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.
"DUEL!" Hurricane and Merlin both shouted at once (LP: 4000) x2.
Opening up in one of the big chambers on the lower/upper levels of Boxford Corporation, a duel between Merlin and Hurricane was about to begin. With the audience...
"Hurricane..." whispered Emily.
"Merlin..." added Thomas.
And so, the match commenced...
"The first turn will go to me!" declared Hurricane, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn One: Hurricane Decapod (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Raidraptor - Skull Eagle", "Raidraptor - Call", "Raptor's Ultimate Mace", "Raidraptor - Singing Lanius", "Xyz Reborn", and "Necro Raptor"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Necro Raptor'. Thinking carefully, Hurricane added the card into his hand, took another, and placed it onto his Duel Disk.
"From my hand, I'll Summon 'Raidraptor - Skull Eagle'!"
Appearing onto the field was what looked like an 'Eagle'-version of a 'Raidraptor' Monster with a skull-like design (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 500).
"And then, from my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Raidraptor - Call'!" continued Hurricane, holding another card out. "It lets me target one Level 3 or lower 'Raidraptor' Monster I control and Special Summon, from my Deck, one monster with the same name as that target."
As expected, another copy of 'Raidraptor - Skull Eagle' appeared on the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 500).
"And now, I'll Overlay the two Level 3 'Raidraptor - Skull Eagle'! With these two Winged Beast monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"
The familiar Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field, absorbing the two monsters controlled by Hurricane.
"Xyz Summon!" announced Hurricane. "Appear! Rank 3 - 'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle'!"
Appearing onto the fiend, when the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was a different colored, more 'Falcon'-like version of 'Raidraptor - Skull Eagle' (Rank: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 0). Merlin stood ready, hoping that he could match Hurricane in both play and strength.
Title: Brewing Up a Storm
A repeat of the Xyz Summon sequence...
"And now, I'll Overlay the two Level 3 'Raidraptor - Skull Eagle'! With these two Winged Beast monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"
The familiar Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field, absorbing the two monsters controlled by Hurricane.
"Xyz Summon!" announced Hurricane. "Appear! Rank 3 - 'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle'!"
Appearing onto the fiend, when the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was a different colored, more 'Falcon'-like version of 'Raidraptor - Skull Eagle' (Rank: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 0).
"Now, through the effect of both 'Skull Eagles' turned Xyz material, 'Fiend Eagle's' Attack Power increases 300 points for each one!" The brown/red-haired boy explained. "'Fiend Eagle' now has an Attack Power of 1600!"
'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle's' Attack Power went up (ATK: 1000 - 1600).
"Already?!" complained Toby.
"Not only that, I'll also Special Summon 'Raidraptor - Singing Lanius' from my hand." As Hurricane spoke, he placed a card onto his Duel Disk (sideways). "If I control a face-up Xyz Monster, I can Special Summon this monster."
A yellow-colored 'Raidraptor' Monster appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 100/DEF: 1800).
"And now, I'll activate 'Fiend Eagle's' Monster Effect!" announced Hurricane. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can detach one Xyz Material from this monster, and then target one Special Summoned monster on the field; I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to its Attack Power."
One Overlay Unit faded from 'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle', who then spread its wings and released a surge of purple energy down upon Merlin.
"ARGH!" The gentleman cried out, taking some major damage (LP: 4000 - 2400). "T-That was sudden..."
Finally, a facedown card materialized on the field.
"I set one card facedown and end my turn." finished Hurricane, releasing his fingers from his Black Disk.
"It's my turn!" announced Merlin, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Two: Merlin Gillemere (LP: 2400)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Yellow Ninja", "Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo", "Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication", "Strike Ninja", "Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts", and "Ninjitsu Art Notebook"
His opening hand contained 'Yellow Ninja', 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo', 'Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication', 'Strike Ninja', and 'Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts', while his drawn card was 'Ninjitsu Art Notebook'.
"Good." Merlin thought to himself, adding the drawn card into his hand. "Hey, Hurricane! Are you interested in seeing the art of invisibility?"
"Art of invisibility?" quizzed Hurricane.
"Behold!" As Merlin spoke, he selected another card from his hand and slotted it into the opened Field Spell zone on his Duel Disk. "Field Spell - 'Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts', activate!"
"What?!" frowned Hurricane.
The scenery around them changed into a moonlit valley consisting of several huts.
"If a 'Ninja' Monster is Summoned to my field, I can target one 'Ninja' Monster or one 'Ninjitsu Art' card in my Graveyard; that card is added into my hand, but I can't activate cards, or the effects of cards, with that name for the rest of this turn." explained Merlin, taking another card and holding it out. "Next, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication'! It lets me Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Ninja' Monster from my hand."
"A Level 4 or lower 'Ninja' Monster." repeated Hurricane, while not worried was wondering what monster his opponent would Special Summon.
"Now, from my hand, I'll Special Summon 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo'!" announced Merlin, placing a card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was a 'Ninja' Monster wearing a horned helmet and a long purple scar (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000). Not only that, a card ('Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication') ejected from the Graveyard.
"And since, a 'Ninja' Monster was Summoned onto my field, the effect of 'Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts' activates!" Merlin went on, taking the 'Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication' Spell Card and adding it back into his hand. "I'll add 'Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication' from my Graveyard into my hand." He then held his right hand out. "Not only that, I'll also activate the effect of 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo'!"
Hurricane watched as a card ejected from his opponent's Deck, which Merlin took without hesitation.
"When this monster is Flip or Special Summoned, I can add one 'Ninja' Monster from my Deck into my hand, except for 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo'." The gentleman explained, looking at his card. It was a Monster Card called 'Aqua Armor Ninja'. "Not only that..." He added the card into his hand and selected another to play. "...I'll Summon 'Yellow Ninja' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a masked ninja wearing a yellow robe (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1800).
"'Yellow Ninja's' effect! If this monster is Normal Summoned or flipped face-up, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Ninja' Monster from my hand in attack position or facedown defense position."
On cue, a Monster Card called 'Strike Ninja' materialized face-up on the field.
"I Special Summon 'Strike Ninja'!" exclaimed Merlin.
Appearing from the face-up Monster Card and onto the field, was a ninja dressed in black with a goldish mask, and a red cape (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1200).
"I overlay the Level 4 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo' and 'Strike Ninja'! With these two Warrior-Type monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"
The familiar Overlay Network returned yet again, this time absorbing both 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo' and 'Strike Ninja'.
"Xyz Summon!" announced Merlin. "Emerge from the shadows - 'Blade Armor Ninja'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was a ninja dressed in purple armor with gold trimmings, and two swords on his back (Rank: 4/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1000).
"I activate the effect of 'Fiend Eagle' once more!" announced Hurricane, just as the last Overlay Unit from 'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle' was absorbed. "By removing one Overlay Unit, I inflict damage to you equal to the Attack Power of a Special Summoned monster on the field!"
'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle' soared into the sky and released another surge of purple energy down upon Merlin, causing him to cry out as his Life Points took another massive hit (LP: 2400 - 200).
"Merlin!" Thomas cried.
"He's already down to 200 Life Points!" added Nia.
"He can't take another big blow like that!" finished Rebecca.
Back in the duel field...
"B-Battle!" Merlin tried to say. He then managed to point forth. "I use 'Blade Armor Ninja' to attack 'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle'!"
'Blade Armor Ninja' obeyed, swiftly racing forth while unsheathing one of his blades, and slashing at 'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle'. The mechanical Winged Beast-Type monster then exploded due to its destruction, while Hurricane braced himself from the force of the blow (LP: 4000 - 3400).
"Now, I'll use 'Yellow Ninja' to attack 'Raidraptor - Singing Lanius'!" continued Merlin, just as 'Yellow Ninja' charged into battle. "Go forth!"
'Yellow Ninja' threw a kunai knife at 'Raidraptor - Singing Lanius', impaling it in the face and causing it to explode.
"Not only that, I'll also activate 'Blade Armor Ninja's' Monster Effect!" Merlin announced. "Once per turn, I can detach one Overlay Unit from this monster to target one 'Ninja' Monster I control; that monster can make a second attack during each Battle Phase this turn!"
An Overlay Unit flew into 'Blade Armor Ninja's' second blade, which he drew and swung for a second.
"Take this!" The gentleman commanded. "I use 'Blade Armor Ninja' to attack you directly!"
'Blade Armor Ninja' lunged into battle.
"You're going to take 2200 points of damage!"
"Wrong!" interrupted Hurricane sharply, causing Merlin to gasp. He then pointed to his facedown card. "I activate a Trap - 'Necro Raptor'!"
The set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"If I would take Battle Damage from an opponent's monster's direct attack, I can target one 'Raidraptor' Monster in my Graveyard; the Battle Damage I from this attack becomes zero, and, if I do this, I can Special Summon that target." explained Hurricane, before giving the command... "Return to me - 'Fiend Eagle'!"
'Black Armor Ninja' tried to strike the brown/red-haired boy, but a magical barrier formed around him, protecting him from the attack. Having failed, 'Black Armor Ninja' returned to Merlin's side of the field. Just then, 'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle' returned to the field with a loud screech.
"I enter my Main Phase 2." said Merlin, taking and holding another card out. "I activate a Continuous Spell - 'Ninjitsu Art Notebook'! Once per turn, I can send one 'Ninja' Monster from my hand to the Graveyard in order to set one 'Ninjitsu Art' Spell or Trap Card directly from my Deck, except for 'Ninjitsu Art Notebook'."
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field; Merlin then took and sent a card ('Aqua Armor Ninja') from his hand to the Graveyard.
"I send 'Aqua Armor Ninja' to the Graveyard..." As the gentleman spoke, he drew a card and set it. "...to set one 'Ninjitsu Art' Trap Card directly from my Deck."
A facedown card ('Armor Ninjitsu Art of Rust Mist') materialized on the field.
"My turn is over!"
With the audience...
"Merlin's barely hanging on with only 200 Life Points." said James. "You think he can pull out a miracle?"
"We don't know for sure." answered Edward. "We'll have to see if he can survive Hurricane's turn."
"There's a good chance he might try to bring something like 'Blaze Falcon' out." added Toby. "And if he does, Merlin can kiss the duel goodbye if Hurricane decides to do that and activate its effect."
Back in the duel field...
"It's my turn!" declared Hurricane, drawing a card.
Turn Three: Hurricane Decapod (LP: 3400)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (3): "Raptor's Ultimate Mace", "Xyz Reborn", and "Xyz Treasure Ticket"
His drawn card was the 'Xyz Treasure Ticket'; perfect! A small, somewhat dark smile appeared on Hurricane's face.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Xyz Treasure Ticket', from my hand!" The brown/red-haired boy began, holding his card out. "I target one Rank 4 or lower Xyz Monster I control and draw cards equal to its Rank."
He drew three cards and looked at them; the cards were 'Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force' (Spell Card), 'Raidraptor - Booster Strix' (Effect Monster Card), and 'Rank-Up-Magic Devotion Force' (Spell Card).
"Whatever you try next, I won't let you!" cut in Merlin, poking a button on his Duel Disk. "Facedown card, open - 'Armor Ninjitsu Art of Rust Mist'! While I control a face-up 'Ninja' Monster, the Attack Power of all face-up Special Summoned monsters my opponent controls is halved."
'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle' grew weaker (ATK: 1000 - 500).
"I'm not worried." insisted Hurricane, before taking and holding another card out. "I activate 'Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force'! It lets me target one face-up Xyz Monster I control and Special Summon from my Extra Deck, one 'Raidraptor' Monster that is one Rank higher than that target, by using that target as the Xyz Material."
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field and activated.
"I use 'Fiend Eagle' to build the Overlay Network!"
The familiar Overlay Network returned yet again; this time, it absorbed only 'Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle'. A Summon Chant was also heard...
"Avian hunter of the afterlife, seek the truth with your dark eyes, and grasp glory with your sharp talons!" chanted Hurricane, before taking a new card and placing it onto his Black Disk. "Rank Up Xyz EVOLUTION! Take flight! Rank 4 - 'Raidraptor - Force Strix'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was what looked like a larger than life mechanical owl (Rank: 4/ATK: 100 - 50/DEF: 2000).
"That's new." commented Henry.
"I activate 'Force Strix's' effect!" continued Hurricane. "Once per turn, I can detach one Overlay Unit from this monster to add one Level 4 DARK Winged Beast monster from my Deck into my hand."
The lone Overlay Unit soared over to Hurricane, turning into a card for him to add into his hand. Almost immediately, he decided to play it...
"I Summon 'Raidraptor - Necro Vulture' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a mechanic, black and purple-colored vulture with shadows glowing around it (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1600).
"As I control additional Winged Beast monsters-" Hurricane went on, pointing at 'Raidraptor - Force Strix'. "-'Force Strix' gains 500 Attack Points for each one, excluding itself."
'Raidraptor - Force Strix' grew stronger (ATK: 50 - 550).
"That's not enough!" reminded Merlin.
"That's not my aim." retorted Hurricane, just as 'Raidraptor - Necro Vulture' faded away in a blue streak. "This is my aim; 'Raidraptor - Necro Vulture's' effect!"
"Say what?!"
"I can tribute this monster, and then target one 'Rank-Up-Magic' Spell Card in my Graveyard and add it into my hand." The brown/red-haired boy pointed out, taking a card ('Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force') from his Graveyard and showing it off. "I've added 'Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force' back into my hand."
"And you're going to activate it again!" realized Merlin.
"Correct." Hurricane confirmed, slotting the card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. On cue, the 'Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field. "I'll build the Overlay Network using 'Force Strix'!"
The Overlay Network reappeared, absorbing 'Raidraptor - Force Strix' as a Summon Chant began...
"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 - 500/DEF: 2000).
"Not that thing again!" complained Gordon.
"When that monster's effect activates-" put in James. "-Merlin's Life Points will drop to zero!"
And so it began...
"I activate 'Blaze Falcon's' effect!" announced Hurricane, just as its only Overlay Unit flew into his new monster. "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."
The audience recoiled in horror, knowing that it was all over for Merlin.
"ELECTROSTATIC VOLT!"
'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' stood up, while beginning to ignite its rockets. Soon enough, numerous laser blasts were fired, striking Merlin's whole field.
"I'm not out!" declared Merlin, just as his face-up 'Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts' Spell Card started glowing and activating. He then allowed the 'Strike Ninja' Monster Card to eject from the Graveyard and fade away into oblivion. "The next effect of 'Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts'; If a 'Ninja' Monster(s) or 'Ninjitsu Art' card(s) I control would be destroyed by battle or by an opponent's Card Effect, I can instead remove one 'Ninja' Monster from my Graveyard instead."
'Strike Ninja' briefly appeared, taking the hit from 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon'.
"What?!" Hurricane cringed, not expecting something like this.
"My Life Points and monsters are safe." grinned Merlin. "One of your best moves has been cancelled out."
Hurricane was far from finished. "Equip Spell - 'Raptor's Ultimate Mace', activate!" he announced, taking and holding a card out. "It can be equipped only to a 'Raidraptor' Monster. It gains 1000 Attack Points."
'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' grew stronger (ATK: 500 - 1500).
"Because of 'Blaze Falcon's' effect-" continued Hurricane. "-it can attack the opponent, namely you, directly! RAPTOR'S BREAK OF THUNDERCLAP!"
'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' ignited its jets as it soared towards Merlin.
"Oh no, you don't!" Merlin countered, as another card slid out of his graveyard. "By removing 'Aqua Armor Ninja' from my Graveyard, I can negate your attack!"
The spirit of ''Aqua Armor Ninja' appeared on the field, intercepting 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon's' mighty attack. An explosion rocked the whole field, but Merlin and Hurricane were both okay.
"He stopped my direct attack." Hurricane thought to himself. "Maybe he might have a chance to..." He shook his head, took two cards from his hand, and slotted them into his Duel Disk. "I set two cards facedown and end my turn."
Two facedown cards materialized on the field.
"And now, it returns to me." declared Merlin, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Four: Merlin Gillemere (LP: 200)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (2): "Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication" and "Card of Demise"
After spending a few seconds looking at his card, the gentleman held it out.
"I activate 'Card of Demise'! It lets me draw cards until I have five cards in my hand. During my fifth Standby Phase after activation, I have to send all cards in my hand to the Graveyard." he drew four cards. "This will be the start of my counterattack."
Merlin's hand now contained 'Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication', 'Upstart Golden Ninja', 'Supremacy Berry', 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo', and 'Twilight Ninja Shingetsu'. He took the middle card and slotted it into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk.
"Next, since my Life Points are lower than yours, I'll activate 'Supremacy Berry'!" continued Merlin, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field and he gained major Life Points (LP: 200 - 2200). "I recover 2000 Life Points!" He then took and held a familiar card out. "Once again, I'll activate 'Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication'! You know what it does, right?"
Hurricane merely nodded. On cue, a second copy of the 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I Special Summon a second copy of 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo'!" announced Merlin.
A second 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo' appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000). It was also then the face-up 'Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts' Spell Card activated again.
"And the effect of 'Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts' activates!" Merlin pointed out, adding a card ('Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Duplication') into his hand. "It does—well, you know what it does." He then drew a card. "And the effect of 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo'; which I won't bother explaining since we all know what it does."
His card was a Monster Card called 'Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin'. Just then, 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo' faded away in a blue streak.
"I now sacrifice 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo' to Tribute Summon 'Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin'!" Merlin declared, placing a card onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field in 'Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo's' place, was a muscular-looking 'Ninja' Monster with a long red scarf (Level: 6/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1000).
"This monster has two different effects, and to activate it I must discard one 'Ninja' Monster Card from my hand. The first effect is, this turn, 'Ninja' Monsters and 'Ninjitsu Art' cards I control can't be destroyed by battle or Card Effects. For the second, one 'Ninja' Monster I control gains 1000 Attack Points until the end of this turn."
"Which effect are you going to select?" asked Hurricane, watching as Merlin sent a card ('Upstart Golden Ninja' to the Graveyard.
"The first one." answered Merlin, entering the Battle Phase. "I first use 'Blade Armor Ninja' to attack 'Blaze Falcon'!"
'Blade Armor Ninja' slashed at 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' with his blade.
"The remaining effect of 'Raptor Ultimate Mace'!" announced Hurricane, adding a card ('Rank-Up-Magic Soul Shave Force') into his hand. "I can add one 'Rank-Up-Magic' Spell Card from my Deck into my hand, and, if I do this, I take no Battle Damage from that attack."
Finally, 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' exploded, causing Hurricane, who was bracing himself, to get pushed back a smidge. When the attack ended, he poked a button on his Black Disk.
"Facedown card, activate!" As the brown/red-haired boy spoke, his first facedown card flipped up and revealed itself to be... "'Xyz Reborn'! I can target one Xyz Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it, and, if I do this, attach this card to it as an Overlay Unit."
"What?!" cried Merlin.
As expected, 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon' returned to the field (Rank: 5/ATK: 1000 - 500/DEF: 2000).
"I'll take it down again!" Merlin insisted, looking to his next monster ('Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin'). "'Twilight Ninja Nichirin', attack 'Blaze Falcon'!"
'Twilight Ninja Nichirin' obeyed, rushing forth to strike down 'Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon'. Unlike last time, Hurricane was ready for it...
"Quick-Play Spell - 'Rank-Up-Magic Devotion Force', activate!" he declared. "When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can target one Xyz Monster I control and Special Summon, from my Extra Deck, one Xyz Monster that is one Rank higher than the monster I control, by using it as the Xyz Material."
"One Rank higher?!" gasped Merlin. In his mind... "Here it comes!"
As the gentleman thought, '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 the larger, much more dangerous-looking 'Raidraptor' Monster (Rank: 6/ATK: 2000 - 1000/DEF: 3000).
"The monster that defeated both Theo and Lexi!" realized Thomas.
"I activate the effect of 'Revolution Falcon'!" thundered 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 monster is destroyed, and, if I do this, then I inflict damage to my opponent equal to half of the destroyed monster's Attack Power."
'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' began to fire a barrage of explosives, but 'Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin' bravely stood his ground.
"Your attack won't work!" shouted Merlin. "The first effect of 'Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin' prevents all of my 'Ninja' Monsters and 'Ninjitsu Art' cards from being destroyed by battle and Card Effects!"
The explosives struck the ground, creating a cloud of smoke. When the smoke cleared, all of Merlin's monsters and cards were still on the field.
"Now, where was I? Oh yeah!" Merlin resumed his attack, due to a replay. "'Twilight Ninja Nichirin', take down 'Revolution Falcon'!"
'Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin' continued his attack. Unfortunately, Hurricane was as prepared as ever...
"By declaring an attack on my 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster-" he was saying, taking a card from his hand and holding it out. "-I'll send 'Raidraptor - Booster Strix' from my hand to the Graveyard to have my Xyz Monster gain a powerful new effect!"
A 'Raidraptor' Monster called '''Raidraptor - Booster Strix' appeared on the field very briefly before merging (Non-Fusion) with 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon'.
"When this monster is targeted for an attack, I can detach one Overlay Unit from the monster; negate the attack. If I do this, I can detach one Overlay Unit and destroy the attacking monster."
"Since my cards can't be destroyed, you'll negate the attack instead." figured Merlin.
'Twilight Ninja Nichirin, the Chunin's' attack was repelled by 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' letting out a loud screech, pushing the muscular 'Ninja' Monster back.
"'Yellow Ninja' can still attack!" Merlin reminded, before giving the command to his next monster... "'Yellow Ninja', attack 'Revolution Falcon'!"
'Yellow Ninja' obeyed, throwing a kunai knife at 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon'. However, 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' allowed its last Overlay Unit to fade away in order to block the kunai and spare itself from being destroyed by the attack.
"Using the final Overlay Unit on 'Revolution Falcon', I've negated your attack." smirked Hurricane.
Merlin smirked back. "My Battle Phase isn't over though."
Hurricane seemed to flinch, having forgotten all about 'Blade Armor Ninja'. As expected, the last Overlay Unit flew from 'Blade Armor Ninja' and into his second blade, which he drew and readied.
"Take this!" cried Hurricane. "'Blade Armor Ninja', attack 'Revolution Falcon'!"
'Blade Armor Ninja' obeyed, diving at 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon', and slashing it across the chest. This time, there wasn't anything that could be done to prevent the attack from stopping or protecting 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon's' destruction. 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' let out an agonized screech before self-destructing, sending a screaming Hurricane flying across the room before slamming into the wall, taking moderate damage from the attack (LP: 3400 - 2200).
"Merlin actually succeeded in taking down one of Hurricane's best monsters!" rejoiced Mavis. "He could win this!"
"For sure!" added Duck.
"Let's go, Merlin!" called Oliver, encouraging the gentleman dueling.
Back in the duel field, Merlin's face-up 'Ninjitsu Art Notebook' Spell Card started to activate again.
"I activate the effect of 'Ninjitsu Art Notebook' again!" declared Merlin, sending a card ('Twilight Ninja Shingetsu') from his hand to the Graveyard. He then drew a card from the top of his Deck and set it. "I discard a 'Ninja' Monster to set one 'Ninjitsu' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck; that will end my turn, which also results in 'Twilight Ninja Nichirin's' effect ending."
A facedown card ('Ninjitsu Art of Shadow Sealing') materialized on the field. Merlin soon started to think about his winning strategy...
"Once Hurricane Summons a monster, I'll activate my Continuous Trap, 'Ninjitsu Art of Shadow Sealing', to allow me to tribute a 'Ninja' Monster I control to target that monster on Hurricane's field and Banish that target, as well as preventing him from using the banished monster's Monster Card Zone." he thought to himself, before looking over at 'Yellow Ninja'. "I'll tribute 'Yellow Ninja' and Banish whatever monster Hurricane cares to try and Summon on his turn."
Over with the audience...
"If Merlin can survive Hurricane's turn-" Toby was saying. "-he can win on his next turn."
"When you put it that way, let's hope Hurricane doesn't try anything funny until then." prayed James.
Emily, however, saw a look in Hurricane's eyes, which seemed to surprise her a fair bit.
"That glare... It's as if he's not worried at all." Emily thought to herself. "It's like he knows something we don't. Does he have another weapon hidden in the wings? If so, will he bring it out soon?"
Back over with Hurricane...
"I'm disappointed." he was saying to Merlin. "I was hoping you would be able to finish me off this turn."
"Huh?" blinked Merlin.
"Unfortunately, that was your last turn." Hurricane went on, pointing at his opponent. "Now, I will show you and everyone else here the further power of my 'Raidraptor' Deck!" With that said, he drew a card with a Destiny Draw of his own. "My turn, draw!"
Turn Five: Hurricane Decapod (LP: 2200)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (3): "Rank-Up-Magic Devotion Force", "Rank-Up-Magic Soul Shave Force", and ?
Adding the drawn card into his hand, the brown/red-haired boy took and held another card up.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Rank-Up-Magic Soul Shave Force'!" Hurricane began, taking a Life Point hit (LP: 2200 - 1100). "I first pay half of my Life Points, and then I target one 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it, then I can Special Summon, from your Extra Deck, one Xyz Monster that is 'two' Ranks higher than that monster, by using it as the Xyz Material!"
A card ('Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon') slid out of Hurricane's Graveyard.
"Return - 'Revolution Falcon'!"
On cue, 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' reappeared on the field - just as the Overlay Network was summoned to the center of the dueling field.
"I use 'Revolution Falcon' to build the Overlay Network!" announced Hurricane. "One of my strongest monsters will now appear!"
'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' was absorbed into the center of the Overlay Network, just as Hurricane began a Summon Chant...
"Dauntless falcon. Hoist up the flame of anger, become the flash of light that burns the land to ash!" chanted Hurricane, before raising his right fist into the air with a hotblooded scream of... "Rank Up Xyz EVOLUTION! Soar! Rank 8 - 'Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon'!"
Appearing onto the field, as the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was a new 'Raidraptor' Monster that resembled more of a Satellite Cannon than the last few 'Raidraptor' Monsters (Rank: 8/ATK: 3000 - 1500/DEF: 2000). The audience was surprised, and some were nervous, over seeing this new monster.
"'Satellite Cannon Falcon'!" began James.
"That's a monster I wouldn't want to mess with." commented Mavis.
"Me neither." agreed Edward.
"It shouldn't be too scary though." Henry pointed out. "It only has 1500 Attack Points thanks to Merlin's 'Armor Ninjitsu Art of Rust Mist' card weakening it."
"Good point, Henry." agreed Gordon.
Back in the duel field...
"Thanks to 'Armor Ninjitsu Art of Rust Mist', your 'Satellite Cannon Falcon's' Attack Power has dropped from 3000 to 1500." reminded Merlin. "Despite your double Rank Up, all Special Summoned monsters you have get weaker. My monsters will remain strong enough to overpower your 'Raidraptor' Monsters. I'm going to win!"
Hurricane narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure about that?"
"W-What?!" Merlin flinched in response.
"I activate 'Satellite Cannon Falcon's' effect!" continued Hurricane. "If this monster is Xyz Summoned by using a 'Raidraptor' Monster as material, I can destroy all Spells and Traps my opponent controls. Best of all, my opponent can't activate any cards or effects in response to this effect's activation."
Merlin recoiled in horror, watching as 'Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon' fired off various beams across his whole side of the field, causing various explosions. When the smoke was cleared away, all of Merlin's face-up Spell Cards and Trap Cards were wiped out completely.
"My secret weapon...!" The gentleman murmured.
With 'Armor Ninjitsu Art of Rust Mist' gone, 'Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon' regained its full strength (ATK: 1500 - 3000). And that wasn't even the worst part...
"Now, I'll activate 'Satellite Cannon Falcon's' main effect!" continued Hurricane, just as an Overlay Unit faded away from 'Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon'. "I can detach one Overlay Unit from this monster, and then target one face-up monster my opponent controls; it loses 800 Attack Points for each 'Raidraptor' Monster in my Graveyard."
Several cards ejected from Hurricane's Graveyard, and he took and held them out.
"I count nine such monsters! And the monster I choose for 'Satellite Cannon Falcon's' effect will be 'Blade Armor Ninja'!"
"H-Hey!" cried Merlin, but was viciously ignored.
"Incinerate with the rage of the hunted!" boomed Hurricane, pointing forth. "'Blade Armor Ninja' will have its Attack Power drop all the way to zero!"
'Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon' aimed several powerful laser cannons, which fired at 'Blade Armor Ninja', striking and weakening him greatly (ATK: 2200 - 0).
"N-No way!" winced Merlin.
"And now, the final blow!" roared Hurricane. "Let's go, 'Satellite Cannon Falcon'!"
From there, 'Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon' rose all the way into the air until it was barely touching the ceiling; there, it started charging all of its weaponry. All that was needed was the attack name...
"Bear the feelings of the hunted, and shatter!" Hurricane screamed, before finally saying (or yelling) the name of his monster's attack... "ETERNAL AVENGE!"
A huge blast was fired from 'Raidraptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon', vaporizing 'Blade Armor Ninja' and striking Merlin head on—who tried to resist the force of the attack, but instead screamed as he got thrown violently across the room (LP: 2200 - 0).
"MERLIN!" Thomas and the likes screamed out, clearly worried.
DUEL RESULTS: Hurricane Decapod wins!
As the holograms faded, Merlin was shown laying on his stomach on the ground.
"I've been defeated..." he panted, before a shadow loomed over him. "I... I've failed both Lexi and Theo..."
Slowly looking up, the defeated gentleman saw Hurricane gazing upon him.
"You gave it your all-" Hurricane admitted, glaring as coldly as ever. "-but you still fell to my power. No matter who faces me; whether it be one-on-one, two-on-one, or even three-on-one, I'll destroy anyone who faces me in battle! I won't fail Frankie after I've let her down once before!"
Merlin looked very defeated. "Is it...worth it?" he asked quietly, causing Hurricane to raise an eyebrow as the gentleman lifted his head a tad. "Is it worth making us miserable just to please Frankie...? Tell me, are you truly happy...doing that?"
With that said, Merlin finally passed out from his injuries. Just then, Hurricane's Bio-Band glowed, causing him to yell as more of his energy was drained. After trying to catch his breath, Hurricane got back to his feet and pressed a button on his Black Disk, which caused a miniature hologram of Frankie to appear. It would seem this Black Disk was also made to function as a communicator. Nearby, Thomas and likes watched silently, knowing that Hurricane was busy trying to get a hold of Frankie to let her know of his success.
"What is it, Hurricane?" The image of the blue/green-haired girl demanded. "Make it quick; I have a 'special guest' I'm about to entertain."
"I've defeated the trio, as you requested." Hurricane explained.
"Excellent!" praised Frankie, clearly pleased with the news. "Now, that you have them cornered - finish them off!"
Hurricane was rather puzzled. "Finish them off?" he pondered. "But... but I don't understand. You wanted Theo, Lexi, and Merlin each defeated, right?"
"Hmph! Did you honestly believe I wanted you to just defeat them in a duel and bring them back to me?" chuckled Frankie, sounding as dark as ever before. "That's so stupid! I want you to 'kill' them."
Hurricane gasped in shock. "K-Kill?! But why would you want-?"
"They've betrayed me." Frankie went on. "And so, they deserve the strictest of punishments - death! So go ahead, Hurricane. Kill them now, and forever prove your loyalty to me!"
It was at this moment, something dawned on Hurricane. He realized now that Frankie wasn't satisfied with anything simple anymore. She would never be happy unless it was at the expense, or death, of others. The influence of both Driote and the 'Wicked Gods' had completely drained Frankie's humility.
"What's the hold up, Hurricane?" Frankie demanded, after what seemed like forever. "Get the job done! I haven't got all day to wait!"
What was Hurricane to do now; should he commit murder just to prove his loyalty to his best friend, or should he do the right thing and defy her? The brown/red-haired boy had no idea on what to do...
"Hurricane!" Emily called out, having overheard the conversation between Hurricane and Frankie. "What are you going to do? Are you going to continue to blindly follow your so-called best friend's orders just because of a past mistake on your part? Or are you instead going to do the right thing and stand up to her cruelty? The choice is yours to decide!"
"Don't listen to that so-called 'Supreme Queen'!" The image of Frankie argued, overhearing Emily's voice. "You will do as I command, and finish the job! Do it, and I promise I will reward you handsomely."
At long last, Hurricane found his voice on the matter...
"No... I won't do it!"
"What...did you just say to me?" Frankie angrily asked, with her eyes twitching with madness.
"I will not kill those three, Frankie." refused Hurricane. "I'm 'not' a murderer! Most importantly, you're not the Frankie I once knew!"
Frankie was enraged. "Why you-! Hurricane, do you have any idea who you're talking to?!"
"I 'do' know who I'm talking to!" exclaimed Hurricane, with his eyes shut tightly. "The Frankie I knew would never want anybody to die no matter how upset she was with them!" He opened his eyes fiercely and glared at the image of Frankie on his Black Disk. "You're not Frankie; you're a monster! You have the real Frankie sealed away, and I will do everything in my power to save her and stop you from completing the R.A. Project!"
The image of Frankie scowled, just as communication was abruptly cut off. Hurricane gazed long and hard at his Black Disk before he heard footsteps. As expected, Thomas and the others were approaching the brown/red-haired boy, having witnessed him deciding to betray Frankie and declaration to save/defeat her.
"You've made the right choice, Hurricane." Thomas reassured.
"Agreed." added Edward.
"Guys, I don't know if we should trust that guy." said James, feeling suspicious with Hurricane. "He let people suffer just so 'he' could get a clean slate."
"I believe in him, James." interrupted Emily, before looking into Hurricane's eyes carefully. "He knew what he did was wrong, and also finally realized that both the "Wicked Gods' and Driote had completely drained away any and all of Frankie's humility."
"Besides, none of this would be happening if it weren't for me." Hurricane sighed sadly, looking at his Black Disk in complete shame. "Why did I have to be such a coward when those Duel Monsters invaded? I could have saved Frankie before it was too late..."
"You're not a coward, Hurricane." insisted Thomas. "You had no idea that the Duel Monsters that kidnapped Frankie were real, and it was only a moment of weakness for you."
"Thomas has a point. Besides, I too know what it's like to hurt someone you care for while being blinded by fear." Emily added. "I would like to tell you the story about it, but now's not the time for it."
"Right." agreed Hurricane. "We have to stop Frankie before it's too late."
"I feel as though the R.A. Project only needs a little bit more energy." added Thomas. "And the source of it could be anywhere."
"Frankie did mention that she was about to entertain a 'special guest'." Hurricane added, recalling part of his conversation with Frankie.
"She must be talking about Spencer!" gasped Gordon. "He must have made it to her!"
Thomas nodded in affirmative, before turning to everyone else.
"Guys, I'm sorry, but I want the rest of you to get out of the building." he instructed, rather firmly. "The battles ahead are going to be far too dangerous for any of you to witness. Hurricane, Emily, and I are the only ones who have to proceed."
"You mean we're not even allowed to cheer you guys on for support?" Mavis asked, a little disappointed.
"Thomas has a point." interrupted Edward. "This is his and Emily's fight; none of us have any involvement in it. Hurricane, meanwhile, has something he needs to do regarding Frankie."
"Besides-" put in Nia. "-they're just trying to keep us safe."
"I'm down with that." accepted Oliver.
"But who will keep 'you' safe if Driote wins?" asked Toby, still speaking to Thomas.
"I won't 'let' Driote win, this time." reassured Thomas. He then managed to smile. "We will be back; trust me."
After what seemed like forever...
"Alright, we'll evacuate the building." nodded Rebecca.
"Be safe, you three." warned Nia. "Don't lose to her."
"And Thomas, do me a quick favor." put in James, before looking at his two teachers. "Sorry Nia and Rebecca, but this needs to be said." He then looked back at Thomas and grinned. "Get up there and kick Driote's ass!"
Thomas nodded in agreement. With that said, everyone else, with Gordon and Henry both picking up Merlin, Nia and Rebecca both carrying Lexi, and Mavis carrying Theo, turned and started to make their way back down, leaving Thomas, Emily, and Hurricane each to proceed through the rest of the building and reach where Frankie currently was. The final battle was up ahead, and it was going to be extremely difficult and frightening. Could they make it? Stay tuned!
