This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART) and we 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
NOTE: This scene takes place between the end of Pyramid of Light and the start of Season 5, and it features Emily's cousin David Ryder who is an OC owned by fellow authors AaronCottrell97 and Jeremy
WARNING: This deleted scene is rated K10-plus, but is rated T just to be on the safe side.
Title: Out with a Bang
It was New Year's Eve… The year 2009 was about to end, beginning a new year and decade for the world. This one was going to be an interesting one for James, since he wanted to duel against someone very powerful and win for his New Year's resolution. While Thomas and Emily both were powerful duelists, they weren't whom James wanted to face.
"Come on!" complained James, having breakfast at a diner with Thomas and Emily, "Who on the island can I face that's very powerful yet not invincible!?"
"Excuse me?" frowned Thomas, offended by the claim, "Emily and I are not invincible, you know."
"Just relax, James," scolded Emily, "You still have all day to find someone powerful to duel against."
James merely groaned, continuing to be unhappy as he ate at his stack of pancakes.
"It's like all the other super strong duelists are actively avoiding me," he thought to himself, "That just sucks."
"Why did you wish to face a powerful duelist for a New Year's resolution anyway?" asked Thomas, "Surely a plain, simple duel with one of your closest dueling friends will be fine enough."
"Haven't you ever heard of the old saying 'Going out with a Bang'? James retorted, after swallowing some pancakes, "If the New Year is about to approach, then I want the old year to end in a blaze of glory for me."
"A blaze of glory?" A familiar male voice pondered.
James, Emily, and Thomas each turned, and saw David R. (David Ryder) approaching.
"David!" cried Emily, hugging her older cousin, "You did come!"
"I wouldn't wanna miss hanging out with my favorite cousin before I leave this afternoon," smiled David R., before looking at James curiously, "Anyway, what's this I hear about 'a blaze of glory'?"
"Well, James here made a New Year's resolution to face a powerful duelist in battle and win it in order to close off 2009," answered Thomas, "Apparently, Emily and I are too obvious for him to duel against."
"Sadly so," agreed James, before stopping with a surprised look now planted on his face, "Wait…a…second!"
"What? What is it?" quizzed Emily.
"I just thought of who I want to face for my challenge," James declared, before turning and pointing a finger at none other than David R., "David Ryder, cousin of Emily, I hereby challenge you to one last duel of the year!"
Thomas and Emily both were stunned by what they were hearing, and so was David R.—although not to the same extent.
"Me?" blinked David R..
"Yeah!" confirmed James, before bringing up a time he and Emily's cousin dueled, "Remember how you beat me with those 'Cyber Dragon' cards back when we first met? Well, I've been getting better since then and I want to see if I have what it takes to win this time."
"It hasn't been 'that' long though," Thomas pointed out.
"Exactly, but that's not the point. The point that I am trying to make right now, is that I want one more chance to duel against the 'Cyber Dragon' archetype. But this time I'm gonna win."
"Hmm… I don't know," mused David R., "I mean, my crew will be expecting me to show up at the harbor very soon."
"Oh, come on! Please!?" begged James, "I REALLY want to duel against you and your 'Cyber Style' Deck one more time! It will complete my New Year's resolution!"
David R. looked thoughtful as he did some thinking on it. Thomas and Emily both, likewise, were hopeful that he would say yes to a rematch. At last, an answer was given…
"Well, James, you have talked me into a duel," said David R., before grinning, "I'm sure my crew won't mind if I'm a little late in going to meet with them."
"Alright!" cheered James, "Let's meet up at the Town Square under the clock tower—later after breakfast."
Thomas, Emily, and even David R. sweatdropped as they each watched the red-haired boy resume cheerfully eating his meal, wisely deciding to not comment on it.
(elsewhere…)
Once breakfast was finished and at least two hours passed, the three teenagers (Thomas, Emily, and James) and young adult (David R.) all made their way to the Town Square Clock.
"This place will do nicely," said James.
"Good," nodded David R., "I just called my crewmates and told them I'm gonna be a little late in meeting up with them since I agreed to this duel. They just told me to have fun and maybe win. And you know, that's what I'm gonna do."
"Well, I let you off easily last time," smirked James, trying to insist that he 'let' David R. win even though everyone already knew he lost fair and square that time, "But this time around, I'll be the one shining at the end."
To that, both sides activated their respective Duel Disks and inserted their shuffled Decks into the devices, which lit up the LP gauges.
"DUEL!" James and David R. both announced at once (LP: 4000) x2.
And thus, the rematch commenced.
"The first turn is mine!" requested David, R., drawing a card, "Draw!"
"'Cyber Dragon' is a monster that can be Special Summoned from the hand if I control a monster," thought James, "So, by going second, David would not be able to Summon it so easily."
Turn One: David Ryder (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Cyber Dragon", "Different Dimension Capsule", "De-Fusion", "Cyber Dragon", "Cyber Dragon", and "Polymerization"
David R. looked at his drawn card for a moment before looking at James.
"You seem pleased, James," he remarked, causing the red-haired boy to look surprised, "You think that by me going first, I would not be able to bring out a 'Cyber Dragon', right? Well, what if I told you that I can?"
"What are you implying?" worried James.
"That's right," continued David R., before holding his drawn card ('Polymerization') out, "I activate the Spell Card 'Polymerization'! I must Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material."
"No way!"
Unfortunately, the young man took three cards (all being 'Cyber Dragon' Monster Cards) from his hand and held them up.
"I fuse the three 'Cyber Dragons' in my hand in order to Fusion Summon 'Cyber End Dragon' from my Extra Deck in Attack Position!" declared David R., as the three mechanical serpent-like dragons appeared in the air before fusing together, "Show yourself, 'Cyber End Dragon'!"
Appearing out of the Fusion Vortex and onto the field, was the huge mechanical dragon with three heads (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 2800).
"I was hoping to avoid facing 'Cyber Dragon' early on, but instead I face 'Cyber End Dragon' on the very first turn!" thought James, "This is just peachy! How am I gonna get myself out of this mess, now?"
"I'm not done," interrupted David R., as he slotted a card into his Duel Disk, "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Different Dimension Capsule'!"
A large capsule rose from the ground and opened up.
"I must banish 1 card from my Deck face-down," explained David R., taking a card from his Deck and letting it fade away into oblivion, "After this card's activation, it remains on the field. I must destroy this card during my 2nd Standby Phase after activating this card, and if I do, add the banished card to the hand."
A card (only showing the backend) materialized inside the capsule as it closed itself.
"Emily, do you think that card your cousin banished might be…'Power Bond'?" Thomas whispered to Emily.
"It's a possibility," replied Emily, "But we don't know that for sure; we'll have to wait and see what happens next."
Back on the field, a face-down card materialized behind 'Cyber End Dragon'.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn," declared David R., "Let's see what you can do now, James."
"I'm sure of it," James thought to himself, "It has to be 'Power Bond'. By activating it, David can fuse monsters from his hand or field and Fusion Summon a Machine Fusion Monster from his Extra Deck and basically double its ATK. The downside of that would be he takes damage equal to the amount of ATK the Fusion Monster gained during the End Phase," He drew a card and spoke aloud, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Two: James Hughes (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Elemental HERO Bladedge", "Draining Shield", "Elemental HERO Wildheart", "Cyclone Boomerang", "Soul Union", and "Wild Half"
His hand contained 'Elemental HERO Bladedge', 'Draining Shield', 'Elemental HERO Wildheart', 'Cyclone Boomerang', 'Soul Union', and the drawn 'Wild Half'.
"Sweet!" continued James, mentally, relieved at his opening hand, "I can destroy 'Different Dimension Capsule' and 'Cyber End Dragon' with this hand," He took a card from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Elemental HERO Wildheart' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was the tribal-like Warrior monster with his large sword (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600).
"'Wildheart'?" pondered David R..
"This is only the beginning," said James, holding out another card ('Wild Half'), "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Wild Half'!"
Suddenly, Cyber End Dragon grew weaker as it split in two (ATK: 4000 → 2000/DEF: 2800 → 1400).
"What just happened to my monster?!" gasped David R..
"That's easy; 'Cyber End' was split in two and got weaker," explained James, "If I control a face-up 'Elemental HERO Wildheart': I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must halve its original ATK and DEF, then Special Summon 1 'Half Token' to my opponent's with the same Level, Type, Attribute, ATK, DEF and effect(s) as the target," He then took another card and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "From there, I'll equip 'Wildheart' with 'Cyclone Boomerang'!"
From there, a boomerang materialized in 'Elemental HERO Wildheart's' hand, causing him to grow stronger (ATK: 1500 → 2000).
"I must equip only to 'Elemental HERO Wildheart'. It gains 500 ATK. When the equipped monster is destroyed and sent to the GY: I must destroy all Spells and Traps on the field, then inflict 500 damage to my opponent for each Spell/Trap destroyed by this effect."
David felt concerned by this, but knew he had a way to save 'Cyber End Dragon'.
"Now, 'Wildheart', attack 'Cyber End Dragon'!" ordered James, having entered the Battle Phase, "WILD BOOMERANG!"
'Elemental HERO Wildheart' obeyed, roaring loudly as he hurled its boomerang towards 'Cyber End Dragon'.
"That's a good move, James," complimented David R., grinning broadly, "However, I won't let you destroy 'Cyber End' that easily."
James eased up slightly.
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'De-Fusion'!" announced David R., as his face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, "I must target 1 Fusion Monster on the field; I must return that target to the Extra Deck, then, if all the Fusion Materials that were used for its Fusion Summon are in my GY, I can Special Summon all of them."
As expected, 'Cyber End Dragon' split apart back into three copies of 'Cyber Dragon' (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600) x3.
"Well, so much for that idea," thought James, "Well, I guess I'd better make the most of it," From there he spoke up again, "'Wildheart', attack the 'Half Token'!"
From there, the boomerang redirected towards the copy of 'Cyber End Dragon', which fired a triple blast in retaliation. Both monsters were hit by the other's attack, destroying each other in a massive explosion.
"As 'Wildheart' was destroyed while equipped with 'Cyclone Boomerang'," reminded James, "all of your Spells and Traps are destroyed, then you take 500 damage for each one that got wiped out!"
'Different Dimension Capsule' shattered into shards of glass, while David R. then took some damage from the loss of it (LP: 4000 → 3500).
"I'll admit that was a wise move on your part, James," said David R., "However, it left you open for a direct attack by my three 'Cyber Dragons'."
"All I can do now is Set one card face-down and end my turn," finished James, just as a face-down card materialized on his side of the field. In his mind… "At least I got rid of 'Power Bond'."
"Here's where it ends!" declared David R., drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: David Ryder (LP: 3500)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (1): "Return Soul"
Looking at the card in his hand, David R. began to grin.
"I admit you had a clever strategy earlier, James," he remarked, "However, I regret to inform you the card inside that capsule was 'not' my 'Power Bond', if that's what you're thinking you destroyed."
"Wait, it wasn't?!" gasped James. All of a sudden, he watched as a card materialized out of light and appeared back in David R.'s hand, "Wh-What?!"
"You see, the card I banished was actually a Spell Card known as 'Card from a Different Dimension'," David R. went on, holding the added card ('Card from a Different Dimension') out, "If this card is banished; I must add it to my hand during my next Standby Phase, and if I do, both players draw 2 cards."
From there, the two duelists drew two more cards. They were as followed:
-James: 'The Warrior Returning Alive' (Spell Card) and 'Hero Signal' (Trap Card)
-David R.: 'Cyber Kirin' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Future Fusion' (Equip Spell)
"BATTLE!" announced David R., entering the Battle Phase, "The first 'Cyber Dragon' attacks directly! EVOLUTION BURST!"
The first 'Cyber Dragon' obeyed, opening its mouth and firing a blast towards James. But despite his field being empty of monsters, the red-haired boy was at the ready with a counter strategy.
"I activate a Trap!" declared James as one of his facedown cards revealed itself, "'Draining Shield'! When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must target the attacking monster; I must negate that attack, and if I do, gain LP equal to that target's ATK!"
As proven, a large shield appeared in-front of James and created a protective barrier, absorbing 'Cyber Dragon's' Evolution Burst, and causing James to get stronger (LP: 4000 → 6100).
"You've stopped one of my attacks," admitted David R., "But I've got two more 'Cyber Dragons' to go! Pick up where the first left off, my dragons! EVOLUTION BURST times two!"
The remaining two 'Cyber Dragons' obeyed, firing blasts of their own at James, causing him to yell out when he got hit by the resulting explosion (LP: 6100 → 4000 → 1900).
"You've saved yourself from a One Turn Kill," said David R. knowingly, before taking a card from his hand and slotting it into his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn."
A face-down card materialized on the field behind the three 'Cyber Dragons'.
"Man, he really nailed me there," thought James, "If I didn't have 'Draining Shield', that would have been the end of me right there… Still, this duel is just beginning!" He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Four: James Hughes (LP: 1900)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (5): "Elemental HERO Bladedge", "Soul Union", "The Warrior Returning Alive", "Hero Signal", and "Polymerization"
His drawn card was the 'Polymerization' Spell Card.
"Alright!" With that thought on hand, James added the card into his hand and held another one out, "Spell Card, 'The Warrior Returning Alive'! I must target 1 Warrior monster in my GY; I must add that target to my hand. Using my card, I'll add 'Wildheart' back into my hand!"
A card ("Elemental HERO Wildheart') ejected from his GY, which he took and held up alongside two other cards ('Polymerization' and 'Elemental HERO Bladedge').
"Furthermore, I'm gonna fuse him with 'Bladedge' also in my hand!" continued James, "I Fusion Summon 'Elemental HERO Wildedge' in Attack Position!"
From there, the golden-armored 'Elemental HERO' briefly appeared before joining 'Elemental HERO Wildheart' in the Fusion Vortex. Within seconds, 'Elemental HERO Wildheart' reappeared on the field, now wearing bits of 'Elemental HERO Bladedge's' armor (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2300).
"It must be Fusion Summoned," explained James, "More importantly, 'Wildedge' can attack every monster my opponent controls (one attack on each monster per Battle Phase)," He clenched his right hand into a fist and swung it about, "This means I can wipe out all of your 'Cyber Dragons' at once!"
'Elemental HERO Wildedge' drew out and readied his weapon.
"INFINITY EDGE SLICER!"
From there, 'Elemental HERO Wildedge' slashed his blade with a loud yell, taking out all three 'Cyber Dragons' at once, and dealing quite a bit of damage to David R. (LP: 3500 → 2000).
"Heck yeah!" cheered James, "All three of your 'Cyber Dragons' have been scrapped!" He then took two cards and slotted them into separate Spell/Trap slots on his Duel Disk, "Now, I'll Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
Two face-down cards materialized on the field.
"Unfortunately, you haven't seen the last of my dragons!" declared David R. as his face-down card revealed itself, "I activate a Trap, 'Return Soul'! During the End Phase, I must target up to 3 monsters destroyed this turn in either player's GY: I must return them to their owners' Decks," From there, the three 'Cyber Dragon' Monster Cards ejected from the GY, and he took and held them out, "You've destroyed all three of my 'Cyber Dragons', so I will shuffle them back into my Deck."
"That means I'll have to face them again at some point!" realized James.
"Sooner than you think," warned David R., drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Five: David Ryder (LP: 2000)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (1): "Cyber Kirin", "Future Fusion", and "De-Fusion"
His drawn card was another copy of the 'De-Fusion' Spell Card, and the rest of his hand contained 'Cyber Kirin' and 'Future Fusion'.
"I'm afraid that time is now!" continued David R., as he took another card ('Future Fusion') from his hand and held it out, "From my hand, I'll activate 'Future Fusion'!"
James recoiled, "'Future Fusion'?"
"I must show 1 Fusion Monster in my Extra Deck and send the Fusion Materials listed on it from my Main Deck to the GY: I must Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck and equip it with this card, but it cannot attack this turn," explained David R., holding out a card ('Cyber End Dragon') he took from his Duel Disk's Extra Deck section, "When this card leaves the field, I must destroy that target. When that target is destroyed, I must destroy this card."
Thomas and Emily both gasped, not having the strength to say anything as they watched as David R. took three cards (all being 'Cyber Dragon') from his Deck, held them out, and sent them back to the GY.
"Now, I'll send my three 'Cyber Dragons' from my Deck back to the GY," began David R., before raising his right hand into the air as his three 'Cyber Dragons' reappeared in the sky before merging together, "Return to me, 'Cyber End Dragon'!"
Within a massive burst of light, the mighty 'Cyber End Dragon' reappeared onto the field (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 2800).
"I end my turn!" finished David R., "Now, James, what will you do next?"
"Damn…" thought James, "This is not what I was hoping for…" He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Six: James Hughes (LP: 1900)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (1): "Emergency Provisions"
On cue, a face-down card materialized on the field in-front of the red-haired boy.
"All I can do is Set one card face-down," said James dejectedly, "I end my turn there."
From there, David R. drew his next card. James was deeply hoping that the draw wasn't going to be a card that would hurt him badly.
Turn Seven: David Ryder (LP: 2000)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (1): "Cyber Kirin", "De-Fusion", and "Power Bond"
David R. saw he drew his 'Power Bond' Spell Card.
"James, I'm going to end this duel with one, powerful attack," he remarked, adding the card into his hand while taking another out, "I'm going to win now!"
"You going to what?" reeled James, "Wait… Don't tell me… You've drawn it?!"
"You'd better believe it," confirmed David R., before taking another card from his hand, "But first, to set the stage, I shall split my 'Cyber End Dragon' apart with a second 'De-Fusion'!"
'Cyber End Dragon' immediately split back into three 'Cyber Dragons' (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600) x3. James was sweating fearfully, waiting for the card to be played. Sure enough…
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Power Bond'!" began David R., holding his next card ('Power Bond') out, "I must Fusion Summon 1 Machine Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material, and it gains ATK equal to its original ATK."
The three 'Cyber Dragons' merged together again.
"Return again, 'Cyber End Dragon'!"
For the third time, 'Cyber End Dragon' returned to the field (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 2800).
"From the effect of 'Power Bond', 'Cyber End Dragon's' ATK becomes doubled!" reminded David R..
'Cyber End Dragon' let loose a powerful roar as it grew way stronger (ATK: 4000 → 8000).
"Now, I'm perfectly aware of 'Power Bond's' second effect," David R. acknowledged, "During the End Phase of the turn this card is activated, I take damage equal to the amount of ATK gained from this effect at the time of the Summon. But, as I said, I'm going to end the duel right here!"
James winced, waiting for the end to come.
"'Cyber End Dragon', attack 'Elemental HERO Wildedge'!" ordered David R., having entered the Battle Phase, "SUPER STRIDENT BLAZE!"
'Cyber End Dragon' obeyed, charging blasts from its three heads and firing towards 'Elemental HERO Wildedge'. But just as the combined blast could hit…
"I activate a Trap and a Quick-Play Spell!" declared James, as two of his set cards flipped up, "'Soul Union' and 'Emergency Provisions'!"
"What?" pondered David R..
"First up is 'Emergency Provisions'!" explained James, "I must send any number of other Spells/Traps I control to the GY; I must gain 1000 LP for each card sent to the GY this way," He pointed to his face-up 'Soul Union' Trap Card, "I'll send 'Soul Union' to the GY to gain 1000 LP!"
The 'Soul Union' Trap Card vanished as James's LP rose a bit (LP: 1900 → 2900).
"Now the effect of 'Soul Union' resolves! I must target 1 'Elemental HERO' monster I control and 1 'Elemental HERO' monster in my GY: The 'Elemental HERO' monster I control gains ATK equal to the ATK of the targeted 'Elemental HERO' monster in my GY," As James spoke, a card ('Elemental HERO Bladedge') ejected from his GY which he took and held out, "As you can see, I've picked 'Bladedge', raising 'Wildedge's' ATK by 2600!"
'Elemental HERO Wildedge's' ATK went up (ATK: 2600 → 5200). However, it was not enough to survive 'Cyber End Dragon's' attack, and so 'Elemental HERO Wildedge' was hit by Super Strident Blaze and destroyed in a massive explosion. James braced himself as his LP took a big hit and left him dangerously low (LP: 2900 → 100).
"You were able to hold on that time," commented David R., "However, my attack has left you with only 100 LP and an empty field. Unless you have a way out, I'm going to end the duel on my next turn."
"I have one more card to activate," retorted James, before pointing to his remaining Set card, "Face-down card, open! 'Hero Signal'!"
The remaining face-down card flipped up and revealed itself.
"When a monster I control is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I must Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower 'Elemental HERO' monster from my hand or Deck."
Appearing on the field within seconds was 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman', who went into a defensive stance immediately (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 1200).
"I'll Special Summon 'Bubbleman' in Defense Position!" said James, before drawing two cards, "Now, I'll activate the second effect of my monster! When this card is Summoned: I can draw 2 cards. I must control no other cards to activate and to resolve this effect."
Both cards were 'Elemental HERO Avian' (Normal Monster Card) and 'Spy Hero' (Spell Card).
"My Battle Phase ends here," admitted David R., taking another card from his hand, "However, my turn is not over," He placed the card ('Cyber Kirin') onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Cyber Kirin' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a cybernetic horse-like creature (Level: 3/ATK: 300/DEF: 800).
"Next, I'll activate the effect of my 'Cyber Kirin'!" David R. went on, as 'Cyber Kirin' shattered into shards of glass, "I can Tribute this card (Quick Effect): I must make any effect damage I take this turn 0."
"So that means he'll able to protect himself from 'Power Bond's' drawback effect," Emily pointed out.
She was right…
"I end my turn," finished David R., "That means the second effect of 'Power Bond' activates, making me take damage equal to 'Cyber End's' original ATK. However…"
A protective aura glowed around David R. thanks to 'Cyber Kirin', preventing him from taking the damage from the drawback effect of the 'Power Bond' Spell Card.
"Great, just great…" thought James, "'Cyber End Dragon' has an ATK of 8000, and I've only got two cards in my hand and 'Bubbleman' protecting me… This means unless I draw something good, David's gonna finish me off on his next turn."
"What's wrong, James?" wondered David R., "It's your turn, now."
"It looks like James is getting his share of doubts," figured Thomas, "He's afraid of drawing the wrong card and losing."
The blue-haired boy was well familiar with that feeling of fear in quite a few of his earlier duels. At last, James made a move…
"It's my turn!" he exclaimed, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Eight: James Hughes (LP: 100)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (3): "Elemental HERO Avian", "Spy Hero", and "Pot of Greed"
On cue, the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate 'Pot of Greed'!" continued James, drawing two cards, "I must draw 2 cards," He saw they were both 'De-Fusion' (Spell Card) and 'Elemental Burst' (Trap Card), added both cards into his hand, took another card ('Elemental HERO Avian'), and placed it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "I Summon 'Avian' in Defense Position!"
From there, the green, bird-themed 'Elemental HERO' appeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"Then, from my hand, I'll activate a Spell Card, 'Spy Hero'!" As James said that, the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself. He took two cards ('Elemental HERO Captain Gold' and 'Hero Kid') from his Deck and sent them to the GY, "I must send 2 random cards from my Deck to the GY, then target 1 Spell in my opponent's GY: I must add it to my hand, but send it to the GY at end of the turn."
David R. watched as a card ('Future Fusion') ejected from his GY and soared over into James's right hand.
"I'm taking your 'Future Fusion' if that's okay," remarked James cheekily, "In fact, I'm activating it now!" From there, two more cards ('Elemental HERO Burstinatrix' and 'Elemental HERO Clayman') ejected from his Deck, "I'm gonna take 'Burstinatrix' and 'Clayman' both from my Deck and fuse them together into 'Elemental HERO Rampart Blaster'!"
From there, the fire-themed female 'Elemental HERO' and the rock-themed HERO appeared briefly on the field before fusing together, showing 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix' now wearing a rock-like armor similar to 'Clayman's' (Level: 7/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2500).
"It's not much, I know, but it's still a slight start," sighed James, before taking and slotting two cards into his Duel Disk. This resulted in two face-down cards materializing on the field, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn."
"It's my turn again, declared David R., drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Nine: David Ryder (LP: 2000)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (1): "Cyber Phoenix"
On cue, a Monster Card known as 'Cyber Phoenix' materialized face-up on the field.
"I Summon 'Cyber Phoenix' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a cybernetic phoenix letting loose a robotic screech (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1600).
"The first effect of my monster… While this card is in Attack Position, I can negate any Spell/Trap effects that target 1 Machine monster I control," explained David R., "This means whatever you have Set will be ineffective against 'Cyber End'!" He then gave the command to his ace monster while entering the Battle Phase, "Go forth, 'Cyber End'! Attack 'Rampart Blaster'! SUPER STRIDENT BLAZE!"
'Cyber End Dragon' obeyed, charging another three-way blast.
"Hold it!" cried James, as one of his face-down cards flipped face-up and revealed itself to be the 'De-Fusion' Spell Card, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'De-Fusion'! I might not be able to split up your 'Cyber End Dragon', but I can still split up 'Rampart Blaster'!"
'Elemental HERO Rampart Blaster' split herself back into both 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix' (Level 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 800) and 'Elemental HERO Clayman' (Level 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 2000) respectively.
"What's the point of doing that?" questioned David R., "What are you thinking, James?"
"I needed to do this," replied James, before pointing towards his remaining Set card and making it flip face-up and reveal itself, "Trap Card, 'Elemental Burst', activate! I must activate this card by Tributing 1 each of WIND, WATER, FIRE, and EARTH monsters: I must destroy all cards on my opponent's field!"
"What?!" cringed David R., who knew that 'Cyber Phoenix's' effect could not block this.
"That's about right," grinned James, "Now by tributing my four monsters, all your monsters are history!" He pointed at his four 'Elemental HERO' monsters, "WIND: 'Avian'! WATER: 'Bubbleman'! FIRE: 'Burstinatrix'! And EARTH: 'Clayman'! By Tributing all four of these monsters, 'Cyber Phoenix' and 'Cyber End Dragon' both will be destroyed!"
The four 'Elemental HERO' monsters took forms of their representing elements and combined to create a huge explosion, which covered the whole field and destroyed 'Cyber End Dragon' and 'Cyber Phoenix', much to David R.'s shock.
"Whoa…" breathed Thomas.
"James actually did it," added Emily.
Back on the field…
"Well, David, I finally took down your 8000 ATK 'Cyber End'," smirked James, rubbing the index finger of his right hand under his nose, "How'd you like that?"
"I have to admit," said David R., "You're the first duelist I've faced who has ever outsmarted my best monster like that. However…" He drew a card, "…this is still not the end of it. When 'Cyber Phoenix' is destroyed and sent to the GY: I can draw 1 card."
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Time Fusion'.
"James, 'Cyber End' will return very soon," As he spoke, David R. held his drawn card ('Time Fusion') out, "This card will ensure it!"
"That's 'Time Fusion'!" gasped James.
"Yes," confirmed David R., as he allowed the final card in his hand to fade away into oblivion, "I must banish 1 card in my hand, then target 1 Fusion Monster that was destroyed this turn while on my field: I must Special Summon it during my next Standby Phase, ignoring the Summoning conditions, but it cannot attack during that turn."
"That means…" began Thomas.
"…'Cyber End Dragon' will come back!" finished Emily.
Back on the field…
"I end my turn," finished David R., folding his arms with satisfaction.
"Man, David… No… Kaiser Ryder is a really strong duelist," thought James, "Just when I think I got rid of 'Cyber End Dragon', he finds a way to bring it back. Of course, it's not back yet, but it will be once it's his turn. Speaking of which…" He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Ten: James Hughes (LP: 100)
Deck: 44
Current Hand (1): "Final Fusion"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Final Fusion', which immediately brought back some memories.
"'Final Fusion'… This is the card I used against Percy in San Francisco…" thought James, "I'll use this as a last resort if it comes to it…"
"Well, James?" pressed David R..
Finally, James nodded to himself and slotted his drawn card into his Duel Disk.
"I Set one card and end my turn," he answered, as a face-down card materialized on the field.
"I see," nodded David R., he then drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Eleven: David Ryder (LP: 2000)
Deck: 45
Current Hand (1): "Damage Polarizer"
On cue…
"And now, since I banished 'Card from a Different Dimension' earlier, it will return to my hand during my Standby Phase!"
From there, the card in question rematerialized in David R.'s hand.
"Right," agreed James, drawing two cards, "Now we both draw two cards."
"You catch on," David R. said back, drawing two cards.
These were the cards both players drew:
-David R.: 'Cybernetic Fusion Support' (Spell Card) and 'Limiter Removal' (Spell Card)
-James: 'Miracle Fusion' (Spell Card) and 'Fusion Recovery' (Spell Card)
"It's time!" declared David R., as his face-up 'Time Fusion' Spell Card faded away in a blue streak, "Through the effect of 'Time Fusion', I bring 'Cyber End Dragon' back from my GY again!"
Once again, 'Cyber End Dragon' returned to the field from the beyond (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 2800).
"You're very lucky, James," David R. pointed out, "Through the effect of 'Time Fusion', 'Cyber End' can't attack on the turn it was Special Summoned," He slotted a card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down and finish my turn."
A face-down card materialized on the field.
"Let's see if I got what it takes to take that dragon down again," dared James, drawing another card, "Draw!"
Turn Twelve: James Hughes (LP: 100)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (3): "Miracle Fusion", "Fusion Recovery", and "Elemental HERO Sparkman"
His hand contained 'Miracle Fusion', 'Fusion Recovery', and the drawn 'Elemental HERO Sparkman'. There was a long silence as he stared at his hand. Soon, the hand study came to an end.
"Alright… Get ready, David, because here I come!" announced James.
"Bring it on, James!" accepted David R..
And thus, the counterattack began…
"First up, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Fusion Recovery'!" began James, as the mentioned Spell card materialized face-up on the field, "I must target 1 'Polymerization', and 1 Fusion Material that was used for a Fusion Summon, in my GY; I must add them to my hand."
Two cards ('Polymerization' and 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix') ejected from his GY, and he took hold of them, adding one of the cards ('Polymerization') into his hand while taking the other ('Elemental HERO Burstinatrix') and placing it onto his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix'!" he went on, "She will be placed in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field again was the fiery woman 'Elemental HERO' monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 800).
"Then," As James spoke, he held another card ('Miracle Fusion') out, "I'll activate the Spell Card 'Miracle Fusion'! I must Fusion Summon 1 'Elemental HERO' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials listed on it from my field or my GY."
Another card ('Elemental HERO Avian') ejected from the red-haired boy's GY, and appearing on the field for a brief moment was 'Elemental HERO Avian'.
"Now, I'll fuse 'Burstinatrix' with 'Avian'!" declared James, as both monsters fused together, "I Fusion Summon 'Flame Wingman' in Attack Position!"
Out of the Fusion Vortex and onto the field, came the red and green 'Elemental HERO' with the dragon head for an arm (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1200).
"There's more!" warned James, holding another card ('Polymerization') out, "I activate 'Polymerization' again! This time, I'm fusing 'Flame Wingman' with the 'Sparkman' in my hand!"
From there, the blue and gold-suited 'Elemental HERO' appeared on the field briefly, and joined 'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman' in the Fusion Vortex.
"Come forth, 'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman'!"
Appearing onto the field was the green-skinned 'Elemental HERO' with white and gold armor (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"It must be Fusion Summoned," explained James, motioning his left arm (with the Duel Disk) out to show off his GY, "Furthermore, it gains 300 ATK for each 'Elemental HERO' card in my GY."
Images of eight different 'Elemental HERO' monsters appeared all-around James:
-'Elemental HERO Wildheart'
-'Elemental HERO Bladedge'
-'Elemental HERO Wildedge'
-'Elemental HERO Bubbleman'
-'Elemental HERO Clayman'
-'Elemental HERO Flame Wingman'
-'Elemental HERO Captain Gold'
-'Elemental HERO Sparkman'
"With eight different 'Elemental HERO' monsters in my GY, 'Shining Flare Wingman' gains 2400 ATK!" James pointed out, "This will raise his ATK all the way to 4900!"
'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman' glowed in a bright light as he grew even stronger (ATK: 2500 → 4900).
"Take this!" cried James, entering the Battle Phase, "SHINING SHOOT!"
'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman' obeyed, flying into the sky and firing a blast of light towards 'Cyber End Dragon', hitting and causing it to explode from its destruction. David R. braced himself and grunted as his LP took a hit (LP: 2000 → 1100).
"Unfortunately, there's still more," said James firmly.
"Huh?" uttered David R., looking up to see 'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman' standing in-front of him, "What the-?!"
"'Shining Flare Wingman's' second effect!" replied James, "If this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the GY: I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to that monster's original ATK in the GY."
"If this damage is successful, James will win!" cheered Thomas.
"No," cut in Emily, "Something tells me that David's prepared for something like this."
Back on the field, before 'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman' could attack and finish David R. off…
"I activate a Counter Trap, 'Damage Polarizer'!" announced David R., as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When an effect that inflicts damage is activated: I must negate its activation and effect, and if I do, each player draws 1 card."
A protective barrier formed around David R., which stopped 'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman' from finishing him, and both duelists drew one card from their respective Decks.
"This card…" thought James, having drawn a Spell Card called 'Battle Fusion'.
"This will settle it," thought David R., also drawing the 'Battle Fusion' Spell Card.
In the audience…
"This atmosphere…" remarked Thomas, "It's gotten so intense, but in a good way."
"James has indeed improved his skills since his last duel with David," added Emily, "Even though it hasn't really been that long since they last dueled," She looked at James curiously, "There's still a chance he could win this duel."
Back on the field, James continued looking at his drawn card before slotting it into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk.
"Okay, I'll Set one card face-down and call it a turn," The red-haired boy finished, as a face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman', "Alright, this was likely my last turn, so give me your best shot!"
David R. drew a card and looked at it.
Turn Thirteen: David Ryder (LP: 2000)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (5): "Card from a Different Dimension", "Cybernetic Fusion Support", "Limiter Removal", "Battle Fusion", and "Power Bond"
The drawn card was another copy of 'Power Bond'.
"James… I win," whispered David R..
"Huh?" blinked James, "You…win?"
His answer came when David R. held his drawn card out to show the opponent.
"I activate the Spell Card Power Bond'!" began David R., "I must Fusion Summon 1 Machine Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material, and it gains ATK equal to its original ATK."
"Hold on!" interrupted James, "You can't do that!"
"He's right!" came from Thomas, "You've already used up your 'Cyber Dragons'!"
Back on the field…
"Is that so? When you put it that way, let me show you my true power," grinned David R., making an offer before becoming serious and holding another card out, "I activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'Cybernetic Fusion Support'!" He took a LP hit (LP: 1100 → 550), "I must pay half my LP; once, if I Fusion Summon a Machine Fusion Monster this turn, I can banish monsters from my hand, field, and/or GY to use this card as a substitute for the Fusion Materials used in the Fusion Summon. I can only activate 1 'Cybernetic Fusion Support' per turn."
James, Emily, and Thomas each gasped in shock. From there, three cards (all being 'Cyber Dragon') ejected from David R.'s GY before fading away into oblivion.
"Show yourself, 'Cyber End Dragon'!" commanded David R., taking and holding out another copy of his ace card.
Within seconds, the mighty 'Cyber End Dragon was back on the field yet again (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 2800).
"A second 'Cyber End Dragon'…" worried James, "How did it all come to this?"
"Who knows?" replied David R., "Due to the effect of 'Power Bond', my Machine Fusion Monster, being 'Cyber End Dragon', has its ATK doubled from 4000 ATK to 8000 ATK!"
'Cyber End Dragon' got supercharged (ATK: 4000 → 8000).
"However, that's not all!" boomed David R., as he took and held another card ('Limiter Removal') out, "Quick-Play Spell, 'Limiter Removal', activate! I must double the ATK of all Machine monsters I currently control, until the end of this turn. During the End Phase of this turn, I must destroy those monsters."
James literally gawked as he watched 'Cyber End Dragon' roar, grow even bigger, and gain even more power (ATK: 8000 → 16000).
"This is 'my' way of going out with a bang!" declared David R..
"An ATK of 16000!" stammered James.
The Battle Phase finally began…
"'Cyber End Dragon', attack 'Shining Flare Wingman'!" shouted David R., "SUPER STRIDENT BLAZE!"
'Cyber End Dragon' obeyed, firing a super powerful blast of fire towards 'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman', but James was ready for that attack.
"I activate my face-down card!" he declared, as one of his face-down cards flipped up and revealed itself to be… "The Quick-Play Spell 'Battle Fusion'! When an attack is declared involving a Fusion Monster I control and an opponent's monster: That monster I control gains ATK equal to the ATK of the opponent's monster, until the end of the Damage Step. I can only activate 1 'Battle Fusion' per turn."
'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman' looked up and let out a howl as its ATK went WAY up (ATK: 4900 → 20900).
"An ATK of 20900?!" recoiled Thomas.
'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman' jumped towards 'Cyber End Dragon', looking to end things here and now.
"Strange minds think alike, huh?" remarked David R., before holding a card ('Battle Fusion') out, "Quick-Play Spell, 'Battle Fusion'!"
"What?!" flinched James, "You have 'Battle Fusion', too?!"
'Cyber End Dragon' once again got a big boost in power (ATK: 16000 → 36900).
"You gave it your all, James," complimented David R., "but in the end, I still come out on top."
There was a long silence in the area, with Thomas and Emily both feeling as though David R. had won against James again despite the latter pulling off many great combos and plays and getting ahead at some point. At last, James's mouth slowly formed a small smile.
"Are you sure about that?" he uttered.
"What?" gasped David R..
"I'm not out of the woods yet!" James declared, pointing to his final Set card, "I had this planned for an emergency in case of a move like this! Face-down card, open! Trap Card, 'Final Fusion', activate!"
From there, the final face-down card flipped up and revealed itself.
"WHAT?!" yelled David R. in total surprise.
"This is how my Trap Card card works," explained James, "During either player's Battle Step, when a Fusion Monster I control battles an opponent's Fusion Monster: I must target both those Fusion Monsters; I must negate the attack, and if I do, each player takes damage equal to the combined ATK of both those Fusion Monsters," He clenched his right hand into a fist, "This means since you're taking me down, I'm taking you down with me! This duel…is a DRAW!"
From there, a huge burst of light covered the field, causing 'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman' and 'Cyber End Dragon' to both cease attacking as both David R. and James fell to a knee as their respective LP gauges completely emptied (LP 550 → 0)(LP: 100 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: This duel is a DRAW!
James and David R. were huffing and puffing as a result of being exhausted from how intense their duel was.
"Man… That was…intense!" panted James.
"It… it was!" agreed David R., panting equally as hard. He looked up at James, "You know, James… You're not…half bad."
Despite being tired out, James was able to look up and grin when he heard the compliment.
"T-Thanks," The red-haired boy responded, "And you're like…the Kaiser of the 'Cyber Style' Deck."
David R. chuckled, "Oh, I'm sure there are other users of the 'Cyber Style' who are even better than I am," he insisted modestly, "And it's funny you're calling me the Kaiser, James; my crewmates often affectionately refer to me as that after I started playing Duel Monsters."
"Kaiser… That's German for 'Emperor', right?" recalled Emily, as she and Thomas both walked over.
"That's right, Emily," confirmed David R., looking over at his cousin, "You know, maybe one day when I return from my next sailing voyage, I might consider going pro."
"You definitely have the skill to do that," praised Thomas.
"Much appreciated," smiled David R., standing back up before walking over to help James right back up, "Well, did I satisfy you and your New Year's resolution, James?"
"That and more!" cheered James, "I had so much fun, and I even came close to beating you, too! That's what I call ending my year with a bang!"
"I'd say you have definitely improved your skills, James," said Emily brightly, "Once we graduate, you should consider going pro, too."
"I'll definitely consider that. And if I do end up going pro, I might even get a shot at a rematch with your cousin."
"When that time comes, don't expect me to hold back," commented David R. cheekily. He turned around, "Speaking of time, now we must go and meet up with my crew at the harbor. We have to sail before night falls."
With that she, the lone young adult walked away, with the three Sudrian teenagers following.
(elsewhere…)
A little later at the harbor, James, Emily, Thomas, and David R. were all meeting with the crew of Star of the Sea.
"Well, well, Kaiser!" The first crewmate greeted, "It took ya long enough!"
"Yeah, sorry about that," said David R. sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head, "I was busy dueling and kinda lost track of the time."
"I was the opponent," interrupted James, stepping forth, "He and I were really going at it, and I almost beat him, too."
"You almost beat the Kaiser?" A second crewmate pondered, before grinning, "Ah, that's impressive! Our captain's 'Cyber Style' Deck is quite hard to beat."
"I'll admit he beat me the first time, but I wised up in our rematch and managed to end the duel in a DRAW," admitted James, "Maybe one day, I might be able to beat it," He then saw a third crewmate approach, "Huh?"
"We wish you the best of luck in trying," The third crewmate laughed, giving the red-haired boy a rather rough noogie, "Nobody beats the Kaiser!"
"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" James wailed in pain, "Hey! Watch the, ow, head, pal!"
He then stumbled back while clutching the top of his head in comedic agony.
"There's a first time for everything," commented Thomas, referring to the few times where he himself had been defeated.
"David… I'll miss you," Emily whispered, tearing up a bit, "I hope your voyage goes well."
"I'll miss you, too," agreed David R., hugging his younger cousin tightly, "As long as you're in company of someone who will protect you, I have a feeling you're going to be just fine. Of course, you're now someone who doesn't 'need' protection."
"David…"
"Oh, and another thing…" The young man added to that, before letting go, taking a few steps back, and grinning teasingly, "Make sure you keep growing in more ways than one."
Emily blushed a little bit over the playful jab, while David R. chuckled before turning and walking up the ramp towards his ship with his whole crew following from behind.
"Goodbye!" called Thomas, while waving.
"Have a safe trip!" added James.
"Goodbye!" David R. called back, "Until we meet again!"
The three friends continued waving until the ship was long out of sight. Wherever the ship known as Star of the Sea went, she and her crew would be sure to chronicle their entire journey, and surely Emily would be able to see her cousin again in the future, right?
End Scene