Card of the Day: Koa'ki Meiru Angel

Episode 83: The Secret Underground Movement Moves Out!

Announcer: And with Leon's victory, round 1 comes to a close! I hope you've all had fun today, but I'm afraid we need to wrap things up for today! We're going to announce our duels for round 2 tomorrow. That way, it's a surprise!

Seth: Yeah, a surprise. Gives them perfect time to rig the matches tomorrow if you ask me.

Announcer: And so ladies and gentlemen, this is where we sign off for today. Make sure you come back tomorrow for some more great duels! I hope to see you there!

The big screen shuts off and the crowd begins to leave

Alicia: Tomorrow then. Hey, Yusuke, we were going to hang out. Wanna come?

Yusuke: Huh? Oh…no thanks. I've got….you know, training and stuff. After all, tomorrow's competition is going to be even tougher.

Dex: Well…okay. Good luck.

Yusuke: Yeah….

He stands up and goes a different direction. Tamika stands up as someone passes her.

Man: It's a wonderful day. Makes you want to get some coffee, doesn't it?

Tamika watches him leave and looks angry, ten leaves with the others

Opening

In the rougher part of town, Tamika walks to the café. The waiter is there and he sees her.

Waiter: What's up? You thirsty?

Tamika: Oh yes. It's quite the day for a ….coffee.

The waiter grins and walks back into the café. Tamika sits waiting when he comes back, putting the cup down,

Waiter: Enjoy the drink. There might even be something special for you at the bottom of the cup.

Tamika nods and begins to drink from the cup. When she finishes, there is a note at the bottom of the glass. She looks up and the waiter nods his head. He turns and walks away as she stands up and walks away too. A fly camera in the sky flies off as Tamika gets on her bike and drives away. That night, Tamika looks around and walks into the old arcade. She places the Koa'ki Meiru Maximus card on the game. The game moves and Tamika crawls down the hole into the Movement's main headquarters.

Waiter: Good, we're all here.

Man: Time to become the meeting. Speaking will be Craig, who has recently found out some information on Grayson's next big deal

Craig: Right, listen up. Here's what I heard. Tonight, Grayson is making a deal with Capona, a fellow crime lord from America. Tonight at midnight, a supply ship from America will be coming to pick up supplies Grayson is trading. What he's trading, I don't know. But if Grayson's involved, we can't be too careful

Woman: What's the plan then?

Tamika: That should be obvious. Stop the deal, right?

Craig: Exactly. What we need to do is stop the ship from entering the harbor. Or we could play it the more fun approach and simply go buck wild there until they run away.

Waiter: That seems a little risky to me. After all, adding in the thugs on the ship, Grayson will have a lot of men working for him. And well, it appears more of our members are vanishing every day.

Tamika: The size of our army isn't what matters. In fact, I think what we have is just fine.

Waiter: Really? Care to explain Skull?

Tamika: It's a simply solution really. Grayson's gang is so big; he won't notice a slight change. What we need to do is head to the docks and sneak inside the group. Then, we can disable the delivery from the inside; give the stolen goods to the cops.

Waiter: Not a bad idea. And it's perfect. We're getting Grayson right from the inside. Great plan Skull.

Kid: Yeah, but how? We can't just blend into the ground so easily. There's gotta be more to it than that.

Tamika: You leave those details to me. All I need from you guys is to get me to the main room. Then I'll deal with everything else.

Waiter: Alright. We're trusting you on this one. Don't let us down.

Tamika: Believe me, I won't. Otherwise….Grayson really does away with it.

Waiter: Alright everyone, take care of wha you need to take care of. In exactly two hours, we set off!

Everyone there cheers. Elsewhere, Alicia is up writing when she hears a knock. She looks over at the door and opens it, seeing Axel standing there.

Alicia: Axel, what are you doing here?

Axel: I was passing through. I wanted to talk to someone

Alicia: Well….okay. I would just….think I'm the last person you'd want to speak to.

Axel: Shut up, I'm trying to be nice here. No need to be rude.

Alicia: Sorry, sorry. What did you want to talk about?

Axel: It might just be me….but is Tamika acting different to you?

Alicia: Huh? Not really. She's usually acting in solitude.

Axel: Hmph. Then I am the only one who's noticed.

Alicia: Noticed what?

Axel: Only someone who's trying to hide something sees it when someone else tries to hide something.

Alicia: Are you saying Tamika's keeping secrets?

Axel: I'm not implying she's doing anything wrong. All I'm saying is that she isn't telling us the whole truth. Either something happened to her, or she feels like she can't trust us….or there's something only she can do,

At the Movement, everyone is on a D- Wheel. Tamika puts on her Skull mask and looks at the card one more time

Tamika: Just wait Corey…soon you'll be avenged.

Waiter: Listen up, here's the plan! We're all going to the docks. Half of us will form a perimeter and prevent anyone from escaping. Half of that half will cause some chaos and draw everyone away. Tamika and her group will go to the main supply ship and take it. After tonight, we'd have crippled Grayson's deals overseas. Now, enough talk! Let's get right down to business!

Everyone cheers and take off down the road. As they ride towards the docks the fly camera follows them. At the docks, Chimera is looking out over the sea when he answers his phone

Grayson: They are on the way

Chimera: ….Right.

Grayson: Take care of them quickly. They have been a thorn in my side for far too long.

Chimera: Yes….

Grayson: And if the girl gets in your way….do not hesitate.

Chimera: …I understand.

He turns off his phone and keeps looking out over the ocean. A short time later, the gang gets near the docks

Waiter: Wait….something isn't right.

Man: What do you mean?

Waiter: There's supposed to be a supply ship coming in right? I would think security would be tight. But we've barely seen any guards so far.

Man: What are you trying to say?

Waiter: …Thing seem a little too easy.

Searchlights come on. Many people on D- Wheels race out after them

Woman: It's a trap!

Gang member: Just like da boss predicted!

Gang member 2: We've got you, you bas [tards]! You're not getting away!

Gang member 3: All it took were empty rumors. We should have thought of this sooner!

Waiter: Damn! Skull, finish the job! Get to the control tower above all else! We need to call for help!

Skull: Got it!

She races off

Gang member: Oh no you don't!

Waiter: Oh no YOU don't!

He bumps into the thug chasing after Tamika many times until they both slow down. Tamika keeps racing ahead and stops when she sees Chimera standing before the control tower.

Tamika: I guess you aren't going to let me pass?

Chimera shakes his head and motions to his D- Wheel

Tamika: So I need to fight you. That's fine. This guy….he uses Koa'ki Meiru monsters. This duel is the only way all of my questions about him can be answered.

Chimera nods and gets on his bike. He races off and Tamika races after him. Chimera taps some buttons quickly

Chimera: Duel Disk, speech function engaged.

Tamika: Still don't feel like talking? No big worries. Let's go ahead and fight already! Neo Speed World, set on!

D- Wheel: Duel mode, auto-pilot standby

Both: Duel! [Chimera LP = 4000][Skull LP = 4000]

Waiter: What the hell is she doing?! She needs to get to the control tower right away! We don't have time for this!

Gang member: You're fighting me! Don't forget that! None of your friends are getting out of here alive!

Tamika races Chimera to the first turn. Tamika turns and sees Chimera looking down away from her. She gets angry

Tamika: What?! You're not even going to look me in the eye while we duel! Damn it, look at me!

She moves to hit him when he speeds up and takes the first corner.

Tamika: He tricked me!

Chimera's D- Wheel: Here we go. Draw Phase. Main Phase. I summon Koa'ki Meiru Wall [ATK 1900/DEF 1200 LV 4]. . I place two cards face down, turn end. End Phase. At this time, I reveal Koa'ki Meiru Guardian, a Rock type monster in my hand, and prevent Wall from being destroyed.

Tamika: He didn't discard Core. Which means he probably doesn't even have it in his hand. Good. Now I should be able to make an attack. I draw [SPC: Skull = 1 Chimera = 1]. I summon Skull Idol [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. By releasing this card while my opponent has more cards on their field then I do on mine, I get to Special Summon Skull Flame from my deck [ATK 2600/DEF 2000 LV 8]. Skull Flame attacks Koa'ki Meiru Wall. Skull Fire.

Chimera's D- Wheel: Trap card, Core Transport Vehicle. When a Koa'ki Meiru monster on the field is attacked, I can take one Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru in my deck and place it in my hand.

The fire hits the monster and destroys it [Chimera LP = 3300]

Tamika: I was right. He didn't have it in his hand yet. I've got to be careful now. If he has Core in his hand, he can easily summon Koa'ki Meiru Maximus, or that Science Lord. I'll crush him. I set two cards and end my turn.

Chimera's Duel Disk: My turn. Draw Phase [SPC: Chimera = 2 Skull = 2]. Main Phase. Trap card, Core Reinforcement. This lets me revive one Koa'ki Meiru monster in the graveyard. I revive Koa'ki Meiru Wall [ATK 1900/DEF 1200 LV 4]. Now I release it and Advance Summon Koa'ki Meiru Rooklord [ATK 2800/DEF 2200 LV 7]. As this monster was Normal Summoned, I remove from play a Koa'ki Meiru monster in the graveyard and destroy one of your set cards.

Tamika: Mirror Force….

Chimera's D- Wheel: Battle Phase. Koa'ki Meiru Rooklord attacks Skull Flame. Castle Fist.

It punches through Skull Flame, shattering it as Tamika covers herself [Skull LP = 3800]. She gasps in pain.

Tamika: This monster…this fast paced strategy….the two of them conflict so badly. This style….it's not his.

Chimera's D- Wheel: Turn end. At this time, I discard Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru and prevent my monster from being destroyed.

Tamika: Your monster does not intimidate me. I'll still take it down. Here we go, my turn [SPC: Skull = 3 Chimera = 3]. I remove form play one Skull Flame in the graveyard and summon Supersonic Skull Fame [ATK 2600/DEF 2000 LV 10]. Next I summon Vengeful Campfire [ATK 700/DEF 300 LV 2]. I can release this monster during the Main Phase and raise the attack points of one monster on the field by 1000 points. The monster I will power up is Supersonic Skull Flame [ATK 3600/DEF 2000 LV 10]. Take out Koa'ki Meiru Rooklord!

Skull Flame charges through Rooklord and destroys it. Chimera covers himself as the smoke cloud hits him [Chimera LP = 2500]

Waiter: Things seem to be going well.

Gang member: Pay attention!

Waiter's Stone Statue of the Aztecs is destroyed by Light End Dragon. Waiter snarls in fury.

Tamika: You're supposed to be Grayson's right hand man? I'm disappointed. Your lack of skill really makes me sick.

Chimera stays silent and Tamika snarls

Tamika: What's with this guy? Doesn't he ever get angry?! I end my turn. At this time, the effects of Vengeful Campfire no longer apply [ATK 2600/DEF 2000 LV 10]

Chimera's Duel Disk: My turn. Draw Phase [SPC: Skull = 4 Chimera = 4]. Main Phase. I place a monster in face down defense mode. Next I place a card face down and end my turn. End Phase.

Tamika: Playing defense won't help! My turn [SPC: Skull = 5 Chimera = 5]. I summon Lancer Archfiend [ATK 1600/DEF 1400 LV 4]. Time to end this! I attack with Supersonic Skull Flame. This also activates the effect of Lancer Archfiend! When a monster I control attacks, I can deal Piercing damage to the opponent. Take this. Speed Dash!

Chimera's Duel Disk: I discard Koa'ki Meiru Angel and Koa'ki Meiru Guardian. Now using the effect of Angel, I can negate all damage I take from this one battle.

The face down monster is trampled.

Chimera's Duel Disk: And now that Koa'ki Meiru Boulder has been destroyed, I get to take one Koa'ki Meiru monster in my deck and add it to my hand.

Tamika: That won't save you! I attack directly with Lancer Archfiend. Skull Lance

It rushes forward and slashes Chimera. He actually gasps in pain [Chimera LP = 900]. He swerves and smacks into the wall of a building, his head smashing against the bike and cracking.

Tamika: Hey…you okay?!

Chimera coughs, but doesn't respond.

Tamika: Hmph. Turn end.

Chimera's Duel Disk: My turn. D….D…D

Chimera turns off the speech function.

Chimera: It broke. I was hoping it would last. Now I need to get it fixed.

Tamika: That….that's your voice?

Chimera: Yes.

Tamika: You….you sound like…

She gasps as Chimera slowly draws [SPC: Chimera = 6 Skull = 6]

Chimera: Trap, Core Hunt. This lets me take an Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru in the graveyard and return it to my hand. In addition, if I don't have a Koa'ki Meiru monster on the field, I get to draw one card. Now I discard Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru. This lets me Special Summon this card.

Tamika: Wait…is he?!

Chimera: Come forth, Koa'ki Meiru Maximus [ATK 3000/DEF 2500 LV 8].

Tamika: That card….I wasn't sure before. Are you…

She begins to tear up. Chimera slowly pulls off his mask. Tamika gasps when she sees this and stops her D- Wheel. Chimera stops his D- Wheel a second later as well.

Tamika: I knew it…..I knew it…..you're alive.

Chimera looks up

Tamika: Corey….

Corey: Tamika….

Tamika: But….what are you doing?! Why are you working for Grayson?!

Corey: I can't tell you.

Tamika: You're supposed to be dead! And yet you're alive working for Grayson! I want answers Corey! Please….

Corey simply watches as she begins to break down

Ending

Narrator: As Tamika's brother is revealed to be Chimera, Tamika feels uncertain of continuing the fight. Chimera gains the upper hand and quickly gets the advantage. But with 30 minutes until Grayson himself arrives, can Tamika escape in time? Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate. Episode 84: Chimera's True Face.

Sir Thestalos: It's attack points….they've surpassed my Creator….

Yuji: And that's not all! Agent of Seven, when used as the Tuner, doubles the damage my opponent takes if my opponent's monster has a higher level

Sir Thestalos: No way! My monster is 12! It's higher than anything!

Yuji: Empty Void Dragon, finish him. Hollow Hole Beam.

Void charges up a beam if energy and fires it, tearing through Creator. It hisses in pain and tips backwards, blowing up in a large explosion of fire. Thestalos screams in pain as the fire vanishes [Sir Thestalos LP = 0].

Sir Thestalos: My….art….

He flips off his D- Wheel and hits the ground hard. Yuji comes to a stop as Empty Void vanishes, the card appearing in his hand.

Sir Thestalos: No way….how could I lose?!

He looks in shock as his hand is still alight. He screams as the fire spreads down his arm and covers him. Yuji looks in shock and runs forward as the fire vanishes, Thestalos with it, leaving only his sword behind.

Alice: What happened to him?!

Enzan: He just….vanished!

Yuji walks over and picks up the sword

Yuji: What….is going on? First I learn Zero Synchro, now that guy vanishes? Something's not right….

He looks ahead at the sky as he looks concerned

Ending

Card of the Day: Empty Void Dragon

Episode 228: Be Formed From Zero! Empty Void Dragon

In town, fire is flying all around. Yuji and Thestalos are still racing down the road [SPC: Yuji = 6 Sir Thestalos = 0]. Yuji has no cards on his field [Yuji LP = 1800]. Sir Thestalos has no set cards with Legendary Flamvell Idol [ATK 2500/DEF 200 LV 6].

Tyson: This isn't good. There's nothing Yuji can do in this situation.

Alice: If this keeps up, he'll lose.

Luna: No! We can't say that kind of stuff! Come on Yuji, you can do it!

Sir Thestalos: So, you really think you can win? What makes you so sure?

Yuji: I hate to disappoint, but that Legendary Flamvell Idol isn't nearly the strongest monster I've ever fought. I can defeat it!

Sir Thestalos: Yeah, well sorry to disappoint you too, but Idol isn't even close to being my strongest card.

He grins and turns over a card, showing a level 12 Synchro monster

Yuji: No way! A….Creator….

Sir Thestalos: And now….witness its power!

He holds out his arm and shoots out fire as a massive fire wave shoots out through the city, lightning many buildings on fire. Enzan and Effigy run to the top of a hill and see this

Enzan: Whoa! Where on earth did all this fire come from!?

Effigy: No way….it's him….

Enzan: Him? Who's…him?

Effigy: Come on, let's get over there. I need to double check. I just…hope I'm wrong about who this is.

Opening

Reporter: This channel 7 news! A gigantic fire is spreading through the residential area! All citizens are advised to evacuate immediately!

People are running in fear as the fire spreads throughout the entire city. Yuji looks around in horror as Thestalos drives forward, his D- Wheel and clothes now on fire and burning brightly.

Sir Thestalos: Look around. Is it not beautiful? The dancing flames spreading and spreading? It is like a candle flickering in the moonlight. This is truly art!

Yuji: Art? You…you sicko! Art is not meant to hurt people! This is…this is just evil!

Sir Thestalos: Yeah, someone like you would say that. You just don't understand my great sense of art.

Yuji: I won't let you destroy the city for some selfish art project!

Sir Thestalos: Is that so? In that case, I'll finish you for good. Then you'll see my fabulous style of art and grace.

Yuji: Here we go. My turn. [SPC: Yuji = 7 Sir Thestalos = 1]. I pay 7 Speed Counters and use the effect of Speed World 2. Now I draw a card from my deck. [SPC: Yuji = 0 Sir Thestalos = 1]. Partner, we need to stop this guy. We can't let him burn down everyone's home. I'm counting on you! I summon Mach Kuriboh in defense mode [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 1]. Turn end

Sir Thestalos: The monster that acts as your partner? Heh. I've seen that used more times that I can count. I wonder how my deck stacks up to it. Let's see [SPC: Yuji = 1 Sir Thestalos = 2]. I summon Neo Flamvell Shaman [ATK 1700/DEF 200 LV 3]. Now then, let's battle! Neo Flamvell Shaman attacks Mach Kuriboh

It holds out its staff and burns up the monster

Yuji: When Mach Kuriboh is destroyed, all damage I take for the rest of the turn is negated.

Sir Thestalos: Gah. Can't deal any Battle Damage. But, Battle Damage is all that protects you. I use the effect of Legendary Flamvell Idol. I remove from play Missile Warrior in your graveyard from play

Yuji is hit with even more fire, screaming in pain [Yuji LP = 600]

Sir Thestalos: It won't be much longer. By the way, since Flamvell Shaman destroyed your monster in battle, I can remove one more of your monsters from play. I choose to remove from play Missile Synchron. With that, I end my turn

Yuji: Damn. At this rate, I won't have any monsters left in my graveyard. I need to end this duel quickly before that becomes a handicap. My turn [SPC: Yuji = 2 Sir Thestalos = 3]. I use Speed Spell- Angel Baton. This lets me draw two cards and discard one. That should do it. Now I summon Black Chain Wraith in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 2000 LV 4]. I set a card and end my turn

Tyson: That's it! But that can't protect him against Thestalos!

Alice: Even using Wraith's effect, it can only buy him one turn

Cain: This Thestalos….how can he be number 11? His skill is so great….are the Knights really that powerful?

Takimaru: Even Willas wasn't this good….so does that mean Willas wasn't even being serious with me?!

Takimaru slams his hand against the wall. Alice looks concerned as Effigy and Enzan drive down the road.

Sir Thestalos: Here we go, my turn. [SPC: Yuji = 3 Sir Thestalos = 4]. Now you'll see my great art style. I use Speed Spell- Dash Pilfer. This lets me take control of my opponent's monster in defense mode. That Black Chain Wraith of yours now belongs to me.

Alice: He no longer has anything left to protect himself!

Sir Thestalos: Later! I attack with Legendary Flamvell Idol

Yuji: Plan B.

Sir Thestalos: Hm?

Yuji: I wanted to save this for later, but you made me have to accelerate my strategy. By removing Ghost Tuner from play, I can tune him to monsters in the graveyard.

Sir Thestalos: Too bad for you! There's nothing you can tune in your graveyard!

Yuji: Actually, there is. There's Load Warrior!

Sir Thestalos: …So, you know Synchro Hole returns the Synchro monster removed from play to the graveyard at the turn's end and that Legendary Flamvell Idol can only remove monsters with a level of 6 or below.

Yuji: I tune the level 8 Load Warrior and level 2 Ghost Tuner. That's not all! Trap card, Downgrade Synchro. When I Synchro Summon, I can decrease the total levels of my Tuner and non-Tuner monsters by 2.

Ghost becomes 2 rings that Load flies through, becoming 8 stars. Two of the stars are destroyed [2 + 8 – 2 = 8]

Yuji: Synchro Summon! Swoop from the sky, Giga-Tech Ptera [ATK 3000/DEF 2500 LV 8]

Sir Thestalos: Whoa! I can't stand up to something like that! I change my Flamvell Shaman to defense mode [ATK 1700/DEF 200 LV 3]. I also change Legendary Flamvell Idol to defense mode [ATK 2500/DEF 200 LV 6]. Turn end. At this time, you get back Black Chain Wraith. As if it'll help you.

Yuji: This card is just what I need to win. My turn, I draw [SPC: Yuji = 4 Sir Thestalos = 5]. I summon Soul Spearer in defense mode [ATK 1600/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Giga- Tech Ptera's effect! It can attack all monsters on my opponent's field. Go, Soaring Swoop!

It flies low and plows through both monsters.

Yuji: And now Soul Spearer's effect! If another monster I control attacks, 500 points of damage are dealt to the opponent for each one.

Spearer points and fires two green arrows that hit Thestalos [Sir Thestalos LP = 1600]

Tyson: Yes! He's really starting to come back!

Luna: Go for it!

Yuji: That ends my turn

Sir Willas: Well, so much for Thestalos. Here I was hoping for a great artistic style. And now so far, it has only disappointed me.

Sir Caius: It was a mistake to end out our weakest member. After all, he has done nothing for our cause.

Chaos King: Don't count it out yet. After all, he still has his Creator. Let's see how things play out.

Sir Thestalos: I had everything all planned out and you ruined it. Damn you…..how dare you mess with my beautiful art!?

Yuji: If you art threatens the city, then yes I will! No matter what it takes, I'll stop you! I end my turn.

Cain: Yes, he might just be able to win now.

Raythe: Hmph. As if there was any doubt. This guy is the lowest rank among the Knights. There's no way he could be stronger than Yuji.

Sir Thestalos: It's my turn. I draw [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 6Yuji = 5]. I set one card and end my turn.

Yuji: Hm? That's all

Sir Thestalos: No duh. I have no cards in my hand. But just because of that, don't think you'll win. Art can never be held down. Even if you try to cover it up or wipe it off the canvas of life it is printed on, you will always experience payback

Yuji: I can understand you. But, hurting people only corrupts your art. And that mean I have to beat you! My turn [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 7 Yuji = 6]. I also set a card. Now then, Giga- Tech Ptera, attack him directly.

Luna: Yes! He's going to win!

Sir Thestalos: Trap card, Dirty Survival Techniques. I need to pay 1000 life points to use this card. [Sir Thestalos LP = 600]. This ends the Battle Phase right now

The attack is blacked by an invisible barrier.

Sir Thestalos: And then we both get to draw a card from our decks.

Yuji: Paying life points to draw a card? Don't you think that's a rather risky thing to try and do?

Sir Thestalos: Whatever it takes to win. There's no way I can let you win this duel.

Yuji: I feel the same way. I end my turn.

Tyson: Something isn't right. This Thestalos doesn't have a lot of life points left. But he doesn't even seem that upset

Raythe: You're right. It's almost like…he's waiting for something.

Sir Thestalos: Here we go. My turn [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 8 Yuji = 7]. Now I use Speed Spell- Added Offerings. I can only use this card if I have less than 3 cards in my hand. I can send two Synchro monsters in my Extra Deck to the graveyard and draw 2 cards from my deck. Heh heh. Speed Spell- Synchro Panic. Now, when I have 7 or more Speed Counters, I can bring back as many Synchro monsters as possible from my graveyard. Their attack points become 0 and their effects are negated, and they are removed from play at the end of the turn. I revive two Flamvell Uruquizas cards [ATK 0/DEF 400 LV 6 each], Ancient Flamvell Deity [ATK 0/DEF 200 LV 7], and Legendary Flamvell Idol [ATK 0/DEF 200 LV 6].

Yuji: Four Synchro monsters?

Sir Thestalos: Now I release Flamvell Uruquizas and Legendary Flamvell Deity to Advance Summon Flamvell Lord Volquo [ATK 2600/DEF 200 LV 8]. Now, Speed Spell- Lightning Rod. This lets me destroy Volquo

Yuji: But why?!

Sir Thestalos: When Volquo is destroyed, I Special Summon a Flamvell Token [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. Now I use Speed Spell- Zero Reverse. This lets me revive one monster destroyed this turn. Come back, Flamvell Lord Volquo [ATK 0/DEF 200 LV 8].

Yuji: What's he trying to do with these complicate moves? And all those consecutive Speed Spells….

Sir Thestalos: Now I use the effect of Volquo. I can select all other FIRE monsters on the field and make their levels equal. I make the levels of Ancient Flamvell Deity and Flamvell Uruquizas to 1 [ATK 0/DEF 400 LV 1][ATK 0/DEF 200 LV 7]. Now then, I use the power of Speed World 2! Since my Speed Counters are 7, I pay 7 and draw a card [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 1 Yuji = 7]. Just what I was hoping for. I use Speed Spell- Fire Connection

Yuji: Another Speed Spell?!

Cain: Something's not right. If he had all those Speed Spells, why didn't he just he effect of Speed World 2?

Raythe: This guy….what's he planning?

Sir Thestalos: Now I get to revive one monster as long as it is FIRE Attributed. I choose Flamvell Baby [ATK 800/DEF 200 LV 1]

Yuji: Five monsters….the levels add up to 12….are you kidding!?

Sir Thestalos: Heh. I tune my level 1 Flamvell Baby, level 1 Flamvell Token, level 1 Flamvell Uruquizas, level 1 Ancient Flamvell Deity, and level 8 Flamvell Lord Volquo

Baby becomes 1 ring that Deity, Uruquizas, Token, and Lord fly through, becoming 11 stars [1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 8 = 12]

Sir Thestalos: As the pressure rises, magma erupts. The world becomes engulfed in fire and burns to less than ash. Limit Over Synchro Summon! Creator of Fire- Volcarona!

Fire erupts and forms into a giant worm creature. It dives into the ground and out again [ATK 5000/DEF 5000 LV 12]

Yuji: A Creator….

Tyson: It's…massive!

Everyone watches in fear as the monster hisses. Fire erupts form it and begins to hit buildings and roads, lighting them on fire

Sir Thestalos: The power….Mobius was right! This power…is amazing! With this, I win! Creator of Fire- Volcarona attacks! Magma Eruption Shot!

Volcarona shoots out a ton of fire and magma that hits the road, burning it. The lava gets closer to Ptera as the road begins to melt

Yuji: Trap card, Assault Mode Activate. Now I can sacrifice my Ptera and summon Giga- Tech Ptera/Assault Mode [ATK 3500/DEF 3000 LV 9] in defense mode.

Sir Thestalos: You think you're safe from me? Sorry. When Volcarona destroys any monster, all other cards my opponent controls are also destroyed. Lava River!

Volcarona drools and lava melts Spearer and Wraith. It roars and tackles Ptera, smashing it.

Yuji: At least I get to revive the original Ptera since his Assault Mode was destroyed [ATK 3000/DEF 2500 LV 8]

Sir Thestalos: I set a card and end my turn.

Yuji: A Creator….it's just as powerful as the last one. Damn…there's nothing I can do to stop it. I draw. [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 2 Yuji = 8] My only chance…I use the effect of Speed World 2 and draw a card [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 2 Yuji = 1]. I set a card and end my turn.

Tyson: That's all?! But that thing will crush him!

Effigy and Enzan drive up

Enzan: Another one of those giant monsters?

Effigy: I was afraid of this. What the hell are you doing….Ted?

Sir Thestalos: This was totally worth skipping on Speed World 2! Seeing this thing create more and more lovely art is so astonishing! I'm going to win for sure with this thing. My turn [SPC: Yuji = 2 Sir Thestalos = 3]. Melt his monster down into solid gold! Go, Magma Eruption Shot!

It shoots a giant stream of fire that burns away Ptera. The lava melts the road all around Yuji and he quickly jumps over the melting street.

Yuji: Before my set card is destroyed, I use the Trap card Synchro Forward. This lets me summon a monster equal to the level of a monster I control that was destroyed. Giga-Tech Ptera was a level 8. That means I can summon the level 8 Void Dragon [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 8].

Sir Thestalos: There's the monster we all want to see! It'll be fun making its remains my next art project! I set a card and end my turn.

Effigy: What the hell is Ted doing?

Enzan: Hold up, you know that guy?!

Effigy: Yeah….he's like us. He's a Pyromefian

Enzan: Whoa, are you serious?!

Sir Thestalos: Hm? Effigy. Didn't see you there. Long time no see. How's that old man doing?

Effigy: Still kicking.

Sir Thestalos: Really? Aw. I was hoping to knock down his gravestone.

Yuji: Effigy…you know him?

Effigy: Why does everyone keep asking that? Yeah, I do. Why Ted. Why are you using your power like this? The Hot Heart isn't mean to hurt people!

Raythe: Hot Heart?

Sir Thestalos: Shut up! What do you know?! You're being brainwashed by that old fool! He said we should use our powers for good! That's the "right" thing to do! Well, who decides what the right thing to do is?! People hate guys like us Effigy! People who are different. They don't care for the past. So just let them all burn up! That's what I've vowed to use the Hot Heart for!

Yuji: So….you're out just to hurt people? In that case….I really won't forgive you! Hurting people isn't right! Especially just because you don't want to. Sure, people might not be grateful….but it's good to help them! If you don't, then you just look even worse.

Sir Thestalos: Big talk. But you forget, who has the God! You can't even begin to match me! I know the names and effects of every monster you own! None of them can stop me!

Yuji: No…I won't let you win! Be it a god or a demon, I will fight anything you summon! With my family and friends besides me at all times, I won't let it end! Together, no matter what you summon, we'll win! Even if…Zero Synchro never becomes open!

He screams and he gives off a golden aura. Cain, Luna, Tyson, Alice, Takimaru, and Raythe give off auras as well. Thestalos and the Knights look astonished as the seven pointed star appears in the sky. His deck begins to glow. He looks down in shock as everyone gasps.

Luna: I…feel something!

Tyson: Me too!

Takimaru: What is….I get it! We're lending our power to Yuji!

Effigy: Could it be?!

Yuji: …Here we go. All I have is Speed Spell- Magic Back. This lets me set two Spell or Trap cards from the graveyard onto the field. But that won't help me. Come on, last draw! I draw [SPC: Yuji = 3 Sir Thestalos = 4]. This card….this is just like that time against Des Blood! …Yes. I'll….I'll trust this draw! I reverse the level of Void Dragon [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV -8]. This lets me Special Summon Agent of Seven from my hand [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 8].

Sir Thestalos: What the…?

Yuji: I tune the level -8 Void Dragon and level 8 Agent of Seven.

Chaos King: What?!

Seven becomes 8 rings that Dragon flies through, becoming 8 black stars. The black starts crackle and destroy the rings [-8 + 8 = 0]

Nihility: You've done it, Seven Stars. Together, you've tapped into ancient power of the Seven Star Knight. It was all your selflessness and the desire to protect your city that awakened it.

Yuji: Zero Synchro! Empty Void Dragon [ATK 3300/DEF 2500 LV 0]

Tyson: A Zero Synchro monster!

Raythe: Ha! I knew it!

Luna: Wow Yuji…

Sir Thestalos: But….how can this be?! There's no such as a monster with a level of zero!

Yuji: Is that so? Then…..what is on my field right now?! I use Speed Spell- Magic Back. Now I get to set two Spell or Trap cards on the field. Now I use the effect of Empty Void Dragon. I destroy all set cards and raise his attack points by 500 for each one! Empty Eat!

Dragon sucks in all set cards, crunching them down [ATK 5300/DEF 2500 LV 0]

Card of the Day: Legendary Flamvell Idol

Episode 227: Flames of the Eternal Flamvells

In the room with the table, all the Knights are seated. Raiza is reading a dirty magazine and drooling. Willas is watering a small plant. Caius and Kuraz are playing chess as Kuraz moves one of his pieces. Thestalos is dozing off as Urma is getting more and more annoyed as she is looking in a mirror. Granmarg and Ginro are playing cards as Ginro throws down a royal straight flush. Chaos King and Mobius then walk in and sit down

Chaos King: My Knights, to day is the promised day. No longer will we wait in the shadows like a vulture flying over its dying prey. He Creator cards are now under our control. Which means the time has come for us to declare war with the Seven Stars.

Sir Raiza: So the promised day is finally here huh? Good. I was getting sick of being cooped up all the time

Sir Granmarg: The Seven Stars. Their power will supply us with everything we need

Chaos King: Now, who would like to go first? Who shall be the one who fires the first bullet in this war?

Sir Thestalos: That's great your highness. So, you get right on that.

He turns over to go back to sleep as the King laughs

Chaos King: Yes, about that Thestalos. I actually have an assignment for you

Sir Thestalos: Whoa, for me? Uh, look, no disrespect but….

Chaos King: I am afraid I will hear no objections.

Thestalos gulps

Opening

On the road in town, Yuji is driving down the road. Void Dragon trails behind him as he rides

Yuji: Nihility….he told me to seek Zero Synchro. But, how am I even supposed to reach it? He didn't give me any clues. Only….to tap into the power of the Seven- Star Knight. But if I can't do that….

He stops at the section of the highway where he battled Mobius. There are many shards is of ice on the road. He looks upset for a minute and keeps moving.

Yuji: That one time against Des Blood was the only time I could. But….what if I can't do it again?

In the library, Takimaru is snoring at the desk. Alice and Tyson put a pile of books down and he wakes up with a start.

Takimaru: Aw man….I'm not even done with my stack!

Alice: Takimaru, you have to pick up the pace! We need to read and fine out all we can about the Zero Synchro!

Takimaru: Man, you'd think this damn library would at least have one book on the topic! All this junk!

He knocks the stack of books over

Alice: You have to relax

Takimaru: I know! But….the only way we can defeat this evil is to learn Zero Synchro. And we have absolutely no leads to finding it! It's just….everyone is in danger if we fail, so we need to work hard!

Alice: Yes, that. And….they're going to kick us out of the library if you keep this up

Takimaru: Oh right….sorry….

At Sector Seven, Cain is watching as all the workers go through the screens and database

Cain: Anything in Norse mythology?

Man: No sir.

Cain: Damn. How about Greek?

Man: Nothing sir

Cain: Roman? Egyptian? African? Incan?!

Man 2: Sir, we're cross-referencing this….Zero Synchro….to all known myths throughout history. Nothing even comes close to it.

Cain: Of course. That would be just our luck, wouldn't it? Keep searching! I don't care if you have to dig to the ends of the earth! There must be some clue, some kind of hint! And we ARE going to find it!

Employees: Yes sir!

At the pier, Luna is sighing as she stares into the water. She begins to toss stones in. Someone throws a stone and she turns to see Raythe

Raythe: This was the place I went to be alone. Now I need to find a new one

Luna: Sorry. I'll leave

Raythe: No, don't do that. It was a joke

Luna: You making a joke? You really have changed.

Raythe: Yeah….I guess. I really owe that to you guys though. You really helped me out when I needed you. But now….there's nothing any of us can do.

Luna: You've been trying to train also?

Raythe: Of course. These Knights….I don't know what they want, but it can't be a good thing. That's why we need to master Zero Synchro

Luna: Yeah…you're right. But…if we can't then…

Raythe: One thing I've learned throughout my experiences is that you think negative things, you will always suffer. Only when you think of the positive do things become better. That's why no matter what, no matter how bleak things seem, we can't give up.

Luna: It really seems unlike you to say those kinds of things. You always used to be such a jerk

Raythe: Hmph. What are you talking about? I'm a really nice guy.

At the beach, Enzan is watching a campfire while huddled in a fetal position. He watches the flames as he remembers his encounter while Shaman and stifles a sob. Effigy sits down to him, stretching

Enzan: What?

Effigy: I'm sitting down. What, is that against the law now?

Enzan: I want to be alone. That's why I came here.

Effigy: Wallowing in self pity without anything to eat? Man, you sure aren't a good host

Enzan: Just say what you wanna say and go away

Effigy: Enzan….look, don't feel bad. Most people don't learn to control the Hot Heart until they are 18. You aren't old enough yet. Just give it a year and I'm sure that you…

Enzan: I can't wait a year! The Knights could attack us at any minute! I can't just sit on the sidelines and let Yuji and the others fight! I need to be right there on the battlefield next to them! But if I can't learn how to master the Hot Heart…how can I stand next to them?

Effigy: Jeez….look, if you're going to whine about it, maybe I can help you a little.

Enzan: Huh?

Effigy: Don't say huh. You know what I mean. I'll teach you how to use the Hot Heart.

Enzan: You….will?!

Effigy: Yeah, yeah….might as well.

Enzan: What about Shaman?

Effigy: Pfft. Shaman isn't the boss of me. I do what I want, when I want. And I want to help you Enzan. You kinda me of myself.

Enzan grins a little, but turns back into the fire. Yuji is at Sector Seven thinking. Suddenly, the sky grows dark

Yuji: Huh?

Alice: What's with the sky? It was sunny just a minute ago.

Fireballs begin to shoot out of the clouds, hitting the ground. People begin to scream in the street and run for cover.

Yuji: What's happening?

Nihility: It's begun!

Thestalos is standing on a rooftop, holding a card

Sir Thestalos: Ha ha ha! Dance fire, dance! Dance and glimmer like moonlight in the crystal clear water.

Luna: Raining fire….this is like something out a movie!

Raythe looks at his deck and a card glows. He looks at a building.

Raythe: The card….it's leading us there.

Luna: Let's hurry!

The two run off. At the top of the building, Thestalos points his sword in all directions and keeps throwing fireballs all around. He begins to laugh

Sir Thestalos: This is like playing a video game!

Yuji arrives at the foot of the building and sees him. Everyone else arrives as Thestalos looks down

Sir Thestalos: Well, well, well. Like moths to the bug swatter.

Cain: You! Are you one of the Knights?!

Sir Thestalos: Indeed. My name is Sir Thestalos! I am the Fire Champion, rank #11 among the Knights of the Elemental

Tyson: 11? Isn't that kinda low?

Sir Thestalos: I don't know shorty, aren't you kind of low?

Yuji: Enough! Why have you come here?! Why are you destroying our city!?

Sir Thestalos: Oh you know. To grab a burger, see a movie; satisfy my desire to burn things.

Yuji: Leave our city! If you won't, I'll make you leave!

Sir Thestalos: Aw yes, that was something I was told to do! I need to fight you guys. So, who wants to go at it?

Raythe: Hmph. You asked for it.

Yuji: No guys. You need to let me fight him

Cain: Yuji, what are you saying?

Yuji: I'm the only who one who has really fought against a Knight

Takimaru: Hey, that's not right! I've fought against one of them too!

Yuji: Everyone, please just let me go. I get the feeling that if I fight him….I'll get the answer I need.

Luna: Yuji….if it's what you want….I won't stop you. Just please…be careful

Yuji: I will

Sir Thestalos: Oo, the guy who fought Mobius eh? This might actually be a blast!

He leaps off the building. He swings the sword around and fire spreads around him. He impacts the ground and rides out on a D- Wheel. Everyone looks in shock as he races off. Yuji snarls and runs to his D- Wheel, taking off after Thestalos.

Cain: I'll see if I can get the duel on my computer.

Sir Thestalos: Alright then, bring it! Speed World 2, set on!

Computer: Duel mode. Auto-pilot, standby

Both: Duel! [Sir Thestalos LP = 4000][Yuji LP = 4000].

Sir Thestalos: Here we go. My turn. I summon Flamvell Poun in defense mode [ATK 200/DEF 200 LV 1]. I set a card and end my turn

Yuji: Here we go, my turn! [SPC: Yuji = 1 Sir Thestalos = 1] I summon Spell-Break Warrior [ATK 1700/DEF 0 LV 4]. This combo didn't work on Mobius. But Mobius was 2. This guy is only 11. How strong can he really be? Spell-Break Warrior attacks.

It rushes forward and destroys Flamvell Poun.

Sir Thestalos: Since Flamvell Poun was destroyed; I can add a Flamvell monster from my deck to my hand

Yuji: Spell-Break Warrior's monster effect! When he attacks a monster, he also destroys a Spell or Trap card out. I destroy that set card.

Sir Thestalos: Before you get a chance, Trap card. Draft. This lets me Special Summon one monster from my hand if it was added to my through a card effect. I Special Summon Flamvell Archer [ATK 1000/DEF 200 LV 3]

Yuji: Nice Relief Escape. But it won't stop me! I set two cards and end my turn.

Sir Thestalos: My turn [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 2 Yuji = 2]. First I'll place two cards face down. I summon Neo Flamvell Garuda [ATK 1200/DEF 1800 LV 3]. Now I change Flamvell Archer into defense mode and end my turn [ATK 1000/DEF 200 LV 3].

Yuji: Here we go. My turn. I summon Synchro Top [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1].. When there are two or more monsters on my field, I can also Special Summon Hive Wasp to the field [ATK 1300/DEF 500 LV 3]. When Synchro Top is used as a Tuner monster, his name counts as any other Tuner monster of my choosing. I tune the level 1 Synchro Top, level 3 Hive Wasp, and level 4 Spell-Break Warrior

Top becomes 1 ring that Warrior and Wasp fly through, becoming 7 stars [1 + 3 + 4 = 8]

Yuji: Synchro Summon! Smash, Load Warrior [ATK 2900/DEF 1000 LV 8].

Sir Thestalos: That is quite a monster. But if you ask me…you should have payed attention! Trap card, Synchro Hole. When my opponent summons a Synchro monster, I can destroy it and remove it from play. And not only that, I can Synchro Summon using the two monsters I have on my field.

Warrior is swallowed up as Archer becomes 3 rings that Garuda flies through, becoming 3 stars [3 + 3 = 6]

Sir Thestalos: Dance lovely flames and burn the world. Synchro Summon! Flamvell Uruquizas [ATK 2100/DEF 1400 LV 4]

Yuji: No way….my Synchro monster….but how?

Sir Thestalos: Let me guess, since you could go head to head with #2 means I'm easy pickings. Well, sorry to disappoint you, but the rankings aren't just skill. In other words, just because I'm #11 doesn't mean I'm a pushover!

Yuji: Damn! That ranking thing made me take him too lightly. I can't afford to make another mistake like that. I set a card and end my turn

Sir Thestalos: Here we go. My turn [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 3 Yuji = 3]. As you have 3 or less monsters in your graveyard, I Special Summon Neo Flamvell Origin [ATK 500/DEF 200 LV 2]. Next I summon Neo Flamvell Sabre [ATK 1500/DEF 200 LV 4]. Since there are four or less cards in your graveyard, Sabre gains 600 attack points [ATK 2100/DEF 200 LV 4]. Let's go at it! Flamvell Uruquizas, attack his directly!

Yuji: Trap card, Radiant Mirror Force. When my opponent has three or more monsters in attack mode, I can destroy all my opponent's monsters in attack mode

Sir Thestalos: Too slow! Trap card, Urgent Tuning. During the Battle Phase, I am allowed to Synchro Summon. I tune the level 2 Neo Flamvell Origin and level 3 Neo Flamvell Sabre

Origin becomes 3 rings that Sabre flies through, becoming 4 stars [2 + 4 = 6]

Sir Thestalos: From fire and smoke, the great deity rises up to engulf the world in fire. Synchro Summon! Legendary Flamvell Idol [ATK 2500/DEF 200 LV 6].

Yuji: Oh no! Now the number of monsters on the field are below 3!

Sir Thestalos: That's right! Radiant Mirror Force only works if I have three monsters! I only have two right now! In other words, this is it! Uruquizas, get him!

Yuji: Trap card, Vanishing Agony. This lets me negate damage I take

The attack vanishes.

Sir Thestalos: Hmph. Well, you won't dodge my next attack. Get him Legendary Flamvell Idol.

Yuji: Trap card, Lose and Gain. This lets me draw 1 card from my deck by sending one card from my deck to the graveyard. Now I remove from play the monster I sent to the graveyard, Gear Necromancer, to negate all damage I take from a battle

The attack is blocked.

Sir Thestalos: Ah man. Well, guess I should have expected that. But you won't avoid damage. I use the effect of Legendary Flamvell Idol. I can remove n opponent's graveyard monster and deal its level x 200 as damage. I remove from play Spell-Break Warrior.

Deity shoots fire at Yuji. He is hit and screams in pain [Yuji LP = 3200]

Yuji: Real damage….

Sir Thestalos: Be careful, or you'll really get hurt.. I set a card. Turn end

Yuji: That was close. I need to be more careful. I draw [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 5 Yuji = 5]. I summon Limestone Warrior [ATK 1600/DEF 300 LV 4]. When this card is summoned, I can destroy one of my opponent's set cards. I destroy that set card on your field.

Limestone chops it in half.

Yuji: Now that Limestone Warrior has succeeded, I can revive one monster from my graveyard. I bring back Synchro Top [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. I tune the level 1 Synchro Top and level 4 Limestone Warrior

Top becomes 1 ring that Warrior flies through, becoming 4 stars [1 + 4 = 5]

Yuji: Synchro Summon! Trap Sniper [ATK 2100/DEF 1200 LV 5]. Now that I Normal Summoned a monster, I can also summon Missile Synchron [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. I tune the level 1 Missile Synchron and level 5 Trap Sniper

Missile becomes 1 ring that Sniper flies through, becoming 5 stars that Sniper flies through, becoming 5 stars [1 + 5 = 6]

Yuji: Synchro Summon! Missile Warrior [ATK 2500/DEF 1000 LV 6].

Sir Thestalos: Consecutive Synchro Summon? This guy is something.

Yuji: I attack Flamvell Uruquizas! Missile Fist!

It jets forward and punches the monster, destroying it. Thestalos hisses [Sir Thestalos = 3600]

Sir Thestalos: That didn't hurt at all.

Yuji: You see? I'm not someone you can just defeat so easily. I set a card and end my turn

Sir Thestalos: You think you're something huh? I don't really like the arrogant. Looks like I need to show you a thing or two. I draw [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 6Yuji = 6]. I use the effect of Legendary Flamvell Idol. The monster I'll remove from play is your Trap Sniper

It hits Yuji with fire again [Yuji LP = 2200]

Yuji: Trap card, Pain Mirror. This deals the damage I just took to you.

Fire shoots at Thestalos [Sir Thestalos LP = 2600].

Sir Thestalos: Meh heh. Guess the kiddy gloves are off. I use Speed Spell- Shift Down. I pay 6 Speed Counters [SPC: Sir Thestalos = 0 Yuji = 6] and draw 2 cards. Now I send Flamvell Baby to the graveyard and raise the attack points of Legendary Flamvell Idol by 400 [ATK 2900/DEF 200 LV 6]. Feel my power! I attack! Flamvell Meteor Storm!

Yuji: When Missile Warrior is in battle, he can negate his own destruction and destroy the monster he battles.

Sir Thestalos: Sorry, that won't work! I send Effect Veiler to the graveyard. Now my opponent's Effect monster loses all effects.

Yuji: What?!

Fire shoots through Missile and destroys it [Yuji LP = 1800]. Fire engulfs him and he screams in pain

Sir Thestalos: Ha ha ha! I've studied you Yuji! I saw you fight Mobius! And now my deck is perfectly catered to counter anything you play. Face it, you lose!

Nihility watches the duel.

Nihility: Yuji….the only way you can win…is to se Zero Synchro

The flames fade as Yuji gasps in pain

Raythe: Damn it! How is he doing so badly?!

Luna: Yuji….

Yuji turns in anger as Thestalos keeps laughing

Ending

Sir Thestalos: You can't win! My flames will engulf you and burn you to ash

Yuji: This duel, I can't lose! No matter what! Next time, Episode 228: Be Born From Zero, Empty Void Dragon! This power....what is it?

Card of the Day: Lineage of Destruction

Episode 82: The Greatest Shield: Machine Emperor Defendiel

In the stadium, doctors are loading Marie onto a stretcher. There is a large cut on her face and she is breathing deeply

Tony: Don't you worry about a thing. These doctors are going to take good care of you.

He is crying as he is carried away. Armen is grinning in the stands. Yusuke runs down to see Neo as he is leaving the field

Yusuke: Neo! Hold on a second! Why did you do that?! Dueling isn't about hurting people! Hey, answer me! Neo!

Neo: Yusuke….please lose right away. I don't want to fight you later. If I do….I can't guarantee your life.

He turns back to look at Yusuke with sad eyes. Yusuke's eyes widen as Neo continues to walk off

Opening

In the hospital room, Marie is lying on a bed with beeping machines all around her. She is breathing very slowly

Tony: Give it to us straight doctor, is she gonna be okay?!

He is crying and shaking the doctor

Tamika: If you don't stop doing that, he won't be able to make sure

Tony: Oh…sorry. Get the jitters sometimes.

Doctor: Yes, well, Marie is not doing too well I'm afraid. She is in critical condition.

Dex: Is she going to be okay?

Doctor: I can't promise anything. Medical science is not god's work after all. We're going to do the best we can for sure, but miracles don't always happen.

Tony: I get it….alright; just do your best doctor.

He leaves and leans against a wall

Alicia: Are you okay?

Tony: Yeah….I'm okay. It's just….weird. She used to be so tough. So angry all the time. Seeing her lying there like a statue….well….it just doesn't feel right. And I'm worried. I mean, what if she doesn't make it?

Alicia: She will. I've met her. Trust me; I know she'll be back on her feet in no time.

Tony: Yeah….I hope so

Koga: I can't believe the tournament is still going on. After all, someone just got seriously hurt

Salia: Yeah! What's AllTech trying to play letting this tournament go on? Innocent people will get hurt.

Seth: Clearly he doesn't seem to care about that. That's why the tournament should go on. So we can show everyone the smoke and mirrors he has been using.

Tamika: And that also means taking down Grayson. That's why we need to be anyone who stands in our way.

Yusuke: You mean Neo, don't you?

Tamika: I was only implying, but yes. Neo is who I was referring to.

Yusuke: But Neo didn't do anything wrong!

Seth: Yusuke….he did this to Marie.

Yusuke: No! There has to be some other explanation!

Tamika: I think it was pretty clear exactly what went on. Neo's turned traitor on us.

Yusuke: You're wrong! He wouldn't do something like that! Not Neo….

Seth: Look, I don't like to accept it either. But the fact of the matter is, he has a Machine Emperor. Anyone with a Machine Emperor is my enemy.

Yusuke: I can't believe you guys! Neo….Neo's our friend! We had food with him! We hung out with him! We all dueled and had fun together! How…how can you guys just forget about all that and address him as an enemy after all that!

He turns and runs off. Alicia steps forward as Tamika holds out her arm

Tamika: Let the baby cry. If he isn't going to let this go, that's his problem. He just doesn't want to accept reality.

Yusuke is crying while leaning against the wall. Leon watches him from behind the corner and turns to walk away.

Yusuke: Neo….what's happened to you? Are we….really going to have to fight?

Neo is in the top box looking sad.

Grayson: Is something wrong? You haven't touched your fried chicken

Neo: ….I just don't feel too hungry.

Armen: Yes. Well, it's not like you need food Sigma. After all, robots do not food or water to live

Neo: I know…but it comforts me anyway.

Armen: Well, whatever. At this point, it matters not. AllTech's role in the tournament is so tight, one of my soldiers are destined to win

He smiles as Greg is on the Duel Field

Greg: Machine Emperor Grannel, absorb his Synchro monster!

Grannel shoots out tentacles that wrap about his opponent's Trident Dragion [ATK 7000/DEF 0 LV 1]

Greg: Now strike him down! Grand Slaughter Cannon!

Grannel fires the beam of energy and his opponent loses the duel, falling off his bike as it crashes into the wall [Opponent LP = 0]

Announcer: It's over! Our winner is Greg!

He fist pumps to the crowd as Axel sits in his seat, snarling. Leon is speaking with Jupiter

Jupiter: Your duel is next?

Leon: Yeah. It's not an AllTech employee though.

Jupiter: I see. It's too bad. If you were fighting against a Machine Emperor, we could collect more information about it. It's as if AllTech is interfering with the set-up of the duels

Leon: It wouldn't surprise me if they were up to something shady like that. During my duel, I'll keep an eye open. I'll let you know as soon as I see something out of the ordinary

Jupiter: Be sure that you do

The message cuts off

Leon: Boy….we can't ever have a peaceful moment around here, can we? Well, Ashoka is my opponent. I know I don't need to worry about her too much

Ashoka is walking down the hall. Grayson is standing there

Grayson: Good day to you

Ashoka: Move it. I'm going to be late

Grayson: Ah yes. You're fighting against Leon.

Ashoka: Yeah, I know. Look, you're breaking my concentration. Just go away old man

Grayson: Old man? Well, that was quite rude. Maybe I shouldn't help a rude little girl like you out after all

Ashoka: Help? What do you mean?

Grayson: Oh nothing. I'm just wondering if your deck has improved enough since the last time you dueled Leon. You know, the One-Turn Kill he pulled on you?

Ashoka: My….deck is fine.

Grayson: Really? Oh well then. It was a pleasure meeting you.

He walks off as Ashoka bites her lip. Back in the arena, everyone is in their seats

Alicia: Yusuke isn't back yet….

He is in the hall as he watches the duel on a monitor

Announcer: We're going to have a sizzling round this time! It is the rematch of the century! #9, Leon will go up against his old enemy, Ashoka! Ashoka has moved her rank up to 10 since the last time they last fought. Will Ashoka will be leaving with the rank of 9? Let's see right here and now!

Leon races onto the Duel Field. He scans the crowd searching for something as he lines up at the starting gate. A short time later, Ashoka moves onto the road as well and lines up

Leon: Hey there. Good to see you again after so long. Ready to get your booty handed to you?

Ashoka: Hmph.. Yeah, come on, let's duel. I'll be taking the rank of 9 from you.

Leon: Now that I'd like to see. Go on Neo Speed World, set on

D- Wheels: Duel mode, auto-pilot stand-by.

Computer: Duel road path decided. Countdown, initiate. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Both: Riding Duel, Acceleration! [Leon LP = 4000][Ashoka LP = 4000]

Yusuke: Leon's dueling…

Axel: That guy….let's see him fight.

Leon: It's sporting to show mercy to anyone weaker than you are. So you can go first if you want

Ashoka: Sure. If you aren't going to regret it that is.

Leon: Well, someone seems a little touchy right now

Ashoka: Here we go. I draw. I summon a monster in face down defense mode. I set a card and end my turn.

Leon: You always loved using defensive monsters. Come on, do you really think you can stop me with just those?

Ashoka: Don't pretend you understand my strategy.

Leon: I don't need to pretend. I already know your strategy inside and out.

Ashoka: That's what you think.

Leon: Here we go, my turn [SPC: Leon = 1 Ashoka = 1]. Speed Spell- Speed Trade. By paying a Speed Counter [SPC: Leon = 0 Ashoka = 1], I draw a card. Now as I have no monsters and you have monsters, I Special Summon Lonely Fighter [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 5]. Now I use the effect of Neo Speed World. I release Lonely Fighter to raise my Speed Counters by his level since I have none [SPC: Leon = 5 Ashoka = 1]. Next I summon Top Runner [ATK 1100/DEF 800 LV 4]. Now from my hand, I use Speed Spell- Summon Speeder. When my Speed Counters are 4 or more, I can Special Summon a monster. Come on out, Needle Soldier [ATK 100/DEF 100 LV 1]

Ashoka: He reduced his Speed Counters to raise them again. Clever…

Leon: Now then, let's get things started. I tune my level 1 Needle Soldier and my level 4 Top Runner

Runner becomes 4 rings that Soldier flies through, becoming one star [4 + 1 = 5]

Leon: Synchro Summon. Hunter Viking [ATK 2200/DEF 200 LV 5]. Now, I attack the set monster.

The monster swings its axe and cleaves the monster into pieces [Ashoka LP = 1800]. Leon catches site of the monster before it vanishes.

Leon: What was that? Oh, right. If you don't know, any monster Synchro Summoned using Needle Soldier has the Piercing effect.

Ashoka: Sorry, but that doesn't mean much to me. After all, the monster you destroyed was Defend Core.

Leon Core you say?

Ashoka: Now from my deck, I summon Machine Emperor Defendiel Infinity [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1], Defendiel Top [ATK 100/DEF 200 LV 1], Defendiel Attack [ATK 500/DEF 300 LV 1], Defendiel Guard [ATK 0/DEF 1500 LV 1], and Defendiel Carrier [ATK 200/DEF 1000 LV 1].

Attack becomes a small pistol that attaches to Infinity. Guard becomes a gigantic shield. Carrier becomes two small legs. Top becomes a head [ATK 800/DEF 3000 LV 1]

Leon: So this is a Machine Emperor huh? Interesting….

Ashoka: With this card, I'll win for sure

Dex: Wait, when did she get a Machine Emperor?!

Seth: That guy….how many of these things are there anyway?

Leon: I place two cards face down and end my turn.

Ashoka: Ha! That man really was right! There really is nothing you can do against the Machine Emperor! Here we go, my turn [SPC: Ashoka = 2 Leon = 6]. I destroy both Defendiel Guard and Defendiel Attack. Now from my hand, I can Special Summon Defendiel Guard 3 and Defendiel Attack 3 [ATK 0/DEF 1700 LV 3][ATK 700/DEF 300 LV 3].

A much larger shield appears and hooks onto Infinity. A large cannon appears and attaches to the center piece as well [ATK 1000/DEF 3200 LV 1]

Leon: Wow, a monster that keeps growing bigger and stronger huh? Pretty interesting.

Ashoka: I'm so glad you like my monster. All I need to do is finish you off nice and easy. Trap card, Shield Link. I can send monsters from my hand to my graveyard. Then I get to add the defense points of those monsters to the defense points of Machine Emperor Defendiel Infinity. I discard these three monsters from my hand. First off, Mystical Elf [ATK 800/DEF 2000 LV 4][ATK 1000/DEF 5200 LV 1] Then I discard Gear Golem the Moving Fortress [ATK 800/DEF 2200 LV 4][ATK 1000/DEF 7400 LV 1]. And last but not least, I discard Charcoal Inpachi [ATK 100/DEF 2100 LV 1][ATK 1000/DEF 9500 LV 1].

Alicia: But what's the point in just raising its attack points?

Ashoka: Now I use the effect of Defendiel Attack. Once per turn, I can switch the attack points of a monster. I change Machine Emperor Defendiel Infinity [ATK 9500/DEF 1000 LV 1]

Leon: 9500 attack points? That's about the third most powerful card I've seen.

Ashoka: Keep up your tough talk! It won't due you any good! I attack with Machine Emperor Defendiel Infinity!

Dex: Wait a moment; she isn't using its effect?

Leon: You won't absorb my Synchro monster?

Ashoka: There's no need to do that! My monster can just finish you off right now! Go, Shield Cannon!

Leon: Trap card, Promise to Return. I can remove from play one monster on my side of the field to negate an attack

The cannon is blocked

Ashoka: Whatever. Next turn Defendiel will finish you. I end my turn. At this time, the attack and defense points of Defendiel switch, and Shield Link no longer applies [ATK 1000/DEF 3200 LV 1]

Grayson: Fool. Had she simply used the effect of the Machine Emperor, she could have won this turn. That pride of hers is annoying

Armen: Even so, this duel still isn't over. After all, Leon is known as the king of Synchro Summons. No matter how he struggles, the Machine Emperor will defeat him.

Grayson: What about the rumors surrounding him? That Leon was the one who taught Yusuke the Accel Synchro.

Armen: Either way, it will be a good test. When Yusuke used his Accel Synchro, Alpha did not have a Machine Emperor at the time. I want to see how the two monsters match up.

Leon: My turn [SPC: Leon = 7 Ashoka = 3]. I pay life points equal to the attack points of Hunter Viking [Leon LP = 1800]. Now I can summon back the monster removed using Promise to Return. [ATK 2200/DEF 200 LV 5]. Now I summon Junk Synchron [ATK 1300/DEF 500 LV 3]. When this card is summoned, I can revive a level 2 or below monster in my graveyard. I revive Needle Soldier [ATK 100/DEF 100 LV 1]. Now I tune my level 1 Needle Soldier and my level 3 Junk Synchron

Synchron becomes 3 rings that Soldier flies through, becoming 1 star [3 + 1 = 4]

Leon: Synchro Summon! Quad-Arm Samurai [ATK 1900/DEF 100 LV 4]

Yusuke: A Synchro monster and a Synchro-Tuner!

Ashoka: Too bad! Using the effect of Defendiel Top, all monsters my opponent controls must attack once. Not to mention the Trap card, Peace Time. Now one monster on the field goes into defense mode. I choose my Machine Emperor [ATK 1000/DEF 3000 LV 1]. And by the way, if Machine Emperor Defendiel is in defense mode, Defendiel Carrier's effect makes it so that you can only attack Infinity

Dex: But if he attacks with both monsters, he'll take 1800 points of damage!

Leon: Hmph. Don't….take me lightly!

He begins to speed up

Seth: Is he….?

Grayson: Oh my.

Leon: I tune my level 4 Synchro-Tuner, Quad-Arm Samurai, and my level 5 Synchro monster, Hunter Viking.

Yusuke: No way!

Announcer: What is this?!

Leon speeds up tremendously and vanishes,

Ashoka: What the…?

Leon reappears

Leon: Accel Synchro! Artillery Warrior [ATK 3000/DEF 2000 LV 9]

Ashoka: What the…hell is that thing?! Wait, only 3000 attack points? Good. I don't need to worry then.

Leon: Sorry. But I'm afraid you do need to worry. I use the effect of Artillery Warrior! By giving up 1000 attack points [ATK 2000/DEF 2000 LV 9], I can change your monster to attack mode and negate all its effects [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]

Ashoka: No way!

Leon: Time to put an end to this!

Artillery crashes through it. Defendiel blows up as Ashoka is thrown off her D- Wheel [Ashoka LP = 0]. Leon point up

Leon: Remember this; no one can match my power!

Everyone cheers. Yusuke and the others watch with shocked expressions. Even Grayson and Armen look shocked

Grayson: Taken out in one turn….

Armen: I see. This Accel Synchro….it'll be a problem

Yusuke: Artillery Warrior didn't use that effect against me. Could it be….there's more to Accel Synchro than I know?

He watches as Leon looks straight ahead while riding, deep in thought

Ending

Read the comments first

Shaman: And whenever St. Helens Ogre destroys a monster in battle, he deals an additional 700 points of damage to the opponent

Ogre blows fire at Enzan [Enzan LP = 1900].

Enzan: Damn…….

Shaman: I set a card and end my turn

Enzan: I didn't expect this much from you old man. I won't make that mistake again! Here we go, I draw! I set a monster and a card to end my turn

Effigy: Hey, be careful. Shaman isn't so weak to be held back by just a monster and a card.

Shaman: If this is all you have, then it has been a waste of time. I draw. I activate A Feather of the Phoenix. I discard one card from my hand to the graveyard [Hinotama Soul] to add a card from my graveyard to the top of my deck. The card I choose is Big Bang Shot, which also gives the equipped monster the Piercing effect. Next turn, whether your monsters are in attack mode or not, you will take damage. Battle. Ogre attacks!

It runs forward and crushes the monster [Blue Fire- Portal Master]. Enzan recoils as fire spreads over him [Enzan LP = 1200]

Enzan: You call this power? Heh. Come on! Give me all you got!

Shaman: If I release all my power, you will die for sure. Besides, the way things are going, I can win with just St. Helens Ogre. Enzan, you are fighting valiantly. But, you will not be able to defeat me.

Enzan: Shut it! Say whatever you want about me! But, I'm going to prove all those things wrong! No matter what situation I'm in, I'll keep fighting! And if I get knocked down, I'll keep fighting! Until this power is awakened…and until I can stand before Yuji as an equal! My turn, I draw. Once per turn, I can revive Blue Fire- Portal Master [ATK 1000/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Now I summon Blue Fire- Wisp Flicker [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 1]. Once per turn, I can Special Summon a level 4 or below FIRE monster from either of our graveyards. You use FIRE monsters too. So don't mind if I take that Flare Resonator [ATK 300/DEF 1300 LV 3]. I tune my level 3 Flare Resonator and level 4 Blue Fire- Portal Master

Resonator becomes 3 rings that Master flies through, becoming 4 stars [3 + 4 = 7

Enzan: The flames of justice burn with the hottest fire. Burn on, blue flames of justice. Synchro Summon! Appear, Blue Fire- Armored Arsonist [ATK 2700-3000/DEF 1900 LV 7]. Attack St. Helens.

It holds its gun and shoots fire, burning up the monster. [Shaman LP = 1900]

Enzan: And when he battles, he deals 500 points of damage to the opponent

Arsonist shoots fire [Enzan LP = 1400]

Enzan: Alright, time to end this! Trap card, Urgent Tuning. This lets me Synchro Summon during the Battle Phase. I tune the level 1 Blue Fire- Wisp Flicker and level 7 Blue Fire- Armored Arsonist.

Flicker becomes 1 ring that Arsonist flies through, becoming 7 stars [1 + 7 = 8]

Enzan: The flames of justice burn with the hottest fire. Burn on, blue flames of justice. Synchro Summon! Blaze on, Blue Tempest Dragon [ATK 2800/DEF 2000 LV 8]. Finish him!

Shaman: Trap card, Synchro Conflicts. I send the top 5 cards of my deck to the graveyard. Now I can negate the attack by a Synchro monster

The attack is blocked

Enzan: That's fine. Next turn I'll….

His eyes widen. He grabs his chest and steps back as fire begins to flow from him. Effigy stands up in shock as Shaman's eyes widen

Shaman: His Hot Heart….

Enzan: what…is…this?

He screams in pain as fire erupts from him. Zaborg is in the castle and looks up as he senses something.

Shaman: At this rate….he'll destroy everything. I draw. I use Monster Reborn. This revives one monster of my choosing. And the monster I revive is St. Helens Ogre [ATK 2600/DEF 1000 LV 8] . Next I summon Nitro Synchron [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 2]. Now by returning a card from my hand back to the deck [The Thing in the Crater] and revive Plaguespreader Zombie from my graveyard [ATK 400/DEF 200 LV 2].

Effigy: Hold on….you aren't going to….

Shaman: I Double Tune my level 2 Nitro Synchron and level 2 Plaguespreader Zombie to my level 8 St. Helens Ogre

Synchron and Zombie become 4 rings that Ogre flies through, becoming 8 stars. Fire engulfs everything

Shaman: Synchro Summon! Hot Heart, come forth. Vesuvius Dragon [ATK 4000/DEF 1000 LV 12]. Finish him. The End of Pompeii!

It attacks Tempest as it is blasted away

Shaman: And now its effect deals your monster's attack points as damage.

The fire hits Enzan. He keeps screaming in pain as he finds himself in a void. He looks up and sees the same dragon shadow

Enzan: You again….

The shadow begins to shimmer and fade. Enzan's eyes widen as he steps forward

Enzan: Oh….please don't go! Give me your power! Please give me your power!

He runs after it as it fades into the darkness. Enzan slowly opens his eyes

Effigy: Drink. Slowly.

Enzan slowly looks and begins to drink.

Shaman: You are going back to the city

Enzan: What?! No way! What about my training?!

Shaman: It is too dangerous to continue. Your body has not matured enough to use the Hot Heart. If it continues, you'll die for sure

Enzan: No! Please, let's keep doing it! I'll do better! That was the closest I've ever gotten! WE can't just let it grow cold!

Effigy: Sorry dude. What Shaman says goes.

The two turn and walk off. Enzan snarls and screams in anguish, pounding the ground

Enzan: I need….to become strong!

Effigy looks back with a sympathetic look. Shaman stops for a minute before he moves again as Enzan keeps sobbing

Ending

Yuji: It has begun. The final battle between the Knights and the Seven Stars. Don't miss it, our final showdowns. Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Seven Stars The Final Chapter, Episode 227: Flames of the Eternal Flamvells.

Card of the Day: Vesuvius Dragon

Episode 226: A Burning Hot Heart

Effigy is snoring on a couch. Someone pokes him as he rolls over and grunts. The person pokes him again as he rolls and snorts again. The person plugs up his nose using his fingers. Effigy wakes up with a start and begins to cough

Nihility: Good, you're awake

Effigy: What the hell is wrong with you?! I could have choked to death!

Nihility: You have a guest.

He walks off as Effigy stretches

Effigy: I almost died and that's all you can say. You're cold dude.

He yawns opens the door. Enzan stands there

Effigy: Whoa. What are you doing here?

Enzan: I want you to give Shaman a message. I'm going to train with him

Opening

In Meztallia, Shaman sits in front of a fire meditating. He imagines something in the flames. He opens his eyes and turns to see Effigy and Enzan

Shaman: Enzan. I knew you would come to this place

Enzan: Shut it you old guy. I'm here to learn this burning hot heart thing. After that, I'm leaving.

Shaman: I see. Enzan, the Hot Heart is not mastered so easily. It takes a lot of training. Commitment is required as well. Tell me, are you committed to do whatever it takes to unlock your Hot Heart? To stay here and train until you can control it?

Enzan: Of course! Why else would I be here if I wasn't going to take this seriously?! I'm coming to master this thing in a few days time!

Effigy: That's a pretty bold statement. It took me three weeks to master it.

Shaman: I see. Then we can begin. First, I need you to put on this.

He tosses Enzan some clothes

Enzan: What…is this? There's no way I'm wearing a dress!

Shaman: It is not a dress. It is a tunic. Just like what the ancient Pyromefians used to wear.

Enzan: Dude, you can call it whatever you want, but it still is a dress!

Shaman: Just pit it on already!

He hits Enzan on the head with his cane. Enzan rubs his head in pain as Shaman tends to the fire.

Enzan: Is he always like that?

Effigy: Pretty much. Better put on the dress.

Shaman: Tunic!

Effigy: Yeah sure. Put it on. Trust me, get him steamed up and he'll really make you regret it.

Enzan gulps and walks off. He comes back later wearing the tunic, blushing in embarrassment

Shaman: There. Can you not feel like the ancient spirits of the Pyromefians flow through you?

Enzan: I feel like a complete tool

He hits Enzan again.

Shaman: Show some respect! Those clothes are three million years old!

Enzan: Yeah sure, whatever. I'll treat the rags with proper respect.. Anyway, come on, right to the training!

He activates his Duel Disk. Shaman simply stares

Shaman: You won't need that

Enzan: Wha? But…don't I need to duel before unlocking the Hot Heart?!

Shaman: There is more to the Hot Heart than the card within your heart. You also must be at complete spiritual, mental, and physical perfection. Only then will the Hot Heart be open to you

Enzan: You didn't mention that earlier! Ugh, fine whatever. I'll do whatever it takes to unlock the Hot Heart. So bring it on old man! I'll take whatever you throw at me and do it all with style!

Shaman: I see….your resolve is set. Very well then. Follow me and we can begin

Enzan does a fist pump and follows Shaman. The two walk into a track field

Enzan: Whoa…

Shaman: This is where gladiators used to battle. Many people have trained here to unlock the Hot Heart. And now you must train

Enzan: Sweet! Alright, bring it on! I'll take any challenge thrown at me!

Shaman: Good. Those stones. Pick them up. And then I want you to carry them around the track

Enzan: And….what will that accomplish?

Shaman hits him on the head

Shaman: Get moving!

Enzan picks up the stones and begins to run. After a few laps je begins to wheeze and slows down

Enzan: What…does this…have to do….with a Hot Heart.

Effigy: Ha ha! Be careful! You're dropping the stones all over the place!

Enzan: You're enjoying this aren't you?!

Effigy: Heck yeah. I had to do it too. It's hilarious to see someone else be forced to do it. Oh, by the way, if you don't move fast enough, he starts to use the pike

Enzan: Pike?

Shaman: Keep running!

He stabs Enzan in the back with a pike at the end of his staff. Enzan screams and keeps running as Shaman chases him

Effigy: I should have brought popcorn for this.

Enzan eventually collapses on the ground. Shaman stands over and pokes him several times before stopping

Shaman: Well, I suppose that's enough. We can move on to the next phase of your training.

Enzan: Alright! So, duel now?

Shaman: Meditation

Enzan: ….You can't be serious.

Shaman whacks him on the head again. He scrapes his staff against the ground and lights a fire

Shaman: Meditation calms both the body and mind. When your mind and body are in perfect equilibrium, than the path to the Hot Heart opens

Enzan: Ugh, fine!

They both sit down before the fire.

Shaman: Enzan, what do you see when you look into a fire? What memories do you see burning in the ashes? What secrets do you see crumpling in the cinders? What ghosts do you see flying away in the smoke?

He turns and Enzan is snoring. Shaman whacks him on the head again

Enzan: Ow! Would you stop doing that!?

Shaman: Pay attention! Look Enzan. We Pyromefians are related to the flame. The flame speaks to us. Enzan, look into the fire. When you see the dancing embers, does something within you stir?

Enzan stares into the fire. The fire dances in his eyes as he watches

Enzan: I….feel it. A fire spreading from my toes up. I feel it! I feel it!

Shaman: Enzan….your pant leg is in the campfire.

Enzan: Huh? Ah! Fire! Hot hot hot hot hot!

He begins to roll on the ground to out it out. Shaman begins to rub his forehead in exhaustion.

Effigy: So….guess I don't need to ask how it's going?

Shaman: I don't understand. I've had troublesome students before, but this is just too much

Enzan gets the fire out. He wipes away tears and stands up

Enzan: I'm leaving

Effigy: Hey hold on! What about that talk about becoming strong?

Enzan: Shut up! I've been training my hardest and nothing's working. Your training just sucks! Fire watching? Lifting stones? What does this have to do with what I'm seeking!? I came to get strength! And if you're just going to lead me on a wild goose chase and make me look like a fool!

He snarls. Energy seems to pulsate from him as Shaman's eyes widen

Shaman: His power….I could not sense it until now? Could it be….his power is so great that it is under a thicker lock and key? This youth….very well. I will grant your wish. Duel me. If my hypothesis is correct, your powers should awaken

Effigy: Whoa hang on. With that level of power? Are you serious?

Shaman: I need to determine if his power is true and to what depths it goes to. So Enzan, do you want to take one more chance to use your power?

Enzan: Of course! …As long as I can get out of this thing.

Shaman: Fine

Back in town, Yuji is at a café sipping tea when Luna pulls up

Luna: Hey Yuji.

Yuji: Good morning

Luna: say, have you seen Enzan around? I haven't seen him all day

Yuji: Enzan? No, I haven't

Luna: I'm worried about him. He's acting really weird.

Yuji: I wouldn't worry. After all, Enzan is Enzan. I know when we really need him, he'll pull through

Enzan and Shaman stand apart from each other. Effigy is watching

Shaman: Let's go

Enzan: Bring it old man!

Shaman and Enzan activate their Duel Disks. Shaman throws his staff away

Card of the Day: Dragon Core

Episode 81: Unlock It. The Power of Sigma

Binary code is flying through a space as a shadow is sitting the datascape.

???: Firewalls 1, 2, and 3 down. Firewall #4, 30% in progress. Overall overwrite progress 82.5% complete.

Neo's eyes are wide in shock as Black Rose Dragon [ATK 2400/DEF 1700 LV 7] and Splendid Rose [ATK 2200/DEF 2000 LV 6]. Neo has a set card and a set monster on the field. [Neo LP = 3300][Marie LP = 2200].[SPC: Marie = 7 Neo = 7].

Marie: I use the effect of Black Rose Dragon. I remove a Plant type monster from play [Witch of the Black Rose] in order to use its special ability. One monster my opponent controls goes to attack mode and its power is reduced to zero.

Vines lash around it and pull it into attack mode [Vylon Tesseract, ATK 800-0/DEF 600 LV 4]

Neo: My monster!

Marie: Splendid Rose, attack his Vylon Tesseract. Go, Rose Thorn Whip!

It whips the monster, cutting it in two. Neo screams as the whip also hits him [Neo LP = 1100].

Announcer: Amazing! That attack was the equivalent of a direct attack!

Marie: Now I use the effect of Splendid Rose. I remove from play a Plant type monster in the graveyard from play [Revival Rose] and let him attack a second time [ATK 1100/DEF 2000 LV 6]

Dex: If this connects….

Neo: Uh oh! Um….Trap card, Paying Your Respects. Now, during the turn a monster I control is destroyed in battle, I can negate all damage from direct attacks this turn

The second vine is blocked.

Marie: I see. Then I can't attack with my Black Rose Dragon. You escape this turn. You won't next time. Turn end

Opening

Neo and Marie continue to race around the arena. Black Rose Dragon roars as it flies over the arena with Splendid Rose following.

Alicia: Neo just barely made it past that turn.

Tamika With both Splendid Rose and Black Rose Dragon on Marie's field, Neo would appear to be in a tough situation

Yusuke: You make it sound like there's something more

Tamika: There is. At first glance, monsters like Splendid Rose look powerful. But, its effect requires removing Plant type monsters in the graveyard form play in order to use its effect. The same goes for Black Rose Dragon. You need to remove a monster in the graveyard from play to use it.

Dex: I get it! So in other words, Marie is limited by the number of cards in her graveyard! All Neo needs to do is wait until she has no more Plants left and then he won't be subjected to their effects.

Axel: Hmph. Yeah, that's true, but you're missing the big picture here. After all, having them not be able to use this effects is good, but in a case like this, when he's facing both with only 1100 life points, just surviving to empty Marie's graveyard is not going to be easy.

Yusuke: Neo can do it. I know he can!

Arnold: What a boring duel. This boy is not doing so well. What can he expect, going up against Marie like this? He's bound to lose

Salia: There's more to a duel than just the initial appearance. After all, Seth won his duel when it was looking bleak!

Arnold: Yes, that may be little girl, but don't forget, that was Seth in that case. This Neo boy...where did he even come from?

Seth: Arnold, shut up.

Arnold: Testy….

Seth: Alright, my turn [SPC: Neo = 8 Marie = 8]. I use the effect of Neo Speed World. Since I have a Speed Spell in my hand, I can pay 7 Speed Counters [SPC: Neo = 1 Marie = 8] to draw one more card from my deck. Now I set a monster in defense mode and place two cards face down to end my turn.

Announcer: It looks like Neo is in a tough situation! At a time like this, all he can do is play defense monsters! How long will he be able to do that before Marie breaks through?

Neo: It's alright. I have the proper tools to survive until next turn. But after that…what then? There's nothing I can summon right now. How do I get out of this? There's no way…

???: There is one way. All you need to do is unleash that card.

Neo: I told you, I'll never use that card!

???: You seriously think you can hide from it? Neo, that card is who you are.

Neo: what…do you mean?

???: The card is who you are, for the card is who I am.

Grayson: It looks like Neo's starting to lose his cool

Armen: It would appear Sigma is breaking lose. As it should be. After all, Sigma is who Neo really is. The human half was a little extra. But somehow, the Sigma persona was buried deep within Neo's programming. Now it looks like his true initiative is coming through.

Marie: It's my turn. I draw [SPC: Marie = 9 Neo = 2]. Next turn, I will have 10 Speed Counters. Which means I'll destroy a card next turn. In addition, as long as I have monsters in my graveyard, I can use the effect of Black Rose Dragon and change your monster to attack mode. With only 1100 life points, an attack from either Splendid Rose or Black Rose Dragon could finish you. So tell me, in a situation like this, what makes you want to keep fighting?

Neo: I made a promise to fight Yusuke in the final round. And well…I can't afford to let him down! So I'll fight you and anyone else who gets in my way to reach that final duel!

Marie: I see, so that is the reason. But reason without resolve is nothing. So tell me Neo, you have a reason, but do you have the proper resolve?

Neo: What? Of course I have resolve! If I didn't have resolve than I wouldn't be fighting this duel!

Marie: You're confusing the terms resolve and instinct. A duelist duels. It is simply who we are. But a duelist needs to be determined to duel with over 100% of their skills. And Neo, when I look at you, I see a scared little puppy whimpering in fear of its own shadow. What are you so scared of Neo?

Neo: I'm not afraid of anything!

Marie: And you deny it, like a real coward. I'm not going to bother with a weak coward for an opponent. You want to fight Yusuke? You'll never be within 1000 feet of him

Neo looks scared as a red tint appears in his eyes

Neo: Would ya shut up you stupid bimbo? Don't you dare underestimate me or I'll cut your tongue out.

Marie looks back in shock as the crowd boos

Announcer: Trash talking! What a disgrace!

Neo: Oh my…I'm sorry! I don't know what…

Marie: Oh, so I offer friendly advice and you respond like that? Well fine then, we can both play it the hard way.

Neo: No, that wasn't me! I swear! But then….who….

Dex: That was weird. Is Neo feeling okay?

Seth: There's something seriously wrong here.

He looks to the other Top Box and sees Armen and Grayson there

Seth: Hm…

He walks off

Salia: Where you are going?

Seth: A soda. I'm thirsty.

Salia: Oh, I can get one for you!

Seth: No, no. I want a chance to stretch my legs.

He walks off as Salia looks disappointed.

Marie: I remove from play Copy Plant and use the effect of Black Rose Dragon. Now, your monster changes to attack mode. Rose Restriction!

Vines extend and wrap around the monster. The Unhappy Maiden is forced into attack mode [ATK 0/DEF 100 LV 1].

Marie: I see. If I destroy that, the Battle Phase ends. Of course, damage is still dealt. So this attack ends it. Black Rose Dragon, attack The Unhappy Maiden. Black Rose Flare!

Neo: Trap card, Quick Reaction. This lets me put a monster in defense mode when it is attacked [ATK 0/DEF 100 LV 1]

Maiden is cut apart.

Marie: I see. Now I can't attack for the rest of the turn. I set two cards and end my turn.

Neo: Alright, now my counterattack begins! I draw [SPC: Marie = 10 Neo = 3]. I summon Vylon Tetra [ATK 900/DEF 900 LV 2]. Trap card, Synchro Material. This lets me use my opponent's monsters in my Synchro Summon. I won't be able to attack this turn, but that's fine. I tune my level 2 Vylon Tetra and your level 6 Splendid Rose.

Tetra becomes 2 rings that Rose flies through, becoming 6 stars [2 + 6 = 8]

Neo: Summon, the fourth strongest among the divine robots. Synchro Summon! Shine, Vylon Epsilon [ATK 2800/DEF 1200 LV 8]

Alicia: Yes! He got rid of Splendid Rose!

Tamika: Maybe so, but Black Rose Dragon is still on the field. Plus, Vylon Epsilon can't attack this turn

Marie: So you got rid of Splendid Rose. What changes?

Neo: Maybe I can't attack, but I'll still take out your Dragon. I equip my monster with Speed Spell- Light Scanner. Now by sending an Equip card to the graveyard, I destroy a card.

Four rays of light hit Dragon and destroy it

Dex: And now both of them went down!

Marie: I shouldn't have let my guard down

Neo: Alright, that's it for me. You wanted to see my resolve? Well here it is!

Marie: I see. You do have resolve. But too bad for you, isn't enough to stop my resolve. My turn [SPC: Marie = 11 Neo = 4]

Neo: Did she draw a Speed Spell?

Marie: Tsk. You're lucky. I can't use Neo Speed World's destruction effect until next turn. But, next turn will not come. Trap card, Descending Lost Star. This revives a Synchro monster with a decreased level in defense mode and makes it defense points zero. I revive Splendid Rose [ATK 2200/DEF 0 LV 5]. That's not all. I summon Wilt Wizard [ATK 700/DEF 300 LV 2]. Wilt Wizard can tune to monsters on the field and let me revive monsters in the graveyard.

Neo: No way!

Marie: Yes. Now then, Trap card, Star Siphon. This lets me summon a Star Siphon Token [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. Once per turn, I can switch the levels of a Star Siphon Token and one another monster. I switch the levels of Splendid Rose and the Star Siphon Token [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 5][ATK 2200/DEF 0 LV 1] I tune the level 5 Splendid Rose and level 2 Wilt Wizard to revive Black Rose Dragon

Wizard becomes 2 rings that Rose flies through, becoming 5 stars [2 + 5 = 7]

Marie: Now resurrect, Black Rose Dragon [ATK 2400/DEF 1700 LV 7]

Announcer: And Marie revives her ace monster, Black Rose Dragon! And even right after Neo managed to destroy it!

Neo: No way….

Marie: It's like I said, you can't beat me. I use the effect of Black Rose Dragon. I remove a Plant type monster from play [Wilt Wizard] and reduce the attack points of your monster to zero [ATK 0/DEF 1200 LV 8]

Koga: Neo won't be able to avoid it!

Axel: First she lowered Splendid Rose's level using Descending Lost Star to make it easier to revive Black Rose Dragon. Then she use Star Siphon so she didn't have to sacrifice Splendid Rose. She's clever.

Marie: Too bad for you. My Synchro monsters are better than to beaten by the likes of you. Black Rose Dragon, attack his monster. Go, Black Rose Flare!

Neo: This isn't good!

He closes his eyes when they open and turn red again

Neo: Trap card, Lightning Passage. I pay 500 life points [Neo LP = 600]. This lets me negate one attack against me

Lightning blocks it

Marie: Until next turn then.

Neo: That's assuming you survive until next turn

He rushes at her. She looks back in shock and quickly jumps away as Neo pumps into the wall. His eyes return to normal

Marie: What the hell's your problem?! Now you're trying to murder me?!

Neo: No, hold on a second, it wasn't me!

Marie kicks at his head as he ducks

Marie: Fine then! If you want to play rough. Go ahead, make your move!

Neo: Oh man….I draw [SPC: Marie = 12 Neo = 5]. I set a card. Turn end.

Dex: Just a set card? But it won't help him!

Tamika: Neo's acting really weird down there

Yusuke: what's happening with you Neo?

Grayson: This is amusing entertainment, is it not?

Armen: Oh yes. If it all goes well, we might see it in action. Aslo! I'm thirsty. Get me a cold beverage.

Aslo: As you wish sir.

He leaves the room and sees Seth, who is cracking his knuckles

Seth: Hi. May I please speak with Armen?

Aslo: You should really address him as Mr. Armen. And I'm afraid you can not.

He runs at Seth suddenly, Seth reacts and rolls as Aslo punches the ground. Aslo turns and kicks as Seth blocks it.

Marie: My turn [SPC: Marie = 12 Neo = 6]. I use the effect of Neo Speed World. I pay 12 Speed Counters [SPC: Marie = 0 Neo = 6]. This lets me destroy all cards you control. I won't take a chance with you having some kind of trap. Go, Speed Storm!

Neo: Trap card, Waboku! Now for this turn, all Battle Damage I take goes to zero.

A hurricane destroys Epsilon

Marie: It doesn't matter. You have no cards on the field and no cards in your hand. No matter what do you do, you can't win. I have 2200 life points while you have 600. How can you expect to come back?

Neo: I…don't know. But I know I will!

Marie: Fool. There's no way. I set a card. Turn end

Neo: Um…draw [SPC: Neo = 7 Marie = 1]. Speed Spell- Reactor Pod. If I use this, I could have dealt damage. But I have no monsters. Looks like I need to take a risk. I use the effect of Neo Speed World. I pay 7 Speed Counters [SPC: Neo = 0 Marie = 1] and draw a card. Huh?!

???: You drew it.

Neo: No…out of all the cards….how can this help me!?

???: You can win Neo. All you have to do is play it.

Neo: No…there's no way I can use a card like this. After all…this card is everything we're against.

???: This card is who you are Neo. Besides, don't you want to keep you promise?

Neo: I do but…if I use this card….I won't use a card like this!

???: You don't have a choice. Our only reason for existing is to use this card.

Neo: No! I won't do it!

???: Neo, you aren't human. You are a robot. If Yusuke and the others knew, they would abandon you in a minute

Neo: No…they wouldn't…

???: Your future, your life, your loyalty, your victory. It all lies in this card. All you must do is play it

Tamika: What's taking him so long?

Dex: He just holds that card.

Yusuke: Neo…

Grayson: I think it will be soon

The door creaks

Armen: It's been a few minutes Aslo. Do you have my cold drink?

Seth: Sorry, afraid not. But if you tell me what you did to Neo, I'll get you one

Armen: And what makes you think I'll tell you?

Seth runs at Armen. Neo looks very conflicted as he closes his eyes

Neo: I summon….Dragon Core [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]

Greg: DRAGON Core?

Everyone steps up in shock. Grayson punches Seth against the wall as he looks down

Armen: And it begins.

Neo's eyes turn all red.

Marie: A Core? Wait a minute….

Neo: I use the power of Neo Speed World. Since I have 0 Speed Counters, I can release Dragon Core and gain Speed Counters equal to his attack points [SPC: Neo = 1 Marie = 1]. And now that Dragon Core is destroyed, I get to Special Summon Machine Emperor Dragiel Infinity [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1], Dragiel Top [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 1], Dragiel Attack [ATK 1100/DEF 0 LV 1], Dragiel Guard [ATK 400/DEF 900 LV 1], and Dragiel Carrier [ATK 400/DEF 0 LV 1]. Form, Machine Emperor Dragiel!

Top becomes a head that hooks to the body. Guard becomes a tail that hooks onto the back. Attack becomes two arms and legs that attach and Carrier becomes a set of wings. Dragiel roars [ATK 2400/DE 900 LV 1]. Neo's outfit becomes surrounded by binary code and turns all red with a billowing cape

Neo: Dragiel's effect lets me absorb a Synchro monster. I absorb your Splendid Rose

Tentacles lash out and grab it [ATK 4600/DEF 2900 LV 1]

Marie: No way….a Machine Emperor…this is what they are?

Neo: Now my monster attacks

Marie: Trap card, Mirror Force.

Neo: That won't do. Dragiel shatters any Spells or Traps when he attacks

Dragiel shatters the mirror and shoots fire. Dragon is incinerated. The fire spreads and covers Marie. She screams in pain as her clothes are set on fire [Marie LP = 0]. She slips and crashes into a wall. Everyone in the audience looks in shock as Neo keeps riding. Grayson begins to laugh

Armen: His true power has been unlocked. Project Sigma is now complete.

Yusuke looks on in horror as Neo's eyes continue to glow blood red

Ending

Narrator: After Neo's transformation into Sigma, Yusuke is in a sad situation. However, the tournament still goes on as Leon and Ashoka have their rematch. Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate, Episode 82: The Greatest Shield. Machine Emperor Defendiel

Read the comments first

Armen: Come now Sigma, no need to act so harsh towards your father

Neo: Shut up! I'm done talking to you!

He storms off. Aslo walks up

Aslo: He's so remarkably human…

Armen: It was a mistake to give him such a free will. Now he's actually thinking that he's human. When you really think about it, it's quite sad.

He walks off. Aslo simply coughs and follows him. In the garage, Marie straps her skates to her feet.

Marie: No matter who I fight, I just need to win.

Neo is tying his helmet to his head

Neo: Alright, here we go. Hope I do alright. After all, Yusuke expects me to fight him.

???: Kill him.

Neo is shocked and looks around

Neo: That's odd. I could have sworn I heard something.

He keeps looking around and shrugs it off, racing out into the stadium, lining up next to Marie.

Neo: Hey there. I'm Neo. Let's have a fun duel, okay?

Marie: I'll crush you. Flattery means nothing to me

Neo: N-No. I wasn't trying to flatter you, I was being honest…

Marie: Your kindness is lost on me, sorry. Yusuke is the one I want to fight. Compared to him, you're a scrub.

Neo: Oh…okay…

???: Little pest. She has no right to speak like that

Neo: I heard it again! Hey…did you hear a voice just now?

Marie: You talking, yes

Neo: No, that's not what I meant! Before I was talking!

Marie: Your mind game is lost on me. Stop wasting time and just duel already.

Neo: Yeah….guess it was just my imagination. That was weird though. Maybe I am just nervous

Tony: Don't take it too personally. Marie just gets in the zone when she duels. She doesn't really mean what she says

Greg: So, let's see what Sigma can do.

Announcer: Now, without further delay, let's get our next duel underway! Neo Speed World, set on!

Vehicles: Duel mode. Auto-pilot standby

Computer: Duel start. Initiating course. Countdown. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.

Both: Duel! [Neo LP = 4000][Marie LP = 4000]

Both race off from the starting line. They race towards the first corner as everyone begins to cheer. Armen sips a glass of wine and smiles as he watches.

Marie: The first corner will be mine.

She gets closer and kicks at Neo's head. He ducks under and slows to avoid her blows as she races for the corner

Neo: No!

???: No need to be so polite.

Neo's eyes glaze over as he races forward. Marie looks surprised and aims to kick as Neo bumps into her, slamming her against the guardrail and takes the first corner

Dex: What's he doing?! She isn't using a D- Wheel! She could get really hurt!

Neo: Huh? Oh no! Are you okay?! I don't know what came over me!

Marie: Hmph…so that's the way you want to play it huh? Fine then, we'll play rough.

Tamika: Something isn't right here. Neo would never do something like that. What's going on?

Neo: Well, I'll go first. I draw. I summon Vylon Pentacro in defense mode [ATK 500/DEF 500 LV 4]. I set a card and end my turn. That was really weird. I keep hearing this voice. Maybe….I just need to relax a little. It has to be nerves. Yeah…just nerves. It can't be anything else.

Marie: My turn. [SPC: Neo = 1 Marie = 1]. I summon Lonefire Blossom [ATK 500/DEF 1500 LV 3]. Now by releasing Blossom, I get to Special Summon one Plant type monster in my deck. The monster I'll summon is Gigaplant [ATK 2400/DEF 1200 LV 6]

Neo: She summoned a high level Plant type monster without paying a cost!

Marie: Gigaplant, destroy Vylon Pentacro.

Gigaplant reaches down and chomps the monster, throwing it into the air and swallowing it.

Neo: Trap card, Time Machine! This lets me revive a monster that was just destroyed in battle. Vylon Pentacro comes back [ATK 500/DEF 500 LV 4]

Marie: You saved your monster. You won't do it again. I set a card and end my turn. Come, it's your turn.

Neo: Alright, it's my turn [SPC: Neo = 2 Marie = 2]. Speed Spell- Angel Baton. This lets me draw 2 cards from my deck. Then I select one of them and send it to the graveyard. Now for Speed Spell- Vision Wind

Announcer: Amazing! Neo combines Speed Spells effectively!

Neo: With this, I revive one level 2 or below monster in my graveyard. I revive Vylon Tetra [ATK 900/DEF 900 LV 2]. Now I Normal Summon Vylon Cube [ATK 800/DEF 800 LV 3] I tune my level 3 Vylon Cube and my level Vylon Pentacro

Cube becomes 3 rings that Pentacro flies through, becoming 4 stars [3 + 4 = 7]

Neo: Summon, the third strongest among the divine robots. Synchro Summon! Vylon Delta [ATK 1700/DEF 2800 LV 7]. When this card is summoned, an Equip Spell card is added from my deck to my hand. Then I tune my level 7 Vylon Delta and my level 2 Vylon Tetra.

Yusuke: Double Synchro Summon!

Tetra becomes 2 rings that Delta flies through becoming 7 stars [2 + 7 = 9]

Neo: Appear, the first of the great holy robots. Synchro Summon! Vylon Alpha [ATK 2200/DEF 1100 LV 9]. Now that Vylon Cube was used as Synchro material, another Equip Spell card is added to my hand.

Leon: Equip Spells huh? Usually they do pretty well. But in a Riding Duels, Equip Spells become a lot less useful. There are a few Speed Equip Spells, but not enough to build a strategy. So to even bother to put Speed Equips Spells in his deck, what is he planning?

Marie: A strategy based on Equip Spells? You are a strange one.

???: Synchro monsters. Such ugly monsters.

Neo: That voice again! Where s it coming from?!

Armen: Well, I may be wrong, but things appear to be going our way Aslo

Aslo: Yes sir.

Neo: Now I equip Vylon Alpha with Speed Spell- Damage Capsule. Now when I take damage through the next of Neo Speed World, as long as the equipped monster is on the field, all that damage is reduced to zero. Now I equip him with Axe of Despair, raising his power by 1000 [ATK 3200/DEF 1100 LV 9]

Announcer: What an amazing combo! With that, Neo can use his Equip Spells without worry! Normally, using a regular Spell card in the domain of Neo Speed World is punished with 2000 points of damage, but Damage Capsule cancels that step completely!

Tony: Say, this guy actually has a coherent strategy. What do you know?

Neo: Here we go, battle! Vylon Alpha attacks Gigaplant. Axe Cut!

Marie: Fool. A duelist leaves no monster unguarded. Trap card, Wall of Thorns. When a Plant type monster I control is selected as an attack target, I can destroy the attacking monster.

Thorns grow out of the ground and form a barrier that blocks the axe. The attack rebounds, destroying Alpha

Neo: No! Vylon Alpha!

Marie: That's what you get for not defending yourself.

Neo: Heh. Got ya!

Alpha reforms and cuts through the barrier and Gigaplant. Gigaplant looks surprised as it blows up. Marie is hit by the smoke and slows down [Marie LP = 3200]

Marie: What the hell just happened? I destroyed your monster.

Neo: It's like you said. Never leave your monsters unprotected no matter what. Vylon Alpha isn't affected by Spells or Traps. Wall of Thorns is a Trap card, which means it does not affected him

Marie: Well, not bad. I guess I took you too lightly kid. Alright, you've got my full attention now.

Neo: Wow, I just got through that. But as long as I have Vylon Alpha on the field, I should be safe.

???: Pathetic. Had you summoned anything else, you would have been left defenseless.

Neo: Who are you?! Who's saying all that?!

???: You've finally become aware of me. It's been months now. You are such an idiot to take you this long.

Neo: That doesn't answer my question! Who are you?!

???: You'll find out soon enough. Maybe after this duel I'll tell you.

Marie: Why are you talking to yourself?

Neo: Oh! I…uh…I'm just trying to relax, that's all! You know, trying to calm myself down. Talking to someone can have a very therapeutic effect on someone you know.

Marie: …Weirdo. It's my turn [SPC: Marie = 3 Neo = 3]. I summon Revival Rose in defense mode [ATK 1300/DEF 1300 LV 4]. I also place one card face down and end my turn

Axel: Something ain't right here. All she did was summon a low level monster. I thought her deck was Synchro Summon based.

Tamika: Idiot! Even someone with a Synchro Summoned deck can't Synchro Summon without proper materials

Neo: Here we go, my draw! [SPC: Neo = 4 Marie = 4]. I summon Vylon Charger in attack mode [ATK 1000/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Hopefully I can end this before she Synchro Summons that Black Rose Dragon. Alright, Vylon Alpha attacks Revival Rose!

Alpha chops the monster cleanly in two.

Neo: And now Vylon Charger attacks directly! Surge Shot!

It fires a beam of energy that hits Marie [Marie LP = 2200].

Neo: Alright, won't be much longer now. Turn end

Marie: Idiot. As if this meager amount of damage can keep my soul down. I draw [SPC: Marie = 5 Neo = 5]. I summon Witch of the Black Rose [ATK 1700/DEF 1200 LV 4]. Now, using her effect, I draw a card from my deck. And if it is not a monster card, it goes to the graveyard. I draw. The monster card Dark Verger. Speed Spell- Quick Grow. When a Plant type monster is added to my hand by the effect of a card, I can Special Summon it to the field [ATK 0/DEF 1000 LV 2]. And for every other Plant type monster on the field, I draw a card from my deck. Here we go. I tune my level 4 Witch of the Black Rose and level 2 Dark Verger

Witch becomes 4 rings that Verger flies through, becoming 2 stars [4 + 2 = 6]

Marie: Within the garden we call life; an emissary of the underworld plants her seeds of death. Synchro Summon! Splendid Rose [ATK 2200/DEF 2000 LV 6]

Neo: No! I was hoping to stop her before she could Synchro Summon!

Marie: By removing from play one Plant type monster in the graveyard, I halve the attack points of a monster my opponent controls. I remove Lonefire Blossom and halve the power of Vylon Alpha [ATK 1600/DEF 1100 LV 9].Splendid Rose, attack. Rose Thorn Whip

It whips Alpha and destroys it. Neo cries as the pieces fly at him [Neo LP = 3400]

Marie: Now since Splendid Rose destroyed a monster in battle, I remove a Plant type monster in my graveyard [Gigaplant], halve Rose's attack points [ATK 1100/DEF 2000 LV 6] and attack again. Strike down Vylon Charger.

Rose swings another vine whip and destroys Charger, striking Neo across the face [Neo LP = 3300]

Neo: Rats…in one turn she turned things around

Marie: I place one card face down. Turn end. At this time, Splendid Rose is restored to normal stats [ATK 2200/DEF 2000 LV 6]

Neo: H-Here we go. I draw. [SPC: Neo = 6 Marie = 6]. I…set a monster and a card and end my turn

Marie: Is that all?

Neo: Y…Yes. What can I do? Against Splendid Rose, none of my monsters can fight it. How can I defeat that thing?

???: If you were to use that card, you might.

Neo: You again!? Why don't you reveal yourself already!?

???: That is impossible. I can only appear if that card is used.

Neo: That card…wait, do you mean…?!

???: Yes, that card!

Neo: No way! I'd never use a card like that!

???: Do you have a choice? At this rate, if you don't use it, you are going to lose another duel.

Neo: Lose….but if I lose….I'll never get to fight Yusuke…

Seth: Something's going on with Neo. He isn't driving straight

Salia: What do you think it is?

Seth: No idea….but I don't like it.

Marie: My turn [SPC: Marie = 7 Neo = 7]. Enough. This duel is boring me. I'll end it now. I summon Copy Plant [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. This card copies the level of a Plant type monster out. I choose Splendid Rose [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 6]. Now since a Plant type Tuner monster has been summoned, I revive Dark Verger [ATK 0/DEF 1000 LV 2]. Trap card, Withering. This lowers the level of a Plant type monster by 1. I choose Copy Plant [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 5]

Yusuke: 7 stars….is she…

Marie: I tune my level 5 Copy Plant and level 2 Dark Verger

Plant becomes 5 rings that Verger flies through, becoming 2 stars [5 + 2 = 7]

Marie: Mask of flesh, heart of vines, become the dark and beautiful flower that destroys this world. Your fire will sear the world and your elegance will shatter the barrier between life and death. Synchro Summon! The dragon of destruction, Black Rose Dragon [ATK 2400/DEF 1800 LV 7]

Vines grow out of the ground and into the Dragon, which roars and flaps its wings. Everyone watches in awe

Announcer: It's here! Marie's ace monster, Black Rose Dragon!

Neo: Black Rose Dragon….

Ending

Narrator: The duel between Neo and Marie continues. With two Synchro monsters on the field, Neo is in a tough situation against Splendid Rose and Black Rose Dragon. And then, the voice offers a way out. Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate, Episode 81: Unlock, the Power of Project Sigma.

Card of the Day: Nihil Draco

Episode 225: A New Power- Zero Synchro!

On the road on a foggy morning, Nihility and Yuji are lined up. Yuji is giving Nihility a dirty look as he stares ahead.

Tyson: It's about time

Cain: Man we have a crappy morning for this. The sky looks so….what's the word? Ominous.

Enzan: Yeah, are we even sure this is a good idea.

A flashback happens.

Cain: Nihility? Why are you here?

Nihility: Yuji Ryos, duel me!

Yuji: Huh? You're….

Nihility: You can not refuse. If you want to defeat the Knights, you must accept my challenge.

Luna: What do you mean?! If you knew a way, why didn't you tell us about this earlier!?

Nihility: You were not ready at the time. But now I have seen it with my own eyes. You are ready to learn it. The technique that can defeat those monsters. The power of Reverse Evolution!

Opening- Final Fight

Both duelists being to rev their engines

Effigy: I sure hope you know what you're doing Nihility. Is this kid really worth the effort?

Raythe: What's this guy's gamble? What does he mean by Reverse Evolution? Isn't the reverse of evolution getting weaker?

Alice: Maybe it's one of those Zen riddles

Enzan: I don't know. The whole thing is just making my brain hurt.

Nihility: Yuji, are you ready to obtain a new power?

Yuji: I don't know what you're talking about. And I still haven't forgiven you for what you did to Luna. But if you have the secrets to defeating the Knights, I will gladly fight you!

Nihility: Now then, time to begin. Speed World 2, set on

D- Wheels: Duel mode, auto-pilot. Standby

Both: Riding Duel, Acceleration!

The two take off down the road [Yuji LP = 4000][Nihility LP = 4000].

Nihility: I will take the first turn. I summon Zero Phantom [ATK 0/DEF 1500 LV 3]. I set four cards and end my turn

Takimaru: Monsters with zero attack points? What kind of noob is this guy? No one summons a zero point monster

Luna: No. Trust me, I fought these things. Don't take them lightly

Yuji: It's my turn [SPC: Yuji = 1 Nihility = 1]. This guy…he summoned a monster with zero attack points. What is he trying to do? Well….I can't back down. I need to take this chance, even if it is a Trap. I summon Slipstream Warrior [ATK 1700/DEF 200 LV 4] Attack his Zero Phantom

Slipstream spins rapidly and rips it to shreds

Nihility: Necare Nihil! When Zero Phantom is destroyed, I can negate all damage I would take normally.

Yuji: I see. So that's why he summoned his monster in attack mode. He wanted me to think there was noting he could do and I would deal a lot of damage. I set a card and end my turn

Nihility: My turn [SPC: Nihility = 2 Yuji = 2]. Trap card, Limit Reverse. I choose a monster with an attack power of 1000 or less and revive it. Come back, Zero Phantom [ATK 0/DEF 1500 LV 3]. Now I summon Zero Shredder [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 3]. Once per turn, he decreases the level of a monster by 2. He decreases the level of Phantom [ATK 0/DEF 1500 LV 1]. Now I activate two Level Retuner cards. Each one decreases the level of a monster by 2. I choose my own Zero Phantom [ATK 0/DEF 1500 LV -3]

Takimaru: What the…he made its level negative?

Alice: This is just like when we fought against the Seven Dark Stars.

Luna: This guy is doing exactly what he used against me!

Nihility: I tune my level -3 Zero Phantom and my level 3 Zero Shredder

Cain: He's what?!

Tyson: But he can't summon a monster with no levels!

Effigy: He's already bringing it out?

Phantom becomes 3 black rings that Shredder flies through. He becomes three stars that the rings crush [-3 + 3 = 0].

Yuji: Nothing happened? Wait….what's…

A bright lines shines that blinds everyone.

Nihility: Return to the roots of evolution! Discover the ancient power lost long ago and become a stronger being. Zero Synchro! Show yourself, Nihil Draco [ATK 3000/DEF 0 LV 0]

Yuji: A monster with a level of 0….

Enzan: What the hell's going on?! Have you guys ever heard of something like this?

Cain: No. I don't remember ever hearing about something like that.

Raythe: Level zero monsters….it's just like Dark Synchro. But…the aura of that monster isn't evil. And yet…it isn't pure either. All I feel…is power. Nothing but power.

Nihility: This is the proof of reverse evolution, a Zero Synchro monster. The being that lives between the light and the darkness

Yuji: There's something…between the light and the dark?

Nihility: That is the purpose of this duel Yuji. To show you the way to obtain that great power. Nihil Draco, attack Slipstream Warrior. Nihil Lucet!

It fires a powerful beam of energy that destroys Warrior. Yuji screams in pain as he slows down [Yuji LP = 2700]

Yuji: This pain…

Nihility: Now the effect of Nihil Draco. Whenever he attacks a monster, he deals that monster's attack points as damage to the opponent. Go, Punire Sceleste!

Draco releases a powerful light that sears Yuji. He screams again [Yuji LP = 1000] as he smashes against the guardrail.

Luna: Yuji, are you okay?!

Yuji: What the hell was that? I felt…that same level of pain again…

Nihility: So you recognize it? It's true then. You battled against one of those cards and survived.

Yuji: Those cards…do you mean Creator of Ice- Frosteller!?

Nihility: That is one of them, yes. Yuji, I trust you know the story of the universe?

Yuji: Of course I do. The ten original creators. They created the Seven Star Knight and guided the Knights through a time of peace.

Nihility: You do know the story then. But, that story is not the full one. In addition, to the 10 original ones, there are four demigods who control the elements of ice, lightning, steel, and nature. You see, the Creators still exist in modern day. They keep the elements of the world in balance, under the pressure caused by the Seven- Star Knight. However, these Knights seek to upset the balance and unleash these cards in their full powers.

Yuji: The things I'm fighting against…they are genuine gods?

Nihility: Yes. Yuji, the only way you can fight against these cards is to awaken the ancient power of the Seven- Star Knight that slumbers within you. And to use that power…you must achieve Zero Synchro!

Yuji: I see. So that's why you challenged me. But why me? What makes you think I have this power?

Nihility: I was raised in the cold mountains of Russia to be the greatest soldier. In all my studies, I came across you, the Seven Stars, and I came here to see your power. Now show me. Show me I can trust you to stop the force creeping up on this world! Turn end

Yuji: Here we go, my turn [SPC: Yuji = 3 Nihility = 3]. A Zero Synchro monster. I've never seen anything like it before. Besides myself…I'm getting excited. I summon Black Chain Wraith in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 2000 LV 4]. I set a card and end my turn

Nihility: My turn, I draw [SPC: Yuji = 4 Nihility = 4]. I summon Zero Charger [ATK 0/DEF 600 LV 2]. By releasing this card, I can raise the attack points of a monster by 600 if that monster has 0 attack or defense points. I raise the attack points of Black Chain Wraith [ATK 600/DEF 2000 LV 4]

Alice: Raising the attack points of Yuji's monster!?

Nihility: Strike it down. Nihil Lucet!

It fires a powerful beam of energy that destroys Wraith

Nihility: And now half of its attack points are dealt as damage. Punire Sceleste!

It gathers energy all around and shoots it out like missiles, hitting Yuji like rain [Yuji LP = 700].

Tyson: He raised the attack points of Yuji's monster to deal its attack points as damage. This guy is really good…

Effigy: Naturally. Nihility isn't the kind of guy who makes amateur mistakes. Hell, even if I can't beat him

Nihility: I set a card and end my turn. Yuji, if this is all you have, I'm not impressed. At this rate, you will never be strong enough to attain Zero Synchro level.

Yuji: Don't count me out yet. We both still have life points. Here we go, I draw [SPC: Yuji = 5 Nihility = 5]. This was the card I was waiting for. Speed Spell- Synchro Defuze. This lets me take control of an opponent's Synchro monster. Even if that thing is a Zero Synchro monster, it is still a Synchro monster. Which means I can take control of it!

Nihility: Hmph. That won't work. Nihil Draco is unaffected by Spell or Trap cards.

Yuji: No way! A monster that isn't affected by my cards?!

Nihility: Nihil Draco is too strong for that. Your Synchro monsters might fall prey to cards like that, but not a Zero Synchro monster!

Yuji: I see. In that case, I'll take it down some other way. I summon Mach Kuriboh in defense mode [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 1]. I'm counting on you. I set two cards and end my turn

Nihility: Back to me [SPC: Nihility = 6 Yuji = 6]. I set a card. Nihil Draco, attack that little Mach Kuriboh. Nihil Lucet!

It fires a beam of energy that destroys Kuriboh

Nihility: While you don't take Battle Damage, Effect Damage still applies. Go, Punire Sceleste! [Yuji LP = 550]

Cain: This is bad, he's only got 550 life points left. And Nihility still has that Zero Synchro monster.

Yuji: My turn [SPC: Yuji = 7 Nihility = 7]. I use the effect of Speed World 2. I pay 7 Speed Counters [SPC: Yuji = 0 Nihility = 7] and draw one card. Get ready. On this turn, Nihil Draco will fall!

Nihility: Oh? Is that it?

Yuji: I activate the Trap card, Cheat Effect. I send a monster from the deck to the graveyard. Now, I can use its effect. As I sent Stain Glass to the graveyard, I can Special Summon two Stained Glass Tokens [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1][ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. Now I release both Stained Glass Tokens to Advance Summon my other partner. Come on, Void Dragon [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 8]

Luna: Yes, he brought it out!

Nihility: This monster…this is the symbol of one of the Seven Stars.

Effigy: Here we go. Now the duel really starts.

Yuji: Trap card, Graceful Revival. This lets me revive one monster of level 2 or below in the graveyard. I revive my other partner. Come back, Mach Kuriboh [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 1]. Now, Trap card, Tuner Tradeout. I can pick a monster in my graveyard and remove it from play [Stain Glass]. Now from my deck, I can Special Summon a Tuner monster of the same level with all its effects negated. I summon Blade Synchron from my deck [ATK 1300/DEF 0 LV 3]. I tune my level 3 Blade Synchron and my level 1 Mach Kuriboh

Synchron becomes 3 rings that Kuriboh flies through, becoming 1 star [3 + 1 = 4]

Yuji: Synchro Summon! Accel and evolve, Iron Mach Kuriboh [ATK 1500/DEF 1000 LV 4].

Luna: Iron Mach Kuriboh!

Yuji: Partners, let's do it together! Once per turn, Iron Mach Kuriboh can equip to a monster and raise its power by 1000. What other monster than Void Dragon [ATK 3500/DEF 2000 LV 8]. Maybe Nihil Draco won't be destroyed by effects, but battle is a different story! Void Dragon, Iron Mach Kuriboh, attack his Nihil Draco.

Luna: If this connects!

Nihility: It will not be a simple matter of attacking. Trap card, Nothing But Nothing. As long as this card is out, monsters with 0 attack or defense points can't be destroyed in battle. Nihil Draco has 0 defense points.

Yuji: But, Battle Damage is still dealt.

Dragon plows into Draco. The shockwaves don't destroy it, but hit Nihility [Nihility LP = 3500]

Tyson: Yes, he wounded him!

Alice: If he keeps this up, he'll beat that thing!

Yuji: If I can't destroy it with Spells, Traps, or battles…that leaves only one option. I set a card and end my turn.

Nihility: This power…this is the power of the Seven Stars.

He looks out over the water and thinks. He recalls being in a room and practicing karate. He senses someone behind him and spins with a roundhouse kick as the old man blocks his kick

Nihility: Sensei.

Sensei: That's enough for today.

The two kneel in front of an altar as sensei lights candles

Sensei: Nihility, your training here is to one day serve Sector Seven, as all in the Romanov family have done

Nihility: I understand

Sensei: One day soon, you will need to tap into our ancient bloodline and awaken its true power. As I did, as my ancestors did, and as your father did before you, you must go alone into the cold wilderness until you discover Zero Synchro

Nihility: I understand….grandpa.

He heads into the wild

Nihility: Those years I spent in the cold wild, training my body, mind, and soul….the years I spent to get Zero Synchro

The young Nihility stands in awe as Nihil Draco appears

Nihility: Can you overcome all those years of training? I will answer that question with my own two hands! I draw [SPC: Nihility = 8 Yuji = 1[. Trap card, Zero Deal. We each discard a card and draw a new card. Now I end it. I summon Zero Nitro [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. Once per turn, I can equip this to a monster with zero attack or defense points and raise its power by 600 [ATK 3600/DEF 0 LV 0].

Luna: Now it's more powerful than Void Dragon!

Nihility: Attack Nihil Draco. Nihil Lucet!

Yuji: By sending Mach Kuriboh to the graveyard, I negate Void Dragon's destruction in battle. Forgive me…

Nihility: You won't evade the damage!

The attack hits Void Dragon. It still stands as the attack moves around it, burning Yuji [Yuji LP = 450].

Luna: But without Kuriboh, Void Dragon loses power [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 8]

Effigy: Looks like Nihility has this one in the bag.

Shaman: It would appear he is not the one after all

Nihility: I'm disappointed. This is the best you could do. I'm barely wounded. But you did better than the girl. That earns you points. But it hasn't changed the end result; you lose.

Yuji: Nihility, I won't give up. After all, I still have life points! I draw [SPC: Nihility = 9 Yuji = 2]. Trap card, Descending Lost Star. This revives a Synchro monster. I drew back Iron Mach Kuriboh [ATK 1500/DEF 0 LV 3]. I now summon Speed Warrior [ATK 900/DEF 400 LV 2]. As I already summoned a monster, I Special Summon Missile Synchron [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. I tune my level 1 Missile Synchron, level 3 Iron Mach Kuriboh, and level 2 Speed Warrior

Missile becomes 1 ring that Warrior and Kuriboh fly through, becoming 5 stars [1 + 2 + 3 = 6]

Yuji: Synchro Summon! Missile Warrior [ATK 2500/DEF 1200 LV 6]

Tyson: Yes! When Missile Warrior attacks, he can destroy the monster he battles!

Alice: Nihil Draco may be safe from Spells or Traps and battle, but not monsters!

Yuji: Missile Warrior, attack Nihil Draco. Missile Fist!

Nihility: No….I won't let this happen! By sending Zero Nitro to the graveyard, I destroy a monster with less attack points than him [ATK 3000/DEF 0 LV 0]. I destroy Missile Warrior

Yuji: I was anticipating that. Trap card, Synchro Strike. Now for each monster I used in his Synchro Summoning, he gains 500 attack points. I used 3; therefore, he gains 1500 attack points [ATK 4000/DEF 1200 LV 6]

Nihility: Oh no! Now it isn't weaker than Nihil Draco! Which means….I can't destroy it!

Yuji: Now, I continue my attack! Missile Fist!

It punches through the monster. Draco roars as it blows up [Nihility LP = 2500]

Yuji: Void Dragon, dire attack! Black Hole Beam!

Nihility clenches his fist as the attack hits. [Nihility LP = 0]. Everyone cheers as Yuji comes to a stop. Nihility follows soon after

Nihility: I lost…even with my Zero Synchro monster, I lost. What the stories say about you are true

Effigy: I'll say. Even I can't beat Nihility when he breaks that thing out

Yuji: I beat you. So, are you going to spill the secrets of Zero Synchro?

Nihility: There's nothing to teach

Raythe: Hold on a second! What do you mean?!

Nihility: Zero Synchro can not be taught. You must tap into the power deep within you, the ancient power of the Seven- Star Knight. I have faith, Yuji.

He races off

Yuji: Zero Synchro….

Luna: Looks like we have work to do.

Yuji: We?

Takimaru: Come on, you don't think you're doing this along do you?

Tyson: We'll learn Zero Synchro too!

Alice: We want to help fight the Knights

Raythe: Me and Ezikiel will master it no time

Cain: Zero Synchro monsters….interesting.

Yuji: Everyone….right, let's go. Together, we'll reach Zero Synchro.

Enzan: Yuji….he's fighting so hard. And training to get stronger. I….I can't let him down.

He looks determined as Shaman vanishes from the rooftop

Effigy: Do you really think they can?

Nihility: Considering what we are up against…I hope they can….

All around the world, tablets appear; from the earth, deep inside a cave, floating in the sky, etc. In the castle, Chaos King laughs

Chaos King: The others have awakened! Go my Knights! Collect your Creator! Once they all belong to us, our grand ambition will be fulfilled!

Sir Mobius simply stares ahead as he begins to laugh

Ending- Dawning Future

Enzan: Yuji, I'll train too. This power…I'll use to fight the Knights! Listen up Shaman, teach me this thing you can a Burning Hot Heart! Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Seven Stars, Episode 226: A Burning Hot Heart. Don't miss it!

Nihility: It's going to be awesome!

Enzan: What the….get your own episode preview!