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 (c) Naughty Dog
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.
"Are you ready, everyone?" greeted David, "For 'This week's noteworthy cards', we have a sweet set of new cards for us to go over."
"And you can thank Mayura and Shinji for suggesting them to us," agreed Lisa, before she and David held their arms out at the blackboard with the five cards (still showing their backing) lined up, "Alrighty! These are the five special cards we are gonna show you!"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Scrap Raptor' (Tuner Monster Card)
-'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Atomic Scrap Dragon' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Bee Formation' (Trap Card)
-'Scrap Dragon' (Synchro Monster Card)
"Hey! This must be Mayura-san's strongest monster," gasped David, staring at the middle card ('Atomic Scrap Dragon'), "How cool is it?"
"Yup, that's not only her strongest monster, but also one of her Deck's primary aces," confirmed Lisa, before reading one of the card's effects, "Once per turn: You can target 1 card you control and up to 3 cards in your opponent's GY; destroy the one you control, and if you do, shuffle the ones in your opponent's GY into the Deck," She nodded, "I like this effect, but I can't help but wonder if it's gonna even be used in the duel?"
"That's a mystery, Lisa-chan," shrugged David, "Mayura-san is known for surprising people she duels like Shinji-san," He and Lisa turned to face the audience for a few seconds before waving goodbye, "I hope you guys like these cards and more. Now have a good night, everyone!"
"See ya later!" finished Lisa.
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: Turning Point
Opening up inside a hallway within the Orb Duel School during the same day Lisa's Uncle and Aunt had been visiting, it was nighttime and Mayura was seen walking to her dorm in a depression and thinking back to James R.'s duel with Sherry about a week ago, remembering how big of a jerk he was towards the young French woman… A flashback immediately ensued.
FLASHBACK
During Flashback James R. and Flashback Sherry's duel…
"Now, Sherry, you still haven't done any of what I want you to do," informed Flashback James R., "Nor have you admitted that you were in the wrong. I guess you've no intention of ever apologizing to Carlie, or anyone else you've antagonized throughout your life."
Flashback Sherry frowned in response, but said nothing.
"In fact, I bet your own parents are watching from the heavens, and I don't think they like what they're seeing you do—watching their child, whom they tried to raise to be a good person, become such a cold, unfeeling bully," scorned Flashback James R. harshly, "If they were still alive and saw you now, I think they would have died of shame."
Unfortunately, that part finally got under Flashback Sherry's skin—in a really bad way. Flashback Sherry clenched her empty right fist in fury at such a comment, remembering that she loved her parents very much before they were killed in a tragic accident. For Flashback James R. to bring them up in such a negative fashion…
"You don't know me," snarled Flashback Sherry, glaring in anger, "It's not like I ever wanted to act like this in the first place!"
"Is that so?" replied Flashback James R., "Well, here's a tip; maybe you should've just learned to stop when you found out your actions were making everyone 'hate' you!"
(new scene…)
Soon after Flashback James R.'s loss, started to open his mouth.
"Don't even bother speaking, James!" refused Flashback Shinji in a hostile tone, not wanting Flashback James R. to say something and likely make things far worse for himself, "You've already said and done quite 'enough' harm for one day."
"He sure has," The voice of Flashback Mayura agreed heatedly, as she stepped forward to deliver her own 'What the Hell, Hero?' speech, "You know something, James? Up until now, I'd been warming up to you quite a bit, thinking you were really cool and even cute. But now?" As she finished up, Flashback James R. listened in shock over hearing such a thing from a girl he liked a lot, "Now I realize that you're no different than Shani back when I used to date him!" Tears started to form in her eyes, "I was such a fool to ever like a stupid jerk like you!"
From there, the tomboyish, red-haired young woman tearfully turned and angrily stormed off for the main building.
"Mayura!" called Flashback Juri, as she followed.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Mayura looked up when she heard something.
"Hey, is that music I hear?" Mayura asked herself, "Sounds like a piano?" She looked up ahead to a lit room beyond the shut door up ahead, "And it's even coming from James's room."
Growing curious to see what it's all about, Mayura decided to go and take a peek. Approaching the closed door, she opened it gently and managed to peek through.
(inside…)
Near the window, James R. was shown seated on a stool and, indeed, playing on a large piano very masterfully. It left Mayura very surprised, since this was also a side of James R. she never saw before now. She watched and listened for a little while longer before turning away.
(outside…)
A strange feeling started entering Mayura's heart. It was as though the feeling was telling her to just go inside the room and talk things over with James R., but, after again remembering what he did regarding Sherry, Mayura shrugged it off, carefully closed the door, and left for her own dorm.
(outside…)
The next morning, it was busy outside Orb, with people coming and going. Some students were shown just hanging out in the grounds, sitting on benches talking about, you know, school stuff and whatnot.
(inside…)
In Carlie's dorm, she and James R. were working on a small window garden project. For what reason? No reason, only because Carlie loved growing little gardens.
"So, James, I've a question," The brown-haired young woman began cheerfully, "Did playing on the piano last night help you much?"
"It did a little," said James R., before putting down the watering can and looking over, "But I still feel depressed."
Carlie smiled, "Aw, keep the chin up," she encouraged kindly, "Sooner or later, Mayura will come around to forgiving you."
"I hope you're right," agreed James R., "I mean, it's been about a week since I lost to Sherry and Mayura really let me have it with my behavior."
"As did Shinji, and even myself to a lesser extent," reminded Carlie.
"I know, I know…" assured James R., not wanting to be reminded of it, "Even the Lord knows how badly I screwed up."
With that said, the two friends said no more about what happened last week and simply resumed work on the little garden with a subdued atmosphere.
(elsewhere…)
While that was going on, Mayura, in her gym clothes, was currently in the gym working out—a place she had been lately spending a lot of time in. Right now, she was using one of the exercise machines for her workout, which allowed her to notice that Shinji Weber had arrived for a workout of his own. He wa wearing a white tank top that showed off his nice build, sweatpants, and sneakers.
"Shinji?" pondered Mayura.
"Hey, don't let me stop your workout," greeted Shinji, "I'm just here for a workout of my own."
Mayura managed to smile back and allow her new friend to join her. After spending an hour working out, both young adults decided to sit down on the nearby chairs and take a ten minute break before resuming. After taking a few sips from her water bottle, Mayura unscrewed the top and just dumped the contents over her head before shaking it slightly. Holding onto his own water bottle, Shinji watched for a few seconds before deciding to press a small question.
"So, err, Mayura…" he began, which caused Mayura to look over, "Have you and James made up by any chance?"
"No, we haven't," answered Mayura, before turning to look away from Shinji while getting upset once again, "We haven't talked for days, and, frankly, I don't plan on talking to James for at least a while."
"Mayura, what's the matter with you?" pressed Shinji with sympathy, while Mayura looked away in a depression, "From what I noticed about you when I first showed up at Orb for the first time, you're usually more cheerful than this," He moved over and placed a hand onto her shoulder, "So, come on, tell me what's wrong."
Mayura sighed in defeat, "Alright, I'll tell you what's wrong," she accepted, "It's about James."
"Yes?" nodded Shinji.
"You, I, and everyone else saw how he acted towards Sherry," fumed Mayura, "He was a colossal jerk towards her, and…" She looked down glumly, "…it brought back bad memories of my past."
"Hold up," interrupted Shinji, surprised, "What do you mean James being a jerk brought up bad memories of your past?"
"Let me explain," offered Mayura, "It all started when I was 10-years old."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Eight years ago in Hartford, Young Asagi was cheerfully walking down a path in the park when she slipped on a banana peel, went sliding forward while yelling in panic, and fell straight into the duck pond. Nearby and laughing over it was Young Mayura, having been then one who placed the peel on the path Young Asagi was walking in.
(elsewhere…)
Later inside the classroom of an elementary school…
"Back when I was that age, I was a very mischievous girl," narrated Mayura, as her younger self smirked cockily and switched Young Juri's pink wire-framed glasses on the table for a fake pair while no one else was looking, "I loved planning and pulling pranks, and was technically a young delinquent of sorts."
The moment Young Juri took and put on the fake glasses, she found she couldn't see anything and started walking around in a (literal) blind panic wondering where her real glasses were. Young Mayura watched from her desk and burst out laughing, while standing by her side were none other than Young Shani, Young Clotho, and Young Orga.
"I was also a member of a group Orga, Clotho, and Shani had formed known as the Biological CPU," Mayura went on, while her younger self and the younger Biological CPU trio laughed and laughed, "More than that, Shani and I were actually dating at that point. Dating at that young age? Maybe, but we didn't know too much about romance, although we liked each other very much."
"Stop right there!" The voice of Shinji cut in, as Young Mayura and Young Shani wrapped their respective arms around each other as they continued laughing the hardest, "Are you serious?! You mean the same Orga, Clotho, and Shani who are now Dark Signers?!"
"I wish I was kidding, but it's all true," insisted Mayura.
"Damn… So that's what you meant when you said you used to date Shani."
(new scene…)
A year later, Young Mayura, now 11, was in her first year of Middle School. She was currently hanging out with Young Orga, Young Clotho, and Young Shani in their hideout in the middle of town.
"Whoooooa…" admired Young Mayura, looking at a large, drawn out plan on the table, "This is big league stuff!"
"Yep! This prank is gonna be a real killer!" grinned Young Orga, "We've been working on this plan since last summer."
"Last summer? Are you guys sure this is safe?" Young Mayura worried, unsure what to really make of it, "It looks complicated and dangerous."
"Don't worry about that, Mayura," dismissed Young Clotho, "Besides, if we pull it off, we'll be famous in all of Hartford!"
"Famous?" pondered Young Mayura, "Hmm… I don't-"
"Hey, c'mon," encouraged Young Shani, causing Young Mayura to look over, "You're one of us, aren't you? As long as you can place your trust in us, and me, there's nothing to worry about."
Despite initially being aware of the possible danger the prank possessed, Young Mayura very quickly forgot about that in favor of her loyalty to the Biological CPU group. Knowing she could trust her three best friends (and boyfriend in Young Shani), Young Mayura thought about it for only a minute and smiled.
"Alright, you have a point," The tomboyish, red-haired young girl agreed, growing excited over possibly becoming famous, "When we pull off this prank, our names will never be forgotten in this city."
She then thrust her right hand into the center of the table, causing Young Shani to place his own right hand on top, followed by Young Clotho, and finally Young Orga did the same thing.
(outside…)
Soon, Young Mayura started to leave the hideout for home in order to allow Young Orga, Young Clotho, and Young Shani time to further plan out the prank.
"I'll see you guys, tomorrow!" she called, before turning around, "Huh?"
Young Mayura found herself being confronted by none other than Young Asagi and Young Juri. Both young girls had their arms folded and stern (Young Asagi) and concerned (Young Juri) expressions on their respective faces. Since this was many years ago, Young Mayura was not yet friends with Young Asagi and Young Juri, being more of a bully towards the both of them if their continuously being targets of her pranks and taunts were of any indication.
"Oh, look who's here," cracked Young Mayura, "The two losers. What? Are you here to get another prank served your way?"
"Mayura, we need to talk," said Young Juri firmly, which caused Young Mayura to ease up, "We overheard what you're planning to do with your so-called friends."
"Wait, you were spying on us?!" realized Young Mayura, before getting mad over it, "In that case, I think I'd better tell the guys!"
She started to turn and head back into the hideout to let Young Orga, Young Clotho, and Young Shani know of the spies, but was quickly grabbed and pulled away by Young Asagi and Young Juri until they were far enough away from the entrance.
"What the heck!" snapped Young Mayura, after being released.
"Don't be an idiot, Mayura! We're trying to help you!" hissed Young Asagi, "Listen, if you go through with this kind of prank, you'll definitely become famous in town."
"But not in a good way!" added Young Juri, "You, Shani, Clotho, and Orga would cross a line in which there would be no going back from; nearly everyone will hate you and more."
"Me, crossing a line? Pfft!" scoffed Young Mayura, "That's a load of baloney! Your warning doesn't scare me one bit!"
"We're not warning you, this is simply advice," corrected Young Asagi.
"Although we've been your favorite targets for pranks for a long time, we hold nothing against you for those incidents," reassured Young Juri, "Asagi and I are hoping that you will ultimately do the right thing," She (Young Juri) and Young Asagi started to leave, "Just please try to remember what we told you, okay?"
As they left, Young Mayura retained the pouty expression on her face, not aiming to believe a word that was said by them. Once Young Asagi and Young Juri both were out of sight, she softened up and started to wonder if the prank really was a good idea.
(elsewhere…)
The next evening, after finishing her homework, Young Mayura finished putting on her pajamas and got into bed. 'twas the night before the prank was to be sprung, and she had spoken to Young Shani over the phone about it. When Young Mayura tried suggesting they at least tone it down a bit, Young Shani simply started laughing as though it were a joke before hanging up. As she laid in bed, she began thinking back to her conversation with Young Asagi and Young Juri; she did her best to shake the words out of her head, but was failing.
"What's the matter with me?" Young Mayura asked herself, "I mean, I love pulling pranks as much as the next person does, but this prank is a bit…too much. Are Asagi and Juri both right, and I could end up crossing a line?"
Guilt started filling her mind as she kept thinking about what tomorrow would bring, and she knew that the other members of the Biological CPU group would not change their minds about the prank. Finally, Young Mayura decided she had to take matters into her own hands, which she would do when she arrived at school in the morning.
(elsewhere…)
The next morning, Young Orga met with his two best friends at their meeting spot. They left home for school earlier than usual since they had to be ready to spring the prank at the correct time frame.
"Fellas," greeted Young Orga.
"Today's the day!" beamed Young Clotho.
"The day where our names will be remembered," bragged Young Shani, "Once we're at school, we just need to get into position and spring it when it strikes 8:30."
The three young boys high-fived and departed for their school.
(elsewhere…)
Before long, the first three members of the Biological CPU group arrived at the Middle School, excited and ready to pull off the biggest prank ever thought of and earn them a mention in the history books. But it was not meant to be. The second the trio entered the school grounds…
"Welcome, gentlemen," The voice of a man echoed, which was from the approaching principal, "We've been expecting your arrival."
Standing beside the principal were a number of teachers (male and female), and they all did not look happy to see Young Orga, Young Clotho, nor Young Shani. Speaking of whom, the three young boys were surprised by the confrontation, as though their planned prank had been leaked by someone to the higher ups.
"Judging from your surprised looks, you've been hoping to do something without us knowing before too long," remarked Male Teacher 1.
"Well, someone did tell us," A female teacher said sternly, "You three know her real well."
"And that someone…" A younger, female voice cut in, and stepping out from behind a large tree was none other than Mayura Labatt, "…is me, Mayura."
Young Orga, Young Clotho, and Young Shani each were shocked that a member of their own group had ratted them out for no reason. They trusted her, and she betrayed that trust. Needless to say, the principal was very disappointed in the four students.
"Well, I can't say I'm very pleased with what you aimed to do to my school," sighed the principal, "I'm afraid that you four will receive a full month of afterschool detention, effective today."
"B-But, sir!" protested Young Clotho, "We never set the prank off! That means we should not be in-trouble for something we never did!"
"Oh, you're right about that," The voice of Male Teacher 2 acknowledged, before being shown shaking his head, "The punishment would have been much more severe had the prank been pulled off. Now, do come with us, please."
As Young Orga, Young Clotho, Young Shani, and Young Mayura were being led into the school in order to be taken to the principal's office and so their respective parents would be called, nearby and hiding behind a corner were Young Asagi and Young Juri, watching the scene that followed.
"Mayura… She did do the right thing, after all," whispered Young Asagi.
"Although she's also in-trouble for being part of the prank, I can't help but still feel proud of her," admitted Young Juri, as Young Asagi listened, "Maybe we should go and see her afterschool?"
Smiling slightly, Young Asagi seemed to like the idea.
(new scene…)
As the school day ended, Young Orga, Young Clotho, Young Shani, and Young Mayura all emerged from the building after serving their first day of afterschool detention. The former three were absolutely furious with the last person.
"How could you do this to us, Mayura?!" raged Young Orga, "You ruined our chance of being written into the history books!"
"We trusted you, and you betrayed that trust!" accused Young Clotho.
"Guys, I had to do it," argued Young Mayura, "I love pulling pranks as much as the next person, but this prank was simply too dangerous," Young Orga, Young Clotho, and Young Shani each listened, not getting any happier with the words being directed at them, "People could have gotten seriously hurt if they got caught in it, and you guys look like you don't care about that—you'd do anything just to get a quick, cheap laugh!" She clenched her right hand into a fist and swung it about, "You three are absolutely rotten to the core!"
"That's it, Mayura!" shouted Young Shani, insulted over being called a jerk, "You and I are over and done with!"
"And consider yourself out of the group!" agreed Young Orga sharply, "Come on, boys. Let's leave this washed up has-been behind and get some ice cream."
"From now on, we're a trio instead of a foursome!" agreed Young Clotho, "And besides, who needs a girl in the group, anyway?" He and his two best friends start to leave, "I'll tell you why we don't need one; because they get in the way too much!"
From there, the Biological CPU 'trio' left Young Mayura behind, never wanting anything to do with her again. Young Mayura glared at the three young boys until she left in the other direction, happy to have done the right thing—but was now left without any friends.
(elsewhere…)
As Young Mayura sulked her way home to face the music from her parents, she encountered a few familiar faces who confronted her when the prank was unveiled. They were Young Asagi and Young Juri, and they were smiling when they met up with Young Mayura, who just scowled over seeing them.
"Hey," greeted Young Asagi cheerfully.
"Hmph!" pouted Young Mayura, "Why are you two here? Here to gloat in my face now that I'm friendless?"
"No way! Far from that," denied Young Juri, "We just want to say we think you did the right thing by telling an adult about the prank."
"Huh?"
"Yeah! You totally did!" encouraged Young Asagi, "Juri and I are really proud of you."
Young Mayura felt encouraged, "But why?" she pressed, "Why would you even think of helping me? I bullied and pulled endless pranks on the both of you."
"We think you're not a bad girl," comforted Young Juri, "You were just being toxically influenced by Orga and the likes," She (Young Juri) placed a hand on Young Mayura's upper back, "Asagi and I would do anything to help a friend in need."
"Wait, you two think of me as…your friend?" gasped Young Mayura, touched.
"We do, now!" winked Young Asagi, before hugging both young girls, "Group hug!"
Young Mayura finally smiled and felt so much better; for doing the right thing today, she lost three friends, but then gained two, much better friends. A friendship between the three girls had started, and would last all the way into the present day.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Mayura smiled fondly at that particular memory.
"From that day forward, Asagi, Juri, and I have become inseparable," recalled Mayura, "We became the best of friends and even formed our own little trio," As she continued to fondly remember becoming friends with Asagi and Juri, Shinji listened with fascination, "You know, with Juri as the brains, Asagi as the leader, and myself as the overprotective tomboy," She frowned over having to bring up the next part, "However, it wasn't all rainbows and lollipops… It also kickstarted our conflict with Orga, Clotho, and Shani, which has continued to this very day."
"And it undoubtedly got worse when they joined Blue Cosmos and eventually became Dark Signers," murmured Shinji, making a wild guess.
"I guess James's hostile attitude towards Sherry caused me to remember just how bad Shani and his two friends really were and how I came close to crossing a line in my younger years," admitted Mayura, before looking upward, "It's basically what 'I' could have ended up as today had I not did the right thing and go tell the principal," A thought bubble materialized above her as she (Mayura) envisioned herself as student of the Blue Cosmos Duel School, wearing the Dark Signer outfit Ashima briefly wore, and even as a demon with flaming, shoulder-length hair, "Maybe I would have joined Blue Cosmos, I could have become a Dark Signer, or, heck, I could have even become a raging she demon or something?"
The thought bubble popped.
"Listen to me, Mayura," requested Shinji, "James might be stubborn and have a powerful short fuse at times, but he really is a nice guy to get to know."
"I know that, but…" Mayura tried protesting, but faltered a little bit and sighed sadly, "I just don't know what to think."
Shinji got thoughtful, trying to find a way to help Mayura, James R., and even Sherry each reconnect in a way. Eventually he got an idea on how to help them out.
"Mayura, would you like to have a Turbo Duel with me?" offered Shinji, which caused Mayura to look over, "You know, just for fun?"
"A Turbo Duel?" repeated Mayura, looking puzzled, "How would that help? You're not making any sense, Shinji," She then grinned with anticipation, "Still, I always do enjoy a challenge, so bring it on!"
Shinji smiled back, "That's more like it!" he encouraged, before making an offer, "Shall we have our duel a little later after lunch?"
"I'll be there," accepted Mayura, before standing up, "Well, see you then."
And she left for the women's locker room, leaving Shinji to chuckle to himself over his plan working thus far. Next, he needed to make a few quick calls to a few other friends of his…
(elsewhere…)
Later after lunch, James R. arrived outside the Orb Turbo Duel stadium. He looked up at the building, took a deep breath, exhaled, and went inside.
(inside…)
When James R. arrived in the stands, he was surprised to find it completely empty of spectators. Shrugging, he took his seat and waited for the Turbo Duel to begin. On the track, Mayura, riding her M1 Astray, was far from being happy with Shinji for inviting James R. to watch the duel.
"Why'd you invite him to come?!" she berated, "You know I don't want to see him!"
"Well, I didn't see anything wrong with doing that," replied Shinji absentmindedly, while in his mind, "Step 1, bring James here. Step 2…" He then saw Sherry emerging from one of the doorways into the stands, "Right on time, Sherry."
Sherry saw Shinji and Mayura both about to duel and took her seat. Meanwhile, James R. noticed Sherry's arrival and panicked; he didn't want to be seen by her, and would do his absolute best to avoid being spotted. Back on the track, Shinji knew it was time to get the Turbo Duel underway.
"Now, it's time to duel!" bellowed Shinji.
Mayura nodded and put her helmet on. In the stands, Sherry and James R. both watched, wondering who was going to win a duel like this. On the track, there was one more thing that needed to be done before the Turbo Duel could begin…
"Field Spell, 'High Speed World', set on!" Mayura and Shinji announced at once, before they pressed a button on the dashboard of their respective Duel Runners.
On the monitors of M1 Astray and Killer Wasp, a whole new Spell Card materialized and activated.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the two, respective Duel Runners, "Autopilot activated."
From there, both Duel Runners became surrounded by a purple dome as autopilot activated. Soon, the timer was ticking down, once the final seconds were shown…
"Turbo Duel!" started Mayura (LP: 4000).
"Acceleration!" finished Shinji (LP: 4000).
The countdown ended, and M1 Astray and Killer Wasp tore down the track. Killer Wasp proved to be a much faster and stronger Duel Runner than Mayura's M1 Astray, so Shinji easily won the race.
"It's my turn!" declared Shinji, drawing a card.
"Here we go, Shinji!" dared Mayura.
Both James R. and Sherry watched with anticipation.
Turn One: Shinji Weber (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Summoning Swarm", "Battlewasp - Sting the Poison", "Battlewasp - Pin the Bullseye", "Corrosive Scales", "Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter", and "Bee Formation"
Speed Counters: 0
Shinji's drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Bee Formation'. Shinji added that card into his hand and took another ('Battlewasp - Sting the Poison') from there and readied it.
"From my hand, I'll Summon…" While speaking, Shinji placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner (sideways), "…the Tuner monster, 'Battlewasp - Sting the Poison', in Defense Position!"
Appearing onto the field was the orange wasp-like monster (Level: 2/ATK: 400/DEF: 800).
"I activate 'Sting the Poison's' first effect!" exclaimed Shinji, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Battlewasp' monster…" He drew a card and saw it was the 'Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker' Effect Monster Card, "…from my Deck to my hand, except 'Battlewasp - Sting the Poison'," The purple and aqua-haired young man held the card ('Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker') out, "During my Main Phase: I can Special Summon this card from my hand, also I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Insect monsters," The card was then placed onto another Monster Zone on the Duel Runner, "Come, 'Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker'!"
Appearing onto the field was the wasp-like monster with twin stingers (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 500).
"My Level 2 'Sting the Poison' tunes Level 3 'Twinbow the Attacker'!" proclaimed Shinji.
'Battlewasp - Sting the Poison' turned into two Synchro Rings, which 'Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker' flew into before turning into three orbs of light as a Summon Chant from Shinji was heard throughout.
"Furiously stinging needle, become a bow that can strike even heaven in a flash!" chanted Shinji, as the symbols 3 + 2 = 5 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the duo of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a humanoid Insect monster wearing white and rose red dress and wielding a bow and arrows (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600).
"One of Shinji's favorite monsters," thought Mayura.
"I activate the first effect of 'Battlewasp - Pin the Bullseye'!" continued Shinji, placing a card onto his Duel Runner. While explaining the effect, appearing onto the field was the small bee-like monster with a rocket pack for a backside (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 300), "If I control an Insect monster: I can Special Summon this card from my hand," He then went over the second, more tempting effect, "Next, I'll activate 'Pin the Bullseye's' second effect!" 'Battlewasp - Pin the Bullseye' turned and faced Mayura, "During my Main Phase: I can inflict 200 damage to my opponent for each 'Battlewasp - Pin the Bullseye' I control."
'Battlewasp - Pin the Bullseye' fired a yellow stinger from its mouth, striking the front of Mayura's M1 Astray and causing her to take some slight damage (LP: 4000 → 3800).
"And that's not all!" yelled Shinji, "I'll activate the first effect of 'Azusa the Ghost Bow'!" 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' prepared to attack in a way by raising and aiming her bow directly at Mayura, "When my opponent takes effect damage from another 'Battlewasp' monster: I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the original ATK of that monster."
'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' fired an arrow, striking the front of the pink-colored M1 Astray and causing Mayura to grimace and sustain more damage (LP: 3800 → 3600).
"My Level 5 'Azusa the Ghost Bow' tunes Level 1 'Pin the Bullseye'!" announced Shinji.
'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' turned herself into five Synchro Rings, which 'Battlewasp - Pin the Bullseye' flew into and turned into a single orb of light along with a Summon Chant by Shinji echoing throughout.
"Flap your wings to stir up a shockwave, and let your sting open up the road of truth!" chanted Shinji, as the symbols 1 + 5 = 6 were shown for a few seconds just before the single orb of light in the five Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Come, 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge'!"
Appearing from the beam of light and within the sky, was the familiar, large wasp-like monster with mechanical qualities and a large axe-like weapon (Level: 6/ATK: 2500/DEF: 800). In the stands, Sherry was silently liking what she was seeing with Shinji's first turn. James R., however, was a bit more concerned.
"Shinji is a really good duelist," mused James R., "I've a feeling Mayura will have her work cut out for her."
Back on the track…
"I Set one card and end my turn!" finished Shinji, slotting a card into his Duel Runner.
A face-down card materialized on the field before fading away for later use.
"It's my turn!" began Mayura, drawing a card.
Both duelists gained a Speed Counter:
-Mayura: 0 → 1
-Shinji: 0 → 1
Turn Two: Mayura Labatt (LP: 3600)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Damage Diet", "Scrap Orthros", "Scrap Processing"(!), "Scrap Golem", "Scrap Worm", and "Scrapyard"
Speed Counters: 1
Mayura's drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Scrapyard'.
"Now that it's your turn, I'll activate my Trap Card!" declared Shinji, just as his Set card materialized back on the field in-front of Killer Wasp, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "'Corrosive Scales'!"
"'Corrosive Scales'?" pondered Mayura.
"I must target 1 Insect monster I control; I must equip this card to it. While I control the equipped monster, my opponent's monsters cannot attack Insect monsters, except the equipped monster," explained Shinji, going over the initial effect of his Trap Card, just as his 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' glowed green and gained new powers, "I target 'Halberd the Charge' for this effect!" He grinned smugly, "Now you can only attack it and not my other monsters. And there's a second, more deadly effect for you to contend with!"
"What?!" cried Mayura.
"While this card is equipped to a monster, each time my opponent Normal or Special Summons a monster(s), OR activates a card or effect, I must place 1 Scale Counter on each face-up monster they control," said Shinji, "Each monster my opponent controls loses 100 ATK/DEF for each Scale Counter it has."
"That means any monster I Summon will just get weaker," Mayura said mentally, "I really have my work cut out for me. But still… I can do this," She held her drawn card ('Scrapyard') out, "Spell Card, 'Scrapyard'! I must add 1 'Scrap' Tuner from my Deck to my hand," A card ('Scrap Raptor') ejected from the middle of the Deck, which was taken and held out, "I've gotten a hold of 'Scrap Raptor', but now…" The tomboyish, red-haired young woman raised the card up before placing it onto her Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Scrap Raptor'!"
Appearing onto the field was a machine-like raptor (a type of dinosaur), and it let out a roar to signal its arrival (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1000).
"Hmm! You've Summoned a monster!" reminded Shinji, "This will give your monster a Scale Counter, reducing its ATK and DEF by 100!"
A small mark appeared on the neck of 'Scrap Raptor', causing it to grow weaker in terms of ATK and DEF (ATK: 1400 → 1300/DEF: 1000 → 900).
"I might have gotten my monster weakened, but I plan on destroying it," commented Mayura.
"Destroy your own monster?" repeated Shinji, "How are you going to do that?"
"Ask and you shall receive!" replied Mayura teasingly, "I'll do it by activating my 'Scrap Raptor's' first effect!" 'Scrap Raptor' let out a roar as a ticking sound was heard coming from it, "I can target 1 monster I control; I must destroy it, also, during my Main Phase this turn, I can Normal Summon 1 'Scrap' monster in addition to my Normal Summon/Set!"
On cue, 'Scrap Raptor' exploded from its own destruction, leaving Mayura's field wide open again. However, this was an important part of her strategy. Like so…
"Scrap Raptor's' second effect activates!" Mayura went on, "If this card is destroyed by the effect of a 'Scrap' card and sent to my GY: I can add 1 'Scrap Factory' or 1 non-Tuner 'Scrap' monster from my Deck to my hand," She drew a card and looked at it, "I'll choose to add…" The card was the 'Scrap Chimera' Effect Monster Card, "…'Scrap Chimera', which is a non-Tuner 'Scrap' monster!"
"And thanks to 'Scrap Raptor's' first effect, you can make a second Normal Summon of a 'Scrap' monster during your Main Phase," remembered Shinji.
"Right!" agreed Mayura, before placing her card onto her Duel Runner, "Come, 'Scrap Chimera'!"
Appearing onto the field was the chimera monster made entirely out of junk and scrap (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 500). However, a Scale Counter was planted onto the newly Summoned monster, reducing its ATK and DEF slightly (ATK: 1700 → 1600/DEF: 500 → 400 DEF).
"Don't forget, your monsters gain Scale Counters should they also use any effects they have," warned Shinji.
"I know that, but I'm still going to use my monsters' effects if they help me out," retorted Mayura, before holding her right hand in the air before straight ahead, "I activate 'Scrap Chimera's' effect! When this card is Normal Summoned: I can target 1 'Scrap' Tuner in my GY; I must Special Summon that target."
"But by using that effect, you just gave your monster a second Scale Counter!" said Shinji firmly.
A second Scale Counter was planted onto 'Scrap Chimera', reducing its ATK and DEF again (ATK: 1600 → 1500/DEF: 400 → 300). Despite weakening her monster further, Mayura held out a card ('Scrap Raptor') she took from her GY.
"Resurrect, 'Scrap Raptor'!" commanded Mayura.
Reappearing on the field was 'Scrap Raptor'—who also gained a Scale Counter and weakened stats as a result (Level: 4/ATK: 1300/DEF: 900). Not only that, a third Scale Counter was put onto 'Scrap Chimera' and weakened it even further (ATK: 1500 → 1400/DEF: 300 → 200).
"Hmhmhm… So, do you have any sort of plan to combat the rapid weakening of your monsters?" teased Shinji, letting out a humorless chuckle.
"My Level 4 'Scrap Raptor' tunes Level 4 'Scrap Chimera'!" replied Mayura.
'Scrap Raptor' turned into four Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and overwhelmed 'Scrap Chimera' before turning it into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant by Mayura echoed throughout.
"Guardian of the mechanical wastelands, take flight and scorch those who oppose the antique and obsolete!" chanted Mayura, as the symbols 4 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly just before four orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light. In addition, she also punched her right fist forth, "Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 8! 'Scrap Dragon'!"
Appearing from the beam of light and onto the field, was the large, scary-looking mechanical dragon of a sort—although a Scale Counter being placed on it resulted in the new monster growing weaker (Level: 8/ATK: 2700/DEF: 1900).
"Do you know what you're doing?" wondered Shinji.
"Of course, I know!" reassured Mayura, smirking with confidence, "I'm not one of Orb's best duelists for nothing!" She then readied a card in-between the index and middle fingers of her right hand before slotting it into her Duel Runner, "I Set one card!"
"Then you'll either attack or end your turn?" Shinji quizzed, making a wild guess.
"Nope! I'm gonna activate 'Scrap Dragon's' first effect!" corrected Mayura, just as 'Scrap Dragon' opened its mouth and charged a blast of fire, "Scrap Inferno!"
The attack was fired off, setting part of the track on fire and destroying not only Mayura's Set card but also Shinji's 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge'.
"'Halberd the Charge' was-!" exclaimed Shinji, just as the flames died down.
"Once per turn: I can target 1 card I control and 1 card my opponent controls; I must destroy them," explained Mayura, just as enlarged images of both the 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' Synchro Monster Card and the 'Scrap Processing' Trap Card rose in the background behind her, "I've destroyed my Set 'Scrap Processing' in order to destroy your 'Halberd the Charge' and free my monsters from the second effect of 'Corrosive Scales'!"
With 'Scrap Dragon' freed, its stats returned to normal (ATK: 2600 → 2800/DEF: 1800 → 2000).
"And there's more," As she spoke, Mayura drew a card ('Scrap Searcher'), held it out, then sent it to the GY, "I activate the first effect of 'Scrap Processing'! If this Set card is destroyed by the effect of a 'Scrap' card and sent to the GY: I can send 1 'Scrap' monster from my Deck to the GY."
Shinji winced, knowing he was open to an attack by Mayura's 'Scrap Dragon'.
"Battle!" announced Mayura, entering her Battle Phase, "Go forth, 'Scrap Dragon'! Make a direct attack on Shinji!" As the attack name was announced, 'Scrap Dragon' opened its mouth again to charge a blast of fire, "Scrap Blast!"
The attack was unleashed, striking and overwhelming Killer Wasp while also causing Shinji to wince as he sustained massive damage to his LP (LP: 4000 → 1200). In the stands, Sherry was surprised by the effective counter strategy Mayura made, but remained in the state only for a moment. On the track, Mayura, armed with a card, swung her right arm about.
"I Set one card…" finished Mayura, as a face-down card materialized on the field in-front of her M1 Astray, "…and end my turn," The Set card then faded away for later use, and she looked very sure of herself, "So, Shinji, how did my attack feel? Pretty good, don't you think?"
"I guess it was a good battle plan on your part, but don't forget you still have ways to go before you beat me," retorted Shinji, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Both duelists gained another Speed Counter:
-Mayura: 1 → 2
-Shinji: 1 → 2
Turn Three: Shinji Weber (LP: 1200)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (4): "Summoning Swarm", "Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter", "Bee Formation", and "Revival Swarm"
Speed Counters: 2
Shinji's drawn card was the 'Revival Swarm' Spell Card; a card he would use immediately to help gain the one monster he needed to win the duel.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Revival Swarm'!" began Shinji, slotting the card into his Duel Runner. The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Killer Wasp as focus went towards it throughout the explanation, "I must target 1 'Battlewasp' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600).
"You brought back 'Azusa the Ghost Bow'?" pondered Mayura.
"This is just the first step," explained Shinji, before holding up another card ('Summoning Swarm'), "Then I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Summoning Swarm', from my hand!" He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on the Duel Runner, causing it to materialize face-up on the field, "I must target Level 4 or lower 'Battlewasp' monsters in my GY, up to the number of monsters my opponent controls; I must Special Summon them!"
"Up to the number of monsters I control?!" cried Mayura.
"That's right!" Shinji went on, before holding his right hand out, "Resurrect, 'Twinbow the Attacker'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker' (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 500). Both monsters were soon flying side-by-side, with Killer Wasp following from behind.
"Level 5 and Level 3…!" muttered Mayura, before a haunting realization hit her, "Can it be? The one monster Lisa told us about?"
Let's find out…
"Mayura, this is a revolution!" shouted Shinji, "My Level 5 'Azusa the Ghost Bow'…" As the command continued to be given, 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' started glowing as she turned into five Synchro Rings, "…tunes Level 3 'Twinbow the Attacker'!"
'Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker' flew into the five Synchro Rings and turned into three orbs of light, with a familiar Summon Chant from Shinji being performed throughout the sequence.
"Resonant powers, carry the flames of resentment in your hands, and fire the arrow of rebellion!" chanted Shinji, as the symbols 4 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the five Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Level 8! 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow'!"
As the beam of light burst apart, standing on the field was the familiar humanoid 'Battlewasp' monster similar to 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow', but male, colored entirely green, had glowing red eyes, and a more powerful-looking bow for a weapon (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000). In the stands, James R. gasped when he saw that monster, since he (James R.) heard from Shinji that he (Shinji) used it to deliver a One Turn Kill to two of three opponents at the same time. Sherry, meanwhile, had not seen 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' for quite a while, and was eager to see it in action again. Back on the track, Mayura knew that this was 'the' monster Lisa told her (Mayura), Asagi, and Juri about. But she then realized one thing about it and her own monster…
"Shinji, do you acknowledge that both 'Hama the Conquering Bow' and 'Scrap Dragon' share the same ATK?" observed Mayura, as her focus went towards 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' (ATK: 2800) and 'Scrap Dragon' (ATK: 2800), "Attacking now will only get our respective monsters wiped out in a Double KO!"
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure of that," grinned Shinji.
"Huh?" flinched Mayura.
"I activate the second effect of 'Revival Swarm'!" continued Shinji, as, within the darkness (GY), the 'Revival Swarm' Spell Card slowly emerged before fading away into oblivion and granting 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' a new power, "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 Insect monster I control; it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, until the end of the next turn."
"That means when 'Hama the Conquering Bow' attacks, only my 'Scrap Dragon" will be destroyed!" realized Mayura.
"Furthermore, there's also 'Hama the Conquering Bow's' first effect!" reminded Shinji, "If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Synchro Monster as material, it can make a second attack during each Battle Phase," He smirked again, while Mayura looked absolutely stunned, "My first attack will destroy 'Scrap Dragon', and then a direct attack will come your way," The Battle Phase began, just as 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' raised his bow, "Take this!"
The arrow was fired, striking and impaling 'Scrap Dragon' in the throat before it was able to attack right back, causing it to spark and explode from its destruction. Normally, a tie would result in the destruction of both monsters, but since 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' was empowered by the 'Revival Swarm' Spell Card's second effect, only 'Scrap Dragon' met its demise.
"You've destroyed 'Scrap Dragon', but that activates its second effect!" exclaimed Mayura, holding up a card ('Scrap Raptor') taken from her GY, "When this card in my possession is destroyed by my opponent's card and sent to my GY: I must target 1 non-Synchro 'Scrap' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target," She raised the card and placed it onto her Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Scrap Raptor' in Defense Position!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Scrap Raptor' (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1000).
"Hmph! Attempting to protect yourself from a direct attack, is that what you're trying to do?" frowned Shinji, but then grinned big again, "But I still have many other ways of inflicting serious damage to the opponent!" He gave a command, "Resurrect, 'Azusa the Ghost Bow'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600).
"This is my monster's second effect!" explained Shinji, "When a monster is destroyed by battle with my 'Battlewasp' monster, while this card is in my GY: I can Special Summon this card in Defense Position, but banish it when it leaves the field!" Before long, he held up another card in his right hand, "Now, I said I have other ways of inflicting serious damage, and this is one such method of mine!" He turned the card ('Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter') over and revealed it, "'Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter's' first effect!" As the explanation proceeded, the card of his choice was sent to the GY, basically sinking into the dark abyss before the spirit of 'Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter' appeared on the field before turning to face Mayura's M1 Astray, "When my 'Battlewasp' monster destroys a monster by battle that is owned by my opponent: I can discard this card; I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to that destroyed monster's original ATK."
The spirit of 'Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter' charged and collided with the ground near M1 Astray, causing an explosion that resulted in Mayura grimacing from being close up to one.
"As 'Scrap Dragon' has 2800 ATK, you'll take that much power as effect damage!" said Shinji confidently.
"Wrong!" The voice of Mayura cut in.
"Huh?"
Bursting out of the smoke was M1 Astray, and Mayura had not lost 2800 LP—but rather only 1400 LP (LP: 3600 → 2200).
"But how?" stammered Shinji.
Beside M1 Astray (on its left) was a familiar face-up Trap Card called 'Damage Diet'.
"This is my Trap Card, 'Damage Diet'!" announced Mayura, "I must halve all damage I take this turn. Basically, your effort to use 'Dart the Hunter' didn't hurt me enough!"
"I see!" yelled Shinji, just as 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' summoned another arrow and readied it in his bow, "I use 'Hama the Conquering Bow' to attack 'Scrap Raptor'!"
The arrow was fired, striking and impaling 'Scrap Raptor' as it was destroyed in another explosion.
"My Battle Phase is over, but the worst is yet to come!" threatened Shinji, "I activate 'Hama the Conquering Bow's' third effect!" 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' summoned another arrow, readied it in his bow, and firing it, "At the end of my Battle Phase, if my opponent has not taken any battle damage this Phase: I can inflict 300 damage to my opponent for each 'Battlewasp' monster in my GY!"
The arrow struck Mayura's M1 Astray, causing another explosion to erupt.
"With five 'Battlewasp' monsters there, you take 1500 damage!" noted Shinji.
"But thanks to…'Damage Diet', that damage gets…halved!" winced Mayura (LP: 2200 → 1450).
"I guess you haven't had enough yet," commented Shinji, "In that case, this will certainly do the trick! 'Azusa the Ghost Bow's' first effect!" While explaining what the effect did, 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' summoned an arrow and readied it in her own bow as she took aim at Mayura's M1 Astray, "When my opponent takes effect damage from another 'Battlewasp' monster: I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the original ATK of that monster!"
The arrow was fired, striking M1 Astray and causing another explosion. This time, Mayura cried out as her LP got lowered to extremely dangerous levels—if the 'Damage Diet' Trap Card had not been used, this would have certainly defeated her at that point (LP: 1450 → 50).
"H-Hey! My LP got sent to such a low amount in an instant!" complained Mayura.
"Don't complain! I'm just applying a form of therapy," insisted Shinji roughly.
In the stands…
"Therapy?" wondered Sherry, "What does he mean by that?"
James R. was wondering the same thing. Back on the track, Mayura made no effort to say anything back, allowing Shinji to continue speaking.
"If you're wondering what I mean by therapy, it's to help some people out!" declared Shinji, "There are three people in this stadium who need some help," Mayura, Sherry, and James R. each listened as their names were then spoken of, "Mayura Labatt, Sherry LeBlanc, and James Hogan!"
Sherry was surprised when she heard James R.'s name, causing her to realize that he was somewhere in the stands. When she looked nearby, there was James R., sitting in a seat near the railings. As soon as he was spotted, James R. looked fearful while watching as Sherry stood up from her spot and started approaching. The brown-haired young man stood up from his seat and began leaving, but…
"Stay," The voice of Sherry requested, just as she finished approaching, "I want to talk to you, please."
James R. felt uneasy, but then sat back down and nodded, allowing Sherry to sit beside him. From there, they both shared an awkward conversation.
"Do you understand now by what I've been trying to tell you about a week ago?" pressed Sherry.
"Yeah, I do," admitted James R., just as he envisioned himself being defeated in his duel with Sherry, Carlie slapping him and Sherry, Shinji yelling at him (James R.), and Mayura angrily telling him off before storming away, "And all it took was a crushing defeat by your hands, being slapped by Carlie, being yelled at by Shinji, and Mayura getting angry with me to finally get me to see the light."
Nodding, Sherry was glad to hear that James R. finally realized the error of his ways—well, at least until he spoke on.
"But it wasn't entirely my fault," The voice of James R. added in.
"Not entirely your fault?" repeated Sherry, sighing a little bit in disappointment, "Still wanting to make excuses for your actions, don't you?"
"I'm serious," James R. grunted, before asking a question of his own, "Sherry, what is one of the most important lessons a child learns from their parents?"
Sherry said nothing back.
"To me, it's standing up to bullies," answered James R., standing up again, "At least according to my deceased Dad."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Several years ago, when James R. was just a child, he had witnessed his Father beat up a man who was assaulting a woman for no good reason. While the man had been arrested, Hogan Sr. had been let off with a warning.
"Dad?" Young James R. spoke up, "I don't get it. Why? You could have been in big trouble."
"I'm sorry, son, but I couldn't stand by and let that guy hurt that woman," explained Flashback Mr. Hogan, "He was being a bully, and all bullies need to be taught a lesson," He and his son sat down on the nearby bench, "Remember, son, there are a 'lot' of bullies out there in the world. And it's up to good people like us to stand up to them."
"But if we do, they might beat 'us' up, too," shuddered Young James R., "Couldn't we just mind our own business and not get involved?"
"Absolutely not," refused Flashback Hogan Sr., "This is something my own Father taught me when I was your age," Young James R. listened to his Father's speech, "When a person knows someone is being hurt, yet they choose to do 'nothing' about it, not only are they allowing the problem to continue, but they are no better than the bullies causing the problem in the first place," He then looked back to his son, "No matter how afraid you are, you must 'always' stand up to bullies. Remember that, son."
"I'll remember, Dad," smiled Young James R., as he and Flashback Mr. Hogan hugged.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended
"And ever since that day," continued James R., "I vowed to lead by my Dad's example. Whenever I came across someone bullying those who were too afraid to fight back, I'd give them a taste of their own medicine, and send them cowering in fear," He then looked towards Sherry, "Until I met you."
"Go on," nodded Sherry.
"You're someone who can easily stand up to me," remembered James R., "Especially most recently."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback James R. and Flashback Sherry both were in the middle of their duel
"Now, Sherry, you still haven't done any of what I want you to do," reminded Flashback James R., "Nor have you admitted that you were in the wrong. I guess you've no intention of ever apologizing to Carlie, or anyone else you've antagonized throughout your life."
Flashback Sherry frowned in response, but said nothing.
"In fact, I bet your own parents are watching from the heavens, and I don't think they like what they're seeing you do—watching their child, whom they tried to raise to be a good person, become such a cold, unfeeling bully," scorned Flashback James R. harshly, "If they were still alive and saw you now, I think they would have died of shame."
Unfortunately, that part finally got under Flashback Sherry's skin—in a really bad way. Flashback Sherry clenched her empty right fist in fury at such a comment, remembering that she loved her parents very much before they were killed in a tragic accident. For Flashback James R. to bring them up in such a negative fashion…
"You don't know me," snarled Flashback Sherry, glaring in anger, "It's not like I ever wanted to act like this in the first place!"
"Is that so?" replied Flashback James R., "Well, here's a tip; maybe you should've just learned to stop when you found out your actions were making everyone 'hate' you!"
(new scene…)
Flashback James R. finally sank to his hands and knees, unable to accept the fact that he thoroughly lost to Flashback Sherry of all people. Grabbing part of the destroyed pavement, he slammed it down before looking up at his triumphant opponent.
"No…" hissed Flashback James R., feeling truly sickened by the loss and stubbornly refusing to accept it, "It's not over… I refuse to say it's over," He got back onto his feet in complete desperation, "Again! Duel me again! I want a rematch!"
"Do you see now, James?" said Flashback Sherry coldly, ignoring the request for a rematch, "By losing to a non-Dark Signer like this, you've just proved my point; the Signers can never truly defeat the Dark Signers unless they get stronger," She closed her eyes and sighed, "Listen, you can duel me as many times as you want, but until you've grown stronger the results will be the same."
Her blunt advice, however, only drove Flashback James R.'s anger even further past the boiling point, taking it as Flashback Sherry insisting that she's superior to him and his friends no matter how hard they tried.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"That's what I 'thought' I was doing; standing up to someone who was bullying the people I love—the way I thought my Father wanted me to do," recalled James R., before looking at Sherry as she listened with interest,, "However, as it turns out I had actually done it the wrong way," He continued to look unhappy with himself, "By being horrible to someone I thought was a bully, it made 'me' a bully in the process."
"Not a 'bully', you were being an 'idiot'," corrected Sherry bluntly, "Look, James, I do believe you're a very skilled duelist and worthy of being seen as both the third best in the country and a Signer, but the Dark Signers are nothing like we've ever faced," She continued to look very stern while speaking, "This is no longer a friendly game. You and your friends will need to become stronger if you hope to defeat them."
"I know that, now…" frowned James R., sounding ashamed, before looking up, "Listen, Sherry, I want to apologize."
"Huh?" pondered Sherry.
"For all of the times I mistreated you," continued James R., "You've been right about me being far too overprotective of Carlie; I've spoken to her about it, and I will never let myself do something like that again."
Sherry glared at James R. for what seemed like forever, before the blonde-haired young French woman looked away with a cheesy smile on her face.
"Toi idiot," muttered Sherry in French, but then looked over as her cheesy smile became much more genuine and warm, "Of course, I forgive you, James."
"Y-You do?" asked James R. hopefully.
As the two shook hands and reconciled, Mayura, back on the track, watched it and thought it over. If Sherry was capable of forgiving James R., then why was she (Mayura) having such a hard time doing that? She didn't know what to do. Shinji, meanwhile, finished off his turn.
"I Set one card and end my turn!" he concluded, slotting a card into his Duel Runner.
A face-down card materialized on the field in-front of Killer Wasp before fading away for later use. Resuming her focus on the Turbo Duel, Mayura took a quick look at her Deck,
"The effect of 'Damage Diet' has worn off," Mayura thought to herself, "With only 50 LP left, this will definitely be my final turn," She drew a card and spoke aloud, "It's my turn!"
With it being her turn, both duelists gained another Speed Counter:
-Mayura: 2 → 3
-Shinji: 2 → 3
Turn Four: Mayura Labatt (LP: 50)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (4): "Scrap Orthros", "Scrap Golem", "Scrap Worm", and "Scrapstorm"
Speed Counters: 3
Mayura saw her drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Scrapstorm'.
"This should help me some," thought Mayura.
Suddenly…
"It's time!" interrupted Shinji, as his Set card reappeared on the field beside him (on his left), "Continuous Trap, open! 'Bee Formation', activate!"
The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"'Bee Formation', is it?!" wailed Mayura.
"That it is," confirmed Shinji, just as a swarm of bees arose and formed an infinity symbol behind 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow', which glowed with yellow energy while the effects of the 'Bee Formation' Trap Card were explained, "I must activate this card by targeting 1 'Battlewasp' monster I control. Each time my opponent Normal or Special Summons a monster(s), that target gains 400 ATK," He then smirked, "Naturally, I've targeted 'Hama the Conquering Bow'!"
Despite the risk of making 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' stronger and more difficult to attack, Mayura knew she had no choice but to Summon as many monsters as she could if she was to have any chance of winning. Adding her drawn card into her hand, she picked another card to play.
"I Summon 'Scrap Worm'!" declared Mayura, placing her card onto her Duel Runner.
Appearing on the field was a mechanical-looking worm (Level: 2/ATK: 500/DEF: 100).
"As of now, the first effect of 'Bee Formation' makes my 'Hama the Conquering Bow' gain 400 ATK!" hollered Shinji.
'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' grew stronger (ATK: 2800 → 3200).
"That isn't all," continued Mayura, readying and placing another card onto her Duel Runner, "Since I control a 'Scrap' monster, I'll Special Summon 'Scrap Orthros' from my hand!"
Appearing onto the field was a mechanical wolf of sorts (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1100).
"This will activate 'Bee Formation's' effect again!" cut in Shinji.
For a second time, 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' grew stronger (ATK: 3200 → 3600).
"I activate 'Scrap Orthros's' first effect!" Mayura announced, just as 'Scrap Worm' shattered into shards of glass, "If Summoned this way: I must target 1 'Scrap' monster I control; I must destroy that target," She held up a card ('Scrap Worm') and sent it to her GY, "I destroyed my own 'Scrap Worm'—to activate its third effect!" Within the dark abyss (GY), a card ('Scrap Chimera') was shown emerging before fully emerging from the GY and being taken back, "If this card is destroyed by the effect of a 'Scrap' card and sent to the GY: I can target 1 'Scrap' monster in my GY, except 'Scrap Worm'; I must add it to my hand."
Mayura looked at her hand, before adding it into her hand. Speaking of which, her hand contained 'Scrap Golem', 'Scrapstorm', and 'Scrap Chimera'. A few seconds later, she made another move.
"I activate the first effect of 'Scrap Searcher'!" hollered Mayura. While explaining the effect, appearing on the field was 'Scrap Searcher' (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 300), "When a 'Scrap' monster I control, except 'Scrap Searcher', is destroyed and sent to the GY while this card is in the GY: I can Special Summon this card from my GY."
But since she Summoned another monster, 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' grew even stronger (ATK: 3600 → 4000).
"My monster now has 4000 ATK," teased Shinji, "Are you sure you wanna Summon more monsters and increase it further?"
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Scrapstorm'!" replied Mayura, holding up another card ('Scrapstorm'), "I must target 1 'Scrap' monster I control; I must send 1 'Scrap' monster from…" She slotted the card into her Duel Runner, causing the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field in-front of M1 Astray, "…my Deck to the GY, then draw 1 card, then destroy that monster!" The tomboyish, red-haired young woman took a card ('Scrap Mind Reader') from her Deck, then sent it to the GY, "I target my 'Scrap Searcher', then send 'Scrap Mind Reader' from my Deck to the GY!"
In the stands, James R. and Sherry both silently watched on, wondering if Mayura was up to something big if she kept risking powering up 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' to nearly unmatched levels of ATK. Back on the field, Mayura looked at her Deck one more time and pressed two fingers on the top card.
"I draw!" shouted Mayura, drawing her next card, "Now I destroy 'Scrap Searcher'!" From there, 'Scrap Searcher' shattered into shards of glass, which, in turn, caused a familiar card ('Scrap Processing') to eject from her GY, "Then I'll activate the second effect of my Trap Card, 'Scrap Processing'!" She took hold and held the card up, "If a 'Scrap' monster I control is destroyed by the effect of a 'Scrap' card and sent to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY; I must Special Summon 1 'Scrap' monster from my hand," Once the 'Scrap Processing' Trap Card faded away into oblivion, another card ('Scrap Golem') was taken from her hand, held upward, then placed onto her Duel Runner, "From my hand, I'll Special Summon 'Scrap Golem'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large, mechanical 'golem' of sorts (Level: 5/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1400). This, of course, resulted in 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' gaining 400 more ATK thanks to the 'Bee Formation' Trap Card (ATK: 4000 → 4400).
"I activate 'Scrap Golem's' monster effect!" As Mayura said that, a card ('Scrap Searcher') ejected from her GY, which she took hold of, "Once per turn: I can…" She held the retrieved card up, "…target 1 Level 4 or lower 'Scrap' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target to either player's field," The card was placed onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Runner, "Resurrect, 'Scrap Searcher'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Scrap Searcher' (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 300). With another Summon being successful, 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' gained another 400 ATK (ATK: 4400 → 4800). With her field ready, Mayura made her ultimate move.
"My Level 4 'Scrap Orthros' tunes…" began Mayura, "…Level 5 'Scrap Golem' and Level 1 'Scrap Searcher'!"
'Scrap Orthros' turned into four large Synchro Rings, which both 'Scrap Golem' and 'Scrap Searcher' both soared into before turning into six orbs of light (five for 'Scrap Golem', and just one for 'Scrap Searcher') as a new Summon Chant from Mayura echoed throughout.
"Ultimate beast of scrap metal! Emerge from the molten lead and bring to ruin the modern oppressors!" chanted Mayura, as the symbols 5 + 1 + 4 = 10 were shown briefly just before the six orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon!" As the beam of light burst apart, the body, plus a pair of wings, of a massive, mechanical dragon started to show itself, "Descend! Level 10! 'Atomic Scrap Dragon'!"
Shown flying in the sky, this new dragon also possessed three heads, and they each let out a massive roar to signal their arrival (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 2400). Shinji figured this had to be Mayura's strongest monster, which Sherry and James R. both also knew.
"It's too late for Mayura to use 'Atomic Scrap Dragon'," groaned James R., believing 'Atomic Scarp Dragon' was no longer a match for 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow', "'Hama the Conquering Bow' has gotten way too strong."
Back on the track, Shinji was echoing the same words James R. was saying—but still made them more different in a way.
"It's too late, now!" boasted Shinji, "'Hama the Conquering Bow has 4800 ATK," The infinity symbol behind 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' then started glowing, "'Bee Formation's' effect also increases them by another 400!"
'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' then grew stronger (ATK: 4800 → 5200).
"Don't underestimate me!" warned Mayura, "I still have one more card in my hand."
"One more card?" quizzed Shinji.
"It's what I need to empower 'Atomic Scrap Dragon' and defeat you," continued Mayura, holding up a card for a few seconds before turning it ('Scrap Overhaul'(!)) over and revealing what it was, "I activate the Equip Spell, 'Scrap Overhaul'!"
"'Scrap Overhaul'?" Shinji worried, having never heard of the card before, "What does it do?"
All of a sudden, 'Atomic Scrap Dragon' started gaining a new power—the power to steal the ATK from even stronger adversaries.
"I must equip only to a 'Scrap' monster," The voice of Mayura explained, as the above scenario briefly played out. She continued to look confident as the rest of the explanation proceeded, "If the equipped monster battles an opponent's monster with higher ATK: I can switch the ATK of both monsters during that damage calculation only!"
"That can't be!" panicked Shinji, "I've been using 'Bee Formation' to repeatedly power up my 'Hama the Conquering Bow'!"
"You've been setting up your own downfall without realizing it until it's too late," observed Mayura, "Once I declare an attack, 'Atomic Scrap Dragon' will become strong enough to wipe you out," She entered her Battle Phase and began issuing a final command to 'Atomic Scrap Dragon', "'Atomic Scrap Dragon', attack 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow'!"
'Atomic Scrap Dragon' obeyed, opening its three mouths and charging an attack, which Shinji watched helplessly as the first effect of the 'Scrap Overhaul' Spell Card activated—switching the ATK stats of 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' (ATK: 5200 → 3200) and Mayura's monster (ATK: 3200 → 5200).
"Scrap Atomic Blaze!" screamed Mayura, just as the attack was fired off towards 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' before colliding with it and the conversation carried on, "Because of the second effect of 'Revival Swarm' still being in-effect, 'Hama the Conquering Bow' is not destroyed during this battle," She then punched her right fist forward, "But you'll still take the damage!"
And Shinji's LP gauge immediately emptied from the final attack (LP: 1200 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Mayura Labatt wins!
Steam emitted from Killer Wasp, and Shinji was forced to stop his Duel Runner. He looked down at his helmet and smiled in defeat. Despite the loss, he had a blast in the Turbo Duel. The purple and aqua-haired young man then heard another Duel Runner coming to a stop, which was from Mayura's M1 Astray. Mayura removed her helmet and sighed with both relief and excitement since she emerged victorious in the match. Around that point, all of the remaining holograms had disappeared.
"Hey, Mayura!" The voice of Shinji called out, which caused Mayura to look up and notice him approaching with his helmet tucked underneath his left arm, "Congratulations on winning! I can see why you're seen as one of Orb's best duelists alongside Lisa and your two best friends."
Mayura removed her helmet and giggled excitedly.
"Also," continued Shinji, as he looked nearby, "I think our little audience thinks so, too."
Nearby in the stands, James R. and Sherry both got up and started to make their way down to the track. Once they were down there, a conversation between the four young adults ensued.
"That was impressive, Mayura," smiled Sherry, "Using Shinji's 'Bee Formation' against him in a way was a very clever strategy."
"Tee hee! Did you see that? I'm pretty good, right?" chuckled Mayura bashfully.
Shinji nodded, "You sure are," he agreed, before looking towards James R. and Sherry, "So, James… Sherry… Have you two been able to patch things up?"
"Actually… yeah," confirmed James R., "We were able to reconcile."
"Right after you opened up to me with your life's story," joked Sherry.
James R. and Shinji both laughed over the quip.
"Well, Mayura, how about it?" pressed Shinji pleasantly, as Mayura listened and no longer smiled, "Is there anything you'd like to say to James?"
Mayura seemed conflicted with herself as she struggled to find the correct words to say. After a long silence, she just started wheeling her Duel Runner away without a word, saddening Shinji, even Sherry, and especially James R., showing Mayura still had ways to go before she was ready to forgive James R. for his mistake.
(outside…)
Outside the stadium, Michael was shown walking towards the building while wheeling Wheel of Fortune when an extremely upset Mayura walked by with M1 Astray. Realizing the trouble, he silently decided it was best to not ask what was the matter.
(elsewhere…)
That night, James R. was walking down a hallway inside the school after helping Matt with tuning up their respective Duel Runners (Matt: Fudo Go, James R.: Blackbird) in the docking bay during the mid-late afternoon. He was beginning to wonder if Mayura ever would forgive him. Just then…
"Huh?" pondered James R., "That voice…"
He listened to the beautiful singing voice and noticed it was coming from one of the rooms—being Mayura's dorm. The door was closed, but a light was clearly on. James R. carefully opened it enough to see what was going on inside the room.
(inside…)
Sure enough, upon peeking inside the room, he got his answer; Mayura was shown standing beside a microphone singing a song from her favorite punk singer as said song played from a nearby radio. James R., who never knew that the tomboyish Mayura Labatt could sing so well, listened to most of the song before clumsily tripping and falling into the room, causing Mayura to stop singing, gasp, turn off the radio, and finally notice the arrival. At first surprised that James R. listened to her sing, Mayura quickly grew angry over seeing him again.
"Get out of my room!" she ordered harshly.
"W-Wait, hold on!" stammered James R., hastily returning to his feet and waving his hands with the palms exposed, "Just…at least hear me out, then I'll leave!" When Mayura folded her arms and agreed to listen, he walked further inside and continued, "First of all, I'm sorry for being such a jerk towards Sherry. I've learned my lesson, and, while watching the duel between you and Shinji, made up with Sherry."
The silent Mayura continued glaring.
"Please, Mayura," begged James R., "I really am sorry for how I acted. Can you ever forgive me?"
Still glaring, Mayura remembered watching James R. and Sherry making peace in the stands, and then being encouraged by Shinji to try talking to James R. and forgive him—before her eyes watered and she finally collapsed onto her knees and broke down crying. Surprised by the turn of events, James R. approached, knelt down, and placed both hands on Mayura's shoulders as she shook and sobbed.
"You being a stupid jerk reminded me of how bad Shani and his friends truly were," wept Mayura, "And I almost did something I…" She looked up with tear-filled eyes, "…would have regretted for the rest of my life had I… I gone through with it…"
"What?" blinked James R., "Mayura, what are you talking about?" He then helped Mayura to her feet and started leading her to the bed, "Come on, tell me all about it."
Once the two of them were seated on the edge of the bed, Mayura started telling James R. the same story she told Shinji in Orb's gym. When she finished, James R. was left most surprised by what he learned about her.
"I… I had no idea…" murmured James R., before looking over at the solemn, ashamed Mayura, "I guess my atrocious behavior towards Sherry during our duel must have stirred those memories."
"You could say that," mumbled Mayura sadly, before feeling something touching the top of her hands and looking down at her lap. She found James R.'s hands on top of her own before looking up and to her right (at him), "Huh?"
"I'm so sorry, Mayura," apologized James R., "I never should have unintentionally hurt you like that," He looked into Mayura's eyes, "Please forgive me."
The slightly flustered-looking Mayura stared into James R.'s eyes for what seemed like forever. She (Mayura) could see he was deeply regretful of his past behavior towards Sherry and, as a result, reminding her (Mayura) of how bad she was before reforming. At long last, Mayura smiled and said something.
"You really have changed for the better," she admitted, "You really are worth forgiving."
"D-Do you mean that?" gasped James R., hoping he heard that right.
Instead of a vocalized response, Mayura did something else to show she did forgive him; she moved in…and kissed James R. on the lips. Initially shocked, James R. closed his eyes and enjoyed the passionate kiss. When they finished, they pulled away and stared at each other lovingly.
"Mayura, I think you really do have a beautiful singing voice," admired James R..
"Thank you…" replied Mayura, "It's just too bad you're the only one here who knows I can sing," James R. raised an eyebrow, "Asagi, Juri, and even Lisa don't know…" She shook her head, "…my little secret, because I keep it to myself and my parents."
"In that case, why don't we change that?" suggested James R..
"I'll do it on one condition," The voice of Mayura requested.
"A condition?"
"Only if you, James, will also play the piano," The tomboyish, red-haired woman went on, "You see, last night I learned of a little secret of your own."
James R. then gasped again, realizing that Mayura discovered he could play the piano, and felt a little embarrassed about it. Since his secret was out, he decided to tell her everything.
"I guess it's true," confessed James R., "I can play the piano—really well, actually. But I never told anyone of it with an exception to Carlie and Discord," He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "Actually, when I was 15, it was Discord who made the request that I take it up as, you know, a little hobby."
Mayura grinned, "I see," she remarked, before holding her left hand out, "Well, why don't we both show our friends our hidden talents as well as our new relationship. Whaddya say?"
"You know what I think? I say…count me in," accepted James R., holding his own left hand out.
The pair shook hands. There we go, a happy ending for the new couple. Was this the end? Weeeell…
(elsewhere…)
In the streets of New York City further into the night, all was quiet in upper Manhattan. There were few people wandering around, few cars in the streets… It really was a quiet night, and Paul Truman and Maria Strienhart both knew it as they drove in their police car on patrol.
(inside…)
"Another night, another crimeless patrol," sighed Paul.
"That's all thanks to 'The All-Star Squad'," commented Maria, "They've been keeping the city calm since the attack on Orb."
"And they've done a great job of it, too," Paul acknowledged, who, despite thinking very well of the group, couldn't help but feel a little jealous, "Even so, I just can't help but wonder how they are so good at their job," From there, he heard the radio static, meaning someone was trying to get a hold of him, "That's for us…" He picked up the radio and responded, "Officer Truman here."
"We got trouble here in the Bronx," The voice of Jak reported, urgently, "Get your rears over here, on the double!"
"We're on it, Jak," obeyed Paul.
Maria silently nodded with determination.
(outside…)
The police car's sirens went off as it turned onto the expressway, aiming to get to the Bronx as fast as possible. If there was trouble, Paul and Maria both would be there to help out.
(elsewhere…)
Minutes later in the Bronx, a member of 'The All-Star Squad' was being loaded into an ambulance to be taken to the hospital, and there were several trashed cars in the area. There were several police officers and other members of 'The All-Star Squad' gathered as they searched the area for clues as to what exactly happened.
"What could have happened here?" wondered Maria.
"I wish I knew the damned answer," said General Damas unhappily.
"But I think I have one," The voice of Paul responded, getting the attention of Jak, Maria, and General Damas as they looked nearby. He was on a single knee looking at the ground, "These tire tracks look very familiar."
General Damas, Jak, Maria, and three police officers approached. From there, Paul looked at the ground some more and found something else that interested him.
"And this…" He picked up the object (a Duel Monsters card) and held it up, "It was found on the road."
"A Duel Monsters card?" blinked Jak.
"Let me see that," requested Maria, taking the card and looking at it before gasping, "It can't be!" It was a Trap Card called 'King's Synchro', "This card… It belongs…" She looked up, "…to Michael Atlas!"
"Back it up a moment!" objected Jak, "You mean 'the' Michael Atlas?! The same young man my daughter is friends with?"
"As in the King of Turbo duelists?!" put in General Damas, "What is he doing all the way here in New York City?"
"Don't be so sure of that," interrupted Paul, standing back up, "This is a similar crime scene a few months ago—during which I found fake copies of 'Stardust Dragon', 'Red Dragon Archfiend', and 'Black-Winged Dragon', believing they were real," He narrowed his eyes over the memories due to his regret, "I foolishly believed Matt, Mike, and James were the crooks and arrested them on the spot."
"Officer Truman…" whispered Maria.
"I won't make the same mistake again!" vowed Paul, "We're going to catch the real culprit behind the attack, but we're going to need more help."
"Do you have some sort of plan?" pressed General Damas.
"I do," Paul answered, "When we return to headquarters," Maria, Jak, and General Damas each listened to the idea, "I'm gonna convince Chief Waltfeld to summon Matt and his friends back to New York City."
With that said, it seemed like Matt and the others were due to return to New York City for a little while. But what about the guy who attacked and badly injured one of the members of 'The All-Star Squad'? Who was he? And why did he leave a copy of one of Michael's cards behind? That question would be answered in due time.
And finally! James R. and Mayura have officially made up and are now a couple similar to Matt/Ashima, Sherry/Shinji (sort of), and David/Lisa. A nice happy ending all around. But now, our heroes have a new problem to deal with—once Paul gets a hold of them. A new King is about to debut, and he's extremely dangerous. As ever, stay safe during these troubling times.