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: Break Through It All
Opening up on the streets of Hartford in the dead of the night, Matt, Michael, and James R. were in the middle of a Turbo Duel with Orga, Clotho, and Shani. However, things were not going all that well for the former team; all of their cards had just been destroyed by Clotho's Handless Combo. Orga controlled 'Gladiator Beast Alexander' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 600), Shani controlled 'Evigishki Tetrogre' (Level: 6/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2100), and Clotho controlled 'Void Ogre Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
"Did you see that?!" gloated Clotho, "My Handless Combo has gotten rid of your monsters without trouble!" He then entered his End Phase, "And with that, my turn is done!"
"It seems this match is over," chortled Orga.
Shani snickered to himself. Meanwhile, with Fudo Go, Wheel of Fortune, and Blackbird…
"Matt! It's all up to you!" James R. called out, "Only you can defeat the Dark Signers and save us all!"
"The lives of our friends all depend on you drawing the right card!" added Michael.
Matt flinched when he heard such a thing from his two friends, but knew they were right; considering who they were facing, he had to draw the right card, otherwise it would be all over for the three of them—maybe for everyone else, too.
"They're right," thought Matt, looking at his Deck with desperation, "I have to save everyone… I just have to!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
All players gained a Speed Counter:
-Matt: 5 → 6
-Michael: 5 → 6
-James R.: 5 → 6
-Clotho: 5 → 6
-Orga: 5 → 6
-Shani: 5 → 6
Turn ?: Matt Fudo (LP: 3000)
Deck: ?
Current Hand (1): "Salvage Warrior"
Speed Counters: 6
Unfortunately, Matt's hopes for a good card were dashed when he saw that he drew his 'Salvage Warrior' Effect Monster Card, which was currently not helpful due to a lack of monsters on his field to Tribute.
"Matt!" bellowed Michael.
"Matt!" came from James R..
Matt grimaced, knowing that there was nothing he could do—he failed Michael and James R., he failed everyone at Orb, and he failed those who died at the hands of the Dark Signers.
"I…end my turn…!" sighed Matt.
James R. and Michael both looked shocked by the lack of action from their friend, becoming aware of Matt failing to draw anything remote;py helpful. Meanwhile, Orga burst into maniacal laughter.
"That's it?" cracked Orga, "You, the so-called Ultimate Coordinator, can't do anything? How laughable!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Yet again all players gained a Speed Counter:
-Matt: 6 → 7
-Michael: 6 → 7
-James R.: 6 → 7
-Clotho: 6 → 7
-Orga: 6 → 7
-Shani: 6 → 7
Turn ?: Orga Sabnak (LP: 3100)
Deck: ?
Current Hand (3): ?, ?, and ?
Speed Counters: 7
Without wasting a beat…
"Battle!" declared Orga, entering the Battle Phase. While giving the order to attack, 'Gladiator Beast Alexander' jumped into the air until he was above Wheel of Fortune, "'Gladiator Beast Alexander', attack the 'Former King' directly!"
With a fierce roar, 'Gladiator Beast Alexander' slashed at Wheel of Fortune with his claws. Michael screamed in agony as his LP not only emptied but his Duel Runner also spun out before sparking, crashing, and exploding (LP: 2000 → 0).
Michael Atlas has been eliminated!
"MIKE!" called James R..
At the spot of destruction, the battered, bloodied, and now deceased Michael laid within the remains of the destroyed Wheel of Fortune.
"This is amazing!" cackled Orga, "I finally defeated Michael Atlas and got my revenge!" He entered the End Phase, "I end my turn!"
"Allow me the honor of making our next enemy disappear," hissed Shani, drawing a card, "Draw!"
The remaining five duelists gained a Speed Counter:
-Matt: 7 → 8
-James R.: 7 → 8
-Clotho: 7 → 8
-Orga: 7 → 8
-Shani: 7 → 8
Turn ?: Shani Andras (LP: 2500)
Deck: ?
Current Hand (2): ? and ?
Speed Counters: 8
Just like what Orga did seconds ago, Shani entered his Battle Phase without even looking at what he drew.
"Battle!" exclaimed Shani, "'Evigishki Tetrogre', attack James directly!"
'Evigishki Tetrogre' obeyed, viciously slashing at Blackbird with its right claw, destroying the Duel Runner in an explosion and killing James R. instantly without him being able to even yell in agony (LP: 1600 → 0).
James R. Hogan has been eliminated!
Now alone, Matt was facing down two strong monsters and one powerful monster all belonging to the Dark Signers.
"I end my turn!" concluded Shani, "I guess you're the only one left," As he (Shani) taunted the opponent, Matt listened before gritting his (Matt) teeth, "you Coordinator scum! This will be an easy job."
"One job I look forward to finishing," acknowledged Clotho, drawing a card, "Draw!"
The final four duelists gained a Speed Counter:
-Matt: 8 → 9
-Clotho: 8 → 9
-Orga: 8 → 9
-Shani: 8 → 9
Turn ?: Clotho Buer (LP: 3000)
Deck: ?
Current Hand (1): ?
Speed Counters: 9
Without wasting a second…
"Time to be eliminated, you loser!" screeched Clotho, "For someone who's supposed to be the Ultimate Coordinator, you're not as tough as we were expecting!" He gazed upward, "Isn't that right, 'Void Ogre'?"
In the dark sky, 'Void Ogre Dragon' let out a roar of rage in response.
"I think it agrees with you, Clotho," joked Orga.
"I know I do," remarked Shani deviously.
"Now to finish you off!" snarled Clotho, entering the Battle Phase, "'Void Ogre Dragon', attack Matt Fudo directly! Infernity Chaos Flame!"
'Void Ogre Dragon' obeyed, opening its mouth to charge and let loose one of the most powerful and destructive-looking flame attacks anyone had ever seen. Matt, terrified and helpless to dodge or escape, watched as the attack came right for him.
"STOP IIIIIIIIIIT!" screamed Matt.
Infernity Chaos Flame then collided with Fudo Go…
END NIGHTMARE
Suddenly, Matt shot up in bed, drenched in a cold sweat, and panting heavily. Looking around, he found he was back inside his dorm at Orb, with the duel against a seemingly alive Orga, Clotho, and Shani being nothing but a bad dream.
"It was only a nightmare," Matt told himself, but then became filled with immense guilt, "Too bad it was one where I failed Mike and James when they needed me the most," He briefly looked out the window at the night sky, "So much for being the Ultimate Coordinator, since I couldn't even fight to protect my friends and loved ones from getting hurt…" The dirty blonde-haired young man continued to look and sound depressed, "…or dying at the hands of the Dark Signers."
There was a gentle knock on the door leading into the hallway.
"Matty… Matty, are you awake in there?" The voice of Ashima echoed.
Matt turned towards the door, which opened up. Ashima walked inside, looking very worried for her beloved boyfriend.
"Matty… I'm really worried about you," began Ashima, "Ever since your loss to Mike, you've been growing more and more distant towards us."
"It's because I'm nothing," rebutted Matt solemnly, "We lost many of our friends… I lost access to Clear Mind… I failed to reach Top Clear Mind… And my own Father killed God knows how many people to turn me into the Ultimate Coordinator!"
"Matt…" Ashima tried protesting.
"Don't you get it?" ranted Matt intensely, turning to face and seeming to scare Ashima with his words alone, "My whole life has been one big lie!" He looked down at the palms of his bare hands, "Now I know how Thomas must have felt to learn about his own origins…"
"Matty, I… I just want to help you," whimpered Ashima.
"You want to help me?" Matt scoffed in a cold tone, unconvinced, "You can help by getting out of my dorm and leaving me alone. I don't want to see anyone right now."
The devastated Ashima gasped, heartbroken as she turned and tearfully left the dorm just as she was told to. Now alone again, Matt, as he heard some soft sobs coming from outside, faced away from the door feeling nothing but remorse for hurting Ashima like that, but he really wasn't all that interested in having any company at the height of his depression.
(elsewhere…)
The next morning, everyone had gathered in one of the cafeterias for breakfast, but Matt and Michael were absent from the gathering.
"Where are they?" wondered James R., "They need to eat, too!"
"Presumably Atlas-sama doesn't want to see Fudo-san or be anywhere near him," guessed David.
"I'm afraid you might be right about that, seeing as Mike is still really pissed off with Matt," recalled Zack, "He tried to help him regain his will to fight, but Matt barely put up a fight, unlike Lisa."
"Matty's been avoiding us since defeating Rutger," said Ashima, as faded stills of Matt and Rutger's final duel were superimposed over her, "The realization that Dr. Fudo was the one who turned Matt into the Ultimate Coordinator has destroyed his will to fight on."
The atmosphere in the cafeteria grew more glum than ever before, knowing that, without Matt fighting, the rest of the Signers were going to have a really hard time dealing with the remains of the Dark Signers. Carlie, in particular, was concerned because Matt was the strongest duelist of the group along with Michael.
(elsewhere…)
Outside, Matt was seated alone on a bench doing some serious thinking. It was about Rutger's words about how he (Matt) was the Ultimate Coordinator and how many Mothers and unborn babies were sacrificed in order to achieve it, his real Father had been involved in those experiments seemingly without regret, his failure to reach a state of Top Clear Mind, the loss of Clear Mind, and the deaths of several of his friends plus adopted Father with him being unable to prevent any of them from dying. The thoughts of those failures made his right fist shake with sadness and fear. Just then, Matt saw a shadow looming over him and looked up; it was Michael, and there was an unreadable look on his face.
"Mike…" whispered Matt. When Michael said nothing back, he (Matt) went on, "Discord… Elsworth… Megan… and a good number of our friends… All of them died at the hands of the Dark Signers because of my weakness—because I was not able to protect any of them," His looked at the palms of his shaking gloved hands, "How can I fight the remaining Dark Signers if I'm feeling this terrified? To put a stop to them… What should I do?"
Matt Fudo clenched those hands of his into fists while shutting his eyes tightly over his grief and fear. At last…
"'What should you do'?" shouted Michael, forcefully grabbing Matt by the collar of his (Matt) jacket and making him stand up from the bench, "Let me show you!"
Before Matt knew what was happening, the fist of Michael Atlas suddenly came and violently collided with his (Matt) stomach.
"GAH!" grimaced Matt, struggling to breath after getting the wind knocked out of him, "M-Mike…"
With gritted teeth and violent anger in his eyes, Michael merely snarled with rage, finally having enough of his (Michael) best friend acting all mopy and doing nothing but feeling sorry for himself (Matt) when the other Dark Signers still remained out there and a lingering threat to the world. Before long, Matt, clutching his stomach, collapsed to his (Matt) knees and looked up at Michael weakly, wondering what the big idea was.
"Mike, what are you-?!" he struggled to say, trying to stand up.
"I said I would show you what you should do!" retorted Michael, before delivering an uppercut and hitting Matt again, "Like so!"
Yelling out, Matt flew back a few feet before hitting the ground. Pulling himself onto his (Matt) hands and knees, Matt glared upwards at Michael, who continued to loom over him (Matt) in absolute disgust.
"What's that look for?" huffed Michael coldly, "Seeing how you're looking at me like a lost puppy, as though you had lost to the Dark Signers! You make me absolutely sick! You, who dragged me off my throne as King and gave me such disgrace, then you disappointed me by not even trying to properly face me in a duel, and then I heard you broke Ashima's heart just because she wants to help you!" As he (Michael) raged onward, Matt continued to listen while shaking like a leaf, "Where the hell has the 'real' Matt Fudo gone!?"
Matt, still on his hands and knees, lowered his head and said nothing.
"So what if some of our friends died, and who cares if your old man made you into the Ultimate Coordinator?" spat Michael hatefully, "Actually, now that I think about it, they weren't the ones who died!" He an accusing finger forward, "No, Matt, it was 'you'!"
Matt immediately reacted in shock from the accusation.
"I can fight!" proclaimed Michael, "The Dark Signers are my enemies, and those who are my enemies must be dealt with without mercy!"
"I…!" stammered Matt, but was picked up by the jacket collar once again, "Ugh!"
"If they have something against us," ranted Michael, while lifting Matt up a second time, "I'll deal it back to them sevenfold! And since you can't do that…" He raised his left fist and threw one final punch, "…you're just a shell of a man!"
Matt watched as the fist came for his face once more.
*POW!*
But he wasn't the only one who got punched; it was shown that Michael had his (Michael) fist planted in the right cheek of Matt. Matt, meanwhile, had his (Matt) own right fist planted in Michael's left cheek. There was a somewhat long silence from both sides until…
"I…haven't died!" blurted Matt, breaking the silence.
"Yes…" whispered Michael, smiling weakly, despite the opposing fist still being in his face, "Those are the eyes."
(later…)
For the next little while after beating each other up and letting out their stress and frustration with the other, Matt and Michael, both heavily bruised, sat on the bench and talked things out between them.
"Hey, Mike," began Matt.
"Yeah?" grunted Michael.
"Thanks to you, I've opened my eyes," Matt was saying, "The Dark Signers are pushing the world towards danger. I have to set my resolve to protect my friends and what I hold dear."
"Hmph! The same old 'friends' and 'what I need to protect' routine…" scoffed Michael, but managed to crack a slight smile. He then lost that smile as he thought back to when Discord, Megan, Sean, Janice, Elsworth, and the three Astray girls all were killed by the Dark Signers, "What I need…to protect…"
And so, the two best friends and forever rivals remained silent as they continued sitting on the bench thinking about how they and the rest of the Signers were going to stop the remains of the Dark Signers. Just then, the two young men heard footsteps and looked nearby.
"You!" realized Michael.
"Erica!" finished Matt.
"I thought I might find you two out here," smiled Ms. Simmons, walking up. She then chuckled while noticing that both Matt and Michael looked a bit beaten up, "And I can see you were in a slight scrap."
"Let's just say I was trying to give Matt here a lesson in 'persuasion'," replied Michael, chuckling a little bit himself, "And I believe it might have worked out for both of us."
"Really?" pondered Ms. Simmons, before walking over to Matt, leaning forward, and looking into his eyes for a moment. She noticed they seemed normal again, but also noticed that there was still some form of…hesitancy…within them, "Hmm…"
"Erica?" blinked Matt, feeling a little uncomfortable, "Err…"
"Matt, would you like to duel with me again?" Ms. Simmons, straightening herself back up, offered at last, "I think it would do you a lot of good."
"A second…duel?"
"We never did get to finish our previous match," The brown-haired woman reminded, with both hands being placed at her hips, "I think it's time we officially settled the score."
Matt and Michael both remained rather silent on the matter, knowing that even though Vincent, Orga, Clotho, Shani, and Rutger were all gone, both Azrael and Misty were still out there, and therefore the Dark Signers were still a lingering and dangerous threat—especially if Azrael had taken over as the group's leader, and Azrael was the most dangerous and destructive of the whole group due to his hatred towards humanity. Matt then remembered that when he faced Ms. Simmons for the first time just after Vincent's defeat and before the death of the three Astray girls at the hands of the three Bio-CPU boys, she managed to bring out her strongest monster in 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' through Top Clear Mind and Delta Accel Synchro, and, from there, he found himself completely outmatched even with 'Shooting Star Dragon' on his field and would have barely won with his final combo if the duel continued without interruption—and he still didn't know what that final card of hers was. Later when he dueled Rutger for the second time, he failed in reaching Top Clear Mind and was forced on the defensive for most of the match. Would battling Ms. Simmons again be the answer, and could Matt actually defeat her if he gave it his all? Before long, Matt finally gave Ms. Simmons his answer…
"Okay, Erica," accepted Matt, "I'll face you one more time."
"I thought you might," said Ms. Simmons, very pleased.
(elsewhere…)
Two hours later, the whole school was inside the Turbo Duel Stadium, including Sherry, Shinji, Ren, Futaba, Gabriella, Mr. Kisaka, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Murdoch, Rin, Mr. Simmons, and Ryuta, ready to see what Erica Simmons was capable of doing as a duelist. On the track, Ms. Simmons, decked out in her Orb-based motorcyclist outfit and helmet while riding Murasame, and Matt, with his helmet on while riding Fudo Go, faced each other at the starting line.
"Erica really came close to beating me the last time," thought Matt, "Will I be able to pull off a win here, too?"
"Matt!" cut in Ms. Simmons, and getting Matt's attention, "Like last time, I will not hold back my true power. I want you to do the same thing—because, after all, this is going to be a battle between Coordinators. Do you understand?"
Matt looked uncertain at first, but eventually nodded and promised to not hold back. In the stands, there was a brief discussion going on about the previous duel between Matt and Ms. Simmons.
"Can Matt really win against a powerful opponent like Erica?" wondered Carlie.
"Hey, he would have won the last duel had there been no emergency interruption by Rin and Kojiro," reassured James R..
"You're wrong, James," denied Zack.
James R. looked over, "Eh?"
"When Matt attacked her with his final combo," continued Zack, "Erica smiled and told him she had won before attempting to activate her remaining Set card as the simulation ended."
"Oh yeah," remembered Lisa, "What could that final card of hers have been?"
"Beats me," shrugged James R., "Even so, I think it was all a bluff on Erica's part; she knew she'd lost."
Zack was unconvinced that was the case. Meanwhile, Michael was shown seated with his arms folded, wanting to see Matt fight Ms. Simmons with the power of the Ultimate Coordinator and no holding back. Only by winning the duel would he (Michael) forgive Matt for the poor dueling in their match. Back on the track…
"Field Spell, 'High Speed World', set on!" Matt and Ms. Simmons announced at once, before they pressed a button on the dashboard of their respective Duel Runners.
On the monitors of Fudo Go and Murasame, a whole new Spell Card materialized and activated.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the two, respective Duel Runners, "Autopilot activated."
From there, both Duel Runners became surrounded by a purple dome as autopilot activated. The crowd started cheering as the timer started counting down.
"Turbo Duel!" began Ms. Simmons (LP: 4000).
"Acceleration!" finished Matt (LP: 4000).
Both Duel Runners roared and tore down the track. Murasame crossed the finish line first, giving Ms, Simmons the first turn of the whole duel.
"Here I go, Matt!" declared Ms. Simmons, "Allow me to reintroduce you to the power of my 'Tech Genus' Deck!" She drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn One: Erica Simmons (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "T.G. Screw Serpent", "T.G. Warwolf", "T.G. Booster Raptor", "T.G. Gear Zombie", "T.G. Tank Grub", and "TGX1-UA"(!)
Speed Counters: 0
Her drawn card was a Trap Card called 'TGX1-UA'. Adding the card into her hand, she took out another card to play.
"I Summon…" yelled Ms. Simmons, placing the card ('T.G. Screw Serpent') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Runner, "…'T.G. Screw Serpent'!"
Appearing on the field was a mechanical-looking Sea Serpent monster with wings (Level: 4/ATK: 1300/DEF: 500).
"Next… If I control a 'T.G.' monster, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," As she spoke, Ms. Simmons held up another card ('T.G. Booster Raptor') and placed it onto her Duel Runner, "Come, 'T.G. Booster Raptor'!"
Appearing on the field was a dinosaur-looking 'T.G.' monster (Level: 1/ATK: 400/DEF: 300).
"Level 4 'Screw Serpent' tunes…" announced Ms. Simmons, as 'T.G. Screw Serpent' started transforming, "…Level 1 'Booster Raptor'!"
'T.G. Screw Serpent' turned into four Synchro Rings, just as 'T.G. Booster Raptor' soared into them while turning into a single orb of light.
"Limiter Removal, Level Five! Impulse Engines, OK! Thrusters working! All Clear!" chanted Ms. Simmons, as the symbols 1 + 4 = 5 were shown briefly just before the lone orb of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Go! Synchro Summon! Come on, 'T.G. Star Guardian'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a mechanical Warrior monster that resembled a very high tech-looking Duel Runner of sorts (Level: 5/ATK: 100/DEF: 2200).
"There it is!" Zack pointed out.
"The Synchro Tuner!" added Carlie.
"I activate 'Star Guardian's' third effect!" confessed Ms. Simmons, taking a card from her hand, "During my Main Phase: I can Special Summon 1 'T.G.' monster from my hand!" Appearing on the field was a large mechanical larva-like monster (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "I Special Summon 'T.G. Tank Grub'!"
In the stands, the Orb students all admired how fast Ms. Simmons was swarming her field with monsters. Luckily for them, there was more to come.
"When a Level 4 or lower monster(s) is Special Summoned (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card from my hand," explained Ms. Simmons, readying another card ('T.G. Warwolf') in her right hand while going over its first effect. She placed the card onto her Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'T.G. Warwolf'!"
Appearing on the field was a wolf with some mechanical body parts (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 0).
"I activate 'Screw Serpent's' second effect!" proclaimed Ms. Simmons, just as a card ('T.G. Screw Serpent') ejected from her GY, "I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'T.G.' monster I control; I must increase or reduce its Level by 1 until the end of this turn," Focus then went towards her 'T.G. Tank Grub' as its Level went up (Level: 1 → 2), "I target 'Tank Grub' and increase its Level to 2!" She swept her right arm about, "Level 2 'Tank Grub' tunes Level 3 'Warwolf'!"
'T.G. Tank Grub' turned into two Synchro Rings, just as 'T.G. Warwolf' soared into them while turning into three orbs of light.
"Limiter Removal, Level Five! Regulator Open! Thruster Warm up, OK! Up Link All Clear!" chanted Ms. Simmons, as the symbols 3 + 2 = 5 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Go! Synchro Summon! Come on, 'T.G. Hyper Librarian'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the human male wearing a white outfit with red cape and wielding a book of sorts (Level: 5/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).
"Erica's really not pulling any punches with swarming her field and Synchro Summoning," thought Matt, "Can she be-?"
"The second effect of 'Tank Grub' activates!" announced Ms. Simmons, just as a Token version of 'T.G. Tank Grub' appeared on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material for a 'T.G.' monster: I can Special Summon 1 'T.G. Token' in Attack Position!" Then she took another card ('T.G. Gear Zombie') from her hand and placed it onto her Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'T.G. Gear Zombie'!"
Appearing on the field was the greenish Zombie monster littered with gears (Level: 1/ATK: 600/DEF: 0).
"I can target 1 'T.G.' monster I control; I must Special Summon this card from my hand, then the targeted monster loses 1000 ATK," said Ms. Simmons, "I target…" Focus went towards 'T.G. Hyper Librarian' as his ATK fell a fair bit (ATK: 2400 → 1400), "…'Hyper Librarian'!"
Matt gritted his teeth, knowing that yet another Synchro Summon was coming. Sure enough…
"Level 1 'Gear Zombie' tunes Level 1 'T.G. Token'!" confirmed Ms. Simmons.
'T.G. Gear Zombie' turned into a single Synchro Ring, which 'T.G. Token' soared into before turning into a single orb of light while a Summon Chant echoed throughout.
"Limiter Removal Level Two! Regulator Open! Navigation, All Clear!" chanted Ms. Simmons, as the symbols 1 + 1 = 2 were briefly shown just before the single orb of light within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Go! Synchro Summon! Come on, 'T.G. Recipro Dragonfly'!"
Appearing on the field was the mechanical dragonfly-like monster (Level: 2/ATK: 300/DEF: 300). In the stands…
"Hey, Ryuta, are you liking your Mother dueling so far?" pressed Mr. Simmons.
"I am," smiled Ryuta, "Mommy is so cool as a duelist!"
"Ms. Simmons is really piling on the pressure onto Matt, isn't she?" commented Lisa.
Mr. Kisaka silently nodded, while, back on the track, Matt was busy thinking the same thing.
"I activate 'Hyper Librarian's' monster effect!" cut in Ms. Simmons, drawing a card, "If a monster is Synchro Summoned: I must draw 1 card. This card must be face-up on the field to activate and to resolve this effect," Her eyes narrowed, "Matt, I will now reintroduce you to the power that is greater than that of Accel Synchro."
She then revved up her Murasame and it began moving even faster than ever before, leaving Fudo Go way behind. The audience watched with anticipation as they heard Ms. Simmons's every word.
"The state of supremacy beyond the limits of your own being!" The voice of Ms. Simmons boomed, before she was shown saying (rather yelling) something else completely out of the blue, "Top Clear Mind!"
The audience gasped, either never hearing of Top Clear Mind before or realizing that Matt's worst nightmare was about to show up for the second time.
"Level 5 'Star Guardian' tunes Level 2 'Recipro Dragonfly'…!" The voice of Ms. Simmons announced, as 'T.G. Recipro Dragonfly' and 'T.G. Hyper Librarian' both were ready for the show, while 'T.G. Star Guardian' started glowing, "…and Level 5 'Hyper Librarian'!"
'T.G. Star Guardian' turning into five Synchro Rings as the Murasame Duel Runner continued picking up speed. It, along with both 'T.G. Recipro Dragonfly' and 'T.G. Hyper Librarian', soon went through the five Synchro Rings produced by 'T.G. Star Guardian into a tunnel of sorts as a whole new Summon Chant from Ms. Simmons began.
"Limiter Removal, Level Max! Regulator Open, All Clear! Infinite power, break through time and space to open up an unknown world!" chanted Ms. Simmons, as the symbols 2 + 5 + 5 = 12 were briefly shown before she delivered a final, very powerful yell, "Go! Delta Accel!"
With the last part yelled out, Murasame, with purple flames surrounding the front of the Duel Runner, continued to move at the speed of light. In the stands, the audience watched in a stunned silence at what was going on. Meanwhile, up ahead on the track, Ms. Simmons was bringing out her ultimate monster…
"Come on, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'!" she thundered.
Appearing onto the field, now that the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the extremely powerful gigantic robot colored black with some orange hues and a large rocket pack on its back. The main weapon, on the other hand, was a giant staff with a blade at the very end (Level: 12/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000). Everyone from Orb (except Lisa and Rin) was admiring the monster with 4000 ATK, while the remaining members of Team 6D's, plus Zack, Ashima, and even Mr. Kisaka, were now worried seeing as it was only Ms. Simmons's first turn, yet she brought out her most powerful monster that quickly, indicating she would brutally crush Matt. Back on the field…
"I Set one card…" finished Ms. Simmons, who, with the swing of her right arm, made a face-down card on the field in-front of Murasame, "…and end my turn!"
The Set card faded away for later use. Matt, however, made no effort to begin his turn.
"What's wrong, Matt?" called Ms. Simmons, "It's your turn!"
Matt was actually visibly scared of facing 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' again, not helping that he was supposed to be the Ultimate Coordinator, and yet he still couldn't even reach a state of Top Clear Mind or anything. He hadn't even taken his first turn, and he was up against Ms. Simmons's strongest monster. Without any choice, Matt finally began his turn.
"I-It's my turn!" croaked Matt, drawing a card.
With it being the second turn of the duel, both players gained a Speed Counter:
-Matt: 0 → 1
-Ms. Simmons: 0 → 1
Turn Two: Matt Fudo (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Wild Heart", "Jet Synchron", "Tuning", "Starlight Architect"(!), "Graceful Charity", and "Necroid Synchro"
Speed Counters: 1
Matt's drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Necroid Synchro'. Looking at it and his hand (containing 'Wild Heart', 'Jet Synchron', 'Tuning', 'Starlight Architect', and 'Graceful Charity'), he started to see a temporary way to deal with 'T.G. Halberd Cannon's' first effect. Noticing his 'Graceful Charity' Spell Card, Matt decided to play it first to get a few more resources.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Graceful Charity'!" began Matt, holding out his card ('Graceful Charity'), "I must draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards!"
Ms. Simmons remained neutral from hearing that, while Matt drew his three cards, took two cards ('Jet Synchron' and 'Synchro Transmission') from his hand, and sent them to the GY. From there, he made another move.
"When a monster is sent from the hand to the GY: I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" declared Matt, holding up a familiar card ('Wild Heart'), "I Special Summon 'Wild Heart'!"
Appearing on the field was the Neanderthal-looking human monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"Matt, did you already forget about 'Halberd Cannon's' first effect?!" chastised Ms. Simmons, just as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' motioned both arms to its chest before holding them out, "Close Summon!"
'T.G. Halberd Cannon' fired off a beam of red plasma, striking 'Wild Heart' and destroying him.
"Did she just-?!" gawked Rin.
"That was Close Summon," confirmed Mr. Kisaka.
"While this card is face-up on the field, I can negate the Summon of a monster(s), and if I do, destroy it," reminded Ms. Simmons, "Unfortunately, this effect can only be used up to the number of monsters used for 'Halberd Cannon's' Synchro Summon."
In the stands…
"She used 'three' Synchro Materials for the Synchro Summon," acknowledged Michael, "As it stands, Close Summon can be used three times in total."
"Which is really, really bad for Matt," put in James R..
Back on the track, Matt grunted something and decided to try using something else.
"Spell Card, 'Tuning', activate!" The dirty blonde-haired young man exclaimed, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Fudo Go, "I must add 1 'Synchron' Tuner from my Deck to my hand," He held up a card taken from his Deck, "then send the top card of my Deck to the GY," The card ('Unknown Synchron') was turned over and revealed, "I add 'Unknown Synchron' into my hand!" Not being done, he sent the top card ('Fake Gardna') from his Deck to the GY, "From there, I'll send the top card of my Deck to the GY!"
Suddenly, appearing on the field was the familiar robotic ball-like monster with a single eye known as 'Unknown Synchron' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"If only my opponent controls a monster, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" recalled Matt.
"Worthless!" dismissed Ms. Simmons, as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' motioned both arms to its chest before holding them out, "Close Summon!"
'T.G. Halberd Cannon' fired off a beam of red plasma, striking 'Unknown Synchron' and destroying it.
"Why are you making such weak moves and decisions?" demanded Ms. Simmons hotly, "You'll never defeat me like that!"
"Not yet!" yelled Matt, as he took another card ('Starlight Architect') and placed it onto his Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Starlight Architect'!"
Appearing on the field was a starry architect that bore resemblance to the 'Synchron' archetype (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 500). The seemingly weak move seemed to irritate Ms. Simmons further as she made a move to counter the Summon.
"Close Summon!" ordered Ms. Simmons.
'T.G. Halberd Cannon' obeyed, motioning both arms to its chest before holding them out and firing a beam of red plasma, striking 'Starlight Architect' and destroying it. Back in the stands, Michael furiously slammed his hands on the railing.
"Matt, you damned fool!" bellowed Michael, "You knew you couldn't Summon any monsters without them being destroyed! What the hell are you doing making so many mistakes!"
"Don't be so sure of that," corrected Zack, getting Michael's attention, "Matt just forced 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' to use up its maximum number of Close Summons, so now he doesn't have to worry about having his Summons be negated."
"That's good and all… but he can't Normal Summon anymore this turn," James R. pointed out, "So, technically, Mike is still right about Matt's turn, Zack."
Zack groaned, remembering that detail. Back on the track, Matt gritted his teeth again, knowing that while 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' could no longer use its first effect again, he knew that Ms. Simmons was unworried about that and shut his eyes tight.
"What else can I do?" Matt thought to himself, believing he was going to lose this soon, "Is this really going to be the end for me?"
Suddenly…
"Hey now, are you giving up already, my son?" A male voice called out.
(new location…)
Matt opened his eyes, finding himself not on his Duel Runner and standing up within the darkness of his mind. But he wasn't alone… Up ahead was a man with short blonde hair and wearing a white lab coat.
"It… it can't be!" gasped Matt.
The man was none other than Dr. Fudo, or Mu (his first name), and he was smiling over seeing his son for the first time in years despite being deceased.
"Are you really giving up this soon?" repeated Mu.
The shock of seeing his (Matt) Father for the first time since that horrible night wore off, and Matt became ashamed over seeing him (Mu) again.
"I'm aware of the truth of what I am," muttered Matt.
Mu frowned, "I know," he nodded, "Please find it in yourself to forgive me. I have burdened you with an outrageous destiny."
"I don't know if I ever can forgive you," retorted Matt, calmly but sadly, "You turned me into something by killing many women and unborn children—plus you and Mom never even told me the truth when I was a child."
"Yes… No amount of apology will change anything about the families I destroyed or how you feel about being the Ultimate Coordinator," sighed Mu, walking over to his son. Once close enough, he placed his (Mu) hands on Matt's shoulders, "However, you have me all wrong."
"All wrong?" repeated Matt.
"Yes, what I've done is unforgivable, but I had nothing but good intentions and never meant to kill people," admitted Mu, as faded stills of him, Rex, and Rutger performing the experiment on Murrue (Matt's Mother), it going wrong, and her being rushed to the hospital, Matt being born, and him (Mu) getting his wish to shut the Ultimate Coordinator project down were superimposed over him one image at a time, "When you were finally born after my wife and your Mother, Murrue, was almost killed by the experiment, I finally saw the light and successfully petitioned to shut the project down and never looked back at it, trying to find ways to make it up to all of the families I ended up destroying and more."
"Dad…" uttered Matt.
"In the early 2000s, it was actually 'Rutger', not me, who wanted to restart the Ultimate Coordinator project," explained Mu, "Although he made the request, it was refused due to being too dangerous. Even so, he refused to give it up."
Matt's eyes widened, "What?"
"Yes," confirmed Mu, "This is what happened."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Years ago, during a visit to the Fudo home in Vancouver, Flashback Rutger was secretly in the basement lab, trying to make upgrades to the Ultimate Coordinator serum, hoping to use his findings to convince the government in the upcoming meeting to restart the project.
"So Mu thinks he knows better than me, does he?" Flashback Rutger was telling himself, typing away at a keyboard, "Well, we'll just have to see about that! I just need to perfect the serum…"
The huge monitor soon displayed new calculations, and Flashback Rutger smiled maniacally, excited that the improvements made to the Ultimate Coordinator serum would help convince the prime minister to provide additional funding for the project. He quickly printed off the formula and looked at it lovingly. Unfortunately, Flashback Rutger was so focused on his findings that he remained unaware that he was about to be caught.
"When the world eventually becomes filled with the strongest of Coordinators, it will be perfect!" gushed Flashback Rutger, "Now, I just need to-"
"Rutger!" The voice of Flashback Mu cried out.
To Flashback Rutger's surprise, Flashback Mu and Flashback Murrue were standing in the nearby doorway, having caught their friend attempting to continue the Ultimate Coordinator project without permission.
"Rutger…!" stammered Flashback Murrue.
"Rutger, you know the continuation of the project has been refused!" objected Flashback Mu, "Why the hell are you so insistent on continuing it?"
"It has been mankind's ever constant dream to attempt the impossible," replied Flashback Rutger, "For my goal, that impossible means making the world truly perfect!" He held the piece of paper out, "Here, see for yourself."
Flashback Mu took the printed calculations and looked them over, with his wife also taking a peek. Flashback Rutger just smiled, confident he could convince his two friends to go along with the plan.
"No," The voice of Flashback Mu said at last.
"What?" gasped Flashback Rutger, "You're saying no? After all the work I did, you still refuse?!"
"Why don't you get it!?" demanded Flashback Mu, "The whole project is just too dangerous! No matter what sort of 'improvements' you make to the serum, there's always going to be some sort of flaw that no one, not even you will have foreseen!"
"Rutger, even you should know that this is deeply flawed," advised Flashback Murrue, approaching and placing her hands on Flashback Rutger's shoulders, "Too many women and unborn children died due to our dreams. Mu almost lost me and our son… Please don't keep trying to do this, you could end up going insane!"
"I 'have' to!" roared Flashback Rutger, already losing his mind as he shoved Flashback Murrue away, "If the world was filled with the type of Coordinator your son is, this would become absolutely perfect! If you two won't help me, then I'll show my findings to the government on my own!"
"Listen to yourself!" raged Flashback Mu, causing Flashback Rutger to stop and look back, "This wish of yours to make the world perfect is a complete fantasy! We can't make the world the way you want it to be—it isn't right!" He held up and tore apart the printed formula, "We're not restarting the Ultimate Coordinator project, and that's final!"
Unfortunately, the sight of his friend tearing up his hard work finally caused Flashback Rutger to jump off the slippery slope. Yelling in a hateful rage, he started trashing the whole lab. Not about to let Flashback Rutger get away, Flashback Mu charged forward and started fistfighting him (Flashback Rutger) while Flashback Murrue watched helplessly as both men fought brutally. Eventually, Flashback Rutger further snapped, grabbed a metal pipe on the floor, and started swinging it at Flashback Mu, only to miss and accidentally strike the nearby power generator, sending sparks that landed on the glasses of chemicals and starting a big fire.
(outside…)
Outside the family home, the fire had already spread as the firefighters tried containing the blaze while a large crowd watched with horror. One firefighter emerged from the building with Young Matt unconscious in his arms. Unfortunately, while Young Matt was saved, Flashback Mu, Flashback Rutger, and Flashback Murrue each were not able to be saved.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Matt was left in shock, realizing that Rutger hadn't told him (Matt) the full truth during their duel, having deliberately left out some important stuff to make it seem like it was all Mu's doing.
"There, that's what happened," finished Mu.
"Dad, I… I…" murmured Matt, feeling ashamed again—this time with himself, "I'm sorry."
Mu looked over, "Huh?"
"Thanks to what you've told me, I realize now I never should have resented you for making me the Ultimate Coordinator," admitted Matt, "Can you ever forgive me?"
Mu smiled, and both Father and son hugged it out, proving that things between them would be okay. Once they broke away, Mu had a few more words he wanted to say.
"Go, Matt," he suggested, "Go to your friends."
"Dad," responded Matt.
"You guys have to stop the Dark Signers," continued Mu firmly, "You mustn't let them destroy the world."
"We'll stop them," promised Matt, "And we won't fail."
"I know you won't," Mu grinned, proud of how far his son had come, "I guess this is goodbye for now."
And, the second after Matt nodded, Mu Fudo faded away.
(elsewhere…)
When Matt opened his eyes, he was back in Orb's Turbo Duel Stadium, still in the middle of a duel against Erica Simmons with nearly every single student of the school watching.
"Matt, do you wish to keep going?" offered Ms. Simmons, as Matt slowly regained focus, "You've made me use up the amount of times I can use 'Halberd Cannon's' first effect," She continued to look stern as she spoke, "However, it came at the cost of making you use up what Summons you have access to. As soon as your turn is over, my monster will attack you directly and deplete your LP."
"That's true, but there's still one thing you're wrong about," interrupted Matt.
Ms. Simmons raised an eyebrow, "And what would that be?"
"My turn is just beginning!" With that said, Matt held out another card ('Necroid Synchro'), "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Necroid Synchro'!" He slotted the card into his Duel Runner, causing the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field in-front of Fudo Go, "I must banish 1 Tuner and up to 2 non-Tuner monsters from my GY, and if I do, Special Summon 1 'Stardust' Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck whose Level equals the total Levels of those banished monsters, but negate its effects. (This Special Summon is treated as a Synchro Summon.)"
Appearing on the field very briefly were 'Wild Heart' (Level: 4), 'Stardust Architect' (Level: 3), and 'Unknown Synchron' (Level: 1).
"My Level 1 'Unknown Synchron' tunes Level 4 'Wild Heart' and Level 3 'Stardust Architect'!" began Matt, just as 'Unknown Synchron' turned into a single Synchro Ring, "Let's rev it up!"
Both 'Wild Heart' and 'Stardust Architect' soared into the lone Synchro Ring and turned into seven orbs of light (four for '', and three for '') as a Summon Chant followed.
"Gathering stars will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 4 + 3 + 1 = 8 were shown briefly just before the seven orbs of light within the single Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Take flight, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the lean, white-colored, majestic-looking Signer Dragon (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"'Stardust' has-!" flinched Ms. Simmons, retreating into her mind, "I can't use 'Halberd Cannon's' first effect to destroy it. One, because I've used up how many times I can use the effect," She then looked towards 'Stardust Dragon', "and two, because 'Stardust Dragon' can be Tributed to negate the destruction effect and destroy my monster."
"I activate 'Stardust Architect's' third effect!" called Matt, drawing two cards and looking at them, "If this card in my GY is banished: I can…" He sent one of the cards ('Stardust Trail') to the GY, "…draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card!" All of a sudden, after discarding another card ('Stardust Xiaolong'), 'Jet Synchron' appeared on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 500/DEF: 0), "Then, I'll Special Summon 'Jet Synchron' from my GY!"
"'Jet Synchron'," mused Ms. Simmons.
"I can send 1 card from my hand to the GY; I must Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field," explained Matt, going over his monster's second effect, "However, the monster I discarded was 'Stardust Xiaolong'—which I'll Special Summon from my GY!"
Appearing on the field was the Chinese Dragon-like version of 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"If I control 'Stardust Dragon': I can Special Summon this card from my GY in Attack Position," revealed Matt, before holding his right hand out, "Level 1 'Jet Synchron' tunes…" As the command to tune was being given, 'Stardust Xiaolong' and 'Jet Synchron' both took off for the skies, "…Level 1 'Stardust Xiaolong'!"
'Jet Synchron' turned into a single Synchro Ring, which 'Stardust Xiaolong' flew into while turning into a single orb of light as a familiar Summon Chant was heard throughout.
"Clustering wishes will call out a new speed's horizon! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 1 + 1 = 2 were shown briefly just before the single orb of light within the lone Synchro Ring turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! The power of hope, Synchro Tuner, 'Formula Synchron'!"
Appearing onto the speeding field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the robotic, humanoid racing car-like monster (Level: 2/ATK: 200/DEF: 1500). With 'Jet Synchron' gone from the field, it ended up getting banished via its second effect.
"'Formula Synchron'! Matt, are you attempting to reach Clear Mind again?" questioned Ms. Simmons.
"Erica," Matt said instead, surprising Ms. Simmons, "For a few moments, I…saw my Father!"
Cue gasps from the audience and even Ms. Simmons herself.
"I now know the full truth; Mu Fudo wasn't described as a madman who killed pregnant women and the unborn children for science, but was a good man with very good intentions," continued Matt, while envisioning the story that Mu revealed, "It was Rutger who tried restarting the Ultimate Coordinator project, which eventually drove him insane and led to the deaths of himself and my parents in that terrifying house fire. Rutger didn't tell me the full story about what happened."
In the stands, the audience watched and listened, wondering if it meant that Matt was back to his usual self, now freed from the guilt and disgust placed upon him by Rutger. Their answer came as Matt made another move.
"I activate 'Formula Synchron's' first effect!" declared Matt, "When this card is Synchro Summoned: I can…" He drew a card, "…draw 1 card!"
His drawn card was the 'Stardust Wish' Trap Card, which he could use along with another card hidden in his hand.
"Erica, I will show you the true power of the Ultimate Coordinator, with or without access to Top Clear Mind or Delta Accel Synchro," vowed Matt.
"You will?" wondered Ms. Simmons.
"The ultimate power I have obtained!" began Matt, before finishing with… "Clear Mind!"
With that last part shouted, he started crackling with absolute power as a large image of the Seal of the Crimson Dragon appeared behind him and Fudo Go.
"Clear Mind!?" gasped Ashima.
"He's back! Matt's officially back!" agreed James R..
And so, the ultimate comeback commenced.
"Level 2 Synchro Tuner, 'Formula Synchron'," Matt went on, motioning his right arm about while also thrusting the right hand out. While still speaking, 'Stardust Dragon' flew above him and Fudo Go, "tunes Level 8 Synchro Monster, 'Stardust Dragon'!"
'Formula Synchron' immediately turned itself into two balls of light and was absorbed into an unknown force straight ahead, causing the symbols 8 + 2 = 10 to be shown briefly. Not only that, Fudo Go started to gain speed while also allowing flames to surround it. 'Stardust Dragon' let loose a roar as it flew above Matt and followed him, just as he began a highly familiar Summon Chant…
"Gathering power that dwells inside my fist, transform into a will that can shatter even steel!" chanted Matt, raising his right hand into the air above 'Stardust Dragon', "Become the path its light shines upon!"
More and more flames surrounded Fudo Go as it went faster and faster, just as Matt gave quite possibly one of the strongest, most hot-blooded screams anyone in the stadium could ever hear…
"Accel Synchro!" The dirty blonde-haired young man echoed, motioning his right arm out to his right at the very end of the scream.
Very quickly, a familiar card ('Stardust Warrior') materialized out of thin-air and in-between Matt's fingers. Not only that, both Fudo Go and 'Stardust Dragon' were also now moving/flying at the speed of light while burning like a shooting star—eventually vanishing into what looked like a green ring-like vortex without a trace.
"He's gone!" cried Rin.
Within seconds, however, Fudo Go (and its rider) reappeared from the same vortex, overtaking Ms. Simmons and Murasame. Not only that, following Fudo Go before briefly soaring into the air happened to be a VERY familiar monster…
"Appear now, 'Stardust Warrior'!" boomed Matt.
Jumping into the sky was, indeed, the humanoid version of 'Stardust Dragon' with bits of yellow mechanical parts for the limbs, two wings shaped like 'Shooting Star Dragon's' jet wings, and two powerful-looking fists. Still in the sky, 'Stardust Warrior' motioned both arms about before letting out a loud, booming scream that sounded similar to 'Shooting Star Dragon's' roar (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). Carlie's eyes widened, as she remembered 'Stardust Warrior' being one of the monsters that helped defeat and save her from herself and the horrible manipulations of Azrael and the Dark Signers.
"Heck yeah!" cheered James R., "There he is, 'Stardust Warrior'! Things are really looking up for Matt after such a rocky start!"
"Not just yet," warned Michael, arms folded, "I want to see Matt win the duel just to be sure."
David and Lisa both nodded in agreement and looked back at the Turbo Duel. Back on the track, 'Stardust Warrior' ran alongside Fudo Go, both ahead of Murasame and 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'.
"Well done, Matt," admitted Ms. Simmons, "You're finally dueling more properly… But you'll have to do better than that!" Her focus first went towards 'Stardust Warrior' (ATK: 3000) and then 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' (ATK: 4000), "Even your 'Stardust Warrior' will not be able to defeat 'Halberd Cannon', who has 4000 ATK!"
"I know," acknowledged Matt, closing his eyes while smiling, "However…" He opened his eyes and lost his smile, "I still intend to attack and destroy your monster!"
"You're still going to attack?!" Ms. Simmons cringed, "How are you going to-?" It was then she stopped very quickly, "Wait! He obviously has 'Rush Warrior' in his hand, which he used against Carlie in their duel, the first time 'Stardust Warrior' appeared; that's why he didn't go for 'Shooting Star Dragon'! Good strategy, Matt," She smiled to herself, "But…"
"Battle!" bellowed Matt, entering the Battle Phase as 'Stardust Warrior' jumped into the air and faced 'T.G. Halberd Cannon', "'Stardust Warrior', attack 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'!"
"Wait, why would Mr. Matt attack Mommy's monster if it's stronger than his own?" pondered Ryuta.
"I don't know, but if Matt is attacking now, he must have some kind of strategy prepared," replied Mr. Simmons.
"Go forth, 'Stardust Warrior'!" ordered Matt, just before 'Stardust Warrior' flew down towards 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' with both fists out, "Shooting Smash!"
With a mighty cry, 'Stardust Warrior' tried to punch 'T.G. Halberd Cannon', but the enemy monster used its weapon to block the attack. Just then, 'Stardust Warrior' was forced to back away as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' started glowing white.
"Wh-What on Earth?" cried Matt.
"Hmhmhm…" giggled Ms. Simmons, "When you declared your attack," She pointed to a face-up Trap Card called 'Initiating Assault Mode!'(!) on the field in-front of Murasame, "I activated my Trap Card! Counter Trap, 'Initiating Assault Mode!'!"
"'Initiating Assault Mode!'?!" realized Matt.
"If a Synchro Monster I control is targeted for an attack: I must Tribute that monster; until the end of this turn, I must…" explained Ms. Simmons, as Matt and the audience listened in total shock, "…negate the effects of all monsters my opponent currently controls whose Level is less than or equal to the Tributed monster, then, Special Summon 1 '/Assault Mode' monster from my Deck whose name includes the Tributed monster's name. (This is treated as a Special Summon with 'Assault Mode Activate',)" She continued to smile with triumph, "'Stardust Warrior' can negate the Special Summoning of an opponent's monster by Tributing itself, but that effect has been sealed off for the rest of this turn!"
From there, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' started transforming into a whole new form as a Summon Chant from Ms. Simmons followed.
"Limiter Removal, Level Max! Evolution Engaged! Infinite power, break through time and space to open up an unknown world and strike with the strength of the infinite!" chanted Ms. Simmons, before holding her right hand out, "Go! Assault Evolution! Come on, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'!"
When the glowing stopped, 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' was now much more evolved-looking, colored differently, and more intimidating than ever before (Level: 12/ATK: 4500/DEF: 4500). The audience was hushed into silence over Ms. Simmons's newest monster making an appearance, and Matt, still on the field, felt some mild fear of it.
"A '/Assault Mode' version of 'T.G. Halberd Cannon'…" whispered Matt, "This version must have more devastating effects…"
"For the rest of this turn after this card resolves, '/Assault Mode' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle!" informed Ms. Simmons, as she finished revealing what her card did while the audience listened to her explanation, "But you have much more to worry about!" She then held up her 'T.G. Blade Blaster' Synchro Monster Card, "I Special Summon 'T.G. Blade Blaster' from my Extra Deck!"
Appearing on the field was the green/orange hued humanoid robot monster armed with a blaster in one hand, and a blade weapon in the other hand (Level: 10/ATK: 3300/DEF: 2200).
"'T.G. Blade Blaster'! How did you-?" demanded Matt.
"I activate 'Halberd Cannon's' second effect," replied Ms. Simmons, as an enlarged image of the 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' Synchro Monster Card loomed in the background behind her, "When this card leaves the field: I can Special Summon 1 'T.G. Blade Blaster' from my Extra Deck," The background returned to normal, "However, I won't keep this monster around for much longer."
"It won't?" blinked Matt.
"I activate 'Blade Blaster's' second effect!" Ms. Simmons declared, as a card ('T.G. Recipro Dragonfly') ejected from her GY and faded away into oblivion. With that done, 'T.G. Blade Blaster' also faded away into oblivion, "Once per opponent's turn (Quick Effect): I can banish 1 'T.G.' monster from my GY; I must banish this face-up card on the field!" She grinned smugly, "Now you're forced to attack only 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'!"
'Stardust Warrior' and 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' continued to face each other, waiting for the Battle Phase to resume.
"She already knows I have 'Rush Warrior' in my hand," thought Matt, "Still, the only way to win is to keep moving forward," He resumed his Battle Phase, "'Stardust Warrior', attack 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'!"
'Stardust Warrior' obeyed, jumping into the air and falling towards 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode', with both fists (Shooting Smash) colliding with the weapon as the enemy monster tried blocking the attack.
"As of now, I'll activate the first effect of 'Rush Warrior'!" said Matt, holding up a card ('Rush Warrior') taken from his hand, "During damage calculation, if a 'Warrior' Synchro Monster I control battles an opponent's monster (Quick Effect): I can…" He sent the card to the GY, causing 'Stardust Warrior' to glow all gold and gain further strength (ATK: 3000 → 6000), " …send this card from my hand to the GY; my battling monster's ATK becomes double its current ATK during that damage calculation only!"
Now stronger than ever before, 'Stardust Warrior' was able to find an opening in the defense of 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode', pull his right fist back, and slug the enemy monster square in the face. Glowing red, Ms. Simmons then received damage from the battle even as her monster was not destroyed (LP: 4000 → 2500). With the Battle Phase over, 'Stardust Warrior' retreated and regained his lost effects while his ATK returned to normal (ATK: 6000 → 3000).
"I Set two cards…" concluded Matt, as he made two face-down cards appear on the field in-front of Fudo Go and they faded away for later use, "…and end my turn!"
In the stands…
"Erica and Matt are evenly matched," remarked Mr. Kisaka.
"Yes, but now Fudo-san has to deal with an extraordinarily powerful behemoth in 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'," protested David.
"4500 ATK is really nothing to sneeze at," noted Carlie direly, "Erica will be forcing Matt to play even more defensively than she had in their last duel."
Back on the track, Ms. Simmons seemed to snicker quietly for a few seconds before breaking into loud laughter. That surprised Matt, since while he had seen Ms. Simmons smile and chuckle a couple of times over the period of time he met her, he never actually heard her laugh like that before.
"Matt, you have done well in forcing me to Special Summon 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode'!" proclaimed Ms. Simmons proudly, "It's something that no one has ever accomplished, so you should take pride in such a feat, as well take pride in being the first to fall before my monster's supreme might!" Revving her Duel Runner, Murasame picked up speed and managed to pass Fudo Go before she drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Matt: 1 → 2
-Ms. Simmons: 1 → 2
Turn Three: Erica Simmons (LP: 2500)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (2): "TGX1-UA" and "Forbidden Scripture"
Speed Counters: 2
Ms. Simmons saw that she drew her 'Forbidden Scripture' Spell Card, the very same card that would have granted her victory in her and Matt's previous duel had it not been forced to end with no results.
"I activate 'Blade Blaster's' third effect!" As Ms. Simmons explained the effect, reappearing on the field was 'T.G. Blade Blaster' (Level: 10/ATK: 3300/DEF: 2200), "During the next Standby Phase after this card was banished by this effect: I must Special Summon this card!"
"That won't work," cut in Matt, sharply, "I activate 'Stardust Warrior's' first effect!" As he announced the effect name, 'Stardust Warrior' raised both arms and dissolved into specks of stardust, "Cosmic Sanctuary!"
The stardust rained upon 'T.G. Blade Blaster' and caused it to explode from destruction just a few seconds later.
"If my opponent would Special Summon a monster(s) (Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card; I must negate the Summon, and if I do, destroy that monster(s)!" explained Matt, "Now you can only attack using 'Halberd Cannon'."
"But you've left yourself wide open for a direct attack!" corrected Ms. Simmons, "Without a monster to protect yourself, you cannot begin your real challenge!"
"Are you sure about that?" smirked Matt.
Ms. Simmons gasped, "Huh?"
"Continuous Trap, 'Stardust Wish', activate!" exclaimed Matt, just as his first Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of Fudo Go and revealed itself, "Once per turn, if a 'Stardust' Synchro Monster I control is Tributed to activate its own effect (except during the Damage Step): I can target that monster; I must Special Summon it!" As the rest of the effect was being explained, reappearing on the field in a burst of stardust was none other than 'Stardust Warrior' (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500), "My opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation! Resurrect, 'Stardust Warrior'!"
"A very clever move," Ms. Simmons told herself, "Because of 'Stardust Wish', I can't use 'Halberd Cannon's' first effect in response to a Summon."
"There's more," recalled Matt, as focus went towards the face-up 'Stardust Wish' Trap Card, then towards 'Stardust Warrior', "The second effect of 'Stardust Wish'! Monsters Special Summoned by this effect cannot be destroyed by battle while in Attack Position!" He continued to look confident, "You can attack and damage me if you want, but you won't destroy 'Stardust Warrior'!" Feeling a presence, he looked to his right and found the spirit of Junkuriboh floating beside him, "Isn't that right, partner?"
"Kuri kuri!" agreed Junkuriboh cheerfully.
Matt smiled and nodded back to his Duel Spirit. Ms. Simmons initially looked stunned, but managed to recover quickly over the very successful strategy her opponent managed to come up with.
"To already find a way to temporarily stop me from negating your Summons… I'm pleased you've found such a method," praised Ms. Simmons, "It was only natural for you to assume that an '/Assault Mode' version of 'T.G. Halberd Cannon' would retain its Summon negation effect!"
"Erica…" whispered Matt.
"But, Matt!" Ms. Simmons went on, making Matt and Junkuriboh feel a little worried at what was coming next, "If you think that everything will go as you expect them to, then you'll re-learn the hard way that reality is a cruel mistress!" She took a card from her hand and entered her Battle Phase, "Battle!"
The audience watched as 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' lifted and aimed its weapon before starting to charge up an extremely powerful plasma beam, while Matt, Junkuriboh, and 'Stardust Warrior' each prepared to stand their ground. As 'T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode' took aim at 'Stardust Warrior', a large, faded image of Erica Simmons from the chest up loomed over Matt Fudo. With Matt now once again fighting with all of his strength, would he be able to defeat Ms. Simmons? Stay tuned to find that out.
And, with that, Matt is officially back to his old self, now aware that his Father, Mu (or Dr. Fudo), was, indeed, a good man who was trying to help humanity instead of the genocidal madman that Rutger claimed he (Mu) was during his (Rutger) final duel. Will Matt be able to successfully surpass his limits and defeat Erica Simmons in the Turbo Duel despite being heavily outmatched? Well, you guys will find that out and more next time. See you soon, and, until then, please stay safe in these uncertain times.