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: Killer Whale Cataclysm
Opening up under the ocean, the undersea Turbo Duel between James R. (LP: 4000) and Shani (LP: 300) raged on with it still being the latter's turn and holding a card up in his right hand.
"I activate the Ritual Spell, 'Forbidden Arts of the Gishki'!" began Shani, turning the card ('Forbidden Arts of the Gishki') over and revealing it, "This card can be used to Ritual Summon any 'Gishki' Ritual Monster. I must also Tribute face-up monsters from anywhere on the field, whose total Levels equal the Level of the Ritual Monster I Ritual Summon," The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Forbidden, "I must halve the ATK of the monster Ritual Summoned by this effect. I cannot conduct my Battle Phase the turn I activate this card!"
"What?!" cried James R., watching as his 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' faded away into a blue streak, "My 'Full Armor Master'!"
"With the offering made, it's time for my favorite monster to come back," teased Shani, before going into a frightening Summon Chant as a familiar monster began to make itself known, "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!"
James R. grimaced, dreading the reappearance of Shani's ace monster despite its ATK being halved.
"Ritual Summon!" yelled Shani, "Descend! Level 10! 'Evigishki Neremanas'!"
Now back on the field with lowered ATK, 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: 1500/DEF: 1800).
"In addition, I'll activate the first effect of my Continuous Trap, 'Wellspring of the Gishki'!" reminded Shani, as his face-up 'Wellspring of the Gishki' Trap Card started glowing—which was followed by him glowing before gaining significant amounts of LP (LP: 300 → 3300), "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," He looked absolutely gleeful, "James, send the top card of your Deck to the GY and pray it isn't something useful!"
James R. gritted his teeth, drew the top card of his Deck, looked at it, then sent it to the GY as ordered to do.
"Continuing from there," laughed Shani, "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!"
"This stinks," thought James R., "Due to the second effect of 'Evigishki Neremanas', it can't be destroyed by battle with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck—and many of my most powerful monsters come from the Extra Deck!"
"And that's not all!" continued Shani, holding up a familiar card ('The Ice-Bound God') taken from his GY, "I activate the second effect of 'The Ice-Bound God'! If a Level 5 or higher WATER monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned to my field," While still speaking about it, he swung his right arm about and slotted the card into his Duel Runner, "while this card is in my GY (except during the Damage Step): I can Set this card, but banish it when it leaves the field!"
On the monitor of Skygrasper, it read that Shani's field now had a face-down card in one of the Spell & Trap Zones, which made James R. feel displeased.
"I'm okay with my card being banished because it means I have no further use for it!" boasted Shani, "Now I'm gonna bring another monster back from the depths of the ocean!" While still speaking, 'Evigishki Neremanas' raised its scepter, pointed the tip forth, and cast a spell of sorts, "I 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!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Gishki Grimness' (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 700).
"That's 'Gishki Grimness'!" complained James R..
"The one I need to revive," Shani pointed out, "I activate 'Gishki Grimness's' second effect! If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 'Gishki' monster from my Deck, except 'Gishki Grimness'," He held up a card ('Gishki Abyss') taken from his Deck, "also I can only declare attacks with Ritual Monsters until the end of this turn!"
Shani placed his taken card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner. That caused a Fish monster with a humanoid body and a shark-like head to appear on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 500).
"'Gishki Abyss'!" remembered James R., before retreating into his thoughts, "Shani controls three different monsters—none of which are in Attack Position."
What was Shani thinking? Well, I'm certain he'll reveal his reasons soon enough.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Azrael was currently alone in the main chamber and watching the ongoing battle between James R. and Shani, glad that Shani had shaped up since the last duel and was doing good against James R..
"Hmhmhm… It won't be long, now," chuckled Azrael, "My master plan will succeed and reduce the whole world to ash," He suddenly remembered a certain someone who was definitely on her way to face him, "Oh, right, Lisa… I do hope you get here soon."
Azrael's eyes went back to the Viewing Globe, which showed footage of Shani and James R. as their Turbo Duel intensified.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the ocean floor…
"The monster effect of 'Gishki Abyss' activates!" proclaimed Shani, as a card ejected from the center of his Deck, "When this card is Summoned: I can…" He took the card ('Gishki Reliever') and took a good look at it, "…add 1 'Gishki' monster with 1000 or less DEF from my Deck to my hand, except 'Gishki Abyss'." Far from being done, the light green-haired boy made another move, "The second effect of 'Gishki Aquamirror'!"
"Not again!" thought James R., very unhappy.
"I can shuffle this card from the GY…" explained Shani, placing a card ('Gishki Aquamirror') on top of his Deck and causing it to automatically shuffle before another card ('Evigishki Levianima') ejected from his GY, "…into the Deck, then target 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster in my GY; I must add it to my hand!" He took the card and added it into his hand, "I just need that card again, and I'll be able to attack you!" To that end, he took and held a card ('Moray of Greed') out, "Spell Card, 'Moray of Greed', activate! I must shuffle 2 WATER monsters from my hand into the Deck, then draw 3 cards."
His hand currently contained 'Gishki Natalia', 'Gishki Reliever' and 'Evigishki Levianima', and two cards of the were taken and shuffled into the Deck, which allowed for Shani to draw three cards. Those cards were 'Revival of the Immortals' (Trap Card), 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' (Monster Card), and 'Gishki Aquamirror' (Spell Card), causing Shani's only shown eye to widen as an evil snicker escaped from his lips.
"I don't need to use this card yet," Shani thought to himself, "My Ritual Monsters will be more than enough to defeat James!"
"I don't know what he drew, but something's telling me it's got to be that freaky 'Earthbound Immortal' of his!" uttered James R., "If it is, when will he try bringing it out?"
"I Summon 'Gishki Reliever'!" cut in Shani.
"Huh?" gasped James R..
Appearing on the field was an Aqua monster with green, fish-like scales, a red, fish-like face, and sharp teeth (Level: 2/ATK: 500/DEF: 800).
"When this card is Normal or Flip Summoned: I can target 1 other monster you control; I must return that target to the hand," revealed Shani, going over his monster's only effect. While doing so, he retracted his right hand before holding it out, "I must control another face-up 'Gishki' monster to activate and to resolve this effect!" It was then his 'Evigishki Neremanas' started to disappear, "I target and return my own 'Evigishki Neremanas'!"
"By doing so, you probably have to have another way to bring it back at full strength," guessed James R..
"You're right, I do," sneered Shani, before slotting a card ('Gishki Aquamirror') into his Duel Runner, "I activate the Ritual Spell, 'Gishki Aquamirror'!" 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!" His eyes went towards his 'Gishki Grimness', which he had big plans for, "I must also Tribute monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels exactly equal the Level of the Ritual Monster I Ritual Summon!" With the decision made, "I activate 'Gishki Grimness's' first effect!"
"Knew it!" blurted James R..
"If I Ritual Summon exactly 1 WATER Ritual Monster with a card effect that requires use of monsters, this card can be used as the entire Tribute," recalled Shani, as his 'Gishki Grimness' faded away in a blue streak, "Be gone, 'Gishki Grimness'!" He held up one of his favorite cards ('Evigishki Neremanas') before placing it onto his Duel Runner, "Resurrect, 'Evigishki Neremanas'!"
Reappearing on the field, back at full strength, was 'Evigishki Neremanas' (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1800). Suddenly, the watery air around nearby ground started bubbling hard as something started to show itself.
"With 'Neremanas' Ritual Summoned, I'll Special Summon a WATER monster from my GY!" The voice of Shani exclaimed, as the above scenario partially played out. It was then 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2800) reappeared on the field, "Resurrect, 'Soul Ogre'!"
'Evigishki Neremanas' and 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' stood ready to attack on command, and Shani had many more stinging words to deliver to James R. in an effort to try and break the Signer.
"Well, what do you know? I've not only recovered most of my lost LP, but I also brought back some of my strongest monsters," taunted Shani, "As much as I want to attack and finish you off, it will have to wait until the next turn," He entered his End Phase, "As of now, I'll end my turn here!"
On cue, the face-up 'Wellspring of the Gishki' Trap Card stopped glowing, signaling it's effect had come to an end.
(elsewhere…)
Back ashore, both Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka were watching the duel on the monitor of the former's Murasame. Both teachers of Orb were looking very serious about the whole thing.
"Shani must have drawn his 'Earthbound Immortal' by now," informed Ms. Simmons.
"Agreed," acknowledged Mr. Kisaka, "The question though… is when will Shani play it?" He narrowed his eyes, "That deceitful monster!"
"'Neremanas' will continue to give Shani enough monsters to Tribute unless James does something to get rid of it once and for all," realized Ms. Simmons.
(elsewhere…)
Back under the ocean…
"I got to get rid of 'Neremanas' once and for all," thought James R., as though he knew what Ms. Simmons was talking about, "If I don't, Shani can easily gain the monsters he needs to Tribute and Summon his 'Earthbound Immortal' monster!"
"You don't have any cards in your hand!" mocked Shani, "How will you get yourself out of a mess like this?"
"I will get myself out of the mess just long enough to take down your 'Evigishki Neremanas'!" retorted James R., before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Once again, both players gained a Speed Counter:
-James R.: 2 → 3
-Shani: 2 → 3
Turn Four: James R. Hogan (LP: 4000)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (1): "Blackwing - Jetstream the Blue Sky"
Speed Counters: 3
Without skipping a beat, James R. added the card into his hand and held his right hand out.
"I activate the third effect of 'Zonda the Dusk'!" began James R., making a card ('Blackwing - Zonda the Dusk') eject from his GY before fading away into oblivion after barely a second—only for another card ('Blackwing - Hillen the Tengu-wind') to emerge from his Deck in response, "I can banish this card from my GY; I must…" Taking the card, he readied to play it, "…Special Summon 1 Level 5 or higher 'Blackwing' monster from my hand or Deck, then take damage equal to its ATK!" With the swing of the right arm, he placed the card onto his Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Blackwing - Hillen the Tengu-wind'!"
Appearing on the field was a humanoid bird-like man wielding a fan and a scepter in both hands (Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 2300).
"Tch! Your monster has 0 ATK, so you don't take any damage," muttered Shani with annoyance.
"And that isn't all!" cut in James R., making Shani growl. He then placed his drawn card ('Blackwing - Jetstream the Blue Sky') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "I Normal Summon 'Blackwing - Jetstream the Blue Sky'!"
Appearing on the field was the red/aqua-colored bird with black on the wings (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 800).
"By the way, do you remember 'Black Whirlwind'?" smirked James R., "Well, its effect activates!" He took a card ('Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind') from the middle of his Deck and looked at it, "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," Upon adding the card into his hand, he gave the command, "Level 5 'Hillen the Tengu-wind' tunes Level 1 'Jetstream the Blue Sky'!"
'Blackwing - Hillen the Tengu-wind' flew into the sky and turned into five Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Jetstream the Blue Sky' flew into before turning into a single orb of light as a Summon Chant was heard throughout the process.
"Bladed wings that flap in the night! Stir up a windstorm that will slice chaos to shreds!" chanted James R., as the symbols 1 + 5 = 6 were shown briefly just before the single orb of light within the five Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the bird-like swordsman with swords in its wing folds (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1200). Shani scowled without saying a word back.
"Ready for things to go back into my favor?" joked James R., "Then let's do it! I activate the second effect of 'Sharnga the Waning Moon'!" As he spoke, the spirit of 'Blackwing - Sharnga the Waning Moon' appeared on the field briefly before eyeing a monster controlled by the opponent, "If I control a 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 face-up card my opponent controls; I must destroy it!" He smiled with confidence, "Say bye-bye to 'Evigishki'-!"
"Not a chance in hell!" shouted Shani.
James R. gawked, "Eh?"
"Your plan sounds foolproof, but you forgot all about 'Neremanas's' third effect!" berated Shani, "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!" He gave an order to his ace monster, "Do it, 'Neremanas'!
Obeying the order, 'Evigishki Neremanas' summoned more water around 'Evigishki Soul Ogre' and 'Blackwing - Sharnga the Waning Moon', removing both monsters from the field, while Shani added his card back into his hand.
"This isn't over," grumbled James R., before sending a card ('Blackwing - Fane the Steel Chain') taken from his Deck to the GY, "I activate 'Boreastorm the Wicked Wind's' first effect!" As he spoke, the Level stat of 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' was modified (Level: 6 → 2), "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can send 1 'Blackwing' monster from my Deck to the GY, and if I do, this card's Level becomes the same as that monster's!"
All of a sudden, Shani snickered quietly to himself before bursting into loud and deranged cackles, catching James R. off-guard.
"I was waiting for this exact moment!" gloated Shani, before pressing a button on his Duel Runner, "Do you remember this card of mine?" On cue, his Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Forbidden, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "'The Ice-Bound God'!"
"Oh no!" James R. cried out in horror.
"If 2 or more WATER monsters are on the field: I must…" The voice of Shani was saying, as poor 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' got frozen in a block of ice like 'Black-Winged Dragon'—while his own Level returned to normal (Level: 2 → 6), "…target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; that face-up monster cannot attack, also its effects are negated!" He smiled madly, "It looks to me that whatever strategy you were planning to use has failed! None of your monsters can do anything to me!"
At first James R. looked stunned by what happened, but that all changed when his mouth went from a scowl to an outright smile as he uttered a few simple words…
"We'll see about that."
Shani looked surprised, wondering what else James R. had planned to do. Sure enough, the birthmark on James R.'s right forearm began to glow and respond more powerfully.
"Like all of my friends, I have a new partner just waiting in the wings," said James R..
"But you can't bring it out!" objected Shani, "The Levels of your monsters don't even meet the criteria!"
"Tough luck, pal, this monster of mine 'can' be Synchro Summoned easily," responded James R., as focus went towards the trapped 'Black-Winged Dragon' and 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind', "All I have to do is banish 'Black-Winged Dragon' and a Tuner Synchro Monster like 'Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' either from my face-up field or my GY!"
(elsewhere…)
Across the other US states, Matt, Michael, Lisa, David, and Carlie all felt their respective Mark of the Dragon (Matt: Dragon's Head, Michael: Dragon's Wings, Lisa: Dragon's Hand, David: Dragon's Heart, Carlie: Dragon's Foot) all beginning to glow and respond to what was coming next.
"James…" murmured Matt.
"Is he…" started Lisa.
"…about to bring out his new power?" finished Carlie.
(elsewhere…)
Back under the ocean, the big move was being made.
"I banish Level 6 'Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' and Level 8 'Black-Winged Dragon'!" announced James R..
Despite being a Level 6 Synchro Monster, 'Blackwing - Boreastorm the Wicked Wind' turned into two Synchro Rings. 'Black-Winged Dragon' then flew into the Synchro Rings and turned into eight orbs of light as a familiar Summon Chant was heard from James R..
"Darkened gales, manifest your noble pride on your wings!" chanted James R., before the eight orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon!" The body of the new Dragon Synchro Monster was shown to be largely similar to 'Black-Winged Dragon', only with orange-tinted black hair and feathers, "Be unleashed, 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon'!"
'Black-Winged Dragon's' upgraded form, 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon', let out a roar to signal its arrival (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 2800). 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon' found itself facing 'Evigishki Neremanas', while Shani was shocked and angered that he was facing an upgraded form of a Signer Dragon. Even so, there was a small detail that brought him some relief.
"That's a powerful monster you have there," admitted Shani, "However, you're forgetting one very important factor of my 'Evigishki Neremanas'—its second effect!" Focus went towards 'Evigishki Neremanas', "It cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck!" He looked as smug as ever before, "What a waste of a perfectly good monster if it can't defeat my own monster, James!"
"I just need to Summon one more monster," insisted James R., "After that, I'll be real close to victory."
"What was that?" frowned Shani.
"The first effect of my Continuous Spell, 'Black Feather Whirlwind', activates!" declared James R., just as his GY started glowing all white before a card ('Blackwing Full Armor Master') ejected from his GY, "Once per turn, if I Special Summon a DARK Synchro Monster from the Extra Deck (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 of my 'Blackwing' monsters, or 'Black-Winged Dragon', that is banished or in my GY," He held the card up, "with less ATK than that Special Summoned monster; I must Special Summon it," It was immediately placed onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Resurrect, 'Full Armor Master'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Blackwing Full Armor Master', posing with his broadsword for a battle (Level: 10/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
"Damn…!" fumed Shani.
"And here's something else for you to worry about… The second effect of 'Shamal the Sandstorm'!" teased James R. ruthlessly. Within the abyss (GY), a card ('Blackwing - Shamal the Sandstorm') was shown emerging before stopping halfway and fading away into oblivion, causing another card ('Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast') ejected from the GY to be taken, "If a 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster(s) or 'Black-Winged Dragon' is Special Summoned to my field, while this card is in my GY (except during the Damage Step): I can banish this card, then target 1 'Blackwing' monster in my GY; I must…" He added the card into his hand, then started glowing red, "…add it to my hand, then take 700 damage."
James R. then sustained some damage from the effect (LP: 4000 → 3300), but that was okay since he (James R.) finally had everything he needed to take down 'Evigishki Neremanas' before getting at Shani's LP.
"Battle!" called James R., entering the Battle Phase, "Let's go, 'Full Armor Master'!" As he gave the order to attack, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' flew forth with his broadsword, "Sacrifice yourself to take down 'Evigishki Neremanas'! Black Full Hurricane!"
"No!" wailed Shani, "You Special Summoned 'Full Armor Master' from the GY," As he spoke of his predicament, 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' stabbed 'Evigishki Neremanas' in the chest with his sword, "Because of that, it bypasses 'Evigishki Neremanas's' second effect of being unable to be destroyed by monsters coming from the Extra Deck!"
"Unfortunately, due to their ATK being equal, my own monster is destroyed, too," sighed James R., before both 'Blackwing Full Armor Master' and 'Evigishki Neremanas' shattered into shards of glass. Even so, he (James R.) was proud to have taken down Shani's monster, "But that doesn't matter much to me, as I've eliminated the biggest threat of your Deck!"
Shani, with his head bowed, felt the specks of dust from his destroyed monster rain upon him. Growing unstable and enraged, he looked up with fury in his only shown eye.
"Damn you, damn you, damn you!" howled Shani with hatred, "I won't give up against you; not until I win and send you and your friends to Hell!" He held his right hand up, "I activate the second effect of 'Wellspring of the Gishki'!" His face-up 'Wellspring of the Gishki' Trap Card shattered into shards of glass, "If a 'Gishki' Ritual Monster I control is destroyed by battle: I can destroy this card," It was then he held up a card ('Gishki Grimness') taken from his GY, "and if I do, Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower 'Gishki' monster from my GY!"
"Go right ahead," dared James R., "I can handle anything and everything you throw against me."
"I Special Summon 'Gishki Grimness'!" Shani went on, placing his card onto his Duel Runner.
Reappearing on the field was 'Gishki Grimness' (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 700).
"Next, I'll activate my monster's second effect!" raged Shani, "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 held up another card ('Gishki Marker') taken from his Deck, "I Special Summon 'Gishki Marker'!"
Appearing on the field was an Aqua monster with a humanoid body with an octopus for a head (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200).
"That was a poor move, Shani," interrupted James R..
"What are you-?" demanded Shani.
"I activate the first effect of 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon'!" boomed James R., raising his right arm up before focus went towards 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon' as it let out a roar, while some of the feathers on its wings changed color, "Each time my opponent activates a monster effect, I must place 1 Black Feather Counter on this card when that effect resolves, and if I do, inflict 700 damage to my opponent!" He announced the effect name, "Damage Absorb!"
'Black-Winged Assault Dragon' obeyed, letting out a roar and firing some of the damaged feathers from its wing. Forbidden got hit by the feathers, causing Shani to grunt a little bit as his LP got hit (LP: 3300 → 2600). Was that going to stop him? Not even close.
"I activate 'Gishki Marker's' monster effect!" roared Shani, "When this card is Summoned: I can target 1 'Gishki' Ritual Monster or 'Gishki' Ritual Spell in your GY; I must add that target to my hand!" He immediately took a card ('Gishki Aquamirror') from his GY and placed it into his hand, "I add 'Gishki Aquamirror', a Ritual Spell, into my hand."
"So, you wanna take damage again? So be it," accepted James R., as more of 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon's' feathers changed color, "Damage Absorb!"
'Black-Winged Assault Dragon' obeyed, letting out a roar and firing some more of the damaged feathers from its wing. Forbidden got hit by the feathers, causing Shani to take 700 damage yet again (LP: 3300 → 2600).
"My Battle Phase resumes," reminded James R., as 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon' opened its mouth to charge an attack, "'Black-Winged Assault Dragon', destroy 'Gishki Grimness'! Noble Assault Stream!"
The devastating blast was unleashed, striking and overwhelming 'Gishki Grimness' before destroying it in a massive explosion, much to Shani's further displeasure. James R., on the other hand, was as proud of himself as ever before.
(elsewhere…)
Back ashore, Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka both drove up towards the beach on their Duel Runners, having seen the counterattack made by James R. and were glad that he was successful in defeating 'Evigishki Neremanas'—but there was still the matter of the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, and Shani still controlled three monsters.
(elsewhere…)
Back underwater, James R. closed his eyes, took a deep breath, exhaled, and opened them again.
"I end my turn," finished James R., before entering his thoughts, "This is it, Shani is about to bring out his 'Earthbound Immortal'… Will I be able to survive its power?"
"Mmm," grunted Shani, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained a Speed Counter again:
-James R.: 3 → 4
-Shani: 3 → 4
Turn Five: Shani Andras (LP: 1900)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (5): "Revival of the Immortals", "Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua", "Evigishki Soul Ogre", "Gishki Aquamirror", and "Savagery of the Immortals"(!)
Speed Counters: 4
Shani's drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Savagery of the Immortals', which he added into his hands. Before calling upon his new, unstoppable power, he wanted to get even for the major damage done last turn.
"I activate 'High Speed World's' third effect!" declared Shani, as the Speed Counter gauge on his monitor was completely depleted (SPC: 4 → 0), "Once per turn: I can remove 4 Speed Counters of my own, then reveal any number of Spell Cards in my hand; I must…" He held up a card ('Gishki Aquamirror') taken from his hand, "…inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each card revealed!"
"One card!" exclaimed James R., "That means I'll take 800 straight damage!"
Suddenly, he started glowing red, causing him to growl in pain as he lost more LP (LP: 3300 → 2500). But that wasn't the worst bit…
(elsewhere…)
Back on the beach, Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka took notice of the sky getting dark with clouds forming around the geoglyph of the Killer Whale. The wind was also beginning to pick up in strength.
"This is an omen," realized Mr. Kisaka, "Something terrible is about to happen."
"Mm," nodded Ms. Simmons gravely, "The 'Earthbound Immortal' monster is coming."
(elsewhere…)
Back under the ocean, James R. gritted his teeth and braced himself for an extremely difficult fight as Shani made the ultimate move.
"I Tribute 'Gishki Abyss' and 'Gishki Reliever'!" started Shani.
Both 'Gishki Abyss' and 'Gishki Reliever' turned themselves into colorful balls of light before rising towards the control tower near the surface. On cue, the whole area started shaking itself to pieces as a familiar-looking heart appeared and started to beat with power.
"Souls who rest in the earth, garnering such longstanding grudges!" chanted Shani, greatly enjoying the danger going on all around him, "Now come forth from the impure earth and lend me your power!"
After beating enough, the heart exploded into a massive pillar of dark light.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the surface, the pillar of light stretched from the water all the way into the sky and towards the geoglyph, causing thunder and lightning to strike as it began to rain heavily and the wind picked up even more fiercely. It all meant a powerful hurricane had commenced. Back on the beach, both Mr. Kisaka and Ms. Simmons were far enough away from the geoglyph to not have their souls taken, but they were still feeling the nasty weather—including a tidal wave coming for shore.
"Hurry, we must get to higher ground!" ordered Ms. Simmons, as she revved her Murasame.
Both Duel Runners took off for some place higher enough away from the water. Both teachers were very concerned with what James R. was about to go through.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the ocean floor…
"Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua'!" thundered Shani, placing his card onto his Duel Runner.
But no monster seemed to appear. James R. was cautiously looking around for a sign of the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, but found nothing. That all changed when he heard the howl of a whale.
"Wh-What was that?" stammered James R. nervously.
It was then a gigantic black and pink/purple-colored whale revealed itself from the darkness of the ocean floor—which happened to be Shani's 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua'. The mighty creature careful swam all around the area (Level: 10/ATK: 2900/DEF: 1600).
"It's huge!" gawked James R., feeling both admiration and terror. In his thoughts, he went over what he was facing, "'Chacu Challhua' is weaker than 'Black-Feather Assault' and is even in Defense Position. But due to its fourth effect, I can't make an effort to attack it."
As 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' was seen swimming above him, Shani was busy laughing like a maniac now that he controlled his most powerful monster ever. The sound of the insane laughter didn't bring any comfort to James R., but rather only made him feel more afraid.
"This is it! You're finished, punk!" yelled Shani gleefully, before settling down, "Now, I'm sure you noticed I Summoned my monster in Defense Position instead of Attack Position—and there's a good reason for that! It's for 'Chacu Challhua's' seventh effect!" Focus went towards 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' as it let out another howl, "While this card is in Defense Position, my opponent cannot conduct their Battle Phase."
"Meaning I can't attack at all!" flinched James R..
"But that's the least of your worries," barked Shani, "You should be more concerned over what's happening above the ocean."
(elsewhere…)
On the surface, things were absolutely chaotic due to the wind and rain from the hurricane, causing big waves to form and pound the shores mercilessly.
"Due to the presence of 'Chacu Challhua'," narrated Shani, "the open sea has gotten very angry! So angry that it's causing a hurricane that will eventually send out strong enough tidal waves to level all of New Haven and kill everyone there if my 'Earthbound Immortal' isn't stopped soon!"
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere in New Haven, particularly on the highest level of the city, people were gathering at the emergency shelter to wait out the sudden storm. Many of them brought food, water, and other important things.
(inside…)
Within the shelter, among those who sought for higher ground and safety were Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka. They and the innocent people were safe for the time being, but, while they both looked out the window, they knew that if Shani wasn't defeated soon, everyone wouldn't remain that way for very long.
(elsewhere…)
Back under the sea…
"I can't let the Dark Signers do what they please!" thought James R. angrily, "But how am I going to defeat a monster if I can't target it with Spells or Traps?" Focus went towards 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua', "Not to mention so long as it remains in Defense Position, there's no way I can attack Shani directly!" He kept his eyes narrowed, "Ngh… The only good thing about the whole thing is 'Chacu Challhua' can't attack me while in Defense Position."
But Shani had other plans… In fact, his monster didn't even need to be in Attack Position to attack; Defense Position was his 'Earthbound Immortal' monster's greatest offense.
"I'm afraid you're mistaken if you think you're safe from being attacked. An 'Earthbound Immortal' leaves no dark corners!" exclaimed Shani, getting the idea what James R. had been thinking, "'Chacu Challhua's' sixth effect activates!" As he (Shani) explained the effect, 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' let out a howl as it swam and picked up speed before rushing towards a vulnerable James R., "Once per turn: I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to half this card's DEF. This card cannot attack during the turn I activate this effect! Dark Dive Attack!"
With 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' approaching and moving too fast for him to try getting out of the way, all the terrified James R. could do was scream as he got hit and felt the full force of the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster. The power behind the attack was so great that as he screamed in enormous pain—the very same pain Carlie felt when she (Carlie) got attacked directly by Misty's 'Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua' and barely saved herself (Carlie) by activating her 'Ground Capture' Trap Card—he got thrown off of Skygrasper, slammed onto the ocean floor, tumbled around, and laid still in seeming defeat as the Duel Runner crashed nearby and his LP dropped (LP: 2600 → 1700). However, as he tried his hardest to get up, the injuries he sustained were so great that he ended up collapsing in defeat. That caused 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon' to let out a roar of both agony and anguish over the fall of its master.
(elsewhere…)
Across the other US states, the remaining Signers were still on their way to their choice of locations when they felt their birthmarks stop glowing, much to their horror.
"What's going on?" cried David.
"It's James!" came from Lisa.
"Did he…" added Michael.
"…lose to a Dark Signer?" finished Matt.
"Oh no… James," worried Carlie.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the ocean floor, James R. laid on the ground with eyes closed, totally unresponsive when Shani drove up looking satisfied with the outcome of the Turbo Duel.
"Your LP might not have run out, but I'm pleased overall," huffed Shani, as James R. remained on the ground, "That was for defeating me in Godwin's tournament!"
(new location…)
Within the darkness of James R.'s mind, his body was limp and floating as though it were in a body of water. His eyes remained closed, and he wasn't breathing—a sign he truly did fail to win, and would dissolve as a result of it in due time. But all of that quickly changed…
"James…" The voice of Mayura Labatt echoed.
The whole area started to brighten up with light before the spirit of Mayura, with her whole body glowing bright enough to conceal the intimate parts of her naked body, finally appeared high above the batter and broken body of James R..
"Don't worry, James. I promise you that you will not fall here," soothed Mayura, as she moved towards James R., "I will protect you with my feelings…"
Smiling warmly, Mayura embraced James R., causing his whole body to begin glowing and recovering from the beating it took from 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua'.
(elsewhere…)
All across the other US states, the birthmarks of the remaining Signers started to glow and respond to something—such as James R.'s possible survival. Matt, Michael, Carlie, Lisa, and David all grew hopeful of the notion that their friend lived.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the ocean floor, Shani was about to drive away with 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' by his side when…
"Don't…go," The voice of James R. grunted, causing Shani to gasp, "The Turbo Duel…is still on!"
Looking nearby, a stunned Shani saw James R. barely getting back up and limping towards the damaged Skygrasper. 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon' roared when it sensed that James R. was alive, after all.
"Y-You're still alive?! But how?" cried Shani, "That was a direct hit you took from 'Chacu Challhua'!" As he (Shani) ranted and raved, James R. reached the downed Skygrasper, "How the hell could you have survived the attack?!"
"That's an easy question," replied James R., attempting to upright his Duel Runner, "It's because I have the power of my friends behind me, and loved ones who are counting on me to win against a Dark Signer like you," He soon finished getting Skygrasper back up, "Besides, using your 'Earthbound Immortal's' effect is going to put you one step closer to defeat."
"What?" scowled Shani.
"I activate 'Black-Feather Assault's' first effect again!" vowed James R., as, like before, more of the feathers on 'Black-Winged Assault Dragon's' wings changed color before being fired off and hitting Forbidden, "Each time my opponent activates a monster effect, I must place 1 Black Feather Counter on this card when that effect resolves, and if I do, inflict 700 damage to my opponent!"
A grimacing Shani shut his eyes briefly as he sustained more damage (LP: 1900 → 1200).
"But thanks to 'Chacu Challhua' being out, I can still beat you!" insisted Shani, recovering from the blow, "As long as I can use Dark Dive Attack and slowly reinforce my LP, I'll defeat you before you defeat me! Do you understand me, you bastard?!" While ranting, James R. simply listened to him (Shani), "Nothing you do next will be of any help!"
An exhausted James R. responded by climbing back aboard Skygrasper, which turned the monitor back on and showed the current fields and LP standings for both players. Now ready to duel again, he revved the Duel Runner up and started the engine up.
"Let's continue the match!" announced James R..
Skygrasper took off and passed by Forbidden. Snorting with disinterest, Shani revved up his own Duel Runner up and gave chase before taking two cards from his hand and readying them.
"You half-dead idiot! Next turn, I'll have 'Chacu Challhua' make sure you can never get back up again!" snarled Shani, "I Set two cards…" He slotted both cards into his Duel Runner, "…and end my turn!"
Two face-down cards materialized on the field in-front of Forbidden before fading away for later use. James R. tried to reach for his Deck to draw a card, but suddenly stopped when he felt severe pain in his side due to the crash.
"Oh man, I think I broke a few ribs from the accident," thought James R. painfully, "My whole body is feeling weak," Shutting his eyes for a moment, he tried to resist the pain, "But this is no time to be complaining… I just need to tough it out long enough to win…" Opening his eyes, he recovered and drew a card with a Destiny Draw, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Speed Counter:
-James R.: 4 → 5
-Shani: 0 → 1
Turn Six: James R. Hogan (LP: 1700)
Deck: 42
Current Hand (3): "Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind", "Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast", and "Blackwing - Sudri the Phantom Glimmer"
Speed Counters: 5
His faith was rewarded with a good card—the 'Blackwing - Sudri the Phantom Glimmer' Effect Monster Card.
"This should do quite nicely," thought James R., and seeing the rest of his hand, which contained both 'Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind' and 'Blackwing - Chinook the Snow Blast', gave him an idea, "Alright, let's see what I can do with these cards," He spoke aloud, "Let's go, Shani!"
"Yes, let's," accepted Shani.
Both Duel Runners roared through the ocean floor as 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' swam after them.
"I Summon 'Blackwing - Sudri the Phantom Glimmer'!" proclaimed James R., placing his drawn card onto his Duel Runner.
Appearing on the field was the black-feathered birdman with a long tail like a stinger and two large wings (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1400).
"Next, I'll activate my monster's first effect!" continued James R., "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can add 1 card that mentions 'Black-Winged Dragon' from my Deck to my hand, except 'Blackwing - Sudri the Phantom Glimmer'," He drew a card and looked at it, "The card I add will be…" The card was revealed to be the 'Blackwing - Twin Shadow' Trap Card, "…the Trap Card, 'Blackwing - Twin Shadow'!"
Shani grunted in response, making it sound like he didn't care about that. Unfortunately, James R. had much more to do.
"Because I Summoned a 'Blackwing' monster, the effect of 'Black Whirlwind' lets me add a 'Blackwing' monster with less ATK than that monster from my Deck into my hand," reminded James R., drawing another card and looking at it and his hand, "Alright, everything seems to be in order," He took another card from his hand and readied it, "I activate the first effect of 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind'! If I control a 'Blackwing' monster other than 'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" From there, he placed the card onto his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Gale the Whirlwind'!"
Appearing onto the field was the bird-like 'Blackwing' with blue feathers on its body except for the green ones on its head (Level: 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 400).
"Since I control two or more 'Blackwing' monsters, I'll activate this Trap Card from my hand!" As James R. said that, he held up a card before slotting it into his Duel Runner. It caused the 'Blackwing - Twin Shadow' Trap Card to materialize face-up on the field in-front of Skygrasper, "'Blackwing - Twin Shadow'! I must shuffle 2 of my 'Blackwing' monsters (1 Tuner and 1 non-Tuner) that are banished and/or in my GY into the Deck/Extra Deck; I must Special Summon 1 'Blackwing' Synchro Monster or 'Black-Winged Dragon' from my Extra Deck whose Level equals the total Levels of those 2 monsters. (This is treated as a Synchro Summon.)"
"Keh! Just try a worthless Synchro Summon!" dared Shani.
"Very well," nodded James R., just as the spirits of 'Blackwing - Zonda the Dusk' (banished) and 'Blackwing - Kogarashi the Wanderer' (from the GY) briefly reappeared on the field. "From my GY, Level 6 'Kogarashi the Wanderer' tunes the banished Level 6 'Zonda the Dusk'!"
'Blackwing - Kogarashi the Wanderer' flew into the sky and turned into six Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Zonda the Dusk' flew into before turning into six orbs of light as a Summon Chant was heard from James R..
"Ebony wings, wield the power of thunder, and resonate through the skies!" chanted James R., as the symbols 6 + 6 = 12 were shown briefly just before the six orbs of light within the six Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon!" As the beam of light burst apart, two powerful wings—one of them armored-looking—were shown appearing, "Slice through, 'Assault Blackwing - Onimaru the Divine Thunder'!"
The full body of the new monster was then shown; 'Assault Blackwing - Onimaru the Divine Thunder' was a humanoid birdman wearing brown/orange armor and wielding a mighty-looking blade shaped like a thunderbolt (Level: 12/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000). Now on the field, 'Assault Blackwing - Onimaru the Divine Thunder' raised his sword and let out a mighty roar.
(elsewhere…)
On the surface, in the middle of the hurricane, thunder and lightning suddenly struck the spot of the water where James R.'s monster was over.
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the emergency shelter, people, including Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka, were looking out the window towards the direction of the ocean. They could see the thunder and lightning striking a part of the water.
"What is going on out there?" One older-looking man questioned.
"This is not like any hurricane I've ever experienced," A young woman remarked.
Nobody, except for Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka, knew what was going on out at the bottom of the ocean.
(elsewhere…)
Back on the ocean floor, 'Assault Blackwing - Onimaru the Divine Thunder' fearlessly faced Shani's 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' despite being unable to even attack it or Shani.
"'Onimaru the Divine Thunder's' first effect! If this card is Synchro Summoned using a 'Blackwing' monster as material, it is treated as a Tuner while face-up on the field," revealed James R., knowing that his ace monster's first effect is shared by many 'Assault Blackwing' Synchro Monsters. He then went over the second effect, "My monster also has a second effect! It cannot be destroyed by card effects."
"So it won't be easy for me to defeat it, am I right?" pouted Shani, "But, at the same time, it's pointless! Because it won't be easy for you to defeat my amazing 'Earthbound Immortal'! As long as it remains in Defense Position, you can't attack me!"
"Once more, I'll activate the first effect of my Continuous Spell, 'Black Feather Whirlwind'!" cut in James R., as a card ('Black-Winged Dragon') reappeared in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand, "Once per turn, if I Special Summon a DARK Synchro Monster from the Extra Deck (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 of my…" He placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, causing 'Black-Winged Dragon' to reappear on the field once more (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1600), "…'Blackwing' monsters, or 'Black-Winged Dragon', that is banished or in my GY, with less ATK than that Special Summoned monster; Special Summon it!"
"You have five worthless monsters!" insulted Shani, "None of them can even attack me!"
"None of them are worthless, Shani!" rebutted James R., before issuing the tuning command, "My Level 3 'Gale the Whirlwind' tunes Level 4 'Sudri the Phantom Glimmer'!"
'Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind' flew upward and turned itself into three Synchro Rings, which 'Blackwing - Sudri the Phantom Glimmer' flew into before turning into four orbs of light as another Summon Chant from James R. followed suit.
"Spread your ebony wings, and storm forth in tandem with the roaring thunder! A slash of lightning!" chanted James R., as the symbols 3 + 4 = 7 were shown briefly before the three orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Cascade, 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and onto the field, while swinging his sword briefly, was the rather mighty-looking humanoid bird-like swordsman (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2000). With the appearance of 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower', James R. now had under his control four of some of the mightiest Synchro Monsters in his whole Deck, and they were ready to do battle with a Dark Signer and the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster.
"Dammit… How lucky can you even be?" cursed Shani, but still remained absolutely confident James R. couldn't win the duel, "But like I told you earlier, you can't even attack me!" As he rambled more, ''Black-Winged Assault Dragon', 'Assault Blackwing - Onimaru the Divine Thunder', 'Black-Winged Dragon', and 'Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower' prepare to face 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua', "Whatever plan you might be thinking of, it won't work against my unbeatable 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua'! This time, 'I' will be the one who wins in the end!"
Would James R. and his Synchro Monsters be able to successfully defeat 'Earthbound Immortal Chacu Challhua' despite being unable to even attack? More importantly, would James R. be able to save all of New Haven from being destroyed by a powerful hurricane? Find that out next time!
And the duel is heating up with James R., at one point, basically coming back from the dead after suffering a direct blow from an "Earthbound Immortal" monster. But despite that, he is still stuck in a position where attacking Shani is out of the question. What will he do to win the battle with the Dark Signer? Well… I can't tell you. That's what the next chapter is for.