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
Title: Flat Out Like a Lizard
Opening up in the big park in Hartford, the deadly duel between Carlie and Misty was ongoing and growing intense—especially now that the latter just revealed her (Misty) identity to the former and Sherry.
"Misty…Tredwell…" murmured Carlie in stunned horror.
Outside the geoglyph…
"How could this have happened?" demanded Sherry, as faded clips of Misty being found dead on the streets of New York City and being loaded into an ambulance were superimposed over her (Sherry), "Last I remember, you were found on the streets of New York after falling fifty stories from your penthouse home. But yet…" She continued gazing into the geoglyph at the two duelists fighting each other, while the clip ceased, "…here you are, standing before us."
"I welcomed death with open arms," revealed Misty, "I lost the will to live after my younger brother was taken from me."
"Yes, my friends and I heard what happened," said Carlie gravely, "We heard that Toby Tredwell died on the news back home—however…" As she tried proclaiming her (Carlie) innocence, Misty scowled a little bit, "I can't possibly have been the one who killed him since we live in completely different states!"
"You will suffer the same pain that I felt when Toby was killed," warned Misty, before holding her right hand out, "My Level 2 'Reptilianne Lamia' tunes Level 4 'Reptilianne Scylla'!"
'Reptilianne Lamia' turned into two Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Reptilianne Scylla' before turning it into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant ensued.
"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 4 + 2 = 6 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the two 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).
"I knew it!" thought Carlie, remembering that monster.
"I activate 'Reptilianne Hydra's' effect!" announced Misty, "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!"
"Destroy my 0 ATK monsters?!" flinched Carlie.
"Merde!" cursed Sherry in French.
"Now a worthless stone statue, 'Black Rose Dragon' can't escape," stated Misty, "Go forth, 'Reptilianne Hydra'!" As she was giving the order, 'Reptilianne Hydra' headbutted the petrified 'Black Rose Dragon', "Destroy 'Black Rose Dragon'!"
'Black Rose Dragon' started cracking before exploding from destruction, which was felt even by Sherry outside the geoglyph.
"'B-Black Rose Dragon'-!" stammered Carlie, bracing herself from the backlash of the explosion.
"With your monster destroyed, I get to…" As Misty reminded her enemy of what 'Reptilianne Hydra' was capable of, she drew another card, "…draw a card!" Upon adding the card into her hand, she held another card ('Greed Grado') out, "Then, from my hand, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Greed Grado'! If I destroyed a face-up Synchro Monster controlled by my opponent this turn," She drew two more cards (one-at-a-time), "either by battle or card effect: I must draw 2 cards!"
Both cards were added into Misty's hand, which now contained 'Reptilianne Spawn', 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua', 'Reverse Engineering', and 'Earthbound Geoglyph', giving her some very deadly options.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Reptilianne Spawn'!" proclaimed Misty, as she held her left hand (with the Duel Disk) out and caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field in-front of her, "I must banish 1 'Reptilianne' monster from my GY; I must Special Summon 2 'Reptilianne Tokens'," A card ('Reptilianne Scylla') ejected from the GY and faded away into oblivion, causing two small lizard-like monsters to appear on her field (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0) x2, "I banish 'Reptilianne Scylla' and Special Summon two 'Reptilianne Tokens'!"
It was right then and there, the face-up 'Reptilianne Recoil' Spell Card started flowing before sending a beam into the sky—or, to be precise, the geoglyph.
"Isn't that-?" began Sherry.
"Yes, the first effect of my Field Spell, 'Reptilianne Recoil'," confirmed Misty, "I can target 1 monster…" While revealing the effect, one of the two 'Reptilianne Tokens' shattered into shards of glass, and reappearing on the field was the rather beautiful-looking woman with the bottom half of a snake named 'Reptilianne Lamia' (Level: 2/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "…I control with 0 ATK and 1 DARK Reptile monster in my GY; I must destroy that monster on the field, and if I do, Special Summon that other monster from the GY."
"Is it coming?" thought Carlie, "As what we know about her dueling, Misty is a Synchro user like me, so she should…"
"My Level 2 'Reptilianne Lamia' dark tunes Level 6 'Reptilianne Hydra'!" cut in Misty.
"It can't be!" fretted Carlie.
It was then that 'Reptilianne Lamia' turned herself into two balls of darkness. They were then absorbed into 'Reptilianne Hydra', 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.
"Reptilian queen born of pain and tragedy! Arise from the shadows of despair, and seek your revenge!" chanted Misty coldly, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly just before a massive beam of darkness exploded from within the eight dark stars, "Dark Synchro! Appear now, 'Reptilianne Melusine'!"
When the beam of darkness died down, there, standing on the field, was the familiar two-winged half human female, half serpent-like monster with gray skin (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2800).
"'Reptilianne Melusine'!" gasped Carlie.
"Is that Misty's new ace monster?" put in Sherry.
"The first effect of 'Reptilianne Melusine'! If this was Synchro Summoned using only Reptile monsters as material, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects," said Misty, as an enlarged image of the 'Reptilianne Melusine' Synchro Monster Card loomed the background throughout the explanation. The background returned to normal, and she was feeling satisfied, "You won't be able to defeat my monster so easily even if you were able to bring something stronger out!"
"Dammit! Carlie's open for a direct attack!" thought Sherry, "She'll lose 2500 LP if 'Reptilianne Melusine' is successful in attacking."
Back in the geoglyph…
"Battle," uttered Misty calmly, "Ms. Caelie, I thought you might scatter beautifully," As she (Misty) spoke scornfully to her opponent, Carlie did nothing but listen, "but it seems you will wilt like a flower that has been neglected out in the cold."
Carlie just gritted her teeth without uttering a word.
"Very well," Misty went on, accepting the silence before giving an order to her Dark Synchro Monster, "I use 'Reptilianne Melusine' to attack you, Ms. Carlie, directly!"
'Reptilianne Melusine' raised her hands near her chest and charged a blast of fire, launching it towards a seemingly defenseless Carlie.
"I won't let you!" snapped Carlie, "Face-down card, activate!" Her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Black Rose Sowing'!" While explaining the effect, she eventually held up her 'Black Rose Dragon' Synchro Monster Card, "I must target 1 Attack Position opponent's monster; I must Special Summon 1 'Black Rose Dragon' from my GY, and if I do, change the targeted monster to Defense Position!"
"'Black Rose Dragon' will return and be able to cripple 'Reptilianne Melusine'!" realized Sherry.
"Resurrect, 'Black Rose Dragon'!" commanded Carlie, as fire started erupting.
Reappearing on the field from a pillar of dark-looking fire, was none other than a fully revived 'Black Rose Dragon', who let out a triumphant roar to signal its return (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800)—and then let loose vines to grapple and constrict 'Reptilianne Melusine', shifting the monster into a defensive stance (ATK: 2500 → DEF: 2800).
"Alright!" rejoiced Sherry, as Carlie looked over her (Carlie) shoulder and listened, "That will allow you to use 'Black Rose Dragon's' second effect, Rose Restriction, to change Misty's monster into Attack Position and reduce its ATK to 0, which would allow you to inflict massive damage even if that monster can't be destroyed by battle."
Misty was not convinced, "Impressive use of 'Black Rose Dragon'," she smiled thinly, "But it's to be expected since you are the 'Black Rose Witch'."
"Misty, I no longer have that alter ego!" insisted Carlie, still trying to claim her innocence, "You might not believe it, but I've moved on from the pain of my past!"
"Say what you want," frowned Misty, taking a card from her hand, "But, deep down, you're still the same witch everyone knew, feared, and hated," She slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field near her feet, "I Set one card and end my turn. Now, Ms. Carlie, it's your turn."
Before Carlie could begin her turn, she, Misty, and Sherry overheard voices from the distance. Sure enough, outside the geoglyph, Shinji, James R., Zack, Lisa, and David show up.
"Sherry! Carlie!" called James R., as his birthmark (Dragon's Tail) started glowing.
"Guys!" cried Sherry, relieved, "You made it!"
"So, what's the situation?" questioned Zack, while the birthmarks of Lisa (Dragon's Hand) and David (Dragon's Heart) started glowing, "You said that Carlie's facing a Dark Signer, right?"
"Oui, and you'll never believe who it is," With that said, Sherry looked back into the geoglyph towards Misty, "It's Misty Tredwell."
"Say what?!" exclaimed Lisa, running over to the wall and looking inside to find Misty standing and dueling, "The same one who's supposed to be dead after a nasty fall over fifty stories high?" She looked away and shut her eyes tightly, "N-No way! This has to be like a bad dream or somethin'!"
"Megan-san gave a report over Misty-san's death," protested David, walking over and looking into the geoglyph, "We all heard about it!"
Back in the geoglyph, Misty neutrally, if also glumly, faced the new arrivals.
"It's all true, you are seeing me once more," confessed Misty, "However, what you don't know is that I've been secretly wishing for death ever since Toby died. He was the only family I had left after losing Mom and Dad," She closed her sad-filled eyes, "My life just wasn't worth living anymore."
"Misty-san, you had exceptionally prosperous careers in acting and modeling!" argued David, "On top of peers who deeply loved you! Why throw it all away?"
"Money, fame, and fans can't buy loved ones," retorted Misty, with opened eyes, before facing the fearful-looking Carlie one more time, "It was your friend, the 'Black Rose Witch', who murdered Toby, my younger brother."
Cue shocked gasps from James R., Shinji, Zack, Lisa, and David outside the geoglyph.
"Carlie…" began Zack.
"…killed your younger brother?" finished Lisa.
"Stop joking around!" cut in Shinji, hotly.
"Mm?" pondered Misty, now looking towards Shinji.
"We all know Carlie was very unstable when she was younger and has also injured a lot of people with her powers and dueling," recalled Shinji, having watched a few of Carlie's early duels after being adopted by Discord, "However… Even if she was emotionally unstable," He slammed his right fist against the geoglyph's wall, "she would never, ever resort to murdering someone—at least not deliberately."
Inside the geoglyph, Misty had listened to every single word coming out of Shinji's mouth, but was unconvinced about it as she faced Carlie once more, wanting the duel to get back on-track.
"We have wasted enough time," scolded Misty, "Let's continue with the duel."
Carlie nodded, knowing by now that it was pointless to try reasoning with a Dark Signer, but then…
"Wait!" The voice of Sherry called out.
"Sherry?" peeped Carlie.
"What now?" growled Misty, slowly losing her patience.
"Were you there when Carlie was kidnapped by Azrael and Blue Cosmos and got tortured by him and his scientists?" asked Sherry.
Misty glared at the blonde-haired young French woman scornfully, before sighing and softening up a little bit if also still frowning.
"No, I was still alive at the time," revealed Misty, "But…" Carlie and Sherry both listened to her (Misty) every word, "I was the one who foreshadowed Carlie's capture, her torture, and her nearly unstoppable duel with Matt Fudo when we met at the beach a while back."
"She's right, we met her at the beach in New Haven," remembered James R., looking at Zack, David, and Lisa.
"And there's more," The voice of Misty went on, getting the attention of the spectators again as she was shown closing her eyes and a thought bubble formed and showed off the three Astray girls looking happy while wearing their motorcyclist outfights, keeping their helmets tucked under their right arms, and standing beside their respective M1 Astrays (Asagi: Basic, Juri: Purple, Mayura: Pink), "I also foreshadowed the deaths of your friends Asagi Caldwell, Mayura Labatt, and Juri Wu Nien, or, better known as their title of 'Three Astray Daughters', when I encountered them and Lisa in New York City during Governor Godwin's tournament," The vision then turned into that of the trio dying in-front of Matt, Michael, James R., and Rin after losing to the three Bio-CPU boys, "I had sincerely hoped that a future involving them could be averted, but there's just no changing fate."
The bubble popped, and Lisa was shocked to hear that it was Misty who foreshadowed the fall of her (Lisa) three long time friends. Back in the geoglyph, Misty, with her (Misty) eyes open, faced Carlie once more with fierce determination.
"But I'm very glad Matt won that duel," spat Misty, "Because now I will be able to defeat you, Ms. Carlie Izayoi, with my own hands and avenge my younger brother!"
"The 'Earthbound Immortals' must have brainwashed her when they brought her back to life," thought Carlie, before looking at the two cards in her hand, "There has to be a way to free Misty from the darkness… I just wish I knew how I'm going to pull it off," She then looked at her Deck, "For now, I'll just have to continue fighting and hope for the best," With that thought on hand, she drew her card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Three: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 4000)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (3): "Copy Plant", "Fairy Archer Ingunar", and "Ground Capture"
Her drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Ground Capture'.
"I've drawn 'Ground Capture'!" Carlie told herself, mentally.
"Unfortunately for you, I have a card I want to play, a Trap Card," Misty said suddenly.
"What? A Trap you say?" gasped Carlie.
Misty's Set card then flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"'Reverse Engineering'!" announced Misty, "I must target 1 Set card in my opponent's Spell & Trap Zone; I must reveal it, then return it to its original position, then I can add 1 card with the same name from my Deck or GY to my hand."
"You'll reveal my face-down card?" panicked Carlie.
"Show me it!" ordered Misty harshly.
Carlie grimaced and pressed a button on her Duel Disk. On cue, her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"That's 'Witch's Strike', isn't it?" wondered David.
"That it is," nodded Zack.
"If your opponent negates the Normal or Special Summon of a monster(s), or the activation of a card or effect: Destroy all cards your opponent controls and in their hand," explained Shinji.
Back in the geoglyph…
"That's one very powerful Trap Card," noted Misty, before coldly narrowing her eyes, "It's the most perfect card for a witch like you. Unfortunately, I don't have 'Witch's Strike' in my Deck or GY, so I don't get to add anything else into my hand," As she (Misty) spoke on, Carlie's 'Witch's Strike' Trap Card returned to being a face-down card, "Your card then returns to its face-down position."
Carlie wasn't happy about being called a witch again, but was way more upset that Misty now knew what to expect from her (Carlie) 'Witch's Strike' Trap Card—maybe even figuring out a way to counter its activation.
"I won't give up just like that," thought Carlie, before making a move, "I activate 'Black Rose Dragon's' second effect!" While explaining away, a card ('Staysailor Romarin') ejected from the GY as the spirit of 'Staysailor Romarin' appeared on the field before being eaten up by 'Black Rose Dragon', "Once per turn: I can banish 1 Plant monster from my GY, then target 1 Defense Position monster my opponent controls; I must change that target to face-up Attack Position, and if I do, its ATK becomes 0 until the end of this turn."
"Attack Position? 0 ATK?" repeated Misty.
"Rose Restriction!" commanded Carlie.
'Black Rose Dragon' obeyed, extending its vines and constricting 'Reptilianne Melusine' before forcing it into Attack Position in a crippled state (DEF: 2800 → ATK: 2500 → 0).
"Alright!" cheered James R., "With one attack from 'Black Rose Dragon', Carlie can significantly reduce Ms. Misty's LP!"
"I will also reduce 'Black Rose Dragon's' ATK to 0!" interrupted Misty sharply.
"Huh?"
"I activate the second effect of 'Reptilianne Melusine'!" The black-haired young woman explained, as, from within the geoglyph, 'Reptilianne Melusine' suddenly broke free of the vines, charged forth, and bit into the soft flesh around 'Black Rose Dragon's' neck, resulting in the Signer Dragon roaring in pain, "Once per Chain, when my opponent activates a monster effect, except during the Damage Step (Quick Effect): I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must change its ATK to 0!"
Once again, due to the bite marks, 'Black Rose Dragon' turned into stone while losing all of its ATK (ATK: 2400 → 0).
"Crap!" swore Lisa, "'Black Rose Dragon' has turned to stone! Much as I hate to admit it, Misty is dueling circles around Carlie!"
"Izayoi-san…" worried David.
"Come on, Carlie," thought Sherry, not giving up on her best friend, "You can easily get yourself out of a mess like this."
Back in the geoglyph, Carlie cautiously stared at what she faced on the enemy's field before looking back at her own hand—particularly the 'Fairy Archer Ingunar' Effect Monster Card she drew not too long ago, while a flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Inside a hobby shop somewhere in town, a couple of days ago, Flashback Carlie and Flashback Sherry were currently visiting to take a good look at the various comic books, music records, RPG board games, and, of course, Duel Monsters cards on sale. Now that they were back to being best friends, the two young women were having an absolute blast hanging out and the likes. While she was checking out some of the available music, Flashback Carlie soon felt a light tap on her shoulder and turned around. The tap came from a surprisingly excited Flashback Sherry.
"I got you a little something, Carlie," grinned Flashback Sherry.
"Wow, that's real sweet of you, Sherry," admired Flashback Carlie, feeling touched by the act of kindness as she took the card pack and opening it. Cycling through the five card pack, she froze when she saw two cards in particular, "Wait a second, Sherry, these are not my kind of-!"
"Now, I know you're a Synchro user, but include both these cards in your Deck for good luck," requested Flashback Sherry, touching Flashback Carlie's gloved forearms and causing the accidental drop of the new cards, "If you ever get into a duel, play them as soon as you can."
"Sherry…" replied Flashback Carlie.
Falling onto the ground were five cards—one of them being the 'Fairy Archer Ingunar' Effect Monster Card, and the second, unknown card actually had the background of an Xyz Monster Card.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Carlie was still looking at her new Monster Card.
"Sherry… I promise I'll bring those new monsters out just for you," thought Carlie, before making another move, "I activate 'Rose Lover's' effect!" A card ('Rose Lover') ejected from her GY, "I can banish this card…" She took the card and held it out, "…from my GY; I must Special Summon 1 Plant monster from my hand, and if I do, it is unaffected by my opponent's Trap effects this turn."
"What monster will you Summon?" pressed Misty.
"I know the perfect one," replied Carlie, as the 'Rose Lover' Effect Monster Card in her fingers disappeared into oblivion. She then took and placed a new card ('Fairy Archer Ingunar') onto her Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Fairy Archer Ingunar'!"
Appearing on the field was a young woman with long aqua plant-hair with some light yellow streaks. Her attire consisted of armor and skirt that left several parts of her body exposed, plus thigh-length boots, and her weapon was a bow of sorts (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1200).
"'Fairy Archer Ingunar'?!" gawked Zack.
"When did Carlie add a card like that into her Deck?" came from James R..
Misty remained unfazed over seeing Carlie's new monster; in fact, she smiled and wondered what her opponent was planning to do next.
"It cannot attack the turn this card is Special Summoned," said Carlie, revealing her new monster's first effect, "This monster was a gift from a dear friend of mine, and I will use her to the best of my ability."
"I see," acknowledged Misty, "However, none of your monsters are ever safe from the gorgon's glare! The second effect of my Field Spell, 'Reptilianne Recoil', activates!" From there, as she revealed her Field Spell's second effect, 'Reptilianne Melusine's' eyes started glowing red as she made the petrified 'Black Rose Dragon' glow and move onto her field—followed by a 'Reptilianne Token' appearing on the opposing field (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "If my opponent activates a monster effect: I can target 1 monster my opponent controls with 0 ATK; I must take control of it, then, Special Summon 1 'Reptilianne Token' to my opponent's field!"
Outside the geoglyph…
"Damn!" complained Shinji, "That Dark Signer has 'Black Rose Dragon' under her control!"
"Which is really, really bad," agreed Lisa.
"How is Izayoi-san to cope with this development?" wondered David.
Back within the geoglyph, Carlie watched as the stolen 'Black Rose Dragon' found itself on the side of the Dark Signers against its will. She was very worried about her ace monster being taken away, but remained assured it won't ever be used by a Dark Signer.
"I activate 'Fairy Archer Ingunar's' second effect!" announced Carlie. She then held up a card ('Gigaplant') taken from her GY, "If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a Plant monster: I can target 1 Level 6 or higher Plant monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it in Defense Position, also I cannot Special Summon for the rest of this turn, except Plant monsters," She placed the card onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on her Duel Disk, "I Special Summon the Gemini monster, 'Gigaplant'!"
Appearing on the field was a huge, monstrous-looking Plant monster with sharp fangs (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1200).
"You're a fool," scolded Misty, "I told you that your monsters, new or not, can't ever escape the gorgon's deadly glare!" She once again activated 'Reptilianne Melusine's' second effect—which went and bit into 'Fairy Archer Ingunar', causing her to turn to stone and get reduced to nothing in ATK (ATK: 2400 → 0), "I activate the second effect of 'Reptilianne Melusine'! Once per Chain, when my opponent activates a monster effect, except during the Damage Step (Quick Effect): I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must change its ATK to 0!"
"But I'm not done preparing," retorted Carlie, as she placed one more card onto her Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Copy Plant'!"
Appearing onto the field was the brown plant-like creature with two branches for arms (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Copy Plant'?" wondered Misty.
"I activate 'Copy Plant's' monster effect!" continued Carlie, as her 'Copy Plant' dug its roots into the ground and absorbed nutrients until it started glowing a gentle blue and Level went way up (Level: 1 → 6), "Once per turn: I can target 1 other Plant monster on the field that has a Level; this card's Level becomes that monster's current Level, until the end of this turn!"
Outside the geoglyph…
"No way!" cried Lisa, "By targeting 'Gigaplant', 'Copy Plant' is now a Level 6 monster!"
"There's also 'Fairy Archer Ingunar' and 'Gigaplant'!" observed Shinji, "Will she-?"
"Yes, your theory is right, Shinji! She's going for an Xyz Summon!" confirmed Zack.
"Wait a minute! Xyz Summon?!" protested James R., "When did Carlie learn to do that?" He eyed Sherry, "Did Carlie learn that from-?"
Back in the geoglyph…
"I overlay Level 6 'Fairy Archer Ingunar', 'Gigaplant', and…" began Carlie, just as the Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field before absorbing all three of her monsters, "…'Copy Plant'!"
As soon as the three monsters were absorbed, the body of a new, human-looking male monster wearing plant-like armor and wielding both a sword and shield was shown while a new Summon Chant from Carlie was heard.
"Mystic protector of the forest! Arise from the undergrowth, and defend Mother Nature's most precious treasures!" chanted Carlie, "Xyz Summon! Rank 6! Appear now, 'Fairy Knight Ingunar'!"
The new monster swung his sword once and then posed for battle against the enemy (Rank: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 3000). Outside the geoglyph, Sherry smiled when she saw that the two cards she gave her best friend had been played. Back in the geoglyph, Misty was expressing genuine surprise over the Xyz Summon due to the fact Carlie was primarily a Synchro user like the rest of her (Carlie) friends, but quickly recovered and went back to her (Misty) stoic self.
"You actually took me by surprise with that Xyz Summon," admitted Misty, sounding impressed, "But your brand new servant won't be enough since 'Reptilianne Melusine' can't be destroyed by battle or card effects," Focus then went towards the petrified 'Black Rose Dragon', then towards the still weakened 'Reptilianne Melusine', and finally towards 'Fairy Knight Ingunar', "Once you end your turn, 'Black Rose Dragon's' effect will expire and return 'Melusine's' ATK to normal, allowing her to topple over 'Fairy Knight Ingunar'!"
"You underestimate my new monster's power," Carlie pointed out, "I activate 'Fairy Knight Ingunar's' effect!" As she explained away, two of the three materials floating around 'Fairy Knight Ingunar' were absorbed by his sword, "Once per turn: I can detach 2 materials from this card; I must return all other cards on the field to the hand," As she (Carlie) finished explaining, Misty looked genuinely shocked (again) by the effect, "My opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation!" She then raised her right hand into the sky and announced the effect name, "Nature Storm!"
'Fairy Knight Ingunar' raised his sword into the air, calling down lightning to strike every other card on both fields, turning the monsters (except the 'Reptilianne Tokens', which simply just disappeared) and/or Spell/Trap Cards into orbs of light that either returned to the hand, or the Extra Deck in the case of 'Black Rose Dragon' (Carlie) or 'Reptilianne Melusine' (Misty).
"Both fields are clean of cards!" breathed James R..
"But Izayoi-san still controls 'Fairy Knight Ingunar'," remembered David.
"She can hit Misty for 2200 direct damage!" whooped Lisa.
Back in the geoglyph, Carlie had already entered her Battle Phase.
"'Fairy Knight Ingunar', attack Misty directly!" commanded Carlie, before, as 'Fairy Knight Ingunar' jumped into the air above Misty, yelling out the attack name, "Nature Divider!"
'Fairy Knight Ingunar', with a mighty yell, brought his sword down on Misty—who attempted to block the blow in a futile sort of way—striking her on the Duel Disk, pushing her back, and reducing a good number of her LP (LP: 4000 → 1800).
"She did it!" James R. and Lisa cheered at the same time.
"It's too soon to be celebrating," warned Zack.
Lisa and James R. eased up, acknowledging the duel being ongoing. Back in the geoglyph, Carlie was continuing with her turn.
"From there, I'll activate 'Rose Girl's' second effect," said Carlie calmly, taking and holding up a card ('Rose Girl') taken from her GY before adding it into her hand, "If a Plant monster is on the field and this card is in my GY: I can add this card to my hand," After taking two more cards from her hand, she slotted them into her Duel Disk, "I Set two cards and finish my turn."
Two face-down cards appeared on the field. Her thoughts then went towards the cards she placed on the field.
"My first card, 'Ground Capture', will halve any battle damage I take from an opponent's attack, and let me draw a card if I end up taking over 1000 damage," thought Carlie, as a faded image of the 'Ground Capture' Trap Card was superimposed over her, "It will surely help me defend from an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster's likely direct attack," She then thought about her second face-down card, as a faded image of the 'Witch's Strike' Trap Card was superimposed over her, "As for 'Witch's Strike', it won't actually destroy an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster on the field since 'Reptilianne Recoil' is back in Misty's hand, but it'll still be a serious blow to Misty—especially if the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster is still in Misty's hand."
"You seem so certain of victory," remarked Misty, "But I'm afraid I can't let you win like that," She drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Four: Misty Tredwell (LP: 1800)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (4): "Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua", "Earthbound Geoglyph", "Reptilianne Recoil", and "Final Offguard"
On cue, the 'Final Offguard' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Spell Card, 'Final Offguard', activate!" The voice of Misty began, as the above scenario played out and then focus went towards the face-up, activated 'Final Offguard' Spell Card, "If my LP are lower than my opponent's and only my opponent controls a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck: I must…" She drew two additional cards, "…draw 2 cards.
Both cards were 'Viper's Rebirth' (Spell Card) and 'Earthbound Spell Sealer' (Trap Card). Smiling, she added both cards into her hand and took out a new card to play.
"Ms. Carlie, you're as strong as they say you are… You're both beloved and feared by many," rambled Misty, briefly praising Carlie, "But that all ends here!"
"What card are you going to play?" worried Carlie.
"Something I was gifted by Rutger before his demise at the hands of Matt Fudo," answered Misty, turning her card ('Earthbound Geoglyph') over and revealing it, "Field Spell, 'Earthbound Geoglyph', activate!"
The present Signers, Zack, Shinji, and Sherry all recoiled in shock, just as a flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
During his duel with Flashback Discord, Flashback Azrael smiled sadistically as he held up two cards ('Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' and 'Earthbound Geoglyph').
"It appears that the toying has ended here, Discord J. Crawford," sneered Flashback Azrael, before taking one of the cards ('Earthbound Geoglyph') and placing it near the Field Zone, "I activate the Field Spell, 'Earthbound Geoglyph'!"
The Field Zone opened up, and the 'Earthbound Geoglyph' Spell Card was placed inside before closing up. With a few Field Spell played, a very shocked Flashback Discord helplessly watched as the face-up 'Toon Kingdom' Spell Card, the face-up 'Comic Hand' Spell Card, and 'Toon Dark Magician Girl' were each destroyed (the second due to its third effect, and the last also due to her own third effect).
"The real power of my card comes from its second effect," ranted Flashback Azrael, "I can treat 1 Synchro Monster as 2 Tributes for the Tribute Summon of an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster."
The reactions from the group were not pretty. Flashback Azrael, about to win the duel, decided he didn't need Flashback Sean nor Flashback Janice under his control any longer and looked in the direction of the crowd (particularly Flashback David).
"You know, since you want to see your friends so badly, I'll release them," offered Flashback Azrael cruelly, "That way, you can talk to them one last time…" He raised his right hand and snapped his fingers, "…before their souls are lost!"
On the respective necks of Sean Smith and Janice Kings, both spiders fell off and hit the ground before dissolving away. Both teenagers lost consciousness while standing, but quickly regained it as they opened their eyes (which were normal again).
"Oh man… Where are we?" asked Flashback Sean groggily.
"The last thing I remember is hearing the news that a Dark Signer appeared in New York City and killed Megan," remembered Flashback Janice, before shutting her eyes and wincing from a headache, "After that-"
"Sean-kun! Janice!" The voice of Flashback David called out, causing the both of them to look over. He was looking very scared for his two best friends, "Get away from Azrael! Hurry!"
Flashback Sean and Flashback Janice blinked before looking over to their left and gasping. Flashback Azrael was holding up a very familiar card ('Earthbound Immortal Cusillu').
"I sacrifice the souls of these spirits!" chanted Flashback Azrael, before placing his card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu'!"
As those final words left his mouth, an earthquake in the area began. Within the sky, something was seen emerging from the geoglyph in the sky. It looked like the same huge, stone heart that appeared when Flashback Rutger dueled against Flashback Matt, and when Misty dueled Megan. Thinking quick, the three Astray girls, Flashback Ms. Simmons, Flashback Mr. Kisaka, Flashback Mr. Zimmerman, Flashback Sherry, and Flashback Shinji all huddled around the Signers in order to prevent their souls from being taken as an offering to the 'Earthbound Immortals'. Unfortunately, there were some souls they were unable to save, and two very unfortunates were Flashback Sean and Flashback Janice…
"David! Everyone! You must defeat the Dark Signers!" called Flashback Sean.
"Please save us!" begged Flashback Janice.
With that said, the souls of both teenagers were ripped from their bodies and rose towards the heart high in the sky like purple mist. David was so shocked by the sight that he was not able to speak up about it, but when was finally able to, all he could do about it was scream.
"SEAN-KUUUUUUN! JANIIIIIIICE!" cried Flashback David, heartbroken.
Slowly, the heart began to beat in response to the souls that were offered, and, soon enough, it exploded with power. Finally emerging from the ghostly flames was a gigantic monkey creature with black and yellow skin, and a long tail. This monster was none other than Flashback Azrael's 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' (Level: 10/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2400). Flashback Discord and everyone else stared up at the monster in complete terror; despite doing his absolute best, Flashback Discord failed to stop the appearance of 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' and had no way to defend himself from a likely direct attack.
"Kneel before the 'Earthbound Immortals', Discord J. Crawford!" roared Flashback Azrael in triumph, entering the Battle Phase, "'Cusillu', attack directly!"
Because there was a Field Spell ('Earthbound Geoglyph') on the field, the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster was allowed to strike the opponent due to its second effect, which was shared by the others. Anyway, 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' obeyed, raising a fist and, with a loud, screeching shout, brought it down. In a final attempt to save Discord, both 'Toon Black Luster Soldier' and 'Millennium-Eyes Restrict' soared into the sky and attempted to attack the enemy monster right back, but they were unsuccessful; only getting destroyed by the fist despite being stronger than 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' in terms of ATK. Discord, looking up into the sky at the incoming attack, knew he failed Cynthia.
"No…" Flashback Discord whispered, then, as the gigantic fist got closer to striking, let out a huge scream, "NOOOOOOOOOO!"
The fist from 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' was merely a second away from connecting.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, since the last time that card was played, it was during Discord's duel against Azrael—that ended with the evilest Dark Signer getting out 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' and winning the match, resulting in Discord's death. Misty knew this, and was going to savor every second of it.
"That's right, this is one of the cards that resulted in Discord J. Crawford's defeat," she admitted, slotting the card into her Duel Disk, "Witness its power once again!"
The sky started to darken, which meant things were going to get bad real fast for Carlie despite having two Set cards ready.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Viper's Rebirth'," continued Misty, holding up another card ('Viper's Rebirth'), "If all monsters in my GY are Reptile: I must target 1 non-Tuner in my GY; I must Special Summon it, but destroy it during the End Phase of this turn," Her GY started glowing all white, "Resurrect, 'Reptilianne Hydra'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Reptilianne Hydra' (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1500).
"I use this opportunity to activate the third effect of 'Earthbound Geoglyph'," As Misty spoke, she took a card ('Roar of the Earthbound Immortal') from her Deck and held it up for about two seconds before adding it into her hand, "If a Synchro Monster(s) is Special Summoned (except during the Damage Step): I can add 1 'Earthbound Immortal' Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand."
"What comes next will be the scariest part of that Field Spell," thought Carlie.
"Carlie…" thought Sherry, knowing the same thing.
Outside the geoglyph…
"What else can Ms. Misty do if she controls only a single monster?" wondered James R., "Everyone knows that in order to Tribute Summon a Level 10 monster, you need to Tribute two monsters."
"Are you sure about that?" The voice of Misty cut in.
James R. cringed, knowing he just said something bad.
"Next time, keep your damn mouth shut—or, better yet, use your memory," hissed Zack.
The sheepish-looking James R. shrugged apologetically. Inside the geoglyph…
"The first effect of 'Earthbound Geoglyph'!" announced Misty, as Carlie gasped while having bad memories of the explained effect, "I can treat 1 Synchro Monster as 2 Tributes for the Tribute Summon of an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster."
"This is it…" began Lisa.
"An 'Earthbound Immortal' monster," put in Shinji.
"Poor Izayoi-san!" fretted David.
And so it began…
"Since I control a Synchro Monster, I'll offer it as my Tribute," informed Misty, "Be gone, 'Reptilianne Hydra'!"
'Reptilianne Hydra' turned into a colorful ball of light before rising towards the geoglyph in the sky. On cue, the area started shaking itself to pieces.
"D-Daaaamn-!" quivered Shinji.
Back in the geoglyph, it got worse when Misty began a short Summon Chant.
"O God which resuscitated my life, now I offer you my soul," chanted Misty, before holding up her ultimate card ('Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua'), "Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua'!"
As expected, the familiar-looking heart appeared from the geoglyph in the sky, beating before exploding with power. From within the flame walls of the geoglyph, appearing was the gigantic lizard creature with black and green skin (Level: 10/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1800).
"Misty-san's 'Earthbound Immortal' monster…" shuddered David.
Lisa was silently looking up into the sky at 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' when she gasped and had a flashback.
FLASHBACK
During the last major meeting inside Orb's gymnasium, nearly everyone, except for Flashback David, Flashback Sherry, and Flashback Shinji, had gathered when Flashback Matt called for an emergency meeting after his conversation with Flashback Rex about twenty minutes ago. Whatever the news was, it was bound to be important if the last several were an indication.
"I don't know how to tell you this, but…" began Flashback Matt. 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 Flashback Megan? That was not a good sign at all. Flashback Juri also felt really bad that Flashback Megan was killed, knowing that, despite their childish rivalry for Flashback Michael's attention, they were still good friends. Flashback Asagi and Flashback Mayura felt sorry for their intelligent best friend when they saw her (Flashback Juri) looking sad and did their best to comfort her. However, when she heard Dark Signer and New York City in the same sentence, Flashback Lisa became absolutely frantic.
"Matt, quick, tell me, was an 'Earthbound Immortal' used in the duel?!" demanded Flashback Lisa, "If it was, then there's a likelihood that-!"
Unfortunately, she left that sentence to hang since Flashback 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.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"That's impossible…!" thought Lisa, "Then it was Misty who killed Megan and sacrificed the souls of-" Coming to the realization that it was Misty the whole time who used the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster in New York City, she (Lisa) raised her voice in anger and disbelief, "Misty, you friggin' 'bitch'!"
Inside the geoglyph, Misty turned to face the furious and deeply betrayed Lisa Drake.
"How could you?!" raged Lisa, "The people you sacrificed in New York City had nothing to do with this damn war! Those people loved you! Wanted to be like you!" Her eyes continued to burn with fury and hurt, "Yet you carelessly used that God of yours to kill Megan and all those innocent people—including members of 'The All-Star Squad', my family!" She swung her left arm about, "How can you justify yourself for your actions?!"
Misty simply glared coldly for a few seconds before looking away frim Lisa and speaking in a somewhat guilty, regretful tone.
"I'm truly sorry for your loss," apologized Misty, "I held no grudge against those who got sacrificed, but…" She (Misty) eyed Carlie yet again, who did nothing but listen, "As I told Megan before finishing her off, nothing and nobody will stand in my way for revenge…" The black-haired young woman pointed forth using her right hand, "…against the 'Black Rose Witch'!"
Carlie had been silent since 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' was Summoned. She was absolutely terrified of facing an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, considering what one was capable of doing if Matt, David, Asagi, Megan, Elsworth, and Discord were any indication, and the first two were the only ones lucky enough to even survive and beat one. Suddenly, Carlie remembered that one of her Set cards was the 'Ground Capture' Trap Card.
"That's right, I still have 'Ground Capture'," thought Carlie, now eyeing the Set card on the left, "If Misty tries attacking me with her 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua', I can use it to halve the direct damage and draw a card."
Unfortunately…
"I know what you're thinking," interrupted Misty, getting Carlie's attention, "However, I'm not foolish; a direct attack would leave 'Fairy Knight Ingunar' alive long enough to attack me directly, thus making you the winner," She entered the Battle Phase, "Rather, my first target…" While revealing her attack target, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' let out a roar, "…will be your only monster!"
Extending its long tongue, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' grabbed Carlie's 'Fairy Knight Ingunar', lifted him up as he struggled in such a strong grip, and ate him alive.
"'Fairy Knight Ingunar'!" cried Carlie, before shutting her eyes and glowing red and losing LP (LP: 4000 → 3400). Once she recovered from the attack, she looked regretful over losing 'Fairy Knight Ingunar', "Sorry, Sherry… I wasn't able to use your monster to win the duel…"
Outside the geoglyph…
"Carlie…" whispered Sherry.
"Ngh…! Her field is open again," remarked Zack.
"What will she do, now?" wondered James R..
Back in the geoglyph…
"I could have activated 'Ground Capture' for the attack, but the damage would have only been 300, which isn't the amount needed to draw a card," thought Carlie, looking at her first Set card before observing what was left of her hand, "The only card left in my hand is 'Rose Girl'—which means I need to draw something good in my Draw Phase, or I might not be able to win the duel."
Misty, meanwhile, was finishing up for turn.
"I Set two cards and end my turn," concluded Misty, as two face-down cards materialized on the field near her feet, "Now, Ms. Carlie, this will be your last chance to win against me. Please do your absolute best."
"Mm!" grunted Carlie, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Five: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 3400)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (2): "Rose Girl" and "Raging Mad Plants"
Her drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Raging Mad Plants', and her hand only contained 'Rose Girl'. Formulating a plan with both cards, Carlie made her move.
"I Summon 'Rose Girl' in Attack Position!" announced Carlie, placing a card ('Rose Girl') onto her Duel Disk.
Reappearing onto the field was the small female girl dressed in an outfit resembling a rose, and carrying a rose-like staff in her hands (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 600).
"Attack Position?" quizzed Misty, "What are you planning to do?"
"What I'm gonna do is go on the offensive this turn, that's what!" answered Carlie, before readying and holding her final card ('Raging Mad Plants') out, "Here I go, Misty! Quick-Play Spell, 'Raging Mad Plants', activate!" As she explained the effect, four cards ('Gigaplant', 'Copy Plant', 'Fairy Archer Ingunar', and 'Fairy Knight Ingunar') ejected from the GY one card at a time, "All Plant monsters I currently control gain 300 ATK for each Plant monster…" The cards then started floating and circling around 'Rose Girl' and making her stronger (ATK: 800 → 2000), "…currently in my GY, until the end of this turn! During the End Phase, I must destroy all Plant monsters I control!"
"An ATK of 2000—it's enough to defeat Misty since 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' can't be attacked while a Field Spell is on the field," recalled Zack, "Yet it doesn't prevent the opponent from attacking directly."
"Misty has 1800 LP left," agreed Lisa, "If this attack gets through, Carlie wins!"
Back in the geoglyph, Misty seemed to smile over the audience believing Carlie would be the winner that easily.
"Such wishful thinking…" chortled Misty.
"Huh?" worried Carlie.
"Counter Trap, 'Earthbound Spell Sealer', activate!" howled Misty, as her first Set card (the right one) flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When my opponent activates a Spell Card while I have a face-up card in my Field Zone: I must…" While she (Misty) finished explaining, Carlie gasped, "…negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card!"
And so, Carlie watched in helpless shock as her face-up 'Raging Mad Plants' Spell Card shorted out and shattered into shards of glass, causing 'Rose Girl' to lose her ATK buff (ATK: 2000 → 800).
"Not good! Now Carlie can't defeat Misty this turn," wailed Lisa.
"I'm not done," rebutted Carlie, pointing to her second Set card with her right hand, "I activate…" Her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "…a Trap, 'Witch's Strike'!"
"I knew it," murmured Misty.
"If my opponent negates the Normal or Special Summon of a monster(s), or the activation of a card or effect: I must…" explained Carlie, as Misty watched as all cards in her hand and on her field were destroyed, "…destroy all cards my opponent controls and in their hand!"
The only cards not destroyed were 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' and the face-up 'Earthbound Geoglyph' Spell Card.
"Remember the fourth effect shared by all 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters?" Misty reminded harshly, "This card is unaffected by the effects of my opponent's Spells/Traps," Focus then went towards her face-up 'Earthbound Geoglyph' Spell Card, "Also, there's the first effect of my Field Spell, 'Earthbound Geoglyph'!" She gestured her right hand near her face, "While any Level 10 monsters are on the field, neither player can target this card with card effects, also it cannot be destroyed by card effects."
"I'm well aware of that," countered Carlie, "Reducing your field and hand was the only thing I could do."
"But it was all for nothing in the end," said Misty, "You activating 'Witch's Strike' was what I 'needed' for you to do!" On cue, a card ('Reverse Engineering') from earlier on ejected from her GY, "I activate the second effect of 'Reverse Engineering'!" She took the card and held it up, "I can banish this card from the GY, then target 1 Trap in my GY that was destroyed this turn; I must Set it to my field. It can be activated this turn."
Suddenly, the 'Reverse Engineering' Trap Card turned itself into the 'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal' Trap Card.
"'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal'-!" flinched Sherry.
"$*#^!" cussed Lisa.
Without wasting a second, Misty slotted her retrieved card into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to materialize on the field near her feet.
"Misty planned for this exact moment as soon as she used 'Reverse Engineering' to reveal 'Witch's Strike' on my previous turn," thought Carlie, realizing her opponent's strategy has stopped her own, "Now what do I do?"
"Next, I'll activate a Continuous Trap!" As Misty said that, her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal'! Once per turn, if an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must…" Focus went towards 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua', then towards 'Rose Girl', "…target the attacking monster; I must destroy that target, and if I do, inflict damage to my opponent equal to half the destroyed monster's ATK!" She seemed to chuckle with glee, "I must control an 'Earthbound Immortal' monster with ATK higher than the ATK of the attacking monster to activate and to resolve this effect."
Carlie silently looked at both fields, realizing she was trapped in an unwinnable situation. Attacking would do no good since the 'Roar of the Earthbound Immortal' Trap Card would destroy her 'Rose Girl' and inflict damage to her equal to half of the destroyed monster's ATK. She had 'some' defense against a potential attack by 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' in the form of her Set 'Ground Capture' Trap Card, but only for a single attack, and even then it was going to be very risky considering an attack by any 'Earthbound Immortal' monster was more than capable of killing a person.
"I will finish my turn here," concluded Carlie softly. Narrowing her eyes dangerously, all she could do was pray and hope she could survive at least one more turn, "Go ahead! Do your worst, Misty Tredwell."
"You want my worst?" challenged Misty, "You really should be careful what you wish for," She drew her card, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Misty Tredwell (LP: 1800)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (1): "Reptilianne Gorgon"
Without even looking at what card she had drawn, Misty made her move.
"I Summon 'Reptilianne Gorgon' in Attack Position!" began Misty, placing her drawn card ('Reptilianne Gorgon') onto her Duel Disk.
Appearing on the field was a green-skinned, snake-like woman with wild, dark blue hair (Level: 3/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1400).
"Battle," declared Misty in a calm way, as her 'Reptilianne Gorgon' jumped into the air above 'Rose Girl' with glowing eyes, "'Reptilianne Gorgon', attack 'Rose Girl'! Poison Glance!"
'Reptilianne Gorgon' fired a beam from her eyes, striking and destroying 'Rose Girl'. Some of the shards from the destroyed monster soared past Carlie as she briefly covered herself with her left arm (with the Duel Disk) and lost LP from the attack (LP: 3400 → 2800). Outside the geoglyph, everyone watching was greatly concerned, seeing as Carlie was now open for a direct attack by 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua'—who had exactly 2800 ATK, therefore ensuring Carlie's defeat and likely death if the attack were to hit. Back in the geoglyph, Misty was all ready to end the duel and her hated enemy…
"It's all over," acknowledged Misty with heavy regret, "Ms. Carlie, I'm sorry that everything between us has to end like this."
"Misty…" Carlie muttered, feeling sympathy for the Dark Signer.
"But…you killed my younger brother," continued Misty, narrowing her eyes, "I can never forgive you for doing that," At last, as 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' made its move, she ordered the attack, "'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua', attack Ms. Carlie directly!"
'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' loomed over Carlie and started to make a grab for her in order to crush her like a bug.
"I refuse to go down like this!" rebutted Carlie, as her final Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I activate a Trap, 'Ground Capture'!"
A large tree-like hand emerged from the ground and intercepted the attack of 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua'.
"When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must halve any battle damage I would take from that attack," revealed Carlie, as the large hand started weakening, "I won't be defeated, Misty! This card will protect me from your hatred!"
"Worthless!" dismissed Misty fiercely, "Taste it, the pain I suffered from Toby's death, and…" She swung her right arm about in a dramatic fashion, "…my burning hatred of you for destroying my heart!"
Seemingly gaining strength from Misty's rage, 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' overpowered the hand from the 'Ground Capture' Trap Card and made direct contact with Carlie Izayoi, causing her howl in agony as she felt the full power behind the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster before getting violently thrown back the end of the impact.
"Carlie!" Shinji and Sherry both cried out.
"CARLIE/IZAYOI-SAN!" Zack, Lisa, James R., and David (the final calling Carlie 'Izayoi-san') all screamed.
Though the battle damage was halved, Carlie still took a pretty hard blow and tumbled roughly across the ground, landing face first in the dirt as her LP dropped heavily (LP: 2800 → 1400).
"Carlie! Get up!" begged Sherry, banging her (Sherry) fists on the geoglyph wall while watching as Carlie remained on the ground, "Don't even think about losing this duel to Misty! You still have a chance to win!"
At last, Carlie started to slowly return to her hands and knees, having felt the full brunt of Misty's anguish and hatred that was 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua'. Just then, before she could resolve the lingering effect of her Trap Card and draw a card (she took at least 1000 damage), the geoglyph began to die down—with 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' also roaring and fading away.
"What? What's happening?" gasped Carlie.
Outside the dying geoglyph, everyone else was, likewise, surprised by what was happening. The only one not surprised was Misty as she retracted her Duel Disk.
"What… what are you playing at?" The voice of Carlie asked weakly.
DUEL RESULTS: No results
"It's simple, our duel has ended here," answered Misty, "Truthfully, I never intended to fully defeat you today, Ms. Carlie."
"You weren't?" Carlie croaked out, as Sherry ran over.
"Then why did you challenge her?" demanded Sherry crossly.
"Because I wanted to see how skilled she really is," said Misty, as the injured Carlie laid in Sherry's arms, "Now that I know she's truly worthy of an opponent, it's time for me to leave," Before turning around to walk away, she fired off one final warning, "But be forewarned! When we duel next time, you, Ms. Carlie, will be made to pay for Toby's death."
Carlie said nothing back, and Misty, as her birthmark of the Lizard started glowing, walked away from the small group. Suddenly, Carlie managed to get back up and run towards Misty.
"Misty, wait!" called Carlie, "You have to hear me out!"
As the brown-haired young woman got closer to Misty, purple fog started building up in the area. Trapped in the fog, all Carlie could do was yell out Misty's name in desperation.
"Misty! Misty, come back!" Carlie flailed helplessly, "MISTY!"
When the fog faded, Misty Tredwell was long gone from the park. Falling to her hands and knees, the devastated Carlie was unable to believe or take in that Misty was now an enemy that needed to be defeated who also believed she (Carlie) killed her (Misty) younger brother.
"Oh man," groaned Shinji, scratching the back of his head.
"You're telling me," added Lisa, "That was so freaky."
"Carlie…" sympathized Zack.
"This is all messed up… I never knew Ms. Misty had a tainted heart!" objected James R., just as he started to envision (non-Dark Signer) Misty happily interacting with fans, co-stars, and even production staff members at various events and movie premiers before changing it to her being alone and depressed inside the darkness of her penthouse home, "I've always believed that Ms. Misty was incredibly nice and professional towards her fans, co-stars, and more—but that's all on the outside. On the inside, she's alone, depressed, and suicidal," He sighed sadly, "I guess…even the most perfect angels really do have hidden skeletons in their closets."
Lisa, David, and Shinji each nodded in agreement, while Zack said nothing but he (Zack) had to also agree with James R.'s words about Misty, even though nothing came out of the mouth. Sherry, meanwhile, approached Carlie and lowered herself (Sherry) to the ground and placing her hands onto her best friend's shoulders.
"Carlie, Êtes-vous d'accord?" Sherry soothed, speaking in French.
"Don't worry, Sherry, I'll be okay," reassured Carlie, speaking a half-truth, as she (Carlie) and Sherry returned to their feet. Looking up once more, there was some noticeable sadness but also determination in her eyes, "Although Misty's now our enemy, I will find a way to defeat her not just due to my duty as a Signer, but also to save her."
"Save her?!" James R. and Shinji gawked at the same time.
"Are you crazy?" questioned Lisa, "For God's sake, she's a Dark Signer who killed lots of people! Why the hell…" As she (Lisa) continued ranting, Carlie listened even while being scolded, "…would you want to save her?!"
"I know that, Lisa," Carlie rebutted, before looking over her shoulder, "But if you think about it, Misty became a Dark Signer against her will."
"Huh? Against her will?" repeated Lisa.
"Yeah! As we were told during the duel, Azrael was the one who killed Misty in order to turn her into a Dark Signer," explained Carlie, as she envisioned Muruta Azrael, Vincent Stevens, Orga Sabnak, Clotho Buer, and Shani Andras, before, lastly, thinking about Misty Tredwell, "Unlike Azrael, Vincent, Orga, Clotho, and Shani, who all willingly chose to fall into the darkness because of selfish desires… In the end, Misty is a victim in the greater scheme of things," She clenched her right hand into a fist, "Which is why I have to save her."
"Carlie…" muttered Shinji.
"She makes several good points," admitted James R..
"But there's one thing I want to know," came from Zack, stepping forward, "How exactly are you even…" As he pressed his question, Carlie stared into the distance, "…going to save Misty from the darkness?"
Carlie closed her eyes and sighed to herself, having no idea on how she (Carlie) was going to actually save Misty. For now, she would have to think long and hard about it.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the main chamber of the hideout of the Dark Signers, Azrael was watching over the three unconscious Bio-CPU boys on separate metal tables. Orga Sabnak, Clotho Buer, and Shani Andras were heavily injured from their recent battle against Matt, Michael, and James R., but alive thanks to him—though, according to Azrael, this was strictly a one and done deal. If they were to fail him again, then he would not save them a second time. Suddenly, he heard the nearby doors open. It was Misty, returning from her initial fight against Carlie.
"Welcome back," greeted Azrael, smiling, as Misty approached the nearby wooden table, "How was your test run against the 'Black Rose Witch'?"
"She is skilled, just like her friends," replied Misty softly, before taking out a picture from her cloak and placing it on the table, "But I promise I will defeat her the next time we meet."
"I know you will," acknowledged Azrael, remembering how Carlie broke free of his control, "Carlie, that damned fool!" As he rambled on, Misty paid no attention and just focused on the picture she placed on the table, "Anyone who is useless to me is better off dead."
The picture was that of her late younger brother, Toby Tredwell. After staring at the picture for what seemed like forever, Misty closed her eyes and shed some tears, showing how much she missed Toby and also felt genuine remorse for killing so many people as she (Misty) remembered Lisa's hard words about what happened in New York City, and I quote…
"The people you sacrificed in New York City had nothing to do with this damn war! Those people loved you! Wanted to be like you! Yet you carelessly used that God of yours to kill Megan and all those innocent people—including members of 'The All-Star Squad', my family! How can you justify yourself for your actions?!"
"How…can I…justify myself?" Misty asked herself slowly, looking down at the picture of Toby again, "I'm only doing this to avenge you, my beloved younger brother—I'll rest for good once I…" She took and pocketed the picture before turning to face Azrael, "…finish the job."
"And now, with Rutger gone, it's time for me to step up as the new leader of the group," declared Azrael, before focus went towards Orga, then Shani, then Clotho on the table, and finally Misty, "With the five of us working together," He motioned his hands in a dramatic fashion with a look of gleeful madness on his face, "we will finish what Rutger and even Vincent started; break the Signers before destroying them, leaving the whole world open to destruction!"
(outside…)
Outside the hideout, it was shown to be night time as, near the moon, the geoglyphs of the Monkey, Lizard, Giant, Killer Whale, and Hummingbird appeared—as Rutger (Spider) and Vincent (Dog) were defeated, their respective birthmarks didn't show up with the others. Things were soon going to get worse for Team 6D's and what was left of their friends and allies unless there was a way to even the odds, but how could they even things up? More importantly, would Matt be able to regain his (Matt) will to fight the Dark Signers, and would Michael ever make amends with Matt? Stay tuned for the answers.
So, Carlie has been spared of possible defeat and most likely death by Misty, and Azrael has brought Orga, Clotho, and Shani back and taken over as leader of the Dark Signers. With Muruta Azrael being the evilest of the group, who knows what his future plans against the Signers will be like. All I can say is stay tuned for the next chapter, but it will not be worked on and posted until at least early October, since either Saturday or Sunday, I'm going to be away visiting my Grandmother for a couple of days. Until my return, please keep staying safe.