This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. Credit to author AaronCottrell97 for a few ideas and character suggestions (especially the duel layout for the story). Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
David Ryder (c) AaronCottrell97 and Jeremy
WARNING: This particular story is rated for fantasy violence and some language.
Title: Cousin's Watching
One cold, wintery day on the Island of Sodor, Emily was hanging out with Molly and Mavis at the park. Because of the snow that had fallen the night before, school was cancelled for the day. Currently, the girls were ice skating on the frozen lake.
"Wheee!" cheered Emily.
"This is fun!" added Mavis.
Molly, trying her hardest to skate, ended up slipping and falling onto her rear end. She wasn't hurt, but she was embarrassed at her inability to keep her balance.
"Whoa! Molly, are you okay?" exclaimed Emily, skating over to her fallen friend.
"I think so." groaned Molly, rubbing her sore bottom. "But that fall did hurt a little bit."
Emily immediately helped the black-haired girl back up. As soon as she was back on her feet, Molly started slipping on the ice and started to fall again, but Mavis thankfully managed to skate over and catch her.
"What do you say we take a break and have some hot cocoa?" suggested Mavis.
"Good idea." shivered Molly. "I had enough skating for today."
With that said, the three friends got off the ice, changed out of their skates and into their winter footwear, and started proceeding towards the nearby donut shop.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the donut shop, it was packed with customers. This was something Emily, Mavis, and Molly each noticed upon walking inside.
"Look at all the people in the shop." commented Mavis.
"It's jam-packed full." added Emily.
"Well, why wouldn't it be in this weather?" asked Molly.
"Good point. Now, let's go and order something."
The three girls approached the line, waiting for it to move so they could order some hot cocoa and cookies.
(elsewhere...)
Later that afternoon, Emily arrived back home. Upon arrival, she found her Mother waiting with a big smile on her face.
"Hi, Mom." greeted Emily. "Why do you look so happy?"
"Emily, I have wonderful news!" Mrs. Stirling began. "Do you recall how your Cousin David had left the Island of Sodor to successfully join the British Navy in England?"
"David? Oh yes, I remember."
"Well-" Emily's Mother went on. "-I got a call from him earlier today while you were out. David's announced that he's coming to visit this weekend!"
Emily was ecstatic. "Oh my gosh!" she squealed. "I haven't seen him since I was eleven! I bet he'll have tons of stories to tell during his time with the navy! Wait until I tell my friends!"
With that said, the dark green-haired girl ran off upstairs to her room, where she would call Thomas, James, and anyone who wished to meet her Cousin. Yup, this small Stirling family reunion oughta be a blast.
(later...)
That Saturday afternoon, Emily, Mr. Stirling, and Mrs. Stirling were waiting by the front door of their apartment for David to arrive.
"Is he going to be here soon?" Emily asked her Mother.
"David said he would be arriving at about 1:30." answered Mrs. Stirling.
A few seconds later, the doorbell rang.
"Hello?!" A voice (male) echoed from outside. "Could anyone let me in, please?"
"That must be him!" gasped Emily, happily.
Mr. Stirling opened the door, and standing outside, wearing heavy winter gear, was a young man in his late-20s. Almost immediately, the greeting from the Stirling family was a warm one.
"David! David Ryder!" cried Emily, running over to hug her older Cousin. "You're here! I'm so happy to see you!"
"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite Cousin." greeted David R., hugging his younger Cousin back. "How have you been? It's been so long."
"It sure has been." Emily agreed, taking a few steps back. "How have you been?"
"Busy as a bee." As David R. spoke, he took a look at his Cousin admiringly. "Wow, Emily, you've really been growing up." He then looked down at his Cousin's chest and grinned in a teasing sort of way. "In more ways than one, that is. Why am I not the least bit surprised?"
Emily, scratching the back of her head in slight embarrassment, blushed a bit, figuring that David was referring to how 'kind' puberty had hit her. Nevertheless, she also knew that her Cousin was only being playful and not acting malicious about it, and so she could easily forgive him for that comment.
"Ha ha ha! I'm just messing with you." laughed David R.. "But in all seriousness, you have gotten almost as tall as I have, and you're only 16."
"I am." agreed Emily.
"It's great to see you, David." smiled Mrs. Stirling, as she and her husband walked over to greet the young man.
"Same to you, Aunt Jan." agreed David R., hugging his Aunt. He then looked towards his Uncle. "Uncle Maurice, you're looking well."
"Aye! Same to you." nodded Mr. Stirling, shaking the young man's hand. "Now, what do you say we have some lunch? We've prepared some sandwiches and freshly squeezed orange juice."
"You must have heard my stomach growling, because it agrees with you."
And the four family members proceeded to the kitchen to eat lunch.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the arcade later that day, Thomas, Percy, Toby, and James all were busy playing some of the games. Currently, they were waiting for Emily to arrive with her Cousin.
"I heard Emily's bringing her Cousin to the arcade." Thomas was saying. "According to her, David left to join the Navy when we were in Middle School."
"That would explain why we never got to meet him." added Percy, before bringing something else up... "Do you think he knows about what James and Gordon put her through?"
James became uneasy when he heard this. David Ryder, not only Emily's Cousin and VERY protective of her, but also a Navy Officer. The thought made the red-haired boy feel VERY uncomfortable about the whole thing. If David R. were to ever know about the Middle School incident, James would likely be a dead man.
"Let's...not bring it up then." he suggested.
Before anyone else could say another word...
"Hi, guys!" The voice of Emily called out, catching the four boys' attention. "Look who's with me?"
On cue, Emily, with her Cousin David R. walking beside her, approached Thomas, Percy, Toby, and James.
"There they are." smiled Toby.
"Hey!" Emily smiled back. "So, this is my Cousin, David Ryder. David, these are some of my friends."
"I'm Thomas!" greeted Thomas. "I'm Emily's boyfriend."
"Boyfriend, eh?" frowned David R.. "Are you sure about that? You look a bit too short to be her boyfriend."
Thomas cringed in response, causing Percy, James, and Toby each to snicker in response. David R., meanwhile, grinned and burst out laughing.
"I'm just kidding!" he reassured. "I have to say you're really lucky to have my favorite Cousin as a girlfriend."
Thomas, feeling much better, smiled back and shook the young man's hand. From there, Percy took a step forth to introduce himself.
"I'm Percy!" The green-haired boy said cheerfully. "I'm Thomas's best friend."
"Pleasure to meet you." grinned David R.. "Emily's told me a bit about the friends she's made here on Sodor."
"My name's Toby." Toby introduced himself.
"It's great to meet you, Toby." David R. said back, shaking the brown-haired boy's hand. "And now..."
He then, still smiling, eyed James, who jumped with nervousness.
"Uh... hehe.. Hi." The red-haired boy chuckled sheepishly.
"And who might 'you' be?" asked David R., not sounding at all hostile.
Since there was no way he could evade the question at the moment, James had no other choice but to give his name and face the music.
"I-I'm-" he started, but got interrupted when a loud sound was heard.
"YAHOO!" The voice of Hank cheered, getting David R.'s attention. The muscular, blue-haired had just played and won a game of strength and luck. "I've beaten my record!"
"Well now, what do we have there?" David R. asked mischievously, looking nearby. "I've seen one of those games at the funfair one time."
He then walked towards the game Hank had just won, leaving James to sigh in relief.
"Boy, that was close." he remarked.
"James, what's the matter?" asked Toby.
"I didn't really want to tell David my name." James whispered, he then looked towards Emily. "From what you told us on the phone, he's really protective of you. If he finds out that I'm the one who bullied you, I'll be in huge trouble."
"James, I did tell my Cousin about the bullying, but that was during my 'bad' phase." Emily pointed out. "Since it's been a few years, I'm pretty sure he's forgotten the whole thing."
"You sure?"
"Positive!" The dark green-haired girl reassured.
James seemed to feel better. Nearby, David R., picking up the nearby mallet, decided to try his luck with the newly installed game.
"I should warn you; it requires strength to be able to hit the button." advised Hank.
David R. kept the grin on his face, and, with all his might, he slammed the mallet down on the button. Causing something to rise in the machine until it hit the bell. Hank was impressed.
"Man, that was good." he admired.
"Aye." said David R. pleasantly. He then looked over to Emily and her friends. "Why don't you guys try it out?"
"Sure!" accepted James, walking over.
"Pass." Emily refused politely.
"Same." agreed Toby.
As soon as James reached Hank and David R., he was handed the mallet by the latter.
"Um... James, are you sure?" asked Hank, unsure. "I mean, you're not exactly a strongman."
James grinned. "Sure, I'm sure!" he insisted. "After all, I've got-"
"Wait, James? Is that your name" blinked David R., interrupting the red-haired boy. His tone was beginning to darken. "As in... James Hughes?"
"Yup!" confirmed James, unaware of what was to come. "I'm THE James Hughes."
Uh-oh...
"You're the dirty bastard who bullied my Cousin!" roared David R., losing his temper.
Emily was surprised. This was NOT what she was hoping to happen! Of course, Thomas, Percy, and Toby each were equally surprised, and scared for their red-haired friend.
"N-N-Now, wait a second!" James protested, backing away in fear. "Th-that was years ago!"
"Oh yes, I agree it was years ago, but I haven't forgotten the time when Emily, who was in tears, talked to me on the phone about it!" hissed David R.. "I wanted to rush over and then to put a stop to your cruelty once and for all, but, for some reason, she convinced me to 'not' leave the Navy."
James looked over to Emily. "I thought you said he forgotten the whole thing!"
"I thought he 'did'!" argued Emily. "But I must have forgotten to remember that he's very protective of me and tends to have a VERY good memory!"
"I'm going to do something to you!" declared David R. "I'm going to make sure you never bully my Cousin again!" All of a sudden, he took a Duel Monsters Deck out of his pocket. "Face me in a game of Duel Monsters, you cur!"
"What? Duel Monsters?" James blinked, thinking that was it. "All you want to do is beat me in a duel?
"Of course." frowned David R., thinking that James was being stupid at the moment. "What did you think I was going to do, take you to some back alley and beat you to a pulp? What do you think I am; a psychopath like the Troublesome Trucks gang? Instead, I'll beat you in a game of Duel Monsters so badly, that you'll never be able to lift a card without remembering what I did to you!"
"David, you don't have to-" Emily tried to speak up.
"Stay out of this, Emily." interrupted David R.. "I'm doing this for you. This is for your own safety."
The dark green-haired girl was forced to back down, while Thomas, Percy, and Toby each didn't know what to say to try and cool off the bad blood between David R. and James.
"Well, it looks like I have no other choice." sighed James. He then became determined. "Get your game on, David!"
"Oh ho, I'll get my game on, alright." David R. warned dangerously. "But my game will be the one to end yours!"
Once again, Thomas, Percy, and Toby each looked at each other nervously. On the other hand, Hank simply looked confused. Emily, meanwhile, became extremely worried over what her Cousin would try to pull in the coming duel.
(later...)
After borrowing two Duel Disks from the arcade owner, James and David R. both took their spots on the battlefield-like area for their duel.
"Let's get down to it!" declared James.
"I'm gonna crush you!" put in David R..
Nearby with its audience...
"Emily, can't you do something about your Cousin?" protested Percy.
"Unfortunately, he's as stubborn as a mule." Emily sighed. "In his current state of mind, I'm hoping that James manages to win."
"I'm wondering what David's Deck is like." commented Toby, earning him a few glares from Thomas, Emily, Percy, and Hank. "Err... nevermind."
Back in the duel field...
"The first turn is mine!" announced James, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn One: James Hughes (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and 'Elemental HERO Avian"
His drawn card was the "Elemental HERO Avian' Monster Card.
"I Summon 'Elemental HERO Avian in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was the green-suited, bird-like Elemental HERO (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"Attack mode?" scoffed David R.
James ignored the comment. "From there, I'll set one card." While speaking, he slotted a card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. "That will end my turn!"
A facedown card materialized on the field.
"It's my turn." declared David R, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Two: David Ryder (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Cyber Dragon"
Almost immediately, a Monster Card called 'Cyber Dragon' materialized face-up on the field.
"I Summon 'Cyber Dragon' in attack mode!" David R. went on, with two fingers pressed onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was a robotic-like dragon (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600).
"Wait, 'Cyber Dragon'?" gasped James.
In the audience...
"Isn't 'Cyber Dragon' a Level 5 monster?" asked Hank curiously.
"'Cyber Dragon's' effect." The voice of David R. announced, catching the audience's attention. The young man was explaining his monster's effect. "If only the opponent controls a monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand."
"Directly from the hand!" gasped Percy.
From there, the Spell Card 'Mystical Space Typhoon' materialized face-up on the field.
"And with 'Mystical Space Typhoon' activated-" David R. went on. "-you can kiss your facedown card goodbye."
A cyclone blew over the field and shattered James's facedown card.
"And now, it's time for battle!" announced David R., entering the Battle Phase. "'Cyber Dragon' will attack 'Elemental HERO Avian'!"
'Cyber Dragon' started charging an attack.
"EVOLUTION BURST!"
A fiery blast was let loose, striking and destroying 'Elemental HERO Avian' while also hitting James (LP: 4000 - 2900).
"Man, that wasn't fun." The red-haired boy grimaced.
"I'm not finished." continued David R., slotting another card into his Duel Disk. "From my hand, I'll activate a Spell!"
On cue, the 'Different Dimension Capsule' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, causing a coffin-like capsule to emerge from the ground.
"'Different Dimension Capsule'!" As David R. spoke on, he drew the top card from his Deck and made is fade away into oblivion. "It allows me to select one card from my Deck and remove it from play while facedown. During my second Standby Phase after activation, I can destroy this card and add the removed card to my hand."
"Two whole turns." thought James. "I should try to win before that happens."
"My turn has ended!" finished David R.. "Now, James, it's your turn! Try your luck in getting by my 'Cyber Dragon'!"
James scowled. In the audience...
"James..." whispered Percy.
"David..." put in Emily.
Back in the duel field...
"Here I go" declared James, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Three: James Hughes (LP: 2900)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): ?, ?, ?, ?, and 'Pot of Greed"
Very quickly, the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate 'Pot of Greed'!" said James, drawing two more cards. "It lets me draw two more cards from my Deck."
James drew his cards, which happened to be 'Elemental HERO Sparkman' (Normal Monster Card) and 'Polymerization' (Spell Card).
"Alright! My comeback begins!" The red-haired boy whooped, before holding three cards out. "I activate the Spell Card 'Polymerization'! With this, I can fuse 'Elemental HERO Sparkman' and 'Elemental HERO Clayman' both from my hand!"
The two monsters briefly appeared on the field before entering the fusion vortex, creating a thunderstorm overhead.
"Come forth - 'Elemental HERO Thunder Giant'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence came to an end, was the combined form of 'Elemental HERO Clayman' and 'Elemental HERO Sparkman' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500)
"And he has a sweet ability." continued James, discarding a card from his hand. "By discarding one card from my hand, 'Thunder Giant' can destroy one monster on your field whose original Attack Power is lower than his!"
"And 'Cyber Dragon' has a lessen Attack Power than 'Thunder Giant'." acknowledged David R..
With that, 'Elemental HERO Thunder Giant' started charging up electricity.
"Take this!" declared James. "VAPOR SPARK!"
The electrical blast fired, electrocuting 'Cyber Dragon' and destroying it.
"That move left you open for a direct attack." James went on, entering the Battle Phase. "Go get 'im, 'Thunder Giant'! Attack David directly with Voltic Thunder!"
Another blast of electricity was unleashed from 'Elemental HERO Thunder Giant', striking David R.. To the audience's surprise, the young man did not flinch or scream from being hit by the attack.
"Hey, your Cousin didn't react to being hit." Percy said to Emily.
"No, he didn't." The dark green-haired girl agreed.
Back in the duel field, David R. looked up and glared coldly at his opponent (LP: 4000 - 1600).
"Hey, you didn't even flinch!" exclaimed James, looking very surprised. "Not even to losing 2400 Life Points!"
"A good duelist happens to be prepared for anything." retorted David R.. "Something I would wager you're not."
A facedown card then appeared on the field behind 'Elemental HERO Thunder Giant'.
"I set one card facedown and call it a turn." finished James, easing up.
"One turn has passed since I activated 'Different Dimension Capsule'." David R. pointed out, drawing a card. "On my next Standby Phase, I will destroy it and add the removed card to my hand."
Turn Four: David Ryder (LP: 1600)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (4): ?, ?, ?, and "Cyber Dragon"
Different Dimension Capsule: 1 Turn
His drawn card was another copy of the 'Cyber Dragon' Monster Card.
"As my field is once again open-" said David R., having placed his card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk. "-I can Special Summon another 'Cyber Dragon' from my hand."
In an instant, another 'Cyber Dragon' appeared on the field (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600). This was also followed by the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card appearing face-up on the field.
"Next, I'll activate 'Monster Reborn' to bring the destroyed one back!" continued David R., as his Graveyard started glowing all white. "Reappear - 'Cyber Dragon'!"
On cue, the other 'Cyber Dragon' returned to the field.
"I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but both your monsters have less Attack Points than 'Thunder Giant'." reminded James. "You'll have to do something about that before you can get at my Life Points."
"In that case, I will do exactly what you did." accepted David R., taking and holding a card out. "Spell Card - 'Polymerization'! Using it, I'll fuse my two 'Cyber Dragons' together!" He then pointed forth towards his two 'Cyber Dragons'. "Go forth, 'Cyber Dragons'! Become 'Cyber Twin Dragon'!"
The two 'Cyber Dragons' flew into the Fusion Vortex. When the Fusion Summon sequence came to an end, a large 'Cyber Dragon' with two heads appeared on the field (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2100).
"'Cyber Twin Dragon'?!" cringed James. "Great, it's stronger than 'Thunder Giant'!"
And that was something that David R. was going to take advantage of...
"'Cyber Twin Dragon'-" he commanded, entering the Battle Phase. "-attack 'Elemental HERO Thunder Giant' with Evolution Twin Burst!"
'Cyber Twin Dragon' obeyed, charing blasts from both of its mouths.
"And you know what the best part is?" asked David R. "'Cyber Twin Dragon' can attack 'twice' during each Battle Phase!"
The first blast was about to hit 'Elemental HERO Thunder Giant'.
"I might not be able to stop the attack or prevent damage to my Life Points-" acknowledged James, poking a button on his Duel Disk. "-but I can still protect myself in a way!"
His set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate 'A Hero Emerges'! When an opponent's monster declares an attack, they are forced to choose one random card from my hand, then if it is a monster that can be Special Summoned, I can Special Summon it. Otherwise, I must send the card to the Graveyard."
"You only have one card in your hand." frowned David R.. "In that case, I'll choose it."
"Great choice." grinned James, taking and placing his card onto his Duel Disk (sideways). "I Special Summon, from my hand, 'Wroughtweiler' in defense position!"
Appearing onto the field was the mechanical hound (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 1200). The first blast from 'Cyber Twin Dragon' soon struck and destroyed 'Elemental HERO Thunder Giant', causing James to, as he braced himself from the force of the powerful attack, cry out as he sustained some damage (LP: 2900 - 2500). The head of 'Cyber Twin Dragon' then unleashed a blast of its own, which struck and destroyed 'Wroughtweiler'.
"When 'Wroughtweiler' is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard-" explained James, just as two cards slid out of his Graveyard. He then added both cards into his hand. "-I can return 'Polymerization' and one 'Elemental HERO' Monster, such as 'Elemental HERO Clayman', from the Graveyard to my hand."
"You'll need them." huffed David R., before entering the End Phase. "I end my turn!"
"Come on!" Thomas suddenly called out. "What's the matter with you, David? James HAS changed for the better!"
"Thomas is right, David!" added Emily. "James is not like he was those years ago! Please call off the duel before you do something you'll regret!"
"My only regret was not coming back when I had the chance to stop that guy from ruining your life." argued David R. "I'm finishing this duel and making sure he pays!" He directed his attention back to James. "Draw your card!"
"It's...my turn!" stuttered James uneasily, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Five: James Hughes (LP: 2500)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (3): "Polymerization", "Elemental HERO Clayman", and "Elemental HERO Bubbleman"
His drawn card was the "Elemental HERO Bubbleman" Monster Card.
"This is a start." he thought to himself, before speaking aloud. "I Summon 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman'!"
Appearing onto the field was the aquatic 'Elemental HERO' Monster (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 1200).
"'Bubbleman's' Monster Effect! Since he was Summoned while no other monsters are on my field-" James explained, drawing two more cards. "-I get to draw two more cards."
His drawn cards were 'Transcendent Wings' (Spell Card) and 'Winged Kuriboh' (Effect Monster Card). Those were more good cards for James to use. But he couldn't use them yet. Instead, the red-haired boy took and held two other cards.
"Once more, I'll activate 'Polymerization'!" announced James, just as 'Elemental HERO Clayman' briefly appeared on the field. "This time, I'll use it to fuse 'Clayman' with 'Bubbleman'!"
'Elemental HERO Bubbleman' and 'Elemental HERO Clayman' started fusing together.
"I Fusion Summon 'Elemental HERO Mudballman'!"
Appearing onto the field was what looked like 'Elemental HERO Clayman', but with his body more mud-like than rock, and with 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman's' head. The new monster was kneeling in a defensive position (Level: 6/ATK: 1900/DEF: 3000).
"That's good!" praised Hank. "'Cyber Twin Dragon' only has 2800 Attack Points, while 'Mudballman' has 3000 Defense Points! That means James will be protected while he has that monster in defense mode!"
"The only problem is that on my Cousin's coming turn, his Spell Card will activate and give him his banished card." Emily thought to herself. "I don't know what card he chose to remove, but it has to be extremely powerful for him to remove it."
Over with James...
"I end my turn." finished James. In his mind... "I'll Summon 'Winged Kuriboh' on my next turn, along with setting 'Transcendent Wings'. And when David attacks, I'll activate it to turn 'Winged Kuriboh' into 'Winged Kuriboh LV10'. This will guarantee my victory - I can win!"
"Is that all you can do?" asked David R. in disgust. "You're not going to beat me by using nothing but defenses! They will be blown away by my 'Cyber Dragons'!"
"'Mudballman' has 3000 Defense Points." reminded James. "He stands a pretty good chance against 'Cyber Twin Dragon'. Now hit me with your best shot!"
"This duel is about to end!" exclaimed David R. drawing a card. "It's my turn, draw!"
Turn Six: David Ryder (LP: 1600)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (2): ? and "Cyber Dragon"
Different Dimension Capsule: Now
All of a sudden, the large capsule on the field started to break apart, causing a card to rise out of it.
"It's been two turns since 'Different Dimension Capsule' was activated." explained David R., as the removed card materialized in his hand. "Now I can destroy my Spell and add that banished card to my hand." He then took and held another card out. "Next, I will split apart 'Cyber Twin Dragon' with 'De-Fusion!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind 'Cyber Twin Dragon', causing the powerful mech-like dragon to split back into two 'Cyber Dragons' (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600) x2.
"And now, prepare to meet your maker!" growled David R., taking and holding a glowing card up. "From my hand, I activate a Spell Card - 'POWER BOND'!"
Thomas recoiled hard. "'Power Bond'?!"
Back in the duel field...
"'Power Bond'... It lets me Fusion Summon one Machine Fusion Monster from the Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material, and the monster gains Attack Points equal to its original Attack Power." explained David R., before holding out his last card and causing a third 'Cyber Dragon' to appear on the field. "I fuse the lone 'Cyber Dragon' from my hand with the two 'Cyber Dragons' on my field!"
The Fusion Summon sequence of the three 'Cyber Dragons' began, with David R. speaking a Summon Chant...
"Dragons of the Cybernetic World, the time has arisen to join together and blast your foes back to the Stone Age!" chanted David R., before bringing both hands together. "FUSION SUMMON! Appear now - 'Cyber End Dragon'!"
When the Fusion Summon sequence came to an end, appear on the field was a 'Cyber Dragon' as big as 'Cyber Twin Dragon'... except this one had THREE heads. 'Cyber End Dragon', while crackling with electricity', let loose a roar to signal its arrival (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 2800).
"An Attack Power...of 4000?!" gasped Hank.
"Not 4000-" corrected Percy. "-8000! Remember 'Power Bond's' other effect?"
Back in the duel field...
"He's right." agreed David R.. "Thanks to 'Power Bond's' other effect, my Machine Fusion Monster has its Attack Power increased based on its original Attack Power." He then smirked in a somewhat cruel way. "On the plus side, when my turn comes to an end, I'll take damage equal to the monster's original Attack Power."
'Cyber End Dragon's' Attack Power doubled as expected (ATK: 4000 - 8000).
"Shouldn't James still be able to survive?" asked Hank. "I mean, 'Elemental HERO Mudballman' IS in defense mode, after all. By using 'Power Bond to Fusion Summon 'Cyber End Dragon', David basically set himself up for defeat come the end of his turn."
"My 'Cyber End Dragon' has a special ability." explained David R. "When it does battle with a monster in defense mode, the difference in my monster's Attack Power and the opponent's monster's Defense Power comes out of your Life Points!"
"Piercing damage!" James gasped, now knowing that the duel was about to end.
And so, the Battle Phase commenced...
"'Cyber End Dragon', it's time to end this duel!" declared David R., sounding quite vicious. "Let's make James Hughes pay for hurting my younger Cousin!"
"No, David! Don't do it!" begged Emily. "Just let it go!"
Unfortunately, her words were ignored...
"Destroy 'Elemental HERO Mudballman'!" David R. went on, before giving the attack name… "SUPER STRIDENT BLAZE!"
'Cyber End Dragon' obeyed, with all three heads firing off a super charged blast at 'Elemental HERO Mudball Man', destroying him and hitting James at the exact same time. When the dust settled, James fell to a knee in defeat (LP: 2500 - 0).
DUEL RESULTS: David Ryder wins!
The holograms faded.
"James...lost." whispered Thomas.
Over with David R., he looked satisfied with putting James in his place for hurting Emily those years ago. Then, to his surprise, he saw Emily slowly walking over to him.
"Hey..." smiled David R.. "Emily, how did I do? I made you proud, right?"
Unfortunately for the young man, Emily was not smiling. When she got close enough to her Cousin...
*SMACK!*
...she slapped him across the face, much to his shock and surprise.
"What the hell were you thinking, David Ryder?!" Emily demanded angrily. "James Hughes is 'not' a bad person! He has changed from the boy he once was!"
David R. was taken aback by his younger Cousin's actions. Wasn't she pleased with him for teaching her tormentor a lesson he wouldn't soon forget?
"I tried to explain to you that James has mended his ways for the better-" Emily ranted on. "-but you refused to listen to me! You were treating me like I was a little kid again, and it needs to stop, this instant!"
"E-E-Emily..." stuttered David R., holding onto his sore cheek.
"Furthermore, I want you to apologize to James for trying to hurt him!"
David R. looked over to James, who was getting back to his feet. Did he really have to apologize to the person who bullied his Cousin? Did Emily really forgive James despite the bullying? David R. became very confused over the matter.
"My friends and I already forgave James for what he did to me, David." Emily went on, losing some of her anger towards her Cousin. "We ultimately put the past behind us. Why can't you do the same thing?"
At long last, David R., after taking a minute to think things over, found his voice. Though he no longer seemed to be as tough as he was acting earlier. In fact, he sounded rather sad instead.
"Ever since I joined the Navy-" The young man said softly. "-terrible things have been happening to you, Emily. And there wasn't a damn thing I could have done to prevent them." A tear came to David R.'s eye as he spoke on... "After I heard about all you had gone through, I began to blame myself for your misfortunes. If I had only turned down that offer to join the Navy, I could have stayed here on Sodor and protected you. I was just trying to make it up to you for not being there when you needed me the most."
With that said, Emily's angry look softened even more. From there, she went and hugged David R., showing that she wasn't angry with him over leaving to join the Navy. Sure, Emily was angry with her Cousin over him trying to hurt James, but she could still forgive him for that.
"David, I want you to know that I'm not mad at you." The dark green-haired girl soothed. "Okay, I'm a bit miffed that you did what you did to James, but I want you to know that things have gotten so much better for me thanks to Thomas saving me. Even though what I went through was bad, it 'had' to happen. My misfortunes were the stepping stones for me to eventually become a stronger and more independent woman." She then stepped away from David R.. "If I hadn't gone through so much trouble, I would have spent the rest of my life turning to others for help instead of learning to rely on my own strengths."
"It's true." Percy pointed out.
"We were all there." added Toby.
"Except for me." put in Hank, earning him some stares from Thomas, Percy, and Toby. "But that's not important."
"Most importantly, I would have never found the courage to tell Thomas how I truly feel about him." Emily finished. "So, yes, while the Middle School bullying was absolutely horrible, something good came out of it in the end."
David R. stared long and hard at Emily and her friends for what seemed like forever, before coming to a haunting conclusion of his own - he had made a big mistake.
"Emily, I..." The young man whispered. "I... Based on what you've told me, I've finally realized that I have made a horrible mistake of my own."
"And I think you know what to do about that." pressed Emily.
Nodding, David R. looked over to where James was. The red-haired boy was back on his feet, but still had his head bowed with a shadow over his eyes. Feeling ashamed, David R. walked towards his defeated opponent.
"James-" he began. "-you put up a good duel. And... I wish to apologize."
James, with his head still down, did not say a word.
"I was wrong about you." continued David R.. "I kept that grudge against you for so long, because I love my Cousin and only wish to protect her from harm." He looked down at the ground. "I ended up letting pride cloud my judgement."
Suddenly, David R. saw a hand being held out.
"What?"
Upon looking up, he saw James holding his right hand out. He (James) wasn't looking angry or anything with his former opponent. In fact, the red-haired boy was actually smiling like he didn't mind the loss.
"That was a rather awesome duel we had." James admitted.
"Huh?" gasped David R.. "You mean... You mean to say you're not upset?"
"I've been through much worse." shrugged James. "But, either way, I forgive you."
"We all make mistakes." reassured Percy. "But we always try to learn from them."
David R. did not know what to say. Soon, he was being pulled along by Emily.
"Now, come on." she suggested. "Let's go and get some hot cocoa."
"I'd like that." smiled David R..
"Can I come?" asked Hank hopefully.
"Sure, Hank." accepted Toby.
"Here, here!" agreed James. He then spoke to David R.. "Say, where did you learn how to duel so well? And the use of 'Cyber Dragons'? Wow!"
"I'll tell you guys about the time I discovered Duel Monsters while in the Navy."
With that said, the group of friends, along with young adult in David R., left the arcade. With both James and Emily's Cousin now on good terms, has Emily's past finally come to a close? That, I believe, is unknown at the moment.
End Scene
And here's the first story of all the 2020s!