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: Back to Your Roots
Opening up somewhere in the old, abandoned theme park in the city of Syracuse, Misty was seen waiting for Carlie's arrival. Once the Signer arrived at the destination, the battle between them would officially begin. It was a fight the very quiet Misty was looking forward to. She slowly opened her eyes upon sensing something.
"So, at last, you arrive," murmured Misty, "Carlie Izayoi."
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, at the entrance to the park, Carlie, riding Bloody Kiss, pulled up, shut off the engine, removed her helmet, and looked around the place with anticipation.
"Misty… She's here somewhere," she told herself, before looking a little disappointed, "Still, I can't help but find it sad that this place never got restored into a proper tourist attraction."
Carlie then walked deeper into the theme park, keeping an eye out for the control tower—since that was where Misty would be waiting. After walking for about two minutes…
"Carlie… Carlie Izayoi…" The voice of Misty Tredwell echoed.
"What?" gasped Carlie, stopping, "Was that…Misty?"
"You have finally arrived," The voice of Misty greeted, "I'm pleased you could show up for our battle."
"Misty, where are you?" asked Carlie calmly.
"Continue in the direction you are walking in," The voice of Misty advised, with Carlie looking at a building up ahead, "The old hall of mirrors. Please don't be late."
"You won't need to wait long," noted Carlie, "Once I reach you, I will find some way to save you from the darkness."
"Darkness? What darkness?" The voice of Misty teased, causing Carlie to frown slightly, "There is no darkness within me. I was brought back to life to get revenge for Toby's death—I'm actually thankful for Azrael giving me this power," When nothing was said back by the Signer, she continued, "Now, I anticipate your arrival, Ms. Carlie."
With it now quiet in the area, Carlie made her way to the hall of mirrors, a large building with twin doors. Opening them, she walked inside.
(inside…)
Now within the hall of mirrors, Carlie looked around carefully for Misty before seemingly finding someone rushing the corner up ahead.
"Wait!" called Carlie, before running ahead to give chase. It was in time for the doors to slam shut on their own, "No!"
"You're trapped, 'Black Rose Witch'," The voice of Misty mocked, as Carlie ran towards the doors and banged on them, "You can't get out ever again."
"Misty!" exclaimed Carlie, before calming herself down, "I guess I have to continue on. There's no more turning back."
The brown-haired young woman turned and walked deeper into the maze, hearing the giggling voice of Misty throughout. There were even reflections of the model/actress-turned-Dark Signer in some of the mirrors, which slightly disturbed Carlie before she came upon one mirror in particular. That reflection of Misty actually looked dead serious, meaning it was the correct one.
"Now I can finally finish my business with you," smirked Misty, "Today is the day where I take revenge…for my brother. It's time to duel!"
"But how can we duel like this?" pressed Carlie, "I don't even know where you are."
"This setting will, in fact, work," Misty reassured, activating her Duel Disk, "Now, let's go, Ms. Carlie!"
Without any choice and deciding to trust Misty about the place being workable for a duel, Carlie activated her own Duel Disk. A few seconds later…
"Duel!" Carlie and Misty announced at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
(elsewhere…)
Back at the theme park entrance, the familiar police car pulled up. Once it stopped, Paul and Maria exited it to find Bloody Kiss, Carlie's personal Duel Runner, parked nearby.
"Bloody Kiss…" realized Maria.
"Means Carlie must be somewhere in here," figured Paul, "Stay alert for any tricks and traps the Dark Signer might have left behind."
Maria nodded, and she and her boss began their search for Carlie and Misty.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the hall of mirrors, the reflection of Misty was the first to make a move.
"For this duel, I will show you everything about my life," explained Misty, as a second reflection of her appeared in another mirror, "And I'll tell you exactly what you did to my brother in grueling detail," A third reflection of her appeared in a mirror, "You cannot escape the truth. And besides, if you want to find the real me…" The two reflections vanished, leaving the main one behind, "…you'll need to navigate this maze further."
"Misty…" whispered Carlie.
"This duel will be enjoyable," chuckled Misty, before drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn One: Misty Tredwell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Reptilianne Anaconda"(!), "Sad Story - Atrocious Day", "Reptilianne Servant", "Mirror Labyrinth", "Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings", and "Sad Story - Unwavering Truth"
Her drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Sad Story - Unwavering Truth', which she placed into her hand.
"This card will be a good start," noted Misty, taking a new card from her hand and positioning it near her Field Zone, "From my hand, I'll activate the Field Spell, 'Mirror Labyrinth'!"
The Field Zone opened up, and the card ('Mirror Labyrinth') itself was placed there before the zone closed back up. The hall of mirrors then crystalized as Carlie watched with anticipation.
"Allow me to display your crimes," offered Misty, before going over what her card did, "While I control no face-up Level 5 or higher monsters, and the only monster I control is a face-up Level 4 or lower monster, that monster can attack twice during each Battle Phase," She then took another card from her hand, "From my hand, I'll activate the first effect of 'Reptilianne Anaconda'!" The card ('Reptilianne Anaconda') was sent to the GY, "If a face-up Field Spell is in my Field Zone: I can send this card from my hand to the GY, then take 1 Continuous Spell from my Deck; I must…" Another card, this time from her Deck, was taken and slotted into a Spell & Trap Zone on her Duel Disk, "…place it face-up in my Spell & Trap Zone."
The mentioned card materialized face-up on the field and the whole area to shine with color. When the shining stopped, Carlie and the reflection of Misty found themselves in the latter's home from years ago, soon after the death of her parents.
"What is this?" cried Carlie.
"Big Sister!" The voice of Past Toby called out, causing Carlie to look around.
Past Misty was busy dusting a shelf when she overheard her younger brother calling out to her. From there, a young boy with messy brown hair was seen running into the living room.
"Toby!" greeted Past Misty, before Past Toby held something out towards her, "Oh? What is this?"
"Isn't it obvious? It's your Birthday present," smiled Past Toby.
"Oh my! Thank you, Toby," responded Past Misty, taking the small box and opening it.
Inside was a locket, and inside that was a picture of a mountain.
"See? See?" The voice of Past Toby urged.
"Oh, it's lovely!" gushed Past Misty, before hugging her beloved younger brother, "Thank you, Toby! I'll put a picture of us inside and treasure it forever!" She then let go, "And besides, I have a surprise for your 10th Birthday next week—we're going all the way to San Francisco to watch the latest Duel Monsters tournament being held there!"
"R-Really?!" exclaimed Past Toby, overjoyed by the news, "Big Sister, you're the greatest! And if I'm really lucky, I'll get to meet my favorite duelists there like Carlie Izayoi! She's the best!"
Carlie gasped a little bit. The whole area colorized again and returned to being the hall of mirrors.
"This card is called 'Sad Story - Sorrowful Memories'. During each player's Draw Phase, the turn player must reveal all cards they draw, and shuffle any revealed Spell Cards into the Deck," explained Misty.
"Toby…idolized me?" thought Carlie, more focused on what she saw.
"This will slightly restrict our hands. And now, I'll Summon a monster," As that was said, Misty took a different card ('Reptilianne Servant') from her hand and placed it onto her Duel Disk, "'Reptilianne Servant' in Attack Position!"
Appearing from one of the mirrors and onto the field was a brown-scaled cobra with two arms (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"'Reptilianne Servant's' third effect… Neither player can Normal Summon a monster while this card is face-up on the field," said Misty confidently.
"This will almost certainly seal up what I can do for my turn," thought Carlie, dismayed, before looking down at her hand, "But even with 'Sad Story - Sorrowful Memories' active, it doesn't truly affect the cards in our hands."
"Wonderful, isn't it?" teased Misty, as she entered her End Phase, "I end my turn. Now, Ms. Carlie, fight me with the power of the Signer."
"It's my turn!" announced Carlie, drawing a card.
Turn Two: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Ruddy Rose Witch", "Basal Rose Shoot", "Rose Blizzard", "Dark Verger", "Fragrance Storm", and "Rose Princess"
Her drawn card was revealed to be the 'Rose Princess' Effect Monster Card, but Carlie knew immediately it was not a good thing.
"A Monster Card-!" fretted Carlie.
"How unfortunate," laughed Misty, "That means your card is shuffled into your Deck because of 'Sad Story - Sorrowful Memories'."
Scowling, Carlie returned her drawn card to the top of her Deck, causing it to automatically shuffle. Still with at least a few options, Carlie took a card from her hand.
"I Set one card…" sighed Carlie, slotting the card into her Duel Disk, "…and finish my turn."
A face-down card ('Basal Rose Shoot') appeared on the field near her feet. The reflection of Misty giggled some more before turning away.
"Now, come… Follow me deeper into the maze," requested Misty.
When she walked away, every card on the field faded away. Carlie then followed the reflection of Misty into another part of the hall of mirrors.
(elsewhere…)
Back at the entrance of the theme park, Matt and the rest of the group arrived as the Crimson Dragon in the sky faded away.
"We're here…" murmured Matt, before spotting Bloody Kiss nearby and walking up to it, "Carlie and Misty are here somewhere."
"If we find the control tower, we'll certainly find Carlie and Misty dueling," noted Michael.
"Then let's move it!" pressed James R. firmly.
The group took off to find Carlie and Misty—scratch that, only Matt, Michael, James R., Zack, Ashima, Mr. Kisaka, and Ms, Simmons started to search for them. David was about to head off when he realized Lisa wasn't moving.
"Lisa-chan?" he questioned, "Are you not joining the search?"
Lisa shook her head gravely; her arms hugging her torso, and her eyes looking down at the ground. David could tell something was up, and he calmly approached her.
"What's on your mind?" asked David, resting a hand on Lisa's shoulder assuredly.
"A lot…" replied Lisa weakly, turning to face David again, "Dave… c-could we…go somewhere to talk, alone?"
David raised an eyebrow at the request, but Lisa responded by taking his hand in her own.
"Please?" Lisa pleaded with clear desperation, her voice slightly cracking, "I… I just…need to…"
David raised his free hand to calmly interrupt her.
"Of course," answered David softly, "The woods are plenty secluded. We can be alone there."
Lisa smiled back, still holding David's hand. With that, both teenagers disappeared into the nearby forest.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the hall of mirrors, Carlie followed the sound of Misty's cold giggling before finding the Dark Signer's reflection waiting. Once Carlie was in place, the cards returned to the field as the duel resumed.
"It's my turn!" began Misty, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Misty Tredwell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (4): "Sad Story - Atrocious Day", "Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings", "Sad Story - Unwavering Truth", and "Reptilianne Scale Shot"(!)
Another evil giggle escaped from Misty's lips.
"Now, I insist you pick up where you left off," suggested Misty, before holding up another card ('Sad Story - Unwavering Truth') taken from her hand, "The Continuous Spell, 'Sad Story - Unwavering Truth'!"
As soon as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, the whole area colorized before turning into the famous Duel Stadium of San Francisco.
"This is San Francisco!" remembered Carlie.
In the stands, various people from all over the United States, including Past Misty and Past Toby, cheered from watching the duels going on. The two siblings were having a great time. The area again colorized and shifted to inside the hallways of the stadium a few hours later, where Past Toby was going to get a snack during the intermission. He then spotted someone walking past him… and that someone was a then 13-year old Past Carlie.
"M-Ms. Carlie!" called Past Toby.
Past Carlie stopped moving and turned around, finding a pre-teen boy running up to greet her.
"Ms. Carlie, my name is Toby Tredwell, and I'm so happy to finally meet you!" admitted Past Toby, "Listen, I know there are many people who are afraid of you, but I'm not! You see, I'm a big fan of yours! I want to be a great duelist like you!"
"You? A fan of mine? Don't make me laugh," scoffed Past Carlie sharply, making Past Toby gasp. She didn't seem to let up with her cold, cutting words, "Don't waste my time, kid. Just go back to your seat, alright?"
She then turned and walked off again, leaving a very upset Past Toby behind. The real Carlie watched from a distance and remembered how she had become cold and distant towards everyone except for her friends and Discord soon after moving to San Francisco from the orphanage, feeling horrible for brushing the young boy off like that. In fact, she didn't even pay any attention to the area colorizing and returning to being the hall of mirrors.
"That was the first time you hurt Toby, a fan of yours," scolded Misty playfully, before returning to the duel at hand—including revealing what her 'Sad Story - Unwavering Truth' Spell Card did, "During each player's Draw Phase, the turn player must reveal all cards they draw, and shuffle any revealed Spell Cards into the Deck."
"Both players now have great restrictions on what cards they draw and play," worried Carlie, looking down at her hand again. Determined, she looked back up, "But I won't quit. I'll continue playing until the bitter end."
"Hmhmhm… That's the spirit," encouraged Misty falsely, before entering her Battle Phase, "Here I go! 'Reptilianne Servant', attack the enemy player directly!"
'Reptilianne Servant' obeyed, hissing and lunging at Carlie before biting her on her chest, making her gasp in pain while losing some LP (LP: 4000 → 3900).
"My Battle Phase is not over yet," reminded Misty, "Remember 'Mirror Labyrinth's' effect?"
"You're right! As you control a Level 4 or lower monster and no Level 5 or higher monsters, you can attack twice during the Battle Phase!" remembered Carlie.
"Exactly. My monster is Level 1, and therefore can attack again," confirmed Misty, just as 'Reptilianne Servant' moved in once more, "Go forth, 'Reptilianne Servant'! Direct attack!"
'Reptilianne Servant' bit into Carlie again, causing the loss of more of her own LP (LP: 3900 → 3800).
(elsewhere…)
In another part of the theme park, Paul and Maria were still searching for Carlie and Misty when they overheard a voice calling out to them.
"Officer Truman! Officer Strienhart!" The voice of James R. echoed.
Both police officers turned around, finding James R. and Ashima both running up to them.
"James! Ashima!" realized Maria.
"Are we glad to see you both," acknowledged Paul, "We can use your help in locating Carlie and Ms. Misty," He then revealed something, "If we can talk to Ms. Misty, maybe we can get her to stop what she's doing and prevent anymore bloodshed from happening."
"That's a sound idea, but it won't work," James R. pointed out, as Paul and Maria listened to him, "As a Dark Signer, Misty won't ever stop until she completes her mission—which is defeating the Signers, destroying the world, and avenging her younger brother."
"Damn…" groaned Paul.
"Oh, Carlie…" whispered Ashima, before looking into the sky, "Where are you?"
(elsewhere…)
Back inside the hall of mirrors, Carlie was still recovering from two painful direct attacks while Misty was positively beaming over the pain inflicted on her opponent.
"You won't take me down without a fight," warned Misty, before slotting a card into her Duel Disk and causing a face-down card to appear on the field, "I Set one card and end my turn."
Upon recovering enough, Carlie looked at her hand—which contained 'Ruddy Rose Witch', 'Rose Blizzard', 'Dark Verger', and 'Fragrance Storm'.
"Drawing monsters and Spells will just get them returned to my Deck, and 'Reptilianne Servant' prevents any Normal Summons," thought Carlie, "But if I can just draw the right card, I can get myself out of this mess," She drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Four: Carlie Izayoi (LP: 3800)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (5): "Ruddy Rose Witch", "Rose Blizzard", "Dark Verger", "Fragrance Storm", and "Blooming of the Darkest Rose"
Luckily for her, it was not a Monster Card nor a Spell Card, but a Trap Card ('Blooming of the Darkest Rose'). In cases of emergency, it could help her.
"I Set one card and finish my turn!" concluded Carlie, slotting her drawn card into her Duel Disk.
A face-down card appeared on the field beside the first card.
"What luck. You pulled a Trap Card, I see," praised Misty, before looking away, "Now, come."
Every card on the field disappeared again, as Misty's reflection in the mirrors walked away. Frowning some more, Carlie willingly followed, hoping to find the real Misty soon. Carlie eventually reached the reflection of Misty in another part of the maze, causing the cards to reappear again.
"It's my turn!" declared Misty, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Misty Tredwell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (3): "Sad Story - Atrocious Day", "Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings", and "Breakthrough Skill"
After adding the drawn card into her hand…
"For this turn, I aim to show what I believe happened to Toby on the day I heard he died," revealed Misty, taking a card ('Sad Story - Atrocious Day') from her hand, "The Continuous Spell, 'Sad Story - Atrocious Day'!"
The whole area colorized again, this time into an area in the city of Albany, where Past Toby was because he recently enrolled in the Blue Cosmos school. There was an exhibition duel going on in the middle of the city, and one such duelist involved was none other than Past Carlie. Carlie watched and became ashamed of herself.
"I remember this day," thought Carlie, "It's a duel where I lost control of my emotions and caused a lot of destruction, but at the same time there were no actual casualties."
"This was a day you were running amok in Albany!" The voice of Misty recalled, as Past Carlie, filled with anger and vengeance, Synchro Summoned 'Black Rose Dragon', "You were fulfilling your desire for destruction because of people insulting you!"
As soon as it finished appearing, 'Black Rose Dragon' slammed its thorn vines into the ground and nearby buildings before unleashing a very destructive Black Rose Gale, causing people to flee. Past Toby watched the scene in shock and fear, but he didn't lose any of the respect he had for Past Carlie.
"Despite being terrified, Toby still respected you a lot," The voice of Misty went on, just as Past Toby looked up and found massive pieces of debris from a nearby building falling towards him, "But in the end, that respect…" The brown-haired young boy got crushed by the chunks of building, "…ended up killing him."
The whole area colorized again, causing it to return to being the hall of mirrors.
"There…were no casualties on that day," peeped Carlie.
"During each player's Draw Phase, the turn player must reveal all cards they draw, and shuffle any revealed Trap Cards into the Deck," stated Misty, revealing what the 'Sad Story - Atrocious Day' Spell Card did, "Monsters, Spells, and Traps are all locked down."
"She's going to attack me again," thought Carlie, "In that case!" She then made a move, "Trap Card, 'Blooming of the Darkest Rose', activate!" Her first face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, "I must Special Summon 'Rose Tokens' in Defense Position to either field, up to the combined number of cards in the Field Zones and Field Spells in the GYs."
Appearing on the field was a large red rose (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 800). The sight caused Misty to growl in frustration.
"This activates the first effect of 'Reptilianne Servant'," commented Misty, as focus went towards 'Reptilianne Servant' as it shattered into shards of glass seconds later, "I must destroy this card if there are face-up monsters on the field other than this card," She was seen smiling again, while holding up another card ('Reptilianne Anaconda') taken from her GY, "But this also activates the third effect of 'Reptilianne Anaconda'. If a 'Reptilianne' monster(s) I control is destroyed by card effect, while this card is in my GY (Quick Effect): I can Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field."
Appearing on the field was a large green-scaled anaconda snake with two arms (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 1800).
"And now, I'll activate the second effect of my monster," rambled Misty, holding up another card taken from her Deck and placing it into her hand, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can add 1 'Reptilianne' monster with 0 ATK, except 'Reptilianne Anaconda', from my Deck to my hand. You will have a nice, long taste of Toby's pain, Ms. Carlie… The same pain that killed him!"
The various reflections of Misty in the mirrors started to laugh at poor Carlie, all while the lone Psychic duelist listened and started to lose control of herself before she finally did.
"But I didn't… I NEVER KILLED TOBY!" Carlie screamed in distress, "THIS IS ALL FAKE!"
But by showing such negative emotions, her psychic powers accidentally triggered despite being able to control them far better than she did when she was younger. The resulting wind blast destroyed most of the mirrors. The lone image of Misty in the middle mirror grinned over the distress Carlie was under for appearing to finally understand.
"Toby may have come in contact with me while I was a cold-hearted witch, but even if I was stuck in madness, I would never kill anyone in my sights!" argued Carlie, who had broken down into tears, "I didn't even know that he was involved in that incident!"
"Is that so?" asked Misty, unconvinced, "Then what about the time you first met Matt Fudo years ago?"
Carlie flinched, "Huh?!"
"Did the crowd from the San Francisco tournament deserve to potentially get hurt for mocking you?" accused Misty, "Did you really not mean it, or did you actually just enjoy inflicting pain on them, as well as Matt? Your friends were also in the crowd," While she (Misty) spoke on, the stunned-looking Carlie had no honest answer to give, "Did even they deserve to get hurt? The only people at that point who accepted you for who you are?"
With Carlie staying completely silent, the whole area colorized again and turned into Misty's old home in Providence. In the living room, Azrael's lawyer sat down on the chair and started to speak.
"I was sent here by my boss, Azrael," Past Blue Cosmos Suit was saying, "We of Blue Cosmos bring some sad news about your brother."
Past Misty looked horrified, wondering what happened. Knowing he was expecting an answer, the lawyer for Azrael sighed and admitted the truth, which wasn't pretty…
"Your younger brother, Toby Tredwell, has died in a tragic accident," confessed Past Blue Cosmos Suit, expressing his condolences, "We're very, very sorry for your loss, Misty Tredwell."
Past Misty felt like she had been stabbed in the heart; her younger brother was gone, just like how their Mother and Father were taken from them. Before long, poor Past Misty collapsed onto her knees and broke down crying and screaming Toby's name in a mixture of grief and despair. Carlie watched the scene and listened to the sobbing from Past Misty while becoming filled with additional sorrow before the scene colorized and turned into a church setting where the funeral for Toby Tredwell was held. Past Misty stood up before everyone and gave her words about her younger brother while shedding tears.
"I desperately tried moving on from his death by continuing with my modeling and acting careers," The voice of Misty narrated, as the above scenario mostly played out before it cut back to her glaring intensely, "Despite the great successes I had, I never got over losing Toby," She pointed forth, "Ms. Carlie, this is all your fault! By killing Toby, you eventually drove me to my own death!"
Carlie still had nothing to say.
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, David and Lisa had made their way to a beautiful lakeside in the forest, away from everyone else. Both teenagers stood in silence as they stared at their reflections in the crystal clear water; the tranquil aura of the surrounding scenery helped them to ease their tension.
"It sure is beautiful," commented David.
"Yeah, it is," replied Lisa.
They sat down against a large tree overlooking the shimmering lake; both taking in the sight before them.
"So, what's on your mind, Lisa-chan?" David asked again, "You seem to have a lot of it since we arrived."
"A damn lot…" replied Lisa, "I just wanted to be alone with you. Away from all the fighting and danger for a while and just…" She scooted closer to David, "…be together."
David was slightly surprised at Lisa's gentle tone and demeanor, but listened on as she continued.
"Back at the control tower, I really thought we were gonna die…" Lisa shuddered fearfully.
"As did I," responded David, "It's but a miracle we survived."
"Uh-huh…" whispered Lisa, leaning her head against David's shoulder.
In response to the gesture, he wrapped an arm around her. Both of them silently gazed out over the lakeside.
"Dave?" Lisa cut in, "If we ever get out of this alive… What are you gonna do next? What are your future plans?"
David pondered for a minute before turning to glance down at Lisa and replying.
"Honestly, for the first time in my life, I don't actually 'have' a plan," admitted David, "University is an option, but that's hardly exciting."
Lisa chuckled, "You're the great David Xadashi-sama," she joked, adding a Japanese honorific for emphasis, "You'll think of something."
"No need to sell me so high," retorted David, "And yourself?"
"Actually… Yeah, I do have plans," answered Lisa, sounding more serious, "All the losses we've had has really put things in perspective for me. So, once I turn 18, I'm going leave Orb behind to join my family…" she paused, wiping a stray tear from her eye, "…what's left of it…in 'The All-Star Squad'. I will dedicate 'my' life so others can keep theirs."
"Truly a noble decision, Lisa-chan," commented David, holding Lisa tightly, "You truly have matured since the day we first met."
"So have you," Lisa smiled back, hugging David closely, "We've both changed each other for the better, and I wouldn't have it any other way... I love you."
David looked over, "Hmm?"
"I said I love you," Lisa repeated, making it clear, "And I really mean it. Back at the control tower when we were almost done for… I… I wanted you to know how I truly feel…"
She wrapped her arms around David's shoulders, looking him in the eyes, as he held her close by her waist.
"I love you, too, Lisa," reassured David, "I, too, was afraid to lose the chance to let you know… but now that we survived, I want you to know for certain that you are and always will be my one true love."
Lisa gasped; tears of joy streaming down her face, and her hand covering a quivering smile.
"Oh, Dave…!" wept Lisa.
She immediately tackled him, their lips colliding as they held each other in a loving embrace. For a while, both David and Lisa kissed deeply, shutting out everything else around them. Lisa then shifted her arms to hold David's face as she deepened the kiss, her breathing becoming more intense. Lisa moaned, lifting a leg over and straddling David's lap, with their lips never parting. David responded by running his hands along her slim waist; both of them getting hotter as they made out passionately, wrestling each other for dominance. Lisa then retracted her arms from David's face and stripped off her half-jacket, leaving her pink tank top fully visible. She then tore open the buttons on David's jacket, to which he shedded off without a fight. With those gone, Lisa grasped the hem of David's shirt and yanked it off over his head, causing them both to pull apart.
"Dave…" whispered Lisa huskily, tossing David's shirt away before grasping the hem of her own, "I want you…"
With one swift movement, Lisa pulled off her tank top, giving David a full view of her ample breasts contained in her bright pink bra. With their primal urges taking over, they both kissed again, even more intensely; their tongues dancing around for control, and their hands feeling each other everywhere. Lisa started grinding herself against David, getting even more aroused by their intimate contact, and her hands gradually drifted down towards David's belt region and started to undo his jeans—only for a hand to suddenly grab her wrist as David pulled back, looking dead serious.
"No, Lisa-chan," he refused, "We shouldn't."
"Dave?" blinked Lisa, before begging to continue going further, "Please, just this once."
"You know we're too young for this," urged David.
"Why? Why are you rejecting me?!" Lisa pressed on, getting visibly irate, "I need this!"
She then tried to kiss David again, but he, much to her surprise, pushed her back, stopping her from getting closer while his serious expression never faltered once.
"No!" ordered David sternly, "You need to control yourself."
"Wh-What the hell is wrong with you?!" Lisa demanded, with her eyes beginning to water, "I thought you love me?"
"More accurately, what's wrong with 'you', Lisa," corrected David, as Lisa appeared surprised over him again not using a Japanese honorific, "Something is eating away at you, and I need to know what it is."
"That's crap," rebutted Lisa stubbornly, looking David square in the eyes. She then attempted to unzip her skirt, "I'm perfectly fine."
"(ふざけんな!) Fuzaken na! (Don't toy with me!)" countered David in Japanese. That caused Lisa to stop unzipping herself and look stunned for a moment, "This behavior isn't like you! What is the matter?"
"I said I'm fine!" Lisa snapped, her voice cracking, "Will you just-"
Lisa then tried again to undo David's jeans, only for him to press his thumbs into the pressure points on her wrists, stopping her.
"No!" he demanded hotly.
"What's your problem?!" shouted Lisa, prying her wrists out and pounding David's chest in frustration, "Just let me have this one thing!"
"You are not thinking clearly!" David stated bluntly, "Don't do something you'll regret!"
"Oh, I'm regretting 'something' alright!" retorted Lisa venomously, "Thinking you ever cared about me!"
David flinched at her words, but let her continue.
"After 'everything' we've been through, now when I want to show how much I love you, you push me away!" ranted Lisa, before attempting to unclasp her bra in desperation and anger, only to find the clip to be stuck, "Come on, dammit!"
"And what would Asagi, Mayura, and Juri think if they saw you acting like this?!" questioned David harshly, "Do you think they'd approve this side of you?!"
That did it…
"WELL, I'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY THINK BECAUSE THEY'RE GONE FOREVER!" screamed Lisa, finally letting out her facade break, "GONE, AND I'LL NEVER SEE THEM EVER AGAIN!"
Lisa panted bitterly through her gritted teeth as she felt tears really begin to well up in her eyes, until she finally broke down, crying far harder than she's ever done before. David wordlessly brought her into a hug as she held him tight, continuing to bawl her eyes out.
"WHY?!" sobbed Lisa, "WH-WH-WH-WHY THEM?! MY BEST FRIENDS!"
Her words quickly devolved into incoherent blubbering, with David hugging her as tears streamed down his own face at the sight of his broken girlfriend. For what seemed like forever, both of them stayed in each other's embrace with Lisa's crying slowly subsided into quiet sobbing as David tried to calm her as best he could.
"Th-Th-Th-Th-They took my friends… my family…" whispered Lisa.
"Shhh…" soothed David, "I've got you."
Lisa breathed steadily at David's words, pulling herself back up straight and wiping her puffy eyes.
"Thanks, Dave…" she whispered, with her voice having grown hoarse, "I'm so sorry for what I said."
"It's alright, Lisa-chan," assured David.
"No! No, it's 'not' alright!" Lisa strained, unconvinced, "I had no right to yell at you like that, especially when I was the one who…"
It was then Lisa finally took in the sight of both their partially undressed state, with her eyes widening in shock and her face flushing with embarrassment when she realized she was nearly topless in front of David.
"O-Oh God!" she gasped in a mortified fashion, quickly climbing off David, backing away, and turning away from him in shame, "I… I was about to… Oh my God, what did I do?!"
With that, Lisa Drake curled herself into a ball and buried her face in her arms, completely humiliated and wishing to simply disappear and end her embarrassment. David attempted to reach out to her, but paused due to his own face being red from the ordeal. He mulled over what to say and do next; desperate to dispel the tension. Finally he gently placed a hand on Lisa's bare shoulder, causing her to flinch slightly.
"Lisa-chan…" said David softly, "Look at me, please."
Lisa timidly raised her head to turn towards David, who met her eyes with a warm expression.
"I don't think ill of you for any of this," he reassured.
"You… you don't?" questioned Lisa hopefully.
"Not at all," replied David calmly.
"B-But… I almost…" Lisa choked, still shaken by what happened, "I tried to force myself onto you… I knew you were uncomfortable, but I didn't care… I just wanted to make myself feel better…"
David calmly took her hand in his own, as Lisa slowly uncurled herself.
"True, but I still got lost in the moment as well," David pointed out, "I am just as guilty as you are."
"There's more to it than that…" confessed Lisa, "After everything that's happened; all the friends and family I've lost to the Dark Signers… I had no idea how to deal with it…" She closed her eyes shamefully, "I guess I figured having sex with you would help me get through it all… and if this 'was' our last moment together… then at least we…"
With that, Lisa trailed off, unable to finish. David scooted closer, still holding Lisa's hand in his own.
"I understand," he said warmly, "You're grieving. We all have a coping mechanism."
Lisa turned to face David, a faint smile on her face.
"That's what I love about you, Dave. Even after everything that's happened, all the $*#^ we've been through, you still never think of yourself first," remarked Lisa, leaning her head against his shoulder, "Now I know I made the right choice."
"What choice would that be?" urged David; seemingly already knowing what the answer would be, "I am all ears."
Lisa brought her arms around David, hugging him closely.
"The guy I'd wanna spend the rest of my life with," Lisa revealed softly, with David smiling back in response and hugging her back, "What did I do to deserve the best boyfriend in the world?"
"You aren't the only lucky one between us," David insisted, remembering how his life used to be, "If I hadn't met you, I dread to think where I would be. Probably shut off from the rest of the world mindlessly toiling away on inconsequential inventions with only my family and two best friends around to keep me sane," He gently turned Lisa's head to look at him as he continued, "But when I met you, you gave me a challenge; a real reason to truly start living, to see the good in people more often. My life has never been better; all thanks to you."
Lisa giggled in response, due to the darndest things David often said.
"That's another thing I love about you, Dave," she commented innocently, "You always give the crappiest speeches ever."
"They clearly work on you, do they not?" David smirked back.
The two shared a heartfelt laugh over their quick banter. David's gaze then briefly drifted downward, being met with the sight of Lisa's bra-clad breasts, causing him to quickly avert his eyes. Lisa blinked in confusion for a second, only to suddenly remember both their states of near undress, as she quickly crossed her arms over her half exposed chest with a blush on her face.
"Hehe… Sorry, I totally forgot," she said sheepishly.
David then saw Lisa's tank top laying on the grass next to him, and picked it up. He presented it to Lisa, who wordlessly raised her arms, allowing him to slip it top over her head, with her adjusting it over her chest herself to cover her up.
"Thanks," Lisa praised gratefully, before reaching over to grab David's shirt that she had discarded, "Here, let me help."
With that, she slipped David's shirt over him as he did for her, though she pulled it down all the way herself.
"That is much better," David stated thankfully, as Lisa cozied up to him again; both wrapped in each other's embrace, "Now, where were we?"
Lisa grinned cheekily before the couple leaned in and kissed again, though this time more tenderly, and embraced lovingly.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the hall of mirrors, the horrified, remorseful Carlie remained completely still. Misty, meanwhile, still had more she wanted to do for her turn.
"My turn is still ongoing!" hollered Misty, before pressing a button on her Duel Disk, "The Trap Card, 'Reptilianne Scale Shot'!" Her Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must Tribute 1 'Reptilianne' monster I control, then target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls whose Level is less than or equal to the Level of the Tributed monster; I must destroy that target!" She held her right hand out, causing 'Reptilianne Anaconda' to fire some of its scales at 'Rose Token', "I Tribute 'Reptilianne Anaconda' to destroy 'Rose Token'!"
'Rose Token' lost its rose petals before shattering into shards of glass, followed by 'Reptilianne Anaconda'.
"Because 'Reptilianne Anaconda' was Special Summoned by its own effect, it is banished upon leaving the field," remembered Misty, "Now, since I control three 'Continuous Spells'," The three face-up Spell Cards ('Sad Story - Sorrowful Memories', 'Sad Story - Unwavering Truth', and 'Sad Story - Atrocious Day') each erupted into light, "I'll Special Summon 'Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings' from my hand!"
The beams of light rose towards the ceiling and combined. When the light dimed, there, in the sky, was a dragon with brown scales and two large wings (Level: 6/ATK: 1900/DEF: 2600). Despite being defenseless, Carlie paid no attention to the duel but towards Misty and the things that were done to ruin the Dark Signer's life—which Carlie knew 'she' herself was at fault for.
"I can't fight… Misty has good reason to hate me!" fretted Carlie, sinking to her hands and knees in despair while dropping her cards, "It's my fault that Toby and Misty are… Misty! Toby! I'm so sorry!"
"No!" refused Misty hotly, "I refuse to hear any form of apology until I see that the 'Black Rose Witch' meets her end."
Weakly, Carlie looked up while wondering what Misty meant by that.
"Furthermore, this fight won't continue any further until I personally 'meet' the infamous 'Black Rose Witch'!" Misty pointed out, "I must fight your other personality, Ms. Carlie!"
At first, Carlie didn't understand what Misty was talking about, only for her (Carlie) eyes to widen as a memory was touched upon. A flashback started up.
FLASHBACK
Several months after Flashback Matt was crowned the new Duel King of North America, Flashback Michael realized the error of his ways, and Flashback Carlie had been set free from the darkness in her heart, the last was shown laying down on a metal bed in a deep sleep inside a doctor's office.
"I remember!" narrated Carlie, as Flashback Doctor and Flashback Discord were busy talking, "Soon after I was set free from the 'Black Rose Witch' persona and turned 15, Discord took me to a specialist to completely seal away my powers in my heart."
(new scene…)
Years later in Orb's parking lot, Flashback Matt's eyes widened with realization, and everyone else didn't look so good when they watched Flashback Carlie begin removing her hairpin. Once the hairpin was removed, her bangs fell over to partially cover her face. The hairpin was also dropped and fell down before landing on the ground with a loud *CLANG!*. Unfortunately, Flashback Carlie's metal hairpin was also what was keeping her powers from being unleashed at their limit. If the seal were to be removed while she was in such a horrible state, both death and destruction would emerge with very little that could stop it.
"While I did use my powers several times after that, they were…" Carlie went on, as her flashback self howled and spoke with nothing but absolute fury, "…not the truly destructive ones I used back when Azrael kidnapped and manipulated me."
With her already trashed mind faltered enough and the seal finally removed, Flashback Carlie Izayoi fell into complete insanity as she spread her arms out and unleashed another mighty blast of wind all across the field, much to the horror of her friends and family as they tried their hardest to stay on their feet. Flashback Mr. Izayoi managed to protect his wife and son from some of the debris being thrown around from the wind. Flashback Matt watched the scene of destruction all around him before a small rock cut him across his left cheek.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Carlie, now with her head bowed and a shadow over her eyes, came to a hard decision.
"Misty, as much as I hate to admit it…" began Carlie, as she gathered her cards and slowly returned to her feet, "…you're actually right. The fight can't continue like this…" She raised her head and dispelled the shadow over her eyes, "The only way for our duel to resume is for you to get your wish and face the 'Black Rose Witch' in person."
Misty frowned, but stayed silent.
"Shortly after befriending Matt, Discord took me to see a specialist in order to seal my true power away so that I can never be tempted to use them again," mused Carlie, before reaching her metal hairpin, "However, this is the time for that deadly power to return."
Once the hairpin was removed, Carlie's bangs fell over to partially cover her face. When that was done, she closed her eyes and recited the chant to allow her true power to return in force.
"The entrance to the netherworld is on the witch's island," chanted Carlie.
As soon as she finished speaking, she gasped as her eyes widened and became dull and empty while pain entered her head and heart. On cue, Carlie unleashed another mighty blast of wind, only stronger, as she destroyed more mirrors around her.
"I did it," gasped Carlie, as she made an effort to retain control of herself, "Now I just need to-!" She started wincing and clutching her head as darkness began erupting from her heart, a sign she was failing to properly control her extreme psychic powers, "Grgh! No… This can't be happening again! I can't let it…overwhelm me! This is…just to…save…Misty!"
Trying as she could, the darkness was too strong for her to withstand or control. Carlie Izayoi screamed in agony and gained an aura of darkness as well as some very messy hair. Upon opening her eyes again, they remained dull and empty but now possessed malice and the desire to murder.
"You finally reveal your true identity, do you?" gloated Misty, pleased that she would now get to defeat the most terrifying Signer of all, "I finally get to kill the real you and avenge Toby."
"I am the 'Black Rose Witch'," muttered Dark Carlie, now speaking with a lower voice like once before, "The only one who will die…" She raised her head in anger, "…will be you."
Having waited to hear those evil words, Misty resumed her turn, now controlling a powerful monster in 'Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings'.
"I loathe that look. I'm going to make your face twist in pain!" hissed Misty, before entering the Battle Phase, "'Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings', direct attack!" While announcing the attack name, 'Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings' leaned its head back, "Tragedy Stream!"
'Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings' fired off a blast of wind at Dark Carlie, who took the hit but was unfazed as she smiled evilly even while losing half of her LP (LP: 3800 → 1900).
"With that, the first effect of 'Dragon Queen of Tragic Endings' activates," noted Misty, "When this attacking card inflicts battle damage to my opponent: My opponent sends…" While speaking on, Dark Carlie casually sent a card ('Dark Verger') from the hand to the GY, "…1 card from their hand to the GY," She then drew a card, "then I draw 1 card," After adding the drawn card ('Pot of Greed') into her hand, she mentioned something else, "Since this isn't the Draw Phase, my card isn't affected by any of the 'Sad Story' Continuous Spells. Also when I activate a 'Sad Story' card, I'm forbidden to activate any Spells for the rest of the turn," On cue, a face-down card appeared on the field, "I Set one card and end my turn."
Dark Carlie still said nothing back, but she was no longer afraid—afraid of defeating Misty and sending her to Hell, that was.
(elsewhere…)
Back at the entrance of the theme park, a car pulled up, and getting out of it was none other than Azrael. Although he was able to get halfway to Syracuse, he had exhausted himself due to still being weak from his duel against Lisa and David, before managing to finally steal a car to make it the rest of the way. After exiting the car, Azrael felt himself shiver a little bit from sensing something big.
"Wh-What is this?" groaned Azrael, before realizing it, "It must be coming from the control tower Misty is currently guarding…" A small, devious smirk formed on his face, "Yes… She and the 'Black Rose Witch' are finally dueling," In his POV, he was looking in the direction he believed the control tower was in, "This is one battle I mustn't miss," While beginning to make his way to the hall of mirrors, the ruthless blonde-haired man started to have a final monologue about the whole thing, "Do it, Misty. Eliminate all who stand in our way. You and I are going to rebuild the Dark Signers group so we can destroy everyone and everything!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hall of mirrors, Dark Carlie and the reflection of Misty in the center mirror faced each other as the deranged laughter of Muruta Azrael was heard throughout. Who was going to emerge victorious in this match? Stay tuned to find out.
After a few months of no activity on this story and a focus on other things, we're finally back with another new chapter for 2025. Stay tuned for more, for we're getting close to the end of things.