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: The Blazing Supernova
Opening up inside the underground chamber of Rex's mansion, the New York governor was still standing in-front of the well showing him footage of the rematch between Michael Atlas and Familiar of Red Nova—who was still using Ledonir Kisaka to do the dirty work.
"My master will be very pleased once I've defeated the Signer who sealed him away!" The image of Mr. Kisaka (possessed) boasted, while the image of Michael said nothing in response and merely listened, "Michael Atlas, you should feel honored that you sealed the Crimson Devil and tamed its power for your own use!"
"Why should I feel honored about that?" The image of Michael spat defiantly.
"Don't you know?" The image of Mr. Kisaka (possessed) teased, "The Crimson Devil, Scar-Red Nova, was originally an 'Earthbound Immortal'—the most powerful of all! One who pushed even the Crimson Dragon to its absolute limits before falling!"
"Michael Atlas being the reincarnation of the Legendary Signer is no surprise to me," Rex said to no one in particular, while smiling, before eyeing Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "A smallfry like that creature can never hope to beat the King."
With the wave of his right hand, Rex started to have a flashback to the big battle between the Crimson Dragon, the Signer Dragons, and Scar-Red Nova.
FLASHBACK
The Crimson Dragon, alongside 'Stardust Dragon', 'Red Dragon Archfiend', 'Black-Winged Dragon', 'Black Rose Dragon', 'Ancient Fairy Dragon', and 'Life Stream Dragon', were facing off against the Crimson Devil, also known as Scar-Red Nova, the strongest of the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters. During the battle, the Signer Dragons unleashed their signature attacks on Scar-Red Nova:
-Stardust Dragon: Cosmic Flare
-Red Dragon Archfiend: Blazing Crimson Hell Flare
-Black Rose Dragon: Black Rose Flare
-Ancient Fairy Dragon: Eternal Sunshine
-Black-Winged Dragon: Noble Stream
-Life Stream Dragon: Life's Beauty Howl
Scar-Red Nova got hit by the six attacks, but was otherwise unharmed, and retaliated by sending out its tentacles to constrict the six Dragon monsters and prevent any interference from them. It then unleashed a fiery blast of wind, hitting the Crimson Dragon and weakening it significantly. Before the strongest of the 'Earthbound Immortals' could finish off its enemies, a nearby volcano erupted. Emerging from the flames was a shirtless young Incan man who resembled Michael in many ways, and he possessed the Seal of the Dragon on the left side of his chest. Scar-Red Nova and the mysterious young man, known only as the Legendary Signer, faced each other in open combat. The Crimson Dragon soon flew above the Legendary Signer and lent him its support, causing the young man's eyes to glow red and his chest to burst into flames of power, making him yell out before activating the power called Burning Soul. He held his right hand up and clenched it, then brought the fist to his burning chest and caused his hand to catch fire. The Legendary Signer then threw the ball of fire at Scar-Red Nova, striking the demon and sealing it away so no more harm could be done. Once everything was safe and sound…
"My duty is done," The Legendary Signer concluding, as he addressed the Signer Dragons and the Crimson Dragons, "Should the Crimson Devil ever return someday," He brought a fist towards his chest, "my soul will resurrect to finish the job."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, with Rex closing his eyes and smiling for a moment before opening them back up and deciding to finish watching the duel.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Orb's dueling area, the crowd and prisoners were watching the rematch between Michael and Familiar of Red Nova (controlling Mr. Kisaka) on top of the platform, surrounded by fire. These were the current standings:
-Michael (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Red Wyvern' (Level 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000), and a Set card.
-Mr. Kisaka (possessed)(LP: 4000): Controlled 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken' (Level 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1200), 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gryphon' (Level 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1500), 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin' (Level 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1000), 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlina' (Level 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1000), 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper' (Level 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 300), 'Earthbound Wilderness' (Spell Card), and a Set card, with his turn being ongoing.
"Now I understand," thought Michael, before looking at the top of his Duel Disk, "I am the reincarnation of the Legendary Signer—I now have full recollection of how I originally defeated the Crimson Devil 10000 years ago!" As he continued to think about where this had all led to, an enlarged image of the 'Red Nova Dragon' Synchro Monster Card loomed in the background, "Now that I know the truth, the war between Signers and Dark Signers in present day began once I reawakened my rugged soul, Burning Soul, and stole Scar-Red Nova's power to create 'Red Nova Dragon'!"
"I activate 'Geo Gremlina's' first effect!" announced Mr. Kisaka (possessed), holding up a card taken from his Deck, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can…" He added the card ('Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker') into his hand—which contained 'Earthbound Mitigation' and 'Earthbound Prison', "…add 1 'Earthbound' monster from my Deck to my hand," It was then he resumed the Battle Phase, "And now, for my attack to resume! 'Geo Kraken', strike down 'Red Wyvern'!"
'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken' obeyed, bringing down its tentacles towards 'Red Wyvern'.
"As of now, I'll activate the second effect of 'Earthbound Wilderness'!" cackled Mr. Kisaka (possessed), as his four 'Earthbound Servant' monsters started glowing purple and causing 'Red Wyvern' to also glow purple and roar in agony before growing weaker (ATK: 2400 → 800), "Once per turn, if an 'Earthbound' Fusion or Synchro Monster I control declares an attack: All monsters my opponent controls lose 400 ATK for each 'Earthbound' Fusion and/or Synchro Monster I control!"
"But the effect of 'Red Gem' prevents my 'Red' monsters from being destroyed by battle and card effects this turn!" reminded Michael.
Mr. Kisaka (possessed) grinned slightly, just as 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken' slammed 'Red Wyvern' with its tentacles, but the Dragon monster survived the blow as Michael had claimed.
"And with 'Red Wyvern' in Defense Position, I take no battle damage!" smirked Michael, undamaged (LP: 4000).
"So it would seem," Mr. Kisaka (possessed) smirked back, holding a card up, "I Set one card…" He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "…and end my turn!"
A face-down card materialized on the field. Michael remained neutral about that, but Mr. Kisaka (possessed) actually wanted to taunt his hated enemy further.
"You know, it would be no fun if I defeated the Legendary Signer so soon," he mocked, "I want this duel to last for a little while longer so I can torture you before I win and kill all of your friends!"
"Don't screw around with me!" snapped Michael, "You tried beating me once before, and you failed in your task!" When the frowning Mr. Kisaka (possessed) said nothing back, he (Michael) continued and made a solemn vow to win, "I won our last duel, and I swear to God I'll do it again!"
"Very well, then prove it," dared Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "With you only controlling a 'Red Wyvern' with 800 ATK, and the effect of 'Red Gem' worn out, what can you do to show me you'll succeed?"
"'Red Wyvern' surviving this turn brought me the time I needed," rebutted Michael, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Three: Michael Atlas (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (4): "Scarlet Security", "Clock Resonator", "Red Gardna", and "Crimson Gaia"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Crimson Gaia', and the rest of his hand contained 'Scarlet Security', 'Clock Resonator', and 'Red Gardna'.
"I activate the second effect of 'Wandering King Wildwind'!" declared Michael, as, from within the abyss (GY), the 'Wandering King Wildwind' Effect Monster Card slowly emerged before fading away into oblivion, "During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY; I must…" He then held up another card ('Vision Resonator') taken from his Deck before adding it into his hand, "…add 1 Fiend Tuner with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck to my hand."
Below the platform…
"Excuse me for stating the obvious, but Mike will definitely bring out that Tuner monster and get serious," stated James R..
"Of course," sighed Zack, rolling his eyes.
Back on the platform…
"If a Level 5 or higher DARK monster is on the field, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" explained Michael, placing his added card ('Vision Resonator') onto his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon the Tuner monster, 'Vision Resonator'!"
Appearing on the field was a demonic-looking 'Resonator' monster (Level: 2/ATK: 400/DEF: 400). From there, 'Red Wyvern' took to the skies, followed by 'Vision Resonator'.
"Level 2 'Vision Resonator' tunes Level 6 'Red Wyvern'!" The voice of Michael proclaimed, as the above scenario played out.
'Vision Resonator' banged both its tuning fork and mallet together, turning itself into two Synchro Rings, which 'Red Wyvern' flew into before turning it into six orbs of light as a Summon Chant ensued.
"The ruler's heartbeats will now file through here! Take witness to its creation-shaking power!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly just before the six orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! My very soul, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
Appearing on the field in a massive explosion of fire, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the demonic servant of the Crimson Dragon (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000). Like before, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) was unafraid to see Michael's most famous ace monster.
"That was the monster that helped you win last time," recalled Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "But I should tell you that it's far too weak! It was actually 'Scar-Red Nova' who defeated me the last time, and only 'Scar-Red Nova' would be able to help you squeak out a win this time!"
"How dare you refer to my very soul as weak!" growled Michael, while 'Red Dragon Archfiend' roared in anger, "We will show you just how wrong you are!" A card then ejected from the middle of his Deck, "I activate 'Vision Resonator's' second effect! If this card…" He took the card and looked at it while talking away, "…is sent to the GY: I can add 1 Spell/Trap that mentions 'Red Dragon Archfiend' from my Deck to my hand."
However, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) burst into sadistic laughter over such a move being made.
"Have you already forgotten 'Geo Kraken's' second effect?!" he shrieked gleefully, as focus went towards 'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken' then 'Red Dragon Archfiend', "If a monster(s) is Special Summoned from my opponent's Extra Deck (except during the Damage Step): I can destroy as many monsters my opponent controls as possible that were Special Summoned this turn, and if I do, inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each monster destroyed by this effect!"
"I know that!" retorted Michael.
"But there's more!" cut in Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "By calling out 'Red Daemon's' to fight, I now have the perfect way to torture you!"
"Torture me?" Michael repeated in disgust, "What are you talking about?"
"Answer me this… Do you truly care about 'Red Daemon's' for what it really is, or just because of its sheer raw power?" questioned Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "You're gonna show me your true feelings about your monster by making a choice! I activate the first effect of 'Geo Gremlin'!" A few audience members gasped, while an enlarged image of the 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin' Synchro Monster Card loomed in the background behind him, "During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; my opponent chooses 1 of these effects for me to apply!"
These were the effects of 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin' to apply:
-"I must destroy that monster!"
-"I must gain LP equal to that monster's ATK!"
"This is the same thing Sergey tried on me," recalled Matt.
Back on the platform…
"What will you do, Michael Atlas?" pressed Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "Actually, just between you and me, any choice you make to try and save 'Red Daemon's' from 'Geo Kraken' or 'Geo Gremlin' is useless."
"What?!" uttered Michael.
"Either method you choose will activate 'Geo Gremlina's' third effect," Mr. Kisaka (possessed) went on, as focus went towards 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlina', "If a monster(s) my opponent controls is destroyed by an 'Earthbound' card effect (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 of those destroyed monsters; I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to that monster's original ATK!" He waved his right hand about, "Matt Fudo took the easy way out since Sergey forgot that the monster he tried to destroy was 'Stardust Dragon', but you don't have that luxury here! It's either 3000 or 3800 damage you'll be taking!"
Nearby with Ryuta and Gabriella…
"Atlas-sama will make a mistake no matter what choice he makes," worried Gabriella.
"What can he do?" came from Ryuta.
Below the platform, the group watched with dismay, equally upset that Michael was stuck in a seemingly lose-lose situation that Mr. Kisaka (possessed) had placed on him (Michael). Back on the platform, it was a whole different story with Michael; he seemed rather confident he could turn such a situation around.
"Hmph!" huffed Michael, before smiling slightly, "We'll see about that," When Mr. Kisaka (possessed) eased up, he (Michael) resumed his turn by taking and holding out a card ('Red Gardna') from his hand, "I activate the monster effect of 'Red Gardna'!"
"What was that?!" panicked Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
"I anticipated you'd try a dirty stunt like that," taunted Michael, before sending his card ('Red Gardna') to the GY, "When my opponent activates a card or effect while I control a 'Red Dragon Archfiend' monster (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY; this turn," A large red shield materialized in the air in-front of 'Red Dragon Archfiend', "monsters I control cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects!"
Mr. Kisaka (possessed) was shocked that his sadistic choice didn't work the way he wanted it to, but his shock then became outright anger and frustration.
"Anyway, as you want me to decide, I choose to destroy my very soul," revealed Michael, "But because of 'Red Gardna', 'Red Daemon's' can't be destroyed by any of your card effects!"
'Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken' unleashed another dark breath-like attack towards 'Red Dragon Archfiend', but, due to the shield of 'Red Gardna', the effect was a complete failure.
"Dammit!" swore Mr. Kisaka (possessed), before holding his right hand out, "Trap Card, open!" His first Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Earthbound Mitigation'! If I control an 'Earthbound' Fusion or Synchro Monster: I must…" He recovered some heavy LP (LP: 4000 → 5000), "…gain 1000 LP, also, any battle damage I take from battles involving 'Earthbound' monsters I control this turn is halved!"
"He has 5000 LP!" gasped Carlie.
"There's more to my card!" raged Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "If there is a face-up card in the Field Zone, my opponent can only attack with 1 monster this turn!"
"That's a coward's move," said Michael coldly, "However, one monster to attack is all I need, which is 'Red Daemon's'!"
Standing tall, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' roared in agreement as flames could be seen coming from its mouth.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Scarlet Security', from my hand!" began Michael, holding up a card ('Scarlet Security') before slotting it into his Duel Disk. On cue, the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If I control 'Red Dragon Archfiend': I must destroy all Spells and Traps my opponent controls!"
"I won't let you!" rebutted Mr. Kisaka (possessed), just as his second Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Counter Trap, 'Earthbound Spell Sealer'!" He smiled evilly, "When my opponent activates a Spell Card while I have a face-up card in my Field Zone: I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card!"
Michael watched as his face-up 'Scarlet Security' Spell Card staticed out before shattering into shards of glass. Despite the loss of his card, Michael merely kept himself calm and neutral, while Mr. Kisaka (possessed) again burst into fits of insane laughter.
"Your defiance is so amusing—yet amazing!" spat Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "But, in the end, your efforts to stop me are in vain!"
"Wrong," denied Michael, "I also anticipated you'd use 'Earthbound Spell Sealer'!"
"What?!"
"My use of 'Scarlet Security' was merely bait to draw it out," The lime green-haired young man confessed, before holding up another card ('Red Dragon Vase'), "That way I can play this card without risk—the one I actually wanted to use!" He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I activate the Spell Card, 'Red Dragon Vase'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field before bursting into flames.
"If I control 'Red Dragon Archfiend': I must draw 2 cards!" explained Michael, drawing two cards and looking at them, "As so."
Below the platform…
"Look at him go," whistled Ms. Simmons.
"Despite the dangerous cards he's facing, Mike is making a complete mockery out of them in-front of that wicked creature," admired Futaba.
"He sure is," nodded Matt, "Back when I faced those cards, Sergey was in control for most of the duel."
"Atlas-sama!" called Ren, "Please hurry and save those children!"
On the platform, Michael overheard the demand and nodded before facing the four 'Earthbound Servant' monsters with 'Red Dragon Archfiend' standing behind him.
"I activate a Continuous Spell from my hand," announced Michael, slotting a card into his Duel Disk. This caused a Spell Card called 'Crimson Gaia' to materialize face-up on the field, "'Crimson Gaia'!"
"'Crimson Gaia'?" blinked Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "The artwork has the silhouette of 'Red Daemon's', doesn't it?"
"Correct, this is new support for my very soul," confirmed Michael, as he explained the first effect of his new card with an enlarged version of it looming in the background behind him, "During my Main Phase: I can add 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' or 1 card that mentions it from my Deck or GY to my hand, except 'Crimson Gaia'," The background returned to normal, as he held up a card ('Scarlet Security') taken from his GY for a few seconds before turning it over, "I think now would be a good time to activate this card… 'Scarlet Security'!"
'Red Dragon Archfiend's' claws were lit on fire, and, with a roar, hurled them over to the field belonging to Mr. Kisaka (possessed), destroying the face-up 'Earthbound Wilderness' Spell Card.
"NO! You've destroyed my 'Earthbound Wilderness'!" wailed Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
"I did," replied Michael, "Without a card in your Field Zone, 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper's' second effect of protecting your monsters is rendered null and void," He entered his Battle Phase, "Battle! My 'Red Daemon's' will attack your 'Ground Keeper'!" The command caused the face-up 'Crimson Gaia' Spell Card to burst into flames—which got bigger and bigger before five fireballs were launched upward, falling and striking all five 'Earthbound' monsters and turning them into face-down, Defense Position cards, "I also use this moment to activate the second effect of 'Crimson Gaia'! When my 'Red Dragon Archfiend' declares an attack: I can change all monsters my opponent controls to face-down Defense Position!"
"Impossible!" stammered Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "All of my monsters-!"
"That's perfect!" rejoiced James R., "Now 'Red Daemon's' first effect, Demon Meteor, will destroy all of those freaky monsters at the end of damage calculation!"
"Actually, James, I've got a better idea," grinned Michael, pleased with the praise he was getting. He then lost his smile and held up one more card ('Absolute Powerforce'), "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Absolute Powerforce', from my hand!" Upon slotting the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must target 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' I control; if that monster I control battles an opponent's monster this turn, I must apply these effects until the end of the Damage Step."
These were the effects to apply on the mentioned Spell Card:
-"It gains 1000 ATK!"
-"My opponent cannot activate cards or effects!"
-"If it attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage to my opponent!"
-"Any battle damage my opponent takes from that battle is doubled!"
'Red Dragon Archfiend' roared as it gained a mighty aura and its ATK went up further (ATK: 3000 → 4000), then lit its right claw on fire as its attack resumed.
"Destroy the Set 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper' with your crimson iron-blow!" The voice of Michael commanded, as the end of the above scenario played out before his ace monster threw a flaming punch, "Absolute Powerforce!"
The center Set card was hit, causing 'Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper' to briefly reappear on the field from its destroyed card before exploding from destruction. Due to the third and fourth applied effects of the 'Absolute Powerforce' Spell Card, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) screamed as he received 'both' piercing damage AND double battle damage (LP: 5000 → 1300). 'Red Dragon Archfiend' let out a roar as its first effect was about to activate and deliver more destruction upon the enemy player.
"Damn you…!" snarled Mr. Kisaka (possessed), "Due to 'Earthbound Mitigation', all battle damage I take this turn is halved!"
"How brash!" scoffed Michael, not impressed in the slightest with that effect as he immediately counterattacked, "I activate 'Red Daemon's' first effect!" As he explained the effect, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' took to the skies as its eyes glowed red until it neared the ceiling above, "After damage calculation, if this card attacked an opponent's Defense Position monster: I must destroy all Defense Position monsters my opponent controls!"
Mr. Kisaka (possessed) silently recoiled in terror, knowing there was nothing he could do to save any of his precious 'Earthbound Servant' monsters.
"Vanish, 'Earthbound Servants'!" shouted Michael viciously, as he announced the effect name of his ace monster, "Demon Meteor!"
'Red Dragon Archfiend' unleashed its strongest Blazing Crimson Hell Flare yet, roasting the four remaining Set cards on the field of Mr. Kisaka (possessed) alive. As the spirits of the four 'Earthbound Servant' monsters briefly reappeared from card form to roar in agony, a massive explosion ensued as Mr. Kisaka (possessed) was thrown to the edge of his side of the platform. When the smoke cleared away, the fire around the platform was gone, and there were no more cards on the opponent's field.
"He did it!" cheered Lisa, "Mike destroyed all of that flame bastard's cards!"
"And dealt 3700 piercing damage with one attack!" put in David.
Back on the platform, Mr. Kisaka (possessed) slowly returned to his feet, devastated over losing all of his cards.
"This can't be happening," he murmured, "All of my beloved monsters… They're gone."
"With the Damage Step over, the effect of 'Absolute Powerforce' comes to an end," acknowledged Michael.
'Red Dragon Archfiend's' ATK returned to normal (ATK: 4000 → 3000). Enraged with Michael and 'Red Dragon Archfiend', Mr. Kisaka (possessed) faced him (Michael) and screamed as his (Familiar of Red Nova) flame aura returned and grew even bigger from the resulting hatred and rage he (Familiar of Red Nova) had for the Signer, causing Michael to brace himself for what might happen next.
"You think this is the end?" hissed Mr. Kisaka (possessed), barely calming down, "Not a chance! I activate 'Geo Gryphon's' second effect!" While explaining away, the spirit of 'Earthbound Servant Geo gryphon' reappeared on the field, roared, and attempted to destroy the 'Crimson Gaia' Spell Card on Michael's field, "If this card in its owner's possession is destroyed by an opponent's card: I can destroy 1 card on the field, then inflict 300 damage to my opponent for each 'Earthbound' monster with different names I control and in my GY!" He continued to look very miffed, "I destroy your 'Crimson Gaia', and with five 'Earthbound' monsters in my GY, you will take 1500 damage as payment!"
"Not so fast!" interrupted Michael, causing Mr. Kisaka (possessed) to stop. He pointed to an already face-up card on his field, "I activate a Trap, 'Vivid Tail'! I must target 1 card I control; I must return it to the hand!" With that said, he held up his 'Crimson Gaia' Spell Card and placed it into his hand, "By returning 'Crimson Gaia' to my hand, nothing ends up destroyed and I take no damage."
With nothing to destroy, the spirit of 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gryphon' stopped before striking Michael's field and disappeared back into the GY of Mr. Kisaka (possessed).
"Hmph! That was all pure waste on your part," sneered Michael, before entering the End Phase, "I end my turn! This will end the effects of 'Earthbound Mitigation' and 'Red Gardna'!"
"Grr… This isn't how I wanted it!" uttered Mr. Kisaka (possessed) furiously, as the flame aura remained with him, "You will pay for your continuous defiance! As of now, I don't need this body any longer!"
Everyone below the platform (and in midair in Ryuta and Gabriella) watched in horror, except for Michael, as the body of Mr. Kisaka screamed in agony collapsing onto a knee. Before long, the resurrected body of Familiar of Red Nova was back in the flesh—although he came with some scars on his body from his (Familiar of Red Nova) last encounter with Michael. Below the platform, everyone else was surprised.
"Wait, that's what Familiar of Red Nova looks like?" blinked Lisa, before she broke into laughter, "That shorty actually gave you a hard time years ago, Mike?!"
Back on the platform…
"Keep your mouth shut!" fumed Familiar of Red Nova, before addressing Michael and enlarging into a flaming monstrosity with a deeper, more horrifying voice, "Michael Atlas, I'll just steal your body and use you to destroy your own friends!"
The gigantic version of Familiar of Red Nova soared towards Michael in a blind rage as everyone else grew alarmed—but only for a few seconds.
"Don't get ahead of yourself!" demanded Michael fearlessly, causing Familiar of Red Nova to stop at the last possible second, "A duelist can't resign in the middle of a duel! You want to take over my body and hurt my friends? You'll have to win, first!"
The gigantic version of Familiar of Red Nova returned to his normal self and retreated to the other end of the field before materializing a Duel Disk on his left arm. However, it was then that Mr. Kisaka started to regain his senses.
"Ngh… What's going on?" groaned Mr. Kisaka, looking around weakly, "Where am I?" His (Mr. Kisaka) eyes soon came upon Familiar of Red Nova, "You!"
"You've done really well in getting my plans this far," huffed Familiar of Red Nova, before moving his right hand back then forward, "But I no longer need you! I'll win the duel on my own terms!"
He (Familiar of Red Nova) shot out a blast of wind, striking Mr. Kisaka and throwing him off the platform and into the wall, knocking the young man unconscious. Ms. Simmons ran over to see if her long time friend was okay.
"Is he-?" worried Lisa.
"No, he'll be okay," assured Ms. Simmons, shutting her eyes with relief, "Thank goodness."
On the platform, Familiar of Red Nova faced Michael and laughed maniacally.
"Let's continue the duel!" requested Michael, "If you beat me, I'll let you take my body," While he (Michael) explained the conditions, Familiar of Red Nova listened with glee, "Me? Or you? This is a duel that determines the fate of this world!"
"Agreed," said Familiar of Red Nova, "It's a death game of epic proportions!"
Below the platform…
"He's right about that," acknowledged Zack, "If Mike loses, all of us will die and the world will soon follow once the Crimson Devil is brought back."
"Come on, Mike!" called Lisa, "You gotta kick that flame bastard's ass!"
Looking below the platform, Michael briefly nodded at Lisa and faced Familiar of Red Nova, aiming to settle the score soon.
"Now that your turn is over, it's time for me to take mine," stated Familiar of Red Nova, "It's my turn!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
"Bring it, Familiar of Red Nova!" dared Michael.
Turn Four: Familiar of Red Nova (LP: 1300)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (3): "Earthbound Prison", "Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker", and "Miracle Synchro Fusion"
Familiar of Red Nova's drawn card was the 'Miracle Synchro Fusion' Spell Card, which he placed in his hand and held another card ('Earthbound Prison') out.
"Remember this card?" teased Familiar of Red Nova, "Something I played earlier on."
"'Earthbound Prison'," frowned Michael.
"Exactly!"
From there, within seconds of the mentioned card being played, the area around both duelists and the spectators turned into a bleak, new cemetery-like place with stone statues of hands all around, akin to 'The Hands' Nazca Line.
"You know the drill, my Field Spell's first effect," reminded Familiar of Red Nova, as focus went towards 'Red Dragon Archfiend' as ghostly spirits appeared and entered its body, negating its effects, "I target your 'Red Daemon's' and negate its effects while my card remains in the Field Zone!" He then spread his arms out, "Furthermore, the second effect lets me make a second Normal Summon if it's an 'Earthbound' monster!"
"Tch! Keep talking," growled Michael, "None of your remaining monsters can stand up to 'Red Daemon's' 3000 ATK!"
"You're wrong," countered Familiar of Red Nova, "There's still one 'Earthbound Servant' monster that's yet to be played," He (Familiar of Red Nova) then turned to face Matt below the platform, "And you, Matt, faced it once before."
"Can it be-?" thought Matt, beginning to remember.
Back on the platform…
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Miracle Synchro Fusion'!" announced Familiar of Red Nova, slotting a card ('Miracle Synchro Fusion') into his Duel Disk. The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "I must Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck that lists a Synchro Monster as material, by banishing Fusion Materials listed on it from my field or GY," He held up two cards ('Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlina' and 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin') taken from his GY, "I banish 'Geo Gremlina' and 'Geo Gremlin' from my GY!"
A giant stone heart appeared high near the ceiling, causing 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin' and 'Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlina' both to get sucked inside. This resulted in the heart beginning to beat.
"Demon that rules over the earth! Demon that clings to the land! Become one and rise from the depths of the underground!" chanted Familiar of Red Nova, before bringing both hands together with an insane smile on his face, "Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 10! 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha'!"
With one final beat, the stone heart exploded in a giant, purple fire. Emerging from the flames and into the sky, was a huge, black, Winged Beast-styled Fiend monster with red outline (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1800). The crowd, including the prisoners in Ryuta and Gabriella, watched in stunned silence.
"There it is, 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha'," whispered Matt.
"(ちきしょうっ!) Chikushō! (Dammit!)" cursed David in Japanese, "That monster you faced before, Fudo-san, has 3000 ATK like (レッド・デーモンズ!) Reddo Dēmonzu! (Red Daemon's!)"
"But didn't you mention it has some dirty tricks of its own?" recalled James R., looking at Matt.
Matt nodded firmly, before looking back on top of the platform. Speaking of which, Familiar of Red Nova was again laughing like a maniac, this time over bringing out his ultimate monster. Michael was actually sweating a little bit over facing the one monster that almost defeated Matt.
"If you're scared now, just wait; the worst is yet to come!" taunted Familiar of Red Nova, "Allow me to tell you of 'Geo Grasha's' second effect! If an opponent's monster(s) is destroyed by battle or card effect: I can destroy all cards my opponent controls."
Below the platform…
"There's also the potential first effect," thought Matt.
Back on the platform…
"Battle!" declared Familiar of Red Nova, "I use 'Geo Grasha' to attack 'Red Daemon's'!" He then revealed a nasty surprise about 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' while it stood tall and released a wave of darkness all across the area, striking 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and completely weakening it until it was practically defenseless and/or powerless (ATK: 3000 → 0/DEF: 2000 → 0), "Then, I'll activate my monster's first effect! At the start of the Damage Step, if this card battles a monster: I must change that monster's ATK/DEF to 0!"
"Red Daemon's'!" called Michael.
"Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha! Die, 'Red Daemon's', die!" screeched Familiar of Red Nova, continuing to cackle evilly. He finally announced his monster's attack name as dark energy surrounded 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' like a whirlwind, "Take this! Darkness Miasma!"
'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' reared its head back and unleashed a powerful darkness-based breath attack. 'Red Dragon Archfiend', in a futile attempt to protect itself, got into a defensive stance as the attack came closer and closer to hitting it. Upon getting hit, however, it ended up exploding from destruction, meaning the blocking was not able to allow it to survive. Michael, faced with the explosion's powerful backlash, tried to resist getting blown away as his LP got hit really badly (LP: 4000 → 1000), but was soon thrown towards the edge of the platform.
"MIKE!" James R. and Carlie yelled out.
"GET UP!" Lisa and David added.
In midair, the captured Gabriella and Ryuta both watched in horror as the former looked away and began weeping softly over Michael getting hurt. Back on the platform, Michael, despite being injured from the attack, managed to sit up while finding 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' looming over him. That was while Familiar of Red Nova was (again) laughing up a storm.
"You should just stay down, so-called Legendary Signer!" proclaimed Familiar of Red Nova, "Your new power might have won the last duel, but it won't be of any help this time!" While Michael slowly returned to his (Michael) feet, he (Familiar of Red Nova) was rambling on, "Do you know why? It's because with the 'Earthbound Immortals' having been revived, my own power has grown stronger than it was when we last battled!" He wagged the index finger of his right hand, before sweeping it about, "Once my master, Scar-Red Nova, has been revived, nothing will be able to stand against the combined strength of the Crimson Devil and the King of the Underworld!"
Below the platform, the spectators all gasped when they heard the name 'King of the Underworld' being mentioned, which was a clue that Familiar of Red Nova was working for the Dark Signers—probably Muruta Azrael. Back on the platform, Michael glared with gritted teeth.
"Ridiculous!" he snapped, "You think I'll let you succeed just like that?"
"You should!" insisted Familiar of Red Nova, enjoying the sight of his enemy's anger and suffering, "Our duel is just about over since if 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' battles a monster, the attack target's ATK and DEF both become 0—even 'Red Nova Dragon' will fall victim to that effect if you ever bring it out!" He smiled maliciously, "And if there's even the slightest chance you actually overcome 'Geo Grasha', its third effect will activate!"
"Third effect?" repeated Michael.
As the final effect was being explained, a makeshift duel board with 'Red Nova Dragon' attacking 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' and destroying it.
"If this face-up card in its owner's control leaves the field…" The voice of Familiar of Red Nova was saying, just as a new card by the opponent was being placed on the same Monster Zone that 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha', "…because of an opponent's card: I can Special Summon 1 'Earthbound' monster from my Deck or Extra Deck."
The explanation ended, and everyone below the platform was pondering what "Earthbound' monster Familiar of Red Nova could bring out as backup.
"That means another copy of 'Geo Grasha' could come out from the Extra Deck," figured Carlie.
"Or worse than that… Maybe even one of the 'Earthbound Immortals' we've slain already," added David.
"Those and maybe a whole lot more," admitted James R..
Back on the platform, Michael listened to the insane exclamations from his enemy, while Familiar of Red Nova was thinking which 'Earthbound' monster he would Summon to totally crush the Legendary Signer—almost as though he had already won. However, Michael was not having any of it.
"You must be kidding!" dismissed Michael, "There's no way in hell I'll lose to someone like you!" He then had a pained, solemn expression on his face, "Not after my friends and I suffered so much loss in our war with the Dark Signers…"
He was thinking about Discord, Megan, and the likes, though his mind lingered on Juri the longest, blaming himself for failing to save her from Orga, Clotho, and Shani.
"Oh my," The voice of Familiar of Red Nova said mockingly, who was then shown faking sympathy for the people who died, "It really is a shame that the lives of so many people were lost," He then smiled, displaying a total lack of empathy, "But don't worry, your friends will see them all real soon—but not you," While he (Familiar of Red Nova) reminded his enemy of the conditions of the duel, Michael soon gritted his (Michael) teeth with rage, "Your body will become all mine. That way, I can use 'Red Nova Dragon' to release my master, therefore allowing him to revive and destroy the world!"
Below the platform…
"The final turn to doomsday," murmured Zack.
"Can Mike win this turn…" pondered Futaba, as focus went towards the captured Gabriella and Ryuta in midair, "…in order to save the children and all of us?"
"(ママ,) Mama, (Mommy,)" whimpered Gabriella in Japanese, before she looked towards the platform and Michael, "Atlas-sama…"
"Michael Atlas, this will be your final turn," warned Familiar of Red Nova, "Be sure to not waste it."
"So long as my rugged soul remains burning and strong, I will overcome your sick games!" promised Michael, before preparing to draw his final card, "It's my turn!" He drew his final card with a Destiny Draw, "DRAAAAAW!"
Turn Five: Michael Atlas (LP: 1000)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (4): "Clock Resonator", "Magical King Moonstar", "Crimson Gaia", and "Crimson Resonator"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Crimson Resonator', a great start to regaining control of the duel—but there was still more for him to gather before the ultimate climax commenced.
"I activate the Continuous Spell, 'Crimson Gaia'!" began Michael, making the mentioned Spell Card materialize face-up on the field in-front of him, "During my Main Phase: I can add 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' or 1 card that mentions it from my Deck or GY to my hand, except 'Crimson Gaia'!"
"Meh… It's just a minor annoyance," sighed Familiar of Red Nova, "Something I don't need to worry about."
"I use this effect to return 'Red Daemon's'…" cut in Michael, taking a card ('Red Dragon Archfiend') and placing it into the Extra Deck Zone, …from my GY to the Extra Deck,"
"You've returned 'Red Daemon's' to the Extra Deck?" blinked Familiar of Red Nova, puzzled, "What for? Even if it's brought out again, it can never hope to beat 'Geo Grasha'."
"My turn is just beginning," Michael corrected, before holding out a new card ('Crimson Resonator') and activating its first effect, "If I control no monsters: I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" He placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon the Tuner monster, 'Crimson Resonator'!"
Appearing on the field was a 'Resonator' monster resembling 'Red Resonator', but with curved horns similar to 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 300).
"'Crimson Resonator'?" quizzed Familiar of Red Nova, having never seen that monster before but remaining confident, "What good will that monster do? An ATK of 800 is too little to fight…" Focus went towards his 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' (ATK: 3000), "…my 'Geo Grasha'!"
"No matter how many countless armies of powerful 'Earthbound Servant' monsters you throw at me, I'll beat them all down!" countered Michael, "As I do that, I'll evolve my rugged soul further!"
"How can you? You sent 'Red Daemon's' back to the Extra Deck!" protested Familiar of Red Nova.
"I Summon the Tuner monster," cut in Michael, placing a card ('Clock Resonator') onto his Duel Disk, "'Clock Resonator'!"
Appearing on the field was a 'Resonator' monster with a large clock attached to its backside (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 600). Not being done, Michael took another card from his hand and activated its first effect.
"If I control a Tuner, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," exclaimed Michael, explaining the first effect of the card ('Magical King Moonstar') before placing it onto a third Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Magical King Moonstar'!"
Appearing onto the field was a purple clothing-wearing, male Fiend monster wielding a scepter of sorts with a moon crest at the top (Level: 3/ATK: 900/DEF: 600).
"My Level 3 'Clock Resonator'…" declared Michael, just before 'Clock Resonator' hit the tuning fork with its baton, "… tunes Level 3 'Magical King Moonstar'!"
The vibrations then turned 'Clock Resonator' into three Synchro Rings, which 'Magical King Moonstar' jumped into and turned three orbs of light as a familiar Summon Chant was heard echoing by Michael.
"Crimson Dragon, light up the path that calls upon the flaming demon!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 3 + 3 = 6 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Come forth, 'Red Rising Dragon'!"
Appearing from the beam of light and soon flying above the platform, was the smaller, weaker—but still powerful, version of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600).
"'Red Rising Dragon'?" quizzed Familiar of Red Nova, "Huh, I've never seen that one before."
"Then you should take some lessons on it," scolded Michael, "It will be one of the last things you will ever see," Focus then went towards 'Red Rising Dragon' in the air before it looked down at the field belonging to Familiar of Red Nova, then turned and breathed fire on a part of his (Michael) field, "I activate 'Red Rising Dragon's' first effect! When this card is Synchro Summoned: I can target 1 'Resonator' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it," Reappearing on the field, as the explanation soon ended and fire died down, was 'Red Resonator' (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 200), "I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck the turn I activate this effect, except DARK Dragon Synchro Monsters."
"Mike brought back 'Red Resonator'!" gasped Zack.
Familiar of Red Nova silently faced 'Red Rising Dragon', 'Crimson Resonator', and 'Red Resonator'. Unfortunately, Michael was still not finished.
"I activate 'Red Resonator's' second effect!" continued Michael, "When this card is Special Summoned: I can target 1 face-up monster on the field; I must gain LP equal to its ATK!" He then talked about 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' (ATK: 3000), "I target your 3000 ATK 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha'!" From there, he glowed a crimson red and regained lost LP (LP: 1000 → 4000), "That lets me recover 3000 of the LP you took from me earlier on."
"Tch! That effect isn't fair!" objected Familiar of Red Nova.
"Isn't fair?! Since when do you even care about playing fair?" The voice of Lisa accused.
That got Familiar of Red Nova's attention. Below the platform, Lisa and David were glaring daggers at him for making such a hypocritical statement.
"You possessed Ledonir-senpai, kidnapped Gabriella and Ryuta-kun, are using unfair cards of your own, and you plan to kill us and revive the Crimson Devil!" David pointed out, "A being as contemptible as you has no grounds for compassion of any sort!"
Back on the platform…
"Well said, Dave," praised Michael, before giving a command, "My Level 2 'Red Resonator' tunes Level 6 'Red Rising Dragon'!"
'Red Resonator' turned itself into two Synchro Rings, but Familiar of Red Nova didn't care about that—thinking that he could easily take down 'Red Dragon Archfiend' with 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha'.
"Go ahead! Synchro Summon your worthless 'Red Daemon's'!" dared Familiar of Red Nova, "Even with 3000 ATK, it can never battle my own monster! It will just die in vain!"
But Michael was channeling all of his anger and power into the Dragon's Wings birthmark, causing it to glow with power and cause a flaming aura to surround himself.
"Go forth, 'Red Rising Dragon'!" boomed Michael, "Take flight and become the newest form for my very soul!"
'Red Rising Dragon' obeyed, roaring and flying into the two Synchro Rings and turned into eight orbs of light,
"The King brings a feast of blood! Crimson demonic dragon! Leave your mark on the battlefield!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly before the six orbs of light within the duo of Synchro Rings erupted into a beam of red light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend'!"
Emerging from the beam of red light, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was 'Red Dragon Archfiend surrounded by a flaming aura like the one Michael was surrounded by (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"H-Holy mackerel!" cried James R., who, along with his friends, had never seen 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' before, "Mike just created another super awesome card—all with pouring his fury into his soul!"
"Is that a bad thing?" worried Carlie.
"In a case like this, I don't think it is bad," answered Matt.
On the platform, Familiar of Red Nova shuddered with fear initially, but recovered enough to smile smugly.
"Oh, that's real good," he said sarcastically, as focus went towards 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' and 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' in that order, "But it's all in vain! 'Scarred Daemon' has 3000 ATK as well, but 'Geo Grasha' is untouchable in battle due to its first effect!"
"Nonsense," rebutted Michael, "Do you know why I have 'Crimson Resonator' on my field?"
"Eh?" muttered Familiar of Red Nova.
"I activate 'Crimson Resonator's' second effect!" declared Michael, "If the only other monster I control is exactly 1 DARK Dragon Synchro Monster: I can Special Summon up to 2 'Resonator' monsters from my hand or Deck, except 'Crimson Resonator'!"
Familiar of Red Nova gulped, "T-Then…" he quivered, "…it means double tuning will be coming shortly."
"Hmph! If only it were that easy," responded Michael, before two cards ejected from the top of his Deck. He took hold of them and revealed what they ('Barrier Resonator' and 'Mirror Resonator') were, "I Special Summon 'Barrier Resonator' and 'Mirror Resonator'!"
Appearing onto the field were two 'Resonator' monsters; the first had a barrier pack on its back (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 800), and the other with a huge mirror on its back (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"Wait, Mike Summoned two 'Resonator' monsters?" gawked James R., "I thought for certain he would just bring one out."
"Good point," agreed Zack, "Double tuning just requires two Tuners and 'Red Daemon's'," He remembered a detail, "Except the current Levels don't even match 'Scar-Red Nova's' Level."
"What the hell is Mike thinking?" demanded Lisa.
Despite the seeming misplay on Michael's part, Ryuta and Gabriella were watching the scene with total admiration.
"Awesome," breathed Ryuta.
Back on the platform, Michael, flanked by his four monsters, continued to channel all of his fury into his soul and glowing birthmark, resulting in the aura around him growing bigger and bigger.
"I will never forgive you for any of this!" snarled Michael, as focus went towards the unconscious Mr. Kisaka nearby (currently tended to by Ms. Simmons) then to the captured Ryuta and Gabriella, "How dare you possess Ledonir and kidnap both Ryuta and Gabriella for your sickening games!" As images of the 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card, the 'Crimson Resonator' Tuner Monster Card, the 'Barrier Resonator' Tuner Monster Card, and the 'Mirror Resonator' Tuner Monster Card appeared around him one card at a time from being mentioned, he proceeded to drop the biggest bombshell of them all, "With these three Tuner monsters, Level 2 'Crimson Resonator', Level 1 'Barrier Resonator', and Level 1 'Mirror Resonator' triple tunes Level 8 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend'!"
"WHAT?!" screamed Familiar of Red Nova.
"TRIPLE TUNING?!" Matt, James R., Carlie, Lisa, and David all added in.
It was then the five remaining Signers felt and saw their own birthmarks (Matt: Dragon's Head, James R.: Dragon's Tail, Carlie: Dragon's Foot, Lisa: Dragon's Hand, David: Dragon's Heart) responding and glowing more strongly than ever before as the Crimson Dragon appeared above the platform and roared loudly.
"The Crimson Dragon!" realized Ms. Simmons.
"What's it doing here?" questioned Zack.
"Now this is a familiar picture," commented James R. in awe, as focus went towards Michael on the platform and the Crimson Dragon in the air, "This mirrors what happened when Mike fought Familiar of Red Nova the first time."
While that was going on, all three of Michael's Tuner monsters turned into four massive fiery Synchro Rings (two for 'Crimson Resonator', and one each for 'Barrier Resonator' and 'Mirror Resonator') as they hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' in mid-air, giving it more and more power until it was burning like a meteor from space.
"Look at what's happening to 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' and Mike!" observed Carlie.
"Is this the work of Atlas-sama's Burning Soul?" asked David.
"The one who has Burning Soul takes on the powers of the Crimson Dragon and brings forth a miracle!" remembered Matt, while, on the platform, Michael continued to grow more and more powerful from the flame aura, "But what we're seeing isn't anything like Burning Soul… It's got to be something even stronger!"
"Is everyone watching?!" roared Michael, with his eyes beginning to glow red before holding up his 'Red Nova Dragon' Synchro Monster Card—causing it, too, to gain a flaming aura all around, "Burn this image into your minds as I evolve my rugged soul to its highest level!"
"M-My master!" stammered Familiar of Red Nova, looking very terrified, "What's going on?!" He watched as 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend', still lit of fire, took to the skies with the fiery Synchro Rings becoming a sphere of fire, "M-Master, please save me!"
To make matters worse, Familiar of Red Nova even started to envision Michael Atlas as the Legendary Signer from thousands of years ago.
"My duty is done," quoted Michael, speaking his past self's last words, "Should the Crimson Devil ever return someday, my soul will resurrect to finish the job."
At last, 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' roared and started gaining more and more strength from the flames while trapped inside the sphere as a brand new Summon Chant ensued.
"The three sages welcome the King. The Red Star won't die, only the fool will be crushed!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 12 were shown for three seconds, "Savage soul, mark the time of the creation of the heavens and earth!" The sphere of fire finally exploded, with the crowd watching from down below and listening to his almost God-like tone, "Synchro Summon!" The silhouette of the new monster's claws were shown, followed by its glowing red eyes, "Come forth, my new power! 'Red Supernova Dragon'!"
In a fiery background, the full body of the new monster was revealed to be a bigger, even more powerful version of 'Red Nova Dragon' while parts of its body was constantly covered by crimson flames (Level: 12/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3000). Having been energized by the power of both the Crimson Dragon and Burning Soul, the 'Red Nova Dragon' Synchro Monster Card completely transformed into a whole new Monster Card known only as 'Red Supernova Dragon', complete with Level, ATK, DEF, Type, Attribute, and effects. Both 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' and 'Red Supernova Dragon' were roughly the same size.
"I thought double tuning was enough, but there's triple tuning, too?" stammered Matt.
"Forget about that! Take a look at 'Scar-Red Supernova's' stats" corrected Lisa, "It has a ATK stat of 4000!"
On the platform, the still flame aura-covered Michael placed his new card onto his Duel Disk before making another move.
"'Red Supernova Dragon's' first effect!" announced Michael, "It gains 500 ATK for each Tuner in my GY!" Reappearing on the field for just a few seconds were 'Red Resonator', 'Vision Resonator', 'Clock Resonator', 'Barrier Resonator', 'Mirror Resonator', and 'Crimson Resonator', which then rose and merged with 'Red Supernova Dragon', "With six Tuners there, my monster gains 3000 ATK, giving a grand total of 7000 ATK!"
With the fire aura around it intensifying, 'Red Supernova Dragon' roared like a demon and got supercharged with power (ATK: 4000 → 7000).
"And if you try anything with card effects to beat it, you're out of luck," Michael went on, "'Scar-Red Supernova's' second effect! It cannot be destroyed by an opponent's card effects!"
Below the platform…
"Damn! All of this makes 'Scar-Red Supernova' a more powerful version of 'Scar-Red Nova'!" admired Zack.
"It even has 7000 ATK now!" said Carlie happily.
"Forgetting something, you two?" cut in James R., "It really doesn't matter how powerful 'Scar-Red Supernova' gets," Zack and Carlie both looked over, while he continued to look serious, "When against 'Geo Grasha', attacking and defending is all in vain due to its first effect."
That reminder did worry the rest of the group, including Ryuta and Gabriella, who were hoping that the Summon of 'Red Supernova Dragon' was the breakthrough Michael needed. Alas, even it was not going to be of any help.
"I hate to say it, but as long as Familiar of Red Nova controls 'Geo Grasha', Mike can't win even with his new monster," sighed James R..
"'Geo Grasha' is no threat to 'Scar-Red Supernova'!" The voice of Michael interrupted, causing James R. to ease up. On the platform, he was already prepared to fight 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha', "I will now reveal the reason why I sent 'Red Daemon's' back to the Extra Deck—it's because it would be needed for this opportunity."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Familiar of Red Nova.
"I activate the second effect of 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend'!" exclaimed Michael, causing Familiar of Red Nova to gasp yet listen some more, "If this card is sent from the Monster Zone to the GY: I can Special Summon 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' from my Extra Deck (this is treated as a Synchro Summon), then, if this card was sent to the GY as Synchro Material for a DARK Dragon Synchro Monster, I can destroy all Attack Position monsters my opponent controls!"
"W-What?! Destroy all of my Attack Position monsters?!" Familiar of Red Nova freaked out, "You can't!"
"This card of mine burns with an unmatched power!" thundered Michael, with his eyes continuing to glow red, "The roar of my soul is telling me to grasp hold of victory!" He then held up a card ('Red Dragon Archfiend') taken from the Extra Deck, "Descend, my very soul, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'!"
In a burst of fire, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' reappeared on the field and took to the skies, ready for round two (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000). Taking a step back, Familiar of Red Nova looked as though he soiled himself over 'Red Dragon Archfiend' coming back—but that wasn't the worst bit; due to 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend's' second effect, where if it were to be used as Synchro Material for the Synchro Summon of a DARK Synchro Monster, all Attack Position monsters the opponent (him) controlled would be destroyed.
"Now to destroy the bane of this godforsaken archetype!" raged Michael, as he held up his flaming right hand near his face and clenched it into a fist and swung it around in a dramatic fashion, "Do it, 'Red Dragon Archfiend'! Take down 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha' with all of your anger and might!" As he announced the attack name for his ace monster, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' already had its right claw lit ablaze as it threw a punch, "Absolute Powerforce!"
Despite being smaller than the enemy monster, the absolute power and sheer rage behind 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' attack was so great that it left a burning hole in the middle of 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha's' chest. A few seconds later, the monster exploded from destruction.
"It's not possible… My 'Geo Grasha'…is gone," whimpered Familiar of Red Nova.
"Next, I'll activate the third effect of 'Crimson Gaia'!" warned Michael, making Familiar of Red Nova even more afraid, "If a monster(s) on the field is destroyed by battle or card effect: I can Special Summon 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' from my GY," He narrowed his still glowing red eyes, as an enlarged image of the 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card loomed in the background, "If you think that 'Scarred Daemon' isn't named that, its first effect says otherwise… This card's name becomes 'Red Dragon Archfiend' while on the field or in the GY!"
In a third burst of fire, 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' reappeared on the field before flying into the air (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). The sight of the Crimson Dragon along with Michael controlling 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (ATK: 3000), 'Red Supernova Dragon' (ATK: 7000), and 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' (ATK: 3000) amazed the spectators and prisoners. The only one not feeling anything like that was Familiar of Red Nova, who was utterly defenseless against a direct attack by any of those three extremely powerful monsters—especially 'Red Supernova Dragon'—and having lost 'Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha'.
"M-Mercy-!" begged Familiar of Red Nova.
"There will be no mercy for someone like you," refused Michael coldly, "For kidnapping Ryuta and Gabriella, possessing Ledonir, and planning to kill my friends… I'm going to subject you to the same fate your master, the Crimson Devil, suffered. But first…" He entered the Battle Phase, "'Red Supernova Dragon', attack the enemy player directly!" As he announced the attack name of his ace monster, 'Red Supernova Dragon' was already charging fire in its mouth, "Burning Absolute Hellfire!"
The devastating fire blast was unleashed, striking Familiar of Red Nova as he screamed in agony and defeat while his remaining LP ended up wiped out through a massive overkill (LP: 1300 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Michael Atlas wins!
When the attack finally ended, Familiar of Red Nova collapsed to his knees. Below the platform, the spectators started cheering over Michael's victory over the servant to the Crimson Devil. Speaking of whom, he, back on the platform, felt absolutely defeated.
"I lost…?! This can't be!" protested Familiar of Red Nova, humiliated and disgraced, "I should have been strong enough to defeat the Legendary Signer when the 'Earthbound Immortals' were revived!"
"Against my rugged soul, you were never going to be any real match for me even with your broken cards," retorted Michael.
Slamming his hands on the ground, Familiar of Red Nova finally reached his final breaking point with his enemy.
"Damn you!" The voice of Familiar of Red Nova growled, shaking with complete fury and hatred, "Unforgivable!" He once again transformed into his (Familiar of Red Nova) monstrous form, deciding to finally kill Michael and everyone else in the room, "I won't let you live any longer, Michael Atlas!"
"What the hell?!" panicked Lisa.
"You're telling me, Lisa-chan," agreed David.
"It's a backstab if I ever saw one coming!" put in James R..
"Mike, look out!" urged Matt.
"Hurry and get out of there!" pleaded Carlie.
"MR. MIKE/ATLAS-SAMA!" Ryuta and Gabriella screamed out.
But Michael, still with the aura of fire surrounding him, didn't look afraid and didn't even make an effort to move a muscle and flee—in fact, he just smirked over the sneak attack and allowed himself to get hit by Familiar of Red Nova, causing an explosion to happen that threw the now normal-sized Familiar of Red Nova back to the other side of the platform in a mortally wounded state.
"W-Why? Why couldn't I even touch him?" complained Familiar of Red Nova.
When the smoke cleared, his answer was shown… The flame aura-covered Michael was being protected by not only the Crimson Dragon's power, but also by 'Red Dragon Archfiend', 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend', and 'Red Supernova Dragon'. Familiar of Red Nova finally realized he (Familiar of Red Nova) never had any real chance of trying to take over the body of Michael Atlas nor trying to kill him (Michael) outright due to the almighty powers of the Crimson Dragon. No longer smiling, a very cold-looking Michael faced and calmly walked towards Familiar of Red Nova.
"Remember when I said I would subject you to the same fate as your master?" said Michael softly, "That means you will become my obedient servant, starting now."
"S-Servant?" repeated Familiar of Red Nova weakly.
From there, the Crimson Dragon intervened and roared before absorbing the remains of the panicking and flailing Familiar of Red Nova with its power, transforming the dying spirit into a new Monster Card, fittingly named 'Red Familiar', for Michael. Everyone below the platform watched what happened in stunned, but also amazed, silence as the Crimson Dragon and all three Synchro Monsters finally faded away. With his flame aura gone, Michael walked over and picked up the new card ('Red Familiar') and looked at both it and the 'Red Supernova Dragon' Synchro Monster Card as the latter card turned back into the 'Red Nova Dragon' Synchro Monster Card. The platform then started to lower itself, compliments of Ms. Simmons and a computer console. As soon the platform was grounded, the rest of the group gathered around to shower Michael with praise.
"Mike, you were amazing in the duel!" began Carlie.
"You kicked butt out there!" came from James R..
"Nice going out there! You totally won with that triple tuning method!" grinned Lisa.
"You saved the children!" exclaimed Futaba.
"Atlas-sama!" David and Ren both cheered.
Michael stoically listened to his friends before he overheard a groan from nearby. It was Mr. Kisaka, finally waking up from being unconscious as a result of Familiar of Red Nova throwing him (Mr. Kisaka) off the platform into the wall.
"Ledonir!" cried Ms. Simmons, relieved her friend was awake, "You're okay!"
"E-Erica?" uttered Mr. Kisaka, trying to figure out his current location, "Where am I?" As he kept speaking, Ms. Simmons listened to his every word, "I remember working on my paperwork in a classroom when I heard some laughter, then…it was all a blank."
"Right now, you're here in the duel area," answered Ren, getting the attention of both Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka. From there, he, Futaba, and David walked into frame, "You were being possessed by a creature called Familiar of Red Nova."
"He used you to kidnap Gabriella and Ryuta and force Mike into a dangerous duel," informed Futaba, "When he started losing, that spirit decided he had no further use for you and released his hold on you before simply knocking you out."
Upon hearing everything he (Mr. Kisaka) seemingly did while under the control of Familiar of Red Nova, Mr. Kisaka was both shocked and ashamed of himself.
"I… I can't believe I actually tried-" murmured Mr. Kisaka, before he felt a hand being placed on his shoulder and looked over, "Erica?"
"Everything you did then, it was all because of Familiar of Red Nova," comforted Ms. Simmons, "You had no control over your actions, Ledonir, so it's not your fault."
"If Ashima-san were here with us at this time, she'd tell you the same thing," put in David.
Matt nodded in agreement, followed by James R., Carlie, Zack, and Lisa. Realizing no one was blaming him for the incident, Mr. Kisaka smiled and was grateful for Michael winning the duel. Upon remembering something important, Mr. Kisaka returned to his feet with help from Ms. Simmons, took out a remote from his pocket, aimed it upward, and pressed a button. The trapped Ryuta and Gabriella were lowered to the ground level. Once their feet were touching the floor again, David and Ren got both kids freed and they went and embraced their respective Mothers (Ryuta: Ms. Simmons, Gabriella: Futaba).
"My baby!" cried Futaba, "Don't worry, it's all over now. Mommy's got you."
A sobbing Gabriella just held onto Futaba, feeling safe and sound in the arms of her Mother after that frightening experience she (Gabriella) never wanted to go through again.
"Mommy, Gabriella and I were so worried we wouldn't get freed!" fretted Ryuta.
"Shh, it's alright now, Ryuta," reassured Ms. Simmons, "You and Gabriella are going to be okay."
"Familiar of Red Nova is gone now thanks to Mike," Futaba said soothingly to Gabriella, before she (Futaba) and Ms. Simmons stood up and turned to face Michael, "Thank you so much for rescuing our children, Mike."
"It was no trouble at all," Michael insisted casually, "Michael Atlas won't forgive people or spirits who do bad things—especially when it involves hurting children," He then looked at his new 'Red Familiar' Effect Monster Card and 'Scarred Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card, "All in all, I guess I should thank 'Red Familiar' here since the duel helped evolve my soul."
"Well, one thing's for certain, this makes me wish Megan and Juri were here," remarked James R., attempting another joke, "If they saw you demolish Familiar of Red Nova the way you did, they'd be all over you in an instant," He paused for a moment, "Which would undoubtedly lead to a fight between them for obvious reasons."
To his relief, the joke was far better received, making almost everyone in the room laugh. The only ones not laughing over it were Lisa and Michael; as the former was wordlessly looking down discontentedly, while the latter was mostly thinking about who could have brought back Familiar of Red Nova in the first place.
"Could it really have to do with the 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters being awakened?" thought Michael, wondering if there was another power at work, "Or…could it really have been something else?"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the underground chamber of Rex's mansion, Rex had finished watching everything that occurred during the duel and, with the wave of his right hand over the well, made the footage cease. Once the footage was gone, he walked away and smiled to himself, as though he (Rex) knew all along that Michael would be victorious against Familiar of Red Nova.
Phew! This was both one duel and chapter that turned out really well, and has become one of my overall favorites to write. Along with Carlie ("Ruddy Rose Dragon") and Matt ("Converging Wills Dragon" and "Shooting Majestic Star Dragon"), Michael has now received his mid-season upgrade in both "Red Supernova Dragon" and "Familiar Red". James R. will be getting his upgrade in the next chapter, but I won't tell you how or what it will be. As for Lisa and David, they sadly won't be getting anything new or special. To close this note off, the next chapter will be written and released before the end of the year, so keep your eyes out for it. Until then, keep being careful in these times we're in.