In her hideout, Opaline was shown sitting at a table with a candlestick on it. Seven candles were on the candlestick, but one of them was out. Soon, another flame went out, leaving only five. Seeing the latest flame go out, the evil sorceress knew what that meant.
"So, Rose's flame has been extinguished. How disappointing. No matter; she outlived her usefulness anyway. How easy was it to manipulate her and turn her rage against her? Heh!" laughed Opaline as she found it amusing to toy with Mario's former lover and her emotions. "But if those kids think they can defeat me as easily as they defeated Rose and Kross, then they are more foolish than I thought."
With Mario, Izzy, and Isaac. The trio was about to head out when Isaac began to get a call. He pulled out his phone, and the ID on it was Haven.
"Hello? What?"
The two teens were surprised to hear what the World Champion said as he listened to what the businesswoman told him on the other end.
"Alright, thanks."
"Is something wrong?" asked Izzy.
"No… well, it seems some of the people that were taken in Zephyr Heights have shown back up again."
"Then that means…"
"It means that when you defeated Rose's titan, you brought back the people she used to bring it alive," smiled Isaac, as their theory of bringing back everyone who was taken was proven true.
"So we can bring everyone! All we have to do is take those titans down, and Opaline, and we'll get everyone back!" stated Izzy in a happy mood.
"We still got a long way to go, Izzy. The others are gonna need our support," responded Mario.
"Come on, let's see if we can find the others and regroup," stated Isaac as he and Izzy got in the car while Mario got on his duel runner.
The two vehicles then zoomed ahead, looking to find their friends.
Hitch was shown zooming by some buildings as he was heading to his destination. After he had split from his friends, he found himself visiting some old places within the city that he used to go to with Sunny when they were younger. He passed by the cinema where they would go on weekends to watch the latest films and the old history museum that the girl dragged him to as he often just went along with her whenever a new exhibit hit the scene. Seeing all these past places zoom by in a blur resonated with the boy as he was reminded why he was here. For his location, Hitch was heading to the wildlife conservation center that Maritime City housed to allow the citizens to explore and learn about all types of animals, especially endangered ones. The entire place had its area, and Hitch was closing in on the location when he came to a halt.
The teen stopped before the front gate as he looked at the sign. The entrance had a giant gate as if to keep out any intruders. Just as Hitch was about to get off his duel runner, the gate began to open. An eerie sound accompanied the gate's raising, making Hitch gulp a bit. The boy drove his runner past the gate as he entered the conservation area. The boy arrived at the central plaza where many shops lay and the information desk. There was a giant water fountain directly in the center of the place, and many pathways went in different directions to the areas that would've housed the wildlife that lived there. However, like everyone else that was taken by the darkness, it was bare and empty. Hitch felt slightly nervous being alone in a massive place as he tried to put on a brave face.
At that moment, the teen heard a sound. He listened carefully before looking, as coming toward him was something, someone. A person on a duel runner was heading straight for the boy as they accelerated; Hitch managed to race forward out of the way as the person skidded around and turned in a circle to confront the boy, leaving tire marks on the concrete. Hitch stared at his mysterious intruder who tried to run him over as they put their hand to the side of their helmet. The eye shield split apart to reveal their face.
"Well, well… you're cute," the girl turbo duelist smirked as she stared down her chosen challenger.
"Hate to break it to you, but I'm off the market," responded Hitch.
"Oh, don't worry, by the time I'm done with you, your girlfriend won't be an issue. In case you've forgotten, my name is Dawn. So… you're my challenger, eh?"
"Y-Yeah. Got a problem with that?"
"Just one. A shame I'm gonna have to send a stud like you to the Shadow Realm. I wouldn't mind you as my boy toy. Now then, hot stuff— get ready to duel!"
Dawn lifted her arm as the Mark of the Shadows lit up and glowed. In an instant, Hitch noticed the purple fire being put up around them as the barrier began to take shape. From the top-down view, the entire conversation center was encased within the mark as it would serve as the battlefield and racetrack for their Turbo Duel. Hitch's arm glowed as his and Dawn's mark projected high above.
Far away, a car halted as Sunny and Argyle looked up. They saw the two marks, and the girl sensed the presence of her boyfriend. It was clear he was about to start his trial.
"Hitch is dueling…" said Sunny, gripping her arm. She felt nervous for her best friend because she couldn't be there to cheer him on and offer encouragement.
"He'll be okay, sweetie. Hitch is tough. He can handle anything that comes his way," said the girl's father, trying to ease his daughter's fears.
"I hope so."
Mario, Isaac, and Izzy were riding along a street when they saw the signs above.
"Do you two see that?" asked Izzy.
"Sure do. Let's check it out!" stated Isaac as he put his foot on the gas and accelerated with Mario following side by side.
The barrier had finished setting up as Dawn lowered her arm. She glanced at the boy with an evil smile as she could see some slight worry on Hitch's face. She then revved her runner as she took off.
"Let's see if you can catch me, handsome!" responded Dawn.
Hitch took a moment to collect himself before revving up his runner. The boy was now following the evil girl as they raced along the charted course she had established throughout the conversation. Dawn looked behind to see that the boy was managing to keep up with her as they turned the corner and zoomed toward another area of the center.
"Not bad," smirked Dawn.
"So, why are you doing this?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are you trying to help Opaline take over the world?" asked Hitch.
"What makes you think I'll tell you? A girl has her reasons for what she does," responded Dawn.
"So, what's your reason? You're looking for revenge like Rose?"
"Why don't we let our cards do the talking? Maybe then you'll find your answer," stated the girl.
"Alright then," responded the boy.
"Duel mode engaged. Autopilot standing by!" said the Duel Runners.
The auto shufflers kicked in as the two grabbed their starting hands and slotted them into a compartment, putting the cards in a resting hold.
Dawn's Life Points: 8000-
Hitch's Life Points: 8000-
"I'll let you take the first move."
"Any reason why you're being nice?" asked Hitch as he expected the evil girl to play unfairly.
"Heh. Don't trust me," responded the girl with a mocking tone and smile.
Turn 1: Hitch (Hand 5)
"Well, alright then. I draw!" stated the boy, taking the girl's offer to start the duel. "I'll start things off by discarding a monster from my hand to bring out this laser-toting sharpshooter. Come on out, Quickdraw Synchron(700/1400)!"
Out came a small robot cowboy with a brown torn cape. One eye was revealed from under its hat, which had a white feather on it.
"Next, I activate the effect of my Level Eater from the grave. So by lowering Quickdraw Synchron's level by one, I can summon Level Eater(600/0) back to the field!"
A ladybug appeared with a single yellow star on its shell.
"Next, Quickdraw Synchron can aim and absorb the powers of one tuner 'Synchron' monster, and it looks like he's targeting the abilities of… Junk Synchron!" said Hitch as all his 'Synchron' cards in his deck appeared and began to spin in a circle before his robot cowboy; his monster pulled out his side blaster and fired a shot. Hitch's monster was shown in its card form with a hole through it.
"Now Quickdraw Synchron can give my Level Eater a well-deserved tune-up!"
Hitch's robot cowboy turned into four giant green rings that circled his tiny insect and turned into a white star with a yellow light surging through.
"Even the tiniest scrap has value! And this monster will prove it! I Synchro Summon! Junk Warrior(2300/1200)!"
"Impressive," remarked Dawn as she saw Hitch's monster as it descended and hovered beside the boy as they rode through the abandoned elephant habitat and raced out toward the main plaza to go through another route.
"I'll lay this facedown and end my turn."
Turn 2: Dawn (Hand 5)
"It's my move!" said the evil girl as she drew her card and looked at it before grabbing a separate one. "I'll activate this little spell. Melffy Retreat! With this continuous spell out, my victory is all but secure."
"I don't like the sound of that," remarked Hitch.
"I now summon Melffy Wally(0/400)!"
A cute, adorable wallaby appeared alongside the girl with a tiny baby in its pouch.
"I then set one card facedown and end my turn."
What's she up to? She just summoned a weak monster in attack mode. It's like she wants to attack.
Come on, Hitch… take the bait.
Turn 3: Hitch (Hand 3)
"My move. If I'm gonna win this duel, I gotta take some risks, even if it's a trap. Now… Junk Warrior, take out her Melffy Wally!" commanded the boy.
Hitch's monster turned and zoomed forward as he thrusted his fist out, surrounded by power.
"Just as I predicted. Now… Wally, activate your special ability!" said Dawn, with her arm thrusted out.
The wallaby sprang into action; Hitch's monster was about to connect with the critter before it vanished in a white light as it turned into a card that was back in Dawn's hand.
"What was that?" asked Hitch.
"Wally's effect allows me to return it to my hand whenever it's the target of an attack."
"In that case, my attack now targets you since you have no monsters to protect you!"
"Not quite. Wally has another ability. Now I can summon 2 'Melffy' monsters from my deck. So I'm bringing out Melffy Pinny(300/100) and Melffy Fenny(100/300)."
Two portals opened beside Dawn as a seal and a fennec fox came.
"In that case, I'll take out one of your new monsters."
"No, you won't! Especially when I activate my facedown. Urgent Tuning!"
Hitch gasped when he saw Dawn's facedown card, as he knew too well what that card did.
"Judging by your expression, you're well acquainted with what this trap does. So watch as I tune my Mellfy Pinny with my Mellfy Fenny!"
Dawn's seal turned into two giant green rings that circled its comrade, turning into two white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.
"I Synchro Summon! Merry Melffys(1500/1000)!"
A flash of light appeared as several different animals appeared by Dawn's side, and Hitch noticed a few of them alongside his runner. Despite the girl being corrupted by evil, he saw the fuzzy animals as they gave off a cute vibe. A bunny was hopping alongside him as he saw the boy. He immediately fell in love with him, and he gave a great big hop and nuzzled against the boy's cheek.
"Now, to activate my monster's ability. When summoned, its effect allows me to return one face-up monster on the field to its owner's hand. So say goodbye to your Junk Warrior!"
"No!" remarked Hitch as his monster vanished and reappeared in his Extra Deck.
"I'll admit, you got some skills under your muscles, Hitch. But it's going to take more than just good looking abs to beat me," remarked Dawn.
I'll give it to her. She suckered me right in. But I can't let her shake me.
"I end my turn!"
Turn 4: Dawn (Hand 3)
"My move. I summon Tree Otter(1200/100)!" stated the girl as her animal appeared.
"Another critter?" said Hitch as he got a sense of the girl's deck based on the creatures around them.
"I now activate Tree Otter's special ability. Once per turn, I can target one face-up monster I control and give it 1000 extra attack points until the end of the turn. So my Merry Melffys is gaining even more power!" stated the girl as she pointed to her creature(s). "Now… attack him directly!"
"I reveal my facedown, Card Defense. Now, by discarding one card in my hand, I can negate your monster's attack!" stated the boy as a barrier of cards protected him from the many small, fuzzy animals that tried to bash him. "Then I can draw a card to replace the lost one."
"In that case… Tree Otter, go!"
The animal ran forward as it had the boy in its sights. He lunged forward as it bashed Hitch's runner in an attempt to shake the boy, but he held on.
Hitch's Life Points: 6800-
"I end my turn."
Turn 5: Hitch (Hand 4)
"It's my turn. First, I can summon this guy as a Level 4 monster since you have a monster and I don't. Meet my Level Warrior(300/600). Then I'm summoning my Righty Driver(100/300)!"
Out came a small female-like machine. It was blue, and a sheet of metal attached to it made it look like flowing hair. To match the rest of its color scheme, it had a small blue crown on its forehead. A metal pipe, sticking out just a bit longer than its body, was its hairpin.
"When I summon her, her ability kicks in. She can bring out a friend to join her from my deck. So, meet her sister, Lefty Driver(300/100)!"
A similar monster appeared, but this one was yellow and had a similar metal exhaust pipe hairpin on the left side of its hair.
"When Lefty Driver is special summoned, she becomes Level 3 until the end of the turn. And there's one more thing: my Righty Driver can substitute for a 'Synchron' tuner monster. Next, I'm activating the spell card, Synchro Chase! Then… I'll tune all three of my monsters together~"
Hitch's Righty Driver turned into a solid green ring that circled both comrades, turning into seven stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.
"This monster will blaze a path to my victory! I Synchro Summon… Floor it, Road Warrior(3000/2500)! Now, the effect of my Synchro Chase activates! Since I synchro summoned a 'Warrior' monster, I can target one monster I used as Synchro material and bring it back on my field in defense mode. So, I'm bringing back my Level Warrior. And that's not all, because next, I activate Road Warrior's special ability. Once per turn, I can special summon a Level 2 or lower Warrior or Machine-type monster from my deck. And I choose my Junk Anchor(0/0) in defense mode! Then after that, I'll lower Road Warrior's level by one to return my Level Eater from the grave."
"Four monsters in one turn? My, my," smiled Dawn at Hitch's ability to synchro summon.
"I now tune my Level Warrior, Level Eater, and Junk Anchor. And thanks to Junk Anchor's ability, he can substitute for any 'Synchron' tuner!"
Junk Anchor turned into two giant green rings circling its comrades as they turned into four white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through. "Here's a gargantuan that grinds the greatest garrisons! I Synchro Summon! Drill Warrior(2400/2000)!"
"Two Synchro monsters back-to-back? I knew you were going to be fun," smiled Dawn. "I'll admit I was getting bored going easy on. But now… I can have fun and let you have it!"
"Now, Road Warrior, take out her Merry Melffy!" stated Hitch as his monster rushed forward.
"I now activate my Merry Melffy's special ability."
"I was afraid of that," said the boy as he figured Dawn wouldn't let her monster be destroyed so easily.
"When Merry Melffy is targeted for an attack, I can return it to my Extra Deck and replace it with an Xyz 'Melffy' monster from my Extra Deck. So say hello to Melffy of the Forest(500/2000) in defense mode."
"Not bad, but your new monster still is weak against my Road Warrior. Now go, Lightning Claw!" stated Hitch as his monster thrusted its claw forward and made contact with Dawn's monster(s).
All the critters scattered from where Road Warrior's claw was before they reconfigured into a herd of animals.
"What the? How is your monster still alive?" asked Hitch.
"Remember the spell card I activated earlier, Melffy Retreat. Well, its power allows my Beast-type monsters to avoid being destroyed once per turn. So my Melffy of the Forest isn't going extinct," stated Dawn.
"In that case… Drill Warrior, your turn! Attack her, Tree Otter!"
The boy's other monster had its drill arm spin rapidly as it made contact with the otter, who screeched in pain.
Dawn's Life Points: 6800-
"I may not be able to destroy your monster, but I can still damage you."
"Typically," mumbled Dawn.
"So answer me this? What did Opaline say to you? How was she able to convince you to join her side?" asked Hitch as he noticed one of Dawn's animals approaching him. The boy listened to the critter's sounds as he then looked over the evil girl.
"So… you understand animals then, huh?" said the girl as Hitch's mark gave him unique powers.
"What they tell me is that Opaline promised you that by wiping out all cruel humans, the animals of the world would be safe? Is that right?" asked Hitch.
"If you must know-" replied Dawn as her head lowered before lifting to tell her tale.
Dawn began to reminisce as it showed the girl when she was younger. She was shown running out of her home and into the forest surrounding her family's home. The young girl walked into the forest, taking in the huge trees. She hopped over some roots before landing on a pile of leaves. She peeked her head out, as there was a leaf on her head before it began to move. She looked up and saw a caterpillar wiggling out from underneath the leaf. The girl held the insect as she petted its head. Soon, some birds began to chirp, which caught the young girl's attention; the birds then flew down from the branch and began to fly around the girl while continuing to sing. Soon, squirrels and other small woodland critters approached the girl as they didn't sense any danger in the young girl.
"Ever since I was a little girl, I've always seen animals as my friends. I feel like I can connect more with them than with people. Often, I would go into the forest in my backyard while my parents were away and play with all the woodland animals that lived there. It was a great time for me, until…"
"Until what?" echoed Hitch's voice.
A much older Dawn was shown running through the forest while playing with the animals she had become friends with. Some deer ran alongside the girl while hopping over some logs and tree roots. Other small critters were shown jumping from branch to branch or flying above the girl. As the girl came to a clearing, she gasped upon what she saw. Tons of machinery were coming toward the forest, and she didn't know what to make of it. The animals all split upon sensing the danger as they saw their home beginning to be destroyed. In a matter of moments, a fire had erupted as Dawn stood there, watching the home of the animals she'd come to be friends with burn down. The fire was shown in her pupils as the flames began to take shape and become sentinel as they laughed.
"From then on, I learned that humanity is cold and unforgiving. They don't care about the harm that they do to others. They only care about themselves."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Dawn. But you gotta understand, not all of us are cruel. Some of us care about others, animals, and the planet."
"Oh, please. Spare me your naive little speech, Hitch."
"I guess I'll have to let my cards do the talking. I end my turn."
Turn 6: Dawn (Hand 3)
"My move. I play the spell card, Tribal Command. Since I control a Beast-type monster, I can special summon three Level 2 or lower Beast-type effect monsters from my deck, with their special abilities negated. So I'm bringing out Elephun(500/300), Des Koala(1100/1800), and Melffy Fenny(100/300) all in defense mode!"
Three animals appeared before the evil girl as she looked at her hand before grabbing a different card.
"Now I tune my Elephun with my Des Koala!"
"You're Synchro Summoning?!" exclaimed Hitch.
Dawn's Elephun turned into two giant green rings that circled her koala, which turned into three white stars that lined up with a yellow light surging through.
"I Synchro Summon! Appear… Thunder Unicorn(2200/1800)!"
Thunder boomed as a purple steed with a golden mane and tail raced from the heavens. On its head was a horn in the shape of a thunderbolt. The steed landed with lightning going off, letting out a neigh before galloping alongside the evil girl.
"I'll admit that's an impressive monster. But it's not strong enough to take out either of my warriors," said Hitch.
"Is that so? Well, let me introduce you to Thunder Unicorn's special ability. One of your monsters loses 500 attack points for every monster I have out. Since I have four monsters, your Road Warrior loses 2000 attack points!"
"Oh no!" said the boy as he realized the danger.
Dawn's monster aimed its horn and fired a zap that made contact with the boy's monster. It glitched and powered down as the steed quickly approached the mechanical marvel.
"Now, Thunder Unicorn, steamroll his Road Warrior!"
The girl's steed charged forward as it leaped and aimed its horn at Hitch's monster, which exploded upon impact. The attack had some power behind it as Hitch grunted and tried to endure the pain.
Hitch's Life Points: 4800-
"Since I used Thunder Unicorn's ability, I can't attack with any other monster. So I'll end my turn."
Turn 7: Hitch (Hand 2)
"My move."
Hitch looked at his card before glancing over at Dawn and her field as he eyed her Thunder Unicorn.
That steed is troublesome. Especially if she manages to get more monsters on her field, even my strongest ones won't stand a chance. Not to mention whatever titan of a creature she holds. But I may not get that far if I can't take down that horse.
Dawn glanced at Hitch, and the girl could sense the boy's inner thoughts and doubts.
I better strengthen my defenses.
"I summon Shield Wing(0/900) in defense mode!"
"Looking to play defense against my Thunder Unicorn? Well, it won't work!" stated Dawn.
"Then how's this? Drill Warrior, attack her Tree Otter!"
Hitch's monster spun its drill arm as the otter was tossed back.
Dawn's Life Points: 5600-
"Due to my spell card, my monster avoids being destroyed in battle once per turn," remarked Dawn.
"I end my turn!" stated Hitch as they rounded another bend and were back at the center plaza before going another route.
Turn 8: Dawn (Hand 3)
"My move. Thunder Unicorn, time to unleash your special ability. Lower Drill Warrior's attack by 2000!" proclaimed the girl as her steed fired another lightning bolt from its horn that zapped away some strength of Hitch's monster. "Now, my steed, charge in! Supercharger Bolt!"
The unicorn galloped forward and speared Hitch's monster as it exploded into pieces. The boy let out a painful scream as he felt the damage from Dawn's creature as he felt his runner start to wobble. The girl raced past her as he spun out of control; Hitch ramped off some junk that he sailed into the air before coming down. He landed with a thud and almost swerved off but got control of the runner and steadied his momentum. The teen panted heavily as he now had battle marks on his clothes and skin.
Hitch's Life Points: 3000-
"If you think that rocked you hard, you haven't seen anything yet, Hitch!" stated the evil girl.
Turn 9: Hitch (Hand 2)
"It's… my draw," groaned Hitch as he shook off the aftermath of Dawn's attack.
I need to take care of that stupid horse, but how?!
"I… I end my turn," proclaimed Hitch with a bit of disdain in his voice.
Turn 10: Dawn (Hand 4)
"Heh, look at you. All helpless and all alone with no way out of this. I'm gonna enjoy sending you to the Shadow Realm!" stated the evil girl as she drew. "I play the spell card, Crozz Xyz. This allows me to Xyz summon using my Rank 2 Melffy of the Forest with my Level 2 Melffy Fenny!"
Dawn's two monsters turned into orbs of light as they hovered beside her. A portal opened up as the orbs were sucked in and a pillar of light emerged.
"I Xyz Summon! Melffy Mommy(1000/1000, OLU: 2)!"
"Not good," remarked Hitch.
"I now activate Melffy Mommy's special ability. Once per turn, I can attach a Beast-type monster from my hand or field to it as Xyz material! So it now has three overlay units!" stated the girl as her Tree Otter turned into a glowing orb that circled her monster. "And because it now has three overlay units, it can't be destroyed in battle. Not only that, I outnumber your monster!"
"Well, due to Shield Wing's special ability, it can't be destroyed twice per turn. So it looks like I almost have a monster you can't touch! Looks like you should've saved your Tree Otter to take out my monster," stated the boy.
"Oh, did I?" smirked Dawn, which made Hitch gasp as she reached for another card. "I summon Nimble Momonga(1000/100). Then I send one Beast-type monster from my hand to the graveyard to summon the Egotistical Ape(1200/1200) tuner monster to the field!"
"Now she's got four monsters!" said Hitch as he was in trouble.
Mario, Izzy, and Isaac all arrived at the conversation center, and they noticed the whole area was sealed off by flames. They all halted before taking a different direction, making their way to an overhead pass where they could see the whole conversation center. They spotted their friend, who raced by their position; Hitch glanced out of the corner of his eye to see his friends in a split-second before zooming by.
"It doesn't look like Hitch is doing too good," said Izzy as they saw their friend's situation.
"Dawn's got four monsters on the field. Two to chip away at Shield Wing's defense points, a third to dish out the finishing blow, leaving his field wide open for monster number four to move in and attack him directly," stated Mario.
"Is there anything he can do?" asked Izzy, looking at Isaac.
The World Champion just stared outward as the teens did the same.
"Now… I activate Egotistical Ape's special ability. Its level increases by the level of the monster that I sent to the graveyard to summon it! Which means… I tune Level 7 Egotistical Ape with my Level 2 Nimble Monmonga!"
"What?!" exclaimed Hitch as Dawn's move surprised him.
Dawn's monster turned into seven giant green rings that circled its comrade, turning into two white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.
"You didn't think I was gonna try to one-two your monster with weak creatures, did you? I'm gonna let the king of the jungle take out your Shield Wing. I Synchro Summon! Say hello to Naturia Gaodrake(3000/1800)!" stated Dawn as a lion made of leaves appeared. "Melffy Mommy, attack his Shield Wing!"
All the critters of her deck began to bombard Hitch's beast as he was overun by the stampede of animals.
"Alright, Thunder Unicorn- your turn!"
The steed charged forward and crashed its horn against the wings of Hitch's monster.
"To seal the deal, Naturia Gaodrake pounces in for a third attack!"
Dawn gave her last animal its order as it lunged forward and unfurled its claws. It completely took out Hitch's monster, leaving him with nothing.
"Now Hitch is completely defenseless!" stated Izzy in a worried tone.
"The good news is that se doesn't have any more monsters she can attack him with," remarked Mario.
"I place one card facedown and end my turn."
Turn 11: Hitch (Hand 3)
What do I do? I can't destroy her monsters, and her Thunder Unicorn weakens mine! Gah! I don't have what it takes to win! I'm sorry, guys. I failed you.
"HITCH!"
The boy heard the echo of Izzy's scream as he looked in the general direction of where the others were. Despite being a fair distance away from them, he could tell they were looking at him.
"Come on, Hitch! You got this!" shouted Izzy.
The boy took in the support he was getting from his friends as he lowered his head. A smile appeared on his face, and he could feel his friends' emotions cheering him on.
"I can't give up. Not now… not when the stakes are the highest they've been."
The boy reached for the top of his deck, then shifted his eyes to look at Dawn, who stared at him intensely.
"It's my move. I draw! I activate the spell card, Graceful Charity. So, I draw three new cards and discard two. Next, since I currently have no monsters, I can summon out my Junk Forward(900/1500). Then, to bring out this card, I need to destroy one spell or trap card on the field. So I'm removing your Melffy Retreat to summon my Card Breaker(100/900)."
"You may have removed my spell, but neither of your monsters can take down mine. Looks like that was a waste of a turn!"
"Who said I was done?" smirked Hitch, which made Dawn gasp. "I summon… Junk Synchron(1300/500)!"
"A tuner monster?!"
"Due to Junk Synchron's effect, I can bring back a monster from my graveyard that's Level 2 or below. Like my Speed Warrior(900/400). Now… Level 3 Junk Synchron, tune with Level 3 Junk Forward and Level 2 Card Breaker!" stated Hitch.
Hitch's yellow monster pulled its chord on its chest as it revved. It turned into three giant green rings that circled its comrade and turned into five white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through.
"Behold as shards of razor-sharp steel and scraps of iron-clad alloy are forged together to create a powerful new force! I Synchro Summon! Junk Destroyer(2600/2500)!"
"He doesn't look friendly!" said Dawn as the sight of Hitch's monster worried her.
"When Junk Destroyer is successfully summoned, I can then destroy the same number of cards on the field as the number of non-tuner monsters that were used to synchro summon him! So since I used two, I get to destroy two of your cards. And the ones I'm choosing are your Naturia Gaodrake and Melffy Mommy! Go, Tidal Sweep!"
A wave of pressurized water shot from the valves of its chest as Hitch's monster took out two of Dawn's monsters, leaving her with only one.
"Yeah! Now all Hitch needs to do is attack Thunder Unicorn, and he'll be back in this game!" stated Izzy. "Come on, Hitch! Do it!"
"Consider it done! Attack!" shouted Hitch as he was back in the driver's seat. "Go, Fists of Ferocity!"
Hitch's monster had its four arms glow with power before they all transferred and condensed into its fists before thrusting them out as he shot four glowing fists out. The fists bombarded Dawn, and her Thunder Unicorn neighed in defeat before exploding. The evil girl felt the attack and wobbled a bit, allowing Hitch to overpass her momentarily before she steadied herself.
Dawn's Life Points: 5200-
"Nicely done, bud!" exclaimed Mario.
"Heh. With that, I'm-"
"I activate my facedown! Tribal Retribution!" growled Dawn as her eyes glowed purple.
"Huh?" remarked Hitch.
"Since a Beast-type monster was destroyed by giving up 1000 Life Points, I can summon a different one to take its place from my deck. So rise… the dark tuner, Melffy Pegasus(500/500)!"
Dawn's Life Points: 4200-
A portal opened as out flew a pegasus. However, compared to the previous monsters, this one had dark eyes and evil energy exhaled from its nostrils, and its wings were as black as night.
"When Melffy Pegasus is summoned, I can revive one Beast-type monster from my graveyard. So arise, Thunder Unicorn!" stated Dawn as her previous steed emerged and galloped alongside the girl and its comrade.
"Just great. In that case, I'm setting a card facedown!"
Turn 12: Dawn (Hand 1)
"My turn!... Now… I tune Level 2 Melffy Pegasus with my Thunder Unicorn! When the shadows are devoured by even darker shadows, the curtain pulls back to reveal a world without light!"
"Here it comes!" shouted Hitch as he braced himself for Dawn's titan.
Dawn's pegasus turned into dark orbs that its comrade absorbed. Thunder Unicorn neighed in pain as it felt the darkness taking over its entire body before a dark veil of shadows exploded above the evil girl who smiled before thrusting her arm up as her mark glowed even more and her eyes lit up in darkness.
"I Dark Synchro Summon! Meet the Beast of the Land! Melffy the Immaculate One(3000/3000)!"
Hitch covered his eyes as the darkness faded. He looked around, expecting to see the monster Dawn had brought out, but he didn't see anything. He looked about, trying to see where it might've been, but nothing was present.
"Where's your beast?" asked the boy as they turned a corner.
"Look under you!" shouted Dawn.
Hitch was confused by what she meant as he turned his eyes to the road. It took a while, but he noticed slight movements as he was driving on the pavement. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw a few trees fall over as if they'd been uprooted. The whole scene panned out to reveal that Dawn's monster wasn't on her field; they were on it. Isaac, Mario, and Izzy had a clear view of the girl's monster as they stared at it. A large, ancient tortoise was shown as the entire conversation center was on its back; it left a giant hole in the ground just below where it stood as it emerged from underneath and lifted the entire place on its back. The creature turned its head to spot the two duelists riding along its back as it zeroed in on Hitch specifically.
"There's no way…" said the boy, unable to believe they were dueling on the back of the girl's monster.
"Get ready, sheriff! The Shadow Realm is calling you!" proclaimed Dawn. "Now, when Melffy the Immaculate One is successfully summoned, it destroys all the cards on your field."
"All of them?" remarked Hitch with a surprised look.
"Tidal Surge of Destruction!" commanded Dawn as the water from the many aquatic exhibits began to heed the tortoise's command, and a huge tidal wave was about to come down on the boy.
"I activate my facedown, Starlight Road!" shouted Hitch. "When you activate an effect that would destroy two or more of my cards, this trap allows me to negate and destroy that effect. So your titan is going to be bid farewell."
"As if you'd think getting rid of my monster would be that easy. Card effects can't destroy my Melffy the Immaculate One!" retorted Dawn.
"At least I protect my monsters. And there's more: now my trap allows me to summon my Stardust Dragon(2500/2000) from my Extra Deck. Take flight, bud!"
Hitch played his card as out came his beast. A pair of pristine white wings extended from the portal that opened. A dragon appeared as its body was as pristine white as its magnificent wings, with a long, slender neck ending in an angular head with three backward-curving 'fins,' complemented by an equally long, slender tail ending in a four-part crest at the tip. Noticeable purple, gem-like protrusions covered its chest, and all four limbs, composed of arms and legs, exhibited sharp extremities. It let loose a call somewhere between a roar and an avian shriek.
"You may have saved your monsters, but not for long. Now, Melffy the Immaculate One. Take out Junk Destroyer!" commanded Dawn.
The tortoise heard the girl's command, and Hitch felt the ground rumble. The large animal made the ground below his monster break open before having it spear through his monster as it exploded. Hitch's runner jumped a bit from the sudden pulled-up ground as he stared at the creature's head.
Hitch's Life Points: 2700-
"I now end my turn."
Turn 13: Hitch (Hand 0)
"It's my turn. And I activate my facedown, Hope for Escape. By paying 1000 Life Points, I can now draw a card for each 1000 Life Point difference between our Life Points!"
Hitch's Life Points: 1700-
"Since the difference between our Life Points is at least 4000, I can draw four cards!"
"Nice, now he something to work with!" remarked Mario.
"Next, I summon Second Booster(1000/500). Then, I activate its effect. By tributing it, I can give my Stardust Dragon an extra 1500 attack points until the end of the turn."
"Now Stardust is stronger than her giant turtle. Go, Hitch!" yelled Izzy.
"Stardust, attack Melffy the Immaculate One! Go Comisc Blast!" commanded Hitch as his dragon took flight and hovered in th sky. It charged up its attack before firing it at the tortoise's neck as it winched in pain. An explosion cloud appeared as it covered the duelists and their runners.
Dawn's Life Points: 3200-
"Bulleyes!" exclaimed Izzy.
The cloud of smoke disappeared as Hitch gasped. He expected to have taken down the giant creature, but to his surprise, it was still there. The giant tortoise remained on the field as it didn't seem to have any scratches despite being blasted by Hitch's dragon.
"That's impossible! How can that thing still be standing!" remarked the boy.
"Heh. Like I said, my monster can't be defeated so easily. With the power of the shadows at my beck and call, my Melffy the Immaculate One can only be destroyed if you attack it three times!"
"Seriously?!" exclaimed Hitch as he turned to look at the evil girl.
"Which means… game over, sheriff," smirked Dawn as her voice got even deeper and evil.
"That's not good. There's no way Hitch can take that thing down three times!"
"Dad… is there a way?" asked Mario.
Isaac didn't answer; he crossed his arms and stared forward.
"Dad!"
"That's for Hitch to figure out on his own," Isaac said, but he didn't give the answer the teens were expecting.
If Hitch is destined to win, then he'll find the way. If not, then he'll be gone… forever.
"What do I do?"
"Nothing! Now, end your turn!" growled Dawn, eager to finish the boy off.
"I set a card. Your move."
Turn 14: Dawn (Hand 2)
"It's my move. And now… I activate the spell card, Ayers Rock Sunrise! With this spell, I can summon a Beast-type monster from my graveyard. So return to me, Thunder Unicorn!"
"Why can't I catch a break?" asked Hitch as he didn't want to deal with that horse again.
"That's not all. Next, Ayers Rock Sunrise allows me to lower all your monsters' attack points by 200 for every 'Beast' monster I have in my graveyard until the end of the turn. I have 14 critters, enough to completely shut down your Stardust Dragon!"
"Stardust, no!" shouted Hitch, looking up at his dragon soaring above him as it was robbed of all of its strength.
"Look at it, it's so weak," said Izzy.
"It's the end of the line, sheriff. Melffy the Immaculate One, end this duel by taking out his Stardust Dragon!"
"Hitch…" said Sunny, feeling her best friend and his dire situation.
"Hitch."
The boy heard his girlfriend's voice echo in his mind before he put on a determined look. He reached for the duel interface screen of his duel runner and tapped it.
"I activate my facedown! Defense Draw! Now I don't take any damage from this battle, and I draw one card!" stated the boy as his dragon wrapped his wings around the boy and his runner as he shielded the teen from the impact of the attack launched by Dawn's monster.
"Thunder Unicorn, take out his Speed Warrior!"
The steed picked up speed and speared the skating robot; it exploded on impact.
"You may have saved yourself from losing this duel, but your Life Points will still take a hit. I reveal my facedown, Howl of the Wild! When a Beast-type monster destroys your monster, you take 300 points of damage! This might sting a lot!"
"AHH!" yelled Hitch as he was hit with a jolt of pain, and he almost lost control of his runner.
"Hitch!" shouted Izzy, seeing the pain he just endured.
Hitch's Life Points: 1100-
"Heh, heh. I end my turn with a facedown. Make your last move, Hitch."
Turn 15: Hitch (Hand 3)
The boy panted heavily as he just got the hurt of his life. He did his best to remain focused as he placed his hand on his deck.
"It's my move… I draw! I summon Stardust Phantom(0/0) in defense mode. When Phantom is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, I can summon Stardust Dragon from my grave in defense mode. Furthermore, if I remove Stardust Phantom from play, I can lower Stardust Dragon's defense points by 800 and make it invincible to any attacks you dare throw. Then I'll set one card facedown."
"I see what you're planning, sheriff. I'll even break it down for you step by step," stated Dawn. "I send Phantom to the grave to get back your pet dragon, then you avoid attacks from both of my monsters."
"That's right!"
"Well, there's a problem with your plan, Hitch…"
Turn 16: Dawn (Hand 0)
"It's my move! And I play the spell card, Beast Rampage. This spell allows me to remove one Beast-type monster from my graveyard and in exchange, I can destroy one card on your field. And the card I choose to destroy is that Phantom!"
"And because you have, Stardust Dragon rises from the grave!" stated Hitch as his beast emerged in defense mode.
"Then allow me to reveal my facedown! Beast Soul Strike! By negating the effects of my two monsters, this card allows my Melffy the Immaculate One to attack twice this battle. That may be a small price, but your strategy to survive Hitch has failed. Now, Thunder Unicorn, attack!"
"I play Phantom's second ability. By removing Phantom from play and lowering Stardust's defense points by 800, he can't be destroyed in battle!"
Thunder Unicorn charged forward and bashed its horn against Hitch's dragon. It was knocked back but held strong.
"Now your turn, Melffy the Immaculate One. Attack that dragon!"
The huge tortoise channeled its power as it coursed through its body. It gathered in a green light as it exploded from the many trees the duelists passed and blasted Hitch's dragon from all sides as it weakened.
"Once again, I activate Phantom's ability!"
"And that's the last time you will, Hitch. Don't you see? Stardust only has 400 defense points left; it doesn't have enough to save itself and stick around. You were one move short, sheriff. And now… blast that Stardust Dragon off the field!"
Dawn's tortoise turned its head to look at the dragon flying by its head as it opened its mouth. Energy began to condense and fired out as it headed toward the beast.
"I play Stronghold Guardian(0/1500) from my hand. Since my monster in defense mode has been attacked, by banishing Stronghold, Stardust Dragon gains 1500 defense points until this turn's end phase!" stated Hitch as he sent his card away to boost his dragon's points to 1900. "Now, Phantom, activate your ability!"
The beam hit Stardust, and he was knocked loopy for a bit. He soon recovered and returned to Hitch's side.
"Thanks for taking some shots for the team, Stardust," said Hitch to his dragon, smiling at his beast.
"Well, I have to admit to you, Hitch. I am impressed with how resourceful you've become. However, that is going to change."
Turn 17: Hitch (Hand 2)
"My move. First, since I control Stardust Dragon, I wake up the Stardust Xiaolong(100/100) sleeping in my graveyard when I sent it away earlier with Graceful Charity. Next, I summon Turbo Synchron(100/500). Now… Turbo Synchron, tune with Stardust Xiaolong!"
Hitch's monster turned into a single giant green ring that circled its comrade, who turned into a single white star with a yellow light surging through.
"Behold, as power and speed surge towards each other and collide to create… the synchro. The tuner. The mighty Formula Synchron(200/1500)!"
The racecar appeared with legs emerging from below it and arms from the sides between the wheels.
"A Synchro tuner?" remarked Dawn in disbelief.
"Next, I play Formula Synchron's ability. With it, I'm allowed to draw one extra card. Now… It's time to win this duel!" stated the boy with a determined look.
At that moment, Hitch's mark glowed brighter than ever. Mario and Izzy noticed the marks on their arms glowing in response to Hitch's, and they soon vanished. The other all sensed it too as they watched their marks vanish; like with Mario, Hitch now had all the marks of his friends on his back as they were connected once again to form a single symbol. The boy felt the bond of his friends as he felt them giving him power.
"Let's rev… it… UP!" yelled Hitch as he pushed the throttle on his runner and picked up insane speed. "I tune Level 2 Formula Synchron with my Level 8 Stardust Dragon!"
Hitch's monster turned into two giant green rings that circled his dragon, which turned into eight white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through. However, that wasn't the only thing as Hitch was now encompassed in his own slipstream from how fast he was going. The teen channeled the power he was being given as his monster transformed.
"Let the spirit of all Duel Monsters now spread its wings and soar to new heights! Where it can be transformed by the winds of destiny! Where it can become all-powerful! Go… Accel Synchro!"
"Accel Synchro?!" shouted Dawn in shock at what Hitch was doing. In the blink of an eye, the boy vanished. "What in the world? Guh!"
The evil girl turned her head to look behind as Hitch reemerged from where he had disappeared, alongside his brand new monster. It was a powerful serpentine dragon, white with blue accents. Its shimmering scales gave off bits of stardust and glowing energy patterns.
"Appear, Shooting Star Dragon(3300/2500)!"
"Shooting Star Dragon? Where did he get a monster like that?" said Dawn, slightly fearing Hitch's new beast.
"Now, Shooting Star Dragon, take out Thunder Unicorn!" stated the boy, as his monster encompassed itself and shot forward. It dove into the girl's steed, who neighed upon the explosion. The attack sent her wildin' out, but she managed to stay upright.
Dawn's Life Points: 2100-
"With that, I'm ending my turn."
Turn 18: Dawn (Hand 0)
"You will pay for that, Hitch! It's my turn. Now then… I activate my monster's final special ability."
"What ability?" said Hitch, thinking he'd seen all that Dawn's monster could do.
"By discarding one card in my hand, my titan of a monster can revive its comrades from the graveyard. So arise, Thunder Unicorn and Naturia Gaodrake! And that's not all! For each monster revived by my beast's ability, all my monsters gain 500 attack points, respectively!"
"That's over 9000 points of damage coming Hitch's way!" stated Mario.
"Hitch!" shouted Izzy.
"Say goodbye, sheriff! Melffy the Immaculate One, send him to the Shadow Realm!"
The girl's titan of a tortoise turned its head to look at the boy and his dragon as his mouth opened to charge its attack. Hitch could see the attack being prepared as he took a deep breath before thrusting his arm out.
"I play Shooting Star Dragon's special ability. Now, by removing Shooting Star Dragon from play during your turn, the attack of one of your monsters is negated!" stated Hitch as he sacrificed his only monster to avoid the blast from Dawn's tortoise.
"So what? Your field is now empty, Hitch. I'll simply have one of my other monsters attack you now. So you still lose!"
"I don't think so! I play the trap, Zero Force! Now, Dawn, because my monster left the field, your three beasts will lose all of the power and might they each possess."
"That can't be!" yelled the girl in shock and awe.
True to Hitch's words, all three of her beasts powered down and lost all their strength and power as they were weak.
"But if their attack points are zero, they can no longer attack!" the girl said as she realized what Hitch had just done to her.
"Hitch just shut her down completely! He outplayed Dawn!" said Mario as he was impressed by the pro move that his friend just executed.
"No… way…"
"Now that we've reached this turn's end phase, Shooting Star Dragon rises again!" said the boy as his monster was back in play.
Turn 19: Hitch (Hand 3)
"And with his rise comes your fall!" stated the boy, pointing at Dawn and her titan. "I now activate Shooting Star Dragon's special ability. I look at the top five cards of my deck, and for every 'tuner' I have, my dragon can attack that many times!"
Hitch picked up the top five cards of his deck as he fanned his card out to examine them. He smiled as he flipped them over for Dawn to see, and sure enough, he got a full house of tuners.
"I got all five tuners, meaning my dragon can attack five times this round."
"NOI!"
"Go, Shooting Star Dragon. Attack!"
The boy's dragon soared upward and made five copies of itself, each with a different color, and they all flew in formation. At the command of its master, the first copy, in a blue light, dive-bombed into Thunder Unicorn and exploded. The second copy in a red light rammed into Naturia Gaodrake as it exploded. In a green light, the third copy soared to the tortoise's front side and dove into its face, which winced in pain. In an orange light, the fourth copy dove at the titan's face, who felt the sting and nearly collapsed. The fifth and final copy of Hitch's monster shined in a bright yellow as it gathered more energy and went straight for the creature's chest. It blasted through and came out of its shell, leaving a giant hole. The creature roared in defeat as darkness slipped out, the hole left behind filled with light. It consumed the creature of darkness before disappearing into the ground, dropping the conversation center back in place. Dawn felt the power of her beast being destroyed. She uttered a cry of defeat before she crashed, and Hitch zoomed by with a victory smile.
Dawn's Life Points: 0-
Winner: Hitch
"He did it!" shouted Izzy as she hugged Mario tightly to celebrate Hitch's win.
"Ggs, Hitch. Well done," mumbled Isaac softly while applauding the boy's expertly skilled last-minute play to win.
"Thanks for the help, bud," said Hitch as he stopped his runner and looked up to see his dragon flying above him. He gave his thanks to his new creature as it growled before vanishing.
The teen removed his helmet and looked where Dawn's duel runner crashed. The boy got off as he saw the girl emerge from the wreckage and begin to crawl on the ground. His concern for the girl caused him to approach her as he looked to help her. The evil girl crawled as she could feel herself starting to slip away; just then, a hand was extended before her as Hitch stood there. The boy gave her a heart-warming smile, which caused her to produce one. She put her hand in his as he helped her up before she lost all sense of feeling in her legs and fell forward into Hitch's arms as he caught the girl.
"Easy there," said the boy as he gently laid the girl in his arms and turned her over so she could look at him.
"Congrats, sheriff… You beat me."
"What's happening?" asked Hitch, seeing the girl's body slowly start to disappear.
"I have to go… please… win and take down Opaline… the world needs you…"
"We'll do our best," assured the boy to the girl who was fading out of existence.
"You know… it's a shame you're off the market, Hitch… 'cause you're cute," smiled Dawn.
Just before completely vanishing, she leaned in and kissed the boy's cheek. Hitch soon saw her disappear as he was shocked by the kiss and what he saw. He waved his arms about where Dawn had been just a moment ago to see if she was gone, and there was nothing but air. Knowing that confirmed his suspicions that the Shadow Realm now took the girl, and the only hope of her returning was for them to beat Opaline and get everyone back. The glowing mark on his back faded as everyone got their respective marks back on their arms. The teen stood up and overlooked the conversation center as a gust of wind blew in his face; his determined look said it all: he was going to keep his promise to Dawn and defeat the evil sorceress with the help of the others.
Author's Note: Another trial has been completed: this one being between Kindness and Animosity. And like with Mario in his duel, Hitch also was able to call onto the power of Unity to showcase something amazing, which shows it's not just restricted to one individual within the group. It goes to help whoever needs it. Now that Hitch's duel has ended, the boys have finished their mission, it all rests with the remainder of the girls to hopefully complete theirs.