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: Pulse of the King
Opening up in Champlain, particularly inside the geoglyph of the Hummingbird, the rematch between Michael and Orga was ongoing as both Duel Runners of theirs roared down the road. Currently, these were the standings:
-Michael (LP: 4000): Controlled 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000), 'Crimson Gaia' (Continuous Spell), and two Set cards.
-Orga (LP: 2800): Controlled 'Darkness Gladiator Beast' (Level: 7/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' (Level: 8/ATK: 2400/DEF: 3000), 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500), and 'Gladiator Beast Domitianus' (Level: 10/ATK: 3500/DEF: 1200).
"I'm not in a good spot," thought Michael, "Orga is ready to Summon his 'Earthbound Immortal', and with the ability to attack directly, it will end the duel very quickly," He looked at the two occupied Spell & Trap Zones on his Duel Disk, then back up again, "I have two face-down cards that will protect me for a short time, but it won't be enough."
Over with Orga, he was looking excited and deranged at the same time—until Michael spoke up once more.
"Orga, it's your turn! Do your worst!" The voice of Michael dared.
"Here I go!" announced Orga, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained a Speed Counter:
-Michael: 2 → 3
-Orga: 2 → 3
Turn Four: Orga Sabnak (LP: 2800)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (3): "Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu", "Earthbound Release", and "Earthbound Ingestion"(!)
Speed Counters: 3
Orga added the card into his hand, knowing it was time to end things with that Signer once and for all. It was something Michael knew well.
"Orga will definitely keep 'Darkness Gladiator Beast' and 'Tamer Editor' around, but will get rid of 'Gyzarus' and 'Domitianus' to Summon the 'Earthbound Immortal'," thought Michael, narrowing his eyes, "The least I can do is paralyze 'Tamer Editor' for at least the rest of the turn," He made a move, "I activate a Trap, 'Infinite Impermanence'!" One of his Set cards reappeared on the field in-front of Justice, flipped face-up, and revealed itself with focus going directly towards it, then towards 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' as he got numb and weak, "I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must negate its effects (until the end of this turn), then, if this card was Set before activation and is on the field at resolution, for the rest of this turn all other Spell/Trap effects in this column are negated!"
"Tch! I have 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion' in the same column as your card, therefore it's negated," muttered Orga, "But it's only a temporary thing!"
"Also, I'll activate a Trap, 'Red Gem'!" continued Michael, just before his remaining Set card flipped face-up on the field in-front of Justice and revealed itself, "'Red' monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects until the end of this turn!"
"Are you that desperate to defend your 'Red Daemon's'?" scoffed Orga, "My only target this far into the duel is you!" He then sent two cards ('Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' and 'Gladiator Beast Domitianus') to the GY, one card at a time, "I Tribute 'Gyzarus' and 'Domitianus'!"
Both 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' and 'Gladiator Beast Domitianus' turned into colorful balls of light before rising towards the geoglyph in the sky.
"Is it coming?" Michael asked himself.
On cue, the area started shaking itself to pieces, which several innocent people outside and inside the geoglyph felt and wondering what was happening. In addition to the earthquake, a familiar heart appeared within the sky, beating and pulsing loudly as a Summon Chant from Orga was heard throughout.
"Transcending five thousand years time, the doors of the underworld will open once more. May our souls be the food of the new world!" chanted Orga, before laying down his card ('Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Runner, "Advent, 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu'!"
The heart in the sky exploded with dark energy, and the flame walls intensified as the shadow of a huge monster could be seen coming outside—starting with a pair of glowing red eyes. A thick fog of smoke covered everything inside the geoglyph for a short time. When the fog cleared, Michael looked up and saw the full body of 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu'; it was that of a gigantic hummingbird, with a black and orange skin tone to partially match the tone of the other 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters (Level: 10/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2500).
"The 'Earthbound Immortal'!" thought Michael.
A pair of flashbacks ensued…
FLASHBACK
During Flashback David's final duel with Flashback Vincent…
"Dave and Matt both faced 'Earthbound Immortals' before," narrated Michael, as Flashback Vincent (wordlessly) ordered a direct attack, "During those times, they almost got killed by them."
Leering over its targets with malice, 'Earthbound Immortal Allqu' obeyed and raised a paw before bringing it down and crashing dangerously close to The Wild Card and Akatsuki. The powerful attack threw both Duel Runners aside as Flashback David and Flashback Lisa (silently) screamed—which came dangerously close to killing them at the same time. Luckily, they were still standing on the road (Akatsuki had also entered the geoglyph).
(new scene…)
During Flashback Matt and Flashback Rutger's rematch, 'Earthbound Immortal Uru' obeyed an order to attack, firing off a very powerful spider thread towards Flashback Matt, breaking right through the barrier and impaling Flashback Matt through the chest before throwing him to the ground.
END FLASHBACK
The flashbacks ended, and Michael narrowed his eyes defiantly.
"Despite the power your God has, it will never take my life!" bellowed Michael, with Orga listening with amusement, "Rather, I'll be the one who takes 'its' life!"
"Is that so?" chuckled Orga, "Then let's put your theory to the test!" Having entered the Battle Phase, 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' leered towards the helpless opponent as he gave the order to attack, "'Aslla piscu', attack the opponent directly! 'Former King', you shall receive the judgment of my God!"
'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' obeyed, opening its beak and letting loose a powerful howl, hitting Justice at point blank range. Michael felt the power behind the attack and screamed in agony, causing a flashback to ensue.
FLASHBACK
During Flashback Orga's final turn of the match between the Bio-CPU boys and the Astray girls…
"'Gladiator Beast Andabata', let her have it!" commanded Flashback Orga, as 'Gladiator Beast Andabata' posed with its sword, "Eliminate Juri Wu Nien!"
'Gladiator Beast Andabata' obeyed, pointing its sword forth and firing off some laser blasts. Flashback Juri avoided the first two attacks, but the third one struck the center of her purple M1 Astray as it began sparking. The thought of dying terrified Flashback Juri, and she tearfully screamed as the damage to the Duel Runner caused an explosion and seemingly took her with it—just like it did with Flashback Mayura
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended with Michael screaming while Justice was being pushed further and further away from Calamity and he was in his thoughts about the whole thing.
"Juri… was this almost the same pain you felt when you and her M1 Astray were directly struck by an attack from 'Gladiator Beast Andabata'?" thought Michael, as he stopped screaming enough to form a snarling expression on his face, "I will avenge you, Juri, by defeating 'Aslla piscu'…or die trying!"
The attack from 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' finally ended, and Michael received intense damage as a result of the direct hit he took (LP: 4000 → 1500). Despite the failure to kill Michael, Orga was still pleased that the direct attack almost did the trick and believes one more hit like that will deliver death to the Signer at last. He took both cards ('Earthbound Release' and 'Earthbound Ingestion') that were left in his hand and readied them in his right hand.
"I Set two cards…" As he spoke, Orga, slotting the cards into his Duel Runner at the same time. It caused two face-down cards to appear on the field around Calamity before fading away for later use, "…and end my turn! Hey, hey, hey, hey! The effects of 'Test Chameleon', 'Infinite Impermanence', and 'Red Gem' have worn off!" He (Orga) looked over his shoulder at Michael once more, "Michael Atlas, the countdown to your demise has begun. No matter what happens, I will emerge triumphant!"
Michael said nothing back.
"You know, this reminds me of the time Headmaster Azrael sent Clotho, Shani, and I out to run amuck in Albany the day before we had our rematch with those idiotic girls," reflected Orga, as faded stills of him and his best friends Summoning their 'Earthbound Immortal' monsters against various duelists and more were superimposed over him, "We were having so much fun slaughtering duelists and bystanders like we couldn't believe! They were too easy, too!"
"That damn Orga treats everything he does as child's play no matter how heinous!" thought Michael angrily, "Well, I promise you I'll find a way to turn things around!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Michael: 3 → 4
-Orga: 3 → 4
Turn Five: Michael Atlas (LP: 1500)
Deck: 39
Current Hand (1): "Trap Pause"
Speed Counters: 4
Michael's drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Trap Pause'. It wasn't much, but it would at least be able to let him deal some damage to the opponent. However, before Michael could even think of making such a move…
"I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Earthbound Ingestion'!" announced Orga, as his first Set card reappeared on the field in-front of Calamity, flipped face-up, and revealed itself with focus going straight to it, "If a monster my opponent controls declares an attack while I control an 'Earthbound' monster or a DARK Synchro Monster: I must make that monster's ATK become 0 until the end of the Damage Step!"
"That means a direct attack on Orga is out of the question," thought Michael, "But I'll figure something out!" He spoke aloud, "I activate the third effect of 'High Speed World'!" His Speed Counter gauge then emptied completely (SPC: 4 0) "Once per turn: I can remove 4 Speed Counters of my own, then reveal…" The lime green-haired young man held up a single card ('Trap Pause') in midair, turned it over, and revealed what it was, "…any number of Spell Cards in my hand; I must inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each card revealed!"
Orga glowed red for a moment, causing him to grunt in pain while taking damage (LP: 2800 → 2000).
"Also," Michael went on, as he slotted the revealed card ('Trap Pause') into his Duel Disk and caused a Spell Card called 'Trap Pause' to materialize face-up on the field, "I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Trap Pause'! I must negate the effects of my opponent's face-up Continuous Traps until the end of this turn, then draw 1 card for each card negated by this effect!" Focus went towards the face-up 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion' Trap Card, then the face-up 'Earthbound Ingestion' Trap Card as they fizzled out, "The effects of 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion' and 'Earthbound Ingestion' are negated!" With a small smirk on his face, he drew two cards, "With the effects of two Continuous Traps negated, I'll draw two cards!"
Both cards were shown to be 'Red Gardna' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Monster Reborn' (Spell Card). Thinking over his move carefully, Michael knew which monster to resurrect.
"Spell Card, 'Monster Reborn'!" began Michael, holding his card ('Monster Reborn') out. From there, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' found himself reappearing on the field once more (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500), "Resurrect, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!"
"Hmhmhm… It's really too bad," snickered Orga.
"What's too bad?" frowned Michael.
"It's too bad the duel has to end so soon!" Orga responded smugly.
"What the hell does that mean?!" yelled Michael.
"I have a secret weapon," replied Orga, raising his right hand into the air, "Hey, hey, hey!" He pressed a button on his Duel Runner, which caused his remaining Set card to flip face-up on the field in-front of Calamity and reveal itself, "I activate a Trap, 'Earthbound Release'!"
All of a sudden, 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' screeched in agony. Orga knew what was happening since it needed to happen, but Michael had no idea what to make of this.
"What's going on? Why's 'Aslla piscu' in pain?" questioned Michael.
"My Trap Card, 'Earthbound Release'!" proclaimed Orga, "When a Level 6 or higher monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned: I must Tribute 1 Level 10 'Earthbound' monster; I must destroy as many monsters my opponent controls as possible, and if I do, inflict damage to my opponent equal to the combined original ATK of those destroyed monster(s)!"
A quick flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Michael held his 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card out.
"When you Summoned 'Gyzarus'," narrated Orga, as 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' found himself reappearing on the field once more, "you sealed your own fate!"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"The death of 'Aslla piscu' will destroy 'Red Daemon's' and 'Gyzarus', dealing you 5400 damage!" explained Orga, "With only 1500 LP left, you'll lose by complete overkill!" Focus went towards the face-up 'Earthbound Release' Trap Card as it charged up some flames, "Feel the pain that I felt when you overkilled me!"
The flames fired from the card into the dark sky, striking 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' and destroying the monster and causing a backlash that struck 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', which resulted in an explosion that seemed to claim their lives. Orga, believing to have won the duel, was smiling like a shark in triumph.
"I win… I've won!" he figured.
As the smoke cleared away, however, Justice, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' each burst out of the smoke, unharmed thanks to a red barrier provided by none other than 'Red Gardna', meaning Michael's LP were left undamaged (LP: 1500).
"What?! But how?" complained Orga.
"The effect of 'Red Gardna' activates!" revealed Michael, sending the final card from his hand to the GY. As he explained the effect, the 'Red Gardna' Effect Monster Card sank into the deep abyss as the shield was shown surrounding the remaining monsters on his field, "When my opponent activates a card or effect while I control a 'Red Dragon Archfiend' monster (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY; this turn, monsters I control cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects."
"Meaning I couldn't destroy those monsters nor deal you any damage!" mumbled Orga.
"As of now, I'll return the favor to you!" offered Michael hatefully, "The first effect of 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus'!" As he stated the effect, 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' let loose a powerful blast of wind, blowing away both the 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion' Trap Card and the 'Earthbound Ingestion' Trap Card as they dissolved, "When this card is Special Summoned: I can target up to 2 cards on the field; I must destroy those targets!"
With his plan to win this turn a failure, Orga fumed in silence.
"By using 'Earthbound Release' to get rid of 'Aslla piscu', and without it, you have no chance of winning, Dark Signer!" declared Michael.
All of a sudden, Orga started to smile.
"Does this mean you'll attempt a direct attack?" suggested Orga, causing Michael to ease up, "Unfortunately, that won't work! You triggered the second effect of 'Earthbound Ingestion'!" As he explained the second effect of his Trap Card, focus went towards 'Red Dragon Archfiend' and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' as they found themselves not able to do anything once the remaining monsters on his field were gone, "If this face-up card is destroyed by an opponent's card effect: Monsters my opponent controls cannot attack directly for the rest of this turn!"
"I get it," retorted Michael, as enlarged images of the 'Crimson Gaia' Spell Card, the 'Red Dragon Archfiend' Synchro Monster Card, and the 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' Fusion Monster Card loomed in the background behind him, "If 'Red Daemon's' attacks, even if 'Crimson Gaia' switches 'Darkness Gladiator Beast' and 'Tamer Editor' to face-down Defense Position, 'Gyzarus' won't be able to attack directly after Demon Meteor activates… But I can still do this! The second effect of 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor'!"
"What?!" gasped Orga.
"Once per turn, if 2 or more 'Gladiator Beast' monsters…" stated Michael, talking about 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor', 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', and 'Darkness Gladiator Beast', "…are on the field: The controller…" Focus went towards 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' as he swung his staff around, "…of those monsters can destroy 1 monster on the field, and if they do, inflict damage to its controller equal to the destroyed monster's ATK!"
"But it's my monster; you can't use it like that!" objected Orga.
"Then you should learn to know your cards better," huffed Michael, "'Tamer Editor's' second effect can be used by 'any' player so long as they control at least one other 'Gladiator Beast' monster," As he gave the order, 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' turned his staff into a whip and cracked it, "'Tamer Editor', destroy yourself!"
The whip suddenly got deflected and struck 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor' in the face, causing him to shatter into shards of glass.
"With 'Tamer Editor' gone, you'll lose 2400 LP!" reminded Michael, "With only 2000 LP left, you will be defeated!"
"It's not that easy, King!" cut in Orga.
"Huh?"
"The time for my God to rise has come again!" The mustard yellow-haired young man bragged, "I activate the third effect of my Trap Card, 'Earthbound Ingestion'!"
An explosion of darkness erupted from the GY of his Duel Runner, which reached into the sky and caused bolts of lightning to strike across parts inside the geoglyph. It also protected Orga from the resulting effect damage coming from the destruction of 'Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor'.
"If I would take effect damage: I can banish this card from my GY; I must make that damage to 0, and if I do, Special Summon 1 'Earthbound' monster from my GY," said Orga (LP: 2000), before holding up a card ('Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu') taken from his GY, "I revive 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' from my GY!"
Rising from the fire walls of the geoglyph was a fully healed 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' (Level: 10/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2500). The 'Earthbound Immortal' monster leered towards Michael, 'Red Dragon Archfiend', and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus', ready to end the duel when the word was given.
"Here I am again; facing down 'Aslla piscu'," thought Michael, "But it's not over yet," He spoke aloud, "I activate the second effect of 'Synchro Transmission'!" Two cards ('Synchro Transmission' and 'Red Nova Dragon') ejected from the GY, with one ('Synchro Transmission') fading away, and the other ('Red Nova Dragon') being placed back into the Duel Disk's Extra Deck Zone, "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 Synchro Monster in my GY; I must return it to the Extra Deck," He drew a card, "then draw 1 card!"
"How sad," mocked Orga, "You honestly believe 'Scar-Red Nova' is a match for an 'Earthbound Immortal'?"
"Battle!" called Michael, entering the Battle Phase. As he gave the order to attack 'Red Dragon Archfiend' lit its right claw on fire and hurled it towards the opposition, "'Red Daemon's', attack 'Darkness Gladiator Beast'! Absolute Powerforce!"
The flaming claw struck 'Darkness Gladiator Beast', destroying the weaker monster in an instant.
"My 'Darkness Gladiator Beast'…!" grumbled Orga, as the remaining shards soared past him.
"Next, I'll activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Greed Grado'!" continued Michael, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Justice, "If I destroyed a face-up Synchro Monster controlled by my opponent this turn, either by battle or card effect: I must…" He was shown drawing two more cards, "…draw 2 cards."
Both cards were 'Red Carpet' (Trap Card) and 'Shining Star Dragon' (Tuner Monster Card). Looking over both cards, he made another move.
"I activate the first effect of my Continuous Spell, 'Crimson Gaia'!" began Michael, as a card ejected from the middle of his Deck, "During my Main Phase: I can add 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend'…" He took the card and saw it was a Trap Card called 'Red Zone', "…or 1 card that mentions it from my Deck or GY to my hand, except 'Crimson Gaia'!" On cue, the 'Chain Resonator' Tuner Monster Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Justice, "I Summon the Tuner monster, 'Chain Resonator'!"
Appearing onto the field was the 'Resonator' monster with chains sticking out of its back (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"When this card is Normal Summoned while a Synchro Monster is on the field: I can Special Summon 1 'Resonator' monster from my Deck, except 'Chain Resonator'!" As he went over his monster's effect, Michael held up a card ('Mirror Resonator') taken from his Deck before placing it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Mirror Resonator'!"
Appearing onto the field was the 'Resonator' monster with a huge mirror on its back (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0). Orga suddenly burst out laughing.
"Look how poorly you're playing," taunted Orga, "You control two Tuners and 'Red Daemon's', but their Levels don't match Level 12, meaning 'Scar-Red Nova' can't come back out to play!" He started talking about every monster on the opponent's field, "Once your turn ends, 'Red Daemon's' will destroy the non-attacking monsters with its second effect!"
"That's fine," accepted Michael, entering the End Phase, "I end my turn! And with that, 'Red Dragon Archfiend's' second effect activates!" On cue, 'Chain Resonator', 'Mirror Resonator', and 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' burst into flames as they were destroyed, "Once per turn, during my End Phase: I must destroy all other monsters I control that did not declare an attack this turn. This card must be face-up on the field to activate and to resolve this effect."
"The effect of 'Red Gardna' and the second effect of 'Earthbound Ingestion' also expire," noted Orga, before entering his thoughts as he looked at his Deck, "It's all come down to this; one attack from 'Aslla piscu' will eliminate the 'Former King', giving me the greatest win of my dueling career!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Both players gained another Speed Counter:
-Michael: 0 → 1
-Orga: 4 → 5
Turn Six: Orga Sabnak (LP: 2000)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (1): "Gladiator Beast Noxious"
Speed Counters: 5
All of a sudden, before Orga could begin the Battle Phase, Michael started to smile coldly.
"Huh?" quivered Orga, "What the hell are you smiling about?"
"You told me my playing style is poor, didn't you?" uttered Michael. When there was no response, he went on, "But in actuality, my soul is evolving further!" In the sky, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' seemed to roar with flames coming from its mouth, "And it's all thanks to you Dark Signers!"
"Knock it off! We never did anything to make your so-called soul stronger!" argued Orga hotly.
"Allow me to show you," offered Michael, as his Set card reappeared on the field, "I activate a Trap, 'Red Carpet'!" The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, causing two monsters ('Chain Resonator' and 'Mirror Resonator') to reappear on the field, "If a Dragon Synchro Monster is on the field: I must target up to 2 "Resonator" monsters in my GY; I must Special Summon them!"
"The same Tuners you let be destroyed last turn!" scowled Orga.
"And I have much more to show you," insisted Michael, before holding up another card ('Shining Star Dragon') "The first effect of 'Shining Star Dragon'!" Appearing in the dark sky was what looked liked the Crimson Dragon—but seemed to be a more downgraded version of it (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 0), "During my opponent's Main Phase, if this card is in my hand (Quick Effect): I can target 1 Dragon Synchro Monster in my GY; I must…" He withdrew his right hand from one of the occupied Monster Zones of his Duel Disk, "…Special Summon this card, and if I do, Special Summon that monster but negate its effects, then immediately after this effect resolves, I can Synchro Summon 1 Dragon Synchro Monster using this card I control!"
"You're gonna Synchro Summon during my turn?!" hissed Orga, "Just try it! Just know that none of your monsters can bring out 'Red Nova Dragon'!"
"My Dragon Synchro Monster," responded Michael, holding up a card ('Red Rising Dragon') taken from his GY, "Come forth, 'Red Rising Dragon'!"
Reappearing on the field was the smaller, weaker—but still powerful, version of 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600).
As his right fist caught fire, Michael yelled out and caused the flames to completely overwhelm his whole body and that of his Duel Runner, Justice. It was a sign that Burning Soul had evolved to its highest level as Orga watched in complete shock. At last, 'Red Rising Dragon' flew into the sky as the ultimate command was given…
"Level 4 'Shining Star Dragon', Level 1 'Chain Resonator', and Level 1 'Mirror Resonator'…" The voice of Michael boomed, as 'Shining Star Dragon', 'Chain Resonator', and 'Mirror Resonator' each turned into gigantic flaming Synchro Rings (four for 'Shining Star Dragon', and one for both 'Chain Resonator' and 'Mirror Resonator'), "…triple tunes Level 6 'Red Rising Dragon'!"
"Triple tuning?!" freaked out Orga.
At last, 'Red Rising Dragon', already inside the fiery Synchro Rings roared and started gaining more and more strength from the flames while trapped inside the sphere as a brand new Summon Chant ensued.
"The three sages welcome the King. The Red Star won't die, only the fool will be crushed!" chanted Michael, as the symbols 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 12 were shown for three seconds, "Savage soul, mark the time of the creation of the heavens and earth!" The sphere of fire finally exploded, with the crowd watching from down below and listening to his almost God-like tone, "Synchro Summon!" The silhouette of the new monster's claws were shown, followed by its glowing red eyes, "Come forth, my new power! 'Red Supernova Dragon'!"
In a fiery background, the full body of the new monster was revealed to be the bigger, even more powerful version of 'Red Nova Dragon' while parts of its body was constantly covered by crimson flames (Level: 12/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3000). 'Red Supernova Dragon' and 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' faced each other high in the dark sky.
"'Red Supernova Dragon's' first effect! It gains 500 ATK for each Tuner in my GY," explained Michael, as 'Red Supernova Dragon's' body flamed even further as its strength went up significantly (ATK: 4000 → 7500), "There are seven of them there, meaning my monster's ATK rises all the way to 7500!" He then was shown smiling smugly, "And my monster's second effect… It cannot be destroyed by an opponent's card effects!"
"H-How useless," stammered Orga, before recovering from his brief moment of fear, "It doesn't matter how much ATK your 'Scar-Red Supernova' has or gains because my 'Aslla piscu' can just attack directly through its third effect!" As he gave the order to strike, 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' opened its beak and unleashed a mighty howl like once before, "Go forth, and attack the enemy player directly!"
Just before 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu's' attack could strike Michael and finish him off, he just smiled to himself as 'Red Supernova Dragon' got in the way at the last second and took the sonic howl instead.
"What?!" cried Orga, "Why's 'Scar-Red Supernova' taking the direct attack?!"
"I activate 'Red Supernova Dragon's' third effect," Michael pointed out, as 'Red Supernova Dragon' withstood the sonic wave attack and flew towards 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' and grabbing it by the throat, "Once per turn, when my opponent's monster effect is activated, or when an opponent's monster declares an attack (Quick Effect): I can activate this effect; I must banish this card, also banish all cards my opponent controls!"
With his eyes twitching from hearing that, Orga could do nothing but scream in rage and terror while watching as 'Red Supernova Dragon' had flames beginning to come from its mouth, meaning once the attack name was announced…
"Scarred Absolute Reign!" roared Michael.
Obeying the command withoput hesitation, 'Red Supernova Dragon' breathed a powerful blast of fire at 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' in point blank range, causing the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster to screech in pain as both monsters were roasted alive and banished as the smoke cleared away.
"It can't be… 'Aslla piscu' is gone," seethed Orga, "Even a God can't seem to beat down the 'Former King'…" Losing it even further, he spoke up again, "This is far from being over! I activate the sixth effect of 'Aslla piscu'!" The spirit of 'Earthbound Immortal Aslla piscu' reappeared in the sky before moving in and impaling 'Red Dragon Archfiend' in the chest with its beak, "When this face-up card leaves the field, except by its own effect: I must destroy as many face-up monsters my opponent controls as possible, and if I do, inflict 800 damage to my opponent for each monster destroyed!"
Growling weakly, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' shattered into shards of glass, causing Michael to grimace as he glowed red and lost some more LP (LP: 1500 → 700). Despite the blow, he recovered very quickly to make a move.
"How worthless!" insulted Michael, "I activate the third effect of 'Crimson Gaia'!" Reappearing in the sky, with an explosion of fire in the background, was 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000), "If a monster(s) on the field is destroyed by battle or card effect: I can Special Summon 1 'Red Dragon Archfiend' from my GY!"
Orga watched with gritted teeth as 'Red Dragon Archfiend' looked ready to finish him off once the order was given.
"I…end my turn," concluded Orga.
"It's my turn!" boomed Michael, drawing a card.
Both players gained one final Speed Counter:
-Michael: 1 → 2
-Orga: 5 → 6
Turn Seven: Michael Atlas (LP: 700)
Deck: 30
Current Hand (1): "Absolute Powerforce"
Speed Counters: 2
"It's all over!" Michael raged on, adding the drawn card into his hand and entering the Battle Phase, "Go forth, 'Red Daemon's'! Finish off the Dark Signer with all of your anger and power!" As he announced the attack name, 'Red Dragon Archfiend' roared and flew towards Calamity with a flaming right fist, "Absolute Powerforce!"
When it looked like the duel was finally about to end, Orga managed a small, sarcastic smile.
"Just joking," he remarked, before placing another card ('Gladiator Beast Noxious') onto his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Noxious' in Defense Position!"
Appearing onto the field was the cheetah in a purple clad armor (Level: 5/ATK: 0/DEF: 1000). A second later, the monster was struck by Absolute Powerforce and lit on fire.
"My monster's first effect!" beamed Orga, "When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack: I can Special Summon this card from my hand, and if I do, change the attack target to this card, and proceed to damage calculation," As he finished explaining the effect, 'Gladiator Beast Noxious' and survived the mighty attack, "This card cannot be destroyed by that battle!"
"All defensive plays are worthless against 'Red Daemon's' first effect!" snapped Michael, just as 'Red Dragon Archfiend' flew back into the sky and made its right claw go on fire again before hurling it like a fireball towards 'Gladiator Beast Noxious', "After damage calculation, if this card attacked an opponent's Defense Position monster: I must destroy all Defense Position monsters my opponent controls! Demon Meteor!"
The fireball collided with 'Gladiator Beast Noxious', destroying the monster in a massive explosion.
"No worries, it's fine," commented Orga, loud enough for Michael to hear, "I stopped the direct attack by 'Red Daemon's'. That means you'll have to wait until the next turn to win the duel—and I'm gonna reset the whole duel when I draw my own card!"
"Unfortunately for you, my Battle Phase is still ongoing, and I have one more monster that will attack this turn," rebutted Michael.
"What?! That's crap!" protested Orga, while an unimpressed Michael listened, "Since you've banished 'Scar-Red Supernova' to defeat 'Aslla piscu', there's no possible way you can continue the Battle Phase!"
"Hmph! What a waste of last words," sighed Michael, before pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Red Zone'!" His final Set card reappeared on the field beside Justice (on its right), flipped face-up, and revealed itself, "Now, behold!"
Orga gazed into the sky and gasped upon seeing a new geoglyph that resembled 'Red Nova Dragon' appear in the sky over the geoglyph of the Hummingbird.
"What the hell is that?!" wailed Orga.
"I activate the second effect of 'Red Zone'," admitted Michael, just as 'Red Supernova Dragon' started to emerge from the makeshift geoglyph in the sky, "I can target 1 of my banished DARK Dragon Synchro Monsters; I must Special Summon it!"
Now flying in the sky once more, 'Red Supernova Dragon' let out a roar to signal its grand return (Level: 12/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3000). Michael motioned his right hand out, then swung the arm to the right as the birthmark of the Dragon's Wings on the covered forearm started glowing more intensely.
(elsewhere…)
All across the state of New York, Matt, James R., Lisa, David, and Carlie all felt their own birthmarks (Matt: Dragon's Head, James R.: Dragon's Tail, Lisa: Dragon's Hand, David: Dragon's Heart, Carlie: Dragon's Foot) glowing in an increased intensity as they sensed that Michael was about to win the duel against a Dark Signer.
"Mike…" whispered Matt.
"He did it," came from James R..
"Another Dark Signer is going down," realized Lisa.
"Atlas-sama…" added David.
"Three more Dark Signers have been defeated," finished Carlie.
(elsewhere…)
Back in Champlain, Orga, as several faded clips from his duel in New York City were superimposed over him, silently realized that he had lost in the same exact fashion as the first time he (Orga) lost to Michael; the same amount of turns, same scenario of Michael nuking Orga's entire field on Orga's final turn and then defeating Orga next turn via brutal overkill. It had all come full circle, showing that for all the lengths Orga went to in order to achieve ultimate power for the sake of killing Michael for simple revenge, it all amounted to absolutely nothing other than the same humiliating defeat yet again.
(elsewhere…)
Within the hideout of the Dark Signers, Azrael was still watching the Turbo Duel on the crystal globe.
"It's sad just how much of a truly worthless, pathetic existence Orga Sabnak has lived," said Azrael coldly, before looking and walking away from the crystal glove as he showed footage of 'Red Supernova Dragon', "I bid you and those two other useless souls a farewell."
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the geoglyph, Michael, as Calamity and Justice turned the corner, had another effect to use before ending the duel.
"'Red Supernova Dragon's' first effect!" declared Michael, "It gains 500 ATK for each Tuner in my GY," Once again, 'Red Supernova Dragon's' body flamed even further as its strength went up significantly (ATK: 4000 → 7500), "There are seven of them there, meaning my monster's ATK rises all the way to 7500!" He entered the Battle Phase, "Battle! 'Scar-Red Supernova', get ready to attack!"
In the sky, 'Red Supernova Dragon' roared as the flames on its body intensified. Orga, beginning to fear for his own life, revved up Calamity and tried to flee back to the control tower. Not about to let the Dark Signer escape, Michael had Justice give chase. The chase took both Duel Runners back to the control tower, and that's when 'Red Supernova Dragon' made its move; it opened its mouth and charged powerful flames.
"Attack the opponent directly!" The voice of Michael shouted, as 'Red Supernova Dragon' unleashed the devastating flame blast, "Burning Absolute Hellfire!"
While Orga reached the control tower in time, it was also in time for him to turn around, watch with wide eyes, and scream as Burning Absolute Hellfire collided and roasted him alive while also destroying Calamity and the control tower (LP: 2000 → 0 LP).
DUEL RESULTS: Michael Atlas wins!
As 'Red Supernova Dragon' disappeared, Michael watched the destroyed control tower as the entire geoglyph disappeared and the dark sky turned back to blue and sunny. There was a lot going on in his mind about the duel, but the important thing about it was…
"Juri, you and the others have been avenged," thought Michael, before looking silently into the blue sky and envisioning Juri Wu Nien smiling at him, "May you finally rest in peace."
Michael smiled slightly to himself, but then got serious as he revved up Justice again and left the town of Champlain for the city of Albany in order to go help Lisa and David since it was the closest city.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the hideout, Azrael shut off the crystal globe since there were no more duels to catch his interest.
"Misty and I are the only Dark Signers left," thought Azrael, looking serious about the whole thing, "So be it. We will eliminate the Signers ourselves," He suddenly eased up in an unsettled sort of way, "So, Lisa Drake and her allies have finally arrived…" Reaching into his fancy jacket pocket, he pulled out his Psychic Deck, looked at it, and smiled to himself, "I will go and handle them personally."
(outside…)
Outside the hideout, as the sun began to go down, the sounds of Duel Runners were heard before The Wild Card, Akatsuki, Sturm und Drang, and Killer Wasp all pulled up a good distance from the entrance.
"It's been a long ride, but we're here," announced Shinji.
Lisa took her helmet off, waved her right hand through her hair, then looked at the building of interest.
"Is this where Azrael is hiding?" she asked curiously.
"Truman and Strienhart's intel doesn't lie," confirmed Shinji, as Sherry walked up beside him, "This has to be the place."
The small group stared long and hard at the tall building-shaped like a control tower.
"Perhaps we should just knock," deadpanned Sherry.
But no one got a chance to do anything as the doors suddenly opened by themselves, releasing some purple-colored fog of evil. Everyone braced themselves as Muruta Azrael casually walked outside as the doors closed by themselves. He was still wearing his fancy blue suit, but he now included the signature cloak that the Dark Signers wore.
"I see we have guests," smirked Azrael, as the group listened to his snide words, "I was wondering when you'd finally show up."
"Azrael…" uttered Lisa venomously, before speaking more loudly, "I was wondering when you'd finally show your ugly face!" As he listened to her vulgar words, Azrael didn't stop smiling, "I've been looking forward to beating the everloving crap out of you ever since we met two years ago at Orb!"
"A long time coming, I can certainly say," added David boldly, "Especially after receiving word that Blue Cosmos has recently been shut down following evidence of abuse and misconduct coming to light, leading to the arrest of many teachers and staff there."
To the surprise of everyone, Azrael snickered quietly before bursting into loud, hysterical laughter.
"So my old Duel School Blue Cosmos has been shut down," remarked Azrael, "I can't say I'm surprised about it since I no longer care about my old life there."
"What?!" growled Lisa.
"When all is said and done, there won't be anything left!" gloated Azrael, "Once I dust you and your posse, the whole world will pay for ever mistreating me!" He eyed Lisa, "The first victim to get such an honor…will actually not be you, Lisa."
"Huh?" peeped Lisa, "What are you implying?"
"No," nodded Azrael, before finally noticing and addressing David, "Ah, so you're here, too…" His cruelty went up even further, "I compliment you on nearly murdering Vincent in cold blood."
David's eyes suddenly widened at the mere mention of Vincent's name, causing memories of that encounter to flash before him.
"It really is a shame you squandered your potential on a lost cause, Xadashi," sneered Azrael, smiling fiendishly, "With the right push, you would have made a fine Dark Signer."
David tensed up at Azrael's words, recalling the physical fight with Vincent—how he mercilessly beat his former bully down, and stood dominantly over the battered and fallen body, grimly remembering the feeling of immense satisfaction he had in that moment. What really scared him was how close he came to ending Vincent personally. If he had been successful without Lisa's timely intervention, he would likely never forgive himself.
"He…isn't wrong…" David thought to himself, still deeply ashamed over what he almost did that time, "If I truly hadn't been prevented from—no!" With that thought in his mind, he hastily shook his head defiantly, "I am 'not' like him! I refuse to allow Azrael's mind tricks to prevail!"
Lisa was now seeing red; her hands scrunched up into fists and shaking, her teeth bearing, her blood boiling, and her gaze laser focused on Azrael, wanting to curse him out. But before she could speak up, Azrael turned his attention to Sherry and Shinji with interest; from what he'd seen and heard about them, they were some of the strongest allies the Signers had.
"What are you looking at?" grunted Shinji.
"You two interest me," replied Azrael smoothly, "How about we have a two-on-one duel, you both against me with shared LP."
"A duel?" repeated Sherry.
"Sharing LP?" put in Shinji.
"Quit screwing around, you bastard!" interrupted Lisa, trying to get Azrael to focus everything on her, "Whether you like it or not, I'm going to be the challenger!"
"Enough," The voice of Sherry scolded.
"Sherry?" gasped Lisa.
"Listen to me, 'pinkie', as much as I know you want to beat this creep's face in, you'll have to take a seat this time around," stated Sherry firmly, as faded clips from Rutger killing Elsworth and her crying and screaming over it were superimposed over her, "I accept this challenge because I want revenge on the Dark Signers over their murder of Elsworth, the only family I had left!"
"Sherry-san…" worried David.
"Shinji," As she spoke some more, Sherry looked at Shinji, "Will you fight alongside me against this guy?"
"Do you need to ask?" joked Shinji, smiling with confidence as he took Sherry's hand, "Together, we'll kick his sorry ass. The combination of our 'Noble Knights' and 'Battlewasp' monsters will definitely beat this Dark Signer."
The pair smiled at each other for a few seconds, then lost those smiles as they turned to face their enemy as they got ready to face him.
"Wait!" The voice of David called out, getting the attention of Sherry and Shinji as he ran up to them, "Azrael possesses the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, and he will not hesitate to use it against you!"
"Do not be concerned about the 'Earthbound Immortal' appearing, boy," The voice of Azrael reassured, causing everyone else to look over. He seemed to be telling the truth, but you could never tell with a Dark Signer, "In this duel, I'll be relying on my own skill and power to win. I don't need an 'Earthbound Immortal' to beat any smallfry."
Once those words were said, Lisa, David, Sherry, and Shinji all had a flashback to Azrael's duel against Discord—specifically, his use of Psychic monsters.
FLASHBACK
'Krebons' turned itself into two Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and surrounded 'Psychic Lifetrancer' while turning it into seven orbs of light as a Summon Chant echoed throughout.
"Charge the cannons of mental strength, and open fire on the weak minded!" chanted Flashback Azrael, as the symbols 7 + 2 = 9 were shown briefly just before the seven orbs of lights within the pair of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Come forth, 'Hyper Psychic Blaster'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was a huge, white android armed with two hand blasters (Level: 9/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"Then, I'll equip my monster with 'Psychic Blade'!" The voice of Flashback Azrael boomed, just as his 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' tossed both blasters aside and took hold of a sword that appeared in-front of it. He then paid up a heavy amount of LP (LP: 3600 → 1600), "I must pay LP in multiples of 100 (max. 2000); I must equip this card to a monster. It gains that much ATK and DEF. By paying 2000 LP, 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' gains 2000 ATK and DEF!"
'Hyper Psychic Blaster' was energized with power as its stats shot up considerably (ATK: 3000 → 5000/DEF: 2500 → 4500). Far from being done from making his monster even more unstoppable, he took and slotted another card into his Duel Disk.
"I also activate the Equip Spell, 'Psychic Sword'!" As Flashback Azrael spoke, a second sword appeared in the left hand of 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' and caused it to swing both weapons and pose for a quick, painful battle, "I must equip only to a Psychic monster. While my LP is lower than my opponent's, the equipped monster gains ATK equal to the difference (max. 2000)!"
With Flashback Discord (LP: 10000) and Flashback Azrael (LP: 1600) having such a difference in LP, 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' grew even stronger than it already was (ATK: 5000 → 7000).
"Go forth, 'Hyper Psychic Blaster'!" commanded Flashback Azrael, as 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' raised both swords and slashing them at 'Toon Dark Magician Girl', "Strike at 'Toon Dark Magician Girl'!"
Feeling the hard blow, Flashback Discord, glowing red, sustained heavy damage from the attack (LP: 10000 → 5000).
"My Battle Phase is ongoing!" reminded Flashback Azrael, as he started addressing his new monster, "'Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode'," As he gave the command for an attack, 'Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode' raised both new blasters in its hands, "attack 'Toon Black Luster Soldier'!"
Four energy blasts were fired from the guns, striking 'Toon Black Luster Soldier' and causing Flashback Discord to, again, glow red and take battle damage (LP: 5000 → 4500).
"The first effect activates!" While Flashback Azrael was explaining said effect, focus went onto the 'Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode' Effect Monster Card on the Monster Zone, "If this card battles a monster, at the end of the Damage Step: I must inflict damage to my opponent equal…" He kept his slasher smiling as he finished up, "…to that monster's DEF, and if I do, gain LP equal to its ATK!"
Flashback Discord gasped, but was too late to do anything about it when 'Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode' raised both blasters again and opened fire—this time directly at Flashback Discord, hitting and making him yell in agony from the effects of the dark duel before falling to his knees as his (Flashback Discord) LP took a massive hit (LP: 4500 → 2000), while Flashback Azrael gained LP from the damage dealt (LP: 1600 → 4600).
(new scene…)
Later in the duel…
"Battle," added Flashback Azrael calmly (slightly), entering his Battle Phase, "I use 'Ultimate Axon Kicker'…" While talking on, 'Ultimate Axon Kicker' opened its mouth, "…to attack 'Toon Dark Magician Girl'!"
And a darkness-based breath attack was unleashed, striking 'Toon Dark Magician Girl' as she screamed. Flashback Discord, bracing himself from the force of the attack, glowed red and took more damage (LP: 2000 → 200).
(new scene…)
And finally the end of the duel…
"Kneel before the 'Earthbound Immortals', Discord J. Crawford!" roared Flashback Azrael in triumph, entering the Battle Phase, "'Cusillu', attack directly!"
'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' obeyed, raising a fist and, with a loud, screeching shout, brought it down. Flashback Discord, looking up into the sky at the incoming attack, knew he failed Cynthia.
"No…" Flashback Discord whispered, then, as the gigantic fist got closer to striking, let out a huge scream, "NOOOOOOOOOO!"
The fist from 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu' was merely a second away from connecting.
*BOOM!*
The impact of the attack was so powerful that the whole area shook from the impact, while the group of spectators was thrown back and out of the geoglyph (even the non-Signers). In Orb's parking lot, it was a complete mess in terms of damage as the fire wall belonging to the geoglyph died down with the duel being over. There was a blanket of smoke covering the area, and when it did clear away, there, laying under some concrete rubble, was a fatally wounded Flashback Discord, bleeding heavily from his face as the last of his LP ran out (LP: 200 → 0).
END FLASHBACK
The flashbacks ended as the group shared different thoughts.
"Psychic cards," thought David.
"A Deck only owned by Azrael," thought Sherry.
"Powerful enough to give the creator of Duel Monsters a hard time," thought Shinji.
"Azrael killed Discord, and he will be made to pay for that and so much more!" thought Lisa.
"Misty was one of the first people to get a taste of my Deck's power," thought Azrael, looking very excited for the duel, "My plans will soon come to fruition—I just need to take care of the smallfry first, then I will personally battle and kill Lisa Drake and, while I'm at it, David Xadashi!"
At last, all three duelists activated their Duel Disks to begin the battle. It was also then Azrael's birthmark of the Money underneath his jacket sleeve started glowing as he summoned the fire walls of the geoglyph, trapping everyone inside as the geoglyph also appeared in the darkening sky. The birthmarks of Lisa and David also began glowing.
"Duel!" Azrael, Sherry, and Shinji announced at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
With Sherry and Shinji on a team, they thought they would have a better chance. Azrael, meanwhile, thought the duel was going to be fun—and he would have fun murdering the challengers in the end.
"The first turn will go to me!" requested Azrael, "It's my turn!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: Muruta Azrael (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Emergency Apport", "Lifeforce Harmonizer", "Psi-Beast", "Brain Research Lab", "Esper Girl", and "Miracle Synchro Fusion"
His drawn card was the 'Miracle Synchro Fusion' Spell Card, which he placed into his hand and took another card ('Brain Research Lab') to play.
"From my hand," announced Azrael, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field near his feet, "I'll activate the Field Spell, 'Brain Research Lab'!"
"'Brain Research Lab'?" remembered Sherry.
On cue, the whole area turned into a lab of sorts, kind of resembling the lab Azrael had Carlie brought to when he had his students, and Vincent, kidnap her.
"This place-!" commented Shinji.
"My card's first effect!" chortled Azrael, with his arms folded, "Once per turn: The turn player can Normal Summon 1 Psychic monster in addition to their Normal Summon/Set, and if they do, place 1 Psychic Counter on this card," He took and placed another card ('Psi-Beast') onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Psi-Beast'!"
Appearing on the field was a gray beast with a green mane (Level: 2/ATK: 700/DEF: 500).
"When this card is Normal Summoned: I can banish 1 Psychic monster from my Deck, and if I do, this card's Level becomes the Level of that monster," explained Azrael, taking a card from his Deck, looking at it, and holding it out before it faded away into oblivion, "I banish the Level 5 'Space-Time Police'!"
'Psi-Beast's' Level was changed (Level: 2 → 5).
"And with 'Brain Research Lab's' first effect, I'll Summon the Tuner monster, 'Esper Girl'!" continued Azrael, placing another card onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing on the field was a young girl wearing white armor and cape while wielding a staff (Level: 2/ATK: 500/DEF: 300). Following this, the face-up 'Brain Research Lab' Spell Card received its first Psychic Counter. With two monsters he needed, Azrael made another move.
"My Level 2 'Esper Girl' tunes…" began Azrael, as 'Esper Girl' raised her scepter, "…Level 5 'Psi-Beast'!"
'Esper Girl' turned into two Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and overwhelmed 'Psi-Beast' before turning him into five orbs of light while a Summon Chant was heard throughout.
"Enchantress with the healing touch, nurture the ones in need while inflicting pain on those who deserve it!" chanted Azrael, as the symbols 5 + 2 = 7 were shown briefly just before the five orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Come, 'Psychic Lifetrancer'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the human young woman with long black hair, blue clothing, and very pale skin (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"I activate 'Psychic Lifetrancer's' effect!" stated Azrael, holding up a card ('Esper Girl') taken from his GY for a few seconds before it faded away into oblivion and he glowed green and gained LP (LP: 4000 → 5200), "Once per turn: I can banish 1 Psychic monster from my GY; I must gain 1200 LP."
"That guy has 5200 LP already," scowled Shinji.
"Merde!" cursed Sherry in French.
"And finally, I'll Set one card face-down!" concluded Azrael, slotting a card into his Duel Disk. A face-down card was shown appearing on the field, "I end my turn," He eased up and chuckled playfully, "Now, come at me! Show us how strong your teamwork really is."
"This is not going to be an easy duel to win," Shinji told Sherry, while she kept glaring at the opponent, "But we will win, right?"
"Oui," agreed Sherry in French, "We have to win this battle. If we don't, I'll never be able to avenge Elsworth."
"I wouldn't worry about that," interrupted Azrael, "You two will join him in the next world soon enough."
In a frozen still, Sherry LeBlanc and Shinji Weber both faced off against 'Psychic Lifetrancer' and Muruta Azrael, while Lisa and David watched from the sidelines. Would Sherry and Shinji be able to score a win together, or would they be doomed to lose to a Dark Signer like Megan, Elsworth, Discord, and the three Astray girls did? Stay tuned for the answer!
And so, Michael has defeated Orga, eliminating the last of the Biological CPU trio. Now, the Biological CPU are some of my favorite "Gundam SEED" characters, just to let everyone know. Despite arriving to confront him, Sherry and Shinji are the ones currently dueling Azrael. How well will they fare? That's a wait and see, I'm afraid.