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, along with the flashback to Driote's backstory). 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
WARNING: As of now, this story will be 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.
Earlier on...
"Take this! I activate 'Frightfur Leo's' Monster Effect!" declared Theo. "Once per turn, I can target one monster my opponent controls and destroy it, and, if I do this, inflict damage to said opponent equal to the Attack Power the destroyed monster had on the field."
Hurricane, saying nothing, merely nodded, knowing that his opponent was going to target 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'.
With the audience...
"Do you guys think Theo's strategy will work?" wondered Molly.
"I believe it will." nodded Merlin, sounding very sure. "In any case, let's watch and see what happens."
Back in the duel field, the command was given...
"'Frightfur Leo', do it!" ordered Theo. "Use your effect and take down 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'!"
'Frightfur Leo' obeyed, firing off its razor sharp blades towards 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'. Hurricane, without the expression on his face changing, merely stood still and did nothing as the attack from the enemy monster came closer and closer to ending his own monster.
"Once our attack is successful, we'll be one step closer to winning the duel!" declared Theo confidently. "Our freedom is within our reach!"
With 'Frightfur Leo's' attack getting closer and closer, it looked to be all over for 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'. All of a sudden...
"I activate the effect of 'Raptor's Intercept Formation'!" shouted Hurricane.
"What?!" gasped Lexi.
Much to her and Theo's surprise, the razor sharp blades fizzled out before they could slice into 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'. The rest of the group was equally surprised by the sudden counterattack.
"Once per turn, during either player's turn, when a card or effect is activated that targets an Xyz Summoned 'Raidraptor' Monster I control, I can negate that effect." explained Hurricane. He then smirked. "Nice try, but you two aren't going to get the best of me that easily."
"I can still attack your monster!" insisted Theo, entering the Battle Phase. "I use 'Frightfur Leo' to attack 'Rise Falcon'!"
'Frightfur Leo' let loose a roar and raced towards a screeching 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon', raising its sharp paw in an attempt to slash at the mechanical Winged Beast-Type monster.
"That attack won't work!" cut in Hurricane, as one of his facedown cards flipped face-up and revealed itself. "I activate a Trap - 'Adversity'! When a monster I control is targeted for an attack, if it has less Attack Points than the attacking monster, that monster can't be destroyed by this battle and I take no Battle Damage."
A barrier formed around 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon', just as 'Frightfur Leo's' paw struck. The barrier held firm before it seemed to explode with power, pushing 'Frightfur Leo' back until it was back on Theo and Lexi's side of the field.
"No!" scowled Theo.
"That's not all." continued Hurricane. "The attacked monster also gains 1000 more Attack Points."
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' grew stronger (ATK: 100 - 1100).
"Ugh... Sorry, Lexi." apologized Theo, looking over to his dueling partner. "I tried my best to take down Hurricane's monster."
"We still have a shot." Lexi reassured. "Just finish your turn, and leave it to me."
Nodding in agreement, Theo took two cards from his hand.
"I'll set two cards and end my turn." he announced, slotting the cards into his Duel Disk.
Two facedown cards materialized on the field.
"And now it's back to me!" Lexi declared, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Hurricane readied himself, determined to win.
Title: The Ferocious Falcons
In a repeat...
"And now, it's back to me!" Lexi declared, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Seven: Lexi Thomas (LP: 2000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (3): "Amazoness Sage", "Queen's Pawn", and "Amazoness Heirloom"
Her drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Amazoness Heirloom'. Adding the card into her hand, Lexi took another out and readied it.
"Hurricane, Theo and I will win this duel." she was saying. "While it's true you're so much stronger than both of us, it won't stop us from at least trying!"
Hurricane readied for whatever was coming next.
"I Summon 'Amazoness Sage' in attack mode!" exclaimed Lexi, placing the card onto a Monster Field slot on her Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was the familiar 'Amazoness' shaman-like monster that Thomas and his friends had encountered in the Duel Monsters spirit world (Level: 4/ATK:1400 /DEF: 700).
"Hey, I remember her!" realized Molly.
"Same here." agreed Mavis. "And if Rosie was still here, so would she."
Back in the duel field...
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Amazoness Heirloom'!" continued Lexy, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field. "It can be equipped only to an 'Amazoness' Monster, and so I'll equip it to 'Amazoness Sage'!"
'Amazoness Sage' felt herself getting an unknown power.
"Now, once per turn, the equipped monster can't be destroyed by battle." Lexi then braced two fingers onto one of the cards on her Duel Disk. "In addition, I'll switch 'Amazoness Princess' into attack mode!"
'Amazoness Princess' stood up for battle.
"BATTLE! I'll use 'Amazoness Sage' to attack 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'!"
'Amazoness Sage' obeyed the command, and fired a blast from her staff. Alas, the strategy sounded far too effective, and was doomed to fail as a result...
"I activate the next effect of 'Raptor's Intercept Formation'!" announced Hurricane. "Once per turn, if an Xyz Summoned 'Raidraptor' Monster I control is attacked; during damage calculation, I can switch its current Attack Power and Defense Power during that damage calculation only."
"No way!" gasped Lexi.
"'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' has a Defense Power of 2000!" put in Theo, knowing what was about to happen next. "And so, 'Rise Falcon's' Attack Power will be set to that amount, while its Defense Power becomes 1100!"
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon's' stats swapped around (ATK: 1100 - 2000/DEF: 2000 - 1100), just as the magical blast struck. Unfortunately, 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' easily shook it off.
"Attack!" commanded Hurricane, before announcing the attack/effect name of his monster... "BRAVE CLAW REVOLUTION!"
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' obeyed, slamming into 'Amazoness Sage' at full speed and strength. Lexi, glowing red, cried out as she sustained Battle Damage (LP: 2000 - 1400).
"Lexi!" called Theo.
Lexi grimaced. "T-Thanks to the effect of 'Amazoness Heirloom', 'Amazoness Sage'...isn't destroyed."
"So be it." said Hurricane coldly. "As of this moment, 'Rise Falcon's' stats return to how they were before damage calculation."
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon's' stats returned to how they were (ATK: 2000 - 1100/DEF: 1100 - 2000). Fortunately, Lexi's turn was far from being finished...
"Now, I'll activate the next effect of 'Amazoness Heirloom'!" The light blue-haired girl announced. "After damage calculation has passed, and if the equipped monster attacks a monster, I destroy the attacked monster."
'Amazoness Sage' fired another magic blast at 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'.
"'Raptor's Intercept Formation's' effect!" shouted Hurricane. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, when a card or effect is activated that targets an Xyz Summoned 'Raidraptor' monster(s) I control, I can negate that effect."
The face-up 'Raptor's Intercept Formation' Spell Card absorbed the magical attack cast by 'Amazoness Sage', saving 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'.
"We have to get rid of that Spell Card!" frowned Theo. "Otherwise, we'll never get another big hit in."
"Leave that part to me." Lexi suggested, before dropping a bombshell... "At the end of the Damage Step, if this monster has attacked and is still on the field, I can target one Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls and destroy that target." She then pointed forth. "In this case, I'll target and destroy 'Raptor's Intercept Formation'!"
A third blast was fired, this time at 'Raptor's Intercept Formation'."
"Good plan." Hurricane mumbled to himself.
"You did it, Lexi!" praised Theo.
"And I'm still in the Battle Phase!" added Lexi, smirking. "Go forth, 'Amazoness Princess'! Attack 'Rise Falcon' and finish what 'Amazoness Sage' started!"
'Amazoness Princess' obeyed the command, and charged forth to attack 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'.
"But the best part has come!" Lexi went on, sending a card ('Queen's Pawn') from her hand to the Graveyard. "When this monster declares an attack, I can send one other card from my hand or field to the Graveyard and Special Summon one 'Amazoness' Monster from my Deck in defense position, except for 'Amazoness Princess'."
The 'Amazoness Queen' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Appear - 'Amazoness Queen'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large, blue-haired Amazoness woman with a sword (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800). 'Amazoness Princess', meanwhile, resumed her attack upon 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'.
"I activate the effect of 'Raidraptor - Ambush'!" announced Hurricane, as the card ejected from his Graveyard. "I can remove it from the game to protect 'Rise Falcon' from being destroyed by battle only once!"
'Amazoness Princess' twirled her weapon and sliced 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon', causing it to screech in pain (yet survive). Hurricane, glowing red, also cried out as he took slight damage (LP: 2850 - 2750).
"In addition-" The brown/red-haired boy went on. "-I can target and destroy one Special Summoned monster..." He regained his strength and pointed at... "I destroy 'Amazoness Queen'!"
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' stood back up and let out a gale force wind-like screech, sending 'Amazoness Queen' flying while shattering into shards of glass.
"My 'Amazoness Queen'!" cried Lexi, before scowling in frustration. "Since my hand is empty, I can't do anything more this turn. I end my turn here!"
"Draw!" declared Hurricane, drawing a card.
Turn Eight: Hurricane Decapod (LP: 2750)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (1): "Xyz Treasure Ticket"
On cue, the 'Xyz Treasure Ticket' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Xyz Treasure Ticket'! It lets me target one Rank 4 or lower Xyz Monster I control and draw cards equal to its Rank."
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' (Rank: 4) had a Rank of four.
"'Rise Falcon' has a Rank of four-" continued Hurricane, drawing four cards. "-meaning I draw four cards." Looking at his new hand, it now contained 'Rank-Up Magic Raptor's Force', 'Overlay Burst Armor', 'Raidraptor - Reversal', and 'Raptor's Gust'. "Perfect! I was waiting for these cards."
"Be careful." Lexi warned Theo. "Hurricane's going to attack us again."
And so Hurricane was...
"Now, I'll activate the effect of 'Rise Falcon' again!" announced Hurricane, just as 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' felt another of its Overlay Units being absorbed. "I remove another Overlay Unit to have my monster gain Attack Points for every Special Summoned monster my opponent controls!"
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' started absorbing the power of all remaining Special Summoned monsters on both Theo and Lexi's side of the field, making it grow even stronger (ATK: 1100 - 4000).
"Man, that Hurricane punk knows how to use 'Rise Falcon'." commented James.
"From what I've heard, his whole Deck is constructed to face multiple opponents." explained Merlin. "If there are more opponents, the stronger Hurricane becomes."
Thomas remained silent, wondering if this was Hurricane's true strength. Back in the duel field...
"BATTLE!" declared Hurricane, entering the Battle Phase. "Due to 'Rise Falcon's' effect, it can attack all Special Summoned monsters the opponent controls!" He then pointed forth. "Both of you will feel the full fury of this monster!" He then gave the command... "BRAVE CLAW REVOLUTION!"
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' rose up and charged at a monstrous speed, heading towards 'Frightfur Leo' and 'Amazoness Baby Tiger'.
"I'll stop your attack!" declared Theo, poking a button on his Duel Disk. "Continuous Trap, activate - 'Fusion Trench'!" While speaking on, his facedown card flipped up and revealed itself. "No other monsters can attack, except for Fusion Monsters."
"Pointless!" interrupted Hurricane, causing the young gray/brown-haired boy to gasp in response. On cue, another of his facedown cards flipped up and revealed itself. "Counter Trap - 'Raptor's Storm', activate! When my opponent activates a Spell or Trap Card while I control a 'Raidraptor' Monster, I negate the activation, and, if I do this, destroy it."
The face-up 'Fusion Trench' Trap Card glitched up and shattered into shards of glass.
"No!" cried Theo.
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' slammed through both 'Frightfur Leo' and 'Amazoness Baby Tiger', destroying them in an instant. The force of the explosion sent a screaming Theo and Lexi both flying back until they hit the floor. From there, because 'Frightfur Leo' was in attack mode, Theo sustained Battle Damage as a result (LP: 4000 - 2400).
"Lexi! Theo!" exclaimed Henry.
"Hang in there!" added Gordon.
Back in the duel field, four facedown cards materialized on the field.
"I'll set four cards and end my turn." said Hurricane. "And now, the Attack Power of 'Rise Falcon' returns to normal."
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon's' Attack Power returned to how it was (ATK: 4000 - 1100). Meanwhile, both Theo and Lexi were trying to get back up; the devastating attack by 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' knocked the wind out of them, but they were both determined to continue the duel and earn their, along with Merlin's, freedom for good.
"We won't give up!" Lexi protested, clutching her right arm. "We're not going back to being Frankie's slaves!"
"No matter what the opponent we have, we will win and earn our freedom!" added Theo, drawing a card. "It's my turn, draw!"
Turn Nine: Theo Aveling (LP: 2400)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (4): "Frightfur Factory", "Edge Imp Chain", "De-Fusion", and "Suture Rebirth"
On cue, a Spell Card called 'Suture Rebirth' materialized face-up on the field.
"Spell Card - 'Suture Rebirth'! It lets me target one 'Fluffal' or 'Frightfur' Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it, but its effects are negated."
"You want 'Fluffal Sheep', don't you?" demanded Hurricane, knowing the answer.
A card ('Fluffal Sheep') slid out of Theo's Graveyard, and, as expected, 'Fluffal Sheep' reappeared on the field with a cute "Baa!".
"Yes, I've chosen to revive 'Fluffal Sheep'." confirmed Theo, before taking and holding another card out. "Then, from my hand, I'll activate the Continuous Spell 'Frightfur Factory'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"With this, I can remove one 'Polymerization' or 'Fusion'-related Spell Card from my Graveyard in order to Fusion Summon one 'Frightfur' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or side of the field as Fusion Materials." Theo explained, taking a card from his hand. "Now, I think I'll fuse 'Fluffal Sheep' with this monster - 'Edge Imp Chain'."
On cue, 'Edge Imp Chain' briefly appeared on the field (not Normal Summon), while the 'Polymerization' Spell Card ejected from Theo's Graveyard before fading away into oblivion. As expected, the face-up 'Frightfur Factory' Spell Card activated, causing it to absorb both 'Fluffal Sheep' and 'Edge Imp Chain'.
"Fusion Summon!" shouted Theo, bringing both hands together. "Reveal yourself! Chained beast that binds everything - 'Frightfur Sheep'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was the familiar demonic stuffed sheep with two chained saws sticking out from its body (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000).
"And thanks to 'Edge Imp Chain' going from my hand to the Graveyard-" continued Theo, taking a card from his Deck. "-I can add one 'Frightfur' card from my Deck into my hand."
Hurricane said nothing.
"As for 'Frightfur Sheep', its effect prevents it from being affected by the opponent's Spells and Traps until the end of the Battle Phase during a turn it attacks."
"In that case-" Hurricane added to that, speaking whilst looking calm. "-I can't save my monster."
"And because of that, I'll battle your monster!" declared Theo, entering the Battle Phase. "'Frightfur Sheep', take down 'Rise Falcon'!"
'Frighfur Sheep' dove towards 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' as its saws swung wildly. As Hurricane mentioned, he couldn't save his monster, and so 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' was sliced by the saw and exploded from destruction. Hurricane braced himself from the force of the explosion as he sustained Battle Damage (LP: 2750 - 1850).
"I did it!" cheered Theo. "I actually took down 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'!"
"If we can keep up the pace, we'll win in no time!" added Lexi, feeling happy for her younger friend's successful play.
"Unfortunately, you both have fallen into my trap." cut in Hurricane.
"Huh?!" Theo cringed.
"What?!" added Lexi.
"That's right." confirmed Hurricane. "I activate a Quick-Play Spell - 'Rank-Up-Magic Raptor's Force'!" While speaking, his first set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "If a 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard this turn while I controlled it, I can target one 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it, and then I'm able to Special Summon from my Extra Deck, one 'Raidraptor' Monster that's one Rank higher than that monster, by using it as the Xyz Material."
As expected, 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' reappeared on the field with a loud screech.
"It's back again!" cried Lexi.
"After all we went through to get rid of it!" put in Theo.
"And now, I'll use 'Rise Falcon' to build the Overlay Network!" boomed Hurricane, just as the familiar Overlay Network reappeared in the center of the field. "Here I go!"
'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' was absorbed into the Overlay Network, while Hurricane began a Summon Chant for his new monster...
"Ferocious falcon. Break through this fierce battle and spread your wings! Destroy our gathering foes!" chanted Hurricane, who then took and placed a new card onto his Black Disk. "Rank Up Xyz EVOLUTION! Appear! Rank 5 - 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon'!"
Appearing in the sky, as the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was what looked almost like 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon', but was colored crimson red in most parts of its body (Rank: 5/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000).
"Raidraptor'..." began Theo.
"...'Blaze Falcon'?" finished Lexi.
"You both thought 'Rise Falcon' was dangerous? Well, I have many more dangerous Xyz Monsters to show all of you." declared Hurricane. "Give it enough time, and you'll see their truly terrifying power!"
"Ngh!" grimaced Theo, slotting a card into his Duel Disk. "I set one card and end my turn."
A facedown card materialized on the field.
"It's my turn again." sighed Lexi, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Ten: Lexi Thomas (LP: 1400)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (1): "Polymerization"
Her drawn card was another 'Polymerization' Spell Card, causing the light blue-haired girl's eyes to widen with hope.
"This could be our ticket." she said to herself, before looking up. "Hurricane, no matter what tricks 'Blaze Falcon' may have, I have my hope right here!"
"What?" quizzed Hurricane.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Polymerization', from my hand!" As Lexi spoke, she held her drawn card out. "Using it, I'll fuse both "Amazoness Princess', substituting for 'Amazoness Queen' with 'Amazoness Sage'!"
Both monsters were absorbed into the face-up 'Polymerization' Spell Card.
"Fusion Summon!" exclaimed Lexi, bringing both hands together. "Come forth, Level 8! The ruler of all Amazons - 'Amazoness Empress'!"
Appearing onto the field was the huge amazoness with a red cape, large sword, and a skull as a headdress (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2400).
"'Amazoness Empress', is it?" frowned Hurricane.
"I'll also activate 'Fusion Fright Waltz'!" announced Theo, as one of his facedown cards flipped up and revealed itself. "I target two Fusion Monsters on the field and destroy as many Special Summoned monsters on the field as possible with Attack Points less than or equal to the total Attack Power of those targets other than Fusion Monsters, and then I inflict damage to their controllers equal to the total Attack Power of those targets."
'Frightfur Sheep' and 'Amazoness Empress' both readied themselves.
"Let the dance begin!" declared Theo.
"I'm afraid I have to disappoint you." interrupted Hurricane.
"Say what?"
"Counter Trap - 'Raidraptor - Reversal', activate!" The brown/red-haired boy announced, as another of his set cards flipped face-up and revealed itself. "If a card is activated that would destroy a card(s) while I control a 'Raidraptor' Monster, I negate that effect, and, if I do this, draw one card."
Theo's face-up 'Fusion Fright Waltz' Trap Card fizzled out as Hurricane drew a new card, which he saw was the 'Instant Overlay' Spell Card. Meanwhile, Lexi, despite Theo's failed strategy, knew she still had the stronger monster, and was ready to take advantage of it...
"I use 'Amazoness Empress' to attack 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon'!" Lexi declared, entering the Battle Phase. "Go forth, now!"
'Amazoness Empress' obeyed, slashing at 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' with her giant blade.
"This is the end of your new monster!"
"Think again." hissed Hurricane, just as a third set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "I activate a Quick-Play Spell - 'Overlay Burst Armor'!"
'Amazoness Empress' struck 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon', but the mechanical Winged Beast monster easily withstood the blow.
"What?!" gasped Lexi.
"If a 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster I control would be destroyed by battle-" explained Hurricane. "-I can detach all remaining Xyz Materials from that Xyz Monster; that Xyz Monster is not destroyed by that battle, and I also take no Battle Damage."
With a loud screech from 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon', 'Amazoness Empress' was forced to return to Lexi's field.
"Once again Hurricane finds a way to break through our strategies." growled Lexi. "My turn is over!"
"Take it easy, Lexi." reassured Theo. "If we can survive Hurricane's turn, we can strike back against him."
"Easier said than done." interrupted Hurricane, drawing a card. "I draw!"
Turn Eleven: Hurricane Decapod (LP: 2750)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (2): "Instant Overlay" and "Rank-Up Magic Revolution Force"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Rank-Up Magic Revolution Force'.
"'Blaze Falcon' has no more Overlay Materials!" reminded Theo. "That means whatever it has for an effect, you aren't able to activate it without first removing one unit."
"That is true." Hurricane acknowledged knowingly. "'Blaze Falcon' has no more Overlay Units, meaning I can't use its effect." He then smirked. "But, what if I were to GRANT it one such unit?"
Theo recoiled. "D-Don't tell us-?"
"From my hand-" As Hurricane spoke, he took and slotted a card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Black Disk. On cue, a Spell Card called 'Instant Overlay' materialized face-up on the field. "-I'll activate 'Instant Overlay'!"
All of a sudden, 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' gained a new Overlay Unit.
"An Overlay Unit?!" gasped James.
"'Instant Overlay... It lets me target one face-up Xyz Monster on the field that has no Xyz Materials and attach this card to it as an Xyz Material." explained Hurricane. "This means 'Blaze Falcon' now has one Overlay Unit; enough for me to use its effect."
Just as quickly, the Overlay Unit around 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' faded away.
"'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon's' Monster Effect! Once per turn, I can detach one Xyz Material from this monster and destroy as many Special Summoned monsters my opponent controls as possible, and, if I do this, then inflict 500 points of damage to my opponent for each monster destroyed."
'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' stood up, while beginning to ignite its rockets.
"Take this! ELECTROSTATIC VOLT!" screamed Hurricane.
Numerous laser blasts were fired, striking the fields belonging to Lexi and Theo and causing a massive explosion to cloud the field. The force of the attack caused the spectators to brace themselves and try to stay on their feet. When the smoke cleared on Lexi's field, 'Amazoness Empress' was still standing.
"I remember... 'Amazoness Empress' can't be destroyed by battle or Card Effects." realized Hurricane.
When the smoke cleared, Lexi was on a knee but was mostly unhurt.
"T-That's right." The light blue-haired girl confirmed. She then saw the smoke clearing on Theo's field. "Theo? Theo, are you okay?"
The smoke cleared away, revealing Theo on his hands and knees as his Life Points dropped due to the loss of 'Frightfur Sheep' (LP: 2400 - 1900).
"Theo!" Lexi called out.
Theo slowly got to his feet. "'Frightfur...Sheep' won't...be gone for much longer!" he insisted, slowly and painfully. "If this monster is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, or if this monster in my possession is destroyed by an opponent's Card Effect and sent to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon this monster, and, if I do this, it gains 800 Attack Points."
Very quickly, 'Frightfur Sheep' reappeared on the field, before growing much stronger (ATK: 2000 - 2800).
"Smart." commented Hurricane. "But not smart enough! I use 'Blaze Falcon' to attack Theo directly!"
"What?!" Lexi and Theo both exclaimed at once.
"That's unfair!" whined James.
"How can 'Blaze Falcon' do that?!" put in Oliver.
Back in the duel field, 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' took off into the skies once more.
"That's right; 'Blaze Falcon' can attack an opponent directly!" confirmed Hurricane, before giving the command to his monster... "Go forth, 'Blaze Falcon'! Attack Theo directly! RAPTOR'S BREAK OF THUNDERCLAP!"
'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' obeyed, performing a powerful dive, firing explosives at Theo in the process. The explosives exploded around the young gray/brown-haired boy before one more explosion happened at his feet, causing him to scream.
"NO!" screamed Lexi, clearly worried.
When the smoke cleared, Theo was lying on the ground, but was thankfully still conscious (LP: 1900 - 900).
"This duel is almost done." whispered Hurricane. "And don't think "Frightfur Sheep' will stay alive for much longer; 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' has another effect! If this monster inflicts Battle Damage to my opponent, I can target one monster my opponent controls and destroy it."
'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' fired another laser at 'Frightfur Sheep'. Despite being injured, Theo managed to sit up and poke a button on his Duel Disk.
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell - 'De-Fusion'!" he exclaimed, just as his final set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "It will-"
"Counter Trap - 'Raptor's Gust'!" interrupted Hurricane, as his own facedown card flipped up and revealed itself.
Theo recoiled. "What?!"
The face-up 'De-Fusion' Spell Card glitched out and shattered into shards of glass.
"When my opponent activates a Spell Card while I control a 'Raidraptor' Monster-" explained Hurricane. "-I can negate the activation, and, if I do this, destroy it."
"No way!" panicked Theo.
The laser blast struck 'Frightfur Sheep', destroying it once more. This left Theo's field almost completely empty of cards.
"And finally-" While speaking, Hurricane slotted a card into his Black Disk. This resulted in another facedown card appearing on the field. "-I'll set one card and end my turn."
With the audience...
"Boy, that guy is brutal." Henry whispered.
"If he's that tough and merciless as a duelist-" Gordon added. "-I'd hate to see what he would do to the police once they finally catch him."
"I've told you guys, he doesn't play around." reminded Merlin. "He wields the Black Disk and is Frankie's second-in-command, after all."
Back in the duel field...
"I... I... I won't...give in!" panted Theo, trying to stand back up. "Lexi, Merlin, and myself... We will gain our true freedom!"
"Theo..." whispered Lexi.
Hurricane silently raised an eyebrow, feeling impressed by the young boy's determination to win.
"This will likely be my last turn." Theo went on, looking at his Deck. "However, I swear I'll make it truly count!" He drew a card with a Destiny Draw. "Draaaaaw!"
Turn Twelve: Theo Aveling (LP: 900)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (2): "Frightfur Fusion" and "Patchwork Fluffal"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Patchwork Fluffal'.
"Here it is!" The young gray/brown-haired boy realized. He then looked back at Hurricane. "Hey, Hurricane, get ready for a beating!"
Hurricane readied for whatever was coming next. Theo, meanwhile, took and placed his drawn card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Patchwork Fluffal'!" declared Theo.
Appearing onto the field was a small, brown stuff bear (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0). The audience didn't know what to make of this monster, but Hurricane, sweating a bit, knew what his opponent was up to with it.
"While on the field, 'Patchwork Fluffal' can be treated as a 'Frightfur' Monster!" explained Theo. "And it's exactly what I need!"
"As I figured." thought Hurricane, watching as the 'Frightfur Fusion' Spell Card materialized face-up on his opponent's field. "I knew it!"
"And now, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Frightfur Fusion'!" Theo declared, holding his card up. "It lets me Fusion Summon one 'Frightfur' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, by removing Fusion Materials listed on it from my field or Graveyard."
Two more cards ('Frightfur Leo' and 'Frightfur Sheep') ejected from his Graveyard. On cue, 'Frightfur Leo' and 'Frightfur Sheep' both reappeared on the field for a moment.
"Let's do it!" declared Theo, punching his right fist forth. "I'll fuse 'Patchwork Fluffel' with both 'Frightfur Leo' and 'Frightfur Sheep'!"
The three monsters were absorbed into the Fusion Vortex.
"Unusual plaything possessed by demons! Root out and destroy the plebeians who dare rebel against you!" chanted Theo, before bringing both hands together. "Fusion Summon! Come forth and appear, chimeric fusion of all toys - 'Frightfur Chimera'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was a huge creation that looked like a three-headed beast made of stuffed toys with the bottom of a jack-in-the-box as its bottom form (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000).
"'Frightfur Chimera'...!" realized Hurricane.
"BATTLE!" cried Theo, entering the Battle Phase. "Go, 'Frightfur Chimera'! Attack 'Blaze Falcon'!"
'Frightfur Chimera' obeyed the command, opening its mouth and firing off a missile or two. 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' was hit by the missiles and ended up destroyed in a massive explosion, in which the force of the blow sent a screaming Hurricane flying across the room.
"Whoa!" breathed James. "That was scarily good."
"Who cares if it was scary?" cut in Gordon. "What really matters now, is that Theo and Lexi both are in a position to win!"
Back in the duel field, the smoke was clearing away on Hurricane's field. When it was gone, the brown/red-haired boy was lying on his back as his Life Points dropped to critical levels (LP: 1850 - 50)...
"'Frightfur Chimera's' effect activates!" announced Theo. "If this monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon that monster to my side of the field. And while it's on my side of the field, 'Chimera' gains 300 Attack Points."
On cue, 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' reappeared on the field; this time, it was on Theo's side of the field. Then, as expected, 'Frightfur Chimera' grew stronger (ATK: 2800 - 3100).
"This duel is all finished." continued Theo. "Once I've attacked you directly with your own monster, your Life Points will drop to zero."
Hurricane, slowly trying to get back up, said nothing.
"Even if you manage to stop Theo's attack with your remaining set card-" put in Lexi. "-on my turn, I can use 'Amazoness Empress' to attack you directly! No matter what happens next, the results will always be the same - Theo and I will win the duel, giving us and Merlin our proper freedom!"
"Ridiculous!" Hurricane managed to say at last.
Lexi recoiled. "What?!"
"What are you talking about?" asked Theo, equally surprised.
"You both forget that I always fight...while prepared for the worst-case scenario." scolded Hurricane. "All while considering the possibilities that my opponents might try to get the upper-hand. But, despite my enemies gaining the upper-hand, I will never allow myself to lose!"
"We'll see about that." Lexi declared
"Indeed, we will." agreed Hurricane, before poking a button on his Black Disk. "I activate a Quick-Play Spell - 'Rank-Up-Magic Revolution Force'!"
Hurricane's final set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Not that!" wailed Lexi, growing very scared.
"During my opponent's turn, I can target one Xyz Monster my opponent controls with no Xyz Materials." explained Hurricane. "I can take control of that Xyz Monster, and then Special Summon, from my Extra Deck, one 'Raidraptor' Monster that is one Rank higher than that monster, by using it as the Xyz Material."
As expected, 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' faded away in a blue streak, much to Theo's surprise.
"H-Hey!" he cried out.
'Frightfur Chimera', as the taken monster left the field, lost its power boost (ATK: 3100 - 2800). From there, 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' reappeared on Hurricane's field.
"Now, I'll build the Overlay Network with this one Winged Beast monster!" boomed Hurricane, just as the familiar Overlay Network reappeared in the center of the dueling field.
'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' started getting overwhelmed by fire as it began to transform into another new monster, while Hurricane started speaking a Summon Chant...
"Prideful falcon. Spread your wings, dyed in the blood of heroes, and charge through the path of revolution!" chanted Hurricane, before thrusting his right fist forth with a hotblooded scream of... "Rank Up Xyz EVOLUTION! Appear! Rank 6 - 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was a larger, more dangerous-looking 'Raidraptor' Monster (Rank: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 3000).
"What?! Hurricane Xyz Summoned that?" pondered James, looking dismissive. "It doesn't look THAT scary! It has a much lower Attack Power than that of both 'Amazoness Empress' and 'Frightfur Chimera'!" He then called out to Hurricane. "Hey! Is that really the best you've got? 'cause it doesn't look like you gonna survive the rest of this turn! You really should have-"
"Stop it, James!" demanded Molly. "Don't provoke Hurricane! Based on what we've seen thus far, he's really dangerous!"
Back in the duel field...
"You're done, Theo." whispered Hurricane.
"Wait, I am?" wondered Theo, worried. "But, how can I be done for? Your monster only has an Attack Power of 2000, and 'Frightfur Chimera' has an Attack Power of 2800!"
"Is that so?"
"What?!" The gray/brown-haired boy panicked.
"I activate 'Revolution Falcon's' effect!" announced Hurricane. "If this monster is Xyz Summoned by using a Rank 5 or lower 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster as Xyz Material, I can target one Special Summoned monster my opponent controls; the targeted monster is destroyed, and, if I do this, then I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to half the destroyed monster's Attack Points."
"It can't be!" gasped Theo, horrified.
"Don't do it!" begged Lexi.
Hurricane ruthlessly ignored the begging. "Go, 'Revolution Falcon'!"
'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' took off into the sky until it was flying over a defenseless Theo.
"Burn and scatter in the flames of revolution!" roared Hurricane.
'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' released a barrage of explosives at Theo's whole field, not only destroying 'Frightfur Chimera' but also seemingly striking Theo at the same time. When the smoke cleared...
"NOOOO!" screamed Lexi tearfully.
The rest of the audience reacted in horror to what happened to Theo. Back in the duel field again, Theo, badly injured, was shown to be completely out like a light as his Life Points dropped all the way to zero (LP: 900 - 0).
NOTE: Theo Aveling has been eliminated!
As the remainder of Theo's holograms faded away, his and Hurricane's Bio-Bands began to glow. As the duel wasn't truly over, Hurricane's energy wasn't drained as much. And since Theo was already out, he couldn't feel anything from the drainage.
"THEO! THEO!" Lexi cried out, running over to her fallen partner and cradling him in her arms. "Theo! Oh, Theo! Please speak to me! THEO!"
But alas, Theo couldn't say anything (for obvious reason). Tears streamed down poor Lexi's face as she soon broke down sobbing, with those tears of anguish dripping onto Theo's face. Thomas and likes all watched the scene sadly without uttering a word about it. Back in the duel field, Lexi's hands balled into fists as she stood up and stared at Hurricane hatefully.
"Unforgivable... UNFORGIVABLE!" The light blue-haired girl screamed in a tearful rage. "HE WAS JUST A CHILD, YOU MONSTER!"
Hurricane frowned. "It's your turn, now."
"It's my turn!" shouted Lexi, drawing a card.
Turn Thirteen: Lexi Thomas (LP: 1400)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (1): ?
"I use 'Amazoness Empress' to attack 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon'!"
'Amazoness Empress' obeyed, swinging her sword at 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon'.
"You're going to pay for hurting my little Cinnamon Roll!" Lexi roared, filled with so much anger that she wasn't paying any attention to what the enemy monster was doing. "I will win this duel for the both of us! Once 'Revolution Falcon' is destroyed, your Life Points will immediately drop to zero!"
"Actually, you've just lost the duel." interrupted Hurricane so suddenly.
"W-What?!"
"Take a look at your monster for a second." The brown/red-haired boy suggested.
Obeying, Lexi looked at 'Amazoness Empress'. To her horror, the 'Amazoness' Monster had suddenly lost her attacking and defending capabilities (ATK: 2800 - 0/DEF: 2400 - 0).
"What's going on with-?" Lexi started, but never got a chance to finish.
"'Revolution Falcon's' next effect activates; at the start of the Damage Step, if this monster battles a face-up Special Summoned monster my opponent controls, I can make that monster's Attack Power and Defense Power both become zero." explained Hurricane calmly. "You were so busy acting out of anger, that you didn't pay any attention to what you were saying or doing."
'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' then flew into the sky and out of 'Amazoness Empress's' reach; it was ready to put an end to the whole duel.
"Here is where it ends!" declared Hurricane. "Attack 'Amazoness Empress', 'Revolution Falcon'!"
'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' obeyed the command, firing blasts at 'Amazoness Empress', causing multiple explosions around Lexi's whole field.
"Because of 'Amazoness Empress's' Monster Effect, she's not destroyed." Hurricane went on, before pointing forth. "But, you still take the damage!"
Finally, one final explosion sent poor Lexi flying and screaming across the room as her Life Points dropped all the way to zero as well (LP: 1400 - 0).
"LEXI!" called Merlin, clearly worried.
DUEL RESULTS: Hurricane Decapod wins!
When the smoke and holograms all cleared away, Lexi was shown lying on her stomach, although she was still conscious (if barely).
"Theo... we've lost the duel." she whispered in a voice so quietly that nobody could hear her, before casting a weak look at the unconscious Theo nearby. "My little Cinnamon Roll, I'm so sorry..."
That was when the Bio-Bands on both Hurricane and Lexi activated, draining both duelists of much energy while Thomas and the likes could only watch helplessly over it. Hurricane merely screamed in pain from being drained, while Lexi, already badly weakened from the duel, merely fell unconscious instead.
"No..." whispered Mavis, bringing both hands to her mouth.
"Not again..." added Edward.
"When will all of this insanity end?" Toby begged.
Merlin closed his eyes. "It won't end, Toby." While speaking he started walking towards the duel field. "Not until somebody steps up and tries to make a difference." The gentleman opened his eyes, with them full of determination to avenge the two kids. "I promise you guys that somebody...will be me."
"And what makes you think you can do better?" questioned Hurricane, who, despite being drained, still had the strength to stand and likely duel. "I never lose."
"Well, there's a first time for everything." retorted Merlin, activating his Duel Disk. "In all seriousness though, I'm dueling to keep Lexi and Theo both safe from people like you and those pirates who would try to hurt them, and I will win so that we can truly earn our freedom."
"So be it; I will take you on-!"
"Hurricane, please stop this!" begged Emily, earning Hurricane's attention. "I know you're only doing this because you made a mistake in the past, but letting Frankie endanger the lives of so many people will only make this whole thing even 'worse'! You have to stop before it's too late!"
Hurricane glared at the dark green-haired girl for a few seconds before casting a glare back at Merlin.
"Alright, if you think you can do a better job in dueling, then show me." he dared.
"Very well." nodded Merlin.
A few seconds later...
"DUEL!" Hurricane and Merlin both shouted at once (LP: 4000) x2.
With the audience...
"Hurricane..." whispered Emily.
"Merlin..." added Thomas.
With Merlin now dueling Hurricane, will things be any different? Will Merlin actually score a win against the wielder of the Black Disk, or will Hurricane defeat yet another opponent? Well, stay tuned for the answer!
