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: Subaquatic Turbo Duel
Opening up in the parking lot of Orb, early the next morning, everyone was up bright and early in order to go their separate ways to the appropriate location where a Dark Signer waited. Seeing them off in the parking lot were Mr. Zimmerman, Futaba, Ren, Gabriella, Ryuta, and almost all of the other Orb students. The group was split into the following numbers:
-Matt Fudo, Zack Ruaka, and Ashima Nilgiri: Outside New York City, where Clotho currently was.
-Michael Atlas: North New York near the border with Canada, where Orga was waiting.
-James R. Hogan, Erica Simmons, and Ledonir Kisaka: New Haven, where Shani was said to be.
-Carlie Izayoi, Paul Truman, and Maria Strienhart: Syracuse, where Misty awaited.
-Lisa Drake, David Xadashi, Sherry LeBlanc, and Shinji Weber: Outside Albany, where Azrael currently was.
"The day has finally come," narrated Matt, as the people departing shared a conversation with each other, "My friends and I are finally on our way to confront the Dark Signers in what will be our final battles. Either we will win and save the world, or be defeated and let the world end as we know it."
Ryuta hugged Ms. Simmons, hoping that his Mother would return home safely. While David gave his farewell to his Mother, Father, and younger sister, Lisa was busy addressing Sherry and Shinji—but mainly the former.
"The Dark Signers took away the lives of many of our friends and loved ones," continued Matt, as Shinji placed a hand on Sherry's shoulder to let her know that he (Shinji) would be by her side, "Unless we stop them here and now, they will continue doing it until they succeed in destroying everything and everyone in their path."
Matt wordlessly said something before punching his right fist forward, causing everyone else, including the people seeing them off, to all cheer or yell in response. At last, everyone boarded their Duel Runners (Paul and Maria climbed into their police car), revved them up, and roared out of the parking lot in different directions to begin the final search for the Dark Signers.
"But we won't fail," finished Matt, "Because my friends and I, we are Team 6D's, and the Dark Signers are going to pay for everything they've done!" Everything then came to a frozen still, "Let's rev it up!"
(elsewhere…)
Within the city of New Haven, still in the middle of the morning, James R., Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka each arrived through the expressway.
"New Haven," James R. told himself.
The three Duel Runners drove off the expressway onto the streets, finding people out and about enjoying the final days of Summer before September began—sure, many were worried about the people who mysteriously disappeared over the course of the last few months, but they still remained blissfully unaware of the end of the world looming over their heads.
"What a peaceful community," remarked Ms. Simmons.
"They unfortunately remain in the dark about the threat the Dark Signers pose on the world," noted Mr. Kisaka gravely, "The poor fools."
"That means we need to find that control tower and Dark Signer quickly," urged James R., "That way, I can defeat him, bring the tower down, and everything can remain peaceful."
The drive took the trio through most of New Haven, but they couldn't seem to find the control tower. If they at least found that, they would find a Dark Signer.
"Man! Where is that thing?" complained James R., acting all flabbergasted, "This isn't too big…" Focus went towards different parts of the area he and the two teachers of Orb were in, "…of a city, yet we're having no luck in finding it!" He sighed dejectedly, "I bet the others are having an easier time in locating their own control towers."
"I wouldn't be so sure of that, James," rebutted Mr. Kisaka.
"And remember," added Ms. Simmons, as James listened while driving, "the location of the other towers are further away than here."
James R. let out another sigh, acknowledging that to be true. On the expressway, Matt, Ashima, and Zack were driving through New Haven without stopping, on their way to a county near New York City. Pretty soon, James R., Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka each were driving near the beach, the same one where the first and all of his friends went earlier into the summer just after Ashima's arrival.
"Dang it, still nothing," groaned James R., before his birthmark started glowing, "Huh?" Curious, he started looking out into the slightly crowded beach before his eyes came upon someone standing near the water and beside a familiar Duel Runner, "Hmm… That's strange, I don't see anyone out—wait, who's that?"
"Let's go see," suggested Ms. Simmons.
The person standing near the water had his back turned as the arrivals drove up. Once Skygrasper stopped, James R. removed his helmet and got off.
"Who are you?" asked James R. shortly.
"I've been waiting for you to come…" The male figure responded, turning around, making the vision of his helmet go up, and revealing himself to be Shani Andras, "James Hogan!"
"Shani!" growled James R., "So, you really 'are' alive!" He looked surprised and freaked out, "Well, in a way…"
Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka were, likewise, surprised, too. Despite being revived, Shani looked like he was decaying similar to a zombie as a result of Azrael's dark power.
"But you know," continued James R. bitterly, "I'm amazed that your headmaster was kind enough to even bother reviving you after losing that Turbo Duel," As he (James R.) spoke, Shani seemed unfazed by the taunting, "I guess Matt, Mike, and I were too much for you guys to handle!"
"You three were working together as a team," corrected Shani.
"What was that?" frowned James R..
"Now, if we instead take you on individually, we 'can' win," Shani insisted smugly, before clenching his left hand into a fist while laying the right hand on the side of Forbidden, "I will have the honor of being the one to take you down, James!" It was then he noticed the new Duel Runner his enemy had been riding and grinned, "Oh, is that a new Duel Runner you have there? It does look different from the last one you rode."
"How dare you!" snarled James R., as clips of the bomb incident at Orb were playing in the background, "It was you who planted that explosive in the docking bay that ended up destroying my Blackbird, Matt's Fudo Go, Mike's Wheel of Fortune, and many M1 Astrays!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don't go blaming 'me' for that!" teased Shani, "You were the one who led me to Orb in the first place!" He pointed forth, "In simpler terms, this is 'your' fault it happened in the first place!"
"Be quiet!" cut in James R., no longer in the mood for small talk, "Where's the control tower you're supposed to be guarding?"
Shani responded to the question by simply smiling and snapping his fingers. Suddenly, the area started to quake itself to pieces, causing a mass panic at the beach as everyone there fled in terror. Far out in the ocean, a large tower slowly emerged from the water. Back on shore, James R., Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka, once the quaking ceased, were surprised over the choice of location.
"The tower," whispered Ms. Simmons.
"Is it possible that James and Shani will-?" put in Mr. Kisaka.
"You and I will have our battle within the ocean, James," explained Shani.
"What?! A Turbo Duel under the sea?" noted James R., "That's crazy! We'd drown if we had a duel underwater!"
"No, James, I think it's possible for it to happen," said Ms. Simmons, before eyeing Shani firmly, "There is a way for you to duel underwater, yes?"
"You're right; there is a way for James and I to duel under the sea without drowning," confirmed Shani, "Once we're are inside the geoglyph, we will have no such worries about drowning," He (Shani) faced James R. again. "So, there you go, James. Do you trust my word, now?"
Overall, James R. wasn't sure trusting Shani was a good idea. For all he knew, the Dark Signer could be lying to get his hopes up. However, he also knew there wasn't any other choice on the matter. At last, James R. faced Shani one more time and nodded.
"Alright, Shani, I'll trust you this one time," accepted James R., "This duel challenge…I accept!"
With that said, Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka looked at each other, nodded, then revved their Murasames again and left the beach, so they would not get caught in the geoglyph once it appeared. Once Shani and James R. were alone on the beach…
"It's time, James!" began Shani, "It's time for our final battle!"
James R. nodded, and both duelists raised their right arms up, causing their birthmarks to begin glowing—in Shani's case, it caused the usual fire wall to form around them. Soon, the geoglyph of the Killer Whale appeared in the darkening sky.
"Here's some interesting trivia; my 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, 'Chacu Challhua', is based on the Killer Whale, and we're going to duel within the sea itself!" revealed Shani, "It's the perfect battleground for the both of us!" When James R. didn't respond back, he (Shani) went on, "The first Duel Runner to enter the water gets to choose to go first. Is that fair?"
James R. nodded, accepting the condition. Finally, it was time to get ready for the race.
"Field Spell, 'High Speed World', set on!" James R. and Shani announced at once, before they pressed a button on the dashboard of their respective Duel Runners.
On the monitors of Skygrasper and Forbidden, a whole new Spell Card materialized and activated.
"Duel Mode, engaged," came a computerized voice aboard the two, respective Duel Runners, "Manual Mode activated."
From there, both Duel Runners became surrounded by a purple dome.
"This is it, the moment of truth," thought James R., "I'll win this battle and make Shani pay for killing Mayura," He spoke aloud, "Turbo Duel!"
"Acceleration!" finished Shani.
Both Duel Runners roared to life and took off for the water, entering it and riding along for a few seconds before finally sinking into the ocean itself.
(elsewhere…)
Now underwater, James R.'s eyes widened as he began to panic.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no!" thought James R., as his cheeks bulged and he looked like he was struggling to hold his breath, "I'm gonna drown! I knew I should never have trusted Shani, a Dark Signer!" Suddenly, he realized he was perfectly fine, "Huh? I'm not drowning? Hey, I really am breathing underwater!"
"You see? I told you so," gloated Shani, looking over briefly, "As long as we're in this geoglyph, we have no worries about drowning—at least until there's a duel outcome."
"Bring it on, Shani!" dared James R..
"But you can't do anything at the moment," Shani pointed out, "I made it underwater first, meaning 'I' get to choose first."
"Nuts," pouted James R., "Fine! Then choose!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in the city, Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka managed to get far enough away to avoid getting trapped, and they were looking into the sky at the geoglyph of the Killer Whale.
"It has started," acknowledged Mr. Kiska softly.
"James's final battle," agreed Ms. Simmons.
(elsewhere…)
All across the states of New York and Connecticut, the remaining five Signers all felt their birthmarks (Matt: Dragon's Head, Michael: Dragon's Wings, Carlie: Dragon's Foot, Lisa: Dragon's Hand, David: Dragon's Heart) glowing and responding, sensing that James R. was about to engage in battle with a Dark Signer.
(elsewhere…)
Back under the sea near New Haven, Shani made a decision on the turn order for the duel.
"I choose to make the first move!" he proclaimed, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Shani Andras (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Gishki Aquamirror", "Gishki Vision", "Focused Aquamirror", "Gishki Noellia", "Xyz Treasure Ticket", and "Gishki Shadow"
Speed Counters: 0
Shani's drawn card was the 'Gishki Shadow' Effect Monster Card, which he placed into his hand—which contained 'Gishki Aquamirror', 'Gishki Vision', 'Focused Aquamirror', 'Gishki Noellia', and 'Xyz Treasure Ticket'—before taking and holding another card ('Focused Aquamirror') out.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Focused Aquamirror'!" stated Shani, "I must add 1 'Gishki' monster from my Deck to my hand!" A card ('Gishki Grimness') emerged from the middle of the Deck, "I choose to add…" He took the card and revealed it, "…'Gishki Grimness' into my hand!" There was still so much more for him to do, "Next, I'll activate the second effect of 'Gishki Vision'!" The mentioned card was sent to the GY, "I can discard this card; I must…" It rewarded him with another ('Evigishki Neremanas') card from his Deck, which was taken and held up, "…add 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster from my Deck to my hand."
"A Ritual Monster is coming," James R. told himself urgently.
"And finally, I'll activate the Ritual Spell, 'Gishki Aquamirror'!" declared Shani, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Forbidden, "This card can be used to Ritual Summon any 'Gishki' Ritual Monster. I must also Tribute monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels exactly equal the Level of the Ritual Monster I Ritual Summon! However, I have an easier way to do it."
"I had a feeling about that," fretted James R..
"I activate the first effect of 'Gishki Grimness'!" continued Shani, holding up a card ('Gishki Grimness'), "If I Ritual Summon exactly 1 WATER Ritual Monster with a card effect that requires use of monsters," He sent the card to the GY, "this card can be used as the entire Tribute!" He smiled madly, "Are you ready? Then here's my first monster!"
Appearing on the field briefly was the humanoid swordfish-like monster wielding a trident known as 'Gishki Grimness' as it began glowing and evolving into something new.
"When the heart of the sea trembles, the door to the abyss delves further into the depths. Messenger of terror, sing the cursed song of the abyss!" chanted Shani, "Ritual Summon! Descend! Level 10! 'Evigishki Neremanas'!"
When the glowing and evolving ceased, on the field was the familiar humanoid sorceress merged together with what appeared to be a giant, horned whale who wielded a scepter as a weapon (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1800). Seeing that mighty monster once again reminded James R. of how Mayura was killed by that very monster…
FLASHBACK
Near the end of the Bio-CPU boys' Turbo Duel against the three Astray girls…
"Now, 'Evigishki Neremanas', attack directly!" shouted Flashback Shani.
'Evigishki Neremanas' obeyed, diving into the ground as though it were water. Flashback Mayura cautiously looked around for any sign of the enemy monster when she heard a sound and gasped before turning her head to the right in a slight panic—just in time for 'Evigishki Neremanas' to suddenly appear and stabbed into the pink M1 Astray with its sharp teeth, tearing into the Duel Runner and causing it to explode seconds later and take Flashback Mayura out of the duel (LP: 1100 → 0).
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and James R. gritted his teeth in anger.
"The second effect of 'Evigishki Neremanas'!" recalled Shani, as focus went towards his (Shani) monster then at James R., "It cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck. And many of your stronger monsters come from the Extra Deck, James!"
"I know that!" retorted James R., "But I won't let something like that stop me!"
"Good luck trying!" spat Shani, "I use this opportunity to activate 'Evigishki Neremanas's' first effect! If this card is Ritual Summoned: I can target 1 WATER monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it!" Focus went towards his GY, "I'm going to build my field with powerful monsters…" He looked up once more, "…until there's nothing you can do to beat me!"
"Just try it!" threatened James R..
"Gladly!" accepted Shani, and gave a command, "Resurrect, 'Gishki Grimness'!"
The humanoid swordfish-like monster reappeared on the field (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 700).
"'Gishki Grimness's' second effect!" resumed Shani, holding up a card taken from his Deck, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Gishki' monster from my Deck, except 'Gishki Grimness', also I can only declare attacks with Ritual Monsters until the end of this turn," He turned the card ('Gishki Marker') over and revealed what it was, "Come forth, 'Gishki Marker'!"
Appearing onto the field was an aquatic warrior wielding a trident with the head of an octopus (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200).
"I activate 'Gishki Marker's' monster effect!" Shani went on, looking at a card ('Gishki Aquamirror') he took from his GY before looking forward once more, "When this card is Summoned: I can target 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster or 'Gishki' Ritual Spell in my GY; I must add that target to my hand!" He then took another card ('Gishki Noellia') from his hand and readied it, "I Normal Summon the leader of the 'Gishki' tribe—'Gishki Noellia'!"
Appearing on the field was a pale skinned, red-haired woman-like creature wielding a scepter adorned with the 'Gishki' crest (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1000).
"I activate 'Gishki Noellia's' monster effect!" announced Shani, drawing five cards as 'Gishki Noellia' raised her scepter and cast some magic, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can…" He looked at the five cards carefully, "…excavate the top 5 cards of my Deck; I must send any excavated Ritual Spells and 'Gishki' monsters to the GY, also place the other cards on the bottom of my Deck in any order."
James R. watched Shani carefully before seeing the Dark Signer send every card excavated to the GY.
"What?! You're sending them all to the GY?" gasped James R..
"They're all Ritual Spells and 'Gishki' monsters," replied Shani, "But this is very important because one of the cards I got rid of is 'Gishki Mollusk', and its effect activates as a result!"
James R. wordlessly flinched.
"When this card is sent to the GY by a card effect: I must look at the top 3 cards of my Deck," explained Shani, drawing three cards and seeing they were 'The Ice-Bound God' (Trap Card), 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' (Monster Card), and 'Wellspring of the Gishki'(!) (Trap Card), "then return them all to the top or to the bottom of the Deck, in any order!" He once again smiled like a madman, "I return my cards to the top of my Deck in the same order they were in!"
"Are those good cards of his?" thought James R., "That means once he draws one of them, I'll be in trouble."
"And now," boomed Shani, as something happened to both 'Gishki Marker' and 'Gishki Noellia', "I overlay Level 4 'Gishki Marker' and 'Gishki Noellia'!"
From there, the two monsters turned to blue energy and flew into the Overlay Network. A familiar monster began to emerge from it.
"Messenger of terror, emerge from the raging maelstrom and surmount the tumultuous tides of the world!" chanted Shani, "Xyz Summon! Rank 4! 'Evigishki Merrowgeist'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was the winged mermaid wearing green armor and wielding a scepter in her hand (Rank: 4/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600).
"Now that I have an Xyz Monster out, I can activate this card," snickered Shani, slotting a card ('Xyz Treasure Ticket') into his Duel Runner, "Spell Card, 'Xyz Treasure Ticket'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field beside Forbidden (on its left), "I must target 1 Rank 4 or lower Xyz Monster I control; I must draw cards equal to its Rank!" He drew four cards, "Since 'Evigishki Merrowgeist' is a Rank 4 monster, I get to refresh my hand with four cards!"
The cards were 'The Ice-Bound God', 'Evigishki Soul Ogre', 'Wellspring of the Gishki', and 'Gishki Natalia'—three of which he had already seen.
"Ha ha ha! I will now perform a second Ritual Summon!" bragged Shani with a quick laugh, before holding up another card ('Gishki Aquamirror'), "I activate the Ritual Spell," With the swing of his right arm, he slotted the card into his Duel Runner, "'Gishki Aquamirror'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Forbidden, and focus went towards 'Gishki Grimness', "I Tribute the Level 2 'Gishki Grimness', activating its first effect again!"
Another explosion of water ensued, soon revealing a huge, standing on two legs, aquatic monster with two, powerful-looking arms as a Summon Chant from Shani ensued.
"At the ocean's depth lies a gate, leading to a deeper abyss. Messenger of terror, embrace the unrivaled pressure of Mother Ocean!" chanted Shani, "Ritual Summon! Come out! Level 8! 'Evigishki Soul Ogre'!"
Now on the field, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre', one of Shani's favorite monsters, snarled and prepared for battle (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2800). Overall, Shani's first turn gave him access to three very powerful monsters.
"I Set two cards and enter my End Phase!" beamed Shani, making two face-down cards appear on the field around Forbidden before they faded away for later use, "This activates the second effect of 'Focused Aquamirror'!" While speaking, a card ('Focused Aquamirror') ejected from his GY before fading away into oblivion, causing a card from the center of his Deck ('Aquamirror Illusion') to eject, "During the End Phase, if I control a WATER Ritual Monster: I can banish this card from my GY; I must…" He took the card and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on the Duel Runner, "…Set 1 'Aquamirror' Spell/Trap directly from my Deck or GY, except 'Focused Aquamirror'!"
A third face-down card appeared on the field on-front of Forbidden before fading away for later use, giving Shani three Set cards to use.
"Three face-down cards, three very powerful monsters," murmured James R., "I already have my work cut out for me."
"And now, I'll end my turn here!" concluded Shani, "Now, come at me, James!"
James R. once again gritted his teeth, thinking back to when Mayura and her friends were killed. Another flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
After Flashback Asagi's death, Flashback Mayura and Flashback Juri were the next to die from their injuries.
"James, I know you'll save the world, right?" Flashback Mayura said warmly, "I'll be cheering you on, after all."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and then a grieving James R. thought back to the Turbo Duel he and his friends had against the Biological CPU boys—a duel where victory over them ended up being meaningless.
"I won't lose to that guy," thought James R., "Victory was meaningless back then thanks to Azrael, but, this time, victory will mean something to me," He spoke aloud, "It's my turn!"
Now that it was the second turn, both players gained a Speed Counter:
-James R.: 0 → 1
-Shani: 0 → 1
Turn Two: James R. Hogan (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Blackwing - Zonda the Dusk", "Cards for Black Feathers", "Blackwing - Gust the Backblast", "Blackwing - Auster the South Wind", "Swallow's Nest", and "Black Whirlwind"
Speed Counters: 1
Upon seeing what his drawn card was, James R. knew that things would go his way at least for now. He just needed a few more resources, and, luckily, he already had the perfect way to get them.
"I activate 'Cards for Black Feathers'!" announced James R., as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Skygrasper. He took a card ('Blackwing - Auster the South Wind') from his hand and discarded it, "I must send 1 "Blackwing" monster from my hand to the GY; I must…" He drew two cards, "…draw 2 cards!"
"It was thanks to that card you managed to barely squeak out a win against me," remembered Shani, as he remembered the time 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' being Synchro Summoned was what allowed his loss, "It got you the resources you needed to bring 'Full Armor Master' out."
"It did, and it helped me again," revealed James R., with his cards being 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast' (Monster Card) and 'Blackwing - Vata the Emblem of Wandering' (Monster Card), "I have what I need to defeat your powerful monsters."
"What? Again?" scowled Shani.
"Again," James R. confirmed coolly, "Here I go!" He held out one of his cards ('Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast'), "I activate 'Chinook the Snow Blast's' monster effect!" The brown-haired young man discarded the card, then, while explaining, held up a card ('Blackwing Armed Wing') taken from the Extra Deck, "I can send this card from my hand or field to the GY, then target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must send 1 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster or 1 'Black-Winged Dragon' from my Extra Deck to the GY, and if I do, until the end of this turn, the targeted monster loses 700 ATK, also negate its effects!"
Appearing on the field was the brown-feathered bird-like monster with large wings and what appeared to be orange hair.
"Hmph! That's a very powerful effect indeed," snorted Shani, "But, this time, I'm ready for it!"
James R. recoiled, "What?!"
"I activate 'Evigishki Neremanas's' third effect!" As Shani spoke on, focus went towards 'Evigishki Neremanas' as it summoned water around itself and 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast', causing James R.'s monster to panic as both monsters disappeared from the field, "Once per turn, when my opponent activates a monster effect (Quick Effect): I can return 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster I control to the hand, and if I do, negate the activation, and if I do that, shuffle it into the Deck!"
James R. wordlessly cried out and placed his 'Blackwing Armed Wing' Synchro Monster Card back into the Extra Deck.
"Great, there goes my plan to use 'Chinook the Snow Blast'," thought James R. bitterly, "But still… Surrendering this duel is not an option."
"Well, James? Are you going to try something else?" taunted Shani, "You know, something that just might be worth my time? Before you do though, I have something 'I' want to do!" On cue, one of his Set cards reappeared on the field behind Forbidden, "I activate a Trap, 'Aquamirror Illusion'!" The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, much to James R.'s dismay, "I must Special Summon 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster from my hand. It cannot attack, and is returned to the hand during the End Phase!" He placed a card ('Evigishki Neremanas') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Return, 'Evigishki Neremanas'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Evigishki Neremanas' (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1800).
"Well, how about that?" mocked Shani, "I brought back one of my strongest monsters in an instant!" As he (Shani) rambled on, James R. looked frustrated, "How about it, James? Aren't you going to top that?"
"Grr… I'll show you!" accepted James R., taking a card ('Blackwing - Gust the Backblast') from his hand and placing it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Blackwing - Gust the Backblast'!"
Appearing onto the field was the humanoid birdman with two large black wings (Level: 2/ATK: 900/DEF: 1400).
"If I control no cards, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," explained James R., going over his monster's first effect. He then held up another card ('Black Whirlwind'), "Then, from my hand, I'll activate the Continuous Spell, 'Black Whirlwind'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Skygrasper.
"When a 'Blackwing' monster is Normal Summoned to my field: I can add 1 'Blackwing' monster from my Deck to my hand with less ATK than that monster," revealed James R., as he took a card from his hand, "Next, I'll offer 'Gust the Backblast' as a Tribute…" 'Blackwing - Gust the Backblast' faded away in a blue streak, "…and Tribute Summon 'Blackwing - Zonda the Dusk'!"
Appearing on the field in the place of the previous monster was a tall, humanoid birdman with black feathers, wearing red armor and wielding a black sword (Level: 6/ATK: 2300/DEF: 900).
"Now 'Black Whirlwind's' effect lets me add a 'Blackwing' monster from my Deck into my hand," recalled James R., drawing a card and seeing it was a Monster Card called 'Blackwing - Shamal the Sandstorm', "Perfect! This one will be helpful."
"Wow. Big whoop," grunted Shani sarcastically.
"I also activate 'Zonda the Dusk's' second effect!" continued James R., as 'Blackwing - Zonda the Dusk' empowered his sword, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can target 1 monster on the field; I must return it to the hand!" He smiled hopefully in his thoughts, "Now I can get rid of 'Evigishki Neremanas' again!"
"Idiot! You forget I can just activate 'Evigishki Neremanas's' third effect!" insulted Shani, preparing to make the move. Once again, 'Evigishki Neremanas' summoned water around itself and 'Blackwing - Zonda the Dusk', "I return 'Neremanas' my hand, so say goodbye to your monster!"
"Not this time!" cut in James R., as he slotted a card into his Duel Runner, "Quick-Play Spell, 'Swallow's Nest'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Skygrasper, "I must Tribute 1 face-up Winged Beast monster; I must Special Summon 1 Winged Beast monster from my Deck with the same Level the Tributed monster had on the field!"
"What did you say?" gasped Shani.
"Sure my monster will be gone either way, but there's a better choice for a moment like this," joked James R., as 'Blackwing - Zonda the Dusk' faded away in a blue streak before the water could do the same thing to it. He then held up a new card ('Blackwing - Kogarashi the Wanderer'), "I Special Summon 'Blackwing - Kogarashi the Wanderer'!"
Appearing on the field was a black-feathered monster with red-feathered wings and sharp talons (Level: 6/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1200).
"With the original target gone, only Neremanas' is gonna go bye-bye," waved James R..
'Evigishki Neremanas' faded away in a blue streak, being sent back to a fuming Shani's hand.
"Dammit," hissed Shani, taking his Monster Card off the Monster Zone and adding it into his hand, "I'll get you back for that."
"I now use this opportunity to activate the first effect of 'Blackwing - Shamal the Sandstorm'!" exclaimed James R., sending a card ('Blackwing - Shamal the Sandstorm') to the GY, causing another card ('Black Feather Whirlwind') to eject from the middle of his Deck, which was taken and inserted into an empty Spell & Trap Zone on the Duel Runner, "I can send this card from my hand or field to the GY; I must place 1 'Black Feather Whirlwind' from my Deck face-up in my Spell & Trap Zone!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Skygrasper.
"'Black Feather Whirlwind's' second effect is gonna put a real damper on something you try in the near future," warned James R., as focus went towards the face-up 'Black Feather Whirlwind' Spell Card, "Once per turn, if a DARK monster I control would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can remove 1 Black Feather Counter from my field instead!"
"At this point, it's absolutely worthless!" objected Shani, causing James R. to raise an eyebrow from the complaint, "Since you currently don't have any Black Feather Counters nor is 'Black-Winged Dragon' on the field!"
"Are you sure about that?" grinned James R., using the popular dueling catchphrase against the very displeased Shani. He then held up another card ('Blackwing - Vata the Emblem of Wandering'), "If I control a 'Blackwing' monster other than 'Blackwing - Vata the Emblem of Wandering', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)," He placed the card onto his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Vata the Emblem of Wandering'!"
Appearing on the field was a short and stocky-looking bird monster with black feathers, red belly, blue hair and a white coat and pants (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 0).
"'Vata the Emblem of Wandering's' second effect!" declared James R., as 'Blackwing - Vata the Emblem of Wandering' flew above him, "During my Main Phase: I can send this card on the field to the GY along with 1 or more non-Tuner 'Blackwing' monsters from my Deck, so that the total Levels sent equal exactly 8, and if I do, Special Summon 1 'Black-Winged Dragon' from my Extra Deck, also I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except DARK monsters!" He held up two more cards ('Blackwing - Calima the Haze' and 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast') taken from his Deck and threw them forward, "These two monsters will do!"
Appearing on the field was a misty pink-feathered monster called 'Blackwing - Calima the Haze', and reappearing on the field was 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast'. Both monsters joined with 'Blackwing - Vata the Emblem of Wandering' as they flew higher and higher into the sky.
"I send all three monsters to the GY!" The voice of James R. announced, as 'Blackwing - Vata the Emblem of Wandering' turned into two Synchro Rings, "Levels 4, 2, and 2 equal 8!"
'Blackwing - Calima the Haze' and 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast' flew into the two Synchro Rings, turning themselves into orbs of light (four for 'Blackwing - Calima the Haze', and two for 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast') as a Summon Chant was heard throughout the sequence.
"Darkened gales, reveal hidden wishes on your wings!" chanted James R., as the symbols 4 + 2 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly before the six orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, which slammed onto Skygrasper on the ocean floor and caused white-feathered wings and the tail feathers of a familiar Dragon monster to be shown, "Soar, 'Black-Winged Dragon'!"
'Black-Winged Dragon' let out a screeching roar in the ocean floor to signal it had arrived (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1600).
(elsewhere…)
Back in New Haven, Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka were watching the duel on the monitor of the former's Murasame.
"Darkened gales, reveal hidden wishes on your wings!" The image of James R. chanted, as 'Blackwing - Calima the Haze' and 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast' flew into the two Synchro Rings, turning themselves into orbs of light as the symbols 4 + 2 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly before the six orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, which slammed onto Skygrasper on the ocean floor and caused white-feathered wings and the tail feathers of a familiar Dragon monster to be shown, "Soar, 'Black-Winged Dragon'!"
'Black-Winged Dragon' let out a screeching roar in the ocean floor to signal it had arrived.
"James brought out his Signer Dragon," acknowledged Ms. Simmons.
Mr. Kisaka nodded in agreement, but knew the duel was far from being over—mainly because the monitor was showing Shani not looking angry, but instead smiling.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the ocean floor, Shani was, indeed, smiling over the appearance of 'Black-Winged Dragon'.
"So, you've shown yourself, 'Black-Winged Dragon'," slurred Shani, much to James R.'s confusion, "Too bad it won't be able to help you beat me."
"Say what?" frowned James R..
"One card I have will render that Signer Dragon useless!" explained Shani, before reaching over to press a button on his Duel Runner, "This is the card I have!" On cue, one of his Set cards reappeared on the field in-front of Forbidden, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "Face-down card, activate! 'The Ice-Bound God'!"
"What!? 'The Ice-Bound God'?" worried James R., before he heard 'Black-Winged Dragon' roar, "Ah!"
Above the ocean floor, 'Black-Winged Dragon' was getting frozen into a block of ice.
"'Black-Feather'-!" panicked James R..
"Hmhmhm… My Trap Card, 'The Ice-Bound God'," giggled Shani, as he spoke about his two remaining WATER monsters, "If 2 or more WATER monsters are on the field: I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; that face-up monster cannot attack, also its effects are negated," Both his eyes were shown instead of the other being hidden behind his bangs, "'Black-Winged Dragon' can no longer protect you from effect damage nor gain any Black Feather Counters!"
"I can't believe it!" thought James R., upset his main ace monster has been sealed and rendered useless to him, "I guess this means I'll have to pull out another ace monster—and I know just the one!" He spoke aloud, "My turn's just getting started, Shani! I activate 'Black Feather Whirlwind's' first effect!"
"Hm?" quizzed Shani.
"Once per turn, if I Special Summon a DARK Synchro Monster from the Extra Deck (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 'Blackwing' monster, or 'Black-Winged Dragon', in my GY or banishment, with less ATK than that Special Summoned monster; I must Special Summon it," said James R., as 'Blackwing - Calima the Haze' reappeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 600/DEF: 1800), "Resurrect, 'Calima the Haze'!"
"The second effect of 'Kogarashi the Wanderer'," James R. went on, "When a monster is Synchro Summoned using this card as Synchro Material, the opponent of this card's owner cannot activate cards or effects," As he gave the command, 'Blackwing - Calima the Haze' flew upward as something happened to 'Blackwing - Kogarashi the Wanderer', "Level 6 'Kogarashi the Wanderer' tunes Level 4 'Calima the Haze'!"
'Blackwing - Kogarashi the Wanderer' turned into six Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Calima the Haze' flew into before turning into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant was heard throughout.
"Darkened gales of might, sore to even greater heights and bring the pain upon your adversities!" chanted James R., as the symbols 4 + 6 = 10 were shown briefly before the four orbs of light within the six Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master'!"
Emerging from the beam of light and onto the field as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was 'Blackwing Armor Master' wearing brand new armor, wielding a greatsword for a weapon, and with an arm cannon for the left hand (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000). Shani was looking a little fearful of that monster, having a flashback to when 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' was brought out.
FLASHBACK
During the three-on-three Turbo Duel, 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind' turned into three Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing Armor Master' soared into as his whole body became outlined and revealed seven orbs of light from within.
"Darkened gales of might, sore to even greater heights and bring the pain upon your adversities!" chanted Flashback James R., as the symbols 7 + 3 = 10 were briefly shown before the seven orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master'!"
Emerging from the beam of light and into the sky, was 'Blackwing Armor Master' wearing brand new armor, wielding a greatsword for a weapon, and with an arm cannon for the left hand (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
"'Blackwing Full Armor Master'?!" Flashback Shani freaked out, "That guy picked now of all times to bring him out?"
"As of now, I'll activate 'Full Armor Master's' third effect!" explained Flashback James R., "Once per turn: I can target 1 monster my opponent…" As he spoke further, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' aimed his arm cannon again and fired from it, striking the Wedge Counter stuck in 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' and shoving it in deeper, "…controls with a Wedge Counter; I must take control of it!"
With the Wedge Counter fully impaling it, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' found itself going over to the field belonging to Flashback James R., leaving Flashback Shani only with a weakened 'Evigishki Neremanas'. Speaking of Flashback Shani, all he could do was wait for the end to come to him.
"Battle!" declared Flashback James R., entering the Battle Phase. As he gave the order to attack, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' charged forth and slashed at 'Evigishki Neremanas', "My 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' will attack 'Evigishki Neremanas'!"
'Evigishki Neremanas' exploded from destruction, leaving Flashback Shani with very low LP (LP: 1600 → 300).
"'Full Armor Master', attack Shani directly!" commanded Flashback James R., as he thrust his right hand forward, "Black Full Hurricane!"
Nothing initially seemed to happen within the thick blanket of smoke. Flashback Shani, believing he would be spared, initially let out a sigh of relief. That, however, was false hope, as bursting out of the smoke with a battle cry was 'Blackwing Full Armor Master', and once close enough, he readied his sword and stabbed it into the center of Forbidden, causing Flashback Shani to let out a chopped off scream as the mighty 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster pulled the weapon out and retreated back near Blackbird. Outside the geoglyph, the group watched in stunned silence as Forbidden, along with Flashback Shani's LP falling to 0 (LP: 300 → 0), sparked and finally exploded, seemingly claiming the life of the Dark Signer.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"'Full Armor Master's' first effect makes him unaffected by other cards' effects, and there is also his second effect…" While speaking, an enlarged image of the 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' Synchro Monster Card loomed in the background, "Each time an opponent's monster activates its effect, I must place 1 Wedge Counter on that opponent's monster (max. 1) after that effect resolves!"
Shani really did not like being reminded of 'Blackwing Full Armor Master's' effects.
"Next, I'll activate the second effect of 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind'!" remarked James R., holding up a card ('Blackwing - Auster the South Wind'), "Remember this, Shani? I can banish this card from the GY to activate 1 of the following effects!"
These were the following effects written on the 'Blackwing - Auster the South Wind' Tuner Monster Card:
-"I must place Black Feather Counter(s) on 1 'Black-Winged Dragon' I control, equal to the number of card(s) my opponent controls."
-"I must place 1 Wedge Counter on each face-up monster my opponent controls that does not have one."
Shani again said nothing back, but damn well knew which effect James R. was going to pick. 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' aimed his arm cannon and fired Wedge Counters from it—striking both 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' and 'Evigishki Merrowgeist'.
"As of now, I'll activate 'Full Armor Master's' third effect!" explained James R., "Once per turn: I can target 1 monster my opponent…" As he spoke further, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' aimed his arm cannon again and fired from it, striking the Wedge Counter stuck in 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' and shoving it in deeper, "…controls with a Wedge Counter; I must take control of it!"
With the Wedge Counter fully impaling it, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' found itself going over to James R.'s field, leaving Shani with only 'Evigishki Merrowgeist' to defend himself. Shani gritted his teeth, waiting for the attacks to come.
"Battle!" declared James R., entering the Battle Phase. As he gave the order to attack, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' charged forth and slashed at 'Evigishki Merrowgeist', "'Evigishki Soul Ogre' attacks 'Evigishki Merrowgeist'!"
Very similar to what happened in the last Turbo Duel, 'Evigishki Merrowgeist' exploded from destruction, causing Shani to lose LP from the attack (LP: 4000 → 3300). Luckily, he maintained enough of them to remain in the game once 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' made an attack.
"Are you ready, Shani?" growled James R., eager to get off a direct attack with his best monster. From there, as he announced the attack and attack name, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' raised his sword up and charged it with power, "'Full Armor Master', attack the enemy player directly! Black Full Hurricane!"
'Blackwing Full Armor Master' obeyed and charged at Forbidden in an effort to stab it, but Shani managed to get out of the way before the sword could impale the main engine—however, a section of the Duel Runner got clipped, so Shani still received the massive damage from the direct attack (LP: 3300 → 300).
"Alright, I'm almost there!" rejoiced James R., "I enter my End Phase and activate the fourth effect of 'Full Armor Master'!" As he explained the effect, 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' shattered into shards of glass, "Once per turn, during my End Phase: I can destroy all monsters on the field that have a Wedge Counter."
"Tch! So I lost all of my monsters, is that it?" grunted Shani.
"One of them you got rid of yourself," countered James R., "The rest I destroyed. And now, I'll end my turn!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in New Haven itself, Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka were pleased that James R. was now in a good spot after being able to defeat Shani's monsters and reduce him to a measly 300 LP. But they also knew that Shani would not take it lying down, and that the duel was only going to get more intense.
(elsewhere…)
Back underwater, both Duel Runners turned into a corner within the fire wall as the Turbo Duel raged on. James R. had just managed to pass Shani, but it was now Shani's turn to try turning things around.
"You think this match is going to end with you winning?" grumbled Shani, "I still have my 'Earthbound Immortal' waiting in my Deck—waiting for the right time to emerge and eliminate you!"
"Is that so?" teased James R., pointing forth with his right hand, "Then let's see you bring it out before I take you out."
"Just shut up, will you!" barked Shani, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Once again, both players gained a Speed Counter:
-James R.: 1 → 2
-Shani: 1 → 2
Turn Three: Shani Andras (LP: 300)
Deck: 40
Current Hand (3): "Gishki Shadow", "Evigishki Neremanas", and "Moray of Greed"
Speed Counters: 2
Shani's drawn card was the 'Moray of Greed' Spell Card, and the rest of his hand contained 'Gishki Shadow' and 'Evigishki Neremanas'. From there, he made a move.
"I activate 'Gishki Shadow's' second effect!" began Shani, discarding a card ('Gishki Shadow') and causing another card ('Forbidden Arts of the Gishki') to emerge from his Deck, "I can discard this card; I must…" He took the card and placed it into his hand, "add 1 'Gishki' Ritual Spell from my Deck to my hand," Looking at one of the occupied Spell & Trap Zones on his Duel Runner, he decided it was time to activate his secret weapon, "Get ready… I activate a Continuous Trap!" Upon pressing the button, one of the Set cards reappeared on the field in-front of Forbidden, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "'Wellspring of the Gishki'!"
"'Wellspring of the Gishki'?" blinked James R., "What does that card do?"
"If a 'Gishki' Ritual Monster is Ritual Summoned: I can target that monster; I must gain LP equal to that monster's original ATK, and if I do, my opponent sends the top card of their Deck to the GY," explained Shani, as, in his mind, various were sinking into the abyss, "Cards sent to the GY by this effect cannot activate their own effects that same turn, also negate the activated effects and effects on the field of cards with the same original name, until the end of this turn."
"That's not good," thought James R., worried, "If Shani considers bringing 'Evigishki Neremanas' out again, he will recover 3000 LP and reverse all the damage that 'Full Armor Master' did!" He (James R.) eyed Shani very carefully, "Knowing him, he has many more ways to Ritual Summon those monsters of his."
"I hope you're ready to lose, James," warned Shani, holding up a new card in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand, "This time, I will emerge victorious from our battle!"
James R gritted his teeth, silently disagreeing with that declaration. Who was going to win this rematch? No one had a clue.
And so, James R. and Shani are engaging in their final, furious confrontation and beginning the big fights between the Signers and the Dark Signers. One will win, and the other will fall and never get back up.