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 hallway on one of the upper floors of Boxford Corporation, Thomas and his friends found themselves confronting one of the pirate commanders. In this case, it was Sledge.

"Sledge happy you're here!" grinned Commander Sledge, cracking his knuckles. "Sledge won't let punks like you get any further!"

"Nice to see you again, too." commented James, not sounding or looking hostile at all. "Now, would you be so kind as to stand aside and let us by?"

"You think Sledge is stupid enough to let you guys pass? Ha! Don't bet on it! Sledge was ordered to stop you all at all cost, and he will not let his captain down!"

"Meh, it was worth a try." The red-haired boy shrugged, taking a few steps forth. "I guess the only way forth is to take you down, again. You should be easy pickings, too."

"Don't give Sledge that!" snapped Commander Sledge. "Sledge was waiting for months to finally get payback on all of you for defeating crew and sending previous captain to his death!"

"Oh yeah? You have a sob story you'd like to share with us then?" taunted James. "Since we have a few minutes, let us have it!"

"As a matter of fact, Sledge does have a tale - about his life in stinkin' prison!"

A flashback ensued.


FLASHBACK

Months ago, Flashback Commander Laura, Flashback Commander Sledge, and Flashback Commander Leon, each wearing orange prison garb, were being led into their new home - prison.

"After Sledge lost to you, he and his friends were taken into custody." narrated Commander Sledge. "Unlike Leon and Laura, Sledge rather enjoyed his time in prison."

(elsewhere...)

Several stills of Flashback Commander Sledge tackling other prisoners down during a game of Football, lifting weights, and enjoying some TV time were all shown.

"He could clobber fellow inmates during a game of Football. He could lift weights and keep building muscle. Hell, he could even enjoy watching the sports channel from time to time! But there was one awful thing about prison that Sledge was glad to be away from... and that was meal time!"

(elsewhere...)

Inside the cafeteria, Flashback Commander Sledge, carrying his tray, approached the cook, hoping for a good meal this time around. Alas...

"Here you go." The cook grunted, placing the bowl of beef soup onto the tray, much to Flashback Commander Sledge's frustration.

Once he sat down at the nearest table and started to eat, Flashback Commander Leon joined him at the table. Eventually, Flashback Commander Laura arrived, got her food, and joined her two friends at the table. Sure enough, Flashback Commander Sledge started complaining about the food (again).

"Aww, Sledge getting tired of the beef soup!" he grumbled. "Sledge want something different for once!"

"Just shut up, alright?" growled Flashback Commander Laura, stirring her soup with her spoon. "We have to eat what these people tell us to eat, so get used to it."

The three friends were quiet throughout the meal.

"No matter what food Sledge wanted, Sledge was fed same crappy food for days and days before being given something different!" ranted Flashback Commander Sledge. "He couldn't wait for someone to spring him from prison so that he could start eating food that Sledge likes, such as steak, turkey sandwiches, pizza, that kind of stuff!"

(elsewhere...)

Inside the prison at a later time, a parade was going on (if you would call it one)...

"Soon enough, Sledge and friends meet new friend - Diesel 10. He was the one who tell Sledge and friends what happened to the former captain."

Over with the three former pirate commanders...

"Sledge wondering what the new prisoners will be like." Flashback Commander Sledge grunted, before grinning. "Hopefully some so he could bash some skulls in."

"Not unless you want to end up in confinement like I was." frowned Flashback Commander Laura.

As the three former pirate commanders watched as the parade of new prisoners walked by, one of them (one with ochre-colored hair and a black prison jumpsuit) noticed the trio and smiled to himself. That wasn't lost with them, however.

"Who was that guy?" asked Flashback Commander Leon. "Why did he smile at us?"

"Sledge not sure, but he creeps Sledge out." snorted Flashback Commander Sledge.

Same here...

(elsewhere...)

During lunch in the cafeteria, the three pirate commanders were eating lunch at their usual table.

"Finally, Sledge and allies get something different!" sighed Flashback Commander Sledge. "Wild Turkey Surprise and buttered toast!"

"Yippee for you." said Flashback Commander Laura sarcastically.

"Later on, Sledge get to eat some good food for once." narrated Commander Sledge. "Then Sledge and two friends meet man who smiled at us during parade."

Before long, one of the new prisoners (the one who smiled at them earlier on) showed up with a tray of food of his own.

"Hey, mind if I join you three?" he asked hopefully.

"Knock yourself out." Flashback Commander Leon answered, not looking up from his meal.

The ochre-haired man sat down, and the four inmates began to chat...

"I'm Alexander Swindon, but I'm more known as Diesel 10." The new prisoner began. "Who are you guys?"

"My name is Leon." Flashback Commander Leon introduced himself.

"Sledge's name is Sledge!" put in Flashback Commander Sledge.

"My name is Laura, I'm a former college professor." finished Flashback Commander Laura. "We three used to be pirates under the command of the late John Clarke - better known as Sailor John."

"Pirates, you say?" quizzed Flashback Diesel 10, before scoffing. "Pirates don't exist, you know."

"Well, these pirates did exist!" frowned Flashback Commander Sledge. "Sledge and crew would have made this world ours and change it for the better, had it not been for brats interfering!"

"Brats?"

"A group of kids stopped our plans." growled Flashback Commander Leon. "Soon before our group was disbanded, we heard our captain got defeated in a duel, and, soon after, was killed."

"The one kid we hate the most is the one who defeated our captain in a duel." put in Flashback Commander Laura, as her right eye bulged with anger and insanity. "The infamous Thomas Billinton. Not only that, but our former second-in-command also betrayed us." Her tone dropped. "Thomas... How much I hate him for not only getting out group disbanded, but also for defeating and rejecting me!"

Flashback Diesel 10 was surprised; Thomas Billinton was the same punk who got him put behind bars, and he hated that boy every since then. With Thomas stopping him once again, Flashback Diesel 10's hatred for the blue-haired boy increased. Of course, Thomas also defeated Sailor John, and the pirate captain was then found dead shortly after... This gave Flashback Diesel 10 a devious idea...

"Well, maybe Thomas was the one who killed him?" he suggested.

Flashback Commander Laura, Flashback Commander Sledge, and Flashback Commander Leon each looked at their new 'companion'.

"That's right; Thomas might have been the one who did the deed." Flashback Diesel 10 went on. "Defeating him in a duel may not have been enough, and so, with help from your former second-in-command, decided to just murder him."

The three former pirate commanders listened on, before finally realizing the truth to the whole thing.

"Of course..." mused Flashback Commander Leon. "It all makes sense!"

"Yeah!" agreed Flashback Commander Sledge. "When captain get defeated by blue-haired boy, he then disappeared and was later found to be dead."

"It was Thomas!" snarled Flashback Commander Laura. "He, with help from Skiff, was the one who murdered our captain!"

"I share a personal grudge with you three; the same type." said Flashback Diesel 10. "I, too, fought with him, but got defeated." He then had a few personal flashbacks inside his head. "He ruined my plans to become principal of his school."

"So, it seems we all share a common foe." frowned Flashback Commander Leon. "How intriguing."

"Yes, indeed." agreed Flashback Commander Laura. "But what are we gonna do about it? How do we get our revenge on Thomas?"

Nobody else said a word; they simply resumed eating (but with a ton on their minds).

END FLASHBACK


The flashback came to an end.

"With old captain gone, it was like Sledge and friends would remain in prison for the rest of our lives." continued Commander Sledge. "Once captain's niece showed up and freed us, Sledge and pirates could plan our revenge!"

Thomas and his class listened to the story carefully.

"Like he did with Laura, Diesel 10 also lied to both Sledge and Leon." Thomas thought to himself, remembering part of the story from Commander Laura and the full story from Diesel 10 himself. "Somehow, I doubt Sledge will care to listen even if we tell him the truth to his face."

Finally, Commander Sledge and James both decided to settle things with a duel...

"And don't go thinking that Sledge is like before." warned Commander Sledge, taking a new Deck out of his pocket. "Sledge's old beatdown Deck sucked badly! New captain provided Sledge a new, more powerful Deck that will ensure a win."

"And I'm not the same as I was before!" James pointed out, taking his own Deck out. "Besides, I've beaten you before, and I can definitely do it again."

As James and Commander Sledge spoke to each other, the rest of the group was busy talking amongst themselves...

"Did James really face that pirate before?" asked Molly, speaking to Thomas.

"He did." confirmed Thomas, rubbing the side of his face where Commander Sledge hit him at the time. "It was after I was injured by him."

"Ooh..." Molly winced, thinking how much that punch must have hurt. "I hope you were able to recover from it."

Back over with James and Commander Sledge, both duelists had their Duel Disks activated.

"Time for Sledge's revenge!" declared Commander Sledge, drawing his opening hand (LP: 4000).

"And it's time for me to win again!" put in James, drawing his opening hand (LP: 4000). "Get your game on!"

And so, the rematch between the two rivals commenced.

"Here comes Sledge!" announced Commander Sledge, drawing a card. "Draw card!"


Turn One: Commander Sledge (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Gottoms' Emergency Call", "XX-Saber Gardestrike", "X-Saber Pashuul", "XX-Saber Boggart Knight", "At One With the Sword", and "X-Saber Airbellum"


After taking a few seconds to look at his card and adding it into his hand, the burly pirate commander smirked at his opponent.

"Well, well... Has Sledge got a surprise for you, punk!"

"I'm not afraid of you! Bring it on!" dared James.

Commander Sledge chuckled. "Then watch this..." He took and placed another card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk. "Sledge Summons 'XX-Saber Boggart Knight' in attack mode!"

Appearing onto the field was a rather fiendish, yet still beast-like, swordsman (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1000).

"'Boggart Knight's' Monster Effect!" continued Commander Sledge, taking another card from his hand and placing it onto his Duel Disk. "When this monster is Normal Summoned, Sledge can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'X-Saber' Monster from his hand." A burst of light erupted on his side of the field. "Tuner Monster - 'X-Saber Airbellum'!"

"T-Tuner Monster?!" James cringed.

Appearing onto the field was a humanoid lion monster with wolverine-like claws sticking out of the back of his hands (Level: 3/ATK: 1600/DEF: 200).

"And now Sledge gonna give these guys a tune up!" Commander Sledge declared. "Sledge is Tunes his Level 4 Effect Monster, 'XX-Saber Boggart Knight', with the Level 3 Tuner Monster, 'X-Saber Airbellum'!"

'X-Saber Airbellum' turned into three Synchro Rings, which 'XX-Saber Boggart Knight' dove into. The symbols 4 plus 3 equals 7 were shown as a Summon Chant commenced...

"Wielder of crossed blades of light, trample over this mountain of corpses!" chanted Commander Sledge, before pounding the floor with his fist. "Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 7 - 'X-Saber Souza'!"

Emerging from the pillar of light, as the Synchro Summon sequence died down, and landing on the floor was a burly-looking male warrior wielding two large swords (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1600).

"Synchro Summoning?!" whispered James.

Over with the group...

"Like Laura with Fusion Summoning, Sledge specializes in Synchro Summoning." Thomas was saying to his friends. "That just leaves whoever uses Xyz Summoning..."

Back in the duel field, Commander Sledge was laughing over how easily he was able to Summon a powerful monster on his first turn.

"Do you see that?!" The burly pirate commander bragged. "This is the new power Sledge was given!" He then slotted two cards into his Duel Disk. "Sledge sets two cards and ends his turn."

Two facedown cards materialized on the field.

(elsewhere...)

Outside Boxford Corp HQ and over at the helicopter that some of the pirates took, there was a loud, angry voice coming from inside the vehicle...

"Damn you, Frankie!" The voice of Commander Laura shouted. "Damn your Uncle's treachery!"

(inside...)

The female pirate commander, after the pirates arrived at Boxford Corporation's main headquarters, had been locked inside the helicopter before she could reawaken, and now she was being held prisoner for the time being until Frankie was ready to punish her for the betrayal. Nevertheless, Commander Laura was determined to escape and find Frankie.

"I swear to God-" she hissed, as her eyes burned with hatred. "-when I get out of here, I am going to get my revenge on you, Frankie Clarke! This form of revenge will burn the memories I have of Sailor John away!"

With that vow, Commander Laura started banging on the door harder and harder, hoping to make an effort to break it open and escape.

(outside...)

Outside, the banging sounds grew louder and louder, and eventually the door broke open. With the doors opened, Commander Laura was able to jump out. She was pleased to be out of the helicopter, how she could focus on her mission; destroying Sailor John's legacy by destroying Frankie herself.

"The 'captain' is somewhere inside Boxford Corporation's headquarters." Commander Laura said to herself, looking at how tall the building was. "No matter, I'll find her regardless of how long it takes me."

Indeed so...


Title: James vs. Sledge, Part 1: At One With the Sword


Back inside Boxford Corp itself, James and Commander Sledge continued with their duel. The latter had Synchro Summoned a new monster known as 'X-Saber Souza'.

"I can take your monster!" declared James, drawing a card. "It's my turn! Draw!"


Turn Two: James Hughes (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Favorite Hero", "Polymerization", "Hero Counterattack", "Elemental HERO Neos","Elemental HERO Burstinatrix", and "Elemental HERO Bubbleman"


His drawn card was the 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman' Monster Card; that was always a good start when you need more cards.

"I Summon 'Bubbleman' in attack mode!" continued James, holding his card out.

Appearing onto the field was the aquatic 'Elemental HERO' Monster (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 1200).

"When this monster is Summoned while I control no monsters-" explained James, drawing two cards. "-I draw two more cards."

The drawn cards were 'Explosive Wall' (Trap Card) and 'Neo Space Connector' (Effect Monster Card). The rest of James's hand contained 'Polymerization', 'Hero Counterattack', 'Elemental HERO Neos', 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix', and 'Favorite Hero'.

"Man, I'm such a good drawer." chuckled James, clearly trying to taunt his opponent. "You thought you got good cards early on? Well, you haven't seen anything yet!"

Commander Sledge remained silent, waiting to see what his opponent would try next.

"From my hand, I'll activate 'Polymerization'!" James declared, taking and holding a card out. "Using it, I'll fuse 'Bubbleman' with the 'Burstinatrix' in my hand!"

'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix' briefly appeared on the field before fusing together with 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman'.

"Come forth - 'Elemental HERO Steam Healer'!"

Appearing onto the field was a 'Elemental HERO' Monster in a purple, robotic suit that had pipes firing steam out (Level: 5/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000).

"'Steam Healer'?" growled Commander Sledge. "That monster's far too weak to touch Sledge's better monster!"

"I'm not done preparing." reminded James, before holding another card out. "I activate an Equip Spell - 'Favorite Hero'!"

The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind 'Elemental HERO Steam Healer'.

"What?! What is that supposed to do?" gasped Commander Sledge.

"It can only be equipped to a Level 5 or higher 'HERO' Monster." began James. "If I control a card in my Field zone, the equipped monster gains Attack Points equal to its original Defense Power, while my opponent can't target it with Card Effects."

"Sounds pointless to Sledge."

"We'll see about that." From there, the red-haired boy entered the Battle Phase. "'Steam Healer', attack 'X-Saber Urbellum'!"

'Elemental HERO Steam Healer' obeyed, charging at the stronger monster.

"You idiot!" insulted Commander Sledge. "Sledge would probably laugh at you if your choice of action wasn't so stupid!"

"It's not stupid." retorted James. "This is all part of my plan."

Commander Sledge scowled. "Plan?"

"That's right!" confirmed James. "The next effect of 'Favorite Hero' will play a part in making my monster stronger! At the start of the Battle Phase, I can activate one Field Spell directly from my hand or Deck."

"W-What?!" cried Commander Sledge.

A card ejected from James's Deck as the Field Spell zone opened up.

"Here it is!" The red-haired boy went on, sliding his card inside and closing it up. "'Skyscraper'!"

The scenery around them turned into an assortment of tall buildings. Commander Sledge looked very annoyed with the setting, while James felt very pleased over it.

"When an 'Elemental HERO' Monster attacks, if its Attack Power is lower than the Attack Power of the target, the attacking monster gains 1000 Attack Points during damage calculation only." he explained. "This will aid 'Steam Healer' in taking your monster down!"

"You're naive, punk!" hissed Commander Sledge. He pointed towards one of his two set cards. "Facedown card, open! 'At One With the Sword', activate!"

'X-Saber Souza' suddenly grew stronger (ATK: 2500 - 3300).

"This card can only activate while the only monster Sledge controls is one face-up 'X-Saber' monster." explained Commander Sledge. "Sledge can equip this card to that monster. It gains 800 Attack Points. If it destroys the opponent's monster by battle, Sledge draws 1 card!"

"Heh! Too bad for you, I'm prepared for this!" grinned James. "Remember 'Favorite Hero's' effect? If I control a card in my Field zone, the equipped monster gains Attack Points equal to its original Defense Power, while my opponent can't target it with Card Effects."

'Elemental HERO Steam Healer', getting energized, grew stronger (ATK: 1800 - 2800), before finally resuming his attack on 'X-Saber Urbellum'.

"Crap... And now 'Skyscraper' activates..." worried Commander Sledge.

Indeed it did. Thanks to the effect of the 'Skyscraper' Spell Card, 'Elemental HERO Steam Healer's' Attack Power rose even further (ATK: 2800 - 3800). With newfound strength, he punched 'X-Saber Urbellum' in the face, causing him to explode as Commander Sledge took damage (LP: 4000 - 3500).

"Ooh, right in the kisser!" grimaced Gordon, although in a joking tone.

"And now, I'll activate 'Steam Healer's' effect!" declared James. "When this monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, I gain Life Points equal to the Attack Power of that destroyed monster in the Graveyard."

Jets of steam shot out from 'Elemental HERO Steam Healer's' back, causing James's Life Points to go up to huge levels (LP: 4000 - 7300).

"Ha! How do you like them apples, pal?" The red-haired boy taunted.

Over with the audience...

"James has almost 8000 Life Points!" whooped Mavis.

"And he now has a chance to direct attack his opponent!" added Thomas.

All eyes were on the blue-haired boy, wondering what he meant by that.

"'Favorite Hero' has another effect." Thomas pointed out. "When the equipped monster attacks and destroys an opponent's monster by battle, James can send that card to the Graveyard; the attacking monster can make a second attack in a row."

"That means he can dish out even more damage." Henry realized.

Indeed so...

"My Battle Phase has not ended!" announced James, just as his face-up 'Favorite Hero' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass. "I send 'Favorite Hero' to the Graveyard to allow 'Steam Healer' to make a second attack in a row! This time, it will be a direct attack!"

'Elemental HERO Steam Healer' started up another attack, charging at Commander Sledge with his fist readied. Before long, the burly pirate commander was punched in the face.

"Yeouch!" winced Edward, thinking how painful that attack must be.

"He'll feel that in the morning." added Rebecca.

Commander Sledge got back to his feet, looking quite miffed to say the least (LP: 3500 - 1700).

"Why, you-!" he growled. "Sledge isn't about to lose to you a second time!"

"So you say, man." shrugged James, just as two facedown cards materialized on the field behind 'Elemental HERO Steam Healer. "I'll set two cards facedown and end my turn."

Commander Sledge seethed further; that punk was not going to beat him again! His upgraded Deck was going to eliminate the red-haired boy no matter what.

"Sledge's turn!" The burly pirate commander boomed, drawing a card. "Draw!"

(elsewhere...)

Down in the lobby, the doors slowly opened themselves, and Commander Laura slowly stepped inside, thankful the cost was clear...for now.

"No guards are around." whispered Commander Laura, walking further inside. "In that case, it's time I went after Frankie and make her pay in the place of her Uncle."

Sadly, it was not going to be as easy as it sounded.

(elsewhere...)

Inside one of the many security rooms, one of the pirates was keeping an eye out for intruders, and happened to spot Commander Laura sneaking inside.

"Sorry, Commander Laura, but we won't let you go any further." he sighed, taking out a walkie talkie.

(elsewhere...)

Inside the main office, Frankie was looking over her Deck when a ringtone was heard. Putting her Deck down, she took out her walkie talkie and spoke into it...

"Yes?"

"Captain, that traitor Laura escaped from the helicopter and is sneaking into the building." The voice of the pirate buzzed.

"Laura has escaped?" quizzed Frankie.

"She did." The pirate's voice confirmed. "Shall we confront her?"

Frankie smiled. "I'm not all that concerned about her." she said calmly. "I'll let her have her fun in trying to find me first."

"Are you sure that's wise, captain?"

Unfortunately, the evil chuckling from the blue/green-haired girl seemed to indicate she had plans for how this would go.

(elsewhere...)

Back in one of the upper floors' hallways, it was Commander Sledge's turn.


Turn Three: Commander Sledge (LP: 1700)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (3): "XX-Saber Gardestrike", "X-Saber Pashuul", and "Card of Demise"


His drawn card was the 'Card of Demise' Spell Card.

"Alright, no more Mr. Nice Sledge!" The burly pirate commander declared, before holding his drawn card out. "Sledge activates 'Card of Demise'! It lets Sledge draw until he holds five cards!" He drew three cards. "After five turns have passed, Sledge must discard his whole hand!"

The drawn cards were 'XX-Saber Faultroll' (Effect Monster Card), 'XX-Saber Ragigura' (Effect Monster Card), and 'Saber Reflection' (Spell Card). Smirking once more, Commander Sledge added the cards to his hand and took another from it.

"Sledge has two 'X-Saber' Monsters in his Graveyard, you know."

"So?" blinked James.

"So..." As Commander Sledge spoke, he placed his card onto his Duel Disk. "...Sledge can Special Summon this monster from hand - 'XX-Saber Gardestrike'!"

Appearing onto the field was a beast warrior monster decked out in green armor and a red cape (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1400).

"Ooh, a 2100 Attack Point monster!" gasped James, sounding sarcastic. "Whatever shall I do about it?! PAH! You honestly think that monster can beat 'Steam Healer'?"

"As a matter of fact, Sledge does believe that." confirmed Commander Sledge, before his remaining set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Trap Card, open - 'Gottoms' Emergency Call'! If a face-up 'X-Saber' Monster is on the field, Sledge can target two 'X-Saber' monsters in any Graveyard and Special Summon both to his side of the field."

"What was that?" worried James.

As expected, both 'XX-Saber Boggart Knight' and 'X-Saber Souza' both appeared on the field once more.

"Those two again?" groaned James, no longer feeling worried. "I believe that was the waste of a perfectly good Trap Card."

"Sledge not close to finishing." reminded Commander Sledge, taking another card from his hand and holding it out. "As Sledge controls two or more 'X-Saber' Monsters, he can Special Summon 'XX-Saber Faultroll' from the hand!"

Appearing onto the field was a human male wearing black and red armor while wielding a large, powerful-looking sword (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800).

"Not only that, Sledge will Summon Tuner Monster - 'X-Saber Pashuul'!" Commander Sledge went on, placing another card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk. "Behold!"

Appearing onto the field was a warrior-type monster with part of his body replaced with robotic parts, even a glowing blade (Level: 2/ATK: 100/DEF: 0).

"Crap! Another Tuner Monster!" panicked James.

"That's right." Commander Sledge confirmed. "That means Sledge can now perform 'two' Synchro Summons!" He then pointed forth. "Sledge is Tuning his Level 4 Effect Monster, 'XX-Saber Boggart Knight', with the Level 2 Tuner Monster, 'X-Saber Pashuul'!"

'X-Saber Pashuul' turned into two Synchro Rings, which 'XX-Sabar Boggar Knight' flew into.

"Synchro Summon!" shouted Commander Sledge. "Show yourself - 'XX-Saber Hyunlei'!"

Appearing onto the field from the beam of light, was a female samurai wearing rather high tech armor (Level: 6/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1300).

"'XX-Saber Hyunlei's' effect!" continued Commander Sledge. "When this monster is Synchro Summoned, Sledge can select and destroy up to three Spell or Trap Cards on the field."

James recoiled hard.

"Judging by your reaction, Sledge knows which cards to destroy." The burly commander pirate grinned. "That's right! Sledge will target 'Skyscraper' and both your set cards!"

'XX-Saber Hyunlei slashed her blade, sending an energy slice towards James's side of the field. As expected, the energy sliced through the two facedown cards as well as the face-up 'Skyscraper' Spell Card. The buildings all around the area started collapsing and returning the field to normal.

"This is bad!" cried Henry. "'Steam Healer's' now a sitting duck!"

"It is." agreed Commander Sledge. "But Sledge has a few more cards and effects to play." he then thrust his right hand forth. "Sledge activates the effect of 'XX-Saber Faultroll'! Once per turn, Sledge can target one Level 4 or lower 'X-Saber' monster in his Graveyard and Special Summon that target."

On cue, 'X-Saber Airbellum' reappeared on the field.

"Not again!" wailed James.

"Sledge is going to Synchro Summon again in the same turn!" added Emily.

"Oh, the indignity!" groaned Gordon, scared.

Sadly so...

"Sledge is Tuning his Level 6 Effect Monster, 'XX-Saber Faultroll', with the Level 3 Tuner Monster, 'X-Saber Airbellum'!" declared Commander Sledge. "Let's go!"

'X-Saber Airbellum' turned into three Synchro Rings, with which 'XX-Saber Faultroll' flew into. The symbols 6 plus 3 equals 9 were shown briefly, just as a Summon Chant commenced...

"Let your silver armor shine and crush the hope of everything that opposes you!" chanted Commander Sledge, before, again, pounding the ground with his fist. "Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 9 - 'XX-Saber Gottoms'!"

Something started to emerge from the beam of light, causing James to gaze on in horror.

(elsewhere...)

On the bottom floor, Commander Laura was busy sneaking around the place, unaware that Frankie knew she was coming.

"Alright, since the 'captain' will be expecting me to use the elevators-" Commander Laura thought to herself. "-I'll use the staircase instead." She then took a card out of her pocket and grinned at it. "And even if some spots are blocked off, I can use this Keycard I have on me to open my way forth. Heh! That stupid girl; she should have thought about it before giving me one of these things."

Was Commander Laura going to make it to Frankie? Or was she (Commander Laura) going to get herself caught trying to find her (Frankie)? Only one way to find out...

(elsewhere...)

Back in one of the hallways, a repeat of earlier was happening...

"Sledge is Tuning his Level 6 Effect Monster, 'XX-Saber Faultroll', with the Level 3 Tuner Monster, 'X-Saber Airbellum'!" declared Commander Sledge. "Let's go!"

'X-Saber Airbellum' turned into three Synchro Rings, with which 'XX-Saber Faultroll' flew into. The symbols 6 plus 3 equals 9 were shown briefly, just as a Summon Chant commenced...

"Let your silver armor shine and crush the hope of everything that opposes you!" chanted Commander Sledge, before, again, pounding the ground with his fist. "Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 9 - 'XX-Saber Gottoms'!"

Appearing onto the field from the beam of light, was a large, armored warrior branding a huge sword (Level: 9/ATK: 3100/DEF: 2600).

"Oh man, that thing's huge!" peeped James, clearly scared. "And 'Steam Healer' has no chance at stopping it or any of your monsters!"

Over with the audience...

"James lost 'Skyscraper', and has no set cards." Edward was saying. "Once Sledge attacks with his army of monsters, James's Life Points will fall to zero!"

"It's a good thing he used 'Steam Healer's' effect to give his Life Points a boost." Gordon pointed out.

"It won't be enough, though."

Back in the duel field...

"Sledge is going to enjoy this!" laughed Commander Sledge. He then entered the Battle Phase. "'XX-Saber Gottoms' will attack 'Elemental HERO Steam Healer'!"

'XX-Saber Gottoms' obeyed, slashing at the weaker monster with his blade. 'Elemental HERO Steam Healer then exploded from destruction, causing James to brace himself from the force of the attack.

"'Steam Healer' has been destroyed!" smirked Commander Sledge.

"No more healing from him." sighed James, as he took major damage (LP: 7300 - 6000).

"But don't think that's the end, Sledge has more where that come from!" Commander Sledge went on (LP: 1300). "Once he attacks with the rest of his monsters, you will be defeated and Sledge's revenge will be complete! Prepare yourself, punk!"

James found himself facing down Commander Sledge and a whole army of powerful 'X-Saber' Monsters with nothing left to protect himself from attack. Was this the end of him? Was James going to lose the duel? Stay tuned for the exciting finale!

To be Continued!