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: Wisdom of the Deprived

Opening up inside the geoglyph of the Giant, the rematch between Matt Fudo and Clotho Buer was fully underway with the latter having completed his turn and being determined to win. Both Raider and Freedom turned to the next street, while the sky had gone from blue and sunny to dark with storm clouds, signaling something very bad was going to happen sooner or later.

"Now do you see, Matt?" called Clotho, "My new cards have made my Deck completely untouchable to even the strongest duelists around! You haven't taken your turn yet, but you're already in terrible danger!" While ranting, Matt listened in both concern and shock, "This time, I'm going to kick you into the middle of the inferno of vengeance from the depths of death! With the power of my 'Earthbound Immortal', that is!" He looked on ahead, "Now, let's continue the duel!"

"I will not let that happen!" vowed Matt, "You Dark Signers won't get away with your crimes!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"

Both players gained a Speed Counter for the first time in the duel:
-Matt: 0 → 1
-Clotho: 0 → 1

Turn Two: Matt Fudo (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Junk Dragonlet", "Synchro Fusionist", "Reincarnation of Hope", "Quillbolt Hedgehog", "Tuning", and "Synchro Forceback"
Speed Counters: 1

Matt saw his drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Synchro Forceback', causing his eyes to narrow. He placed the card into his hand—which also contained 'Junk Dragonlet', 'Synchro Fusionist', 'Reincarnation of Hope', 'Quillbolt Hedgehog', and 'Tuning'—took a different card ('Reincarnation of Hope'), and readied it.

"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Reincarnation of Hope'!" began Matt, before slotting the card into his Duel Runner. On cue, the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Freedom, and he was shown holding two cards up, "I must send 2 monsters from my hand…" He sent the two cards ('Synchro Fusionist' and 'Quillbolt Hedgehog') to the GY, "…to the GY; during my…" Looking up, several cards in the background were spinning about, "…2nd Standby Phase after this card's activation, I must add 1 monster from my Deck to my hand."

"Any monster? Pfft! How lame!" scoffed Clotho, "Especially since it cost you two cards from your hand!"

"I'm not finished," cut in Matt, just as the 'Tuning' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Freedom, "Spell Card, 'Tuning'!" He drew the top card of his Deck and looked at it for about two seconds, "I must add 1 'Synchron' Tuner from my Deck to my hand, then send the top card of my Deck to the GY."

The card was the 'Junk Synchron' Tuner Monster Card. Once it was in his hand, Matt drew the top card again and actually sent it ('Clear Effector') to the GY. All of a sudden, 'Junk Synchron' started to appear on the field.

"I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Junk Synchron'!" The voice of Matt announced.

The familiar orange, robotic-like monster fully appeared on the field and posed (Level: 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 500).

"'Junk Synchron's' monster effect activates!" Matt went on, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can target 1 Level 2 or lower monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Defense Position, but negate its effects," From there, a card ('Synchro Fusionist') slid out of Matt's GY, "I Special Summon 'Synchro Fusionist'!"

Appearing on the field was a small, orange-colored demon known for its depiction on the 'Polymerization' Spell Card (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 600).

"There's one more monster," reassured Matt, "I activate 'Quillbolt Hedgehog's' monster effect!" A card ('Quillbolt Hedgehog') emerged from his GY, "If this card is in my GY: I can…" He took and held it up, "…Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field. I must control a Tuner to activate and to resolve this effect," The dirty blonde-haired young man placed the retrieved card onto his Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Quillbolt Hedgehog'!"

Appearing on the field was the familiar orange-colored hedgehog with bolts for quills (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 800). Everything was set for Matt's first Synchro Summon of the whole duel.

"Level 3 'Junk Synchron' tunes Level 2 'Synchro Fusionist' and Level 2 'Quillbolt Hedgehog'!" announced Matt.

'Junk Synchron' pulled a cord on his armor and caused his motor backpack to start revving as his whole body started glowing a golden yellow and turned himself into three Synchro Rings, which both 'Synchro Fusionist' and 'Quillbolt Hedgehog' soared into. The two monsters soon turned into four orbs of light (two from both monsters).

"Gathering hopes will rise and protect the future! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 2 + 2 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly just before the four orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Soar, 'Shooting Riser Dragon'!"

Flying out of the beam of light and through the dark sky, was the smaller, weaker version of 'Shooting Star Dragon' who was also a Tuner Synchro Monster (Level: 7/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1700).

"Synchro Tuner?" frowned Clotho, "I don't know what you're thinking about, but don't forget that 'Quillbolt Hedgehog' is banished after leaving the field!"

"I know that!" retorted Matt, before holding his right hand out, "I activate 'Synchro Fusionist's' monster effect!"

"Eh? 'Synchro Fusionist's' effect?" gawked Clotho.

"If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I can…" explained Matt, holding up a card ('Miracle Synchro Fusion') taken from his Deck, "…add 1 'Polymerization' Spell or 'Fusion' Spell from my Deck to my hand," After adding the card into his hand, he revealed a detail about his Synchro Summoned monster, "I activate 'Shooting Riser Dragon's' first effect! If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can send 1 monster from my Deck…" He took a card from his Deck and held it ('Rapid Warrior') out, "…to the GY, whose Level is lower than this card's on the field, and if I do," The card was sent to the GY, "reduce this card's Level by that monster's," Focus went towards 'Shooting Riser Dragon' as the spirit of a blue-colored Warrior monster called 'Rapid Warrior' appeared on the field and merged with it, "but for the rest of this turn, I cannot activate the effects of monsters with the same name the sent monster had in the GY!"

'Shooting Riser Dragon' had its Level modified (Level: 7 → 3).

"And finally," As he spoke, Matt readied another card ('Junk Dragonlet') in his right hand in an effort to use its first effect, "If I control a Synchro Monster, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" He placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Come, 'Junk Dragonlet'!"

Appearing onto the field was a mechanical-looking, dragon-like Machine monster with several cord-like arms (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1800). From there, both 'Junk Dragonlet' and 'Shooting Riser Dragon' rose/flew into the sky.

"My Level 3 'Shooting Riser' Dragon tunes Level 5 'Junk Dragonlet'!" The voice of Matt commanded.

Glowing a cyan-like color, 'Shooting Riser Dragon' turned itself into three Synchro Rings, which 'Junk Dragonlet' soared into and became five orbs of light while a Summon Chant was being echoed throughout.

"Gathering stars will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 5 + 3 = 8 were shown for a few seconds just before the five orbs within the three Synchro Rings became a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!"

The beam of light burst apart, before the sparkles of stardust left behind came together and formed the body of a majestic-looking white dragon. The new dragon, flying through the dark, cloudy sky, let out a roar to signal its arrival to Clotho (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).

"Heh! So your ace monster has arrived," mused Clotho, "But even 'Stardust' can't beat 'Infernity Doom Enforcer' and his 3000 ATK!"

"So you say," rebutted Matt.

Clotho stopped, "What the hell?"

"I have a special monster just for this occasion," continued Matt, before holding up his 'Miracle Synchro Fusion' Spell Card, "Do you remember when I added this card into my hand through 'Synchro Fusionist's' effect?"

"Huh?" uttered Clotho.

"This card will allow me to bring out that monster," revealed Matt, just as he swung his right arm about and caused the 'Miracle Synchro Fusion' Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field in-front of Freedom, "I activate the Spell, 'Miracle Synchro Fusion'! I must Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck that lists a Synchro Monster as material, by banishing Fusion Materials listed on it from my field or GY," From there, briefly appearing on the field were 'Shooting Riser Dragon' and 'Rapid Warrior', "From my GY, I'll banish 'Shooting Riser Dragon' and 'Rapid Warrior'!"

"What?! You'll banish those Fusion Materials from your GY?" yelled Clotho.

And so, it began…

"This is the conclusion I've drawn now! 'Shooting Riser Dragon'! 'Rapid Warrior'! Combine your powers into one!" chanted Matt, as 'Shooting Riser Dragon' and 'Rapid Warrior' started fusing themselves together, "Fusion Summon!" The long lance of a new monster made itself known, followed by a pair of large wings, "Appear now, 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste'!"

Posing on the field, 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste' was shown to be a somewhat humanoid monster wearing dragon armor, possessing dragon-like scales for skin, two large wings sticking out of his upper back, a long red tail, and wielding a lance for a weapon (Level: 10/ATK: 3200/DEF: 2000).

"'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste'?!" exclaimed Clotho.

"You see, I rarely use this monster because I don't really use Fusion," stated Matt, before smiling, "But Ashima requested that I use it here."

"Tch! I thought so as much," Clotho grumbled in response, as he looked at 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste' with disgust, "Not to mention your Fusion Monster has 3200 ATK—making it greater than 'Infernity Doom Enforcer's' ATK!"

"Here I go! Battle!" declared Matt, entering the Battle Phase, "'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste', attack 'Infernity Doom Enforcer'!" As 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste' charged towards 'Infernity Doom Enforcer', he called out the attack name, "Spiral Javelin!"

'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste' slashed 'Infernity Doom Enforcer' with the lance before backing off, while Clotho, glowing red, grimaced and lost LP from the attack (LP: 4000 → 3800).

"'Infernity Doom Enforcer's' first effect!" reminded Clotho, "While I have no cards in my hand, this Ritual Summoned card cannot be destroyed by battle!"

"And now, my 'Stardust Dragon' will attack 'Infernity Doom Enforcer'!" proclaimed Matt, as 'Stardust Dragon' leaned its head back, "Cosmic Flare!"

The attack was fired off, much to Clotho's surprise seeing as 'Stardust Dragon' was weaker than 'Infernity Doom Enforcer'. Matt was quick to reveal why he was attacking like that.

"As of this moment, I'll activate the second effect of 'Junk Dragonlet'!" announced Matt, as, within the abyss (GY), his 'Junk Dragonlet' Effect Monster Card rose out before fading away into oblivion. From there, 'Stardust Dragon' felt itself growing stronger (ATK: 2500 → 3300), "When a Synchro Monster I control declares an attack: I can banish this card from my GY; that monster I control gains 800 ATK until the end of this turn!"

The empowered Cosmic Flare ended up striking 'Infernity Doom Enforcer' but not destroying him. Clotho, on the other hand, glowed red once more, shut his eyes, grit his teeth, and hissed in pain as he took more damage (LP: 3800 → 3500). Very quickly, he recovered from it.

"Heh! That was nothing!" bellowed Clotho, "500 damage from someone as great as you is just pathetic!" While he (Clotho) ranted, Matt merely listened, "You can do way better than that, noob!"

What was Matt's response to that? He merely took a card from his hand.

"I Set one card…" As he spoke, Matt slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner, "…and end my turn!"

A face-down card materialized on the field in-front of Freedom before fading away for later use. Due to it being the End Phase, both 'Infernity Doom Enforcer' (ATK: 3000 → 2500) and 'Stardust Dragon' (ATK: 3300 → 2500) had their respective ATK stats returned to their base amounts.

(elsewhere…)

At the overpass outside the geoglyph, Zack and Ashima remained safe and sound as they watched the duel on the monitor of the former's Duel Runner.

"This is good," praised Ashima, "Matty has 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste' out, which has 3200 ATK and is stronger than any of Clotho's best monsters. He should be in good shape."

"Don't relax just yet," warned Zack, causing Ashima to look over at him, "Clotho is just getting started and clearly isn't going to be playing around in this duel," He further narrowed his eyes, "Let's see what will happen next. But if my hunch is right, Clotho already is ready to take control of the duel."

Ashima sincerely hoped Zack was wrong on his theory as she resumed watching the duel on the monitor of the Duel Runner.

(elsewhere…)

Back in the geoglyph, both Raider and Freedom turned yet another corner, then another, and a third, just before the next turn of the duel began.

"It's my turn!" cried Clotho, raising his right hand up, "As of now, I'll activate the effect of 'Infernity Pawn'! During my Draw Phase, if I have no cards in my hand, instead of conducting my normal draw: I can banish this card from my GY, then activate 1 of these effects!"

These were the effects written on the aforementioned card:
-"I must place 1 'Infernity' card from your Deck on top of my Deck!"
-"I must Set 1 'Void' Spell/Trap directly from my Deck!"

Before Matt could say something back, Clotho had already taken a card ('Void Ignition') from his Deck, looked at it, and grinned maliciously.

"I Set 'Void Ignition' from my Deck!" he revealed, slotting the card into his Duel Runner. With that done, both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Matt: 1 → 2
-Clotho: 1 → 2

Turn Three: Clotho Buer (LP: 3500)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (0): N/A
Speed Counters: 2

With his hand still empty of cards, Clotho's Handless Combo remained intact, plus he had another way to get a monster out.

"Hey, Coordinator Scum!" insulted Clotho, looking over his shoulder, "If you're thinking since I have no cards in my hand, I'll have to settle with using 'Infernity Doom Enforcer', think again!" He looked straight ahead once more, "I activate the second effect of 'Infernity Paranoia'!"

"'Infernity Paranoia'?" repeated Matt, "Is that a card you sent from your Deck to your GY?"

"It is," confirmed Clotho, as an enlarged image of the 'Infernity Paranoia' Spell Card was shown on his left, "During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 'Infernity' monster in my GY; I must add it to my hand!" The background returned to normal, "I already know exactly which monster I want back."

"Which one could it be?" thought Matt, "He knows that none of his monsters can stand up to 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste', but still, I can't let my guard down—there's still one monster out there that is a great threat despite having lower ATK."

From there, a card ('Infernity Paranoia') emerged from Clotho's GY before fading away into oblivion. That caused another card ('Infernity Randomizer') to emerge, get taken, and held up near Clotho's face.

"This is the monster I choose to add into my hand…" As Clotho said that, he placed the card ('Infernity Randomizer') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "…and then Summon!" The whole field lit up, "Come, 'Infernity Randomizer'!"

Appearing on the field was a Fiend monster designed like a double-sided revolver, a type of gun (Level: 1/ATK: 900/DEF: 0).

"A monster with 900 ATK," thought Matt, growing worried, "I don't know what Clotho is up to, but he Summoned it for a reason."

"Oh, didn't I ever tell you?" called Clotho, getting Matt's attention, "There's another secret to my 'Infernity Doom Enforcer'!"

"Another secret?" repeated Matt.

"That's right! My 'Infernity Doom Enforcer' is a Ritual Tuner!" confessed Clotho, causing Matt to gasp. From there, something happened to 'Infernity Doom Enforcer', "My Level 7 'Infernity Doom Enforcer' dark tunes Level 1 'Infernity Randomizer'!"

"A Ritual Tuner," thought Matt, "I've never seen such a monster before!"

'Infernity Doom Enforcer' turned himself into seven balls of darkness. They were then absorbed into 'Infernity Randomizer', before exploding into a total of eight balls of darkness, which then began spinning together in a circle above as a sinister-sounding Summon Chant was heard.

"When the curtain of darkness comes down, the eyes of the underworld will open. Swoop down, darkness!" chanted Clotho, as the symbols 1 + 7 = 8 were shown briefly just before a massive beam of darkness exploded from within the eight dark stars, "Dark Synchro! Show yourself, 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!"

When the beam of darkness died down, there, flying above the field, was the huge black/red-scaled dragon with two large wings and countless purple eyes on its body (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' flew into the sky and roared in anticipation of destroying Matt and anyone and anything else in its way. Speaking of Matt, he was gazing into the sky at 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' in shock as a pair of flashbacks ensued.

FLASHBACK

The first flashback took place during the three-vs.-three Turbo Duel between the Astray girls and the Bio-CPU boys. Flashback Clotho just Dark Synchro Summoned 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'.

"It's amazing… It's amazing, isn't it?!" Flashback Clotho screeched excitedly, "The power of Dark Synchro and 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!" As he rambled on, Flashback Asagi, Flashback Mayura, and Flashback Juri dreaded what was coming next, "If you think it's terrifying now, just wait! It's going to get even scarier starting here!"

"How scarier can it already get?" peeped Flashback Asagi, who hadn't even taken her first turn yet.

"I'm glad you asked," snickered Flashback Clotho, "Do you girls remember 'Infernity Doom Archfiend'?" When nothing was said by the three Astray girls, he continued, "Well, I'm activating its third effect!" When explaining the effect, an image of the 'Infernity Doom Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card spun and enlarged in the background behind him, "A DARK Synchro Monster that was Summoned using this card as material can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase!"

"Two attacks?!" shivered Flashback Mayura fearfully, while Juri wasn't looking any better.

"And you're scared of 'that'?" scoffed Flashback Orga, "Man, you're a bunch of sissies! That's 'not' what makes 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' so frightening!"

"It's my monster's first effect!" put in Flashback Clotho, as, while explaining the effect, within the abyss (GY) several Monster Cards ('Infernity Wildcat', 'Infernity Archer', 'Infernity Beast', 'Infernity Doom Slinger', 'Infernity Archfiend', 'Infernity Climber', and 'Infernity Doom Archfiend') emerged and lined up, with one of them ('Infernity Doom Archfiend') fading away into oblivion, causing 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' to gain a new power, "Once per turn: I can banish 1 Level 6 or lower DARK Effect Monster from my GY; until the End Phase, this card's name becomes that banished monster's, and I must replace this effect with that banished monster's original effects!"

Sure enough, 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' was looking towards the two 'Ally of Justice' monsters on Flashback Juri's field, while Flashback Juri herself was so scared that she couldn't speak up.

"Go forth, 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!" commanded Clotho, as 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' powered up before opening its mouth to attack for real, "Infinity Sight Stream!"

The attack was unleashed and connected with 'Ally of Justice Catastor', destroying it but not actually stopping the attack—the remains of it made contact with the purple M1 Astray.

"Remember this?" joked Flashback Clotho in a very sick sort of way, "Thanks to the inherited effect of 'Infernity Doom Archfiend', the damage you take from this battle is 'doubled'!"

Feeling the full force of Infinity Sight Stream, Flashback Juri screamed in tremendous pain as her LP took an enormous drop thanks to the battle damage being doubled (LP: 4000 → 800).

(new scene…)

Later, Flashback Clotho had Dark Synchro Summoned 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' against the three strongest members of Team 6D's in the very next Turbo Duel.

"So, you've come at last, you damned Dark Synchro Monster!" exclaimed Flashback Michael in defiance.

Flashback Clotho was feeling real pleased to have his ace monster out and about, ready to cause more destruction and break the bones of the Signers—particularly Flashback Matt.

"Remember 'Infernity Doom Archfiend's' third effect?" chortled Flashback Clotho, "A DARK Synchro Monster that was Summoned using this card as material can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase!" He (Clotho) started talking about Flashback Matt, "Matt, I will enjoy making you dance the dance of death!"

"You fool! Your monster won't be of any help!" scolded Flashback Michael.

"What?!" flinched Flashback Clotho.

"I activate a Trap, 'Fiendish Golem'!" Flashback Michael went on, as his first Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I must target 1 monster on the field with 2000 or more ATK; I must banish it (until the End Phase of the next turn), then, if I activated this card while I controlled 'Red Dragon Archfiend' or a Synchro Monster that mentions it, I can Set 1 'Fiendish Chain' from my Deck or GY!"

Flashback Clotho angrily watched as a large, blue gargoyle emerged from the face-up 'Fiendish Golem' Trap Card, who then grappled with 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' and crushed the enemy monster so hard that it faded away into oblivion (for now).

"Since I control a Synchro Monster that mentions 'Red Daemon's'," recalled Flashback Michael, as he held up a card taken from his Deck and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "I can Set a copy of 'Fiendish Chain' from my Deck."

A face-down card materialized on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune before fading away for later use.

"Why you-! I activate 'Infernity Launcher's' second effect!" Clotho spluttered in fury, as his face-up 'Infernity Launcher' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass. From there, 'Infernity Doom Archfiend' (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600) and 'Infernity Beetle' (Level: 2/ATK: 1200/DEF: 0) reappeared on the field, "I can send this card to the GY, then target up to 2 'Infernity' monsters in my GY; I must Special Summon them. I must have no cards in my hand to activate and to resolve this effect!" He entered his Battle Phase, "Battle! 'Infernity Doom Archfiend', attack Matt directly!"

"I activate 'Swift Scarecrow's' monster effect!" declared Flashback Matt.

"What?!"

"When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack (Quick Effect): I can…" The dirty blonde-haired young man explained, holding up a card ('Swift Scarecrow') and sending it to the GY, "…discard this card; I must negate the attack, then end the Battle Phase."

'Infernity Doom Archfiend' tried to move in and attack, but it suddenly found itself having to back down for the time being.

END FLASHBACK

The flashbacks ended.

"Back then, Mike, James, and I were able to overcome it by working together," thought Matt, "But now I'm fighting it on my own," He then spoke aloud, "Clotho! If you think you can use 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' to defeat me just because I'm alone, think again!"

"Eh?" pondered Clotho.

"In this duel, I will defeat it and you!" promised Matt.

"I seriously doubt it," Clotho dismissed, "This is the moment the third effect of 'Infernity Doom Enforcer' activates!" As he (Clotho) explained, Matt eased up in surprise, "If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I can make my opponent draw until they have 3 cards in their hand, and if they do, during the End Phase, my opponent banishes their entire hand!"

"I draw three cards and banish my whole hand during the End Phase?!" exclaimed Matt.

(elsewhere…)

Back on the overpass…

"That means Matt can potentially draw his good cards but be forced to banish them before he even gets a chance to use them!" realized Zack.

"Matty!" fretted Ashima.

(elsewhere…)

Back in the geoglyph, Matt, with great hesitation, drew three cards, showing them to be 'Mono Synchron' (Monster Card), 'Card from a Different Dimension' (Spell Card), and 'Junkuriboh' (Monster Card). After looking the cards over, he looked up and nodded slowly, causing Clotho to burst into cackling laughter again.

"You must have drawn some damn good cards!" cracked Clotho, "Too bad you'll never get a chance to use them before my turn is over! Now I'll show you the true terror of my Handless Combo—by activating 'Hundred Eyes Dragon's' first effect!" While speaking on, focus went towards 'Hundred Eyes Dragon in the sky, just as the spirit of 'Infernity Destroyer' appeared briefly and merged with the Dark Synchro Monster in order to grant it a new power, "Once per turn: I can banish 1 Level 6 or lower DARK Effect Monster from my GY; until the End Phase, this card's name becomes that monster's original name, and I must replace this effect with that monster's original effects!"

"That was 'Infernity Destroyer'!" remembered Matt.

"And now, I'll activate 'Infernity Conjurer's' second effect!" continued Clotho, holding up a card ('Infernity Conjurer') taken from his GY, "While I have no cards in my hand and this card is in my GY: I can…" he placed the card onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Runner, "…Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field!"

Appearing on the field was a Fiend monster wearing a red poncho and wielding a staff for a weapon (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 900).

"'Infernity Conjurer'!" acknowledged Matt.

"My monster's first effect! While I have no cards in my hand, monsters my opponent controls lose 800 ATK!" exclaimed Clotho, as focus went towards 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste' as he eventually grew weaker, (ATK: 3200 → 2400), "No longer is 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste' the strongest monster—that honor belongs to 'Hundred Eyes Dragon!" Focus then went towards 'Stardust Dragon' as it also got weaker (ATK: 2500 → 1700), "And your 'Stardust' also grows weaker!" He started bursting into laughter again, "I will enjoy torturing both of your monsters to their deaths, Matt!"

"I activate a Trap, 'Synchro Forceback'!" cut in Matt, as his Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Freedom, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I must target monsters on the field, up to the number of Synchro Monsters with different names I control; I must return them to the hand!" He narrowed his eyes, "Clotho, since I control 'Stardust Dragon', I can target and send your 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' back to where it came from—the Extra Deck!"

'Stardust Dragon' opened its mouth and unleashed Cosmic Flare. The attack looked certain to strike and eliminate 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' without triggering its second effect, which Clotho knew full well.

"I can't believe it! You've defeated 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!" raged Clotho, "Damn you, Matt!" He suddenly recovered and smiled, "Just joking," To prove it, his next Set card reappeared on the field behind Raider, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "Counter Trap, 'Infernity Barrier'! When my opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card, or monster effect, while I control a face-up Attack Position 'Infernity' monster and have no cards in my hand: I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card!"

Matt gasped and helplessly watched as his face-up 'Synchro Forceback' Trap Card glitched out and shattered into shards of glass.

"Go forth, 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!" shouted Clotho, entering the Battle Phase as 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' turned and faced 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste', "Infinity Sight Stream!"

Obeying the order, 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' powered up and opened its mouth to unleash a devastating dark flame blast, which connected and vaporized 'Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste', but not actually stopping the attack—the remains of it made contact with Freedom, causing Matt to scream in agony as his LP took a decent blow (LP: 4000 → 3400). The backlash from the attack was so powerful that it began pushing Freedom towards the geoglyph walls.

"Now, be thrown into the flames, Matt!" dared Clotho.

(elsewhere…)

Back on the overpass, Zack and Ashima had witnessed Matt getting attacked and were horrified by it.

"Matt!" yelled Zack, before easing up slightly, "Dammit! What are we going to do?!"

(elsewhere…)

Back in the emergency shelter in New Haven, everyone there had left once the storm had officially passed. The only people who remained behind was the owner, a doctor, James R., Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka. Due to James R. still being hurt from his earlier duel, he decided to rest for a little bit before going to help Matt, Ashima, and Zack regarding Clotho. No one was saying a word throughout their time in the shelter; Mr. Kisaka and Ms. Simmons simply sat in the comfy chairs in deep thought, and James R. laid on the bed trying to rest off his broken ribs. Although he tried to ignore it, the glowing Mark of the Dragon on his right forearm prevented him from attempting to sleep. After what seemed like forever, James R. finally opened his eyes, sat up, looked at the birthmark, and got off the bed. As Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka remained very quiet and still, they overheard something nearby and looked, finding James R. carefully slipping his shirt and leather jacket back on.

"James, what are you doing?" asked Mr. Kisaka.

"I feel as though Matt is in-trouble," replied James R., turning around, "I'm heading for the next control tower to help him out."

"What?!" recoiled Ms. Simmons.

"Young man, you can't leave yet!" objected Male Doctor, overhearing what James R. aimed to do next, "You need some more rest!"

James R. ignored Male Doctor as he finished getting his jacket back on. Once he was done, he turned to face Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka.

"Listen, when I say I'm going to help my friends, I mean it," said James R. sternly, as Mr. Kisaka and Ms. Simmons both listened to him, "Even you two can't stop me once my mind is made up."

"I guess you're right about that," sighed Mr. Kisaka, before smiling a little bit, "Which is why Erica and I will stay by your side."

"We must get to the second control tower as soon as possible," agreed Ms. Simmons.

"You two…" whispered James R., touched. He then looked serious and nodded, "Yeah."

(outside…)

Outside the shelter, after a few minutes passed, James R. boarded Skygrasper, while Ms. Simmons and Mr. Kisaka both boarded their respective Murasame. Ready to roll, the three revved their Duel Runners up and roared out of the area as Male Doctor watched until the patient and his (James R.) two older friends were long gone. Now alone, he brought a hand to his forehead and shook his whole head slowly.

"Oh boy… Kids these days…" groaned Male Doctor dryly, "They could be badly injured or even on their deathbeds, and still have the strength to run around."

(elsewhere…)

Back inside the geoglyph somewhere outside New York City, Matt yelled as he struggled to regain control of Freedom without crashing due to the flame walls. Before long, that was what he did, much to Clotho's displeasure.

"Heh! I guess you lucked out there," huffed Clotho, but recovered quickly over it as focus went towards 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' in the sky, "But that's fine since I think you need to be tortured more before losing!" There was a wicked gleam in his eyes, "And the way for me to do that is with the effect that 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' inherited from 'Infernity Destroyer'!"

"I knew it!" thought Matt.

"When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the GY: I must inflict 1600 damage to my opponent!" remembered Clotho, as the eyes on 'Hundred Eyes Dragon lit up, "I must have no cards in my hand to activate and to resolve this effect!"

"This is bad!" worried Matt.

"Go forth, 'Hundred Eyes Dragon!" roared Clotho.

"Hundred Eyes Dragon' also roared out and fired off a dark fireball from its chest towards Freedom, intending to deal even more damage. But, unlike with the attack, Matt was more prepared for it.

"Hurry and stop the enemy's attack, Junkuriboh!" ordered Matt.

Appearing on the field was 'Junkuriboh', the mechanical-looking 'Kuriboh' monster. When it saw the fireball becoming, it narrowed its eyes.

"What?! You have that puny monster in your hand?!" complained Clotho.

"'Junkuriboh's' monster effect!" cut in Matt, as 'Junkuriboh' confidently awaited orders to move in, "When my opponent activates a card or effect that would inflict damage to me (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand or field to the GY; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card!"

'Junkuriboh', while hollering "Kuri kuri!" a couple of times, charged like a bullet making a suicide run towards the huge fireball. To Clotho's annoyance, 'Junkuriboh' burst through the attack and made a bee-line for 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'.

"Your wimpy 'Kuriboh' can't destroy 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!" argued Clotho, before smiling deviously, "Not so long as I have countless 'Infernity' monsters in my GY!"

Matt scowled, but said nothing back, allowing for Clotho to make another significant move.

"I activate the second effect of 'Infernity Patriarch'!" stated Clotho, as, deep within the abyss (GY), a card ('Infernity Patriarch') started to emerge before dissolving into oblivion, "While I have no cards in my hand, if an 'Infernity' monster(s) I control would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can banish this card from my GY instead!"

Appearing on the field was a humanoid Fiend monster wearing church-like clothing and carrying a book of sorts. Getting in-front of 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', 'Infernity Patriarch' was struck by 'Junkuriboh' and shattered into shards of glass.

"Too bad, too bad, too bad!" ranted Clotho, "Even your best tricks are worthless against 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!"

"'Hundred Eyes Dragon' is really a terrifying monster," thought Matt, "Asagi and her friends were barely able to beat it during their duel with Clotho and his friends… But!" He (Matt) spoke aloud, loud enough for Clotho to hear, "No matter how powerful your monster is, I won't ever think of quitting!"

"I'll make you regret those words," threatened Clotho, before entering the End Phase, "I end my turn!" While he was speaking on, the stunned Matt saw his (Matt) cards dissolving into nothingness, "Now that it's the End Phase, the third effect of 'Infernity Doom Enforcer' ressolves and banishes the drawn cards in your hand!'"

"Don't forget that 'Hundred Eyes Dragon's' first effect expires, too!" Matt pointed out.

"So what?!" dismissed Clotho, "Now, go on! It's your turn!"

"Fine!" accepted Matt, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"

On cue, both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Matt: 2 → 3
-Clotho: 2 → 3

Turn Four: Matt Fudo (LP: 3400)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (1): "Doppelwarrior"
Speed Counters: 3
Reincarnation of Hope: 1 Turn

Adding the drawn card into his hand, Matt…started to smile.

"Tch! What the hell are you so happy about?" growled Clotho, "You only have a single card in your hand, and control a monster that can't defeat my own!"

"Is that so?" grinned Matt, "Well, you'd better think again… Now we both draw two cards!"

"What?! Why?!"

"One of the cards that got banished was a Spell Card called 'Card from a Different Dimension'," The dirty blonde-haired young man revealed, holding up his right hand as a card rematerialized, "If this card is banished: I must add it to my hand during my next Standby Phase, and if I do, both players draw 2 cards."

"Re-Really?!" freaked out Clotho.

"Yeah!" confirmed Matt, drawing two cards, "With this, I can break your Handless Combo!" He pointed forth, "Now, Clotho, draw your cards!"

"Tch! Damn you and your luck of the draw!" cursed Clotho, drawing two cards.

With the Handless Combo broken, the first effect of 'Infernity Conjurer' was negated, therefore returning 'Stardust Dragon's' ATK back to its default amount (ATK: 1700 → 2500).

(elsewhere…)

Back on the overpass, Zack and Ashima were relieved that Matt had broken Clotho's Handless Combo even if it was for a short time.

"Matt did it!" cheered Ashima.

"But Clotho doesn't appear to be 'too' upset over it," noted Zack, "I think something's up."

(elsewhere…)

Back in the geoglyph, Zack was proven right… Clotho was not nearly as upset as one would expect him to be. Sure enough, there was an evil smirk on his face.

"Oh please! Your efforts to break my invincible Handless Combo are worthless!" bragged Clotho, before reaching over to press a button on the dashboard of his Duel Runner, "I'll show you why it's worthless!" From there, his remaining Set card reappeared on the field, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "I activate a Trap, 'Infernity Inferno'!" Taking the two drawn cards ('Infernity Queen' and 'Infernity Guardian') from his hand, he sent them to the GY—before taking another two cards from his Deck ('Infernity Sage' and 'Infernity Wildcat') and sending them there, too, "I must discard up to 2 cards; I must send the same number of "Infernity" cards from my Deck to the GY!" He eased in with glee, "There! Now my handless Combo has returned!"

"Grr… Clotho was prepared for the possibility of cards being added into his hand," thought Matt, "It even allowed for more 'Infernity' monsters to be placed in his GY for 'Hundred Eyes Dragon's first effect!"

"There's more!" beamed Clotho, holding up a card ('Infernity General') taken from his Deck, "The second effect of 'Infernity Sage' activates!" He sent the card to the GY, "If this card is sent to the GY: I can send 1 'Infernity' monster from my Deck to the GY. I must have no cards in my hand to activate and to resolve this effect!" Focus then went towards the Monster Zone containing 'Infernity Conjurer', then towards 'Stardust Dragon' as it got weakened again (ATK: 2500 → 1700), "Oh, and remember 'Infernity Conjurer'? 'Stardust' becomes weaker once again!"

Matt gritted his teeth and looked at his drawn cards, which were 'Monster Reincarnation' (Spell Card) and 'Stardust Re-Spark' (Normal Trap). In addition, he had the 'Doppelwarrior' Effect Monster Card in his hand from the draw at the Draw Phase, plus the 'Card from a Different Dimension' Spell Card from being added back during the Standby Phase. Matt immediately saw a way to bring out the one monster that defeated Clotho once before. Nodding, Matt made the move…

"Spell Card, 'Monster Reincarnation'!" announced Matt, "I must discard 1 card, then target 1 monster in my GY; I must add it to my hand," He sent a card ('Card from a Different Dimension') to the GY, causing another card ('Junk Synchron') to emerge, "I discard 'Card from a Different Dimension' and add 'Junk Synchron'…" He took and held the card up, placing it onto his Duel Runner three seconds later, "…into my hand! I Summon 'Junk Synchron'!"

Reappearing on the field was 'Junk Synchron', immediately weakened by 'Infernity Conjurer' (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 500).

"Once more, I'll activate 'Junk Synchron's' effect!" called Matt, as 'Junk Synchron held both arms out as something started to appear, "Appear now, 'Clear Effector'!"

Appearing on the field was a human female with long lavender hair and wearing orange clothing (Level: 2/ATK: 0/DEF: 900).

"Next, I'll Special Summon 'Doppelwarrior' from my hand!" As Matt said that, he placed another card ('Doppelwarrior') onto his Duel Runner—using its first effect. As he went on, appearing on the field was the human male wearing military clothing and wielding a gun, but in a weakened state (Level: 2/ATK: 0/DEF: 800), "When a monster(s) is Special Summoned from my GY (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card from my hand!"

'Stardust Dragon', 'Junk Synchron', 'Clear Effector', and 'Doppelwarrior' each faced Clotho and 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'.

"What the hell is Matt thinking? He should know his weakened monsters are no match for 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!" thought Clotho, irritably.

"Let's rev it up!" thundered Matt, as 'Clear Effector' jumped into the air and 'Junk Synchron' pulled the cord on his armor, "Level 3 'Junk Synchron' tunes Level 2 'Clear Effector'!"

Glowing gold, 'Junk Synchron' turned into three Synchro Rings, and 'Clear Effector' soared into them before turning into two orbs of light as a Summon Chant was heard throughout.

"Gathering pulsing energy will enhance the speedy warrior of courage! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 2 + 3 = 5 were shown briefly before the two orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Rush forward, 'Junk Speeder'!"

Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was what looked to be 'Speed Warrior' wearing silvery armor (Level: 5/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1500).

"'Junk Speeder', eh?" frowned Clotho, "But that won't work! The first effect of 'Infernity Conjurer' reduces…" As he spoke about his monster, 'Junk Speeder' lost a good majority of his ATK (ATK: 1800 → 800), "…your monster's ATK by 800!"

"'Clear Effector's' first effect!" interrupted Matt boldly, drawing a card, "If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material: I must draw 1 card!" Adding the card into his hand, focus went towards 'Junk Speeder' as the monster got energized with power, "There is also her second effect! A Synchro Monster that used this card as material cannot be destroyed by card effects."

"Feh! What kind of plays are those supposed to be, anyway?" insulted Clotho, "Your cards suck so much!"

Matt was greatly angered over someone insulting his cards; to him, he (Matt) didn't see Clotho as a duelist any longer, but as someone who cared so little for cards and only used them as tools for battle and winning those battles. Rather than say that aloud, however, Matt aimed to prove Clotho wrong no matter what.

"I activate 'Junk Speeder's' first effect!" began Matt, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can Special Summon as many 'Synchron' Tuners as possible with different Levels from my Deck, in Defense Position. I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, except Synchro Monsters, the turn I activate this effect!" He held up two cards, then placed them onto his Duel Runner, "Appear now, 'Stardust Synchron' and 'Satellite Synchron'!"

Appearing on the field were two monsters; the first one was the miniature version of 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 4/ATK: 700/DEF: 1000), and the second was the robotic satellite with arms and legs (Level: 2/ATK: 0/DEF: 100). Both had been weakened like every other monster belonging to Matt.

(elsewhere…)

Back at the overpass, Ashima seemed very curious to know what Matt was going to do with those two 'Synchron' monsters.

"Zack, what do you think Matt is going to try?" she asked.

"I wonder that myself," admitted Zack.

(elsewhere…)

Back in the geoglyph…

"I activate the second effect of 'Stardust Synchron'!" proclaimed Matt, just as a card ejected from the middle of the Deck, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can…" he took the card and looked at it before placing it into his hand, "…add 1 Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand that mentions 'Stardust Dragon'!"

Not wanting to take any chances, Clotho decided he needed to strike while it was still possible.

"Face-down card, open!" announced Clotho, as his remaining Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Raider, "'Void Ignition'(!)!" It then flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If I have no cards in my hand: I must target 1 DARK monster I control; immediately after this card resolves, I must activate 1 of the targeted monster's effects," He smiled evilly, "If I target a Dragon Synchro Monster with this effect, it is unaffected by my opponent's Spell/Trap effects this turn, also, monsters my opponent controls can only attack that monster."

Matt braced himself for what was coming next…

"Once more, I'll activate 'Hundred Eyes Dragon's' first effect!" boomed Clotho, as the spirit of 'Infernity Guardian' appeared on the field and merged with 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', giving it a new and deadly power, "This time, I'll banish 'Infernity Guardian', preventing my monster from being destroyed by battle or card effects if my hand remains empty!"

"Ngh… My Level 4 'Stardust Synchron' tunes Level 2 'Doppelwarrior'!" responded Matt.

'Stardust Synchron' turned itself into four Synchro Rings, while they hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Doppelwarrior' while he turned himself into two orbs of light and a Summon Chant followed.

"Sacred wings that command the meteor shower! Ride the wind of souls around the world!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 2 + 4 = 6 were shown briefly just before the two orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! 'Stardust Charge Warrior'!"

Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the humanoid monster wearing black and aqua blue-colored armor—with some of the armor resembling wings, and the unarmored parts appeared similar to Matt's shirt (Level: 6/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1300).

"'Stardust Charge Warrior's' first effect activates!" continued Matt, "When this card is Synchro Summoned: I can…" He drew a card, "…draw 1 card!"

"Hmph! You're burning through a ton of cards," noted Clotho, "Perhaps you're doing that in hopes of getting something remotely good enough to defeat 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'?"

"Next, I'll activate 'Graceful Charity'!" rambled Matt, holding out the card in-question, "Draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards!"

He drew his three cards ('Synchro Barrier', 'Wheel Synchron', and 'Stardust Wurm'), added them into his hand (also containing 'Stardust Re-Spark', 'Stardust Phantom', and 'Majestic Absorption'), then took two of the cards ('Stardust Phantom' and 'Wheel Synchron') and discarded them.

"Good," thought Matt, and then spoke aloud once again, "I activate the second effect of 'Satellite Synchron'! If I have a Synchro Monster with 'Warrior', 'Synchron', or 'Stardust' in its original name on my field or GY: I can…" 'Satellite Synchron' was shown modifying its own Level (Level: 2 → 4), "…make this card's Level become 4 until the end of this turn!"

Clotho knew what monster Matt wanted to Synchro Summon; it was the same one that resulted in his defeat in their last battle. This time around, Clotho didn't appear to care if 'Satellite Warrior' were to show up because things were going to be different. Matt knew this, but had no other choice but to press ahead with the Synchro Summon.

"Here I go!" declared Matt, as 'Stardust Charge Warrior' and 'Satellite Synchron' both started to rise into the air, "Level 4 'Satellite Synchron' tunes Level 6 'Stardust Charge Warrior'!"

'Satellite Synchron' turned itself into four Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Stardust Charge Warrior', turning him into six orbs of lights as a Summon Chant followed throughout.

"Gathering prayers of those who cry out for peace! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Matt, as the symbols 6 + 4 = 10 were shown briefly just before the six orbs of light within the four Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon!" A body of silver and gold with satellite panels attached to its back was shown in the bursting beam of light, also revealing two powerful-looking fists, "Descend! The guardian of innocents and justice! 'Satellite Warrior'!"

The new monster punched at the air a couple of times, then posed for battle—in a very weakened state (Level: 10/ATK: 1700/DEF: 2000).

(elsewhere…)

Back on the overpass, Zack and Ashima watched Matt Synchro Summon 'Satellite Warrior' remembering the monster from the more recent battle with the Dark Signers. A flashback then began.

FLASHBACK

During the final turn of Matt, Michael, and James R. VS Orga, Clotho, and Shani…

"My Level 2 'Satellite Synchron' tunes Level 8 'Stardust Dragon'!" declared Flashback Matt.

'Satellite Synchron' turned into two Synchro Rings, which 'Stardust Dragon' flew into before turning into eight orbs of light while a new Summon Chant from Matt was heard throughout.

"Gathering prayers of those who cry out for peace! Become the path its light shines upon!" chanted Flashback Matt, as the symbols 8 + 2 = 10 were shown briefly just before the eight orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon!" A body of silver and gold with satellite panels attached to its back was shown in the bursting beam of light, also revealing two powerful-looking fists, "Descend! The guardian of innocents and justice! 'Satellite Warrior'!"

The new monster punched at the air a couple of times, then posed for battle (Level: 10/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).

"This will be the card to end the duel, Clotho!" announced Flashback Matt, "You Dark Signers are going to pay the price for your unforgivable actions!" He held his right hand out, "I activate 'Satellite Warrior's' first effect!" As the effect was being explained, 'Satellite Warrior's' satellites began to be charged with power, then focus went towards a shocked and insane Flashback Clotho, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can target cards my opponent controls, up to the number of Synchro Monsters in my GY; I must destroy them, and if I do, this card gains 1000 ATK for each card destroyed!"

Flashback Clotho initially gasped in horror, but then snarled with anger because Flashback Matt had quite a few Synchro Monsters already in his (Flashback Matt) GY.

"Bonds of Justice!" shouted Flashback Matt.

'Satellite Warrior' fired off a golden beam from its satellites, striking and destroying 'Infernity Doom Dragon' and the Set 'Damage Gate' Trap Card. With two cards destroyed, 'Satellite Warrior' glowed all gold as his power went up (ATK: 2500 → 4500).

END FLASHBACK

The flashback ended, and Clotho appeared smiling smugly over facing 'Satellite Warrior' again seeing as it lost 800 ATK due to 'Infernity Conjurer' still being present, but Matt was far from being finished in preparing to remove the threat and deal massive damage.

"I activate 'Satellite Warrior's' first effect!" vowed Matt, as Clotho listened before focus went towards 'Infernity Conjurer' on his (Clotho) field, "If this card is Synchro Summoned: I can target cards my opponent controls, up to the number of Synchro Monsters in my GY; I must destroy them, and if I do, this card gains 1000 ATK for each card destroyed!" He thrust his right hand out, "Bonds of Justice!"

'Satellite Warrior' fired off a golden beam from its satellites, striking and destroying 'Infernity Conjurner'. With the main obstacle destroyed, 'Satellite Warrior' glowed all gold as his power went up (ATK: 1700 → 2700).

"Clotho, with your 'Infernity Conjurer' destroyed, all of my monsters regain their lost 800 ATK!" reminded Matt.

'Satellite Warrior' (ATK: 2700 → 3500), 'Stardust Dragon' (ATK: 1700 → 2500), and 'Junk Speeder' (ATK: 1000 → 1800) regained their lost strength.

"Dammit… With 'Infernity Conjurer' destroyed, it has been banished by its own effect," grunted Clotho, before getting fired up again, "But this isn't the end! I activate the second effect of 'This Creepy Little Punk'!" He held up a card ('This Creepy Little Punk') taken from his GY, "If a face-up 'Infernity' monster(s) I control is destroyed by battle, or leaves the field because of an opponent's card effect, while this card is in my GY: I can Set this card!"

A face-down card materialized on the field behind Raider before fading away for later use.

"Battle!" proclaimed Matt, entering the Battle Phase. As he issued the command, 'Junk Speeder' was ready to rush in and beat the enemy into submission, "My 'Junk Speeder' will attack 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'!"

"You idiot! Your monster is still far weaker than my own!" berated Clotho, before easing up a little bit, "Actually, I want to see what you'll do about that."

"Allow me to show you by activating 'Junk Speeder's' second effect!" offered Matt, as focus went towards 'Junk Speeder' as it glowed blue and gained significant strength like how 'Speed Warrior' would do so (ATK: 1800 → 3600), "When an attack is declared involving this card that was Synchro Summoned this turn and another monster: I can make this card's ATK become double its original ATK until the end of this turn!"

"3600 ATK…!" fretted Clotho.

"Go forth, 'Junk Speeder'!" The voice of Matt ordered, as 'Junk Speeder' started to attack, "Hyper Edge!"

'Junk Speeder' obeyed, delivering a swift spin kick to 'Hundred Eyes Dragon', striking the enemy monster in the face and appearing to really hurt it.

"'Hundred Eyes Dragon's' inherited effect currently prevents its destruction through battle!" recalled Clotho.

"But you'll still take the damage!" retorted Matt.

'Junk Speeder' backed off, and Clotho grimaced hard as he glowed red and received some decent damage from the blow (LP: 3500 → 2900).

"I'm not done!" raged Matt, as 'Satellite Warrior' began charging up his satellites again, "'Satellite Warrior', attack 'Hundred Eyes Dragon'! Justice Satellite Beam!"

The beams were fired off, striking 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' again, but not destroying it. Raider rocked about as Clotho sustained more damage (LP: 2900 → 2400). With that done, 'Satellite Warrior' immediately eased up in triumph.

(elsewhere…)

Back on the overpass…

"It's close," noted Ashima, "but Matty has finally inflicted some major damage."

"Yup," agreed Zack, "It won't be long now before another Dark Signer is defeated."

(elsewhere…)

Back in the geoglyph, despite losing some heavy LP, Clotho was busy quietly chuckling to himself. Hearing the laughter, Matt was wondering what was so funny, and he (Matt) got the answer when Clotho finally looked back up.

"That's some fine damage, Matt!" remarked Clotho, "I say we have fun dwindling away at each other's lives!"

Matt gritted his teeth, but stayed quiet.

(elsewhere…)

Somewhere on the expressway, James R., Ms. Simmons, and Mr. Kisaka were making their way to where the duel was taking place. Looking up, James R. gasped when he saw the geoglyph of the Giant in the darkened sky despite still being good ways away from it.

"The duel is ongoing," thought James R., "Matt, just hold on for a little while longer… We're on our way!"

And Skygrasper and both Murasames drove towards the scene of the action, hoping they were not too late.

(elsewhere…)

Back in the geoglyph, Matt took a card from his hand, looked long and hard at it ('Synchro Barrier'), and then readied to play it.

"I Set one card and end my turn," finished Matt, slotting his card into his Duel Runner.

On the monitor of Raider, Clotho noticed a Set card appearing in one of the opponent's Spell & Trap Zones, but he didn't appear to care all that much about it. Matt, meanwhile, was busy thinking about what was going to happen in the upcoming turn—although 'Hundred Eyes Dragon's' effect had ended.

"I wasn't able to defeat 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' this turn," The dirty blonde-haired young man thought to himself, "But I dealt good damage, and I currently control 'Satellite Warrior' with 3500 ATK," He frowned a little bit, "However…" Focus went towards a part of Clotho's field as he (Matt) remembered a card being Set not long ago, "Because Clotho has 'This Creepy Little Punk' Set, 'Infernity Conjurer' is sure to be brought back soon."

"This whole duel's been such a yawn fest!" called Clotho, "I was hoping you'd at least give me a good fight. But it looks like I'll have to no choice but to crush you with the nearly limitless power that 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' has!" He then drew a card, "It's my turn!"

Both players gained a Speed Counter again:
-Matt: 3 → 4
-Clotho: 3 → 4

Turn Five: Clotho Buer (LP: 2400)
Deck: 40
Current Hand (1): "Ice Dragon's Prison"
Speed Counters: 4

On cue, Clotho swung his right arm about and slotted the card into his Duel Runner.

"I Set one card!" began Clotho, as a face-down card appeared on the field beside him (on his right) before fading away for later use. Then, on cue, another Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Raider, flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "And next, I'll activate a Spell, 'This Creepy Little Punk'!"

"Here it comes," thought Matt bitterly.

"I must Special Summon 1 of my 'Infernity' monsters that is banished, or in my hand or GY!" explained Clotho, before something started to appear on the field, "I Special Summon 'Infernity Conjurer'!"

Reappearing on the field was the Fiend monster wearing a red poncho and wielding a staff for a weapon (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 900). Clotho was so overjoyed to have one of his favorite monsters back on the field that he couldn't help but cackle madly yet again.

"It's back once again!" rejoiced Clotho, "And with it being back, its first effect activates!" On cue, as he explained, 'Stardust Dragon' (ATK: 2500 → 1700), 'Junk Speeder' (ATK: 1800 → 1000), and even 'Satellite Warrior' (ATK: 3500 → 2700) got weaker, while 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' remained as strong as ever (ATK: 3000), "While I have no cards in my hand, monsters my opponent controls lose 800 ATK, allowing for 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' to become the strongest monster again!"

"Even so, I'll fight on!" insisted Matt.

"Mmm!" uttered Clotho.

In a freeze frame, Raider was still ahead of Freedom on the road, flanked by 'Hundred Eyes Dragon' and 'Infernity Conjurer' while looming over Matt, 'Stardust Dragon', 'Junk Speeder', and 'Satellite Warrior' with malicious intention. A faded image of a very worried Ashima and Zack could also be seen at the bottom left portion of the moment. The duel was going to get more intense from here on out. Would Matt be able to win, or would he need a little help to do so? Find that out next time!