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.
"Heeeeyyyy everybody!" greeted Lisa, "This here is the first of the final three segments for 'This week's noteworthy cards'."
"Indeed so," remarked David, before he and Lisa held their arms out at the blackboard with the five cards (still showing their backing) lined up, "And now, here are the cards Lisa-chan and I wish to share with all of you!"
The five face-down cards on the blackboard all automatically turned over and revealed themselves to be:
-'Spirit Summit Warrior' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Spiders' Lair' (Spell Card)
-'Driven Daredevil' (Synchro Monster Card)
-'Cocoon of Ultra Evolution' (Spell Card)
-'Dragonbite' (Effect Monster Card)
"Hey, this is a cool-looking one!" admired Lisa, staring at the middle card ('Driven Daredevil').
"This card cannot be destroyed by battle when attacked by a monster with higher ATK," read David, going over one of the effects the monster had, "Helpful if in Defense Position, but being in Attack Position when attacked will cause the attacked player to still take the damage."
"Kind of a risky play," agreed Lisa gravely, before she and David turned to face the audience, "And there you have it, everyone; this will be one of our last segments."
"A shame we could not keep this going," sighed David, trying to remain optimistic, "Still, we'll make sure these segments are our best ones yet," She and David started waving goodbye, "See you all next time for the second part of the finale!"
The audience cheered and clapped in response.
Title: Honorable Sacrifice
Opening up within Hartford, outside Bradley International Airport around the same time as Megan's duel with Misty was occuring, Shinji was busy seeing Sherry and Elsworth both off as they were going to be flying back to Salt Lake City due to their vacation time being done. Although Carlie was not present for the farewell, she was said to have wished Sherry nothing but the best and hoped they'd meet up again in the future.
"I guess it's that time," admitted Shinji.
"Yes… Elsworth and I have to go back home," agreed Sherry, as Shinji listened to the rest of her words, "You'll be staying in Hartford for a little longer, right?"
"Yeah, just in case James and his friends need some assistance against the Dark Signers."
The blonde-haired young French woman smiled, since while she would not be available to help fight, she was glad her oldest friend would at least stick around for a little while longer. Before long, she and Shinji embraced.
"Until we next meet?" prayed Sherry.
"Until we next meet," agreed Shinji.
With that, the two shared a passionate kiss. When they were done, Sherry looked towards Elsworth and nodded, signaling it was time to head inside and wait for their flight for Salt Lake City to be ready. Elsworth nodded back and shook hands with Shinji, wishing him well. However, just before Sherry and her guardian could enter the building, they along with Shinji felt a powerful blast of wind.
"What in the world?!" yelled Elsworth.
"What's happening!?" added Shinji.
"I'm afraid I can't let any of you leave," A familiar voice (male) called out darkly, causing Sherry, Elsworth, and Shinji each to look nearby. There, a shadowed figure was shown in some fog, "Not until…" He emerged from the fog fully, "…I claim your lives."
It was none other than Rutger of the Dark Signers.
"You are-!" realized Elsworth.
"You're the leader of the Dark Signers, Rutger!" put in Shinji.
"So, the Signers told you who I am," chuckled Rutger, holding up his left semi-exposed right forearm and showing off the Mark of the Spider, "Yes, my name is Rutger! I am the Dark Signer with the spider's birthmark."
Sherry shook with anger, "You…!" she uttered, "What the hell do you want with us?! Wasn't kidnapping and torturing both Ashima and Carlie enough for you Dark Signers?"
"Oh? Are you speaking in the defense of the Signer with the psychic powers?" smirked Rutger, when he heard Carlie's name, "Where did that come from? I thought she was your hated archrival?"
"Shut your mouth!" cut in Sherry sharply, "We're not like that anymore…! All this time, I've been in the wrong… Despite that, she never once gave up on me. Carlie and I are back to being friends!"
"I see," said Rutger with disinterest, "I suppose I should go pay her a small visit at Orb."
"You will not!" Sherry refused, taking a step forward.
"Does this perhaps mean you're challenging me to a duel?" questioned Rutger, raising an eyebrow. He grinned once more, "Very well, I'll take care of you, first."
Sherry was about to take a second step forward and fire off another hot retort when Elsworth blocked her using his left arm, and he looked pretty serious about the whole thing.
"M'lady, you and Master Shinji both need to get out of here," requested Elsworth, before glaring at the opposition, "I'll stay and hold the Dark Signer off."
"No, Elsworth!" refused Sherry, "Do you realize this is suicide?!"
Rutger responded by activating his Duel Disk and causing a wall of purple fire to erupt around the airport area until, up in the sky, it formed the geoglyph of the Spider. Luckily, Shinji managed to pull Sherry away before they were both trapped inside with Elsworth and Rutger.
"This is-!" remembered Sherry.
"Yeah, this is what you and Carlie were trapped in when you both faced Gwen," confirmed Shinji, "Only now Elsworth is the one…!"
He left that statement to hang, while inside the geoglyph, Elsworth reached into one of his bags and pulled out an already activated Duel Disk with his Deck inside the Deck Zone.
"I will protect Lady Sherry with my life," vowed Elsworth, equipping the Duel Disk onto his left arm, "And to do that, I will defeat you, Rutger!"
"Then we should begin the duel," suggested Rutger, drawing his opening hand, "I promise you this will be very quick."
Elsworth nodded, drawing five cards. Before long, as a lightning bolt struck the center of the playing field, the duel finally commenced.
"Duel!" Elsworth and Rutger announced at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
Outside the geoglyph…
"And there they go…" mused Shinji.
"Elsworth…" added Sherry quietly.
Back in the geoglyph…
"Rutger is supposed to be one of the strongest of the Dark Signers," thought Elsworth, "According to Mistress Carlie, he gave Master Matt a hard time in their initial battle," He spoke aloud to his opponent, "I'll let you have the first move!"
"Very well," accepted Rutger, "It's my turn!" He drew his first card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Rutger (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Spiders' Lair", "Relinquished Spider", "Dragonbite", "Trap Jammer", "Spyder Spider", and "Cocoon of Ultra Evolution"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Cocoon of Ultra Evolution'.
"Yes, this will be very quick," Rutger told himself, while adding the drawn card into his hand and taking out a different one, holding it for a few seconds, and placing it ('Spyder Spider') onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "To start, I'll Summon 'Spyder Spider' in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was what looked like a dark tanned, mechanical spider of sorts with spy gear (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000).
"And then, I'll activate a Continuous Spell," continued Rutger, before holding another card ('Spiders' Lair') up, "'Spiders' Lair'!"
"What? 'Spiders' Lair'?" gasped Elsworth.
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Once per turn: I can target 1 face-up Insect monster I control; while this card remains on the field, any opponent's monster that battles with one of those monsters is changed to Defense Position at the end of the Battle Phase," explained Rutger, as Elsworth gritted his (Elsworth) teeth while listening to the rest of the explanation, "and cannot change its battle position while this card is on the field," He held his left hand out, "I choose 'Spyder Spider' for this effect!"
Outside the geoglyph, Shinji and Sherry were sharing a discussion about Rutger's playing style.
"According to James, Rutger plays an Insect Deck," recalled Shinji.
"So he must have plenty of ways to protect his monsters or enhance their destructive power," figured Sherry, "According to Matt, he also has many easy ways to bring out his 'Earthbound Immortal' without Tributing any monsters on his field."
"Which we don't want to see," Shinji finished anxiously, "The only way Elsworth will win…" His focus went onto Elsworth inside the geoglyph, "…against that guy is if he goes all out during his turn."
Rutger, meanwhile, was just about done with his initial turn.
"I Set one card and end my turn," he concluded, as a face-down card materialized on the field.
"'Spyder Spider'… 'Spiders' Lair'…" thought Elsworth, "Defeating a Dark Signer will not be easy, but I will protect Lady Sherry no matter what," He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Elsworth (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Kishido Spirit", "Liberated Rear Warrior", "Standoff", "Spirit Summit Warrior", "Reversal Sword", and "Master and Servant's Resolve"
His hand contained 'Kishido Spirit', 'Liberated Rear Warrior', 'Standoff', 'Spirit Summit Warrior', 'Reversal Sword', and the drawn 'Master and Servant's Resolve'.
"This will work out," Elsworth told himself, mentally, before making a move, "I Summon…" As he said the name of his monster, appearing on the field was what looked like a samurai warlord known as a shogun (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 0), "…'Spirit Summit Warrior'!"
Rutger smirked slightly, but didn't say a word about it.
"When this card is Normal Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower Warrior monster from my hand," revealed Elsworth, taking another card from his hand and holding it ('Liberated Rear Warrior') out, "I Special Summon the Tuner monster, 'Liberated Rear Warrior'!"
Appearing on the field, right beside 'Spirit Summit Warrior', was another shogun-like monster—this time wielding a Japanese spear called a naginata (Level: 3/ATK: 0/DEF: 1200).
"Level 3 'Liberated Rear Warrior' tunes Level 4 'Spirit Summit Warrior'!" proclaimed Elsworth.
'Liberated Rear Warrior' obeyed the command and turned into three Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Spirit Summit Warrior' as a Summon Chant echoed throughout.
"When two blades meet, the blade of loyalty will appear here! Answer to me!" chanted Elsworth, while 'Spirit Summit Warrior' turned into four orbs of light and the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly. Before long, the four orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Driven Daredevil'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence came to an end, was a rather rugged-looking swordsman (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2100).
"My monster's first effect! This card cannot be destroyed by battle when attacked by a monster with higher ATK," Elsworth pointed out, before holding up another card ('Kishido Spirit'), "And, like you, I'll also activate a Continuous Spell, 'Kishido Spirit'!"
'Driven Daredevil' found himself getting energized with power—the power to avoid defeat when faced with opponents with ATK equal to his own.
"Monsters on your field cannot be destroyed by battle if the monsters' ATK are equal," guessed Rutger.
"That's right," confirmed Elsworth, "That means even if my monster is changed to Defense Position, it will be spared from destruction if the opponent has the same ATK," He entered the Battle Phase, "Go, 'Driven Daredevil'!" As he gave the order to strike down 'Spyder Spider', 'Driven Daredevil' posed with both swords multiple times before charging forward, "Destroy 'Spyder Spider'!"
*SLASH!*
With two mighty slashes from both swords, 'Driven Daredevil' stood behind the wounded 'Spyder Spider' before it shattered into shards of glass.
"Oh yeah! Elsworth destroyed that creepy spider!" rejoiced Shinji.
"But now Elsworth's 'Driven Daredevil' will go into Defense Position by the effect of 'Spiders' Lair'," frowned Sherry. As she continued speaking, the effect of the 'Spiders' Lair' Spell Card forced 'Driven Daredevil' (ATK: 2400 → DEF: 2100) into a defensive stance with both swords while Elsworth kept himself calm and reassured, "But Elsworth did this on purpose, because he needs to make sure no monsters are on Rutger's field."
"Good point, since no monsters to Tribute means no appearance of that damned 'Earthbound Immortal'," agreed Shinji.
Inside the geoglyph, despite no longer controlling any monsters, Rutger didn't look worried in the slightest—in fact, he was impressed that Elsworth seemingly made the sacrifice to destroy 'Spyder Spider' and make sure there were no monsters on his field to Tribute.
"How very smart," admitted Rutger, "Despite knowing your 'Driven Daredevil' would be forced into Defense Position by attacking, you're trying to make sure I have no monsters on my field for Tribute fodder."
"I guess the secret's out," joked Elsworth humorlessly, much to Rutger's amusement, "As long as I can make sure you have no monsters, you can't bring out your freaky God!" He then cast a glance at three cards in his hand, took them, and slotted them into his Duel Disk, "I Set three cards and end my turn!"
"And that's all?" scoffed Rutger.
Elsworth paid no attention; he was busy going through the effects of two of his three Set cards; the first card, that is.
"My first Set card, 'Master and Servant's Resolve', will trigger when a monster is destroyed by an Effect Monster's effect during the Battle Phase, inflicting the destroyed monster's ATK as effect damage to its controller," Elsworth thought to himself, before shifting his look towards his ace monster, "If 'Driven Daredevil' is attacked by a monster with more ATK, its second effect, Determined Will, will destroy that monster after damage calculation, thus triggering the effect of 'Master and Servant's Resolve'," He looked over to the middle card, "The second Set card is 'Reversal Sword', which activates when an opponent's monster is destroyed by battle, allowing me to target and destroy a face-up monster on the field with a lower Level than the destroyed monster's, dealing both players damage equal to that monster's ATK. If these effects can be successfully pulled off, Rutger's LP will be decimated in an instant!"
"However, figuring out my plan will not be enough to save you," retorted Rutger, cutting off his opponent's personal thoughts, "I will show you one trick I know of…" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Three: Rutger (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (4): "Relinquished Spider", "Dragonbite", "Cocoon of Ultra Evolution", and "Earthbound Prison"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Earthbound Prison'—and it was the first step to taking down Elsworth. Outside the geoglyph…
"Elsworth…" whispered Sherry with concern.
"Hey, it'll be okay," reassured Shinji, causing Sherry to look over with hope, "Since he taught you really well in art of Duel Monsters, I'm certain Elsworth will be the winner," He then faced the wall of fire, "All he needs to do is keep making sure that Rutger doesn't get two monsters onto his field," As he went on, a large image of the 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' Effect Monster Card slowly rose from behind him, "A Level 10 monster, with some exceptions, requires two Tributes to Tribute Summon. If my hunch is right, Elsworth will keep finding ways to cut down Rutger's monsters."
"Is that so?" interrupted Rutger.
"Huh?"
"Field Spell, 'Earthbound Prison', activate!" The Dark Signer leader went on, holding his drawn card out, "This card will change everything!"
Stone hands rose out of the ground, surrounding Elsworth and generating an energy bubble that imprisoned him. Wondering what this was about, he reached out and touched the barrier, causing him to get shocked as he yelled in pain.
"Elsworth!" panicked Sherry.
"Hmhmhm… When this card is activated: I can target 1 Effect Monster my opponent controls; this card gains this effect," chortled Rutger.
This was the new effect gained from the Spell Card in-question:
-"While this card is in the Field Zone, I must negate that Effect Monster's effects."
Sherry and Shinji were dismayed by that kind of effect, but Elsworth still remained calm on his own terms. From there, the first effect of the 'Earthbound Prison' Spell Card took hold of 'Driven Daredevil' and, despite not being mentioned by Rutger, negated his effects.
"And then," As Rutger spoke some more, he took another card ('Dragonbite') from his hand and placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Dragonbite'!"
Appearing on the field was a dragon-like Insect monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"'Dragonbite's' first effect," explained Rutger, as Elsworth, Sherry, and Shinji each listened up, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Insect monster from my hand," As he announced who his monster was, appearing on the field was the spider monster known as 'Relinquished Spider' (Level: 2/ATK: 300/DEF: 500), "Appear now, 'Relinquished Spider'!"
"This doesn't make my situation any better," muttered Elsworth in dismay, "But still, for the sake of Mistress Sherry, I won't ever give up!"
"Then I will make you regret not giving up!" offered Rutger ruthlessly, before issuing a frightening command to his monsters, "Level 4 'Dragonbite' dark tunes Level 2 'Relinquished Spider'!"
Obeying the order, 'Dragonbite' turned itself into four balls of darkness. They then were absorbed into 'Relinquished Spider', causing the spider monster to explode into a total of six balls of darkness, which then began spinning together in a circle above as Rutger echoed a sinister Summon Chant throughout.
"When dark overlaps with dark, the doors of the underworld will be opened to the world without light!" chanted Rutger, as the symbols 2 + 4 = 6 were shown briefly just before a massive beam of darkness exploded from within the six dark stars, "Dark Synchro! Show yourself, 'Underground Arachnid'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Dark Synchro Summon ended, was the familiar, huge female spider that Rutger used against Matt once before (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1200).
"Dark Synchro-!" flinched Elsworth.
"I heard from Zack that this monster gave Matt a ton of problems before finally falling," commented Shinji.
"Yes, it's true, Matt had a difficult time fighting my monster before he defeated it," admitted Rutger, still grinning, before returning his focus towards Elsworth, "Due to the continuous effect of 'Kishido Spirit', 'Driven Daredevil' would not be destroyed in battle by monsters with the same ATK…" His smile became even more of a slasher smile, "But that won't work against 'Underground Arachnid'!" From there, as he announced his monster's effect name, 'Underground Arachnid' opened her second mouth near her midsection, "Eat this! Twine Thread!"
'Underground Arachnid' released a web thread that wrapped itself around 'Driven Daredevil'.
"What?!" cried Elsworth in surprise.
"This is the true power of 'Underground Arachnid'?!" put in Sherry.
Before long, 'Driven Daredevil' was forcefully dragged onto Rutger's field behind 'Underground Arachnid'.
"The second effect of 'Underground Arachnid' activates," began Rutger, as a large, faded image of the 'Underground Arachnid' Synchro Monster Card loomed behind him, "Once per turn: I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must equip it to this card. (I can only equip 1 monster at a time to this card)."
"That leaves Elsworth's field without monsters!" cringed Shinji.
"Battle!" announced Rutger, entering his Battle Phase. As 'Underground Arachnid' started to open her second mouth near her midsection again, he gave an order to his monster, "'Underground Arachnid' attacks directly!"
A stronger web thread was fired, striking the three Set cards on Elsworth's field.
"What is-?" gasped Elsworth.
"'Underground Arachnid's' first effect," said Rutger, "If this card attacks, my opponent cannot activate any Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step!" From there, 'Underground Arachnid' opened her main mouth, "Take your 2400 direct damage!"
From there, 'Underground Arachnid' fired another web thread from her mouth—this time in the form of an attack. The attack struck and impaled Elsworth through his chest, causing him to weakly cough out before the thread was retracted and he fell to his knees while his LP took a large drop (LP: 4000 → 1600). Outside the geoglyph, Sherry and Shinji both watched in stunned silence over how intense this duel was, but the former grew very scared for her guardian and ran towards the fire wall in an attempt to enter and help Elsworth—but since she was no Signer nor Dark Signer, that was an impossibility.
"Goddammit!" swore Sherry, futilely banging her fists on the fire wall, "Stop the duel and leave Elsworth out of this! I beg of you; STOP THE DUEL!"
"This duel cannot be stopped," The voice of Rutger countered.
"What did you say?!" growled Sherry.
Inside the geoglyph, Rutger was greatly enjoying the horror and despair Sherry was feeling about the duel.
"When a Dark Duel begins, it won't end until there's a winner," continued Rutger.
Before Sherry could fire off another heated, if also vulgar, retort, she felt a hand being placed on her shoulder and looked over to see it was from Shinji.
"No, Sherry," declined Shinji, shaking his head, "As much as I hate to admit it, there's nothing we can do," He then cast a glance at the duel again, "Still, Rutger's Battle Phase should be over, now."
Inside the geoglyph, after some silence, Rutger's mouth…formed another slasher smile as he uttered some words neither Sherry, Elsworth, or Shinji wanted to hear from him, and I quote…
"Are you sure about that?" murmured Rutger.
And there were some horrified reactions from his victims. To prove it, Rutger took a card from his hand and held it ('Cocoon of Ultra Evolution') out.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Cocoon of Ultra Evolution'!" announced Rutger, "I must Tribute 1 Insect monster from either field equipped with an Equip Card, and if I do, Special Summon 1 Insect monster from my Deck, ignoring its Summoning conditions!"
"Special Summon an Insect monster?!" wailed Shinji, "Since 'Underground Arachnid' has 'Driven Daredevil' equipped…!"
"It means the 'Earthbound Immortal' is coming!" realized Sherry.
Suddenly…
"You won't get the chance to bring it out!" cut in Elsworth, before swinging his left arm (with the Duel Disk) about, "I activate a Trap," His first Set card (on the right) flipped face-up and revealed itself to be… "'Standoff'! Monsters on the field cannot be Tributed! Rutger, I won't let you Summon your God!"
"Not good enough!" shouted Rutger.
"What?!" Elsworth flinched in response.
"Counter Trap, 'Trap Jammer', activate!" As those words left Rutger's mouth, his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. This was what he had been waiting for all this time, and he was going to savor all of the despair his victims were about to feel, "When my opponent activates a Trap Card during the Battle Phase: I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it."
Elsworth watched helplessly as his face-up 'Standoff' Trap Card shorted out before shattering into shards of glass. He had nothing left to prevent the appearance of 'Earthbound Immortal Uru', but there was still one thing he could do; he looked over his shoulder at Sherry and Shinji.
"You two… Hurry and leave," requested Elsworth calmly.
"Leave?" repeated Shinji.
"E-Elsworth?" added Sherry. She then started to lose it, "No… No, I won't!"
"You have to!" Elsworth insisted, not wanting his ward to be foolish and stay behind when she would be killed as soon as 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' appeared and attacked, "Escape to Orb and find both Master Matt and Mistress Carlie!"
"I won't leave you to die, Elsworth!" refused Sherry, but then felt her right forearm being grabbed, "Shinji?"
"We can't stay here, it's too dangerous!" yelled Shinji, "Listen, I hate having to do this, too, but Elsworth is giving his life to protect not only me," As he finished his sentence, Sherry listened very carefully, "but, most importantly, you!"
Inside the geoglyph…
"How touching," commented Rutger sarcastically, overhearing the conversation before thrusting his right hand out, "I offer 'Underground Arachnid' as a Tribute!"
'Underground Arachnid', still equipped with 'Driven Daredevil' dissolved into specks of blue dust. From there, the area started to shake itself to pieces as Elsworth, Sherry, and Shinji struggled to remain on their feet. Rutger, meanwhile, had taken a card from his Deck, chuckled evilly, and held the card ('Earthbound Immortal Uru') up.
"Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'!" boomed Rutger.
A humongous shadow started to loom behind the Dark Signer leader, and emerging from the wall of fire was none other than the spider 'Earthbound Immortal' monster (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
"So, this…is an 'Earthbound Immortal'-!" admired Shinji, but more from terror than genuine admiration.
"According to James, these monsters are nearly untouchable," thought Elsworth, recalling what he was told by James R. regarding the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters, "They can't be targeted for attacks… They are unaffected by the opponent's Spell/Trap Cards… And they can even attack the opponent directly!" He briefly looked down at his two remaining face-down cards, "My two Set cards are no longer of use…"
"It's all over!" cackled Rutger, still in his Battle Phase. He gave the order for his ace monster to end the duel, "'Uru', attack directly!" As he announced his monster's attack name, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' leered down at the opposition, "Hell Thread!"
'Earthbound Immortal Uru' obeyed, firing off a very powerful spider thread towards the defenseless Elsworth. Outside the geoglyph, Sherry was yelling and refusing to leave, but Shinji finally pulled her roughly enough to get her to budge, causing Sherry to break into tears as she and Shinji fled from the area and everything started moving in slow motion. Before long, Sherry, blinking through her tears, started to have a flashback to when she first met Elsworth.
FLASHBACK
It was a lovely day at the orphanage in California, and various children were playing outside on the playground. Before long, a limo pulled up near the gates, causing the children to stop and look over, including some of the adults who helped run the place. The limo doors opened, revealing a man wearing a nice-looking suit.
"It's the former US senator of Utah, Mr. Elsworth," One adult (male) whispered.
"Former senator?!" Another adult (female) gasped, "Why has he come here?!"
Despite being talked about, Flashback Elsworth never said a word throughout; he just smiled and walked slowly towards the building, going inside when he reached the door.
(inside…)
Within the orphanage, the owner was talking to Young Sherry and trying to convince her to join the other kids outside, but she was refusing because she no longer had any friends ever since Young Shinji was adopted, while Young Carlie, Young Michael, Young James R., and Young Zack all were adopted by Flashback Discord.
"I hope I didn't come at a bad time," The voice of Flashback Elsworth echoed, getting the attention of Young Sherry and the orphanage owner. He stood a good distance away, "I'm sorry, I know I came here unannounced, but I'm looking to adopt an heir."
"Y-You're…Mr. Elsworth of Utah!" The orphanage owner stammered.
"Now, now, no need for the formality," chortled Flashback Elsworth, before approaching the pair, "Anyway, is there a place where we can—huh?"
He gazed down upon Young Sherry, who didn't seem to look frightened of him. Rather, she was glaring firmly at him. Surprised slightly, Flashback Elsworth didn't know what it was all about, but he seemed to feel something about the young girl—a desire of sorts.
"Sir?" The orphanage owner interrupted, before stepping in-front of Young Sherry, "My apologies, but Sherry here appears to distrust some people."
"Distrust?" blinked Flashback Elsworth.
"She lost her Mother and Father during a visit to Sacramento, and there was also recently an incident where she and a friend had a fallout," explained the orphanage owner, "It was a very-"
"Just stop it!" snapped Young Sherry, causing the orphanage owner and Flashback Elsworth to look over and see her looking angry, "A former politician like him doesn't need to know all of the details!"
She turned and ran off in a huff, leaving both men behind.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the room with the beds, a sulking Young Sherry sat alone on an easy chair with her knees tucked near her chest.
"Knock knock," The voice of Flashback Elsworth called out.
This caused Young Sherry to look up. As expected, the former US senator was shown in the doorway. At first, Young Sherry was not interested in seeing him, but, with a sigh, she nodded and allowed him to come inside and talk to her. With that, Flashback Elsworth approached the closest bed and sat down.
"Hey, so I heard you had a pretty rough life," said Flashback Elsworth softly.
"Yeah, so?" grumbled Young Sherry, trying to not make eye contact, "I lost my Mother and Father and ended up here. End of story."
Flashback Elsworth didn't let that rude reply get to him. The two just sat in their spots for a long while before the former US senator spoke up.
"If you want," he offered, "you can tell me all about your problems…when we get home."
"Huh?" peeped Young Sherry, looking up, "What do you mean 'when we get home'?"
"I mean I want to adopt you," replied Flashback Elsworth, "There's something about you I can't help but admire," While he continued speaking, Young Sherry was touched that he mentioned there was something about her that amazed him, "I've already spoken to the owner of this place, and he's agreed to let me take you in," With that said, he stood up and held his right hand out, "So, what do you say? Would you like to come with me to the state of Utah?"
Young Sherry stared in surprise, wondering if this was a joke or something. However, it was clear Flashback Elsworth was not at all joking; he really wanted to adopt her into his family. For the first time in several months since that horrible event, Sherry LeBlanc smiled slightly, and she reached out and took her new guardian's hand.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Sherry continued to look very tearful as she and Shinji continued to run in slow motion. Speaking of which… Within the geoglyph, Elsworth looked downcast as he started having a flashback to his times with his ward.
FLASHBACK
Outside a magnificent-looking home somewhere in 'Salt Lake City - Utah', a limo pulled up outside. Two security guards wearing suits approached, with one standing on the right side, and the other on the left side as he opened the door.
"Welcome home, Master Elsworth," The second suit greeted.
"And welcome to your new home, m'lady," The first suit addressed.
And Flashback Elsworth, followed by Young Sherry, emerged from the limo. Young Sherry was amazed at her new surroundings, noting to only herself it was almost similar to her old home back in France.
"Do you like it? This is your home, now," smiled Flashback Elsworth, before leading his new ward along, "This way, please."
As they walked along, various maids and butlers were lined up, greeting the two arrivals in either English or other foreign languages such as French (Young Sherry's native language), Spanish, and Japanese, to which Young Sherry couldn't help but find impressive for a former US senator.
(new scene…)
Later that evening at dinner, Young Sherry was getting her first taste of very rich cuisine, which she found to be delicious.
"I've never tasted anything so amazing after so long," quipped Young Sherry.
"Well, I'm pleased to hear that from you, m'lady," responded Flashback Elsworth.
Young Sherry just smiled and giggled.
(new scene…)
Inside a gym, a few weeks later, Young Sherry was learning how to fence, with Flashback Elsworth serving as her instructor. The lesson went pretty well, although Flashback Elsworth won most of their clashes. Nevertheless, Young Sherry was greatly enjoying her new life with Flashback Elsworth at his family mansion.
(new scene…)
As the years went by, Young Sherry grew from a child, to a teenager, to a young adult, becoming very accustomed to martial arts, learning from the best private teachers money could afford, learning to better play Duel Monsters, and riding a customized Duel Runner (Sturm und Drang) that she personally built herself. Even so, she also grew progressively colder and more distant with other people due to recurring nightmares as a result of the trauma from not only losing her parents in that accident, but also from the incident at the orphanage—the only exceptions were Flashback Elsworth and, one day, another person she knew… In the entranceway of the mansion, Flashback Elsworth was expecting Flashback Sherry to return from her outing on Sturm und Drang. The doors opened, and there stood Flashback Sherry and someone by her side; a young man (Flashback Shinji) with short purple hair and aqua-colored streaks.
"Whoooooa, so this is where you're living?" gawked Flashback Shinji, looking around his surroundings, "Boy, this place sure is fancy!"
"Ahem!" frowned Flashback Elsworth, stepping into frame.
"Elsworth," greeted Flashback Sherry, "Sorry I was late coming home, but I got into a bit of a pickle with some troublesome gang members."
"And I just so happened to be in the neighborhood when I saw the confrontation, thinking I should help her out," rambled Flashback Shinji, before rubbing the side of his face, "Sadly, she initially didn't like that, so she hit me and we fought before I-"
"Who are you?" cut in Flashback Elsworth, not losing the stern tone in his voice.
"Geez! Take it easy, old man!" protested Flashback Shinji, holding up his hands defensively. Flashback Elsworth, meanwhile, seemed to take offense with being called 'old' because he (Flashback Elsworth) wasn't 'that' old yet, although did listen on to what he (Flashback Shinji) was saying next, "I'm Shinji, Shinji Weber, and if you must know I'm an old friend of Sherry's!"
"It's true, Elsworth; Shinji was the closest friend I had at the orphanage," defended Flashback Sherry, "He might be annoying at times, but he still has a big heart to go with his big mouth."
"Yeah, that's right!" gloated Flashback Shinji, before realizing what Flashback Sherry just said and glared at her with irritation, "Hey! Who are you calling annoying and big-mouthed?!"
Flashback Sherry chuckled playfully. At last, Flashback Elsworth, acknowledging that Flashback Shinji was indeed a friend of Flashback Sherry's, eased up.
"Please accept my apologies for the initial hostility," apologized Flashback Elsworth, "I'm very protective of my ward, despite knowing she can take good care of herself," He then snapped the fingers of his left hand, "Now, will you care to join us for lunch?"
"Sure, I'd like that," grinned Flashback Shinji, "Where's the—huh?"
Two maids approached, took Flashback Shinji by hands, and pulled him along as he stammered some form of protests from the shockingly good treatment he was getting. All Flashback Sherry could do about the scene was giggle over it, which Flashback Elsworth took notice of.
(new scene…)
In New York City, a year or so later, Flashback Sherry and Flashback Elsworth were at the harbor looking out at the waters. Flashback Sherry was quiet throughout, but Flashback Elsworth broke that silence when he decided to ask a few important questions to his ward.
"M'lady, was it wise?" pressed Flashback Elsworth, which got Flashback Sherry's attention, "Was it wise of you to just turn down Mistress Carlie's request for your help like that?" He then became worried, "I can't help but wonder what will happen to the duelists of Orb and all of their teachers. Will they be rescued?"
"It's not my problem," said Flashback Sherry coldly, turning to leave, "Besides, it's clear that James does not want my help, and, you know what, it's fine by me."
The blonde-haired young French woman started to walk away.
"Wait!" called Flashback Elsworth, causing Flashback Sherry to stop, "That's not what James meant at all! All he really meant was that he's fed up with your cold, uncaring attitude towards others. If anything, he really wants you to help him and his friends with liberating Orb more than anything!" When his ward turned to look at him in silence, he went on, "Look, if you won't do it for Carlie and her friends, you should at least do it for the sake of the duelists and staff at Orb."
Flashback Sherry continued to stare at her mentor as the flashback ended.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, as Elsworth closed his eyes and accepted his incoming fate—just as speed everywhere went back to normal and Hell Thread continued approaching.
*KABOOM!*
A massive explosion rocked the area, destroying a part of the airport and throwing Sherry and Shinji forward until they landed on the ground. When Sherry looked up, while on her hands and knees, her worst fears were confirmed… Not only was the geoglyph, Rutger, and 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' gone, but so was Elsworth… All that was left was a partially destroyed airport (with the potential of several casualties) and flames. Soon, Sherry and Shinji were back on their feet as they stared at the fire and destruction left behind. All the tearful-looking Sherry could do about it was fall to her hands and knees, bow her head, and break down sobbing uncontrollably for several seconds before looking up at the scene of destruction and screaming one name from grief…
"ELSWOOOOOOOOORTH!"
DUEL RESULTS: Rutger wins!
Inside the hideout of the Dark Signers Vincent, Clotho, Orga, and Shani were waiting for the next stage of the group's plan, obviously not surprised that Rutger easily defeated Elsworth since they watched the whole duel on the crystal globe. They then heard footsteps and turned around, noticing that the hooded Misty had finally arrived.
"Whooooooa!" cried Orga, as he, Shani, and Clotho stared at the beauty that was Misty Tredwell, "Aren't we lucky?"
"Yeah, she ain't bad-looking in the slightest," put in Shani.
Staring at her new allies, Misty didn't say a word back; she just lowered her hood and remained stoic.
"Y'know, despite me clobbering you so badly in Godwin's tournament," flirted Clotho, eyeing and making some flirty comments towards the newest Dark Signer, "you still managed us all a win by silencing that nosy reporter," As he rambled on, Misty continued to look unimpressed, "You really are, or were, one of America's sexiest models and actresses!"
"Your perverted praising of my body is 'cute'," grunted Misty dryly.
Despite being brushed off, Clotho, plus Orga and Shani, somewhat liked the tone of Misty's response.
"Even the most seemingly perfect of angels have skeletons hidden away in the closet" remarked Shani, as Orga and Clotho both stood around their younger friend, while Misty simply tried to not pay any attention, "So how did it feel to embrace the power of the 'Earthbound Immortals', and to completely crush that pathetic reporter before she got too close to the action?"
Misty, once again, was silent on the matter, not ready to answer the question immediately. Unfortunately for the three Bio-CPU boys, someone else had to pick a time to speak up…
"Look, this is all well and dandy, but can we get a move on?!" whined Vincent, causing Orga, Clotho, and Shani each to look very annoyed (again), "You have no idea how badly I want to destroy robo-boy!"
"We will leave for Hartford when Azrael begins his own battle there," reported Misty firmly, "It's part of the plan him and Rutger formulated together."
"She's right about that," snorted Shani, "And besides, unlike you," Vincent gritted his teeth as he (Vincent) listened to the words, "who deliberately disobeyed your orders and completely embarrassed yourself in a duel with Ashima and that little girl," As he (Shani) finished his sentence, Misty seemed to nod with agreement despite her stoicism, "Misty here actually won her duel!"
"Feh! Whatever, idiot! That DRAW only happened because I went easy on those two!" lied Vincent, believing it was no big deal, "I wasn't even using my 'Earthbound Immortal' against them!" He held up a card without showing the front of it, "But if I do end up dueling robo-boy next time, I'm going to use it to destroy him once and for all!" The spiky black-haired young man then turned and approached Misty, "And, man, now that I know what you look like, I think you're a Goddess!"
Misty still said nothing back.
"Say, baby, did you know I was once referred to as the 'Level-up King' back in the UK?" flirted Vincent, wrapping his left arm around Misty's shoulders, "What do you say you and I team-up? I betcha we'd make a mean team together."
"'Level-up King'?" pressed Misty calmly, gently getting that arm off of her, "And that means what…?"
Vincent started to open his mouth, but found himself being unable to give an answer because, for some strange reason, he didn't know what 'Level-up King' even meant. Finding this to be funny, Orga, Clotho, and Shani each snickered to themselves at Vincent's expense.
"I can now see why those three dislike this…Vincent boy," thought Misty, while Vincent looked all pouty from being laughed at, "He really is annoying."
(elsewhere…)
Inside Orb's gymnasium, nearly everyone, except for David, Sherry, and Shinji, had gathered when Matt called for an emergency meeting after his conversation with Rex about twenty minutes ago. Whatever the news was, it was bound to be important if the last several were an indication.
"So, what is it all about, this time?" pressed James R., "This must be the, what, third emergency meeting we've had this summer alone?"
"James!" Mayura scolded, as James R. smiled sheepishly, "Shh!"
"You were contacted by the New York governor again, yes?" said Mr. Zimmerman.
"I was," confirmed Matt, looking down slightly, "I don't know how to tell you this, but…" As he confessed what's going on, the audience listened to his words without ignoring any of the details behind them, "…the Dark Signers have all of their members, and the most recent one has killed Megan in New York City."
Everyone gasped! The final Dark Signer has awoken and killed Megan? That was not a good sign at all. Juri also felt really bad that Megan was killed, knowing that, despite their childish rivalry for Michael's attention, they were still good friends. Asagi and Mayura felt sorry for their intelligent best friend when they saw her (Juri) looking sad and did their best to comfort her. However, when she heard Dark Signer and New York City in the same sentence, Lisa became absolutely frantic.
"Matt, quick, tell me, was an 'Earthbound Immortal' used in the duel?!" demanded Lisa, "If it was, then there's a likelihood that-!"
Unfortunately, she left that sentence to hang since Matt looked very grim as he nodded solemnly, confirming her worst fears that an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster was used, and that members of 'The All-Star Squad' who were stationed in lower Manhattan were amongst those whose souls were taken when it first appeared.
"Lisa…" soothed Ms. Simmons.
"Since Godwin told you about this, maybe you can tell us who the awakened Dark Signer is," suggested Michael.
"I would if I could," Matt replied, shaking his head, "But Godwin didn't tell me the name of this Dark Signer, because he never heard what it was."
That took everyone by surprise, since Rex had been very helpful in getting them information about the Dark Signers many times before, suddenly he had no other knowledge on the final one's name? Even so, this whole situation was not looking so good.
"The war is about to begin," murmured Discord.
Just then…
"Fudo-san! (みんな!) Min'na! (Everyone!)" The voice of David called out in Japanese.
Everyone in the gymnasium looked nearby, where standing in a doorway leading to the hallway was David Xadashi, having returned from the hospital at the request of his parents.
"Dave?" pondered Asagi.
"You're back!" added Carlie.
"Is something the matter?" pressed Mr. Kisaka.
"As I was…making my way over…" panted David, briefly bending over with his hands on his knees, "I came across two familiar faces," He started to step aside, "Sherry-san and Shinji-san!"
And walking into the gymnasium were Shinji Weber and Sherry LeBlanc, both looking exhausted like they had been running a marathon or something.
"Shinji!" called James R..
"Sherry!" added Carlie, "What happened? And where's Elsworth?"
"Elsworth… Elsworth, he's…" began Sherry, before she started to collapse backwards.
Luckily, Shinji wasn't nearly as tired out and managed to catch his longtime best friend (with benefits) before she could hit the floor.
"Shinji, I thought Sherry and Elsworth were leaving to return to Salt Lake City?" pressed Zack.
Shinji silently helped Sherry to a seat, and she sat down before being joined by Carlie, who was very worried for her (Carlie) new best friend.
"Where's Elsworth, Sherry?" asked Carlie softly.
"Elsworth, Shinji, and I… we were at the airport…" explained Sherry, "Before long, we were intercepted by Rutger of the Dark Signers…"
"RUTGER?!" Carlie and the likes cried out.
"What was he doing at the airport?" came from Matt.
"He challenged us to a duel, but Elsworth…" recalled Sherry, but then shook hard upon remembering the horrifying scene, "Mon Dieu, Elsworth…! He lost to Rutger and was… and was…"
Unable to continue any further, Sherry started to cry once more, causing Carlie to wrap her (Carlie) arm around her despairing best friend and console her (Sherry). Shinji then continued from there.
"Elsworth faced Rutger in a Dark Duel," said Shinji, "Rutger, however, quickly got the upper hand and Special Summoned that freaky 'Earthbound Immortal' of his."
"You mean 'Earthbound Immortal Uru'?" interrupted Matt.
"That's the one, and it wasn't a pretty sight," Shinji stated humorlessly, remembering the finale of the duel, "I think it should be obvious as to what occurred soon after that."
And everyone else got it; Elsworth was killed by Rutger, just like how Megan was killed by the recently awakened Dark Signer in New York City. Everyone else bowed their heads in respect over Elsworth's death.
"Damn you, Dark Signers," Michael, leaning against the wall with his arms folded, cursed quietly.
"So, what did we miss?" quizzed Shinji.
"A ton has happened in a short time," answered James R., "None of it being, in your words, pretty," As he (James R.) explained the situation, Shinji listened anxiously, "In New York City, the final Dark Signer had been spotted and killed a friend of ours."
"And several members of 'The All-Star Squad'!" put in Lisa angrily.
That information didn't make David, Shinji, nor Sherry feel any better. Unfortunately, it was about to get a whole lot worse where David looked around and saw something that nearly made him jump.
"Sean-kun, Janice! What are you two doing?" exclaimed David.
Nearby, Sean and Janice were shown standing up from their seats like they were in a trance—seeing as their eyes had become dull and empty-looking. Speaking of eyes, everyone else was now looking at the pair.
"Yo! Anyone in there?" blinked James R., waving his right hand in-front of Sean and Janice, "Hellooooooo?"
But there was no response from both teenagers, although they did push past James R. and started to leave the area.
"Wait!" protested Lisa, grabbing Janice's right hand.
"What's going on, you two?" added Zack, grabbing Sean's right hand.
Nothing by Sean and Janice was said, but they did proceed to roughly shove Zack and Lisa both aside before exiting the gymnasium in a hurry, leaving everyone else very confused and concerned as to what was wrong with the two teenagers.
"Sean-kun… Janice…" uttered David, "What has gotten into them?"
"They just got up and left like they're in a trance or something," figured Shinji.
"In any case, we'd best go after them and see if they're okay," requested Mr. Zimmerman.
And it was agreed to.
(outside…)
Outside in the parking lot, the group managed to make it outside in their pursuit of Sean and Janice.
"Sean! Janice!" yelled Michael.
"Where are you two?!" came from Matt.
Very quickly, they found someone—just not who they were looking for. Standing in the middle of the parking lot was none other than a deviously smirking Azrael, still wearing his fancy suit.
"You're…Azrael!" realized Lisa.
Azrael then stepped aside and showed Sean and Janice both standing with him.
"Sean-kun! Janice!" worried David.
"Well, I'm glad you all finally showed up," remarked Azrael scornfully, "You can't keep a special guest waiting forever, you know."
"How dare you!" threatened Michael.
"What are you doing back here at Orb?" demanded Matt.
"My secret," rebutted Azrael, "But I can tell you…" As he spoke, faded clips of two of Rutger's spiders lowering themselves onto the necks of Sean and Janice were superimposed over him, "…those remaining spiders of Rutger's came in very handy in bringing all of you to me."
"Rutger… You dare bring that name up in my presence?!" snarled Sherry, greatly enraged over hearing that name while also causing Shinji and Carlie to look at her with some worry, "He, you, and the other Dark Signers are going to pay in blood for taking Elsworth from me!" She pointed forth, "I swear I will hunt you all down and destroy you with my own hands!"
"It's funny you should mention the word 'blood'," chortled Azrael, mocking Sherry and making her angrier as she listened to him go on, "It would be impossible for that to happen seeing as we Dark Signers aren't even alive."
"What?!" recoiled Matt, before going into his thoughts, "Then Vincent was telling the truth about himself being dead… Meaning that Azrael, Orga, Clotho, and Shani are dead, too!"
"Just what happened to all of you? We have a right to know!" snapped Mr. Kisaka.
"I suppose you do," shrugged Azrael, "When the Crimson Dragon appeared during Godwin's tournament, I forced my three top students to devote as much of their time into helping me do research on the Crimson Dragon."
"Research on the Crimson Dragon?" repeated Ms. Simmons, before dryly adding something else into her sentence, "I didn't know you were into that kind of history, Azrael."
"When we were returning to the Plaza Hotel after leaving a library, we were approached by Rutger and the boorish ignoramus commonly referred to as Vincent," continued Azrael, speaking ill of Vincent Stevens as he (Azrael) always did, "They offered us vast knowledge about the Crimson Dragon and Signers along with absolute power."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Inside a dark location, Flashback Azrael was beyond shocked when the story was finally finished.
"This… this can't be true!" he spluttered.
"Heh! I know the feeling," remarked Flashback Vincent, folding his arms, "When I first heard the story, I thought it was a load of horse crap. Now? Now I believe it."
"You see, I'm working to bring the Dark Signers to life," explained Flashback Rutger (who was hooded at the time), "That way, I can gain my revenge on the Signers."
"And I want payback on robo-boy," Flashback Vincent put in, "It's basically win-win for both of us, hence why I joined this bloke," He looked at the three Bio-CPY boys, who immediately perked up as the remarks continued (this time about them), "And if I'm not mistaken, we two are not the only ones who want revenge on certain people…"
"Are you asking for volunteers to become Dark Signers?" pressed Flashback Orga, becoming rather eager, "Because if you are, you're looking at 'em—being us!"
"We're itching for payback on Matt Fudo, that 'Former King' Michael Atlas, and James Hogan!" said Flashback Clotho, "They humiliated us in that Action Duel tournament, and they need to pay the price for it."
"He's right," finished Flashback Shani, "With the power the Dark Signers have at our disposal, we can get even with the world for kicking us while we're down."
"Not so fast, boys," The voice of Flashback Azrael cut in, as he walked into frame with nothing but suspicion all over his face, "As your headmaster, I have the final say if we join the Dark Signers or not," He then turned his head slightly and glared at the two Dark Signers, "Are you certain if I join your group, you will make sure I'm never caught for any possible crimes I committed in the past and present?"
"Would I lie to someone like you?" asked Flashback Rutger, with a dark grin on his shadowed face. He then held his right hand out towards Azrael, "So, do we have a partnership?"
At long last, after what seemed like forever, a dark smile of his own appeared on Muruta Azrael's face, as he accepted the handshake. This made the three Bio-CPU boys each very excited, since it meant they would finally get the power they always craved for. And with that sort of power at their disposal, they would never, ever lose duels again. They were thinking that this was, perhaps, the best thing to ever happen to the three of them. Just then, the four 'guests' cried out in pain
"What the hell just bit me?!" complained Flashback Clotho, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh dear, it looks like I forgot to mention the catch," chuckled Flashback Rutger sarcastically.
"Catch?" uttered Flashback Azrael, growing frantic, "What did you do to us!?"
"In order to join," Flashback Rutger explained, before narrowing his eyes darkly, "you must die and be resurrected with the power of the 'Earthbound Immortals'!"
To prove it, he held up and showed, in the palm of his hand, a little spider. It was then Flashback Azrael, Flashback Orga, Flashback Clotho, and Flashback Shani all began to feel weak. Flashback Azrael also began to realize that he and his top students were bitten by poisonous spiders, and they would die in a few seconds—but he still had enough time and strength to look towards the smirking Flashback Rutger, who showed no remorse over using those spiders.
"D-Damn…you…" muttered Flashback Azrael sickly.
From there, he, Flashback Clotho, Flashback Orga, and Flashback Shani collapsed on the ground, dead from the venom-based spiders. Seconds later, however, glowing purple birthmarks appeared on the respective right forearms of Flashback Orga (Hummingbird), Flashback Clotho (Giant), Flashback Shani (Killer Whale), and, finally, Flashback Azrael (Monkey) in addition to dark red markings forming on their respective faces. From there, they slowly rose back up, with the whites of their eyes now completely black.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, with Azrael still smiling wickedly.
"I'll admit I wasn't pleased with it at first," confessed Azrael fondly, "But, over time, I learned the great advantages of being dead—you can even convince the stupid people of the whole country that you're still alive!" The group continued to listen to all of his rambling in sheer disgust, "It was with this power that I personally awakened the final Dark Signer, and I will also destroy anyone who has either wronged me in my life or if they are useless to my plans," He then cast quick glances towards the possessed Sean and Janice before looking back at his enemies, "These two teenagers were very useful in bringing all of you to me, but, for today, I'm not here to fight the Signers."
"If you're not here to take on the Signers, then who did you come here for?" questioned Ms. Simmons.
Silently, Azrael pointed upward using his right hand, slowly lowered his hand, and was shown pointing at none other than…Discord.
"Are you-?" began Matt.
"Is Azrael being serious?" came from Carlie.
"Me?" wondered Discord, before looking serious, "I had a feeling this guy would go after me at some point."
"That's right," confirmed Azrael, no longer sounding all that pleasant, "You, Discord J. Crawford, will pay for what your Father did to my family."
"Discord, what's he talking ab-" Matt began, but was silenced by a hand.
"No, Matty-boy, this is not your fight," countered Discord coldly, without even a hint of humor in his tone of voice. He (Discord) faced Azrael, who looked every bit as cold, "I accept your challenge, Muruta Azrael."
"But, Discord, you're way out of practice in dueling!" argued Michael.
"I know that, Mike, but because Azrael and I go way back, this duel is between us and only us," Discord pointed out, "I want none of you to step in and stop it. Do I make myself clear?"
"Very good," acknowledged Azrael, "I'm really glad to be facing you, Discord," He then addressed the Signers, "A fair warning; if any of you do try to step in during the match, you will regret it dearly."
To prove his point about it, Azrael snapped the fingers of his right hand, causing Sean and Janice both to turn around. Although no one else could see due to being far away and it being dark out, the group could still tell that something was on the respective necks of Sean and Janice.
"My two assistants here have spiders on the back of their necks," The voice of Azrael explained, while also looking very sadistic, "But they are not just any normal mind-controlling spiders, these ones are the same, venomous ones that killed me and my three students."
"What?! They are?" flinched Shinji.
"Correct," confirmed Azrael, "If you Signers even attempt to intervene and save them, these two will be…" As he finished speaking, Janice and Sean both respectively remained with unresponsive, dull-looking eyes, "…injected with the lethal spider venom and die instantly."
The group and especially the Signers all watched and listened to the deadly threat in helpless anger—none more so than David, seeing as Sean and Janice both were his best friends forever.
"(己!) Onore! (Damn you!)" cursed David in Japanese, sickened by the cheap trick Azrael employed to remain in control of everything, "Sean-kun… Janice…"
Displaying absolutely no remorse, Azrael merely snickered to himself before looking back at Discord, who simply listened without firing off anything rhetorical.
"And now, Discord, it's time for our long awaited fight to start," offered Azrael, before holding up his right arm and causing the Monkey birthmark underneath the suit jacket to begin glowing purple, "I've waited too long for this moment to come… By getting my revenge upon you, it will be a great start to the war between Signer and Dark Signer!"
He summoned a wall of ghost fire, which, from high in the sky, formed the geoglyph of the Monkey. The respective birthmarks of the Signers also began glowing due to the Dark Signer engaging Discord. Azrael smiled madly, while Discord glared in defiance. Who was going to win this frightening match? Stay tuned for the beginning of the end, fellow duelists!
And this, right here, is the first of the final three chapters for the second arc, with Elsworth getting killed off by "Earthbound Immortal Uru", Sherry and Shinji returning to Orb to warn our heroes, and Discord and Azrael about to duel each other. Who will be the winner of this important grudge match? Stay tuned to find that out, and, as always, stay safe during these troubling times.