This story was done in collaboration between me, Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and DaveMan1000 (both here and on DeviantART), and we own the OCs that are used in the story. AaronCottrell97 (known as stevecottrell on DeviantART) provided the Duel Layouts and additional ideas. Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
Gundam SEED characters, Orb, Blue Cosmos, M1 Astray, Strike Rouge, Murasame, Akatsuki (c) Sunrise
Character of Lisa Drake (c) DaveMan1000
Character of David Xadashi (c) DaveMan1000
Jak and Daxter characters, Spargus, Tough Puppy, Sand Shark, Dune Hopper, Gila Stomper, Slam Dozer, Heat Seeker, Dust Demon, Desert Screamer (c) Naughty Dog
Crash Bandicoot characters, Wumpa (c) Activision
Ratchet & Clank characters, Veldin, Sargasso, Shatterbomb (c) Insomniac
Sly Cooper characters (c) Sucker Punch
WARNING: Once again, this story is rated T for violence, some blood, suggestive themes, and some language. Reader discretion is advised.
WARNING 2: If you haven't read "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 2", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles Season 4", "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sodor Chronicles (Pyramid of Light", "David Xadashi", "Lisa Drake", or "Team 4D's", you might want to do so before reading this story
Title: The Beacon of Revolution
Opening up outside the hideout of the Dark Signers, Sherry, Shinji, Lisa, and David all were trapped within the geoglyph of the Monkey, with the former two locked also in the middle of a mortal duel against Azrael—who controlled 'Psychic Lifetrancer' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"Now, come, you two!" dared Azrael (LP: 5200), "That is, unless you wanna quit before we get too far."
Sherry and Shinji (Team LP: 4000) glared in defiance, knowing that Azrael is really gonna make them have their work cut out for them.
"Stop messing around!" snapped Shinji, "You only took the first turn and are already claiming to have won? It's ridiculous to think like that!"
"Then you can go next," Azrael suggested, making Shinji even more angry, "If you believe you can succeed in defeating me, then show me!"
"You lousy-!" snarled Shinji, "Fine! I'll go second!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Shinji Weber (Team LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker", "Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos"(!), "Battlewasp - Lance the Assail"(!), "Battlewasp - Glaive the Edge", "Revival Swarm", and "Battlewasp - Elysium"(!)
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Battlewasp - Elysium'.
"From my hand, I'll Special Summon 'Battlewasp - Glaive the Edge'!" began Shinji, placing a card ('Battlewasp - Glaive the Edge') onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was the large wasp with a curved blade for a stinger (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 600).
"If I control no monsters: I can Special Summon this card from my hand, and if I do, add 1 'Battlewasp' Tuner from my Deck to my hand, except 'Battlewasp - Glaive the Edge'," explained Shinji, going over his monster's first effect as he took a card ('Battlewasp - Sting the Poison') from his Deck and placed it into his hand—which also contained 'Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker', 'Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos', 'Battlewasp - Lance the Assail', 'Revival Swarm', and 'Battlewasp - Elysium', "For the rest of this turn, I cannot Normal or Special Summon monsters, except 'Battlewasp' monsters."
Azrael chuckled humorlessly, knowing all about Shinji's Deck and his playing style.
"'Battlewasps'…" commented Azrael, as Shinji listened carefully, "I can't believe someone like you plays such weak, worthless monsters!"
"How dare you refer to my cards as weak!" cut in Shinji, before remembering some of his past, "It's the same as ever… Ever since I was adopted, I was pushed around by many of the neighborhood kids…" Faded stills of him being knocked to the ground by some bullies were superimposed over him, "They treated me like yesterday's trash!"
"Shinji…" whispered Sherry, who had heard the story once before.
"But that all changed one day!" ranted Shinji, "It was when I was walking home from school!"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
After the school day ended in a small town in the state of Colorado, Young Shinji was walking down the street to his home when, across the street, some local neighborhood boys were tossing rocks at something stuck to a branch. It was a wasp's nest that had recently been built, and the boys were attempting to knock it over. Young Shinji was worried.
"Hey, you four!" called Young Shinji, causing the four boys to stop and look over, "Don't do that!"
"Hey, it's that loser, Shinji!" cracked Boy 1.
"Who does he think he is? Why would he try to ruin our fun?" pouted Boy 2.
"It's dangerous to knock over a wasp's nest!" protested Young Shinji, "Just leave it alone!"
Boy 3 snorted, "Just ignore him, guys."
"Besides, what does he know?" agreed Boy 4, picking up another small rock, "That nest is probably empty."
Young Shinji, realizing the four boys weren't going to stop, quickly raced for the house and went inside, watching from the living room window to see what would happen. Picking up another small rock, Boy 3 hurled it at the wasp's nest, this time landing a successful hit. The four boys smiled over their success, thinking the nest will fall and they can smash it up. To their dismay, the nest didn't fall, but they did hear quiet buzzing getting louder. The boys gasped with terror as dozens upon dozens of wasps came angrily buzzing from the nest towards them, forcing them to run for their lives while screaming.
(inside…)
Inside the house, Young Shinji had been watching with curiosity. He wasn't actually pleased that the boys got their just desserts from disrupting the home of such an insect, but, rather, he was amazed by the teamwork the wasps performed to chase the intruders away.
"Ever since I saw that incident, I grew a great respect for the wasps as a whole since they will attack anyone who threatens their home and aid others that are in danger," narrated Shinji.
(new scene…)
A few years later, the 15-year old Flashback Shinji was inside a local hobby shop when he came upon a Duelist Pack containing cards from a new archetype.
"When I decided to get fully invested into playing Duel Monsters, I found something cool at the hobby shop," continued Shinji, as his flashback self paid for the pack and started to open it up, "They were cards from a new archetype called 'Battlewasps'."
Looking at the cards, Flashback Shinji gasped over what they were. The new cards were as followed:
-'Battlewasp - Arbalest the Rapidfire' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Summoning Swarm' (Spell Card)
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"The cards reminded me of that incident in my youth," remembered Shinji, "And because of my developed respect for wasps as a whole, I've played a 'Battlewasp' Deck ever since. That's why I will never let myself or my cards be kicked down by a Dark Signer! I will show you what happens when a swarm works together!"
"Ha ha ha! What an interesting backstory," said Azrael, laughing sarcastically before getting cross, "Now stop wasting time with those boring tales of the past and continue the duel!"
"If that's what you want," accepted Shinji, before holding up a card ('Battlewasp - Lance the Assail') taken from his hand and using its first effect, "Now then… If I control a WIND Insect Tuner, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand) in Defense Position!" He placed it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I Special Summon 'Battlewasp - Lance the Assail'!"
Appearing on the field was another giant wasp monster, with this one having a large jousting lance serving as its stinger (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 1000).
"I can only Special Summon 'Battlewasp - Lance the Assail' once per turn this way," noted Shinji.
David, Lisa, Sherry, and Azrael all knew what would happen next… Sure enough, 'Battlewasp - Lance the Assail' started flying into the dark sky.
"Level 3 'Glaive the Edge'…" The voice of Shinji declared, as 'Battlewasp - Glaive the Edge' started to transform, "…tunes Level 2 'Lance the Assail'!"
'Battlewasp - Glaive the Edge' turned itself into three Synchro Rings, which 'Battlewasp - Lance the Assail' flew into before turning into two orbs of light while a Summon Chant by Shinji echoed throughout.
"Furiously stinging needle, become a bow that can strike even heaven in a flash!" chanted Shinji, as the symbols 2 + 3 = 5 were shown briefly before the two orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Appear now, 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the humanoid Insect monster wearing white and rose red dress and wielding a bow and arrows (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600).
"The second effect of 'Glaive the Edge'!" continued Shinji, as the spirit of 'Battlewasp - Glaive the Edge' appeared above 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow', "If this card is sent to the GY as Synchro Material for a 'Battlewasp' monster: I must inflict 500 damage to my opponent!"
Sure enough, as Azrael watched, 'Battlewasp - Glaive the Edge' turned into an arrow for 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow'. Readying the arrow in her bow, 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' opened fire, hitting Azrael in the Duel Disk and making it static a little bit while he grunted in pain and took a small hit in terms of LP (LP: 5200 → 4700).
"As you've received effect damage, you will now receive an even bigger hit!" Sherry pointed out, causing Azrael to gasp.
"I activate 'Azusa the Ghost Bow's' first effect!" added Shinji, "When my opponent takes effect damage from another 'Battlewasp' monster: I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the original ATK of that monster!"
'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' prepared to attack again in a way by raising and aiming her bow directly at Azrael and opening fire.
"You won't get off a second hit on me!" vowed Azrael, taking and holding a card ('Lifeforce Harmonizer'), "The monster effect of 'Lifeforce Harmonizer'!" He sent it to the GY and created a protective barrier around himself that deflected the arrow, "When my opponent activates a card effect that inflicts damage (Quick Effect): I can discard this card; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it!"
The deflected arrow impaled 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' through her chest, causing her to shatter into shards of glass. Shinji gritted his teeth, believing his turn was only getting started.
"It's not over!" insisted Shinji, before holding out another card ('Revival Swarm') for a few seconds before slotting it into his Duel Disk, "Spell Card, 'Revival Swarm'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field with focus completely on it, "I must target 1 'Battlewasp' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it!" He held his right hand upward, "I revive 'Azusa the Ghost Bow' from my GY!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600).
"What could he be up to?" Azrael asked himself, before smiling and talking more loudly for the opponents to hear, "Even then, it won't matter since you and that woman are no match for a Dark Signer!"
"Be quiet!" countered Shinji, before placing another card ('Battlewasp - Sting the Poison'), "I Normal Summon 'Battlewasp - Sting the Poison'!"
Appearing onto the field was the orange wasp-like monster (Level: 2/ATK: 400/DEF: 800).
"My monster's first effect activates!" revealed Shinji, taking a card that had ejected from the middle of his Deck and looking at it, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Battlewasp' monster from my Deck to my hand, except 'Battlewasp - Sting the Poison'!" He held the card ('Battlewasp - Mace the Lunge') and activated its first effect, "If this card is added to my hand, except by drawing it: I can Special Summon it, and if I do, my opponent draws 1 card!"
"'Battlewasp - Mace the Lunge'?" recognized Azrael.
"That's right," confirmed Shinji, placing the card ('Battlewasp - Mace the Lunge') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come, 'Battlewasp - Mace the Lunge'!"
Appearing on the field was the large wasp monster having a long mace chain ball in place of its stinger (Level 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1200). Azrael scowled, but then drew a card and placed it in his hand. From there, Shinji made another move…
"My Level 2 'Sting the Poison' tunes Level 4 'Mace the Lunge'!" announced Shinji, pointing forth.
'Battlewasp - Sting the Poison' turned into two Synchro Rings, while 'Battlewasp - Mace the Lunge' flew into them and turned into four orbs of light.
"Flap your wings to stir up a shockwave, and let your sting open up the road of truth!" chanted Shinji, as the symbols 4 + 2 = 6 were shown briefly before the four orbs of light within the two Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Come, 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge'!"
Appearing from the beam of light and within the sky, was the large wasp-like monster with mechanical qualities and a large axe-like weapon (Level: 6/ATK: 2500/DEF: 800).
"In addition, I'll Special Summon 'Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker'!" As Shinji said that and then explained the first effect, he placed a card ('Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker') onto his Duel Disk. Appearing onto the field was a wasp-like monster with twin stingers (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 500), "During my Main Phase: I can Special Summon this card from your hand, also I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Insect monsters!"
Sherry watched silently, knowing what was coming next. Sure enough, Shinji made the announcement.
"This is the beginning of a revolution!" thundered Shinji, flanked by all of the 'Battlewasp' monsters he commanded, "My Level 5 'Azusa the Ghost Bow' tunes Level 3 'Twinbow the Attacker'!"
'Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker' flew into the five Synchro Rings and turned into three orbs of light as a new Summon Chant by Shinji was heard throughout.
"Resonant powers, carry the flames of resentment in your hands, and fire the arrow of rebellion!" chanted Shinji, as the symbols 3 + 5 = 8 were shown briefly just before the three orbs of light within the five Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Level 8! 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow'!"
As the beam of light burst apart, standing on the field was the humanoid 'Battlewasp' monster similar to 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow', but male, colored entirely green, had glowing red eyes, and a more powerful-looking bow for a weapon (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000).
"Sweet!" whooped Lisa, "Shinji brought out his Deck's ace in record time!"
"Sherry-san and Shinji-san should have a fighting chance against Azrael, now," figured David.
While that was certainly true, Azrael didn't look impressed in the slightest over facing 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow'.
"Is that all you can really bring out?" dismissed Azrael
"You clearly don't know the power behind 'Hama the Conquering Bow' and his first effect," smirked Shinji, as focus went towards 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow', "If this card was Synchro Summoned using a Synchro Monster as material, it can make a second attack during each Battle Phase!" He then made a card ('Revival Swarm') emerge from his GY and dissolve into yellow dust-like spores before blowing towards the signature monster and empowering him, "I also activate the second effect of 'Revival Swarm'! I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 Insect monster I control; it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, until the end of the next turn!"
"Now our monster of rebellion is completely indestructible!" bragged Sherry.
"Is that so?" cut in Azrael, "I think it's time for me to show you that your efforts to win will end in vain when it's all said and done," Pressing a button on his Duel Disk, his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "The Trap Card, 'Emergency Apport'! I must target 1 of my Level 5 or lower Psychic monsters that is banished or in my GY; I must Special Summon it," He held his right hand out, "Appear now, 'Space-Time Police'!"
Appearing on the field was a humanoid cop wearing a blue uniform with a cape (Level: 5/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1500).
"Why would Azrael bring that monster back?" wondered Sherry.
"I don't know, but we need to be careful," warned Shinji, "Azrael brought that one back for good reason."
"Correct," interrupted Azrael, "'Space-Time Police' will be the one to defeat 'Hama the Conquering Bow'!" While explaining the first effect, focus went towards 'Space-Time Police' as he pointed at 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow', "When this card is Special Summoned: I must target 1 face-up card my opponent controls; I must banish that target!" In a fit of madness, he gave the command, "Vanish, 'Hama the Conquering Bow'!"
Much to Shinji's horror, 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' found himself fading away into oblivion.
"'Hama the Conquering Bow'!" yelled Shinji.
Over with David and Lisa…
"Not good! Azrael got rid of Shinji's best monster that easily!" panicked Lisa.
"Shinji-san!" put in David.
Back on the field, Shinji remained upset over Azrael's successful counterattack that resulted in the banishment of 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow', but he remained confident that it wasn't over just yet.
"Unfortunately for you, I already have a backup plan," proclaimed Shinji, holding up a card ('Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos') from his hand, "From my hand, I'll activate the Equip Spell, 'Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos'! I equip this onto your 'Psychic Lifetrancer'!"
"Huh? What on Earth are you planning?" quizzed Azrael.
"I must equip only to a Level 5 or higher monster while I control a 'Battlewasp' monster," stated Shinji, before slotting the card into his Duel Disk. As the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, he started going over the main gimmick of his card, "If it battles an opponent's monster, its ATK becomes equal to the original ATK of the opponent's monster it is battling during the Damage Step only."
"I fail to see how this will help you," observed Azrael, "If one of your monsters attacks 'Psychic Lifetrancer', they will both be destroyed."
"We'll see about that," smirked Shinji, before getting serious and entering the Battle Phase, "Battle! My 'Halberd the Charge' will attack 'Psychic Lifetrancer'!"
'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' flew towards 'Psychic Lifetrancer' with its axe-like weapon in-hand. Due to the first effect of the 'Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos' Spell Card, 'Psychic Lifetrancer' found herself matching the power of 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' (ATK: 2400 → 2500)
"I activate 'Halberd the Charge's' first effect!" reminded Shinji, "Once per battle, during damage calculation, if this card attacks…" As he continued speaking, 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' fired off a stinger and hitting 'Psychic Lifetrancer' in the stomach, which resulted in her growing weaker (ATK: 2500 → 1250), "…an opponent's monster with equal or higher ATK (Quick Effect): I can halve the ATK of that opponent's monster, during that damage calculation only!"
With the enemy monster now weaker, 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' slashed 'Psychic Lifetrancer' with the axe-like weapon and destroyed her. The destruction of his monster caused Azrael to feel a blast of wind as his LP took a good hit (LP: 4700 → 3450).
"'Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos' also won't go into my GY," teased Shinji, holding up his 'Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos' Spell Card and putting it into his hand again, "Thanks to its second effect! If this card is sent to the GY because the equipped monster is destroyed: I can add this card to my hand! But this is the moment I activate 'Halberd the Charge's' second effect!" Focus once again went towards 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' as it fired a stinger at Azrael and landed a hit, "When this card inflicts battle damage to my opponent: I can inflict 200 damage to my opponent for each 'Battlewasp' monster I control!"
Azrael clutched his shoulder and lost more LP (LP: 3450 → 3250). Initially angry over getting hit like that, he was able to smile a little bit.
"That…wasn't too bad," complimented Azrael weakly, "You've destroyed 'Psychic Lifetrancer' and inflicted major damage."
"Once again, I'll activate 'Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos' and equip it to 'Halberd the Charge'," replied Shinji, as he slotted a card ('Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos') into his Duel Disk and caused the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field behind 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge', "Now anytime you attack my monster, its ATK will change to match the attacker!" He then slotted the final card in his hand into his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field, "I also Set one card and end my turn!"
"Shinji lost 'Hama the Conquering Bow'," thought Sherry, looking at Shinji, "But he was able to inflict some serious damage and get rid of that annoying 'Psychic Lifetrancer' at the same time," She resumed focus on the duel at hand, "But we can't let our guard down. Azrael is an opponent unlike anyone we've fought before now."
"You know, I'm not bothered by the damage I took," shrugged Azrael, "The duel wouldn't be any fun without a handicap," He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Three: Muruta Azrael (LP: 3250)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (3): "Miracle Synchro Fusion", "Final Offguard", and "D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation"
The card he drew was a Spell Card called 'D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation'; he would play it shortly, since he had something else to play first…
"Spell Card, 'Final Offguard', activate!" began Azrael, holding the card ('Final Offguard') out, "If my LP are lower than my opponent's and only my opponent controls a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck: I must…" He was shown drawing two cards, "…draw 2 cards!" Only getting started, he then held out the drawn card ('D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation'), "Equip Spell, 'D.D.R. - Different Dimension Reincarnation'!" A card was quickly discarded, and, at the end of the explanation, he held his right hand out, "I must discard 1 card, then target 1 of my banished monsters; I must Special Summon it in Attack Position, and equip it with this card. When this card leaves the field, destroy that monster. I Special Summon 'Esper Girl'!"
Reappearing on the field was the young girl wearing white armor and cape while wielding a staff (Level: 2/ATK: 500/DEF: 300).
"I activate 'Esper Girl's' first effect!" announced Azrael, drawing a card and letting it fade away into oblivion, "When this banished card is Special Summoned: I must banish the top card of my Deck, face-down," He then took and placed one more card onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Armored Axon Kicker'!" Appearing on the field was a black and green robot monster (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1800), "If I control a face-up Psychic monster, I can Normal Summon this card without Tributing!" With everything ready, he gave the command, "Level 2 'Esper Girl' dark tunes Level 6 'Armored Axon Kicker'!"
Poor 'Esper Girl' felt something painful in her body and screamed before turning into two balls of darkness. They then were absorbed into 'Armored Axon Kicker', who exploded into a total of eight balls of darkness, which then began spinning together in a circle above as Azrael echoed a sinister Summon Chant throughout.
"Surge, my black flames of vengeance!" chanted Azrael, as the symbols 6 + 2 = 8 were shown briefly just before a massive beam of darkness exploded from within the eight dark stars, "Dark Synchro! Come, 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!"
When the beam of darkness died down, there, standing on the field, was the familiar two-winged demon-like monster (Level: 8/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2300).
"I activate 'Esper Girl's' second effect!" proclaimed Azrael, holding his right hand up and causing a banished card to appear above the palm, "When this card is sent from the field to the GY: I must add that banished card to my hand," He placed the card into his hand and picked a new one to use instead, "But I don't have any use for it yet—instead, I'll activate this card instead!" On cue, the 'Miracle Synchro Fusion' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "The Spell Card, 'Miracle Synchro Fusion'!"
"Oh no!" cried David.
"Here comes a Fusion Summon!" agreed Lisa.
"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," explained Azrael, before holding up two cards ('Space-Time Police' and 'Psychic Lifetrancer') taken from his field and GY respectively, "I fuse 'Space-Time Police' with 'Psychic Lifetrancer'!"
Reappearing on the field for only a few seconds was 'Psychic Lifetrancer', who started combining with 'Space-Time Police' as Azrael, stood with a background consisting of the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card, began a Summon Chant.
"Psychic girl of life! Officer of the four-dimensional continuum! Submit to the dark flames of revenge and emerge as the light of death!" chanted Azrael, before bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon!" A pair of demonic wings and sharp claws were first to be shown, "Appear now, 'Ultimate Axon Kicker'!"
The new monster was what appeared to be an upgraded version of 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' (Level: 10/ATK: 2900/DEF: 1700). David and Lisa watched as their two friends faced a duo of very powerful and dangerous monsters. Azrael knew it, too, but decided to first bestow Shinji a small 'gift'.
"You're so pathetic right now," taunted Azrael, much to Shinji's anger, "But since I'm not that bad of a guy, I'm gonna give you 'Hama the Conquering Bow' back."
"Huh? How are you going to do that?" scowled Shinji.
"The second effect of 'Space-Time Police' activates," Azrael was saying, "When this card leaves the field: I must Set the card that was banished by this effect to my opponent's field," He pointed towards the opponent's field, "You get 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' back, but he will be useless to you until you Flip Summon him!"
Shinji watched as a face-down card appeared on the field (sideways) near his feet before looking up with a furious look on his face.
"Damn you!" swore Shinji.
"Battle!" Azrael went on, entering the Battle Phase. As he commanded the attack, 'Ultimate Axon Kicker's' eyes glowed red as it aimed both arms and charged a blast of darkness, "'Ultimate Axon Kicker, attack the Set monster!" The blast was fired, striking the face-down card and causing 'Battlewasp - Hama the Conquering Bow' (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000) to reappear on the field and roar in agony before being destroyed, "'Ultimate Axon Kicker's' second effect! If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage!"
"What?!" gasped Shinji.
It was then he and Sherry were hit by the remains of 'Ultimate Axon Kicker's' attack, causing them to yell in pain as their shared LP took a hit (Team LP: 4000 → 3100). Azrael folded his arms and smiled evilly from the pain he inflicted on Sherry and Shinji.
"Next, I'll activate 'Ultimate Axon Kicker's' third effect!" rambled Azrael, gaining serious amounts of LP (LP: 3250 → 6050), "When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the GY: I must gain LP equal to the destroyed monster's ATK!"
He started to laugh madly at how badly he was overwhelming his two enemies, causing Sherry and Shinji to wince since they knew another attack was on the horizon. Sure enough…
"Go forth, 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!" ordered Azrael, as 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' opened its mouth and unleashed a breath of darkness, "Attack 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge'!"
"Like I'll let you do that!" boomed Shinji, as he made his Set card flip face-up and reveal itself, "I activate a Trap, 'Battlewasp - Elysium'! When a 'Battlewasp' monster I control is targeted for an attack: I must target the attacking monster; I must…" As he finished explaining the effect, 'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' fired off a stinger, bursting through 'Thought Ruler Archfiend's' attack, "…destroy it, and if I do, inflict damage to my opponent equal to the original ATK or DEF (whichever is higher) of that monster in the GY!"
"Useless!" dismissed Azrael, "I activate 'Thought Ruler Archfiend's' second effect! When a Spell/Trap Card is activated that targets 1 Psychic monster (and no other cards) (Quick Effect): I can pay 1000 LP; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it!" Suddenly, his face-up '' Spell Card gained another Psychic Counter, "The second effect of 'Brain Research Lab' activates again! If I pay LP to activate any Psychic monster's effect that I control: I can…" He kept on smiling madly, "…place 1 Psychic Counter on this card instead! I'm not going to pay LP that easily, you fool!"
"What?!" recoiled Shinji, watching as his face-up 'Battlewasp - Elysium' Trap Card glitched out and shattered into shards of glass, "My 'Battlewasp - Elysium'!" He still had a trick up his sleeve, "But remember 'Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos'? Its first effect makes 'Halberd the Charge's' ATK become the same as that of the attacker!"
'Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge' grew stronger (ATK: 2500 → 2700), then fired off a stinger as it got hit by the darkness attack. 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' got hit by the stinger. Both monsters exploded from destruction.
"Damn…" grunted Shinji.
"Hmph!" huffed Azrael, "You've destroyed 'Thought Ruler Archfiend', but now your whole field is empty!"
"Not true!" Shinji retorted, causing Azrael to no longer smile, "I activate the second effect of 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow'! When a monster is destroyed by battle with my 'Battlewasp' monster, while this card is in my GY: I can…" A portal appeared on the ground, "…Special Summon this card in Defense Position, but banish it when it leaves the field."
A familiar monster jumped out of the portal and onto the field, which was the humanoid Insect monster wearing white and rose red dress and wielding a bow and arrows (Level: 5/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600).
"Tch! You don't know when to quit, do you?" growled Azrael.
"Hey, I'm too stubborn to even think of giving up," joked Shinji, before making another move, "And now, I'll activate the second effect of 'Battlewasp - Lance the Assail'! If a WIND Synchro Monster is Special Summoned, except during the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY," On cue, the spirit of the giant wasp monster with a large jousting lance serving as its stinger appeared on the field, "then target 1 face-up card my opponent controls; I must destroy it!"
'Battlewasp - Lance the Assail' flew into battle and impaled the face-up 'Brain Research Lab' Spell Card.
"Oh no!" panicked Azrael.
The face-up 'Brain Research Lab' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass, causing a duo of lightning bolts to rain down and strike him, causing the ruthless blonde-haired man to scream as he received massive damage (LP: 6050 → 4050).
"You received damage?" blinked Shinji.
"Ngh… The third effect…of 'Brain Research Lab'," panted Azrael, as the field returned to normal, "When this card leaves the field, the controller of this card takes 1000 damage for each Psychic Counter on it. I had two Psychic Counters on it, so I received 2000 damage for my troubles…" He took and slotted a card into his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field near his feet, "I Set one card and end my turn!"
"Sorry, Sherry…" said Shinji, causing Sherry to look over, "I did the best that I could, but it looks like it's all up to you to finish Azrael off."
"I know, but I'm ready to achieve it," promised Sherry, looking at the top of her Duel Disk, "This turn, Elsworth will be avenged," She looked up at her opponent and spoke a little longer before drawing a card, "Azrael, I will carry on Shinji's revolution to defeat you! It's my turn!"
Turn Four: Sherry LeBlanc (Team LP: 3100)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Horn of Olifant", "Infernoble Knight Ricciardetto", "Infernoble Knight Astolfo", "Angelica's Angelic Ring", "Infernoble Knight Ogier", and "Infernoble Knight - Renaud"
Her drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Infernoble Knight - Renaud', which she placed into her hand and made an unexpected move.
"I activate the second effect of the Trap Card, 'Battlewasp - Elysium'!" began Sherry, as she spoke briefly about 'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow', "At the start of my Main Phase 1, if I control a 'Battlewasp' Synchro Monster: I can…" Emerging from Shinji's GY was the 'Battlewasp - Elysium' Trap Card, just before it faded away into oblivion, "…banish this card from my GY; until the end of this turn, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of my monster effects!"
Azrael flinched in response, while, still watching nearby, David looked hopeful and Lisa looked confused.
"Wait, Sherry can use Shinji's cards as though they were hers?" asked Lisa.
"In a duel where they share LP, they also share the same field and GY, Lisa-chan," confirmed David.
Back on the field…
"Now you can't activate cards or effects in response to my monster's effects being activated!" declared Sherry, before placing a card ('Infernoble Knight - Renaud') onto her Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Infernoble Knight - Renaud'!"
Appearing onto the field was the human male with red hair, wearing black and red armor, wielding a flaming sword, and riding a horse with fire for a mane (Level: 1/ATK: 500/DEF: 200).
"Next, I'll activate the first effect of 'Infernoble Knight Ricciardetto'!" continued Sherry, as a card ('Infernoble Knight Ricciardetto') disappeared from her hand, "I can banish this card from my hand or GY; I must…" She took another card, looked at it, then held it up to show the opponent "…Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower FIRE Warrior monster from my hand as a Tuner! Come, 'Infernoble Knight Ogier'!"
Appearing onto the field was the male warrior with blonde hair while also wearing red, black, and silvery armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 2000).
"I activate my monster's second effect!" proclaimed Sherry, drawing a card and sending it ('Infernoble Knight Turpin') to the GY, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can send 1 'Noble Arms' card, or 1 FIRE Warrior monster except 'Infernoble Knight Ogier', from my Deck to the GY," She then made another move, "My Level 4 'Infernoble Knight Ogier' tunes Level 1 'Infernoble Knight - Renaud'!"
Due to being a temporary Tuner monster, 'Infernoble Knight Ogier' turned himself into four Synchro Rings. They then hovered over, lowered, and overwhelmed 'Infernoble Knight - Renaud' as he turned into a single orb of light while a Summon Chant was heard by Sherry.
"Heiress to the title of knight! Pick up where your ancestors left off, and take up your blade of justice!" chanted Sherry, as the symbols 1 + 4 = 5 were shown briefly before the single orb of light turned into a massive beam of light which slammed onto her field, "Synchro Summon! Rise and rule, 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms'!"
Appearing on the field was a long, black-haired young woman wearing an orange royal gown to show she was of royalty (Level: 5/ATK: 1200/DEF: 2400).
"A 'Noble Arms' princess," mused Azrael, as Sherry listened and narrowed her eyes, "Yes, I remember now… You used to be a princess of sorts before losing your parents during a family vacation here in America, becoming forced to live in rags at an orphanage in California."
Sherry gritted her teeth, making no effort to speak up.
"Poor, broken you," sneered Azrael, "You used to have such a good, pampering life before the accident that claimed the lives of your parents—which is the complete opposite of Carlie's old life, where she was shunned and bullied over having unstable powers before being left at the same orphanage!" He pressed his right hand against his forehead and giggled coldly, "What irony when you reunited years later!"
"Espèce d'enfoiré!" hissed Sherry, cursing strongly in French while clenching her right hand into a tight fist. Rage was beginning to enter her tainted heart as she spoke up once more, "I'll never forgive you, Azrael!" She then made another move, "I activate 'Angelica's' first effect! If this card is Special Summoned: I can…" A card emerged from the top of her Deck, and she pulled it out, "…add 1 'Horn of Olifant', or 1 card that mentions 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles', from my Deck to my hand!" The card she had pulled was 'Noble Arms Museum' (Spell Card), which was immediately held out, "Field Spell, 'Noble Arms Museum', activate!"
The whole area became that of a museum for old Medieval-based weapons, which David and Lisa couldn't help but admire from the sidelines. Azrael, however, was less than amused by the choice of Field Spell.
"'Noble Arms Museum'?" uttered Azrael.
"My card's first effect! All FIRE Warrior monsters I control gain 500 ATK," explained Sherry, as 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms' gained strength (ATK: 1200 → 1700), "'Angelica' now has 1700 ATK!" She then took and held another card ('Infernoble Knight Astolfo') out, "I'll then activate the first effect of 'Infernoble Knight Astolfo'!" A card ('Infernoble Knight Ogier') ejected from her GY before fading away into oblivion, allowing her to place her Monster Card onto her Duel Disk, "I can banish 1 FIRE Warrior monster from my hand or GY; I must Special Summon this card from my hand, then I can make this card's Level become the Level of that banished monster!"
Appearing on the field, with higher ATK, was a woman with fiery red hair, wearing silver armor with red stripes, and wielding two flaming swords (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 200).
"Because you banished the Level 4 'Ogier', 'Astolfo' becomes a Level 4 monster," acknowledged Azrael.
"And now, Level 5 'Azusa the Ghost Bow' tunes Level 4 'Astolfo'!" thundered Sherry.
'Battlewasp - Azusa the Ghost Bow' turned herself into five Synchro Rings, which hovered over, lowered, and overwhelmed 'Infernoble Knight Astolfo' before turning her into four orbs of light.
"The highest emperor! Train your blades with the flames of glory and burn the shadows of injustice!" chanted Sherry, as the symbols 4 + 5 = 9 were shown briefly, "Synchro Summon!" The rings erupted into flames as a pair of eyes were shown, "Descend, 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles'!"
A sword made out of blue flames slashed out of the flame pillar, revealing, now on the field, the familiar orange-haired young man wearing black armor and red cape—and also gained higher ATK (Level: 9/ATK: 3500/DEF: 200).
"Because 'Azusa the Ghost Bow' left the field after being Special Summoned by her own effect, she is banished," reminded Shinji.
"Yes, I know," nodded Azrael before looking towards Sherry, "I want to show you something interesting."
"Interesting?" repeated Sherry, unsettled.
"Now watch…" Azrael whispered, before pointing to his Set card, "Continuous Trap, 'Psychic Tuning'!" The card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Once per turn: I can target 1 Psychic monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it in Attack Position. It is treated as a Tuner," Reappearing on the field was none other than 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' (Level: 8/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2300), "Resurrect, 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!"
"'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!" stammered Shinji.
"And there's more!" hollered Azrael, as he then held up another card ('Mind Banisher') taken from his GY, "From there, I'll activate the first effect of 'Mind Banisher'! During my opponent's turn (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from my GY," Protective barriers formed around 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' and the 'Psychic Tuning' Trap Card, "then target 1 Psychic monster I control and 1 face-up Spell/Trap in my Spell & Trap Zone; until the end of this turn, those cards cannot be destroyed by battle or my opponent's card effects!"
"Quel gâchis," commented Sherry in French, "That's all? 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' only has 2700 ATK. That, along with 'Ultimate Axon Kicker', is no match for 'Emperor Charles's' 3500 ATK," She then made another move, this time by motioning her left hand (equipped with the Duel Disk) out, "I activate 'Infernoble Knight Turpin's' third effect!" On cue, the spirit of a swordsman wearing black and silver robes plus cape and wielding two swords appeared on the field before merging and becoming one with 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms', "If this card is in my GY: I can target 1 Warrior monster I control; I must equip this card to that monster I control as an Equip Spell!" It was then the blonde-haired young French woman had a secret to share about her newest Synchro Monster, "However, doing this activates the second effect of 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms'!"
"Mm?" pondered Azrael.
"When a card or effect is activated that targets this card on the field, or when this card is targeted for an attack (Quick Effect): I can…" As she spoke, Sherry, drew a card and sent it to the GY, "…send 1 FIRE Warrior monster from my Deck to the GY, and if I do, banish this card (until the End Phase), then I can Special Summon 1 'Roland' monster from my Deck or Extra Deck," Focus went towards 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms' as she faded away, "Be gone, 'Angelica'!" She finally held up a card ('Infernoble Knight Captain Roland') taken from her Extra Deck, "With that, I'll Special Summon 'Infernoble Knight Captain Roland' from my Extra Deck!"
Appearing onto the field was the human male with fiery (literally) hair, black/red armor and a cape, and even a flame sword. Thanks to the continuous first effect of the 'Noble Arms Museum' Spell Card, his ATK was even higher than normal (Level: 5/ATK: 2500/DEF: 500).
"As of now, I'll activate the second effect of 'Infernoble Knight Maugis'!" announced Sherry, before she seemingly held up a single card ('Infernoble Knight - Renaud') taken from her GY, "If this card is sent to the GY: I can shuffle into the Deck, 3 of my other FIRE Warrior monsters and/or 'Noble Arms' cards…" She showed that instead of having only one card, she was actually holding three cards—with two of them ('Infernoble Knight Ricciardetto' and 'Infernoble Knight Ogier') having been banished, "…that are banished or in my GY; I must draw 1 card!"
Azrael let out an agitated grunt, while Sherry placed her three cards on top of her Deck, causing it to get shuffled automatically before she drew a card. Upon seeing 'Courageous Crimson Chevalier Bradamante' (Tuner Monster Card), she knew just what to do.
"I activate 'Courageous Crimson Chevalier Bradamante's' first effect!" continued Sherry, before she was shown sending the card to the GY and causing another card to eject from the center of her Deck, "I can discard this card, then target 1 Warrior monster I control; I must…" She took the card and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Disk, "…equip it with 1 Equip Spell from my Deck that can equip to it," On cue, the '"Infernoble Arms - Almace"' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind 'Infernoble Knight Captain Roland', "I equip 'Captain Roland' with '"Infernoble Arms - Almace"'!
"But your real goal…" spat Azrael.
"Yes, my real goal is the first effect of 'Emperor Charles'!" confirmed Sherry, "If an Equip Card becomes equipped…" Focus went towards 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' as he readied his sword and raised it into the air, "…to a monster on the field, even during the Damage Step: I can destroy 1 card on the field!"
A pillar of fire erupted from where 'Infernoble Knight Captain Roland' was standing, destroying him. Over with David and Lisa…
"This is one of Sherry-san's signature combos," recalled David.
Lisa nodded silently. Back on the field…
"The second effect of '"Infernoble Arms - Almace"' activates!" vowed Sherry, "If this card is sent to the GY because the equipped monster is sent to the GY: I can…" She reached into her GY and took out a card ('Infernoble Knight Turpin') and placed it in her hand, "…target 1 of my FIRE Warrior monsters that is banished or in my GY; I must add it to my hand. And then, I'll activate the third effect of 'Infernoble Knight Maugis'!" As she spoke about it, the spirit of purple-haired man with some red streaks, wearing silver robes, and wielding a flame staff appeared on the field and becoming one with 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles', "If this card is in my GY: I can target 1 Warrior monster I control; I must equip this card to that monster I control. I equip 'Maugis' to 'Emperor Charles'!"
Azrael watched with an ever growing bored expression on his face, wondering how long it would be until Sherry would finally do something even worthy of being called good.
"I activate the second effect of 'Noble Arms Museum'!" declared Sherry, as she and Shinji glowed red and lost LP (Team LP: 3100 → 1900), "Once per turn: I can pay 1200 LP; I must…" She then took another card ('"Infernoble Arms - Hauteclere"') from her Deck and looked at it, "…add 1 'Noble Arms' card from my Deck to my hand, except 'Noble Arms Museum'!" Once the card was in her hand, she took and held yet another card ('Angelica's Angelic Ring') from her hand and out, "I equip 'Angelica's Angelic Ring' to 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles'!"
A golden ring with a red jewel materialized on the middle finger of 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles's' right hand.
"My card's second effect!" explained Sherry, "Each turn, I must negate the effect of my opponent's first Spell Card or effect that resolves. And then, I'll activate the third effect! Once per turn, while this card is equipped to a monster: I can…" She and Shinji briefly glowed a gentle blue as they recovered some LP (Team LP: 1900 → 2400), "…gain 500 LP," The ring on 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles's' finger dissolved into dust—which formed a protective barrier around him, "then destroy this card, and if I do, my opponent cannot target the monster this card was equipped to with card effects, while it is face-up in the Monster Zone."
"Now whatever you have planned won't work on 'Emperor Charles'!" mocked Shinji,
Azrael remained on the quiet front, but did feel somewhat agitated.
"I equip 'Emperor Charles' with '"Infernoble Arms - Hauteclere"'!" exclaimed Sherry, slotting a card ('"Infernoble Arms - Hauteclere"') into her Duel Disk. On cue, a Spell Card called '"Infernoble Arms - Hauteclere"' materialized face-up on the field as focus went towards it before shifting towards 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles', "While this card is equipped to a monster: I can target 1 face-up monster I control; this turn, I cannot declare attacks, except with that monster, also it gains the ability this turn to make a second attack during each Battle Phase, then destroy this card!"
"Two attacks!" fretted Azrael.
"Bataille!" shouted Sherry in French, finally entering the Battle Phase. While announcing her intention to attack, 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' raised his flame sword and brought it down upon 'Ultimate Axon Kicker', "I use 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' to attack 'Ultimate Axon Kicker'!"
'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' backed off, allowing for 'Ultimate Axon Kicker' to spark a few times before going boom. The backlash to the destruction of his monster caused Azrael to yell out as his LP dropped some more (LP: 4050 → 3450).
"I'm not done!" raged Sherry, as 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' rushed forth with his flame sword and raised it, "Due to '"Infernoble Arms - Hauteclere"', 'Emperor Charles' can make a second attack!" The attack struck 'Thought Ruler Archfiend', "Strike 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!"
The weapon in 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles's' hands broke apart as per the effect. Azrael grimaced hard as he glowed red and lost more LP (LP: 3450 → 2650).
"But due to the first effect of 'Mind Banisher', the destruction of 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' is negated!" reminded Azrael.
Sherry, despite getting in some really good hits on Azrael, was left disappointed she was unable to win the duel this turn.
"Because I used the first effect of '"Infernoble Arms - Hauteclere"', it was destroyed," commented Sherry, before returning to her thoughts, "Damn, I didn't defeat Azrael like I hoped…"
"Hey, it's fine," The voice of Shinji cut in, causing Sherry to look over. He was smiling in a reassuring way, "You did great. At the rate we're going in, we can definitely get him on our next turns."
"Mm," nodded Sherry, before slotting a final card into her Duel Disk, "I Set one card and end my turn," A face-down card materialized on the field, just before she made another move, "As of now, I'll return 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms' to the field."
Reappearing on the field in a defensive stance was 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms' (Level: 5/ATK: 1200/DEF: 2400).
"But that isn't all! This allows me to activate the second effect of 'Emperor Charles'!" continued Sherry, holding up two cards ('"Infernoble Arms - Almace"' and 'Infernoble Knight Ogier') taken from her GY and Deck respectively for a few seconds and leaned her right arm back before slotting them into her Duel Disk at the same time, "During the End Phase: I can equip 1 Equip Spell from my hand or GY to this card, then I can equip 1 FIRE Warrior monster from my Deck to this card as an Equip Spell that gives it 500 ATK."
Appearing face-up on the field was the "Infernoble Arms - Almace"' Spell Card, while following that was the spirit of the male warrior with blonde hair while also wearing red, black, and silvery armor known as 'Infernoble Knight Ogier', who combined with 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles'.
"Because 'Ogier' is equipped to 'Emperor Charles', he gains 500 ATK," recalled Sherry, just as focus went towards 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' and his ATK went up one more time (ATK: 3500 → 4000), "His ATK rises to 4000!" She then brought up something else, "There is also 'Ogier's' first effect! While this card is an Equip Card, the equipped monster cannot be destroyed by card effects!"
"And now, the effect of 'Battlewasp - Elysium' and the first effect of 'Mind Banisher' expire," put in Shinji, "You might have gotten off lucky for our first turns, but we will defeat you on our next turns!"
"Defeat me next turn?" whispered Azrael, amused by the declaration, "Will you both even get that far when I'm done with you?" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Five: Muruta Azrael (LP: 2650)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (1): "Psychic Widget"(!)
Upon seeing his drawn 'Psychic Widget' Effect Monster Card…
"It's here," snickered Azrael, before holding the card out, "The first effect of 'Psychic Widget' activates!" He glowed all blue and gained LP (LP: 2650 → 3650), "When I draw this card: I can reveal it; I must gain 1000 LP, then I can…" A card was then drawn, "…draw 1 card"
Over with the two Signers…
"(くそー!) Kuso! (Damn!)" uttered David in Japanese, "Azrael recovered LP and drew another card."
"What the hell is the bastard up to?" asked Lisa.
Back on the field…
"Next, I'll activate the second effect of 'Mind Banisher'!" continued Azrael, "During my Standby Phase, if this card is currently banished: I must Special Summon it in Defense Position!" He held his right hand out, "Appear now, 'Mind Banisher'!"
Appearing on the field was a demented scientist-like monster (Level: 3/ATK: 100/DEF: 1900).
"Hold it!" interrupted Sherry.
"Huh?" blinked Azrael.
"Face-down card, open!" As Sherry spoke, her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "The Trap Card, 'Horn of Olifant'! I must activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects written on the 'Horn of Olifant' Trap Card:
-"I must banish 1 Equip Spell I control or in my GY, then I can destroy 1 card on the field."
-"I must destroy 1 'Roland' monster I control, then Special Summon in Defense Position up to 3 FIRE Warrior monsters from my Deck, whose total Levels equal 9, but their effects are negated, also, until the end of my next turn after this effect resolves, I cannot Special Summon monsters, except Warrior monsters."
"I already know what you're going to choose," murmured Azrael.
"Here is my choice," offered Sherry, just as a card ('Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos') emerged from Shinji's GY, "I banish Shinji's 'Battlewasp - Gallant Xiphos'…" Focus went towards 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' as it shattered into shards of glass, "…to destroy 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!"
"Because 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' left the field," Azrael grumbled, as his face-up 'Psychic Tuning' Trap Card shattered into shards of glass, "'Psychic Tuning' is destroyed, too!" He quickly recovered and smiled, "But I promise to surprise all of you this turn! Besides, this is where the second effect of 'Psychic Tuning'! When this card is sent to the GY: I must take damage equal to that monster's Level x 400!"
"What?!" cried Shinji.
"You want to take damage?" came from Sherry.
"Of course," insisted Azrael gleefully, "My 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' is a Level 8 monster, meaning…"
A bolt of lightning struck him, causing the evilest Dark Signer to scream as his LP took a massive drop (LP: 3650 → 450).
"He took 3200 damage!" realized Lisa.
"It leaves him with only 450 LP!" agreed David.
With his head bowed and moving in a wobbly state, Azrael panted from the devastating blow he received before giggling dementedly.
"I activate…" began Azrael, before looking up with an extremely insane look on his face, "…'Psychic Widget's' second effect!" He took the card ('Psychic Widget') and another card ('Brutal Rogue') and sent them both to the GY, "If I take effect damage: I can discard this card and 1 other card, then target 1 Psychic monster in my GY whose original ATK is less than…" Finally feeling better, he stood up tall, "…or equal to the damage I took; I must Special Summon it, and if I do, Psychic monsters I currently control cannot be destroyed by card effects once this turn"
"Because Azrael took 3200 damage from the second effect of 'Psychic Tuning'…" remembered Sherry.
"…he can revive nearly any Psychic monster from his GY," concluded Shinji.
"Resurrect," hissed Azrael, as his GY exploded with dark energy, "'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!"
When the dark energy on the field died down, there, standing at attention, was the familiar two-winged demon-like monster (Level: 8/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2300).
"I don't understand Azrael's strategy," complained David, causing Lisa to look over, "What is his aim by bringing 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' back?"
"I wish I knew the answer, Dave," replied Lisa, looking unsettled over what was on Azrael's field, "But whatever Azrael is planning, it won't be good for Sherry or Shinji."
"I know what you're thinking," noted Azrael suddenly, causing Sherry and Shinji to gasp, "You're thinking that without bringing out the 'Earthbound Immortal' monster, I can't defeat the two of you, right?" When there was complete silence from the opposing party, he resumed, "But what if I were to tell you I have something more dangerous than even my God?"
"Something even more dangerous than your 'Earthbound Immortal'?" sweated Sherry.
"'This' is my final surprise!" laughed Azrael, holding both arms out, "Level 3 'Mind Banisher' dark tunes Level 8 'Thought Ruler Archfiend'!"
Everyone recoiled in shock that Azrael had a second Dark Synchro Monster waiting in the wings, and was using his own Dark Synchro Monster as material to bring it out. Before long, 'Mind Banisher' turned into three balls of darkness. They then were absorbed into 'Thought Ruler Archfiend', who exploded into a total of eleven balls of darkness, which then began spinning together in a circle above as Azrael echoed a sinister Summon Chant throughout.
"Light is born from darkness. Sound is born from silence. Knowledge is born from mystery. Now, all will bow down to the omnipotent darkness reigning over the universe!" chanted Azrael, as the symbols 8 + 3 = 11 were shown briefly just before a massive beam of darkness exploded from within the eleven dark stars, "Dark Synchro!" From the burst beam, two large black and orange arms and a tail were seen, "Come forth and appear, 'Psychic End Punisher'!"
The rest of the body was finally revealed; 'Psychic End Punisher' was like a supercharged version of 'Thought Ruler Archfiend' but with actual legs at the bottom, and a far more threatening expression (Level: 11/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3500). Lisa and David watched in complete shock that a Dark Signer was capable of commanding not one, but two, Dark Synchro Monsters.
"'Psychic End Punisher'," stammered Lisa.
Back on the field, Sherry and Shinji were left speechless while Azrael once again burst into laughter while flanked by 'Psychic End Punisher', knowing that, this time, victory was within his grasp.
"This is the end for you two!" gloated Azrael.
"That can't be!" objected Sherry, "'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' has 4000 ATK, which is higher than the 3500 ATK that 'Psychic End Punisher' has!" She then smirked confidently, "And now is the time for my monster to grow even stronger! I activate 'Infernoble Knight Captain Roland's' second effect!" A card ('Infernoble Knight Captain Roland') ejected from her GY, "During the Main Phase, if this card is in my GY (Quick Effect): I can…" She picked it up and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Disk, "…target 1 Warrior monster I control; I must…" Briefly appearing on the field was the spirit of the human male with fiery (literally) hair, black/red armor and a cape, who then merged with 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles', "…equip this card to that monster you control as an Equip Spell that gives it 500 ATK."
Letting out a great yell, 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' grew even stronger thanks to the equipment of another Equip Card (ATK: 4000 → 4500).
"And thanks to the equipment of another Equip Card, the first effect of 'Emperor Charles' will destroy a card on the field!" Sherry pointed out, "And my target is very obvious!"
Nearby, Lisa and David cheered, believing that Azrael would have nothing left to use once 'Psychic End Punisher' was gone. Meanwhile, on the field, Sherry's eyes narrowed fiercely as she got ready to take her revenge on the Dark Signers.
"Azrael, this final attack is for Elsworth!" warned Sherry, before pointing forth and giving the order to her ace monster, "Go forth, 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles'!" As she gave the instruction, 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' raised his sword and brought it down upon 'Psychic End Punisher', "Destroy 'Psychic End Punisher'!"
The attack appeared to fatally wound 'Psychic End Punisher', causing the enemy monster to explode from destruction and cause everyone to brace themselves from the wind left behind as a cloud of thick smoke was left behind.
"It's done, you have nothing left, Muruta Azrael!" announced Sherry triumphantly.
On the other end of the smoky field, Azrael kept his head down with a shadow over his eyes before his mouth seemed to form a very evil smile. When the smoke did clear away, it was shown that 'Psychic End Punisher' was not even scratched by 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles's' attack.
"What?!" flinched Sherry.
Shinji, David, and Lisa each were also stunned by what they saw. Azrael was seen snickering quietly before raising his head while laughing maniacally.
"Comment diable?" stammered Sherry in French, horrified by her failed attack, "How could my attack not even do anything?"
"I applaud you for trying, but even you can't get by the first effect of my monster," answered Azrael, clapping sarcastically, "While my LP are less than or equal to my opponent's, this Synchro Summoned card is unaffected by my opponent's activated effects," He stopped and entered the Battle Phase, "Now, it's my turn… I activate the third effect of 'Psychic End Punisher'! At the start of the Battle Phase: I can make this card gain ATK equal to the difference in my LP and my opponent's," Shinji and Sherry (Team LP: 2400), and he (LP: 450) had the following LP difference, "With you two having 2400 LP and my LP at 450, the total difference is 1950!" As he rambled on, 'Psychic End Punisher' crackled with power as its ATK went straight up (ATK: 3500 → 5450), "'Psychic End Punisher' gains 1950 ATK, putting its total ATK at 5450!"
"But even if you destroy 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' in this battle, Sherry and I will only take 950 damage!" protested Shinji, "We'll be left with 1450 LP!"
"How wrong you are," denied Azrael.
Shinji eased up, "Huh?"
"It's finally time to show the both of you just how worthless of a chance you had against me," beamed Azrael, before a card ('Brutal Rogue') emerged from his GY, "I activate the second effect of 'Brutal Rogue'!" He held the card up to show everyone, "When an attack is declared involving my Psychic Synchro Monster and an opponent's Synchro Monster: I can banish this card from your GY; until the end of this turn, the original ATK of that opponent's monster becomes 0, also it is unaffected by other card effects, except its own!"
From the sidelines, Lisa and David gasped with terror, watching, on the field, as Sherry's 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' was clutching the sides of his head and yelling as he got mind raped by an unknown entity and lost all of his ATK in the process (ATK: 4500 → 0).
"'Emperor Charles's' ATK was-!" cried Lisa.
"Once he is destroyed, Sherry-san and Shinji-san will-!" panicked David.
Back on the field, Sherry, realizing how hopeless her efforts were, fell onto her knees with dull, empty-looking eyes, as though she were in a despair-like trance.
"Elsworth… Elsworth…" Sherry kept uttering, because she failed to avenge her guardian.
"Hey, Sherry!" called Shinji, noticing and trying to get Sherry to snap out of it, "Come on, you gotta get it together!"
Trying as he could, Shinji was not able to get through to Sherry, who remained with dull eyes and on her knees, whispering Elsworth's name in despair. Azrael found the whole thing amusing in a sick twisted sort of way.
"Well now, I'll give you both one minute to say goodbye to…" he noted, speaking about Lisa and David on the sidelines, "…the Signers before you're wiped out by 'Psychic End Punisher'."
"Shut up!" threatened Shinji angrily, before getting down in-front of Sherry and clutching and shaking her, "Hey, Sherry! Come on, you gotta come back to me! Sherry! Sherry!"
Nearby…
"Come on, Sherry, you have to snap out of it!" begged Lisa.
"Sherry-san!" yelled David.
Back on the field, Sherry's eyes were still dull as she kept her head bowed and didn't respond to the calls to get up. At last, an upset Shinji finally lost it.
"DAMMIT!" screamed Shinji.
It was then he, having never done it before and likely would never do it again, slapped Sherry across the face, causing her to cry out as she hit the ground a short distance away from him. Getting up, Sherry looked upset, but her eyes finally returned to normal.
"Sh-Shinji?" peeped Sherry.
"Get a hold of yourself, Sherry!" demanded Shinji roughly, "You have to stand up and fight!"
"W-We've lost… Our only chance of avenging Elsworth is gone," Sherry uttered weakly.
"I know that!" admitted Shinji, before smiling more gently, "But…at least…" He held his right hand out, "…we'll lose together."
Despite her fear of losing like this, Sherry accepted the help as she tearfully embraced Shinji.
"I want it to end quickly," whimpered Sherry.
"End quickly, eh?" grinned Azrael, overhearing the request, "I'll be more than happy to grant you that wish!" As he gave the command to his monster, 'Psychic End Punisher' raised both hands into the air before lowering and positioning them near its chest, "'Psychic End Punisher', put those weaklings out of their misery by destroying 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles'!"
'Psychic End Punisher' charged off and fired off a massively powerful burst of energy from both hands. From there, everything went into slow motion as 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles' was hit and vaporized in an instant. David and Lisa tried running towards Sherry and Shinji, but had to stop and back away as the enemy attack approached and hit them, causing their remaining LP to run out (Team LP: 2400 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Muruta Azrael wins!
"SHERRY/SHINJI-SAN!" Lisa and David yelled out at the same time, shedding tears.
With the attack over, Sherry and Shinji started falling to the ground as all of the cards and holograms were removed from the field—including the fire walls of the geoglyph.
(elsewhere…)
Across the state of New York while on their way to their respective destinations, the remaining Signers watched their glowing birthmarks before they heard a sorrowful roar from the Crimson Dragon.
"The Crimson Dragon…" began Matt.
"…is crying," added Michael.
"Did a Dark Signer…" wondered James R..
"…win a duel?" finished Carlie.
Ms. Simmons, Mr. Kisaka, Paul, and Maria all remained absolutely quiet.
(elsewhere…)
Back outside the Dark Signer hideout, everything returned to normal speed as Sherry and Shinji collapsed on the ground, inches away from each other.
"Shinji! Sherry!" hollered Lisa.
"Please stay with us!" urged David.
On the ground, Sherry and Shinji weakly looked up and saw the two younger Signers watching them in despair. Even so, the two non-Signers smiled at them and delivered their final words.
"David… Lisa… Please, you both must…take revenge," requested Sherry slowly, "Avenge us and…everyone else…who's died…"
"Do me a favor, guys?" joked Shinji, despite being dead serious about his question. David and Lisa both tearfully listened to him, "Say hi to Carlie and James for us when they show up, 'kay?"
Both teenagers nodded sadly, while Sherry and Shinji both kept smiling before they closed their eyes and died—their bodies soon turning into stone and crumbling apart as the wind blew the dust away, which was a punishment for losing a Dark Duel. Azrael watched the scene without even a hint of remorse or guilt on his face while then observing the various reactions to Lisa and David's grieving. David, for example, fell onto his hands and knees, unable to process the fact Sherry LeBlanc and Shinji Weber were now gone. He remembered the first time he met them when he returned with his friends and family to Hartford in order to spend summer vacation at The Orb Duel School.
"Sherry-san… Shinji-san…" spluttered David.
But while David's reaction to the end of Sherry and Shinji was devastating, Lisa's reaction over it was even worse; she was very heartbroken over the deaths of more of her friends, filled with absolute anger over it, and now hating Muruta Azrael more than ever before. Lisa slowly trembled while balling both hands into tight fists before finally looking up into the night sky with gritted teeth and tear-filled eyes while screaming loud and long. Poor Lisa's scream could be heard from a long distance from the hideout within the woods.
In a tragic ending of a great duel, Sherry and Shinji have lost to Azrael and died. David and Lisa are devastated by it, with the latter now pissed off with Azrael. Until it gets posted, stay tuned for the next duel of the final arc.