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
Song used in Intro and Outro (c) Unknown
WARNING: Once more, this story is rated entirely M for bloody violence, depictions of gore, sexual content (including a moment of language being used in context to sex), and some nudity. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
Opening up within a staircase leading up the whole Boxford Corp building, Thomas and his friends (minus Rosie) were climbing the stairs to try and reach the top floor.
"Geez! Why did Spencer have to build this building so tall?!" complained James.
"Actually, this all belonged to Gozaburo beforehand." reminded Percy. "Spencer's parents and Gordon's parents all wrestled control of the whole company from him."
"Oh yeah, I forgot... Still, it could have been made smaller when they took over the whole company!"
"Stop the whining, James!" demanded Thomas, keeping himself completely focused on the mission ahead - defeating Frankie (mainly Driote) for good. "We need to keep focused on our goal; which is stopping these pirates for good!"
After climbing three more flights of stairs, the group immediately found their first obstacle - a metal barrier was blocking their way forth.
"Well, this will certainly make things harder." muttered Nia.
"Great! How will we move forward now?" groaned Gordon.
Duck approached the nearby door leading into the floor's hallway and twisted the handle; it was unlocked.
"Hey, everyone!" The Great Western green-haired boy called. "The door leading into the floor is unlocked."
"This must be Frankie's doing." figured Edward, approaching the door. "She must want us to fight her pirates before we can proceed."
"Then there's no helping it." grunted James, shoving Duck aside and opening the door. "I'll fight this one—whoever it may be."
The rest of the group followed their red-haired friend.
(elsewhere...)
After going through several hallways, the class and teachers from Sodor High School finally arrived in a huge area. To everyone's surprise, there was nobody else there waiting.
"Nobody's here?" blinked Oliver.
"You know, I betcha Frankie's just screwing with us." grumbled Mavis. "If there's no pirate for us to face, then how are we going to reach the next floor?!"
All of a sudden, the nearby elevator doors opened...
"'No pirate to face', you say?" A familiar voice (male) said mockingly. "Better guess again..."
Thomas and the likes turned to face the elevator in surprise, and emerging from it was...Diesel 10, and over his shoulders was...
"You!" growled Thomas.
"He has Rosie!" added Stanley. "What did you do to her, Diesel 10?!"
"It should be obvious." smirked Diesel 10. He then hurled the unconscious Rosie's body over towards Emily and Molly. "I defeated Rosie in our duel; quite easily mind you."
"No!" Thomas thought to himself, horrified.
"I warned that girl that dueling me would be a waste of time, but she didn't listen. After I won, both of us lost some of our energy. Of course, Rosie lost consciousness because of how violent our duel was."
"What did you say?!" demanded Stanley, not looking too thrilled.
"Not only that, Rosie needed a bit of punishment for defying me." continued Diesel 10, trying to provoke his enemies. "So, I beat her up to the point she will not wake up for a while... maybe even never again!"
"You've lost your mind!" insulted Thomas.
"Not like he already has." James mumbled to only himself.
"You're wrong, Billinton!" insisted Diesel 10. "You, of all people, should know why I'm doing this! My allegiance is not to those pirates, but to myself! After all, the path of a legend is an untrodden path in which laws and common sense are pointless!"
The whole group was furious over what Diesel 10 did to Rosie, but none more so than...
"Diesel 10...!" snarled Stanley, clenching his fist in a rage. "At the hands of human scum like you, my beloved Rose is..." He managed to resist the urge to say the word 'dead', before stepping forth to face his enemy. "I challenge you to a duel!"
"Stop right there, bucko!" interrupted Diesel 10. "That's not how I roll."
"What?!"
The ochre-haired man chuckled. "I aim to first eliminate the weakest of your little group, little-by-little... That way, I can save my strength for taking on Thomas." He then pointed at... "My next opponent shall be...you, Percy!"
Yup, Diesel 10 was pointing at Percy Avonside, much to his surprise and such.
"Percy?" Gordon, Duck, and Toby each said at the same time.
"Me?" peeped Percy. "Why me?"
"Again, it's obvious!" Diesel 10 went on. "Next to Rosie, you're the weakest duelist of your group of friends!"
Percy seemed a bit worried, but James simply laughed.
"Percy? The weakest?" The red-haired boy chortled. "Hardly the case. Diesel 10, you honestly believe you can win against a duelist who has unmatchable luck? If you believe you can, you're obviously living in a whole different world."
"Against my new Machine Deck, Percy doesn't stand a chance!" boasted Diesel 10. He then directed his attention to Percy once more. "So, tell me, little brat... Are you game?"
"You know what? Sure, why not?" accepted Percy, nodding.
Diesel 10 looked pleased; everyone else was not.
"Percy!" Henry tried to object.
"If you win-" continued Diesel 10, activating his Duel Disk. "-I'll willingly give you guys the Keycard to the elevator - which will allow you to go at least five floors up. But should you lose? Then you all must leave this building and never return."
"I won't lose!" declared Percy, activating his own Duel Disk. "I'll win so we can proceed further up the building!"
Pretty soon...
"DUEL!" Percy and Diesel 10 exclaimed at once (LP: 4000) x2.
Stanley held the unconscious Rosie in his arms.
"Percy... Please win!" he begged mentally.
Over with Diesel 10...
"I'll go first!" he offered, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn One: Diesel 10 (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Blast Sphere", "Damage Eraser", "BM-4 Blast Spider", "Twin-Barrel Dragon", "Desperado Barrel Dragon", and "Heavy Metal Raiders"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Heavy Metal Raiders'.
"Ah ha!" Diesel 10 laughed. "In your face! I've already drawn a great card!"
"A great card?" worried Percy.
"Great." groaned Gordon. "This will be pleasant."
"And so, I'll activate a Field Spell!" Diesel 10 went on, holding his card out. "'Heavy Metal Raiders'!"
The Field Spell zone on the Duel Disk opened up, and Diesel 10 placed his new card inside and closed the zone up.
"Behold its mechanical power!"
The scenery around them began to transform into a Cybernetic Landscape. From there, Diesel 10's smug expression became one of anger...
"Listen up, kid!" he hissed. "I'm this group's number one member, and I'm gonna kick your butt right out of this building!"
"Number one? Yeah right!" scoffed Percy. "As far as we can tell, you're just a scumbag who's fallen as low as he can go! You're going to pay for what you have done to all of us!"
"Heh! Say that if you want, but you're all in my world now!" As Diesel 10 spoke, he slotted a card into his Duel Disk. "Now, I'll set two cards, with one of them being a monster, facedown and end my turn."
Two facedown cards materialized on the field (with one being sideways). The audience was surprised; Diesel 10 didn't bother Summoning a strong monster off the bat. What was going on? Didn't the ochre-haired man want to crush Percy as badly as he crushed Rosie?
"Why would Diesel 10 start off on the defensive?" pondered Molly.
"Does he have a bad starting hand?" came from Mavis, before getting a nasty thought. "Or is he actually trying to trick Percy?"
"It was only his first turn, so we'll have to wait and see how Percy reacts." figured Edward.
Back in the duel field...
"Draw!" announced Percy, drawing a card.
Turn Two: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Paladin of Dark Dragon", "Damage Diet", "Red-Eyes Retro Dragon", "Red-Eyes Baby Dragon", "Metalmorph", and "The Black Stone of Legend"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'The Black Stone of Legend'.
"Awesome! I've drawn this monster!" The green-haired boy thought to himself, before placing the card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk. "I Summon 'The Black Stone of Legend'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large, stone-shaped egg (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"A monster with zero Attack Points?" grinned Diesel 10. "Are you seriously that dumb enough to try and fight me with a crappy monster like that?"
"I activate the effect of 'The Black Stone of Legend'!" continued Percy, just as his monster started cracking. "By sacrificing this monster, I can Special Summon a Level 7 or lower 'Red-Eyes' Monster from within my Deck."
"So, you're trying to Summon your famous 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' already?" Diesel 10 acknowledged. "In that case, go right ahead."
Thomas didn't like the sound of what Diesel 10 said.
"He's expecting Percy to fall into a trap of sorts." he said to himself. "Percy..."
Back in the duel field, the egg continued cracking as black/purple light started emerging.
"Come on out - 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'!" commanded Percy.
The egg finally shattered, as, in a burst of fire, the mighty 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' emerged onto the field with a mighty roar (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000). Diesel 10's eyes gleamed with excitement when he saw the monster—although he remained on the silent side..
"Take this!" cried Percy, entering the Battle Phase. "Destroy the set monster, 'Red-Eyes'! INFERNO FIRE BLAST!"
Finally, Thomas realized what Diesel 10 was up to... It was the same trick he (Thomas) fell for when he first dueled Diesel 10...
"Percy, wait!" cried Thomas, trying to warn his best friend not to attack. "That's what he 'wants' you to do!"
But it was too late... 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', obeying the command, unleashed a blast of flame at Diesel 10's facedown Monster Card.
Title: Heavy Metal Raiders
In a repeat, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' obeyed Percy's command; unleashing a blast of flame at Diesel 10. To be more precise, the attack was aimed at the facedown Monster Card.
"No matter what it is, your monster is history!" cheered Percy.
Diesel 10 smirked. "Are you quite sure?"
When the Inferno Fire Blast attack struck, a huge wall of smoke emerged. From the smoke, a red metal orb with robotic arms suddenly lunged forward and attached itself to 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon's' torso.
"What?!" gasped Percy.
The rest of the audience was surprised, too. Diesel 10, meanwhile, laughed loudly at how idiotic his opponent's move was.
"Do you like it?!" he demanded. "The monster you've attacked is a living bomb - 'Blast Sphere'!"
"'Blast Sphere'?" repeated Percy.
Yup, that's what the explosive-like monster was called - 'Blast Sphere' (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1400).
"If this facedown defense position monster was attacked by an opponent's monster, just before damage calculation, I can equip this card to the attacking monster." explained Diesel 10. "Then, during my opponent's next Standby Phase, the monster this card is equipped to is destroyed, and, if it happens, I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the Attack Power the destroyed monster had on the field."
"N-Nuts!" groaned Percy.
Diesel 10 laughed. "Man, what a Grade A amateur you really are! You fell for the same trick I played on your best friend when he and I dueled months ago!"
Percy winced at that. Why did he have to be so reckless in attacking right away? Unable to think of an idea to save 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' at the moment, the green-haired boy took and slotted two cards into his Duel Disk.
"I set two cards facedown and end my turn." Percy sighed in defeat, just as two facedown cards materialized on the field. He then gazed at his monster. "Sorry about that, 'Red-Eyes'. But I promise to save you before that bomb takes you with it—at least I hope I can."
"Aww, quit your whining!" snapped Diesel 10, drawing a card. "That goof was your own damn fault!"
Turn Three: Diesel 10 (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (4): "BM-4 Blast Spider", "Twin-Barrel Dragon", "Desperado Barrel Dragon", and "Proton Blast"
His drawn card was the 'Proton Blast' Trap Card, and the rest of his hand contained 'BM-4 Blast Spider', 'Twin-Barrel Dragon', and 'Desperado Barrel Dragon'.
"Now, let's continue the beatdown!" offered Diesel 10, before taking and holding another card out in-between his index finger and middle finger. "Appear - 'Twin-Barrel Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was what looked like a smaller version of 'Barrel Dragon' with two laser cannons (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 200).
"'Twin-Barrel Dragon's' Monster Effect! When this monster is Summoned, I can target one card my opponent controls and toss a coin twice; if the result is two heads, the targeted card is destroyed."
Percy grew worried, watching as a coin appeared in Diesel 10's good hand.
"Now, let's see if my luck in coin tosses is as sharp as ever!" The ochre-haired man, flipping his coin. "Come on, lucky coin!"
The coin landed on the palm of his good hand, and the result was heads.
"Heads!" grinned Diesel 10, flipping his coin again. "Just one more, and you can kiss one of your cards goodbye!"
The coin soared through the air for a few seconds, and then came back down onto the palm of Diesel 10's good hand. The result was rather painful for Percy...
"Heads!" beamed Diesel 10, much to Percy's dismay. "Open Fire!"
'Twin-Barrel Dragon' fired from both its laser cannons. One of Percy's facedown cards was struck and vaporized.
"My 'Metalmorph'..." grimaced Percy.
"And that's not even the end!" taunted Diesel 10. "The second effect of 'Heavy Metal Raiders' activates!" While speaking, he took and readied a card from his hand. "Once per turn, if a monster I control that was originally a DARK Machine destroys a card(s) on the field by battle or by Card Effect, I can can Special Summon 1 DARK Machine monster from my hand."
"Another Machine monster?!" panicked Percy.
Diesel 10 spat on the floor. "Gee, you're not as stupid as you look." he insulted, placing his card onto his Duel Disk. "I Special Summon, from my hand, 'BM-4 Blast Spider'!"
Appearing into the field was a large robotic spider with rocket launchers on its shoulders (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 2200). All of a sudden, 'Twin-Barrel Dragon' aimed its cannons at 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'.
"H-Hey! What are you doing?!" gasped Percy.
"I'm going to attack your monster, that's what!" answered Diesel 10. He then gave the command to his first monster... "I use 'Twin-Barrel Dragon' to attack 'Red-Eyes'!"
'Twin-Barrel Dragon' obeyed, firing a barrage of lasers at 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'. The black dragon was hit, but simply shrugged off the blow before countering with a powerful blast of fire. The attack hit 'Twin-Barrel Dragon' and caused an explosion to cloud Diesel 10's field.
"Why would Diesel 10 attack Percy's obviously stronger monster?" pondered Theo.
"I have no idea, Theo." answered Lexi. "But, whatever the case, I don't like it."
When the smoke settled, 'Twin-Barrel Dragon' was revealed to still be standing, even though Diesel 10 had taken some damage (LP: 4000 - 3300).
"The effect of 'Heavy Metal Raiders'..." he explained. "The first time each DARK Machine monster I control would be destroyed by battle each turn, it is not destroyed, and if I take Battle Damage from that battle, it gains that much Attack Points after damage calculation, and keeps that boost as long as this card is on the field."
"Then you've attacked on purpose!" accused Percy.
"Exactly!" laughed Diesel 10. "And I can keep doing it, too! Sure it will cost me Life Points, but it will make my monsters all the stronger."
'Twin-Barrel Dragon's' Attack Power rose (ATK: 1700 - 2400).
"And now, it's 'Blast Spider's' turn to attack!" Diesel 10 went on, before pointing forth. "GO!"
'BM-4 Blast Spider' obeyed, firing a barrage of explosives at 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', who countered that attack as well. The ball of fire hit Diesel 10, causing him to take more damage (LP: 3300 - 2300).
"And since my attack failed-" The ochre-haired man pointed out. "-the effect of 'Heavy Metal Raiders' will protect my monster from destruction by battle. Not only that, but the resulting Battle Damage I took is also added to 'Blast Spider's' Attack Power!"
'BM-4 Blast Spider' grew stronger (ATK: 1400 - 2400). The audience was quite worried by this new problem for Percy...
"Two monsters with an Attack Power of 2400-!" mumbled Nia.
"And 'Red-Eyes' will be destroyed on Percy's Standby Phase!" added Rebecca.
Back in the duel field, a facedown card materialized on the field behind 'Twin-Barrel Dragon'. This gave Diesel 10 two facedown cards to use when the time came.
"From there, I'll set another card and call it a turn." finished Diesel 10. "And now, Percy, it's your turn!"
Percy knew that at the beginning of his turn, 'Blast Sphere's' effect would activate, destroying 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' and hitting Percy with 2400 points of damage. Unless his drawn card was something that could help, he was in for it for matter what.
"It's my turn." Percy sighed, drawing a card. "Sorry, 'Red-Eyes', but I can't save you right now..."
Turn Four: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (4): "Paladin of Dark Dragon", "Red-Eyes Retro Dragon", "Red-Eyes Baby Dragon", and "Roll of Fate"
His drawn card was the 'Roll of Fate' Spell Card. Seeing as it was the Standby Phase...
*BOOM!*
'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', still equipped with 'Blast Sphere', went kaboom. Diesel 10 grinned when he saw the destruction of Percy's favorite monster.
"There goes that piece of crap dragon." he remarked.
When the smoke cleared, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' was gone. Percy, meanwhile, took damage thanks to 'Blast Sphere's' effect—but not as much as Diesel 10 had been hoping for (LP: 4000 - 2800).
"HUH?!" Diesel 10 gawked. "You didn't take the full 2400 points of damage?!"
"You can thank my Trap Card - 'Damage Diet'!" said Percy, pointing to his flipped-up card. "It halves all damage I take this turn. Meaning, the total damage I took went from 2400 down to just 1200." He then added the drawn card to his hand and took another out. "In addition, you've destroyed a Level 7 'Red-Eyes' Monster this turn."
"Of course I did." agreed Diesel 10. "That was by 'Blast Sphere'. Why would you tell me the obvious?"
"Because my 'Red-Eyes's' destruction will allow me to Special Summon another monster from my hand." explained Percy, placing his card onto his Duel Disk. "Come - 'Red-Eyes Retro Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was a red and black dragon in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1600).
"However, that isn't all." continued Percy, as a card ejected from his Graveyard. "By doing this, I can also Special Summon as many of those destroyed 'Red-Eyes' Monsters as possible in the same position they were in when destroyed."
A burst of fire erupted onto the field. When the fire died down, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' was shown to have returned to the field (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"'Red-Eyes' is...back." grunted Diesel 10.
"From there, I'll activate 'Roll of Fate'!" Percy declared, just as the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "It lets me roll a six-sided die and draw cards equal to the result, and then I have to remove from play an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck."
A small die was thrown from the face-up 'Roll of Fate' Spell Card.
"Come on! I need a good number to retake control of the duel!" prayed Percy.
The die rolled along the ground before landing on a three.
"A three!" rejoiced Perc, drawing six cards and letting the latter three of them fade away into oblivion. He then saw that his three cards were 'Dark Dragon Ritual' (Ritual Spell Card), 'Red-Eyes Insight' (Spell Card), and 'Take One Chance' (Trap Card).
"Perfect!" Percy thought to himself. "But I just need a little bit more..." He then held another card out and spoke aloud... "Spell Card - 'Red-Eyes Insight'! I can send one 'Red-Eyes' Monster from my hand or Deck to the Graveyard in order to add one 'Red-Eyes'-related Spell or Trap Card from my Deck into my hand."
"What cards are he looking for?!" Diesel 10 asked himself.
After looking through his Deck, Percy selected a card to send to the Graveyard.
"I'm sending 'Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning' from my Deck to the Graveyard." The green-haired boy was saying, sending his card ('Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning') to the Graveyard. "By doing this, I'll add a new card to my hand."
"Great..." grumbled Diesel 10 sarcastically.
After searching through his Deck again, Percy found another card he wanted. It was perfect, too! Some of the cards shown were as followed:
-'Skull Dice'
-'Cyber-Tech Alligator'
-'Red-Eyes Wyvern'
-'Return of the Red-Eyes' (picked)
-'Gilford the Lightning'
-'Monster Reborn'
"The card I'll choose-" Percy explained, taking the card from his Deck and adding it to his hand. "-is 'Return of the Red-Eyes'!"
"What good will that card do you?" asked Diesel 10.
"I have my reasons for it." answered Percy, before taking and holding another card out. "I activate a Spell Card - 'Dark Dragon Ritual'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"For this ritual to commence-" continued Percy. '-I have to tribute a Level 4 or higher monster from either my hand or field."
All of a sudden, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' let out a roar as flames overwhelmed it.
"What?! You're sacrificing 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon?!" gawked Diesel 10. "Why the hell would you do that? You could have just tributed 'Red-Eyes Retro Dragon' instead!"
Ignoring his opponent's protests, Percy instead took and raised another card up before slamming it onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk.
"Show yourself - 'Paladin of Dark Dragon'!" he commanded.
Appearing onto the field from the surge of fire left behind by 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' was what appeared to be 'Knight of Dark Dragon' now riding what looked like a younger version of a 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200).
"Percy's got an upgrade to his last Ritual Monster!" realized Oliver.
"This one has the same stats as the last one, but I bet the effects it has are so much better." put in Toby. "Well, I hope?"
Back in the duel field, 'Paladin of Dark Dragon' rose into the sky.
"My strategy is far from over." continued Percy.
"Oh, is what you're doing this turn a strategy?" coughed Diesel 10. "Sorry, I didn't know that."
Percy scowled. "Laugh all you want, but, as I just said, I'm not close to finishing!" With that said, he held his left hand (the one with the Duel Disk) out. "I activate the other effect of the 'The Black Stone of Legend' in my Graveyard!"
"Huh?" pondered Diesel 10.
"If this card is in my Graveyard, I can target one Level 7 or lower 'Red-Eyes' Monster in my Graveyard, except 'Black Dragon's Chick', and shuffle it into the Deck, and, if I do that, add this card into my hand."
Two cards ('The Black Stone of Legend' and 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon') ejected from Percy's Graveyard, and he one into his Deck ('Red-Eyes Black Dragon') and added the other into his hand ('The Black Stone of Legend').
"Are you done wasting my time?" frowned Diesel 10. "Or is there more for you to do?"
His answer came in the form of the 'Red-Eyes Baby Dragon' Monster Card materializing face-up on the field.
"I have more where that came from." confirmed Percy. "Next, I'll Normal Summon 'Red-Eyes Baby Dragon' in attack mode!"
Appearing on the field was the infant version of 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 700).
"'Red-Eyes Baby Dragon'?" quizzed Diesel 10, raising an eyebrow.
"Next, I'll activate 'Paladin of Dark Dragon's' effect!" continued Percy, as his monster faded away in a blue streak. "I can tribute this monster and Special Summon one 'Red-Eyes' Monster from my hand or Deck, except 'Black Dragon's Chick'."
On cue, the spot where 'Paladin of Dark Dragon' was burst into flames.
"So, you're gonna Special Summon your ace monster again?" growled Diesel 10.
Percy grinned. "Not exactly."
To Diesel 10's surprise, a different-looking 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' started to appear on the field from the flames (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"W-What the hell?!" The ochre-haired man recoiled.
"You thought I was going to Summon 'Red-Eyes' again?" taunted Percy. "Well, you were half right. This is a 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', but a different kind!"
"Different kind?" repeated Diesel 10.
"This is the Gemini Monster 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon'!" explained Percy. "And he has a Monster Effect. But, before it can be used, I have to Normal Summon this monster into an Effect Monster. And that's where 'Red-Eyes Retro Dragon' comes into play!"
"'Red-Eyes Retro Dragon'? What are you implying by it?"
"By tributing this monster-" Percy went on. "-I can perform a Normal Summon for a 'Red-Eyes' monster in addition to a regular Normal Summon!"
As 'Red-Eyes Retro Dragon' faded away in a blue streak, something started to happen to 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon'.
"What's going on to your monster?!" panicked Diesel 10.
"Its Gemini abilities are kicking in, that's way." answered Percy. He then entered the Battle Phase. "'Red-Eyes Baby Dragon' will now attack 'BM-4 Blast Spider'!"
"But my monster's stronger than yours" argued Diesel 10. "What are you playing at?!"
'Red-Eyes Baby Dragon' unleashed a small ball of fire at 'BM-4 Blast Spider'. Although the Machine monster got hit, it was unfazed.
"Counterattack!" commanded Diesel 10.
'BM-4 Blast Spider' obeyed, firing a barrage of explosives that struck and destroyed 'Red-Eyes Baby Dragon'.
"And now here comes 1200 points of damage to you!" laughed Diesel 10, but then remembered something... "Oh yeah, "Damage Diet' will reduce the damage you take by half until the end of your turn."
The explosion hit Percy, but only half of the damage was received (LP: 2800 - 2200).
"And now, the effect of 'Red-Eyes Baby Dragon!" The green-haired boy declared.
"What?! Effect, you say?" Diesel 10 cringed.
"When this monster is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one Level 7 or lower 'Red-Eyes' Monster from my Deck, and, if I do, I can equip this card to it, and increase that monster's Attack Power by 300 points!"
"Special Summon and equip?!" repeated Diesel 10.
On cue, a beam of red light emerged from Percy's Deck, soared into the sky, and slammed onto the field.
"I Special Summon this monster - 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight'!" announced Percy.
When the beam of light dimmed, 'Gearfried the Iron Knight' with its armor decked out to resemble 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon's' scales was revealed (Level: 4/ATK: 1800 - 2100/DEF: 1600). Almost immediately, 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight' stood up as the roar of the 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' was heard.
"What's happening now?!" demanded a surprised Diesel 10.
"That's really easy." explained Percy. "Once per turn, if either player equips an Equip Card(s) to this card, I can destroy those Equip Cards, and then I can destroy one Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls."
'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight' dove into the air and slashed Diesel 10's face-up 'Heavy Metal Raiders' Spell Card in half, causing both halves to shatter into shards of glass.
"'Heavy Metal Raiders' has been-!" stuttered Diesel 10.
The whole field reverted to its ordinary setting.
"Without your Field Spell-" said Percy. "-your monsters lose their power bonuses!"
Diesel 10 scowled, watching as 'Twin-Barrel Dragon' (ATK: 2400 - 1700) and 'BM-4 Blast Spider' (ATK: 2400 - 1400) both returned to their base power.
"Woo doggy! Percy did it!" whooped Lexi.
"With 'Heavy Metal Raiders gone, Diesel 10's monsters have their respective Attack Power dropped to their base value!" added Merlin. "Even though it cost 'Gearfried's' power boost, it was definitely worth it.
Back in the duel field, 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight' grew weaker (ATK: 2100 - 1800).
"Not to mention there's more." Emily pointed out.
Indeed so...
"The next effect of 'Red-Eyes Baby Dragon'!" continued Percy, adding a card into his hand. "If this monster is sent to the Graveyard while equipped to another monster, I can add one Level 1 Dragon monster from my Deck or Graveyard into my hand."
The card added into Percy's hand was the 'Black Metal Dragon' Monster Card.
"BATTLE!" Percy declared, entering the Battle Phase. "'Red-Eyes', attack 'Twin-Barrel Dragon'!"
'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon' obeyed, firing a blast of fire at 'Twin-Barrel Dragon', reducing it to scrap. The force of the attack caused Diesel 10 to yell out (LP: 2300 - 1600). When he recovered, the ochre-haired man seemed to grin with satisfaction over his monster's destruction.
"Good one." he mumbled.
"Hm?" pondered Percy.
The rest of the audience was also surprised, but remained silent over it.
"You've destroyed a DARK Machine monster I control." continued Diesel 10. "By doing so, you've just screwed yourself quite badly!"
"What do you mean?" demanded Percy.
In an unexpected turn of events, a more high tech-looking 'Barrel Dragon' appeared on the field, locking and loading its laser cannons.
"W-What is that thing?!" gasped Percy, with his friends and teachers not looking any better.
"Meet my secret weapon - 'Desperado Barrel Dragon'!" announced Diesel 10.
"'Desperado Barrel Dragon'?"
That's right... This monster was known as 'Desperado Barrel Dragon', and it looked all ready to take Percy down with a single plasma shot (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2200).
"Gaze at it all you want; you know you can't beat it!" laughed Diesel 10.
Percy quickly recovered from the shock when he remembered the effect 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon' had...
"I won't have to do anything about it!" declared Percy. "Not so long as I have my dragon's special ability on my side!"
"Eh?"
"You see-" The green-haired boy began. "-if damage calculation is performed involving this monster, at the end of the Battle Phase I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to this monster's original Attack Power! That means you'll take 2400 points of damage and end up defeated!"
'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon' charged and fired off another blast of fire.
"You honestly believe that will beat me?" scoffed Diesel 10, just as one of his set cards flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Trap Card - 'Damage Eraser'!"
"What?!" gasped Percy.
"It can only be activated if I would take damage from an opponent's Card Effect. Instead of damage, I gain an equal amount of Life Points from the effect."
'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon' unleashed its attack, striking a smiling Diesel 10. When the smoke cleared, Diesel 10 gained Life Points instead of losing them (LP: 1600 - 4000).
"I'm back at full strength!" Diesel 10 cackled. "And now I am about to kill you in my glory!"
Percy grimaced, wishing his attack had been a success. Now he had 'Desperado Barrel Dragon' to deal with, and it was stronger than all of his monsters—Well, he still had an ace in the hole...
"I activate the effect of the 'Black Metal Dragon' in my hand!" The green-haired boy announced. "I can target one 'Red-Eyes' Monster I control and equip this monster from my hand or field to that target. The targeted monster gains 600 Attack Points. My target...is 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was a metallic black dragon, which immediately combined with 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon'. Within seconds, 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon' had turned all metallic-like, making it even stronger (ATK: 2400 - 3000).
"Is that all?" scoffed Diesel 10, not looking impressed. "Yawn! I was expecting a better strategy than that!"
Percy again scowled. Alas, without any left to do, the green-haired boy took two cards and slotted them into his Duel Disk.
"I...set two cards facedown and end my turn." he sighed, just as two facedown cards materialized on the field.
In the audience...
"Percy..." whispered Molly.
"And he was doing so well, too." added Duck.
"What will Diesel 10 try next?" wondered Stanley.
"Nothing too good, that's for sure." figured James.
Back in the duel field...
"It's my turn!" declared Diesel 10, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Five: Diesel 10 (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (1): "Graceful Charity"
On cue, the 'Graceful Charity' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Graceful Charity'!" The ochre-haired man announced, with two fingers pressing on a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. "It allows me to draw three cards, but I must also send two cards from my hand to the Graveyard!"
He drew his three cards, looked 'em over, and then sent two of the cards ('Adhesive Explosive' and 'Proton Blast') to the Graveyard.
"The stage is set." Diesel 10 thought to himself, just as faded images of certain cards were shown around him. "The card I have set is my first copy of 'Proton Blast', and the second copy has just been put into my Graveyard. When I attack, I'm gonna wreck that boy's $*#%!"
"I don't like the way Diesel 10 is grinning." Percy thought to himself. "What could his plan even be?"
At last...
"Prepare yourself!" announced Diesel 10. "What I'm about to do will put an end to your whole career!" He entered the Battle Phase. "I use 'BM-4 Blast Spider' to attack 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon'!"
'BM-4 Blast Spider' obeyed firing a barrage of explosives at 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon', who shrugged them off and began to counter.
"I was waiting for this moment!" cried Diesel 10. "The effect of 'Desperado Barrel Dragon' activates! Once per turn, during the Battle Phase, I can toss a coin up to three times; I can destroy face-up monsters on the field up to the number of heads, and if the result is three heads I draw one card."
Pecy recoiled. "Destroy my monsters?!"
"Indeed." confirmed Diesel 10. "The bad news, is that 'Barrel Dragon' would not be able to attack this turn." He then poked a button on his Duel Disk. "And then... Continuous Trap Card, activate - 'Proton Blast'! Once per turn, if an activated card effect tosses coins, immediately after it resolves, I can apply the following effect(s), depending on the number of heads."
He started going over the following effects:
-"If the result is only one, I can inflict 500 points of damage to my opponent."
-"If the result is two, I destroy one card my opponent controls."
-"And if the result is three, I can look at my opponent's hand and get them to discard one card."
With that said, Diesel 10 took out another coin and tossed it into the air. When it landed on the palm of his good hand, Diesel 10 looked very excited over the results.
"It's heads!" Diesel 10 exclaimed, before flipping his coin again. "I need two more heads!"
The coin landed, showing heads again.
"He needs one more heads, and I'll be more doomed than I already am!" worried Percy.
And so, the coin soared into the air again. Everyone anxiously waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, it came down, landing on the ground instead. Percy got a look, and saw that the coin had landed on...
"Tails!" The green-haired boy rejoiced.
"Oh, you'd better look again." chuckled Diesel 10.
"What?"
"I wish to show you my 'bullet buried in darkness'." The ochre-haired man offered. "It's the exact same strategy I used to defeat your red-haired friend." He then made a move... "To start, I'll remove a copy of 'Proton Blast' from my Graveyard!"
"Another copy?!" frowned Percy, knowing where this was going.
"When an effect is activated that tosses a coin two or more times-" explained Diesel 10. "-I can Banish this card from my Graveyard and treat all the results as heads!"
'Desperado Barrel Dragon' finished charging its powerful plasma cannons.
"Open fire!" ordered Diesel 10.
Three plasma beams were fired, one striking and vaporizing 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon' and another striking and vaporizing 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight'.
"'Red-Eyes... 'Gearfried'..." peeped Percy. "They're gone..."
"And don't forget if I get three heads." reminded Diesel 10, drawing a card. "I get to draw an additional card."
"And I'll activate the next effect of 'Black Metal Dragon'!" interrupted Percy, taking and adding the 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' Monster Card into his hand. "If this monster is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add one 'Red-Eyes'-related card from my Deck into my hand."
"You've used too many Monster Effects already!" whined Diesel 10. "Now, it's my turn to activate such an effect!" When Percy coiled from hearing a statement like this, the ochre-haired man went on... "If a monster I control that was originally a DARK Machine destroys an opponent's monster(s) by battle or Card Effect and sends it to the Graveyard, I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to half the original Attack Power of one of those monsters(s) destroyed and sent to the Graveyard."
"And I know what monster you want to target, too." realized Percy.
"Correct." Diesel 10 confirmed. "I target your 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon'! Once this effect works, I will be one step closer to winning!"
"I won't let that happen!" argued Percy.
"And how are you going to stop it, I wonder?"
"By removing 'Damage Diet' from my Graveyard!" The green-haired boy hollered, just as his Graveyard started spewing white light.
As expected, the spirit of 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon' reappeared on the field - but against Percy, this time.
"I can remove this card from my Graveyard, halving all Effect Damage I take this turn." explained Percy. "This way, I'll be able to somewhat survive!"
The spirit of 'Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon' launched a powerful blast of fire at Percy, striking and causing an explosion to cloud his side of the field.
"PERCY!" Thomas, Emily, and Edward each called out.
When the smoke cleared, Percy was shown breathing hard as his Life Points dropped a bit (LP: 2200 - 1600). Unfortunately, his problems were far from being over...
"And I'm not through with you still, pee-wee." Diesel 10 smirked. "'Desperado Barrel Dragon' can't attack this turn, but I still have 'Proton Blast' to use!"
"He's right!" thought Percy. "Since he has three heads, Diesel 10 can apply all three of those deadly effects!"
For sure...
"My first attack!" declared Diesel 10. "'Proton Blast' inflicts 500 points of damage!"
The face-up 'Proton Blast' Trap Card fired a blast, which hit Percy. Seeing as the effect of the 'Damage Diet' Trap Card was still working at the moment, the damage was halved (LP: 1600 - 1350).
"The second effect!" Diesel 10 went on. "One of your set cards will be destroyed!"
The face-up 'Proton Blast' Trap Card fired a second blast, which hit one of the two set cards and vaporized it.
"And finally, the third effect! I can look at your hand and make you discard one card from it!"
Dismayed, Percy showed his opponent what was in his hand. Looking carefully, Diesel 10 knew which card should be discarded...
"I choose 'The Black Stone of Legend'!" declared Diesel 10. "You will send that card to the Graveyard!"
And Percy sent that card to the Graveyard. The audience grew extremely worried; knowing that unless their green-haired friend had a backup plan in the wings, he would be defeated if 'BM-4 Blast Spider' completed its attack.
"Finally, my attack resumes!" continued Diesel 10. "With 'Red-Eyes' gone, my original attack instead becomes a direct attack!"
A barrage of explosives were fired at Percy.
"It's all over!" cackled Diesel 10. "I win!"
"Sorry; try again!" interrupted Percy, making his opponent ease up a bit. "I still have one more trick up my sleeve! And it's currently in the Graveyard!" A familiar card ejected. "'Return of the Red-Eyes'! If this card in my possession is destroyed by an opponent's Card Effect and sent to my Graveyard, I can target one 'Red-Eyes' Monster in my Graveyard, except 'Black Dragon's Chick', and Special Summon it."
"That will save Percy!" realized Edward.
"And there's one monster he can use, too!" added James.
Back in the duel field, Percy made his move...
"The monster I choose to revive...is 'Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning'!"
Appearing onto the field was the familiar 'Red-Eyes' variation of 'Summoned Skull' (Level: 6/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1200).
"What?!" gasped Diesel 10. He then made a hasty call to his monster... "'BM-4 Blast Spider', stop your attack!"
Thanks to the replay, the attack by 'BM-4 Blast Spider' was fortunately stopped just in time.
"Damn..." scowled Diesel 10, looking very unhappy. He then took and held one of his last cards out. "Spell Card - 'DDoS Attack', activate!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"This lets me target one Machine-Type monster I control; I can send any number of 'DDoS Attack' from my Deck to the Graveyard, and then, if I do that, I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the number of 'DDoS Attack' sent to the Graveyard by this effect times the targeted monster's Level times 100!"
'Desperado Barrel Dragon' let loose a roar and fired a blast at Percy.
"I'll send the two remaining copies of 'DDoS Attack' within my Deck to the Graveyard!" continued Diesel 10. "And I will also select 'Desperado Barrel Dragon' as the target! The amount of damage you'll take is 1600; but with 'Damage Diet's' effect still lingering, it will be reduced to 800!"
The powerful blasts of plasma struck Percy, once again clouding his side of the field with explosions.
"PERCY!" Thomas and the likes scream out.
When the smoke cleared away, a laughing Diesel 10 could see that Percy was not going to last much longer (LP: 1350 - 550).
"It's almost over!" The ochre-haired man proclaimed. "Once I win, you guys will never be able to proceed further into the building." He laughed evilly. "This duel is done; I'm gonna be the winner!"
Percy weakly looked up, watching as one more facedown card materialized on his opponent's side of the field.
"In case you try something funny, I'll set one card and end my turn." Diesel 10 then eased up. "Alright, brat, it's your final turn. Make it at least worthy of a sendoff before you are sent off to Hell."
Still huffing and puffing hard, Percy looked at his Deck one last time.
"I need to bring my strongest monster out...to pull through against this guy..." he said to himself. "I also need the right cards...to pull off the miracle."
With that said, Percy drew a card normally.
Turn Six: Percy Avonside (LP: 550)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (2): "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" and "Red-Eyes Spirit"
His drawn card was the 'Red-Eyes' Spirit Trap Card. After spending a few seconds looking at his hand...
"I activate the effect of the 'Dark Dragon Ritual' in my Graveyard!" announced Percy. "During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard, I can remove this card from my Graveyard to add one 'Red-Eyes' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck into my hand."
As the 'Dark Dragon Ritual' ejected from the Graveyard and vanished, another card slid out from Percy's Deck. The card chosen was the 'Red-Eyes Fusion' Spell Card. The rest of Percy's hand contained 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' and 'Red-Eyes Spirit'. After forming a strategy in his head, Percy looked up at Diesel 10.
"Diesel 10, I know how to beat you now." he pointed out.
"You do, do you?" huffed Diesel 10. "How do you plan on doing that?"
"A 'Red-Eyes' Fusion Monster, that's what!" As soon as Percy said those words, he held one of the only remaining cards in his hand out.
"I activate 'Red-Eyes Fusion'! It lets me Fusion Summon one Fusion Monster that lists a 'Red-Eyes' Monster as material from my Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand, Deck, or field as Fusion Materials, and, if I do that, its name becomes 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'!."
'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' briefly appeared on the field before fusing with 'Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning'.
"Come forth - 'Archfiend Black Skull Dragon'!" ordered Percy.
Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence came to an end, was the more evolved version of 'Black Skull Dragon'. The Dragon-Type monster let out a demonic-like roar to signal its arrival (Level: 9/ATK: 3200/DEF: 2500).
"'Archfiend Black Skull Dragon'?!" winced Diesel 10. "That brat pulled it out now of all times?!"
With the audience...
"Alright, Percy!" called James. "Way to kick it up a notch!"
"You have a chance to win!" added Toby.
Back in the duel field, Diesel 10, no longer looking worried, instead started to smile.
"So, you've brought your best monster out." he commented smugly. "That was a good move. However, it will be your last good move!"
Percy went from feeling triumphant to worried, watching as Diesel 10's remaining set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate a Trap - 'Universal Adapter'!" The ochre-haired man went on. "I target one face-up monster my opponent controls, and the Attack Power of all other monsters currently on the field become equal to that monster's Attack Power. This will last until the end of this turn."
'Desperado Barrel Dragon' started getting electrically charged with power, allowing it to match 'Archfiend Black Skull Dragon' in power (ATK: 2800 - 3200).
"Nice try!" continued Diesel 10. "But you're not going to beat me!"
"I have one shot left!" thought Percy, before pointing at his remaining set card. "Facedown card, open - 'Take One Chance', activate!"
The facedown card flipped up and revealed itself.
"It lets me select one random card in my Graveyard, and activate that card immediately regardless if it's a Spell or Trap Card!"
"Leaving it to a game of chance?" taunted Diesel 10. "So be it. The sooner you pick your card, the sooner I can get to my turn and finish you off!"
A random card ejected facedown from Percy's Graveyard, and the green-haired boy took hold of it.
"Come on... I NEED that one card!" Percy thought to himself, closing his eyes tightly. "If it's the wrong card, then I'm done for!"
Finally, he brought the card to his face and opened his eyes. Upon seeing what it was, Percy's eyes immediately widened - this was the card!
"I've done it!" he realized, before directing his attention to Diesel 10. "Get ready! You're about to lose this duel, Diesel 10!"
"What did you say?!" demanded Diesel 10.
Now smirking with triumph, Percy turned his card over to show the opponent.
"I activate 'Metalmorph'!" The green-haired boy announced. "On activation, I target one face-up monster on the field and equip this card to that target. The targeted monster gains 300 Attack Points and Defense Points."
'Archfiend Black Skull Dragon' suddenly gained a more metallic-looking appearance as it grew even stronger (ATK: 3200 - 3500/DEF: 2500 - 2800).
"But you know what the best part of 'Metalmorph' is? If the equipped monster attacks, it gains Attack Points equal to half the Attack Power of the attack target, during damage calculation only."
"No way!" cried Diesel 10, completely stunned by this turnabout.
And then, the Battle Phase commenced...
"'Archfiend Black Skull Dragon', attack 'Desperado Barrel Dragon' with all your might!" shouted Percy. "DEMON METEOR FLARE!"
'Archfiend Black Skull Dragon', as it gained even more power (ATK: 3500 - 5100), obeyed, firing a powerful blast of fire at 'Desperado Barrel Dragon'.
"Oh, and if you have any effects you'd like to use, you're outta luck." Percy pointed out. "My opponent's cards and effects can't be activated until the end of the Damage Step."
"Oh no!" wailed Diesel 10, looking positively helpless.
The blast of fire struck its target, causing 'Desperado Barrel Dragon' to explode. Diesel 10, bracing himself from the force of the attack, cried out as his Life Points dropped a fair bit (LP: 4000 - 2100).
"Unfortunately, that's not even the best part of 'Archfiend Black Skull Dragon'!" Percy pointed out.
"It's not?!" growled Diesel 10, still reeling from the major damage he took from 'Archfiend Black Skull Dragon's' attack.
"Nope. Its next effect activates now! If damage calculation is performed involving this Fusion Summoned card, at the end of the Battle Phase I can target one 'Red-Eyes' Normal Monster in my Graveyard and hit you with damage equal that monster's Attack Power. After that, I shuffle the monster back into my Deck."
Diesel 10 screamed in rage and horror!
"That's right!" laughed Percy, readying his 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' Monster Card. "I'm shuffling 'Red-Eyes' back into my Deck, so it can hit you for 2400 points of damage!" After adding the card into his Deck, he then pointed at his opponent. "You've bitten off way more than you can chew when you challenged me while thinking that I'm a weak duelist. Well, I'm sorry to have to say you're about to eat your own words, Diesel 10!"
The spirit of 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' reappeared on the field and unleashed an Inferno Fire Blast attack at Diesel 10, hitting him for fatal damage. When the fire finally died down, the ochre-haired man was beaten (LP: 2100 - 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Percy Avonside wins!
Thomas and the likes were overjoyed with the win. As the holograms faded, Percy noticed a pair of coins that had fallen out of Diesel 10's good hand. He carefully walked over, and, while Diesel 10 remained groggy from being defeated by the green-haired boy, took a look at the pair of coins. One coin had two heads while the other had two tails.
"Look at this, guys!" Percy called. "Diesel 10's been using two sided coins!"
The rest of the group came over to look.
"So 'that's' how he was able to beat Rosie that easily!" snapped James, not looking too thrilled with the news. "He's been cheating the whole time!"
Diesel 10 recovered and glared. "So what if I was cheating?" he dismissed, reaching down to pick up his two coins. "I fight by my own rules, and those rules are to win against you guys at any and all costs! I don't give a $*#% about what any of you think about my tactics."
Before anyone else could say anything about their enemy, the Bio-Bands on both Percy and Diesel 10's wrists activated, causing both duelists to scream as a huge amount of their energy was drained. Meanwhile, a nearby video camera was watching the whole scene.
(elsewhere...)
Inside one control room, Hurricane had been observing the entire duel (as well as Diesel 10's cheating) and merely shook his head in disappointment.
"Diesel 10... You truly are a disappointment." he sighed. "The captain isn't going to like this."
(elsewhere…)
Back on one of the lower levels, Diesel 10 was unconscious. Thomas approached the unconscious man and began to dig into his coat pockets, pulling out the Keycard that was promised to the winner.
"Got it." Thomas said, sounding pleased. "Now we can keep going."
Everyone else agreed, but Percy felt too exhausted to proceed.
"M-Man, that duel took a lot out of me." The green-haired boy panted, before looking to his best friend before giving him some bad news. "Sorry, Thomas, but this is going to be as far as I can go."
"Not to mention we have an unconscious Rosie here, too." Stanley added. "We need to get her to the hospital in order to recover."
"We're not leaving you three behind." argued Thomas, not wanting to repeat his mistakes from the Duel Monsters spirit world. "Friends never abandon each other."
"Thomas, there's no helping it now." Emily pointed out. "Our last duels before now have been wearing us down like no tomorrow, and who knows how much longer we can last until there's no way we can duel other people without risking death."
"Don't let me hold you guys back." insisted Percy, clutching his chest. "I'll catch up when I catch my breath and we get Rosie out of here to the hospital."
"Not to mention if it gets especially dangerous, Edward and I can get everyone else out of here ourselves." put in Mavis.
After thinking long and hard about it, Thomas seemed to smile at his friends' bravery and dedication.
"You guys are right." The blue-haired boy acknowledged. He then looked towards Percy. "Please take care, Percy. Try to avoid getting into anymore duels from this point on."
Percy gave a thumbs up in response as he stood beside Stanley, who was now carrying Rosie in his arms. Thomas then cast a glance at the gray-haired boy.
"Stanley-" continued Thomas. "-take good care of Rosie."
"I will, Thomas." Stanley promised. "You can count on me."
"Stay safe, you two." warned Nia.
"Sure thing, Nia." agreed Percy.
After the green-haired boy and Stanley both looked at each other and nodded, they turned and raced out of the chamber - hoping to get out of Boxford Corp and get Rosie to the hospital. Pretty soon, the group turned towards the nearby elevators...
"Frankie better brace herself." vowed James, clenching his fist with determination. "We're not gonna lose to her group."
"Just a heads up, James... I think a certain somebody's gonna want to get even with you at some point." warned Gordon.
"Don't worry; I'm well aware of that."
With that said, Thomas approached the elevator and pressed a button on it. The doors opened, and Thomas and the likes entered the elevator.
"Okay, we're going five floors up." said Thomas, just as the elevator doors closed.
With the whole group in the elevator and both Stanley and Percy taking Rosie to the hospital, Diesel 10 was left alone in the big chamber. Although the ochre-haired man had been defeated in a duel, something tells me he wasn't truly beaten... Will we see him again at some point? At this point, we don't know.
(elsewhere...)
Inside a hallway on the upper floors, a familiar burly pirate commander looked ready to get payback on the guy who beat him in a duel. Soon enough, the nearby elevator doors opened up, revealing Thomas and his friends.
"Here's our next stop." Thomas was saying, stepping off the elevator. He stopped when he saw who was up ahead. "Hold it!"
James followed suit. "Yup, we're not alone."
Standing up ahead, waiting for our heroes to finally show up, was none other than...Commander Sledge.
