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, Akatsuki (c) Sunrise
Character of Lisa Drake (c) DaveMan1000
Character of David Xadashi (c) DaveMan1000
Jak and Daxter characters, Spargus, Tough Puppy, Sand Shark, Dune Hopper, Gila Stomper, Slam Dozer, Heat Seeker, Dust Demon, Desert Screamer (c) Naughty Dog
Crash Bandicoot characters, Wumpa (c) Activision
Ratchet & Clank characters, Veldin, Sargasso, Shatterbomb (c) Insomniac
Sly Cooper characters (c) Sucker Punch
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.
"Hello, everyone!" began Lisa, "This is gonna be a special edition of 'This week's noteworthy cards'!"
"Lisa-chan is correct," agreed David, "Today, we have a very special guest joining us," As he revealed who it was, a familiar young woman with long black hair walked on stage, "Misty-san!"
"Misty Tredwell!" The voice of Lisa finished.
Yup, the young woman was none other tham Misty Tredwell, and this really got the crowd going if her popularity was never in doubt.
"Hello, Lisa Drake and David Xadashi," greeted Misty, "Thank you for inviting me to your little show."
"Ah, don't mention it," dismissed Lisa playfully.
"Do you think you can help us with some of the cards we're going to show off, Misty-san?" pleaded David.
"I would be happy to," smiled Misty, before turning to face the nearby blackboard with the five cards (still showing their backing) lined up, "Are these the cards you both wish to show the audience?"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Reptilianne Ramifications' (Spell Card)
-'Thought Ruler Archfiend' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Reptilianne Coatl' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Past Image' (Trap Card)
"Isn't that-?" cried David, staring at the middle card ('Thought Ruler Archfiend').
"Yes, it's a Psychic monster," confirmed Misty.
"Yeesh… Wait until you both hear this," winced Lisa, before she started reading one of the card's effects, "If this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the GY: Gain LP equal to that monster's original ATK in the GY."
"Gain LP?!" gasped David, "Misty-san, that's a monster you're going up against?"
"Yes," sighed Misty, "It's very dangerous."
"Well, that's okay, I'm absolutely sure someone else will eventually get it in a duel," comforted Lisa, before she, David, and Misty turned to face the audience, "You heard me there, everyone; if Misty can't beat it, one of us will certainly succeed before too long."
"(ありがとうございました) Arigatōgozaimashita (Thank you so much) for coming on give us your thoughts, Misty-san," praised David, speaking in Japanese for the first part of his sentence, "It means the world to us."
"Of course," nodded Misty, "I would be more than happy to come back if it would make you two and your fans happy."
"Glad to hear that," accepted Lisa, before she and David started waving goodbye to the audience, "Well, everyone, have a good night!"
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: The Psychic Menace
Opening up inside a lovely skyscraper-like penthouse within New York City, it was currently very dark inside the bedroom of Misty Tredwell as she slept in bed—just before the rising sun started peeking in. It was also when the alarm clock struck '6:00' and started ringing until Misty stirred, yawned, and woke up. She silently threw the blanket off and climbed out of bed, putting on her slippers and stepped out of the bedroom.
(elsewhere…)
In the small kitchen, Misty, now wearing a bathrobe over her sleepwear, finished preparing some tea and sat down at the table to enjoy it and some buttered toast for breakfast. Despite mostly living alone since her younger brother's death, she obviously made the most out of it.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the bathing chamber after she finished eating breakfast, Misty was lounging in the huge tub washing her hair and getting her morning bath out of the way before she got a hold of her agents to find out what she would be modeling for today.
(elsewhere…)
An hour after her bath and getting dressed, Misty got on the phone and spoke to her agents. She listened and gave quick responses and wrote on a small notepad when promoted to. According to the agents, she would be modeling a few new dresses in the stage chamber of the same building she was staying in, all in front of a possible crowd. Misty didn't mind having an audience for the show, since she loved her fans along with her modeling and acting careers respectively—even after losing her younger brother years ago, whom she still missed dearly.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Orb's Turbo Duel Stadium…
"Go forth, 'Power Tool Dragon'!" ordered David, as his 'Power Tool Dragon' charged (flew) into battle, "Crafty Break!"
The mechanical dragon-like monster struck Juri's M1 Astray, defeating her (LP: 2000 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: David Xadashi wins!
The purple-hued M1 Astray emitted steam and came to a full stop. The Wild Card also came to a stop nearby.
"Darn it…" groaned Juri, removing her helmet.
In the stands, Asagi and Mayura both were watching with excitement; they loved watching their friends dueling whenever they were not. This Turbo Duel was obviously to help David prepare for battle against the Dark Signers should they strike. Suddenly, they, along with Juri and David on the track, heard the sound of a new Duel Runner. From the opened hatch, Akatsuki came roaring out.
"Waaahoooo!" cheered Lisa, riding the golden Duel Runner.
She then did two laps around the track, even riding along the walls, in an effort to show off just how awesome her new Duel Runner, Akatsuki, really was. Asagi and Mayura both joined David and Juri as they watched their friend ride her Duel Runner before she stopped nearby and removed her helmet with a proud expression on her face.
"Now that's what I call crashing a party," cracked Lisa.
"It's about time you've shown up," said Mayura pleasantly, "How are you getting along with Akatsuki?"
Lisa grinned broadly, "I'm loving every second with it," she replied, patting on the dashboard, "It practically roars like a tiger!"
"A tiger? Oh, I don't know about that," teased Asagi, "It sounds more like the purr of a kitten to me."
That caused Juri, Mayura, David, and even Lisa to laugh at the little joke made by Asagi Caldwell. After settling down from the laughter, David suddenly realized something and tried pressing an important question to Juri—who had great knowledge of mechanical stuff.
"Juri-san, I need to request your assistance with something," began David, which caused Juri to look over curiously, "Can you give Sean-kun and I a hand with a project we're working on? It's a gift for my little sister."
"Sure, Dave," smiled Juri, but then looked a bit puzzled, "But what kind of project are you two working on?"
Before David was able to elaborate on the project, the sound of another Duel Runner echoed. Roaring out of the same doorway that Lisa and Akatsuki came from was Bloody Kiss, with the rider being Carlie—who was decked out in her motorcyclist outfit and helmet.
"It's Carlie," Lisa whispered to Mayura and Asagi.
Once Bloody Kiss stopped nearby, Carlie made the visor of her helmet ride before she looked over at the very small group.
"Hey, Dave!" called Carlie, causing David and Juri to look over as they listened, "I'm here looking for a practice duel," She smirked with confidence, "How about you and I have a Turbo Duel?"
"Ha! You're on, Izayoi-san!" accepted David, putting his helmet back on and climbing aboard The Wild Card, "I just won against Juri-san here, and I'd like to keep pushing myself!"
A minute after Lisa got Akatsuki off the track, and she and her three Orb friends retreated to the stands, Bloody Kiss and The Wild Card both lined up at the starting line with 'High Speed World' already activated, ready to race and see which duelist would get the first turn. The timer soon started counting down.
"Turbo Duel!" began David (LP: 4000).
"Acceleration!" finished Carlie (LP: 4000).
Once the timer emptied, both Duel Runners tore down the track as another exciting Turbo Duel commenced.
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, inside the school itself, Matt and Ashima were walking down the hall towards Zack's dorm as the former remembered a conversation he had with the black-haired young man.
FLASHBACK
Inside his dorm, Flashback Matt was watching a little bit of TV when his cellphone started ringing. Frowning, he picked it up and answered.
"Yeah?" grunted Flashback Matt.
"Matt! I'm glad I caught you!" The voice of Flashback Zack echoed, "Are you available, right now?"
"Zack?" pondered Flashback Matt, "What's going on? Why are you calling me when you're not that far from-"
"I repeat, are you available, right now?!" The voice of Zack repeated, more loudly.
"Y-Yeah?" Flashback Matt acknowledged.
"Good! I need to see you in my dorm immediately! Oh, and bring Ashima with you—she needs to also see what I just made."
Before the dirty blonde-haired young man could respond, the other line hung up on him.
END FLASHBACK
The short flashback ended.
"Matty, what do you suppose Zack wants to show us?" asked Ashima.
"Who knows?" shrugged Matt, "Whatever it is, it sounds important if he would call me instead of paying a visit."
They arrived outside Zack's dorm, and Matt knocked on the door.
"Zack?" called Matt, "I'm here with Ashima."
The door opened, and Matt and Ashima found themselves being pulled inside before the door was shut.
(inside…)
Inside the dorm, Zack was looking very serious as he looked at his two friends.
"What's going on, man?" pressed Matt.
"What's with the secrecy?" added Ashima.
"Let's just say I want you both to be the first to learn of what I've been working on," answered Zack, before walking over to the nearby dresser, "You see, the Dark Signers have access to cards like none we've ever seen before."
"That we do know," Matt agreed dryly.
"I did some research and got an idea," As he spoke, Zack reached the dresser and picked up two Duel Monsters cards, then turned and faced his two friends, "To start, I created these two cards for you, Ashima."
"Two new cards for me?" blinked Ashima.
"Yup. Now, take 'em."
The black-haired young Indian woman approached and, after some initial hesitation, accepted both cards. The first card she saw was a Monster Card called 'Lyrilusc - Amethyst Bunting'(!). As she silently read its effects, it gave her a foreboding sense of what the other card might be. Sure enough, the other card she found behind the first shocked both her and Matt (when he looked over her shoulder) since it was very familiar to them.
"Now before either of you freak out at me for this," warned Zack, waving both hands, "at least listen to what I have to say. You just need to trust me on this; Ashima, it's very important that you use these cards if you were to end up in a situation where you have no choice but to duel a Dark Signer."
Ashima said nothing back and just continued staring at the other card she received in sheer displeasure.
(elsewhere…)
As night began to fall in New York City, Misty, dressed in her evening wear, was seated on the couch inside the living room of her penthouse home enjoying a nice hot cup of tea after enduring a very busy day of modeling and promoting her latest film. Before long, there was a knock on the door.
"A visitor?" pondered Misty, standing up as another knock was heard, "I'm coming."
(outside…)
In the hallway, the door opened and Misty was shown about to greet whoever it was when she stopped herself and looked shocked.
"Y-You-?" gasped Misty.
The visitor was none other than Muruta Azrael of the Blue Cosmos Duel School, a man she had not seen for a very long time (non-romantic wise).
"Hello, Misty Tredwell," greeted Azrael, "I know this visit is very sudden, but can I come in so we can talk?"
Misty stared for a few seconds before stepping aside and uneasily allowing the headmaster of the Blue Cosmos duel school inside her home.
(inside…)
Before long, they both were seated on the couch, drinking tea, and talking.
"So, tell me, have you ever solved the mystery of your brother's death?" asked Azrael.
Misty sighed, "No," she denied, "All I've heard about what happened was Toby got killed in a tragic accident while only a few months into his stay at Blue Cosmos."
"Yes, it's most unfortunate," admitted Azrael, "From what I remember, I sent one of my lawyers to give you the news in your old home in Providence."
"I know," said Misty, "I tried my hardest to move on with my life, and while I did have some good times with my acting and modeling careers…" Azrael listened to his sad words with an unreadable expression on his face and with (false) sympathy, "…since then, along with loving my fans, Toby was all the family I had left before he was taken from me like how we lost our Mother and Father," She bawled the hands on her lap into fists, "But now?" The black-haired young woman grew even more depressed-sounding, "Now I can't help but feel that I'm just tired of living without him."
"Hmm…" Azrael mused to himself, before getting an idea, "Ms. Misty, might I suggest we have a quick duel here?"
"Duel?" repeated Misty, as a Duel Disk was handed to her.
"How about it?" offered Azrael, already equipped with his own Duel Disk, "I've heard dueling tends to help build relationships between people."
Despite being a little suspicious of Azrael's intentions, Misty felt that there was no harm in participating in what she believed to be a harmless duel for fun. To that, she took the Duel Disk and nodded, making Azrael smile with anticipation. A few minutes later, Misty stood near the big windows, and Azrael stood on the other side.
"Are you ready, Ms. Misty?" asked Azrael (LP: 4000).
"Yes," replied Misty (LP: 4000).
Once their five card hands were drawn, the duel commenced.
"I'll take the first turn," offered Azrael, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Muruta Azrael (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Upshift", "Psychic Wheeleder", "Past Image", "Psychic Tracker", "Psychic Snail", and "Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit"
He added the drawn card into his hand, took another ('Psychic Wheeleder') out, and readied to play it.
"This will do for a start!" smirked Azrael, placing the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Psychic Wheeleder'!"
Appearing on the field was a mechanical wheel with a robot riding it (Level: 3/ATK: 600/DEF: 0).
"Is that a Psychic monster?" wondered Misty in bewilderment.
"Yes, it is," confirmed Azrael, taking another card from his hand, "Then, I'll activate the first effect of 'Psychic Tracker'!" He turned the card ('Psychic Tracker') over, "If I control a Level 3 monster other than 'Psychic Tracker', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand) in Defense Position," The card was placed onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk (sideways), "Come, 'Psychic Tracker'!"
Appearing onto the field beside 'Psychic Wheeleder', was a mechanical monster that appeared to wield a yoyo for a weapon (Level: 3/ATK: 1600/DEF: 600).
"Level 3 'Psychic Wheeleder' tunes Level 3 'Psychic Tracker'!" continued Azrael.
'Psychic Wheeleder' turned into three Synchro Rings in an instant, which hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Psychic Tracker' as a Summon Chant echoed.
"Speed through the barriers of time and space! For the power of the mind is greater than the speed of light!" chanted Azrael, as the symbols 3 + 3 = 6 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Rise up, 'Hyper Psychic Riser'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a robotic monster with a lower body designed like an advanced-looking bicycle, appearing to be a combination of both 'Psychic Tracker' and 'Psychic Wheeleder' (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 600).
"Impressive," uttered Misty weakly.
"There's more," insisted Azrael, just as, while he rambled on, the spirit of 'Psychic Tracker' briefly reappeared on the field before merging with 'Hyper Psychic Riser', "A Synchro Monster that used 'Psychic Tracker' as material gains 600 ATK!"
As a result of 'Psychic Tracker's' second effect, 'Hyper Psychic Riser' gained more strength (ATK: 2000 → 2600).
"2600 ATK?!" winced Misty.
"And I have more disappointing news to share," continued Azrael, before explaining his monster's first effect, "Monsters with less ATK than this card cannot attack, also neither player can activate the effects of face-up monsters on the field with more ATK than this card."
"Grr…"
"Then," The ruthless blonde-haired man finished, taking a card and slotting it into his Duel Disk, "I'll Set one card and end my turn."
A face-down card materialized on the field.
"I think you have my whole Deck figured out; my 'Reptilianne' Deck focuses on robbing the opponent's monsters of their ATK," realized Misty, "So if I reduce 'Hyper Psychic Riser's' ATK to 0, I can't attack or use any of my monster's effects on the field."
"After all, I've reviewed your dueling style during your only duel in Godwin's tournament," said Azrael knowingly, "I prepared 'Hyper Psychic Riser' specifically to counter your Deck."
"I admit it's a smart move," admitted Misty, drawing a card, "Here I come! Draw!"
Turn Two: Misty Tredwell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Forbidden Chalice", "Reptilianne Nyami", "Reptilianne Vaskii", "Reptilianne Coatl", "Reptilianne Medusa", and "Reptilianne Ramifications"
She noticed a card in her hand and reached for it; her hand contained 'Forbidden Chalice', 'Reptilianne Nyami', 'Reptilianne Vaskii', 'Reptilianne Coatl', 'Reptilianne Medusa', and the drawn 'Reptilianne Ramifications', and the very first card ('Forbidden Chalice') was taken to be played.
"However," Misty went on, readying her card of choice, "I can disable your strategy if even for a short time," She turned the card over and revealed it, "Quick-Play Spell, 'Forbidden Chalice'! I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; until the end of this turn, that target gains 400 ATK, but its effects are negated!"
"How interesting," remarked Azrael calmly, "Even at the cost of making my 'Hyper Psychic Riser' stronger, you have a way of blocking its powers. That's really good!"
'Hyper Psychic Riser's' effects were immediately negated, but it did gain ATK to make up for it (ATK: 2600 → 3000).
"Then I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Reptilianne Ramifications'!" continued Misty, as she made the mentioned Spell Card materialize face-up on the field. She then held up another card ('Reptilianne Nyami'), "I must send 1 card from my hand…" The card was placed in the GY, "…to the GY and activate 2 of these effects, in sequence."
These were the effects written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"I must add 1 'Reptilianne' monster from my Deck to my hand."
-"I must add 1 'Reptilianne' Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand, except 'Reptilianne Ramifications'."
-"I must change the ATK of 1 monster my opponent controls to 0."
"What?" frowned Azrael.
"Now, I'll activate the second effect, then the third effect," As she said that, Misty, took a card ('Reptilianne Spawn') from her Deck and placed it in her hand, "I add one 'Reptilianne' Spell or Trap into my hand," The black-haired young woman then gracefully pointed at her opponent, "Then I'll reduce the ATK of your 'Hyper Psychic Riser' to 0!"
'Hyper Psychic Riser' became completely useless with its ATK being drained (ATK: 3000 → 0). Despite that, Azrael was not worried and simply smiled at how successful Misty's move was.
"Well done!" he praised, "You've weakened my Psychic monster."
"I activate the second effect of 'Reptilianne Nyami'!" Misty pressed on, as her mentioned monster appeared on the field (Level: 2/ATK: 200/DEF: 0), "If my opponent controls a monster with 0 ATK: I can Special Summon this card from my GY," She then held up yet another Monster Card ('Reptilianne Coatl'), "And there's still more to come."
"Isn't that 'Reptilianne Coatl'?" quizzed Azrael.
"You're correct," answered Misty, "If I control a DARK Reptile monster: I can Special Summon this card from my hand," The card was then placed onto her Duel Disk, which caused a female monster with the upper body of a woman with greenish skin and the lower body of a serpent to appear on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1000), "then, if my opponent controls any monsters with 0 ATK, I can Special Summon up to an equal number of 'Reptilianne' monsters from my hand," She took and held one more card ('Reptilianne Medusa') out, "I Special Summon 'Reptilianne Medusa'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large, purple snake-like lady (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 800). This gave Misty a total of three monsters against Azrael's weakened 'Hyper Psychic Riser'. Suddenly, Azrael started clapping in praise of his opponent, which made Misty ease up.
"Bravo! Bravo!" chanted Azrael pleasantly, "Your dueling and beauty are top notch—no wonder you've been on the covers for magazines," He smiled mischievously, "However, the former does still need more work."
Misty grunted with agitation.
"I activate a Trap, 'Past Image'!" declared Azrael, as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"'Past Image'?" repeated Misty, "What kind of card-?"
"If I control a face-up Psychic monster: I must target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must banish it," explained Azrael, "then, during the next Standby Phase, return it to the opponent's field in the same Battle Position," He pointed at 'Reptilianne Medusa', "I target 'Reptilianne Medusa', banishing it until the next Standby Phase!"
'Reptilianne Medusa' dissolved into blue dust as the face-up 'Past Image' Trap Card glowed. All of a sudden, Misty was overcome with pain in her head, causing her to grimace and clutch the sides of her head. When she opened her eyes, she was not in her New York City penthouse, but inside her old home in Providence.
"T-This is-" stammered Misty, before noticing someone nearby, "It can't be!"
The person was a 13-year old boy with brown hair, and it looked like he was talking to someone in the kitchen.
"But, Big Sister, why?!" The brown-haired boy complained, "Why won't you let me go to Blue Cosmos?"
"Toby?" whispered Misty, before realization hit her, "This is from that time… Back when he asked me if he could attend Blue Cosmos in Albany."
The person in the kitchen was Past Misty, washing some dishes from dinner but listening carefully to what her younger brother was saying.
"I just don't know if it's a good idea, Toby," sighed Past Misty.
"But I really want to become a duelist!" pleaded Past Toby, "I want to become as strong as the new champion Matt Fudo, the runner-up Michael Atlas, along with both James Hogan and Carlie Izayoi!"
Past Misty stiffened when she heard the last one being mentioned, as it triggered a memory when she took her younger brother to San Francisco to watch a tournament early into the dueling careers of Michael Atlas, James R. Hogan, and Carlie Izayoi, and they both bumped into Past Carlie, who coldly brushed Past Toby off when he praised her skill as a duelist.
"I'm surprised you still idolize Carlie even after she brushed you off like that," commented Past Misty.
"I'm over that!" proclaimed Past Toby cheerfully, "Besides, I bet she only was having a bad day at the time," He looked more and more desperate, "Please, Big Sister, it's a dream of mine to become a duelist! I want…" All Misty did was listen to her deceased younger brother speaking some more, "…to make you proud of me!"
At last, Past Misty turned off the sink and turned to face Past Toby.
"You're really that determined to go?" she pressed cautiously.
Past Toby didn't say anything, but there was fierce determination in his eyes. At long last, Past Misty closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh before opening them and smiling.
"Well, how can I say no to such a thing?" joked Past Misty, before kneeling down to Past Toby's level, "And besides, you've always made me proud by just being yourself."
Past Toby gasped, "Y-You mean…I can go?"
"Yes, Toby," confirmed Past Misty, "You can go to Blue Cosmos in Albany—it helps that I'll be away filming for a new movie."
Past Toby was so happy that he ran towards his beloved older sister and hugged her tightly. Misty smiled sadly at the scene before her head was overcome with pain again. This time, she found herself somewhere in New York City with a film production crew.
"Now where am I?" wondered Misty, looking around, "I'm in New York City?" She then saw her past self starting to leave the set since the final day of filming was over, "Wait, I remember this day…"
And what a day it was.
"Hmhmhm… Sorry, boys, better luck next time," giggled Past Misty, getting into her car.
Much of the male members of the production crew were looking very disappointed for some odd reason. One man (Jean-Claude Magnum) with short, dirty blonde hair was looking very pleased with himself, since he managed to get some alone time with Past Misty and show off his manliness, so to speak. The observing Misty, meanwhile, was recalling what happened.
"This was when I was in New York City filming my final scene for the romantic drama 'Behemoth's Wail'," observed Misty, actually finding the scene amusing. She closed her eyes and envisioned the scene in-particular and described what had happened, "A majority of the crew, nearly all men, were upset about not seeing me naked and having hard sex with lead actor Jean-Claude Magnum," She then opened her eyes, "In the months that followed, he would often brag to the press about how the scene was completely unsimulated and-"
Suddenly shutting her eyes again, Misty stopped speaking as she had another hallucination attack. When it ended, she opened her eyes and found herself back in her old Providence home.
"Now I'm back here? What's going on?" The voice of Misty uttered, looking around and spotting her past self in the kitchen, "There I am!"
It had been a few days since Past Misty returned home after spending two months in New York City filming her scenes for 'Behemoth's Wail', and was busy making some afternoon tea. She really missed having Past Toby around the house, but figured he was having a great time at Blue Cosmos, learning how to duel and all of that good stuff. Suddenly, she heard the doorbell ring.
"A visitor?" pondered Past Misty.
She answered the door, while Misty herself watched it all. The visitor turned out to be a man wearing a business suit, which greatly surprised Past Misty.
"W-Who are you?" The voice of Past Misty cried out.
"Please excuse the sudden visit, but I'm a lawyer for Muruta Azrael of Blue Cosmos," The suit apologized, "May I come in?"
Past Misty cautiously allowed the lawyer inside, all as Misty watched and started to remember this as the day that would haunt her for the rest of her life. In the living room, the lawyer sat down on the chair and started to speak.
"I was sent here by my boss, Azrael," The suit was saying, "We of Blue Cosmos bring some sad news about your brother."
Past Misty looked horrified, wondering what happened. Knowing he was expecting an answer, the lawyer for Azrael sighed and admitted the truth, which wasn't pretty…
"Your younger brother, Toby Tredwell, has died in a tragic accident," The suit confessed, expressing his condolences, "We're very, very sorry for your loss, Misty Tredwell."
Past Misty felt like she had been stabbed in the heart; her younger brother was gone, just like how their Mother and Father were taken from them. Before long, poor Past Misty collapsed onto her knees and broke down crying and screaming Toby's name in a mixture of grief and despair. Misty watched her past self with sympathy and tears building in her eyes as the hallucination finally ended and she found herself back inside her penthouse home and in the middle of the duel with Azrael.
"What's the matter?" asked Azrael, "Did you see a ghost?"
"No… I saw the past—my past…" wept Misty, "Where Toby was taken from me, therefore leaving me all alone," She dried her eyes, "But I can't let that get me down; we're in the middle of a duel, aren't we?"
"Are you sure you want to continue?"
"I do," the black-haired young woman accepted, before giving a command to her monsters, "My Level 4 'Reptilianne Coatl' tunes Level 2 'Reptilianne Nyami'!"
'Reptilianne Coatl' turned into four Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Reptilianne Nyami' before turning it into two orbs of light.
"While the bite of one snake is deadly, six more will be the end of all who disturb the nest!" chanted Misty, as the symbols 2 + 4 = 6 were shown briefly just before the two orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Show yourself, 'Reptilianne Hydra'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the older, monstrous looking version of 'Reptilianne Lamia' with four additional heads (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1500).
"If this card is Synchro Summoned: I must destroy as many monsters my opponent controls with 0 ATK as possible, and if I do, draw 1 card for each monster destroyed," explained Misty, much to Azrael's displeasure, "Since 'Hyper Psychic Riser' has 0 ATK, I can destroy it!"
"Not good enough!" interrupted Azrael, taking and holding a card ('Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit') out, "The effect of 'Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit'!" He sent the card to the GY, which caused it to sink into the dark abyss before the spirits of a rabbit-like creature and young girl with long, grayish white hair and small red horns appeared on the field, "When a monster on the field activates its effect, or when a Spell/Trap that is already face-up on the field activates its effect (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand or field to the GY; I must destroy that card on the field."
'Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit' raised her arms and fired a beam of energy towards 'Reptilianne Hydra'.
"But the effect of 'Reptilianne Hydra' will resolve without fail!" reminded Misty.
From there, before getting struck by the beam, the five heads of 'Reptilianne Hydra' stretched out and snapped at 'Hyper Psychic Riser', causing it to explode from destruction. Azrael and Misty both braced themselves from the explosion's backlash, but recovered once it ended.
"As I've destroyed a monster with 0 ATK, I get to draw a card!" said Misty, drawing a card.
"The second effect of 'Hyper Psychic Riser'!" declared Azrael.
"What?" cringed Misty.
"If this card in my possession is destroyed by my opponent's card and sent to my GY: I can target 1 Tuner and 1 non-Tuner monster in my GY with the same Type and Attribute as each other; I must add them to my hand," explained Azrael, before holding up two cards ('Psychic Wheeleder' and 'Psychic Tracker') taken from his GY, "I retrieve 'Psychic Wheeleder' and 'Psychic Tracker'."
"My turn's not over!" insisted Misty, taking a card from her hand and slotting it into her Duel Disk, "Spell Card, 'Reptilianne Spawn'!" The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must banish 1 'Reptilianne' monster from my GY; I must Special Summon 2 'Reptilianne Tokens'."
A card ('Reptilianne Coatl') ejected from her GY and faded away into oblivion, and this caused two small lizard-like monsters to appear on her field (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0) x2.
"From there, I'll offer both 'Reptilianne Tokens' as a Tribute," When those words left Misty's mouth, both 'Reptilianne Tokens' faded away in blue streaks. She then took and placed another card ('Reptilianne Vaskii') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Disk in their place, "Appear now, 'Reptilianne Vaskii'!"
Appearing on the field was the familiar four-armed woman with the bottom half of a snake while dressed in hindu robes (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 0).
"Yes, I remember that monster," recalled Azrael, "You've used it against Clotho, one of my three prized students."
"Yes, and you're wide open," Misty pointed out, before entering her Battle Phase, "Go forth, 'Reptilianne Vaskii'! Attack Azrael directly!"
'Reptilianne Vaskii' obeyed, diving towards Azrael and striking him. Unlike Clotho, who yelled out in rage when he and his Duel Runner got hit, Azrael merely closed his eyes and didn't flinch to the blow even as his LP dropped significantly (LP: 4000 → 1400).
"I Set one card and end my turn!" finished Misty, as she made a Set card appear on the field near her feet.
"I hate to say this to someone like you, but you're just not one for dueling," sighed Azrael, after opening his eyes.
"Huh?" frowned Misty.
"You've dealt 2600 damage with your attack, but, in the end, it was worthless," Azrael went on, "Who was it that taught you how to duel?" Misty grew increasingly agitated as she listened to his stinging words, "Your dead brother?"
"How dare you speak about Toby in that manner!" yelled Misty angrily.
"Hmph! Whatever," huffed Azrael, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Three: Muruta Azrael (LP: 1400)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): "Upshift", "Psychic Snail", "Psychic Wheeleder", "Psychic Tracker", and "Brain Research Lab"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Brain Research Lab'.
"It's here," thought Azrael, before speaking aloud, "As it's my Standby Phase, the effect of…" As he spoke on, 'Reptilianne Medusa' reappeared on Misty's field (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 800), "…'Past Image' returns 'Reptilianne Medusa' to your field!"
"My 'Reptilianne Medusa'," Misty whispered to herself, "That gives me two strong monsters, and my LP are still full—if I can hold on for this turn, I'll be the winner."
"Field Spell, 'Brain Research Lab'!" announced Azrael, holding his drawn card ('Brain Research Lab') out, "Let's change a few things around, shall we?"
The whole area turned into a lab of sorts, kind of resembling the lab Azrael had Carlie brought to when he had his students, and Vincent, kidnap her.
"What kind of lab is this supposed to be?" worried Misty, looking around her surroundings.
"Surprised? Well, this is where my Psychic monsters are created and thrive!" proclaimed Azrael, chuckling, before taking and placing a card ('Psychic Snail') onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Psychic Snail'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large snail-like monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200).
"And then…" As he spoke, Azrael thrust his right hand out, "…I'll activate the first effect of 'Brain Research Lab'! Once per turn: The Turn player can Normal Summon 1 Psychic monster in addition to their Normal Summon/Set, and if they do, place 1 Psychic Counter on this card!" He took one more card and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Psychic Tracker'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Psychic Tracker' (Level: 3/ATK: 1600/DEF: 600). The second Normal Summon/Set caused the face-up 'Brain Research Lab' Spell Card to get marked with a Psychic Counter.
"Then I'll activate the first effect of 'Psychic Wheeleder'!" ranted Azrael, just as 'Psychic Wheeleder' reappeared on the field (Level: 3/ATK: 600/DEF: 0), "If I control a Level 3 monster other than 'Psychic Wheeleder', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand) in Defense Position," He then held out one more card ('Upshift'), "Then, from my hand, I'll activate 'Upshift'! I must target the 1 face-up monster I control with the highest Level; the Levels of all other face-up monsters I currently control become the current Level of that monster, until the end of this turn!" His focus went directly from 'Psychic Snail' (Level: 4) to 'Psychic Tracker' (Level: 3 → 4) and 'Psychic Wheeleder' (Level: 3 → 4) as the latter two monsters Levels were changed, "By targeting 'Psychic Snail', both 'Psychic Tracker' and 'Psychic Wheeleder' become Level 4!"
"Three Level 4 monsters…!" winced Misty, "An Xyz Summon? No, another Synchro Summon must be coming!"
"Not exactly," interrupted Azrael, causing Misty to look up, "At least…not the kind you'd expect."
Misty's eyes widened.
"Level 4 'Psychic Wheeleder' dark tunes Level 4 'Psychic Tracker'!" announced Azrael.
'Psychic Wheeleder' turned itself into four balls of darkness. They were then absorbed into 'Psychic Tracker', before exploding into a total of eight balls of darkness, which then began spinning together in a circle above as a short, yet sinister-sounding, Summon Chant was heard.
"Surge, my black flames of vengeance!" chanted Azrael, as the symbols 4 + 4 = 8 were shown briefly just before a massive beam of darkness exploded from within the eight dark stars, "Dark Synchro! Come, 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!"
When the beam of darkness died down, there, standing on the field, was a two-winged demon-like monster (Level: 8/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2300).
"D-Dark Synchro?" gasped Misty, "I've never heard of such a thing."
"Then you should feel honored about seeing it," teased Azrael, before going over the second effect of 'Psychic Tracker', "A Synchro Monster that used 'Psychic Tracker' as material gains 600 ATK," He spread both arms out with triumph, "The ATK of 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'…" As he rambled on, 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' grew stronger (ATK: 2700 → 3300), "will increase from 2700 to 3300!"
"3300 ATK!" scowled Misty.
"I also activate the second effect of 'Psychic Wheeleder'!" continued Azrael, "If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I can target 1 monster on the field with less ATK than the Synchro Monster that used this card as material; I must destroy it!"
"What?!" Misty panicked, watching as 'Reptilianne Vaskii' shattered into shards of glass, "'Reptilianne Vaskii'!"
"And finally I'll activate 'Psychic Snail's' monster effect!" concluded Azrael, "During the Main Phase 1: I can pay 800 LP, then target 1 other face-up Psychic monster I control; that monster can make a second attack during each Battle Phase. This card cannot attack the turn I activate this effect," He then motioned his left arm (with the Duel Disk) towards his face-up 'Brain Research Lab' Spell Card, "But there's also the second effect of my Field Spell, 'Brain Research Lab'!" As the effect explanation proceeded, the card got marked by a second Psychic Counter, "If I pay LP to activate any Psychic monster's effect that I control: I can place 1 Psychic Counter on this card instead."
"Two attacks?!" flinched Misty, growing scared.
"Battle!" exclaimed Azrael, entering his Battle Phase. As he gave the command for his monster to attack, 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' growled threateningly, "'Thought Ruler Archfiend', attack 'Reptilianne Medusa'!"
"Not yet!" cut in Misty, pressing a button on her Duel Disk, "I activate a Trap, 'Ghosts From the Past'!" Two cards ('Reptilianne Hydra' and 'Reptilianne Vaskii') ejected from her GY, which she took hold of, "I must banish 2 monsters from…" She held both cards up, "…my GY, then target 1 Attack Position monster on the field; I must change its ATK to 0 until the end of this turn. I target 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' for this effect—and since your attack can't be stopped, once it connects with 'Reptilianne Medusa', you lose!"
Azrael remained silent—at least until his mouth formed a small, dangerous smile as he uttered a few words that Misty really did not want to hear…
"Are you sure about that?"
"What?!" recoiled Misty.
"I think 'Ghosts From the Past' is, indeed, a most fitting card for you, given your brother's premature death," Azrael pointed out, "However, even it will not save you from certain defeat! I activate 'Thought Ruler Archfiend's' second effect!" As he explained the effect, 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' held both hands out, causing it to fire a blast of psychic energy towards Misty's field and destroying her face-up 'Ghosts From the Past' Trap Card on contact, "When a Spell/Trap Card is activated that targets 1 Psychic monster (and no other cards) (Quick Effect): I can pay 1000 LP; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it."
Misty was in a big panic as she placed her two cards ('Reptilianne Hydra' and 'Reptilianne Vaskii') back in the GY where they belonged.
"And don't forget about 'Brain Research Lab'!" reminded Azrael, while his face-up 'Brain Research Lab' Spell Card gained a third Psychic Counter, "Since I'm to pay LP to use an effect belonging to a Psychic monster, I can place a Psychic Counter on this card, instead!"
'Thought Ruler Archfiend' then opened its mouth and fired a blast of dark energy at 'Reptilianne Medusa', destroying it on contact and hitting Misty. Despite trying her hardest to block it, she ended up violently thrown against the window as her LP took a hit (LP: 4000 → 2900).
"And the first effect of 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!" bragged Azrael, as spores of light rained upon him before gaining a serious amount of LP (LP: 1400 → 3600), "If this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the GY: I must gain LP equal to that monster's original ATK in the GY."
Over at the cracked windows, a frightened Misty found she couldn't move after being hit by the forceful attack.
"What was that blow?" grimaced Misty weakly, "What did you…do?"
"I guess the cat is out of the bag," shrugged Azrael, "What you just felt was a taste of the power of the Dark Signers."
"Dark Signers?" repeated Misty, before stopping, "Wait…"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Carlie, clad only in her bra and panties, was shown screaming in great pain as she suffered repeated electrical shocks while lying on a metal table and hooked up to some form of machinery. Watching the process were some scientists and a familiar blonde-haired man wearing a fancy white suit, and they were smiling sadistically over the torture they were inflicting on the young woman.
"That fortune I saw when I looked into Ms. Izayoi's eyes," narrated Misty, "That one person I noticed in it…" The blonde-haired man was none other than Muruta Azrael, "…was actually you?!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"The battle between Signer and Dark Signer will begin soon," remarked Azrael without any care, "But first we, the Dark Signers, need one more member…" He pointed at the defenseless Misty, "And you are the perfect candidate! And in order to become a Dark Signer, you must die while having a heart…" The ruthless blonde-haired man swung his right fist about, "…full of darkness!"
"I-I have…none of the sort…in my heart!" argued Misty futilely.
"But that's not true," Azrael rebutted, "I can fully tell… Your pure heart became full of darkness after your younger brother died," While continuing to speak, Misty weakly listened, "More to it, you've been secretly wishing for death ever since then—well, I'm going to grant you that wish," He then gave his opponent a 'reassuring' smile, "Aren't you happy about it?"
"Ugh… If you do kill me, and the police ever found out-!" coughed Misty.
"Rest assured," reassured Azrael, "You'll be treated as a mere 'accidental death'. The police won't ever touch me nor the Dark Signers."
"An…accident?" spluttered Misty, terrified.
"Now, farewell—at least for the time being," said Azrael, smiling evilly, "With the death of Misty Tredwell comes the birth of a new Dark Signer," He then gave a final command to 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' (who was able to attack twice this turn), "'Thought Ruler Archfiend', attack again!"
'Thought Ruler Archfiend' obeyed, opening its mouth and firing off another dark blast—this time directly at Misty. Unable to move, all the wide-eyed Misty was able to do was scream as the attack closed in and she got hit, causing the window finally broke into countless pieces of glass.
(outside…)
Due to the glass shattering, Misty started plunging countless stories down with a bloodcurdling scream ringing out through the air. While falling to her death, only one thing clinged to her mind.
"To…by…" thought Misty, as her reduced LP gauge emptied completely (LP: 2900 → 0).
And poor Misty Tredwell continued her long fall down fifty stories to the streets below.
DUEL RESULTS: Muruta Azrael wins!
As Azrael observed Misty fall from the broken window's edge to the street level far below, he watched it all with no remorse and a small smile on his face.
"What a foolish woman," muttered Azrael coldly, "Someone who's useless to me doesn't deserve to live."
He snickered quietly at first before letting out loud, long, maniacal laughter while slipping away to make sure no one caught him at the scene of the crime.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Rex's office in Albany, he was in the middle of doing his paperwork when he heard a loud knock on the door.
"Enter," requested Rex.
The door slammed open, allowing a very panicked Lazar to enter.
"G-Governor, t-t-terrible news!" wailed Lazar frantically, "Misty Tredwell, famous actress and model, has been found dead on the streets of New York City!"
Rex looked disturbed by what his faithful assistant was telling him. He then picked up the remote and turned on the nearby TV—particularly the news.
"This is Megan Haw reporting on location in the middle of lower Manhattan," The image of Megan reported, "Famous and beloved actress/model Misty Tredwell has been…" She motioned her right arm towards the scene with many people gathered around, "…found dead after what witnesses claim to be a fall from a fifty story building."
The body of the aforementioned Misty was being examined by police officers while a hospital gurney was being wheeled in. Other officers were inspecting the broken window where she had fallen, while the nearby citizens watched with horror and sorrow. Rex frowned over what happened before squinting his eyes at the TV and noticing something Misty was wearing on her left arm before shutting the TV off.
"Sir?" pondered Lazar.
"Misty was wearing a Duel Disk," murmured Rex, before facing Lazar, "This means she was in a duel—and the only people who could cause such damage through dueling are psychics."
"A duel?" worried Lazar, "Oh my! Does this mean…?"
"Correct," Rex confirmed gravely, "Whoever it was that was dueling her must have been a psychic duelist," He closed his eyes in deep thought, "But it could not be Carlie. She was nowhere near the scene of the incident," His eyes opened slowly, "No, it was the clear work of the Dark Signers. This means what I've been fearing all along has come to pass—or maybe the worst is still yet to come."
Lazar knew what his boss meant, and he really did not like the sound of it.
(elsewhere…)
Back in New York City, the paramedics were busy loading the broken body of Misty into the ambulance as people watched, wondering what happened since no one saw what had truly happened at the top of the massive fifty story building. Soon, the ambulance drove off to the nearest hospital.
(inside…)
Within the ambulance, Misty remained on the gurney with a blanket covering her except for the head. Misty's eyes were closed, and there was no response of any kind. It made sense since she had been pronounced dead from the long fall.
(elsewhere…)
Within the darkness of her mind, a depressed-looking Misty sat on the cold, hard ground with her knees tucked near her chest as she prepared to enter the afterlife—well, she would have done that had a new voice not chosen the time to speak up.
"Misty Tredwell…" A deep, menacing voice (male) echoed, "Is being dead like this the right thing for you?"
"Wh-Who's there?" peeped Misty, startled.
"I said, is being dead like this the right thing for you?" The voice (male) repeated.
Misty looked down, "Yes, it is," she replied melancholy, closing her eyes near the end of her explanation, "I've been prepared to die ever since I learned of my beloved younger brother's death from a horrible accident. With him gone, what have I left to live for than an eternity in pain?"
"Hmhmhm… That is so bold of you to say," The voice (male) chuckled in response, "But you're wrong about one thing; it wasn't an 'accident' that took your kid brother from you—it was 'someone'!"
"S-Someone?" stammered Misty, looking up again.
"Yes, it was by someone you've once met," The menacing voice (male) recalled, "The person who killed your beloved brother…was none other than the 'Black Rose Witch', Carlie Izayoi!"
Misty rapidly stood up in shock; did she hear that right? It was Carlie Izayoi, the same one she met at the beach in New Haven? The one she saw in a vision of Azrael and his scientists torturing without remorse, then her battling Matt? The same Carlie Izayoi who had changed for the better after Yamato Fudo successfully defeated her in that San Francisco tournament years ago? 'That' Carlie Izayoi? No, it had to be a mistake… It had to be a lie… It just couldn't be true! The mixture of emotions poor Misty was feeling at this revelation was getting to her very quickly.
"No… You're lying," whispered Misty, before raising her voice into the darkness, "It's a lie! A lie! Carlie would never… She would never-!"
"Search your feelings…" The voice (male) said mockingly, "You know it to be true…!"
Misty, trying her absolute hardest to deny it all, could only clutch the sides of her head and scream from hearing what she believed to be the truth—she screamed in shock, she screamed in sadness, but, most of all, she screamed in anger. The deep voice laughed softly at the rage Misty was now showing from the confession.
"Please, tell me!" demanded Misty in desperation, "What can I do to avenge Toby?!"
"Pledge your loyalty to the Dark Signers and obtain the unmatched power of the 'Earthbound Immortals'," The voice (male) instructed seriously, "Only then will you become powerful enough to avenge your brother's murder—by destroying Carlie Izayoi!"
"Yes… Yes! I'll do it!" The voice of Misty accepted, as she allowed the darkness to completely consume her, "I'll sell my soul to the 'Earthbound Immortals'. When I do, I will do anything to pay Carlie back for taking Toby from me!"
(elsewhere…)
Outside her mind and back inside the ambulance, Misty's body remained unresponsive—at least, until a purple glow shaped like a lizard was shown on her right forearm underneath the blanket. Shortly after that, her eyes opened and revealed they were glowing purple, too.
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere in Peru (of South America), the Lizard Nazca Line was also glowing purple in response to Misty Tredwell gaining the power of the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters and the awakening of the final Dark Signer. Oh boy, Rex was right; the worst had come to pass—or maybe the worst was still yet to come…
Welp, Azrael's dueling along with the Psychic-Type monsters all make their debut here, and, wow, did it all show how formidable he is! Misty's now dead after falling down a fifty story building, and has resurrected as a Dark Signer—and she believes Carlie took Toby (luckily not the Toby from the Island of Sodor) from her! Very soon, we'll reach the end of the second arc, and things will be going straight to Hell from there in terms of tone and story structure. But we still have several more chapters to go before that happens, and until then, please stay safe during these troubling times.