
"Trap Card, open!" declared Lisa, as her Set card flipped face-up on the field and revealed itself, "'Necro Fusion'! I must Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials mentioned on it from my GY face-down, but it cannot attack this turn."
"You're gonna Fusion Summon during my Battle Phase?" pressed Daxter.
"Damn right, I am, Uncle Daxter, and I'll do so by banishing two EARTH Synchro Monsters; my 'Naturia Landoise' and Dave's 'Morphtronic Earfon'!"
Both mentioned monsters briefly reappeared on the field before fusing together while Lisa spoke a Summon Chant while the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card loomed in the background.
"Protector of the earth! Evolve with the gift of high tech to give you an advantage in this modernizing age of desperation!" chanted Lisa, before carefully bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 10! 'Naturia Gaiastrio'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was a large rock-like lion with flower petals for a mane (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 2100).
"I've turned the tide!" bragged Lisa.
"You didn't," cut in Daxter, "Rather, you've fallen into my trap, Lisa."
Lisa flinched, "I what?!"
"'Evolzar Solda's' second effect!" continued Daxter, just as 'Evolzar Solda' lost a material floating around it before firing another blast of fire and striking 'Naturia Gaiastrio', "When my opponent Special Summons a monster(s): I can detach 1 material from this card; I must destroy that monster(s)!"
'Naturia Gaiastrio' roared before melting away from the blazing hot flames, having been destroyed by the effect.
"'Naturia Gaiastrio'!" wailed Lisa.
"And now, take this!" As Daxter ordered his remaining monster to attack, 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' readied its lance', "'Inzektor Exa-Beetle', attack directly!"
Strike Rouge was struck by a mighty blow, causing Lisa to cry out as she got thrown back a little bit as she and David lost most of their LP (Team LP: 2950 → 950). The spectators all gasped, being aware that one more powerful blow would defeat Lisa and David. Back on the field, Lisa used her right arm to clutch at where she felt injured. David, meanwhile, thought that despite the anti-climax of the big Fusion Summon, he at least now knew what to expect from 'Evolzar Solda' moving forward.
"I Set one card and end my turn!" concluded Daxter, before slotting his card into his Duel Runner, "Alright, kid! I want you to listen up, and listen good!" David looked up slightly as he (David) listened to him (Daxter), "This is likely to be your final turn. Unless you can pull out a surprise of your own, you and Lisa will be defeated when my lovely wife gets her turn."
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," thought David irritably, before staring at his Deck, "But Daxter-san is right; this will be my last turn before Lisa-chan and I get our clocks cleaned. I have to draw the correct card!" He drew a card and spoke aloud, "It's my turn!"
Both teams gained another Speed Counter:
-Davis/Lisa: 6 → 7
-Daxter/Tess: 2 → 3
Turn Eight: David Xadashi (Team LP: 950)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (1): "Gadget Driver"
Speed Counters: 7
David's drawn card was the 'Gadget Driver' Effect Monster Card—which, to his dismay, was not what he needed.
"(くそ!) Kuso! (Damn!)" The aqua blue-haired boy thought to himself, frustrated, "This isn't a card I needed…" He then realized something, "Hold on, Lisa-chan and I have seven Speed Counters… And 'High Speed World' has additional powers…"
"Hm?" pondered Daxter, looking over his shoulder and noticing the hesitancy in David, "Well, kid? Is there anything you can do?"
"There is one thing I can do," confirmed David quietly, before speaking aloud, "I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!"
"Are you gonna reveal a Spell Card and inflict 800 damage to us?" asked Tess.
"No," denied David, causing both Tess and Daxter to look worried. From there, the Speed Counter gauge on the monitor of The Wild Card fully depleted itself (SPC: 7 → 0), "Once per turn: I can remove 7 Speed Counters of my own; I…" He then drew a card, "…must draw 1 card!"
Daxter, Tess, and Lisa were surprised about that effect. In the stands, much of the crowd was also surprised by it. The only one not surprised was Zack, who simply grinned over David figuring out one of the other effects the 'High Speed World' Spell Card possessed. Back on the track, David shut his eyes, hoping to have drawn what he needed. Upon bringing the card to his face and opening his eyes, he saw the card was a Monster Card called 'Gadget Gamer'.
"It's here!" realized David, mentally. Without wasting time, he readied the card for a few seconds before placing it onto his Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Gadget Gamer' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was a laptop-like monster based on 'Gadget Hauler', but was designed more for playing games or something (Level: 3/ATK: 300/DEF: 300).
"'Gadget Gamer'?" quizzed Tess.
"That's right, Tess-san," said David, "And I will activate its first effect! When this card is Normal Summoned: I can…" He took a card from the middle of his Deck, "…add 1 Level 1 Machine monster from my Deck to my hand."
The added card was a Monster Card known as 'Morphtronic Telefon', yet another card that he would need to strike back. But first…
"I activate the second effect of 'Gadget Box'!" announced David, just as the final orb of the metallic box blinked away while a third and final 'Gadget Box Token' appeared on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "Once per turn: I can remove 1 Morph Counter from my field, and if I do, Special Summon 1 'Gadget Box Token'."
"Another 'Gadget Box Token'?" blinked Tess.
"I'll need it," insisted David, before holding up his 'Gadget Gamer' Effect Monster Card, "Then I'll activate 'Gadget Gamer's' second effect!" On the field, 'Gadget Gamer' faded away in a blue streak, and appearing in its place was a telephone that turned into a humanoid robot seconds later (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100), "I can Tribute this card; I must Special Summon 1 'Morphtronic' monster from my hand, then I can Special Summon 1 'Gadget Hauler' from my hand or Deck," He then took a card ('Gadget Hauler') from his Deck, held it out, and then placed it onto his Duel Runner, "By Special Summoning 'Morphtronic Telefon' from my hand, I'll Special Summon 'Gadget Hauler' from my Deck!"
Appearing onto the field was a large truck that then released a fiery cannon of sorts (Level: 6/ATK: 1300/DEF: 0).
"Oh, and I have a message for you, Daxter-san," David playfully stated, causing Daxter to scowl as he listened carefully, "Both my monsters were not Summoned simultaneously, meaning for 'Morphtronic Telefon', you missed the timing for using 'Evolzar Solda's' effect!"
"Dammit! For God's sake…" cursed Daxter, knowing his opponent was right about that. He then recovered and decided to get rid of 'Gadget Hauler', "I detach the final material from 'Evolzar Solda'…" While still speaking, 'Evolzar Solda' fired off another flame blast, "…and destroy your 'Gadget Hauler'!"
'Gadget Hauler' was struck by the flame blast and exploded from being destroyed. Despite losing his monster, David was very relieved that it was 'Morphtronic Telefon' that was not destroyed—since he was going to need it.
"I activate the Attack Position effect of 'Morphtronic Telefon'!" announced David, "Once per turn, during my Main Phase: I can roll a six-sided die and gain LP equal to the result x 100, then I can Special Summon…" The buttons on 'Morphtronic Telefon' started blinking at random, "…1 'Morphtronic' monster from my GY with a Level equal to or lower than the result!"
The roulette slowed down and stopped on a six.
"A six!" rejoiced David, as he and Lisa both regained some LP (Team LP: 950 → 1550). He then held up a card ('Morphtronic Cameran') taken from the GY, "Now I'll Special Summon a 'Morphtronic' monster from my GY with a Level equal or lower than the result," He placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Resurrect, 'Morphtronic Cameran'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large camera of sorts, but then morphed itself into a humanoid robot (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 600).
"Preparations are nearly complete," said David, before swinging his right arm about as a card ('Morphtronic Impact Return') ejected from his GY before fading into oblivion, "I activate the second effect of…" David held up another card ('Morphtronic Earfon') which had been banished earlier on, "…the 'Morphtronic Impact Return' in my GY!"
"What the-?" flinched Daxter.
"I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 of my 'Morphtronic' monsters that is banished or in my GY; I must Special Summon it in Defense Position," explained David, before placing the card ('Morphtronic Earfon') that returned to him onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Resurrect, 'Morphtronic Earfon'!"
Reappearing on the field were both the boy and girl earphone bots (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1800).
"Since 'Morphtronic Earfon' is back, you know what will happen, right?" pressed David.
Daxter and Tess both did not say a word back.
"That's right! 'Morphtronic Earfon's' second effect!" The aqua blue-haired boy continued, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can target 1 face-up monster on the field; I must treat it as a Tuner until the end of this turn," He started speaking about his 'Morphtronic Cameran', "By targeting 'Morphtronic Cameran', it becomes a Tuner monster for the rest of this turn!"
"Can it be?" asked Lisa hopefully.
"That is correct, Lisa-chan," nodded David, before issuing a command, "I tune Level 4 'Morphtronic Earfon', Level 1 'Gadget Box Token'…" As the command to tune was continuing to be given, 'Morphtronic Cameran' began turning into two Synchro Rings, "…into Level 2 'Morphtronic Cameran'!"
Both 'Morphtronic Earfon' and 'Gadget Box Token' leaped into the two Synchro Rings, turning into five orbs of light (four for 'Morphtronic Earfon' and one for 'Gadget Box Token') as a Summon Chant by David echoed throughout.
"Docking strength with courage to protect the world's peace!" chanted David, as the symbols 4 + 1 + 2 = 7 were shown briefly just before the five orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Envoy of love and justice, 'Power Tool Dragon'!"
Appearing in the sky, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the trusty, yellow, robotic dragon (Level: 7/ATK: 2300/DEF: 2500).
"'Power Tool' shows itself!" realized Matt.
"Will it be enough?" wondered Ashima.
"I activate 'Power Tool Dragon's' first effect!" began David, just as his Deck randomly shuffled itself, "Power Search!"
"Power Search?" frowned Daxter.
"Once per turn, during my Main Phase: I can add 1 random Equip Spell from my Deck to my hand," David explained, before his Deck stopped shuffling on its own, "Now to take the card!" He took the card, seeing it was a Spell Card called 'Life Extreme', "Just what I need!"
"Huh?!" worried Tess.
"He got something good?!" cried Daxter.
"But first I'll activate the third effect of the 'Morphtronic Earfon' in my GY!" cut in David, before 'Morphtronic Earfon' reappeared on the field before shrinking and becoming proper earphones for 'Power Tool Dragon' to wear, "I can target 1 Synchro Monster on the field; I must equip this card from my field or GY to it," He smiled grimly and went over the first effect of his monster again, "While this card is an Equip Card, the equipped monster can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase."
"'Power Tool Dragon' doesn't have the ATK to match that of 'Evolzar Solda'!" argued Daxter.
"Is that so?" teased David, before readying his next card ('Life Extreme') and slotting it into his Duel Runner, "Equip Spell, 'Life Extreme', activate!"
In the stands…
"'Life Extreme'?" quizzed Matt.
"What kind of card is that?" put in Ashima.
"It's a card I've never heard of before," admitted Mr. Kisaka.
"Of course, you guys don't know about it," The voice of Zack pointed out, causing Mr. Kisaka to look over. With all eyes now on him, he did some explaining, "This is the first time the card is being played."
"Let me guess, it's a new Industrial Illusions special?" deadpanned Matt.
"Correct, my friend," confessed Zack, "Shortly into our stay in Orb, I had this special card worked on," Faded stills of him speaking to David and handing him the brand new 'Life Extreme' Spell Card to use was seen in the background, "When the card got completed and Dave returned to Hartford, I gave it to him in order test it out in a duel," He grinned with anticipation, "I think this card will suit him really well."
The Astray trio was shown listening, before they looked at each other for a moment before returning to watching the duel. On the track, 'Power Tool Dragon' found itself getting energized with new power, and David was looking forward to revealing what that power was.
"I must equip only to an EARTH Synchro Monster," revealed David, as some of his focus went towards both 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' and 'Evolzar Solda', "If the equipped monster battles an opponent's monster, the opponent's monster loses 1500 ATK during that damage calculation only."
"1500 ATK?!" Daxter and Tess both exclaimed at once.
"And there's still plenty more!" When David said that, he held a card ('Gadget Driver') out, "I activate the effect of the 'Gadget Driver' in my hand!" He sent it straight to the GY, "(Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY, then target any number of 'Morphtronic' monsters I control; I must change the battle position of those targets!" From there, 'Morphtronic Telefon' found itself returning to its telephone form (ATK: 100 → DEF: 100), "I use this effect to change 'Morphtronic Telefon' into Defense Position!" The aqua blue-haired boy then adjusted the glasses on his face, "But this will also activate the second effect of my new card."
"Second effect?" peeped Daxter.
"Once per turn, if a monster's battle position is changed (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 card on the field; I must destroy it."
"No way!" panicked Tess.
'Power Tool Dragon' leaned its head back before breathing out a powerful golden breath similar to 'Life Stream Dragon's' Life's Beauty Howl, striking a reappearing Set card behind Orange Lightning on the field and vaporizing it.
"Friggin' $*#^!" cussed Daxter, "You destroyed my 'Evolutionary Bridge'!"
"Battle!" announced David, entering his Battle Phase, "Here I come, Daxter-san! 'Power Tool Dragon'," 'Power Tool Dragon' flew towards one of the enemy monsters, "attack 'Evolzar Solda'!"
"And thanks to 'Life Extreme'," reminded Lisa, "the opponent's monster loses 1500 ATK during damage calculation!"
'Evolzar Solda' automatically grew weaker (ATK: 2600 → 1100).
"Eat this!" The voice of David shouted, just as 'Power Tool Dragon' raised its shovel-like claw, "Crafty Break!"
And the claw smashed into 'Evolzar Solda', destroying it in a massive explosion. Daxter let out a very strong swear word as he and Tess both received damage from the attack (Team LP: 5700 → 4500).
"'Evolzar Solda' was destroyed!" uttered Tess, before panicking, "And 'Power Tool' can attack twice per Battle Phase!"
"Right again," confirmed David, "Go forth, 'Power Tool Dragon'!" As his monster charged into battle again, he kept on talking, "Thanks to 'Life Extreme's' second effect, 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' will lose 1500 ATK during damage calculation!"
And even 'Inzektor Exa-Beetle' grew weaker (ATK: 2000 → 500). 'Power Tool Dragon' then struck the weakened monster with Crafty Break, destroying it in another explosion. Tess cried out as her Road Blade rocked about and she and Daxter both lost more LP (Team LP: 4500 → 2700).
"Alright!" whooped Mayura.
"It's still really close, but Dave and Lisa have gotten the upper hand," acknowledged Mr. Kisaka.
"Thanks to 'Power Tool Dragon' and 'Life Extreme'," winked Asagi.
Back on the track, Daxter snickered quietly to himself for a few seconds before bursting into louder, jovial laughter.
"How fun… How fun!" he howled, once the laughter stopped.
"Uncle Daxter?" blinked Lisa.
"This duel is so much fun!" continued Daxter, "I can't remember a time Tess and I had so much fun in a Turbo Duel like this!"
"He's right, Lisa," agreed Tess, looking as though she was having fun, too, "Daxter and I are having such fun dueling you and Dave. We should continue it until the very end!"
"Sure thing!" accepted Lisa, "This turn will definitely settle it! Go on, Aunt Tess, take your-!" She then eased up over what was ahead, "Huh?"
Just then, some new faces started appearing in the middle of the stadium track, and they waved some red flags.
"What's going-?" asked Tess.
Just then, 'Power Tool Dragon' faded away, ending the duel before a winner could officially be confirmed.
"'Power Tool Dragon'!" cried David.
"What gives?!" snapped Lisa.
DUEL RESULTS: No results
The four Duel Runners soon came to a stop near the new arrivals. In the stands, the spectators were surprised by what just happened.
"Why are those soldiers standing on the track?" puzzled Ashima, "And why did they stop the duel?"
"Let's find out," suggested Zack.
Getting up from their seats, they all started to make their way down to the track. Speaking of which, on the track, Lisa removed her helmet and noticed that one of the arrivals was her Father.
"Dad!" The pink-haired girl realized, "It's you!"
Indeed, the first man with yellow-green short and rough hair with matching goatee was none other than Jak Drake. Standing by his side was a younger man and woman who looked to be the same age. The man had dirty yellow-hair with darker yellow stripes, and green eyes. He was wearing an orange, tangerine and teal-blue short-sleeved shirt, teal-blue pants with knee padding, brown leather gloves, a chest harness, and brown boots. In his hand was a silver and blue large metal wrench of some kind. The woman had light-gray hair with pigeon blue stripes, and light blue eyes. Her attire consisted of a black and gray jumpsuit with a silver belt, an orange neckerchief, a black left glove with two orange stripes at the end, black boots with orange detail, a pair of black goggles with blue lenses, silver hoop earrings in each ear (two on the right and one on the left). She also had a yellow bionic right arm, in which she held a large metal hammer slung over her shoulder. While Lisa was surprised and happy to see her Dad and his two friends, Daxter was both surprised and unhappy about the duel being interrupted by Jak of all people.
"What the hell, Jak?!" whined Daxter, throwing off his helmet. He then got off Orange Lightning and stormed towards one of the arrivals (Jak), "Why'd you have to ruin our fun at this time?!"
"You wanna know the reason?" The voice of Jak said in response, which put a cork in Daxter's complaining. He (Jak) then walked over and pointed a stern finger into his brother's chest, "I'm here because you and Tess need to return to base, as you both didn't make a formal announcement of absence to senior personnel when you came here to Hartford."
"Say what?" exclaimed Lisa, as Daxter smiled sheepishly over being caught, "Uncle Daxter, that means you and Aunt Tess both went AWOL!"
"I'm afraid that's what it looks like, Lisa," confirmed Jak gravely, before resuming his focus on Daxter, "That means there's a possibility of you two facing a court martial as this is only the latest of instances that you've done this."
"Not the only time?" murmured David, as a big sweatdrop formed on the back of his head, "He's done this sort of thing before?"
"Oh, pfft!" scoffed Daxter cockily, acting as though he was not worried about getting into trouble, "I'm sure the 'old pops' won't be too hard on Tess and I."
Jak facepalmed in annoyance, wishing his brother took his job a little more seriously. From there, Matt, Zack, Ashima, the Astray trio, and Mr. Kisaka all emerged from the nearby doorway, and they noticed the arrivals and went to meet them.
"Fudo-san!" greeted David.
"Hm?" pondered Jak, noticing the arrivals—specifically the ones from Orb, "Well, if it isn't Asagi Caldwell, Mayura Labatt, Juri Wu Nien, and Ledonir Kisaka," He saluted them, "It's great to see you four again. And even though Erica Simmons is not with you guys right now, be sure to let her know I said hi."
"It's good to see you, too, sir," agreed Mr. Kisaka, saluting back, "And I'll tell her that you said hi."
"Excellent," smiled Jak, before noticing everyone else, "Oh, right, I believe this is…" His attention was towards Matt, Zack, and Ashima, "…is the first time we're meeting," He motioned his right fist near his chest, "My name's Jak Drake. I'm Lisa's Father and a member of 'The All-Star Squad'."
"I'm Matt Fudo, the American Duel Monsters champion," introduced Matt.
"Zack Ruaka, I'm the temporary CEO of Industrial Illusions," added Zack.
"And my name is Ashima Nilgiri," finished Ashima, "I'm one of India's best duelists."
Jak and his two companions saluted the three young adults, but then the first remembered that someone had been dueling alongside his daughter against Daxter and Tess. That someone was David, and this was the first time he was encountering him.
"And you must be David Xadashi?" pressed Jak sternly.
David felt a slight chill running down his spine as he looked up at Jak, feeling slightly intimidated by him.
"Um… that would be correct, sir," stammered David in response.
Jak simply stared sternly for a little longer, but his frown turned upside down when he understood that David really was a good lad—which David felt really relieved over being accepted. Even so, Daxter had something he wanted to say about David…
"Listen, I know he sure as hell don't look like much," assured Daxter, "but I tell ya, the kid's got the heart and guts, trust me," He then turned to Lisa, "Sorry we had to cut the duel short, but duty supposedly calls."
"Do bring your friends down to base when you get the chance," offered Tess.
"Alright, I think that's enough stalling for now," The young man accompanying Jak cut right in, "Lieutenant, you and Tess are gonna have to come with us."
"Can it, Ratchet!" Daxter spat at the man, "I'm your senior officer, and I'll leave when I'm good and ready."
"And I happen to be 'your' senior officer," interrupted Jak sternly, grabbing Daxter's right hand, "Since I'm that, I'm ordering you to get your sorry ass to the transport at Bradley International Airport and return to New York City before I kick it all the way there and more!"
Daxter simply snorted before walking off with Tess in tow. As the young man, named Ratchet, and the woman attempted to forcefully escort Daxter, he simply swatted their arms away as though he was claiming he was perfectly capable of seeing himself out. The woman fumed at the man's attitude as she turned to address Jak.
"Colonel, your brother is 'very' irritating," she grumbled, gripping her hammer with both hands, "With your permission, may I 'please' pound him into the concrete?"
"Save it for when we get back to base, Rivet," answered Jak firmly.
Over with the small party…
"Boy, oh boy," muttered Asagi.
"Talk about the colorful characters," mused Juri.
"Lisa, is your Uncle always like this?" Matt whispered to Lisa.
"Yup, you'd better get used to it," replied Lisa, before she finally addressed the other two officers, "Ratchet! Rivet! You both came, too?"
Ratchet smiled as he and Lisa gripped each other's hands and bumped shoulders, followed immediately by the woman, Rivet, embracing her warmly.
"When we heard you were here, we just had to come along," responded Ratchet.
"Any excuse to see our Lisa again," put in Rivet.
"And, hey, since you're both here, I might as well introduce you," Lisa then turned to address everyone and gestured towards Ratchet, "Guys, I want you to meet Captain Richard Lombaxi of Veldin Unit."
"Though you can just call me 'Ratchet'," requested Ratchet.
"And this…" Lisa gestured towards Rivet, "…is Captain Rita Lombaxi of Sargasso Unit."
"Do call me 'Rivet'," suggested Rivet, waving her right hand.
"Ma'am," bowed Ashima politely, while Zack waved greetingly.
Lisa's eyes then widened upon seeing the bionic arm in place of where Rivet's real right arm once was.
"Holy crap, Rivet! What happened to your arm?!" exclaimed Lisa.
"Oh, this?" Rivet wondered, looking at her artificial appendage before chuckling, "Slight weapons malfunction. A bomb gauntlet jammed up and detonated—blew my whole arm off."
"WHAT?!" Matt and the likes all yelled at once.
After a few beats…
"That is…awesome!" cried Lisa, no longer horrified. She was now excited over what happened, "Do you have pictures of the incident?"
"Even better; video," winked Rivet, causing Lisa's eyes to widen and sparkle with wonder. But then she shook her head, "Unfortunately, I'll have to show you another time, since we have to be going."
"Sadly so," acknowledged Jak.
"Wait, can we at least accompany you guys to the airport?" asked Mayura hopefully.
The question caused Jak, Ratchet, and Rivet each to nod in confirmation. They also remembered they needed to wheel Orange Lightning and Road Blade both to the airport, lest Daxter ended up all grumpy over his Duel Runner being left behind.
(elsewhere…)
At Bradley International Airport an hour later, Daxter and Tess were seen loading their Duel Runners aboard a transport helicopter. On the ground below, Jak, Ratchet, and Rivet were speaking to Lisa and all of her friends before it was time to board the helicopter and return to New York City.
"Well, Lisa, I have to go, now," said Jak, before rubbing the top of his daughter's head and ruffling her hair a bit, "I'll be sure to tell your Mom that you said hi when I next see her."
"Roger that, Dad!" accepted Lisa, saluting.
Jak chuckled, "When you put it that way," He and his two companions turned around, "We're off."
"Take care of yourselves, sir," advised Matt.
"Much obliged," praised Ratchet.
Meanwhile, Jake uttered a quick friendly grunt of acceptance before he, Ratchet, and Rivet each walked into the transport helicopter to join Daxter, Tess, and some of the other soldiers. Before the hatch was shut, Jak turned and saluted the small group. Once the hatch was closed and locked, the helicopter started up before taking off into the sky and in the direction of New York City. Lisa and the Astray trio waved goodbye until the helicopter was way out of sight.
"I must confess, Lisa-chan, your Aunt and Uncle both were very colorful characters," commented David pleasantly.
"They sure are," agreed Juri, before wrapping her (Juri) right arm around Lisa's shoulders, "You're really lucky to be related to them."
"Ha! You think Uncle Daxter and Aunt Tess are colorful!" retorted Lisa playfully, "If you're looking for colorful characters, you guys should definitely meet the other members of 'The All-Star Squad' if you're ever in New York City and they're still stationed there," She (Lisa) managed to get Juri's arm off, "I would definitely introduce all of you guys, plus Mike and the others, to them."
"That would be nice," remarked Ashima.
"Hey, Mayura," Matt spoke up, which caused Mayura to look over, "Seeing as you're in a good mood again, does this mean you and James have patched things back up?"
Right in an instant, Mayura went from cheerful to glum, and, without a word, turned and left the airport grounds. This left Asagi and Juri both saddened that their best friend still hadn't gotten over the James R./Sherry incident even after what was seen as an enjoyable day. Matt immediately felt bad for bringing that bit up without knowing if Mayura was feeling better about being angry over James R. being a jerk, who she clearly was still upset with.
"Real smooth there, Matt," Zack said sarcastically, frowning in disapproval. He brought his right hand to his forehead and shook his head, "Now Mayura's upset again."
Luckily, Ashima knew Matt didn't do it on purpose and placed a hand onto his left forearm, while the dirty blonde-haired young man remained silent about his little mistake.
(elsewhere…)
Later that night, inside the Dark Signers' hideout, Orga, Clotho, Shani, and Vincent all were hard at work preparing the latest weapon to fight and possibly defeat the Signers. Rutger soon arrived to oversee how it was coming along. He was very pleased that it was going to be finished real soon.
"It's almost ready…" whispered Rutger, walking over to the metal table, "The one thing that will finally eliminate Matt Fudo and his comrades…! A Signer that 'we' control."
"All we need now are memories for this replica," reported Orga, "Any memories will do… Both real and fake."
On the table was the body of what appeared to be a human male with lime green hair—actually, this human appeared to look exactly like Michael Atlas. Rutger smiled to himself again, knowing that it would soon be time to awaken, in his eyes, the real Michael Atlas. What was going to happen next? Well, that's a story for another time.
Welp, as I promised last night, the next chapter has been posted—maybe a little earlier than I thought, but I was excited since after we get the next chapter done, another mini arc will begin and one I've been wanting to work on for quite some time. However, for the next chapter, we have some loose ends to tie up, if you know what I mean. Now, once again, try to stay safe in these very difficult times.