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 Chains of Equality
Opening up outside the hideout of the Dark Signers in the middle of the night, Azrael watched Lisa blankly as she collapsed to her knees after she screamed. On the other hand, David approached Lisa and placed both hands on her shoulders as she kept her head bowed with a shadow over her eyes as she gritted her teeth and more and more tears fell.
"Lisa-chan, will you…be alright?" asked David gently, having never seen Lisa scream like that before, "I assure you that Sherry-san and Shinji-san's sacrifices will 'not' be in vain."
The enraged, saddened Lisa didn't respond to her own boyfriend and instead finally stood back up to glare at Azrael with absolute hatred in her tear-filled eyes.
"Azrael!" began Lisa heatedly, "You stomped on people you absolutely shouldn't have!" She started to envision Sherry and Shinji in her mind, before beginning to envision the three Astray girls instead, "You took away my best friends… you took away my family… and I will 'never' forgive you for that! I swear I will put you six feet under if it's the last thing I do!"
"Hmhmhm… You say you'll never forgive me?" chuckled Azrael, amused by Lisa's rage, "Funny, that should be the other way around; it's I who can't ever forgive you!"
"What?!" snarled Lisa.
"You were, and still are, a child who should never have gotten involved in my business when we first met two years ago," noted Azrael, "I had everything I needed in place to take over Orb and reshape its dueling philosophy into something more…'me'," He closed his eyes scornfully and shook his head before opening them again, "But you just 'had' to intervene, and now it's all come to this… A true battle between Signer and Dark Signer, and one I've been looking forward to for a very long time!"
"Yeah… Same here," agreed Lisa sternly, "I've been waiting a long while for a chance to duel you as well," She pointed forth with determination, "In the memories of Asagi, Juri, Mayura, Sherry, and Shinji, I will defeat you!"
"You mean 'we' will defeat him, Lisa," corrected David, stepping forward.
"Dave?" blinked Lisa, surprised.
"So, you also wish to fight me?" gasped Azrael, falsely and mockingly, while David just listened, "Will you be willing to kill like how you almost killed Vincent not with cards but with your bare hands?"
David immediately lost his confidence and looked down, remembering how he almost did kill someone—being Vincent, who ended up dying anyway from the effects of the Dark Duel. Lisa, noticing David's distress, looked back at Azrael with some harsh words of her own.
"Stop messing around!" she snapped, "Let's just get the fighting started already!"
"Very well," accepted Azrael, turning around, raising his right hand, and snapping his fingers, "But I have a better arena in mind for our battle," The big doors leading inside the hideout opened up, much to the amazement of Lisa and David, "Follow me inside."
Lisa was about to immediately follow when David stopped her.
"Lisa-chan, at least try to think this through," advised David, "Azrael is obviously leading us into a trap."
"Shut up, Dave," berated Lisa, shaking herself free, "I don't give a damn about any trap Azrael has set—I will face Azrael anytime, anywhere," She softened up a little, "But we're in this together, right?"
David sighed, knowing the dangers of going through with the task at hand. He then smiled and nodded, causing Lisa to smile back before she and him and followed Azrael into the control tower-like hideout as the door closed behind them.
(inside…)
Inside the building, Azrael was leading the two younger Signers down a hallway. David remained cautious throughout, but Lisa didn't pay any attention and wanted to get to the dueling stage so she could take down the Dark Signer.
"Are we there yet?" grunted Lisa, as Azrael looked over his shoulder, "All of this waiting and walking around is starting to piss me off."
"Very soon," promised Azrael, "When we arrive at the site for our duel, we will begin."
Before long, the three entered another section of the hallway. After carefully looking around to make sure this was the place, Azrael smiled to himself and made the announcement.
"We're here!" declared Azrael, turning to face Lisa and David, "This is where we will duel."
"In this hallway?" commented David, "There's not a whole lot of room."
"Who cares about that?!" cut in Lisa, readying to activate her Duel Disk, "Get ready to have your ass busted, Dark Signer!"
"Oh, I think not," smirked Azrael.
Suddenly, with the snap of the fingers, small pipes emerged from the wall, dispersing a red gas into the hall where the three of them were standing.
"Halothane!" panicked David.
He quickly pulled his jacket off and held the crumpled clothing to his face in an attempt to block out the gas. Seeing his response, Lisa did the same thing with her own jacket. Azrael however quickly pulled a gas mask from his cloak and put it on to protect himself from the effects of the gas. David and Lisa held on for as long as they could before they started coughing and hacking through their coverings. Eventually, both teenagers couldn't hold out any longer and collapsed on the floor as Azrael loomed over their unconscious bodies with his sinister laughter echoing throughout the hallway.
(elsewhere…)
In David's POV, all he could see was darkness because his eyes remained closed—but they soon started to flicker open as he regained consciousness. Meanwhile, Lisa slowly regained consciousness, too. When they were awake, they found themselves within a dark abyss.
"(ここはどこ?) Koko wa doko? (Where are we?)" echoed David in Japanese.
"What is this place?" commented Lisa, before noticing she was wearing her helmet. Looking down at herself, she was also suddenly wearing her motorcyclist outfit and riding her Duel Runner, Akatsuki, "Wh-What the-?"
Upon regaining his vision, David also found his helmet back on and was riding The Wild Card once more. Currently, they were somewhere in the darkness with no way out or any idea on how they even got there in the first place. All they know is they fell into Azrael's trap.
"Dammit! We were tricked by that bastard Azrael," cursed Lisa, slamming her right hand on the dashboard of Akatsuki, "How could we have been so stupid to trust him?"
"Well, Lisa-chan, I did warn you about this being a trap," David pointed out, as Lisa grumpily looked over, "But you didn't adhere to my advice."
Before Lisa could even fire off a hot retort, someone else beat her to the punch…
"Welcome to my new world!" The voice of Azrael called out.
"Was that him…?" began David.
"Azrael!" shouted Lisa.
The whole area lit up and revealed a gigantic Incan pyramid in the center along with Lisa and David both trapped inside the geoglyph of the Monkey. Standing at the top of the pyramid, Azrael was no longer wearing his Dark Signer robe and business suit, but rather Incan-style clothing from years ago.
"Azrael, you bastard!" bellowed Lisa, facing the enormous Incan pyramid and an enlarged, faded image of Azrael from the torso up stationed in the sky, "Where the hell are we?! What the hell did you do?!"
"Lisa-chan, wait," suggested David, beginning to realize the location, "Does this vision not seem familiar to you? The very one presented to us by the Crimson Dragon."
"You mean this is the same vision we had in New York City?" repeated Lisa, "And the same place Matt and Mike visited when they dueled in San Francisco?" She had to admit, the place looked cool, "But if the Crimson Dragon didn't bring us here, how exactly did we arrive?"
Up on top of the pyramid…
"You could say that Orb has been very helpful to me again," sneered Azrael, "I will tell you how we got here to this world."
(elsewhere…)
Inside the core of the whole control tower, there were a lot of computer consoles that controlled the functions of the whole place.
"We're all inside special pods based on the schematics provided by Boxford Corporation," narrated Azrael, as focus went on the pods containing himself, Lisa, and David, "All of Orb's secrets are now my secrets, and using them to construct these pods, I will eliminate you Signers using your own technology!"
(elsewhere…)
Back in the dark world…
"Okay, so you've picked a bleak place for our duel, but how will it even go if you're up there…" demanded Lisa, as, on top of the pyramid, Azrael grinned, "…and we're down here riding our Duel Runners?!"
"I believe you just answered your own question," assured Azrael.
"What do you mean?!" scowled Lisa.
"The rules for the duel are simple, the both of you will ride your Duel Runners through this geoglyph," explained Azrael, just as a dueling station rose up in-front of him, "As for me, I'll fight by standing on top of the pyramid and using this make-shift field," He held up his shuffled Deck and placed it on the Deck Zone before revealing one more important rule, "As a final rule, the usage of 'High Speed World' is disabled!"
"(何?!) Nani?! (What?!)" recoiled David in Japanese.
"No 'High Speed World'?!" added Lisa.
"This will be a simple Turbo Duel before Discord ever invented 'High Speed World'," confirmed Azrael, "This means we can activate Field Spells once again."
Back below…
"Without 'High Speed World', Lisa-chan and I can't use Speed Counters," thought David, "But Azrael is right about the usage of Field Spells, and…" He looked in the direction of a determined Lisa, "…Lisa-chan has many such useful cards in her Deck."
"Alright, Azrael, it's time to settle things between us once and for all," dared Lisa, as the enlarged, faded image of Azrael smiled with anticipation, "Let's get ready to rumble!"
From there, both Akatsuki and The Wild Card roared to life as Lisa (LP: 4000), David (LP: 4000), and Azrael (LP: 4000) each prepared for the showdown.
"Turbo Duel!" David and Lisa said at the same time.
"Acceleration!" concluded Azrael.
With that yelled out, both Duel Runners charged down the path as the duel began.
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere in the state of New York, Matt and his group were still making their way to Albany to help David and Lisa against Azrael. It was then Matt and James R. found their respective birthmarks (Matt: Dragon's Head, James R.: Dragon's Tail) beginning to glow and react once more.
"Here we go again," murmured James R..
"It's a battle between Signer and Dark Signer," agreed Matt.
"Ledonir, how much further do we have to go to reach Albany?" pressed Ashima.
"I'm afraid we still have ways to go before we get there," replied Mr. Kisaka gravely.
Freedom, Skygrasper, Zack's Duel Runner, and both Murasame roared down the highway, all in hopes the riders made it on time.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the dark world, Akatsuki and The Wild Card both raced through the Monkey geoglyph and turned a corner as Azrael stood atop the Incan pyramid.
"As the ruler of this domain, I get to go first!" boomed Azrael, before he was shown drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn One: Muruta Azrael (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Psychic Tracker", "Supernatural Regeneration", "Mind Over Matter", "Assault Sentinel", "Psychic Charity"(!), and "Contract with Don Thousand"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Contract with Don Thousand', which he knew was just perfect for this duel—but first, he needed to finish preparing.
"From my hand, I'll Summon a monster," said Azrael, adding the drawn card into his hand and picking another to play. He placed the card ('Assault Sentinel') onto a Monster Zone, "Come, 'Assault Sentinel'!"
Appearing on the field was a tan-furred animal wearing armor and wielding a blaster (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 800). Back within the geoglyph below…
"(しまった!) Shimatta! (Dammit!)" cried David in Japanese.
"That's support for '/Assault Mode' monsters!" realized Lisa.
Back atop the pyramid…
"I'm pleased you know of this card," joked Azrael, "Yes, this monster is part of support for '/Assault Mode' monsters," Back below, 'Assault Sentinel' faded away in a blue streak, "I activate 'Assault Sentinel's' first effect!" He, on the platform, was shown holding up a card ('Psi-Reflector') taken from his Deck for a few seconds before turning over and revealing what it was, "I can Tribute this card; I must Special Summon 1 monster from my hand or Deck that mentions 'Assault Mode Activate', except 'Assault Sentinel', also I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Synchro Monsters."
Appearing on the field was a clear-looking mechanical monster with cyan-colored stripe patterns on its body (Level: 1/ATK: 400/DEF: 300).
"This is 'Psi-Reflector'," revealed Azrael, "Yet another '/Assault Mode' support card. Allow me to show you its first effect," As he spoke, a card slipped from the middle of his Deck, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can…" He took and held the card ('Assault Mode Activate') up to show everyone, "…add 1 'Assault Mode Activate' or 1 card that mentions it from my Deck to my hand, except 'Psi-Reflector'."
Back below…
"Azrael is a big user of the '/Assault Mode' archetype," thought David.
"Azrael is going to be the strongest enemy Dave and I've ever fought," thought Lisa, before gritting her teeth, "But it's a battle we're going to win."
Back above…
"And now, I'll show you my whole new power!" requested Azrael, laying down a card ('Contract with Don Thousand') and causing the 'Contract with Don Thousand' Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "The Continuous Spell, 'Contract with Don Thousand'!"
"'Contract with Don Thousand'?" stammered Lisa.
"I've never seen that card before," put in David.
"I must activate this card by paying 2000 of my opponent's LP; each player draws 1 card," explained Azrael, as, down below, Lisa warily listened, "And you, young Lisa, will be the one to pay up the cost."
Lisa gasped as an aura sprung from the face-up activated card and bled into her as pink lightning crackled.
"Lisa-chan pays with her LP!?" accused David.
Back above…
"Of course, you're in my domain," reminded Azrael, making a sadistic joke, "If you're going to duel me, I sure won't pay any bills in my place!"
He giggled evilly. Back below…
"Whatever suits you, bastard," groaned Lisa, feeling the pain building up in her body, "Dave and I will defeat you, anyway!"
Before she could continue, she started screaming as her LP got halved (LP: 4000 → 2000). Back in the sky, the enlarged, faded image of Azrael watched and laughed at Lisa's suffering.
"Now that the contract is valid, all three of us are required to draw a card," tittered Azrael.
Once Lisa recovered enough of her strength from the attack, she drew a card. It was followed by David drawing a card, and, lastly, Azrael also drew a card.
"And now, I'll explain the second effect of 'Contract with Don Thousand'," continued Azrael, "Each time a player(s) draws a card(s), that player must reveal it, and if it is a Spell, they cannot Normal Summon for the rest of this turn."
The three duelists then revealed what they drew, showing they had the following cards:
-Lisa: 'Naturia Mole Cricket' (Effect Monster Card)
-David: 'Morphtronic Converter' (Spell Card)
-Azrael: 'Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit' (Tuner Monster Card)
"It's only Azrael's first turn, yet he halved my LP in an instant," thought Lisa, scowling with frustration, "Damn that Azrael, using a card Dave and I know nothing about."
Back atop the Incan pyramid…
"My turn is only beginning and already you both are cowering before me!" beamed Azrael, "I activate the second effect of 'Psi-Reflector'!" He held up two cards ('Assault Mode Activate' and 'Assault Sentinel')—with the latter taken from his GY, "I can reveal 1 'Assault Mode Activate' in my hand, then target 1 monster in my GY that mentions it, except 'Psi-Reflector'; I must Special Summon it, and if I do, increase its Level by up to 4!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Assault Sentinel', whose Level was immediately doubled (Level: 4 → 8/ATK: 1600/DEF: 800).
"Now, I'll activate 'Assault Sentinel's' second effect," As Azrael spoke, a card emerged from the Extra Deck Zone, "I can target 1 face-up monster I control; I must…" He took and held the card ('Hyper Psychic Blaster') up, "…reveal 1 Synchro Monster in my Extra Deck, and if I do, the targeted monster's Type and Attribute become the same as the revealed monster's," The revealed card was returned to the Extra Deck, before focus went towards 'Assault Sentinel' on the field, "until the end of this turn. By revealing 'Hyper Psychic Blaster', 'Assault Sentinel' becomes a Psychic-Type of the EARTH Attribute!"
"Is it coming?" fretted Lisa.
Sure enough…
"Level 1 'Psi-Reflector' tunes Level 8 'Assault Sentinel'!" proclaimed Azrael.
With that said, 'Psi-Reflector' turned itself into a single Synchro Ring.
"Charge the cannons of mental strength, and open fire on the weak minded!" chanted Azrael, as 'Assault Sentinel' soared into the Synchro Ring and turned into eight orbs of light before the symbols 8 + 1 = 9 were shown briefly, "Synchro Summon! Come forth, 'Hyper Psychic Blaster'!"
Appearing from the resulting beam of light and onto the field, was the huge, white android armed with two hand blasters (Level: 9/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"Hear me! I will strike down you fools and everyone else who's ever mistreated me!" thundered Azrael, raising both arms in the air. Finally, he placed three face-down cards onto separate Spell & Trap Zones, which caused three Set cards to appear on the field before fading away for later use, "I Set three cards and end my turn. Now, Lisa Drake, it's your turn! Come at me with all of your strength!"
Down below in the geoglyph, Lisa didn't respond to Azrael and instead looked at the monitor of Akatsuki and saw that the enemy field had three Set cards in addition to a Synchro Monster Card ('Hyper Psychic Blaster') being in the middle Monster Zone.
"Three face-down cards are protecting 'Hyper Psychic Blaster'," thought Lisa, as a faded image of the 'Assault Mode Activate' Trap Card, followed by the 'Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode' Effect Monster Card, was superimposed over her, "One of them is obviously 'Assault Mode Activate', which will let Azrael Tribute 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' and Special Summon 'Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode', giving it brief protection from being destroyed by anything," She smiled weakly, "Azrael, you're one tricky bastard," From there, she looked up and entered her Draw Phase, "Here I come, Azrael!"
David looked serious, while Azrael smirked with anticipation as Lisa's turn commenced.
"It's my turn!" cried Lisa, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Lisa Drake (LP: 2000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (7): "Naturia Cherries", "Naturia Pumpkin", "Synchro Monument", "Armored White Bear", "Ancient Sunshine", "Naturia Mole Cricket", and "Naturia Blessing"
Suddenly, back on top of the Incan pyramid…
"Do you remember 'Contract with Don Thousand'?" interrupted Azrael.
Back below…
"Huh?" flinched Lisa.
"What about it?" came from David.
As Lisa drove Akatsuki, the enlarged, faded image of Azrael watched from above the top of the Incan pyramid in the sky.
"Due to the second effect of my Continuous Spell, you have to reveal the card," Azrael pointed out, "Should the card be a Spell, then you can't Normal Summon for the rest of this turn!"
"Tch! You don't need to remind me," scoffed Lisa, before looking at her card and gasping, "Oh no!"
The enlarged, faded image of Azrael in the sky smiled big, wondering if Lisa drew something that hurt her. Sure enough, on the ground level, Lisa, after looking at her card for a few seconds, sighed and held it ('Naturia Blessing') up. On top of the pyramid, Azrael started cackling with delight.
"You drew 'Naturia Blessing', a Spell Card!" taunted Azrael, "What a pity! It's almost as though fate has chosen you to suffer; you can't Normal Summon this turn!"
Back below…
"Dammit!" grunted Lisa, adding the card into her hand before noticing something about it, "Hold on a moment…" Her hand contained 'Naturia Cherries', 'Naturia Pumpkin', 'Synchro Monument', 'Armored White Bear', 'Ancient Sunshine', 'Naturia Mole Cricket', and 'Naturia Blessing', and it gave her a sense of comfort, "Maybe it won't be so bad after all…"
"Lisa-chan…" whispered David, watching Akatsuki up ahead.
"Since I had to reveal it, I'll take the opportunity to use it," commented Lisa, before holding her drawn card ('Naturia Blessing'), "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Naturia Blessing'! I must activate 1 of these effects!"
These were the effects written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"I must Special Summon 1 'Naturia' monster from my hand or GY!"
-"Immediately after this effect resolves, I must Synchro Summon 1 Synchro Monster, using monsters I control as material, including a 'Naturia' monster!"
-"I must Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters I control as material, including a 'Naturia' monster!"
On top of the pyramid…
"Because you can't do a Synchro Summon nor a Fusion Summon, you'll Special Summon instead," figured Azrael.
"You figured me out," said Lisa sarcastically, before she placed a card ('Naturia Mole Cricket') onto a Monster Zone on her Duel Runner, "I Special Summon 'Naturia Mole Cricket'!"
Appearing on the field was the cartoonish-looking cricket monster (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"I activate 'Naturia Mole Cricket's' first effect!" explained Lisa, just as her 'Naturia Mole Cricket' faded away in a blue streak, "During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): I can Tribute this card; I must Special Summon 1 'Naturia' monster from my Deck," Focus then went towards 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' (ATK: 3000), "or I can Special Summon 2 'Naturia' monsters if my opponent controls a monster with the highest ATK on the field (even if it's tied)!" She held up two cards ('Naturia Empty Husk'(!) and 'Naturia Rosewhip') taken from her Deck and, after a few seconds, placed them onto her Duel Runner, "Thanks to 'Psychic Hyper Blaster' having 3000 ATK, I'll Special Summon these two 'Naturia' monsters from my Deck. Come forth, 'Empty Husk', and 'Rosewhip'!"
Appearing on the field were two 'Naturia' monsters. The first one was an empty, ghostly shell of a coconut with cartoonish eyes (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 800), and the second was the green rose-like monster (Level: 3/ATK: 400/DEF: 1700). The enlarged, faded image of Azrael watched from the sky, amused that Lisa would attempt a Synchro Summon that easily.
"An Illusion monster," mused Azrael, referring to 'Naturia Empty Husk' before entering his thoughts, "That fool, Lisa… I can stop her from Synchro Summoning anytime I choose. I can't wait to make her squirm when she attempts that Synchro Summon…"
Suddenly…
"I know what you're thinking," smirked Lisa.
"What?" frowned Azrael.
"You believe you have a way to stop me from Synchro Summoning," observed Lisa, holding up a card ('Synchro Monument'), "Well, this card of mine disagrees with you."
On top of the pyramid, Azrael gasped, recognizing the card Lisa was armed with. Back below, Lisa took the silence as knowing what it was.
"I can see your silence is very reassuring," teased Lisa, "Thanks to the rule about 'High Speed World' being forbidden in this duel, I can use all the Field Spells I want," She slotted the card ('Synchro Monument') into her Duel Runner, "I activate the Field Spell, 'Synchro Monument'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Akatsuki, much to the irritation of the enlarged, faded image of Azrael in the sky.
"Synchro Summons cannot be negated," revealed Lisa, going over her card's first effect, "And for its second effect… Neither player can activate any Spell/Trap Cards when a monster is Synchro Summoned," She pointed upward, "Whatever you were thinking of doing to stop my Synchro Summon, it won't work now!"
"Great move, Lisa-chan!" praised David.
"My Level 3 'Naturia Rosewhip'…" The voice of Lisa announced, as focus went towards 'Naturia Rosewhip' as something appeared to happen to it, "…tunes Level 4 'Naturia Empty Husk'!"
'Naturia Rosewhip' turned itself into three Synchro Rings, which 'Naturia Empty Husk' soared into before turning into four orbs of light as a Synchro Chant was heard throughout.
"The holy light of protection, shine now and become eternal life!" chanted Lisa, as the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly before the four orbs of light within the trio of Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! A regal birth, 'Ancient Fairy Dragon'!"
Appearing from the beam of light and flying through the sky, was the blue serpent-like dragon with the aqua-colored mane and fairy-like wings and armor on the torso (Level: 7/ATK: 2100/DEF: 3000). Lisa proudly looked up at her ace monster, knowing she can rely on it to help defeat the Dark Signer. All of a sudden…
"Lisa…" The voice of 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' echoed.
"Huh?" gasped Lisa.
To her surprise, 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' was speaking directly to her.
"My power is your power," reassured 'Ancient Fairy Dragon', "Together, we will win this difficult battle."
Lisa nodded in agreement, before making another move.
"The third effect of 'Naturia Empty Husk'!" continued Lisa, as the spirit of 'Naturia Empty Husk' briefly reappeared on the field before merging with 'Ancient Fairy Dragon', "A Synchro Monster that used only this card and a 'Naturia' monster(s) as material cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects!"
'Ancient Fairy Dragon' let out a roar as it gained the power to prevent its destruction overall. Atop the Incan pyramid, Azrael snorted with annoyance.
"What good will that do you?" remarked Azrael, causing Lisa to grow angry, "Even though I can't destroy her, 'Ancient Fairy' is still the weakest of all the Signer Dragons!"
"Don't you dare spout that crap about 'Ancient Fairy' being weak!" spat Lisa, as focus went towards 'Ancient Fairy Dragon' in the sky, "Her ATK might be low at 2100, but her main power will always change things around in the blink of an eye!" Focus then went towards the face-up 'Synchro Monument' Spell Card as it shattered into shards of glass after a few seconds and caused yellow dust to rain from the sky as David watched, "I activate 'Ancient Fairy Dragon's' second effect! During my Main Phase: I can destroy as many cards in the Field Zones as possible (min. 1), and if I do, gain 1000 LP, then I can add 1 Field Spell with a different name than the destroyed card(s), from my Deck to my hand!"
Due to the effect of Plain Back, Lisa closed her eyes and let the sparkling dust fall upon her body as her LP recovered (LP: 2000 → 3000).
"That should shave off some of the unfair damage you inflicted on me with 'Contract with Don Thousand'," assumed Lisa, just as a card emerged from the middle of her Deck, "Now, I'll add a Field Spell with…" She took the card ('Naturia Forest') and placed it into her hand, then took another card ('Armored White Bear'), "…a different name from my Deck into my hand. And I'll activate…" While speaking, the pink-haired girl held up the card and readied it before placing it onto her Duel Runner, "…'Ancient Fairy's' first effect! During my Main Phase: I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from my hand. I cannot conduct my Battle Phase the turn I activate this effect. I Special Summon 'Armored White Bear' in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a large white bear wearing armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1400). To the surprise of both David and Azrael, they noticed that Lisa's monster was a non-'Naturia' monster.
"Next, I'll activate 'Armored White Bear's' first effect!" proclaimed Lisa, as she reached into her GY and pulled out a card ('Synchro Monument') before placing it into her hand and taking out another card to play, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned while a Synchro Monster is on the field: I can target 1 Field Spell in my GY; I must add it to my hand! With that, I'll activate another Field Spell!" The 'Naturia Forest' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of Akatsuki, "'Naturia Forest'!"
The whole area of darkness turned into a peaceful-looking forest—although the tall Incan pyramid remained in the center of it.
"If I negate the activation of a card your opponent controls: I can add 1 Level 3 or lower 'Naturia' monster from my Deck to my hand," stated Lisa, going over her card's only effect before gazing down at her Deck and entering her thoughts, "Before we left Orb to begin the hunt for the Dark Signers, I made some major changes to my Deck in order to include several Spirit-based cards. I don't know why, but I feel they will help Dave and I win," She then took a card, readied it, then slotted it into her Duel Runner, "I Set one card and end my turn!"
A face-down card appeared on the field in-front of Akatsuki before fading away for later use. The enlarged, faded image of Azrael watched and scowled from the sky before looking down at one of his enemies.
"With Lisa's turn done, it's your…" boomed Azrael, as David listened carefully, "…turn now, David. Don't hold back."
"R-Right!" agreed David nervously, "It's my turn!" He reached for his Deck to draw a card, "Dra-!"
Before a card was drawn, familiar laughter was heard—the laughter of the deceased Vincent Stevens. The voice full of contempt caused David to freeze up.
"T-That… that voice…" uttered David.
Back on top of the Incan pyramid, Azrael was very aware of why David had frozen up, but was simply playing along just to ruthlessly tease the teenage boy and his terror.
"What's the hold up?" demanded Azrael, "Hurry up and draw!" Back below, as he (Azrael, went on, David was still looking frightened from hearing Vincent's voice, "If you don't draw in the next ten seconds, you will be declared unable to duel!"
"Dave!" called Lisa, "Just take it easy and draw your card! Don't let Azrael get to you!"
Hearing Lisa's voice seemed to sooth David's nerves enough for him to recover his focus to do exactly that.
"(僕のターン!) Boku no taan! (It's my turn!)" announced David in Japanese, drawing a card, "(ドロー!) Dorō! (Draw!)"
Turn Three: David Xadashi (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (7): "Gadget Driver", "Morphtronic Clocken", "Synchro Big Tornado", "Morphtronic Telefon", "Gadget Box", "Morphtronic Converter", and "Revolution Synchron"
From there…
"Now, David, reveal your card!" requested Azrael, as David obeyed and held the drawn card ('Revolution Synchron') up, "As per the second effect of 'Contract with Don Thousand'!"
"I drew the Tuner monster, 'Revolution Synchron'!" acknowledged David.
Back atop the Incan pyramid…
"Hmph! I guess fate is currently on your side," huffed Azrael, displeased.
Back below, David placed the drawn card into his hand and picked out a different one to use.
"I activate the Continuous Spell!" began David, slotting the card into his Duel Runner and causing the 'Gadget Box' Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field in-front of The Wild Card before three Morph Counters were placed on it as per the first effect, "'Gadget Box'! When this card is activated: I must place 3 Morph Counters on it."
"'Gadget Box'?" frowned Azrael.
"My card's second effect!" added David, as focus went towards the 'Gadget Box' Spell Card inside the occupied Spell & Trap Zone on The Wild Card, before focus on the face-up card itself on the field, "Once per turn, during my Main Phase: I can remove 1 Morph Counter from my field, and if I do, Special Summon 1 'Gadget Box Token'. While that Token is in the Monster Zone, the player who Summoned it cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, except Synchro Monsters," He then held up a card and placed it onto his Duel Runner, "I Summon 'Morphtronic Clocken' in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a large alarm clock-like Machine monster (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 1100).
"'Clocken's' Defense Position effect activates!" declared David, as a Morph Counter appeared on 'Morphtronic Clocken', "Once per turn: I can place 1 Morph Counter on this card," That was followed by a Spell Card called 'Morphtronic Converter' materializing face-up on the field in-front of The Wild Card, "Next, I'll activate 'Morphtronic Converter'! I must target 1 Machine monster I control; I must apply the following effect depending on its battle position."
These were the effects on the 'Morphtronic Converter' Spell Card that could be applied:
-"Attack Position: I must Special Summon 1 'Morphtronic' monster from my Deck with a different name than that targeted monster, then place that targeted monster on top of the Deck."
-"Defense Position: I must change that targeted monster to Attack Position, and if I do, Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Machine monster from my hand."
Before long, 'Morphtronic Clocken' suddenly transformed into a more humanoid appearance due to the second effect being applied (DEF: 1100 → ATK: 600).
"Due to the second effect being applied, I've changed 'Clocken' from Defense Position to Attack Position," noted David, before placing another card ('Morphtronic Telefon') onto his Duel Runner, "This lets me Special Summon 'Morphtronic Telefon' from my hand!"
Appearing on the field was the telephone that turned into a humanoid robot seconds later (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"And there's 'Clocken's' Attack Position effect!" recalled David, as the now humanoid 'Morphtronic Clocken' gained some power (ATK: ATK: 600 → 1100), "It gains 500 ATK for each Morph Counter on it!" Suddenly, the chest of 'Morphtronic Telefon' started flashing random numbers, "And now, the Defense Position effect of 'Telefon'! Once per turn, during my Main Phase: I can roll a six-sided die, excavate that many cards from the top of my Deck (or as many as I can), and if I do," He looked determined to get a high number, "I can send 1 excavated 'Morphtronic' card to the GY, also place the rest on either the top or bottom of the Deck in any order."
The flashing Russian Roulette soon stopped on the number…
"Three!" cried David, drawing three cards and looking them over, "I get to excavate the top three cards and send a 'Morphtronic' card to the GY before placing the rest back into my Deck either top or bottom."
The cards he excavated were 'Morphtronic Cameran' (Effect Monster Card), 'Morphtronic Impact Return' (Trap Card), and 'Gadget Gamer' (Effect Monster Card). Two of them were 'Morphtronic' cards, but he only needed to pick one to discard. David eventually sent the second card to the GY, then the remaining cards on top of his Deck. With that done, he took a card ('Gadget Driver') from his hand and held it up.
"I activate the monster effect of 'Gadget Driver'!" David went on, sending his card to the GY. That caused 'Morphtronic Clocken' (ATK: 1100 → DEF: 1100) and 'Morphtronic Telefon' (DEF: 100 → ATK: 100) to shift forms again, "(Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY, then target any number of 'Morphtronic' monsters I control; I must change the battle position of those targets!"
Back on top of the Incan pyramid, Azrael was bored over David's constant changing battle positions of his monsters, finding it to be annoying and pointless.
"You seem to be fond of changing the positions of your monsters," said Azrael shortly.
Back below…
"As I'm sure you are aware as to why," reminded David, as 'Morphtronic Clocken' gained a Morph Counter, "And now, I'll activate 'Clocken's' second effect!"
"That's right!" remembered Lisa, "With a Morph Counter on 'Clocken', you can potentially inflict a good amount of damage to the opponent."
"That's right, Lisa-chan," confirmed David, before an enlarged image of the 'Morphtronic Clocken' Effect Monster Card loomed in the background behind him, "I can Tribute this card; I must inflict 1000 damage to my opponent for each Morph Counter on it."
'Morphtronic Clocken' sparked a couple of times before exploding from its own destruction, sending out an electrical pulse into the air towards the top of the Incan pyramid. Azrael got hit by the electric pulse and grimaces as he sustained 1000 damage due to one Morph Counter being on 'Morphtronic Clocken' at the time of being Tributed (LP: 4000 → 3000). Back below, David continued to take advantage of the shifting positions of his monsters.
"I activate 'Telefon's' Attack Position effect!" exclaimed David, just as the chest of the humanoid 'Morphtronic Telefon' started lighting up one button at a time before stopping at '5', "Once per turn, during my Main Phase: I can roll a six-sided die and gain LP equal to the result x 100," He gained his LP (LP: 4000 → 4500), then held up a card ('Morphtronic Clocken') taken from his GY and placing it onto his Duel Runner, "then I can Special Summon 1 'Morphtronic' monster from my GY with a Level equal to or lower than the result."
Reappearing on the field was 'Morphtronic Clocken' (Level: 2/ATK: 600/DEF: 1100). Back on top of the Incan pyramid, Azrael was still wincing slightly from the attack (effect), but he recovered from it to smile savagely at the dueling from one of the two younger Signers.
"That attack of yours was absolutely painless," gloated Azrael, as, back below, David listened, "You're worthless if you can't duel like you mean it!"
Before David could fire off a retort, someone else did it for him. It wasn't Lisa, however… It was actually Vincent.
"He's right, robo-boy," The voice of Vincent echoed.
"V-Vincent-kun!" stammered David, growing afraid.
"You were weak then, and you're still weak now!" The voice of Vincent taunted, as David looked terrified, "You couldn't even finish me yourself!"
"Get it together, David, you're starting to lose it," David told himself, shaking his head. Once he was fine again, he made another move, "I remove a Morph Counter…" From the face-up 'Gadget Box' Spell Card on the field, one of the three Morph Counters was removed and caused something to emerge from the card itself, "…to Special Summon a 'Gadget Box Token'!"
Appearing on the field was a robot with six mechanical arms (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"Level 1 'Morphtronic Telefon' tunes…!" continued David, as his monsters went into the air, "…Level 2 'Morphtronic Clocken' and Level 1 'Gadget Box Token'!"
'Morphtronic Telefon' turned into a single Synchro Ring, which both 'Morphtronic Clocken' and 'Gadget Box Token' soared into while turning into three orbs of light (two for 'Morphtronic Clocken' and one for 'Gadget Box Token') as the symbols 2 + 1 + 1 = 4 were shown briefly.
"Synchro Summon!" shouted David, as the three orbs of light turned into a massive beam of light, "Come, 'Morphtronic Earfon'!"
Appearing on the field, as the Synchro Summon sequence ended, were two mechanical earphone monsters. One resembled a boy, and the other resembled a girl—but they were still one and the same monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1800).
"Dave made a good move by Summoning 'Earfon'," thought Lisa, growing hopeful, "This will let me do something else," She spoke up and got the attention of both David and Azrael, "I needed you to Special Summon a monster, Dave!"
When nothing was said by David not Azrael about that, she held her right hand out and resumed speaking.
"I activate the second effect of 'Naturia Mole Cricket'!" declared Lisa, as a card ('Naturia Mole Cricket') emerged from her GY, "If my opponent Special Summons a monster(s) from the Extra Deck or I Special Summon a 'Naturia' monster(s) from the Extra Deck," She took the card and held it up for a few seconds before placing it onto her Duel Runner, "while this card is in my GY (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card."
Reappearing on the field was 'Naturia Mole Cricket' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"Once again, I'll activate the first effect of my monster," As Lisa said that, her 'Naturia Mole Cricket' faded away in a blue streak, "By Tributing my monster," She drew two cards ('Naturia Camellia' and 'Naturia Ragweed') and held them up until it was time to place them sideways onto her Duel Runner, "I'll Special Summon two 'Naturia' monsters from my Deck in Defense Position since you, Azrael, control a monster with the highest ATK. Appear now, 'Naturia Camellia' and 'Naturia Ragweed'!"
Appearing on the field were two 'Naturia' monsters. The first was the familiar trio of red, pink and blue camellia flowers with cartoon eyes (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 700), and the second was a cartoonish ragweed plant (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 2000).
"In addition, I'll activate 'Naturia Camellia's' first effect," recalled Lisa, drawing a card and seeing what it ('Naturia Sacred Tree') was, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can send 1 'Naturia' card from my Deck to the GY!"
The enlarged, faded image of Azrael in the sky scowled at first, but then smiled and giggled to himself.
"That's one of your favorite cards, Lisa," he figured.
"Yeah, so what?" pressed Lisa hotly.
Atop the Incan pyramid, Azrael responded by taking a card ('Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit') from his hand and holding it out.
"Remember this?" urged Azrael, "This is what I drew from 'Contract with Don Thousand'."
David and Lisa gasped, remembering that card.
"I activate the monster effect of 'Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit'!" The voice of Azrael announced, as he sent his card ('Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit') to the GY. Back below, 'Naturia Camellia' found itself panicking as it melted into nothingness, "When a monster on the field activates its effect, or when a Spell/Trap that is already face-up on the field activates its effect (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand or field to the GY; I must destroy that card on the field!"
"My 'Naturia Camellia'!" wailed Lisa, before sending her card ('Naturia Sacred Tree') to the GY, "I send my Trap Card, 'Naturia Sacred Tree', to the GY. This activates its first effect. If this card is sent to the GY: I must…" She took a card from the middle of her Deck and placed it into her hand, "…add 1 'Naturia' card from my Deck to my hand, except 'Naturia Sacred Tree'."
"I will now explain the first effect of 'Revolution Synchron'," cut in David, holding up a card ('Revolution Synchron') taken from his hand, "If I Synchro Summon a 'Power Tool' monster or a Level 7 or 8 Dragon monster, this card in my hand can also be used as material."
"So, you can use a cheap gimmick to give yourself a Tuner," grunted Azrael.
"Watch what you call cheap," rebutted David, just as a small, 'Synchron' version of 'Power Tool Dragon' appeared on the field and took off for the skies, "My Level 3 'Revolution Synchron' tunes 4 'Morphtronic Earfon'!"
'Revolution Synchron' turned into three Synchro Rings, which 'Morphtronic Earfon' soared into before turning into four orbs of light as a Summon Chant from David was heard throughout.
"Docking strength with courage to protect the earth's peace!" chanted David, as the symbols 4 + 3 = 7 were shown briefly before the four orbs of light within the three Synchro Rings turned into a massive beam of light, "Synchro Summon! Envoy of love and justice, 'Power Tool Dragon'!"
Appearing out of the beam of light and flying through the sky, was the yellow robotic dragon (Level: 7/ATK: 2300/DEF: 2500).
"I activate 'Power Tool's' first effect!" reminded David, "Once per turn, during my Main Phase: I can add 1 random Equip Spell from my Deck to my hand!" His Deck immediately shuffled itself, "Power Search!"
Once the Deck stopped shuffling, a card emerged from the bottom. Taking it, David saw it was the 'Parasomnia Pillow' Spell Card—a card that was helpful against Vincent. Nodding, he slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Runner.
"I activate the Equip Spell, 'Parasomnia Pillow'!" proclaimed David, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of The Wild Card, "I'm bestowing this upon your 'Hyper Psychic Blaster', Azrael!"
Unfortunately, Lisa already knew what Azrael aimed to do, but David didn't seem to realize that.
"No, Dave! Don't do that!" she called out, as David looked over, "He has 'Assault Mode Activate' face-down!"
It was too late… Back atop the Incan pyramid, Azrael burst into evil cackles over what appeared to be a poor move by David.
"Face-down card, open!" thundered Azrael, as the middle Set card of his flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Assault Mode Activate'!" From there, 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' started transforming into its bigger, more powerful form, "I must Tribute 1 Synchro Monster; I must Special Summon 1 '/Assault Mode' monster, whose name includes the Tributed monster's name, from my Deck in Attack Position!" Madness was seen in his eyes as the lightshow slowly ended, "Appear now, 'Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode'!"
Appearing on the field was the bigger, more armored version of 'Hyper Psychic Blaster' (Level: 11/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3000).
"During the turn it is Special Summoned, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and is unaffected by my opponent's card effects!" assured Azrael, finished going over his Trap Card's overall effect, "It also means…" Down below, David watched as the face-up 'Parasomnia Pillow' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass, "…your 'Parasomnia Pillow' loses its original target and is destroyed!"
Surprisingly, David didn't seem bothered that his card was destroyed; if anything, he seemed to smile over it.
"As I planned," commented David, which Azrael didn't bother responding to, "I knew full well that my Equip Spell would be countered," A card ('Morphtronic Earfon') then emerged from his GY, "I activate 'Earfon's' third effect!" He took the card and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone, "I can target 1 Synchro Monster on the field; I must…" Appearing on the head of 'Power Tool Dragon' were two smaller versions of 'Morphtronic Earfon', serving as an Equip Card, "…equip this card from my field or GY to it."
In the sky…
"You planned for me to activate 'Assault Mode Activate'? Ridiculous!" protested Azrael, "You couldn't begin to imagine the intricacies of my tactics."
Back below…
"I Set one card and end my turn!" finished David, just as a face-down card materialized on the field in-front of The Wild Card before fading away for later use. He retreated into his thoughts while looking up into the sky at the top of the Incan pyramid, "No one was allowed to attack on the first turn. Now that attacks are allowed, Azrael is going to assault us with who knows what kinds of horrors."
As The Wild Card and Akatsuki roared down the track and turned several corners, the enlarged, faded image of Azrael watched them before, still perched at the top of the pyramid, speaking up.
"The two of you will now feel the full brunt of my Psychic Deck, just as Misty, Discord, and your two friends felt!" boasted Azrael, drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Four: Muruta Azrael (LP: 3000)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (3): "Psychic Tracker", "Psychic Charity", and "Emergency Teleport"
Almost immediately, Azrael held out his drawn card ('Emergency Teleport').
"Due to the second effect of 'Contract with Don Thousand', I'll reveal my drawn card, a Spell Card!" raged Azrael, "This means I can't Normal Summon this turn!" From there, he slapped the drawn card ('Emergency Teleport') onto a Spell & Trap Zone, causing the whole platform to light up, "The Quick-Play Spell, 'Emergency Teleport'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, as, down below, David and Lisa listened to him, "I must Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower Psychic monster from my hand or Deck, but banish it during the End Phase of this turn."
"Knowing him, he's gonna use it for a Synchro Summon or somethin'," pouted Lisa.
"Indeed so," agreed David.
Back atop the Incan pyramid…
"From my Deck," revealed Azrael, as he placed a card ('Psychic Wheeleder') taken from his Deck onto a Monster Zone, "I'll Special Summon 'Psychic Wheeleder'!"
Appearing on the field was the mechanical wheel with a robot riding it (Level: 3/ATK: 600/DEF: 0).
"There's more!" yelled Azrael, as, with the swing of the right arm to the side, a Monster Card called 'Psychic Tracker' appeared face-up on the field. As he explained the effect, appearing on the field was the mechanical monster that appeared to wield a yoyo for a weapon (Level: 3/ATK: 1600/DEF: 600), "If I control a Level 3 monster other than 'Psychic Tracker', I can Special Summon this card (from my hand) in Defense Position," That was quickly followed by a Spell Card called 'Psychic Charity' materializing face-up on the field, "Next, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Psychic Charity'!"
Down below…
"'Psychic Charity'?" wondered David.
"What, is it like 'Graceful Charity'?" deadpanned Lisa.
"Not quite," denied Azrael, "If I control a face-up Psychic monster: I must…" On top of the pyramid, he placed a card ('Contract with Don Thousand') in his GY, "…send 1 face-up Spell/Trap I control to the GY; I must…" The ruthless blonde-haired man drew two cards, "…draw 2 cards."
Down below, David and Lisa watched as the face-up 'Contract with Don Thousand' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass.
"He got rid of 'Contract with Don Thousand'," realized David, "It was the only face-up Spell/Trap he controlled."
"Who cares about that?" reminded Lisa, "With it gone, we don't need to reveal our cards during the Draw Phase and risk the ability to Normal Summon."
"Oh, you're correct about that," The voice of Azrael agreed, causing Lisa to scowl. Back on top of the pyramid, he was looking very pleased, "It has served its purpose. Now that I have what I need, I will completely crush the both of you."
"You'll have to take a back seat for a moment," interrupted Lisa.
"What?" fumed Azrael.
Back below, Lisa seemed to be smiling now; that was because Azrael had done something that would further help her.
"I don't know what it is you're planning to do, but it's my turn to draw cards," continued Lisa, "I activate 'Naturia Ragweed's' special ability!" As she spoke, 'Naturia Ragweed' faded away in a blue streak, "When my opponent draws a card(s) (except during the Draw Phase or Damage Step): I can send this card from the field to the GY; I must…" Two cards were then drawn, "…draw 2 cards."
"Pointless!" dismissed Azrael, just as 'Psychic Wheeleder' transformed itself into three Synchro Rings, "Level 3 "Psychic Wheeleder' tunes Level 3 'Psychic Tracker'!"
'Psychic Tracker' soared into the three Synchro Rings, turning into three orbs of light as the symbols 3 + 3 = 6 were shown for a moment before erupting into a beam of light.
"Synchro Summon!" declared Azrael, "Show yourself, 'Psychic Nightmare'!"
Appearing on the field was (monster description) (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).
"Hold it right there!" Lisa pointed out, "By Special Summoning your monster, I'll activate my 'Naturia Mole Cricket's' second effect again!" Reappearing on the field was 'Naturia Mole Cricket' (Level: 1/ATK; 0/DEF: 0), "Resurrect, 'Naturia Mole Cricket'!"
Back atop the Incan pyramid…
"Think again," countered Azrael, before pointing towards one of his Set cards using his left hand, "I activate the Counter Trap, 'Mind Over Matter'!" The face-down card on the left flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When a monster would be Normal or Special Summoned, OR a Spell/Trap Card is activated: I must Tribute 1 Psychic monster; I must negate the Summon or activation, and if I do, destroy that card," Focus went towards 'Psychic Nightmare' as it faded away in a blue streak, "I Tribute my 'Psychic Nightmare'!" A nightmarish look appeared on his face, "Vanish, 'Naturia Mole Cricket'!"
Down below, poor 'Naturia Mole Cricket' squeaked in pain as it got electrocuted before shattering into shards of glass.
"Azrael Summoned 'Psychic Nightmare' as a decoy to lure Lisa-chan into bringing 'Naturia Mole Cricket' back," thought David, as some faded stills of Lisa and Azrael making their moves were superimposed over him, "That way, he'd activate 'Mind Over Matter' to negate the Summon and send 'Naturia Mole Cricket' back to the GY."
It was then the sound of Azrael's quiet, sadistic laughter was heard, causing David to look up into the sky along with Lisa. There, they saw the enlarged, faded image of Azrael laughing at them.
"It seems you two still don't realize that I can 'counter' just about everything and anything you try throwing at me," gloated Azrael, "Can't you understand you can never beat me?"
"Dream on! You're just trying to fool yourself into believing that," retorted Lisa, as David listened to her words, "In case you need to hear these words, Dave and I are definitely strong enough to evenly fight, because we are both equals in terms of skill and strength!" She lifted her right hand up and swung it about, "Together, or individually, we can defeat you!"
"Lisa-chan…" murmured David.
Back atop the pyramid, Azrael closed his eyes and snorted over hearing such a foolish belief.
"Equals? You believe such a pathetic concept actually exists?" questioned Azrael.
Back below in the geoglyph, David and Lisa were confused by such a question and really didn't know how to answer it. The silence from his enemies allowed for Azrael, opening his eyes and standing tall on top of the Incan pyramid, the chance to go on tangent.
"Equality is a lie," began Azrael, "A myth to appease the masses. Simply look around and you will see the lie for what it is! There are those with power, those with the strength and will to lead. And there are those meant to follow—those incapable of anything but servitude and a meager, worthless existence. Equality is a perversion of the natural order!" He continued to rage, his voice rising as he shared the fundamental truth that lay at the core of his beliefs while, down below, Lisa and David listened to them all, "It binds the strong to the weak. They become anchors that drag the exceptional down to mediocrity. Individuals destined and deserving of greatness have it denied them. They suffer for the sake of keeping them even with their inferiors!" The ruthless blonde-haired man smiled maniacally as he held his arms out, "Equality is a chain. Like obedience. Like fear, or uncertainty, or self doubt. 'I' will break these chains!"
Back below…
"With such fundamental beliefs as those, it's hardly a shock that the Biological CPU devolved into nothing more than savage mongrels," said David coldly, "Something you and your barbaric people were solely responsible for!"
Despite David's words cutting deep, Azrael didn't mind it at all, and only continued to smile.
"Call them whatever you like!" laughed Azrael, no longer having any sort of care for Orga, Clotho, nor Shani, "Those three damn abominations are gone because they were weak, useless, and unworthy of ever living in the first place!"
While David and Azrael kept going back and forth, the latter's monologue didn't sit well with Lisa, as she glared up at the man above.
"'Equality is a lie'… Get serious, you sick bastard," she muttered.
But as hard as Lisa tried to dismiss everything Azrael had said, even she seemed badly affected by the words. Would this ensure her and David's loss to Muruta Azrael, one of the final Dark Signers? Stay tuned to find that answer out.
And so, David and Lisa begin their long awaited battle against Azrael, easily the most destructive and evilest of the Dark Signers. Keep staying around for much more dueling action.