This story was done in collaboration between me, Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and AaronCottrell97, while Jriddle41 and I both own the OCs that are used in the story. Credit to author AaronCottrell97 for a few ideas and character suggestions (especially the duel layout for the story). Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
Title: The Champion's Challenge
It's been a whole week since Thomas Billinton, along with the help of his friends, finally defeated Zorc Necrophades and prevented the destruction of the world. In addition, he dueled and tied with Spencer Gresley, a friend and his biggest rival, in an attempt to seal away the Millennium Items and the 'Egyptian God' Cards, to which they could never be used again. Ever since then, Thomas and everyone else returned home to the Island of Sodor, where things had been going back to normal for them—or, as normal as can be with the Duel Monsters card game still being around and being very popular with the public. Very soon, however, Thomas was due for a very big surprise from a certain someone…
(elsewhere…)
One Saturday afternoon, Thomas was alone in his room doing some homework. Sunday was the day he, Percy, and Toby were going to hit the arcade. Very soon, he heard, from downstairs, the doorbell ring. A few seconds later, a knock came on his bedroom door.
"Big Brother, you have a visitor," The voice of Annie called out.
"He's waiting for you downstairs," The voice of Clarabel finished.
Thomas looked up, "A visitor?" he pondered, "For me? I wonder who it is?"
(elsewhere…)
Downstairs in the doorway, Mr. and Mrs. Billinton both were waiting with whoever was visiting, while Thomas came running down the stairs to see who the visitor was. Once he arrived, he was very, very surprised over who it was.
"S-Scott Gresley?" gasped Thomas.
Yup, the visitor was none other than Gordon's older brother and the Duel Monsters World Champion, Scott Gresley.
"Hi, Thomas," greeted Scott, "I hope I haven't taken you from anything important."
"Oh, n-not at all," stammered Thomas, still very surprised, "What brings you here?"
"Can we go into the living room? I'll tell you and your family everything as to why I came to see you."
(elsewhere…)
A little later in the living room, Scott, seated on the couch, was explaining his reason for the visit.
"You…really want to duel me in a title wagering match?" asked Thomas, hoping he heard that right.
"You betcha!" grinned Scott, "I've been thinking about asking you for such a duel ever since you won 'The Great International Duel Cup' and defeated Discord J. Crawford in an official duel, but I was not ready to ask if it was okay by you. But now? Now is the right time for me to ask."
"I… I don't know what to say," Thomas said, feeling flattered (and nervous).
"Well, I say your Father and I are very excited for you, honey," praised Mrs. Billinton.
"You have come a very long way since you were younger," put in Mr. Billinton, "Whatever your decision on this is, we will support you all the way through—as I'm sure Annie and Clarabel both will, too."
"Mom… Dad…" whispered Thomas.
"There's little doubt your friends will have your back, too," reminded Scott, "Especially that lovely emerald-haired girlfriend of yours."
"Yeah, we believe Emily would, too," agreed Mrs. Billinton.
Thomas remained on the silent front, thinking if he was even ready to take on the strongest duelist in the world. He remembered Scott's duel with Stepney, and how Stepney lost without dealing any damage to Scott. If Scott hadn't willingly quit the tournament to help Gordon when he got injured from an accident with a roller coaster as a result of Frieda's sabotage, it was likely Thomas would have faced Scott instead of Philip in the finals—and likely would have lost to him. It didn't help that, at the time, he was still suffering from PTSD as a result of learning about his past life and nearly losing his sanity from the death of his friends while in the Duel Monsters spirit world, and only continued dueling to atone for the sins of the crimes Anakin (as Diablon) committed. Once Thomas dueled Matt in the semi-finals, however, he started to have genuine fun again and slowly moved past his failings.
"Well, Thomas?" pressed Scott, "What do you say? Are you up for the duel?"
"Why not?" Thomas smiled, standing up and nodding, "Scott Gresley, you've got yourself a match."
"Excellent! I'm excited to hear you say that. We can have it at the stadium somewhere in town. I hope you're prepared for it, since I will hold nothing back."
"I wouldn't worry about that, since I plan to not hold back against you," The blue-haired boy pointed out, "When will we duel?"
"Two days time," answered Scott, standing up and starting to leave, "On that note, I have my own Deck to prepare. Oh, and I'll also make sure Gordon does not give you an unfair advantage by attempting to spy on me building my ultimate 'Cyber-Art Reverse' Deck."
"Thank you for stopping by, Scott," said Mr. Billinton, walking over and holding his right hand out, "This offer for a duel means so much to our son."
"The pleasure is all mine, sir," grinned Scott, shaking Mr. Billinton's hand, "Alright, I'll see you soon, Thomas."
"See you in two days, Scott," added Thomas. In his mind… "Boy, I'm going to be dueling the Duel Monsters World Champion… I can't help but feel excited AND nervous at the same time."
(elsewhere…)
The next day, Thomas was hanging out with Percy and Toby at the arcade as they planned. Once the two were told of the upcoming duel, they were overjoyed for their best friend.
"This is great, Thomas!" whooped Percy, "You're going to duel Scott, the world's strongest duelist! Do you realize what this means?"
"What?" quizzed Thomas.
"It means if you defeat Scott, you'll actually become THE greatest duelist on this planet!" put in Toby, "The title will stick to you until the end of time—or, rather, until you lose a duel."
"I'm well aware of that," nodded Thomas, before letting out a stress sigh, "Still, I'm aware that this duel is going to be huge. Scott told me he's going to be building his strongest 'Cyber-Art Reverse' Deck ever for the match, and there's so much about his cards we don't know."
"Yeah," said Percy, "We only saw Scott duel once, and that was against Stepney in Spencer's tournament in Atlanta."
"His 'Cyberdark' monsters grow stronger by feeding off of Dragons in the GY," added Toby, "And when combined into 'Cyberdark Dragon', they become even more of a threat. But still, we and the rest of our friends have complete faith in you, Thomas."
"Thanks," smiled Thomas, feeling a bit better. He then stood up from the table, "Well, I guess I'd better get home and get started on my Deck for the duel with 'The Flying Scotsman' himself."
"Best of luck, Thomas," encouraged Percy.
"We'll be there to root for you," reminded Toby.
Thomas merely nodded before leaving the arcade, Percy and Toby both watched until their pizza came.
"Ooh, pizza!" cheered Percy.
Toby only chuckled playfully.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Thomas's room of the Billinton residence a while later, Thomas was looking over the many, many cards he'd collected throughout his time playing Duel Monsters. Right now, he had no idea where to start.
"So many choices…" Thomas mused to himself, cycling through some cards, "Out of all of my duels, this may be one of the toughest. I already know of Scott's 'Cyberdark Dragon' combo, but he'll most likely use something new to throw me off."
"My Pharaoh, is everything okay?" The voice of Dark Magician echoed, before he suddenly appeared, "I've heard you'll be in a duel very soon."
"Well, Mahad, it's true I'm going to be in a duel, but I'm just not sure what cards to include in my new Deck," sighed Thomas, placing the cards he's holding back on the table, "Scott Gresley is the World Champion at the game of Duel Monsters, and he plays a Deck not many people have seen."
"A new Deck?" The voice of Dark Magician Girl pondered, as she also made an appearance, "What's it like?"
"It's called the 'Cyber-Art Reverse'," explained Thomas, as a flashback of Scott's duel came up, "His 'Cyberdark' monsters grow stronger by equipping themselves with Dragon monsters from the GY. So far, the only 'Cyberdark' monsters we saw were 'Horn', 'Edge' and 'Keel'. The three can combine into the form of 'Cyberdark Dragon', becoming even more powerful. No doubt that was a mere example of what he's capable of."
FLASHBACK
During Flashback Stepney and Flashback Scott's duel…
"By setting a card face-down, I'll end my turn," finished Flashback Stepney, "Now then, Duel Monsters World Champion, it's time to see what your dueling is like!"
"Very well," accepted Flashback Scott, drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Adding the drawn card into his hand, the young man looked up with a prideful smirk.
"You know, not everyone had a chance to see my Deck in action," commented Flashback Scott, taking another card from his hand and slotting it into his Duel Disk, "This will be a real treat!"
On cue, the 'Graceful Charity' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"First, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Graceful Charity'!" While speaking, Flashback Scott drew three cards and discarded two other cards from his hand, "As we all know, it lets me draw three cards and discard two cards."
His hand now contained 'Cyberdark Horn', 'Cyberdark Keel', 'De-Fusion', 'Frontline Fusion', 'Rebirth Judgment', and 'Quick Summon'.
"Behold!" declared Scott, placing a card ('Cyberdark Horn') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Cyberdark Horn' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a brown, robotic creature with metallic wings, and a set of sharp teeth complete with sets of horns around the sides of its mouth (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).
"Huh?" blinked Flashback Thomas.
"'Cyberdark'?" added Flashback Emily.
Back on the field, 'Cyberdark Horn' let out a roar, while Flashback Scott folded his arms while still smiling.
"For those who don't know, I play a 'Cyber-Art Reverse' Deck," he explained, "Thanks to this Deck, I defeated the creator of Duel Monsters, Discord J. Crawford, in a long, difficult duel. For now, let me explain how 'Cyberdark Horn' works… As it was Normal Summoned, its effect lets me target a Level 4 or lower Dragon monster in either player's GY and equip it to my monster, increasing its ATK by the original ATK of the monster equipped to it by this effect."
Appearing onto the field was a monster known as 'Axe Dragonute'.
"I'll target the 'Axe Dragonute' in my GY, and equip it onto 'Cyberdark Horn'!"
'Cyberdark Horn' took hold of 'Axe Dragonute' with its robotic legs and grew in power (ATK: 800 → 2800).
(new scene…)
After 'Cyberdark Horn' attacked…
"Quick-Play Spell, 'Quick Summon'!" announced Scott, holding another card out, "I'll make a Normal Summon now!"
Appearing onto the field was a black, serpent-like Dragon monster (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).
"This is 'Cyberdark Keel'," said Flashback Scott, "It shares the same effect as 'Cyberdark Horn'," A card ('Infernal Dragon') ejected from his GY, which he took and held out to show his opponent, "To that, I'll equip 'Infernal Dragon' to my monster!"
From there, a large dragon with dark green scales briefly appeared before being hooked up to 'Cyberdark Keel', causing it to grow stronger (ATK: 800 → 2800).
(new scene…)
After Flashback Stepney failed to take down 'Cyberdark Horn'…
"This has been fun," complimented Flashback Scott, drawing a card, "but what say we bring this duel to an end?"
"End?" repeated Flashback Stepney, "But the duel's barely even started!"
On cue, a Monster Card known as 'Cyberdark Edge' materialized face-up on the field.
"To start, I'll Summon 'Cyberdark Edge' in Attack Position!" began Flashback Scott.
Appearing onto the field was a green robotic creature that resembled a large pair of wings (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).
"Another 'Cyberdark' monster-!" recoiled Flashback Stepney.
"Yup, and, like my other 'Cyberdarks', when Normal Summoned, this one can attach a Level 4 or lower Dragon monster from either GY to itself," agreed Flashback Scott, "Since 'Infernal Dragon' was sent to the GY after you returned 'Cyberdark Keel' back to my hand, I'll equip it onto 'Cyberdark Edge'!"
'Infernal Dragon' reappeared on the field, but was grabbed by 'Cyberdark Edge' in order to power it up (ATK: 800 → 2800).
(new scene…)
Flashback Scott had just activated the 'Frontline Fusion' Spell Card, and he had all three 'Cyberdark' monsters on his field.
"'Cyberdark Horn', 'Cyberdark Edge', and 'Cyberdark Keel'!" announced Flashback Scott, "Combine together into 'Cyberdark Dragon'!"
The three 'Cyberdark' monsters obeyed, combining together into a robotic dragon with 'Cyberdark Horn' as the head, 'Cyberdark Edge' as the winged middle, and 'Cyberdark Keel' as the tail (Level: 8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"'Cyberdark Dragon'?" whispered Flashback Stepney.
"Yes," confirmed Flashback Scott, "Since it was Fusion Summoned, I get to equip a Dragon monster from either GY to it, and increase 'Cyberdark Dragon's' ATK by the original ATK of the monster equipped to it by this effect! Thanks to 'Rebirth Judgment's' effect, I will equip the now Dragon 'Batteryman Industrial Strength' from your GY!"
From there, the 'Batteryman Industrial Strength' Monster Card ejected from Flashback Stepney's GY, while the monster itself was Summoned onto Flashback Scott's field before being attached to 'Cyberdark Dragon' and causing it to grow stronger (ATK: 1000 → 3600).
"And there's more!" boomed Scott, "For each card in my GY, 'Cyberdark Dragon' gains 100 ATK! With eight cards being there, my monster gains 800 ATK!"
'Cyberdark Dragon' roared as it grew even stronger (ATK: 3600 → 4400).
"An ATK of 4400?!" exclaimed Flashback Stepney.
"I don't believe it!" came from Flashback Stanley.
Sadly, it looked to be over…
"'Cyberdark Dragon', attack 'Batteryman Fuel Cell'!" ordered Scott, before announcing his monster's attack name, "Full Darkness Burst!"
'Cyberdark Dragon' obeyed, firing a powerful blast towards 'Batteryman Fuel Cell', causing it to explode while also causing Stepney to yell out as he took enough damage to finish him off (LP: 0). The crowd immediately burst into cheers over Flashback Scott being the winner. Flashback Thomas and the likes were amazed at how strong of a duelist Flashback Scott was; he took no damage at all, and his monsters, while lacking in power, more than made up for it with their effects.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Truthfully, I don't know if I'm even going to be a match for him," admitted Thomas, "The only reason I didn't end up facing Scott in 'The Great International Duel Cup' is because he dropped out when Gordon got injured. If I dueled him then, he likely would have beaten me. It didn't help that I was still suffering from PTSD from the Duel Monsters spirit world adventures, and only recovered when I dueled Matt."
"Cheer up, Thomas," encouraged Dark Magician Girl, "At least with Zorc and Montague both being gone, you're finally free to be you again."
"That's true," agreed Thomas, "Now that I no longer have to face such world threatening villains, I can truly relax and enjoy myself."
Before anything else could be said, there was a knock on the door…
"Thomas, are you still working on your Deck?" The voice of Emily called out from the other side, which made Thomas a bit relieved, "I've brought you a little something."
The door opened, and Emily walked into the room. In her hands were three new Booster Packs.
"Are those Booster Packs?" beamed Dark Magician Girl.
"I purchased them from the mall today," replied Emily, "I think they might contain a few cards that will help your Deck out immensely, Thomas."
"Wow, much appreciated," smiled Thomas.
He then began opening the Booster Packs, seeing what they had to offer. A few seconds later, a small selection of new cards were laid out on the table:
-'Joker's Wild' (Trap Card)
-'Court of Cards' (Trap Card)
-'Joker's Knight' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Arcana Triumph Joker' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Joker's Straight' (Spell Card)
-'Imperial Bower' (Effect Monster)
-'Face Card Fusion' (Spell Card)
"Well, would you look at that, Thomas?" admired Emily, "Zack must have had the card creators at Industrial Illusions make new 'Poker Knight' support cards."
"Yeah," Thomas agreed, already liking his new cards, "In fact, just looking at them has given me an idea on what else I'll include in my new Deck for the upcoming duel," He then took out a few more cards from his nearby collector's tin and held them out, "But first, I have a few more new cards I want to show you, Emily."
These were the cards:
-'Master of Chaos' (Fusion Monster Card)
-'Piercing the Darkness' (Spell Card)
-'Timaeus the United Dragon' (Effect Monster Card)
-'Illusion of Chaos' (Ritual Monster Card)
"Bubbling Sodas, Thomas!" gasped Emily, "Where did you get those cards?"
"A familiar face, of course," winked Thomas, "Zack had some new 'Dark Magician'-related support cards recently created, and he sent me the initial copies to try and test them out in an official duel to see if they're worth making reprints," He breathed a sigh of relief now that he had a general idea on what to include in the new Deck, "As of now, I now know what kind of Deck I'm going to build; a 'Poker Knight'/'Black Luster Soldier'/'Kuriboh'/'Dark Magician' Deck."
"Hmm… It has a nice ring," commented Dark Magician Girl.
Just then, Kuriboh made an appearance while looking really happy over hearing that he would be getting a chance to share the spotlight with some of the other archetypes. Dark Magician Girl giggled and patted Kuriboh on the head affectionately.
"Alright, come on, you two," requested Dark Magician, looking at his apprentice as well as Kuriboh, "We should leave Thomas to prepare his Deck in peace."
"Oh, alright," sighed Dark Magician Girl, fading away.
Kuriboh also faded away in disappointment, before Dark Magician faded away last. It was also then Emily turned to leave.
"I have to leave now, Thomas," she remarked, "Thanks for showing me those new cards of yours."
"It was my pleasure," smiled Thomas, "Goodnight, Emily. And thanks for the Booster Packs."
Emily responded by winking and blowing a quick kiss, before leaving the room (and, overall, the house). From there, Thomas resumed building his new Deck, including the new cards and several others he used before. Again, he had to make it absolutely perfect, as Scott was going to build his own strongest Deck for the challenge.
(elsewhere…)
Speaking of whom… Inside his room at the Gresley residence, Scott was also building his new 'Cyber-Art Reverse' Deck. He took extra precautions to make sure Gordon couldn't spy on him; he wanted this Deck to be a surprise.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Thomas's room, the sun eventually began to rise out the window. Thomas, while tired, was looking at two particular cards, deciding which ones to include. The cards were 'Supreme Requiem'(!) (Trap Card) and 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon' (Fusion Monster Card). The solution? Thomas would include them 'both'! With that done, the new Deck was finally finished.
"These should complete my Deck," thought Thomas, before yawning himself out of his thoughts in order to look out the window at the rising sun in the orangish sky, "Yikes! I've been up all night deciding what remaining cards to include!" He then had a look of determination as he picked up his Deck and looked at the top card, "Still, I worked hard to make it. Even the Deck Scott put together will have a difficult time fighting it. Speaking of whom…"
There was a knock on the door…
"Thomas, there's a phone call for you," The voice of Mr. Billinton called from the other side, "It's Scott."
"Coming, Dad," responded Thomas, opening the bedroom door and taking the phone before answering it, "Hello?"
"Thomas! I'm glad I caught ya!" The voice of Scott began cheerfully, "Have you finished preparing your Deck? I'm done building mine, and Gordon never found out what I put into it. I've a feeling it's gonna give you one heck of a fight."
"Funny, I could be saying the same with my Deck giving 'you' a tough fight," retorted Thomas playfully.
"Right. Anyway, the battle is coming up in only three hours," The voice of Scott reported, "According to my parents, the stadium is gonna be packed with excited people. Man, the thought of dueling in-front of such a huge crowd really fires me up with excitement! Don't you feel the same way, Thomas?"
"Couldn't have said it better myself," replied Thomas. Secretly, he was rather tired and needed his rest, "Anyway, Scott, I have to get going. I need to shower and have breakfast before we leave for the stadium."
"Sure thing. See you soon, Thomas!"
With that, the phone hung up, and Thomas sighed in exhaustion. Scott was very friendly, but there were times where he could be a little…out there. Thomas then started to wonder if this was why Gordon was usually annoyed by his older brother's attitude. Ultimately, he shrugged it off and grabbed his towel off the nearby hanger, aiming to take a shower before joining his family for breakfast downstairs.
(elsewhere…)
A few hours later, the big day had finally come… Inside the Knapford Stadium, there were hundreds to thousands of people gathered to watch the exciting duel.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The Sudrian MC (Master of Ceremony) began, "This is the duel we've all been waiting for! Duel Monsters World Champion, Scott Gresley, has issued a challenge to the 'King of Games', Thomas Billinton, waging his title for the match! This is the most exciting thing to happen since 'The Flying Scotsman' actually became the World Champion by defeating the creator of Duel Monsters in an official duel!"
The packed stadium burst into cheers. Seated in the stands were all of Thomas's friends, his parents, and twin sisters.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the hallway, Thomas was walking towards the exit with Emily by his side.
"This is it, Emily," admitted Thomas, looking at his new Deck, "I'm actually going to be dueling Gordon's older brother. If I win, I'll be crowned the Duel Monsters World Champion."
"I know you'll win, Tommy," reassured Emily, before going and giving her lover a passionate good luck kiss, "I have faith that you, the 'Supreme King', will win."
Thomas nodded, before Emily turned and left for the stands.
(outside…)
Back in the stadium…
"And now, introducing the 'King of Games'!" boomed the Sudrian MC, pointing to the doorway on the left, "Here he comes, everyone! Here he is! Thomas Billinton!"
The crowd burst into applause as Thomas stepped out of the door, walking towards his spot on the field. Once the crowd became silent, the Sudrian MC made the big announcement…
"And now," he was saying excitedly, "the Duel Monsters World Champion! Please give a warm welcome to Scott 'The Flying Scotsman' Gresley!"
The stadium went absolutely wild when Scott emerged from the doorway on the right side of the stadium. He was all ready to give everyone a great show to watch.
"Hey, Thomas!" The dark green-haired young man began, waving to his soon-to-be opponent, "I'm so happy you've agreed to duel me."
"Yeah!" agreed Thomas, holding his right hand out, "If I win, I will obtain your title as World Champion."
"Agreed. However, don't go thinking that it will be easy to defeat yours truly."
Both duelists shook hands and took their Decks out of their respective pockets, handing them to the other to shuffle. Thomas carefully shuffled Scott's Deck, while Scott shuffled Thomas's Deck. Once the shuffling ended, the two duelists got their Deck back as they both returned to their respective sides of the arena.
"Everybody listen!" yelled the Sudrian MC, "It's time to duel! Thomas and Scott, activate your Duel Disks!"
Thomas and Scott did as they were told. Once their Decks were placed in the device, their respective LP gauges lit up and increased all the way to their default values (LP: 4000) x2. From there, more and more fireworks went off in the sky as a simple word was uttered (or not)…
"DUEL!" Thomas, Scott, the Sudrian MC, and everyone in the stadium cheered.
The ultimate, most exciting duel then finally commenced!
"Alright, World Champion, the first turn is yours," offered Thomas, "Let's see what you've built for a Deck!"
"Wish granted," Scott accepted, drawing a card, "I draw!"
Turn One: Scott Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Polymerization", "Cyber Dragon Core", "Cyber Dragon Nachster", "Cyber Network", "Cyberdark Cannon", and "Cyber Dragon Herz"
His hand contained 'Polymerization', 'Cyber Dragon Core', 'Cyber Dragon Nachster', 'Cyber Network', 'Cyberdark Cannon', and the drawn 'Cyber Dragon Herz'.
"This is good," thought Scott, before looking up and speaking aloud, "For my first course of action, I'll activate the second effect of the 'Cyber Dragon Nachster' in my hand!"
In the audience…
"Did Scott say 'Cyber Dragon'?" thought Emily, surprised deeply, "I thought he plays 'Cyberdark' monsters?"
Back on the field, Scott had taken a card ('Cyber Dragon Herz') from his hand and discarded it, before placing another card ('Cyber Dragon Nachster') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk.
"I can discard 1 other monster; I must Special Summon this card from my hand," explained Scott, before motioning his right arm (with the Duel Disk) about, "Come forth, 'Cyber Dragon Nachster'!"
Appearing onto the field was a small, robotic dragon with wings on its back, a thin tail, and snake-like stature (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 200).
"A 'Cyber Dragon'?" blinked Thomas.
"For my monster's first effect, this card's name becomes 'Cyber Dragon' while on the field or in the GY," said Scott knowingly, before drawing a card and looking at it, "Next, I'll activate the third effect of the 'Cyber Dragon Herz' in my GY! If this card is sent to the GY: I can add 1 other 'Cyber Dragon' from my Deck or GY to my hand. Oh, and by its first effect, this card's name becomes 'Cyber Dragon' while on the field or in the GY."
"Scott…" uttered Thomas.
"Now to bring out a second monster!" As he said that, Scott placed another card ('Cyber Dragon Core') onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Cyber Dragon Core' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a very small, cybernetic worm that looked like a beginning prototype for 'Cyber Dragon' (Level: 1/ATK: 400/DEF: 1500).
"This card's name becomes 'Cyber Dragon' while on the field or in the GY," reminded Scott, explaining his monster's first effect (which seemed to be shared with the other 'Cyber Dragon' monsters), "This is a surprise I wanted to show everyone; in addition to 'Cyberdark' monsters, I also collect and play advanced versions of the 'Cyber Dragon' archetype! Pretty cool, huh?"
The audience burst into cheers. Over with the students from Sodor High School (as well as a few of its graduates)…
"So, there are way more 'Cyber Dragons' out there?" pondered James, "I always thought Emily's cousin has them all?"
"I wish I'd found that out earlier," groaned Gordon, "Unfortunately, Scott wanted to keep his new Deck a strict secret until the duel."
"Emily, since your cousin runs a 'Cyber Dragon' Deck, do you have any advice to provide for this kind of duel?" wondered Percy.
"If Scott uses 'Power Bond' in his Deck the same way David does," Emily advised, "Thomas should hopefully use ways to block attacks or quickly end the Battle Phase. However, Scott probably mixed 'Cyberdarks' into his Deck, so there isn't much more tips I can offer on how to overcome them."
Back on the field…
"'Cyber Dragon Core's' second effect activates!" proclaimed Scott, drawing another card ('Cybernetic Horizon'), "If this card is Normal Summoned: I must add 1 'Cyber' Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand," He then held the added card out, "Spell Card, 'Cybernetic Horizon'! I must send 2 Dragon and/or Machine 'Cyber' monsters with different Attributes to the GY, 1 each from my hand and Deck; I must add 1 Dragon or Machine 'Cyber' monster from my Deck to my hand, and if I do, send 1 Machine 'Cyber' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck to the GY. I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck the turn I activate this card, except Machine monsters."
With that all said, Scott took two cards (Deck: 'Cyber Pharos', Hand: 'Cyberdark Cannon') and sent them to the GY, before adding another card ('Cyberdark Claw') from his Deck into his hand.
"Now to send a Machine 'Cyber' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck to the GY," he acknowledged, taking a card ('Cyber End Dragon') from the Extra Deck Zone of his Duel Disk and holding it out to show his opponent, "This one will do nicely, 'Cyber End Dragon'!"
A spirit of the all too familiar, three-headed robotic dragon appeared briefly on the field before vanishing to go straight into the GY.
"'Cyber End Dragon'?" frowned Thomas.
"And then, I'll activate the second effect of the 'Cyberdark Claw' currently in my hand," continued Scott, holding out a card ('Cyberdark Claw') before discarding it. He then took another card ('Cyberdark Realm') from his Deck and looked at it, "I can discard this card; I must add 1 'Cyberdark' Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand."
The audience waited to see what else would be done. Their answers came almost at once…
"Now, I'm gonna fuse my two 'Cyber Dragons', plsu the 'Cyber Dragon' in my hand, together!" exclaimed Scott, as the 'Polymerization' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "'Cyber Dragon', 'Cyber Dragon Nachster' and 'Cyber Dragon Core', combine together!"
Appearing on the field briefly was a 'Cyber Dragon', which along with both 'Cyber Dragon Nachster' and 'Cyber Dragon Core' started combining together, while Scott, standing with the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card serving as background, began a Summon Chant…
"Cybernetic Dragons of the earlier stages, come together with your finished form, and bring forth a new era in the mechanical realm!" chanted Scott, before bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Appear now, 'Cyber Eternity Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was a much, much larger, crystalized version of 'Cyber Dragon', which let loose a roar to signal its arrival (Level: 10/ATK: 2800/DEF: 4000).
"'Cyber Eternity Dragon'?" gasped Toby.
"That monster basically has 'Cyber End Dragon's' stats in reverse!" added James.
"Thomas hasn't even taken his first turn, and already Scott brings on the heat!" finished Mavis.
Back on the field…
"'Cyber Eternity's' first effect!" explained Scott, "If I have a Machine Fusion Monster(s) in my GY, my opponent cannot target this card with card effects, also it cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects," He grinned, "That's what 'Cyber End Dragon' being in my GY is for, and it means you're not gonna get by my strongest defender monster anytime soon, Thomas!"
"Ngh…" grunted Thomas.
"Now, I'll Set a card face-down and end my turn!" Scott finished, slotting a card into his Duel Disk. A face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Cyber Eternity Dragon', "With my first turn done, it's time to see what the 'King of Games' is like! With a DEF of 4000 and immunity to destruction by card effects, how will you take this monster on?"
Thomas looked on at the great monster. Clearly, this was not going to be an easy obstacle to overcome. Nevertheless, he made his move.
"It's my turn!" declared Thomas, drawing his card, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Galloping Gaia", "Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon", "King's Knight", "Supreme Requiem" "Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin", and "Joker's Wild"
He added the card into his hand and looked it over. Fortunately, his worries about dealing with 'Cyber Eternity Dragon' were quelled when he saw what was in his opening hand. A few seconds later, Thomas looked up at Scott…and smiled.
"Huh?" quizzed Scott silently.
"From my hand, I'll activate a Field Spell," began Thomas, before holding a card ('Galloping Gaia'), "'Galloping Gaia'!"
From there, a fiery ring began to form around the duo.
"W-What?!" cried Scott, "'Galloping Gaia'? And what's happening to the field around us?"
"These are the flames of perseverance, willpower, and determination well known for the noble knights of 'Gaia'," explained Thomas, "Not even the coldest winds can extinguish this mighty blaze. And with these flames will echo the burning flames in my own soul."
"Your own soul?"
"Mmm!" The blue-haired boy nodded, before going over his card's different effects, "For the first effect, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects during the Battle Phase while 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' is in my Monster Zone. Now, for the second effect! I can activate 1 of the following effects."
These were the effects in-question:
-"I can reveal 1 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' monster in my hand; I must add 1 Level 5 Dragon monster from my Deck to my hand."
-"I can reveal 1 Level 5 Dragon monster in my hand; I must add 1 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' monster from my Deck to my hand."
Scott was slightly surprised by the 'Galloping Gaia' Spell Card's different effects.
"Judging from the look on your face, you know which effect I'm going to pick, don't you?" Thomas pointed out, before taking a card ('Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon') from his hand and showing the opponent what it was, "By showing 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon'—a Level 5 Dragon monster—I'm able to add a 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' monster from my Deck into my hand!" He drew a card ('Gaia the Magical Knight') and added it into his hand, "Scott, your 'Cyber Eternity Dragon' might be an almost unstoppable defender, but even it can be toppled if a strong rough monster battles with it."
"Are you telling me you can get a monster with more than 4000 ATK to battle my 'Cyber Eternity'?" pressed Scott.
"I can," confirmed Thomas, before taking and discarding a card ('Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon') from his hand, "I activate the second effect of the 'Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin' in my hand! I can send 1 Level 5 or higher monster from my hand to the GY; I must Special Summon this card from my hand! Now, come forth, 'Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin'!"
Appearing onto the field was what appeared to be 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' with one lance, and riding a red horse (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200).
"This monster's first effect," began Thomas, "This card can be treated as 2 Tributes for the Tribute Summon of a Warrior monster," He then held his left hand (with the Duel Disk) out, "I offer 'Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin' as a Tribute!"
'Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin' faded away in a blue streak.
"I Tribute Summon 'Gaia the Magical Knight' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' now sporting a cape, and riding a much larger red horse (Level: 7/ATK: 2300/DEF: 2100).
"Uh-oh…" gulped Scott, knowing this monster quite well.
"Hmph! Judging from your nervousness, you seem to be aware of this monster," acknowledged Thomas, before going over his monster's second effect, "If 'Gaia the Magical Knight' is Normal or Special Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 Level 5 Dragon monster from my hand or GY in Defense Position."
Scott winced, "There's more to it…" he uttered wearily, "I already know there's a Level 5 Dragon monster already in your GY…"
"When you put it that way…" Thomas shrugged, before giving a command, "Return to the field, 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was another retrained version of 'Curse of Dragon' (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1500).
"The first effect of 'Curse of Dragon' activates!" proclaimed Thomas, adding a card ('Spiral Fusion') from his Deck into his hand, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand, that mentions 'Gaia the Dragon Champion'."
After a few seconds of looking at his added card…
"And now, Scott, your 'Cyber Eternity' is about to fall," warned Thomas.
"Fall?" repeated Scott, "Then…you really do have a way to bring a monster with more than 4000 ATK out!"
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Spiral Fusion'!" continued Thomas, holding his card ('Spiral Fusion') out, "I must Fusion Summon 1 Dragon Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material. If I Special Summoned 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' by this effect, it gains 2600 ATK, also it can make up to 2 attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase."
"Alright! Now we're cooking!" rejoiced James.
"Big Brother!" Annie and Clarabel both cheered at once.
And the counterattack continues…
"Now, 'Gaia'! 'Curse of Dragon'! Fuse together into 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons'!" ordered Thomas.
From there, the two monsters joined together in the Fusion Vortex. When the Fusion Summon sequence ended, flying in the sky was 'Gaia the Magical Knight' riding 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2100).
"A 'Gaia the Dragon Champion'…" whispered Scott. He then spoke more loudly, "Instead of 2600 ATK, your monster will now have basically doubled ATK plus the ability to attack twice instead of once during battle."
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons's' ATK went WAY up (ATK: 2600 → 5200).
"As 'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon' was sent to the GY," explained Thomas, "its second effect activates. If this card is sent to the GY: I can target 1 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' in my Monster Zone; I must negate the effects of face-up monsters my opponent currently controls with ATK less than or equal to it until the end of this turn," He pointed towards his monster, "The monster I target will be 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons'! Now watch as your 'Cyber Eternity' loses its abilities!"
'Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon' fired a blast of flames, striking 'Cyber Eternity Dragon', causing it to let out a weakened roar.
"Next, I'll activate 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons's' second effect!" Thomas went on, "During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): I can target 1 other card on the field; this card loses exactly 2600 ATK, and if it does, I must destroy that card," He pointed at his opponent, "Without actually attacking, I'll reduce 'Gaia's' ATK to instantly destroy 'Cyber Eternity'!"
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragon's' threw one of his lances towards 'Cyber Eternity Dragon', impaling it and causing it to explode from its destruction. Scott managed to stay on his feet from the backlash of the explosion. Luckily for him, he needed this to happen…
"I activate 'Cyber Eternity's' second effect!" announced Scott, "If this Fusion Summoned card I control is sent to my GY by an opponent's card: I can Special Summon 1 'Cyber Dragon' from my hand, Deck, or GY. Best of all, this effect activates only when my monster is in the GY," He took a card ('Cyber Dragon Nachster') from his Deck and held it out, "From my Deck, I'll Special Summon 'Cyber Dragon Nachster' in Defense Position!"
A second copy of the small, robotic dragon appeared on the field (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 200).
"Now, I do believe we all know what its first effect is by now, so I don't need to explain myself again," joked Scott, "However, I will use this time to activate its third effect! If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can target 1 Machine monster with 2100 ATK or DEF in my GY; I must Special Summon it, also, I cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except Machine monsters," He took a card ('Cyber Dragon') from his GY and placed it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "Come, 'Cyber Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was the original 'Cyber Dragon' in a defensive stance (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600).
"Next, I'll activate a Continuous Trap!" As he spoke, Scott pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "'Cyber Network'!"
The lone Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Once per turn, if 'Cyber Dragon' is on the field: I can banish 1 LIGHT Machine monster from my Deck," explained Scott, going over his Trap Card's first effect. He then took a card ('Cyber Dragon Drei') from his Deck and held it out for a few seconds before it faded away, "I choose to banish 'Cyber Dragon Drei' from my Deck! This, in turn, will activate its third effect! If this card is banished: I can target 1 'Cyber Dragon' I control; it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects this turn. The 'Cyber Dragon' I'll target, of course, will be none other than 'Cyber Dragon'!"
"What?!" cringed Thomas in dismay.
He worked so hard to get rid of 'Cyber Eternity Dragon' and now he was facing another monster that could not be destroyed for the turn. Luckily, there was still another monster Scott controlled that could be destroyed…
"Battle!" declared Thomas, "'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons', attack 'Cyber Dragon Nachster'! And thanks to the effect of 'Galloping Gaia', you're not able to activate cards or effects during the Battle Phase."
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons, meanwhile, thrust one of his lances towards 'Cyber Dragon Nachster', impaling the robotic dragon and causing it to explode from its destruction.
"The third effect of 'Gaia' activates!" exclaimed Thomas, "When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle: I can make this card gain 2600 ATK."
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' regained the ATK it lost earlier on (ATK: 2600 → 5200).
"Still, I couldn't damage him this turn," thought Thomas, "Oh well, I guess there's always next turn…" He then took two cards from his hand and slotted them into his Duel Disk while speaking aloud again, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
Two face-down cards materialized on the field in-front of Thomas's feet.
"As it's the end of your turn, the effect of 'Cyber Dragon Drei' expires," acknowledged Scott, before drawing a card, "Now, it's my turn!"
Turn Three: Scott Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (2): "Cyberdark Realm" and "Card of Sanctity"
Cyber Network: 2 Standby Phases left
After looking at his drawn card for a few seconds, he looked up at his opponent.
"Hey, Thomas, I can't help but notice that both our hands look depleted," commented Scott innocently.
"Y-Yeah?" said Thomas uneasily, seeing as he only had one card in his hand.
"Allow me to use something to completely refresh our hands," As soon as those words left his mouth, Scott held his drawn card ('Card of Sanctity') out, "Spell Card, 'Card of Sanctity'! Each player draws until they have 6 cards in their hand! Seeing as we both have a single card, we are required to draw five new cards!"
From there, the two duelists each drew five new cards. This was what their hands now contained:
-Thomas: 'King's Knight', 'Dark Magician Girl', 'Court of Cards', 'Joker's Knight', 'Magician of Dark Illusion', and 'Joker's Straight'.
-Scott: 'Cyberdark Realm', 'Monster Reborn', 'Cyber Dragon Drei', 'Overload Fusion', 'Attachment Cybern', and 'Cyberdark Inferno'.
In the stands…
"Big Brother…" whispered Annie.
"What's Scott going to do next?" pondered Clarabel.
"We'll just have to wait and see," replied Mrs. Billinton, "Look! He's making a move, now!"
Back on the field, Scott took a card ('Monster Reborn') from his hand and held it out.
"Spell Card, 'Monster Reborn', activate!" he began, "I'll use it to Special Summon 'Cyber Dragon Herz' from my GY in Defense Position!"
Returning to the field was the 'Cyber' worm-like monster (Level: 1/ATK: 100/DEF: 100).
"This will trigger my monster's second effect," warned Scott, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can make this card's Level become 5 until the end of this turn, also, I cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except Machine monsters," He then drew a card ('Cyber Dragon Vier') and allowed it to fade away, "And again, I'll activate the effect of my Continuous Trap, 'Cyber Network', to banish a LIGHT Machine monster from my Deck!"
All of a sudden, the spirit of 'Cyber Eternity Dragon' reappeared on the field.
"What? 'Cyber Eternity' is back?" gasped Thomas.
"Not really," denied Scott, shaking his head as 'Cyber Eternity Dragon' dissolved into specks of light, "Rather, I'm choosing now to activate its third effect. I can banish this card from my GY; this turn, my opponent cannot target Fusion Monsters I control with card effects, also they cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects," He then took another card from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "Now, it's time to pull out some of the heavy artillery!"
On cue, a Spell Card called 'Overload Fusion' materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Overload Fusion' from my hand!" announced Scott, "I must Fusion Summon 1 DARK Machine Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials listed on it from my field or GY," He took a card ('Cyber Dragon Nachster') from his GY, as well as a card ('Cyber Dragon') from a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I'll banish both 'Cyber Dragon' and 'Cyber Dragon Nachster'!"
From there, the two monsters flew into a Fusion Vortex in the sky.
"Technologic beasts with twice the skill and brainpower, arise and vaporize the ancient and the wicked!" chanted Scott, before something shot out of the Fusion Vortex, "Fusion Summon! Destroy! Level 5! 'Chimeratech Rampage Dragon'!"
Appearing out of the Fusion Vortex and in the sky, was a 'Cyber Dragon' with two heads connected with a black and red base (Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600).
"'Chimeratech Rampage Dragon'?" wondered Thomas.
"Eeyup!" confirmed Scott, "I also choose this moment to activate my new monster's first effect! When this card is Fusion Summoned: I can target Spells/Traps on the field, up to the number of Fusion Materials used for its Fusion Summon; I must destroy them."
Thomas's eyes widened.
"Sorry, Thomas, but both your Set cards are going to be blown away," apologized Scott, "'Chimeratech Rampage Dragon', destroy both of Thomas's face-down cards!"
'Chimeratech Rampage Dragon' obeyed, firing blasts from both its heads, vaporizing Thomas's two face-down cards. Thomas's look of frustration instantly became one…of triumph.
"Hm?" quizzed Scott, "Why are you smiling? I destroyed both of your Set cards."
"On the contrary, there was one set card I was 'hoping' you would destroy," explained Thomas, just as a Trap Card called 'Supreme Requiem' reappeared, face-up, on the field, "This is a Trap called 'Supreme Requiem. If this card is sent to the GY: I must draw 1 card, then if this card was sent from my field to the GY by an opponent's card effect; I can Special Summon 1 monster from my Extra Deck."
"Any monster from your Extra Deck?" repeated Scott.
"Well, ones that can be Special Summoned, anyway," replied Thomas, before drawing a card ('Five Star Twilight'), "Now that I've drawn my card, I'll Special Summon 'Dark Cavalry' from my Extra Deck in Attack Position!"
Appearing out of the face-up 'Supreme Requiem' Trap Card and onto the field, was what appeared to be 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' decked out in armor similar to that of 'Dark Magician's' (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2300).
"'Dark Cavalry's' first effect!" began Thomas, "It gains 100 ATK for each Spell/Trap on the field and in the GYs."
"If I remember, that's ten in total!" remembered Scott, "And that means your 'Dark Cavalry' gains 1000 ATK!"
'Dark Cavalry' grew stronger (ATK: 2800 → 3800)
"Furthermore, I'll activate the second effect of the 'Magician of Dark Illusion' from my hand!" continued Thomas, placing another card ('Magician of Dark Illusion') onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "During my opponent's turn, if I activate a Spell/Trap Card or effect (except during the Damage Step): I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come forth, 'Magician of Dark Illusion'!"
Appearing onto the field was the shadow of 'Dark Magician' (Level: 7/ATK: 2100/DEF: 2500).
"This card's name becomes "Dark Magician" while on the field," reminded Thomas, going over 'Magician of Dark Illusion's' first effect.
"Unfortunately, that won't be enough to protect you," dismissed Scott, "I activate the second effect of 'Chimeratech Rampage Dragon'! Once per turn: I can send up to 2 LIGHT Machine monsters from my Deck to the GY, and if I do, for each monster sent to the GY, this card gains 1 additional attack during each Battle Phase this turn," From there, he took two cards ('Cyber Dragon' and 'Cyber Dragon Nachster') from his Deck, and sent them to his GY, "By sending 'Cyber Dragon' and 'Cyber Dragon Nachster' both from my Deck to the GY, 'Chimeratech Rampage Dragon' gains a few additional attacks during the Battle Phase this turn."
From there, a Monster Card known as 'Cyber Dragon Drei' materialized face-up on the field.
"I Summon 'Cyber Dragon Drei' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a 'Cyber Dragon' with yellow/orange colors on its skin (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200).
"We all know what the first effect is," yawned Scott, "So, instead, I'll go over the second effect… When this card is Normal Summoned: I can make all 'Cyber Dragon' I currently control become Level 5. I cannot Special Summon monsters the turn I activate this effect, except Machine monsters."
"All 'Cyber Dragons' become Level 5?" thought Thomas, "What use could that be for—oh no…"
The Level of 'Cyber Dragon Drei' was immediately changed (Level: 4 → 5).
"Here I go!" declared Scott, "I overlay Level 5 'Cyber Dragon Herz' and 'Cyber Dragon Drei'!"
The Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field, and both 'Cyber Dragon Herz' and 'Cyber Dragon Drei' were absorbed inside of it.
"Even in the strongest form, the mighty still must evolve even further in the modern world. Let this revolutionary evolution leave its mark on history!" chanted Scott, as something fired out of the Overlay Network, "Xyz Summon! Rank 5! 'Cyber Dragon Nova'!"
Now on the field was a darkened 'Cyber Dragon' with a set of wings, and a neckbrace (Rank: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600).
"There's still more!" warned Scott, "I overlay 'Cyber Dragon Nova' into a higher, more powerful ranked monster!"
'Cyber Dragon Nova' turned into energy and flew back into the Overlay Network.
"Dragon of the Cybernetic Style, exceed your limitations and become a force of power beyond infinity!" chanted Scott, as the entire Overlay Network exploded apart, "Rank Up Xyz Evolution! Appear! Rank 6! 'Cyber Dragon Infinity'!"
Appearing out of the Overlay Network and onto the field in 'Cyber Dragon Nova's' place, was a much more powerful version of 'Cyber Dragon Nova', now looking more like an actual dragon instead of a mechanical serpent (Rank: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600).
"T-This is 'Cyber Dragon Infinity'-!" stammered Thomas.
The rest of the crowd was surprised and murmuring to each other about this surprise.
"The second effect of 'Cyber Dragon Infinity'!" began Scott, "It gains 200 ATK for each material attached to it. That's three materials, or Overlay Units, in total!"
'Cyber Dragon Infinity' grew stronger (ATK: 2100 → 2700).
"Now the third effect! Once per turn: I can target 1 face-up Attack Position monster on the field; I must attach it to this card as material."
Thomas gasped in response.
"That's right, I'll target your 'Dark Cavalry' and equip it onto my 'Cyber Dragon Infinity'!" confirmed Scott, "'Cyber Dragon Infinity', grab 'Dark Cavalry'!"
'Cyber Dragon Infinity' obeyed, swooping over towards Thomas's field. Before 'Dark Cavalry' was grabbed…
"'Dark Cavalry's' third effect activates!" cut in Thomas, taking a card ('Joker's Straight') from his hand and sending it to the GY, "When a card or effect is activated that targets a card on the field (Quick Effect): I can discard 1 card; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it."
As 'Cyber Dragon Infinity' grew closer, 'Dark Cavalry' struck it with his lance, causing the enemy monster to back off. 'Dark Cavalry' then attempted to destroy 'Cyber Dragon Infinity' in retaliation.
"'Cyber Dragon Infinity' is about to fall!" grinned Thomas.
"Guess again," sighed Scott, causing Thomas to ease up, "The fourth effect of 'Cyber Dragon Infinity' activates! Once per turn, when a card or effect is activated (Quick Effect): I can detach 1 material from this card; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy it. Granted, this will reduce my monster's ATK by 200, but it's a small price to pay in order for me to protect it."
'Cyber Dragon Infinity' countered the blow and fired a blast of black/purple fire, which was about to hit 'Dark Cavalry'.
"If I lose 'Dark Cavalry', I'll at least take your 'Cyber Dragon Infinity' down, too!" insisted Thomas, "I activate the second effect of 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' again! I believe you know what it does by now!"
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons's' ATK fell once more (ATK: 5200 → 2600).
"Destroy 'Cyber Dragon Infinity'!" commanded Thomas.
'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' obeyed, throwing one of his lances towards 'Cyber Dragon Infinity'.
"Still, both our monsters will be destroyed!" Scott pointed out.
The lance from 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons' impaled 'Cyber Dragon Infinity', while its attack collided with 'Dark Cavalry'. Seconds later…
*BOOM!*
…both monsters exploded due to their destruction, as Scott mentioned.
"Both of their monsters were wiped out," commented Rosie.
"Fortunately, Thomas still has 'Gaia' out," reminded Toby, "If Thomas can use him to destroy one of Scott's monsters, its ATK will return to being 5200."
Back on the field…
"I gotta hand it to you, Thomas, that was an impressive trick you pulled," complimented Scott, "However, this turn is far from being over," He took a card ('Cyberdark Realm') from his hand and held it out, resulting in a large version of the card rising from ground behind him, "From my hand, I'll activate the Continuous Spell, 'Cyberdark Realm'! When this card is activated: I can add 1 'Cyberdark' monster from my Deck to my hand, with a name different from the cards in my GY."
Thomas winced, "'Cyberdarks'."
"Let's see…" mused Scott, taking his Deck out and looking through it card-by-card, "Which one should I pick?" He finally picked a card ('Cyberdark Edge') and reinserted his Deck back into its holder on the Duel Disk before showing off the card, "This one will do; 'Cyberdark Edge'! And a note about 'Cyberdark Realm's' third effect… If I equip a monster from my GY by the effect of a 'Cyberdark' monster that activated when it was Normal or Special Summoned, I can equip from my opponent's GY instead."
Thomas grunted a quick response.
"Next, I'll activate the second effect of 'Cyberdark Realm'!" Scott went on, "During my Main Phase, I can: Immediately after this effect resolves, Normal Summon 1 'Cyberdark' monster," He then took and placed a card ('Cyberdark Edge') onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Cyberdark Edge' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was the green robotic creature that resembled a large pair of wings (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).
"If this card is Normal Summoned: I must target 1 Level 3 or lower Dragon monster in my GY; I must equip that Dragon monster to this card," explained Scott, going over 'Cyberdark Edge's' first effect before taking a card ('Cyberdark Cannon') from his GY and holding it out, "By targeting the 'Cyberdark Cannon' in my GY, I'll equip it onto 'Cyberdark Edge'!"
Appearing onto the field was a purple, winged being that resembled part of a dragon before being attached to 'Cyberdark Edge'.
"This will activate 'Cyberdark Edge's' second effect!" said Scott confidently, "It gains ATK equal to the original ATK of the monster equipped to it by this effect. Because 'Cyberdark Cannon' has an ATK of 1600, 'Cyberdark Edge' gains ATK equal to that amount!"
'Cyberdark Edge' grew stronger (ATK: 800 → 2400).
"Now to do something about your Field Spell," As he spoke, Scott held another card ('Cyberdark Inferno') before inserting it into his Duel Disk through the Field Spell Zone, "Field Spell, 'Cyberdark Inferno', activate!"
The ring of flames around the duel field began to fizzle out as a new, more sinister flame, was ignited in its place.
"My 'Galloping Gaia' is-!" groaned Thomas.
"'Cyberdark' Effect Monsters I control that are equipped with an Equip Card cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects, also my opponent cannot target them with card effects," teased Scott, before taking and slotting another card into his Duel Disk, "Next, I'll activate the first effect of the 'Attachment Cybern' in my hand!"
Appearing onto the field was a yellow, robotic dragon.
"I can target 1 Dragon or Machine 'Cyber' monster I control; I must equip this card from my hand or field to it. Go, 'Attachment Cybern'! Attach yourself to 'Cyberdark Edge'!"
'Attachment Cybern' obeyed, attaching itself to 'Cyberdark Edge'.
"This will activate the second effect of my monster," Scott said with a quick nod, "While this card is an Equip Card, the equipped monster gains 600 ATK."
'Cyberdark Edge' grew stronger (ATK: 2400 → 3000).
"And now, we will battle!" announced Scott, entering his Battle Phase, "'Cyberdark Edge', eliminate 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons'!"
'Cyberdark Edge' obeyed, beginning to charge up a blast of fire.
"Now I'll use this moment to activate the third effect of my equipped 'Cyberdark Cannon'! During damage calculation, if a monster equipped with this card battles: I can send 1 monster from my Deck to the GY," As he spoke, Scott took a card ('Cyberdark Chimera') from his Deck and sent it to the GY—but not before taking another card ('Cyberdark Keel') from his Deck and discarding it, "Now, to activate the second effect of 'Cyberdark Chimera'! If this card is sent to the GY: I can send 1 'Cyberdark' monster from my Deck to the GY, with a different name from the cards in my GY."
By this point, 'Cyberdark Edge' had finished charging up its attack.
"Eat this!" boomed Scott, "Counter Burn!"
The blast of fire was fired towards 'Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons', striking and destroying the monster in a massive explosion. Thomas winced as he braced himself from the shockwaves of the explosion and sustained the first damage of the whole duel (LP: 4000 → 3600).
"Ouch!" grimaced Henry.
"Scott does not mess around!" came from Percy.
Emily was thoughtful, "Hmm…" she mused, "You know, there's something about both the 'Cyber Dragon' and 'Cyberdark' archetypes that has me interested."
"What might that be?" asked Edward.
"Are any of you familiar with the terms Yin and Yang?"
"Say what?" blinked Stanley, while Rosie merely shrugged.
"I guess not," acknowledged Emily, "Anyway, what I believe are the 'Cyberdarks' are the Yin, and the 'Cyber Dragons' are the Yang. The 'Cyberdarks' are the Yin, because they capture and steal the powers of those who have fallen for themselves and use those they captured as living shields to defend themselves. While the 'Cyber Dragons' are the Yang, seeing as they rely on their individual brute force and fusing with their comrades to combine their power together. Both are polar opposites, but it's because of that when they combine forces, there is a possibility that both can bring out their full potential."
"You mean like…Yin is darkness, and Yang is light?" pressed Mavis.
Emily nodded silently.
"And what you're also saying," added James, "is that Scott has yet to show the full power and potential of Yin and Yang?"
"We'll simply have to wait and see," Emily advised.
Back on the field…
"I end my turn," finished Scott.
"Which will activate the second effect of one of the cards you sent to my GY, 'Joker's Wild'," Thomas pointed out.
"'Joker's Wild'?"
"Yup," As he spoke, the blue-haired boy took a card ('Gaia the Magical Knight') from his GY and shuffled it into his Deck before retrieving another card ('Joker's Wild') and adding it into his hand, "During the End Phase, if this card is in my GY: I can target 1 LIGHT Warrior monster in my GY; I must shuffle it into the Deck, and if I do, add this card to my hand."
Scott nodded, "I see," he acknowledged, "In any case, the third effect of 'Cyber Eternity' wears off here."
"It's my turn!" declared Thomas, drawing his card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3600)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (7): "King's Knight", "Dark Magician Girl", "Court of Cards", "Joker's Knight", "Five Star Twilight", "Joker's Wild", and "Pot of Greed"
On cue, the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Pot of Greed'!" announced Thomas, drawing two more cards, "I must draw 2 cards!"
His drawn cards were 'Arcana Triumph Joker' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Destined Rivals' (Trap Card). Adding them into his hand, Thomas proceeded with his turn.
"I activate the first effect of the 'Joker's Knight' in my hand!" he began, while also drawing and sending a card ('Queen's Knight') from his Deck to the GY, "I can send 1 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', or 'Jack's Knight' from my Deck to the GY; I must Special Summon this card from my hand, and if I do, this card's name becomes the sent monster's name until the End Phase."
"'Joker's Knight'?" pondered Scott.
Appearing onto the field was a new member of the 'Poker Knight' archetype; he was dressed in dark clothing comprised of the classic poker crests, a long sword, a shield, and a jester-like helmet on his head (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1400).
"In the game of Poker," explained Thomas, "the Joker is a Wild Card that can substitute for any Face Card you wish to use. True to this, the 'Joker's Knight' is willing and ready to take the place of any of his fellow comrades who are unable to battle at this time," To prove it, he took and placed another card ('King's Knight') from his hand onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'King's Knight' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was the male 'Poker Knight' in yellow armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400).
"With 'Joker's Knight' serving as 'Queen's Knight', I can activate 'King's Knight's' effect!" said Thomas, drawing a card ('Jack's Knight') and placing it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "When this card is Normal Summoned while I control 'Queen's Knight': I can Special Summon 1 'Jack's Knight' from my Deck."
Appearing onto this field to join his comrades, was the male 'Poker Knight' in blue armor (Level: 5/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1000). All three monsters raised and crossed their swords together.
"Will Thomas fuse them together into 'Arcana Knight Joker'?" wondered Gordon, "It would be helpful if he did that."
However, Thomas had 'different' ideas…
"I activate the first effect of the 'Arcana Triumph Joker' in my hand!" The blue-haired boy declared, which caused some surprise to the audience. He then removed the three Monster Cards from his Duel Disk and sent them to the GY, "If this card is in my hand or GY: I can send 1 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and 'Jack's Knight' from my hand and/or face-up Monster Zone to the GY; I must Special Summon this card."
'Joker's Knight' (substituting for 'Queen's Knight'), 'King's Knight', and 'Jack's Knight' began glowing in light just as a whole new female 'Poker Knight' in red armor started to appear.
"Say hello to 'Arcana Triumph Joker'!" welcomed Thomas.
The female 'Poker Knight' had blonde hair like 'Queen's Knight', but her armor was vastly different and far more regal compared to the original (Level: 10/ATK: ?/DEF: 2500).
"Wait, she has an unknown ATK?" gawked Scott.
"Yes, but this is where her second effect kicks in," warned Thomas, "This card gains 500 ATK x the combined number of cards in both players' hands," He held his hand (in her left hand) up and pointed at Scott using his right hand, "I have five cards in my hand, while you have no cards in your hand. It results in 'Arcana Triumph Joker' having an ATK of 2500!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' glowed as she grew stronger (ATK: ? → 2500).
"Not only that, I'll activate her third and most powerful effect!" continued Thomas, sending a card ('Joker's Wild') from his hand to the GY, "I can discard 1 card; I must destroy all face-up cards my opponent controls with the same type (Monster, Spell, or Trap) as the discarded card. I've discarded my retrieved 'Joker's Wild', a Trap, meaning all Trap Cards on your field are destroyed!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' raised her sword, eagerly awaiting the effect name to be called out. Sure enough, it was…
"Joker's Triumph - Type Trap!" The voice of Thomas ordered.
With a mighty yell, 'Arcana Knight Joker' slammed her sword on the ground, creating a large shockwave that raced across the field and destroyed Scott's face-up 'Cyber Network' Trap Card. With one less card in Thomas's hand, 'Arcana Knight Joker's' ATK dropped (ATK: 2500 → 2000).
"Rgh…" winced Scott, but quickly recovered, "The third effect of my Trap Card activates, now! When this card is sent from the field to the GY: I must Special Summon as many of my banished LIGHT Machine monsters as possible, and if I do, destroy all Spells and Traps I control."
From there, three balls of light returned to Scott's hand, which he revealed to be…
"Come forth, my monsters! 'Cyber Dragon Vier', 'Cyber Dragon', and 'Cyber Eternity Dragon'!"
In a flash, the three mentioned 'Cyber' monsters returned to the field in defensive stances (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1600)(Level: 5/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1600)(Level: 10/ATK: 2800/DEF: 4000).
"Now, all of my Spells and Traps, including monsters equipped to 'Cyberdark Edge', will be destroyed!" remembered Scott, "That means 'Cyberdark Realm', 'Cyberdark Cannon', 'Attachment Cybern', and 'Cyberdark Inferno' all are wiped out!"
From there, his face-up Spell Cards and Trap Cards all shattered like glass. With the 'Cyberdark Inferno' Spell Card gone, the flames were extinguished, returning the field to normal. Also, 'Cyberdark Edge's' ATK returned to normal (ATK: 3000 → 800).
"Now the first effect of 'Cyberdark Cannon' activates!" Scott went on, drawing a card and looking at it, "If this card is sent to the GY while equipped to a monster: I can draw 1 card. Also, 'Cyber Dragon Vier' becomes 'Cyber Dragon'. However, there's also its third effect to take note. Each 'Cyber Dragon' I control gains 500 ATK/DEF."
'Cyber Dragon Vier' (ATK: 1100 → 1600/DEF: 1600 → 2100) and 'Cyber Dragon' (ATK: 2100 → 2600/DEF: 1600 → 2100) grew stronger. And with another card added into Scott's hand, 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK went up again (ATK: 2000 → 2500).
"And do you remember 'Cyber Eternity'?" Scott grinned, liking this part a lot, "With a Machine Fusion Monster(s) in my GY, the first effect of my monster prevents you from targeting it with card effects, also it cannot be destroyed by your card effects."
"Yes, but I can still attack and destroy 'Cyberdark Edge'!" reminded Thomas, entering his Battle Phase, "'Arcana Triumph Joker', attack 'Cyberdark Edge'!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' obeyed, lunging towards the weaker monster with her sword, attempting to strike the enemy down. The weapon struck, but nothing happened (yet).
"You will not damage me that easily!" cut in Scott, holding out his drawn card ('Cyber Devotee'(!)), "I activate the first effect of the 'Cyber Devotee' in my hand!" He discarded his card, "During damage calculation, when my 'Cyber' or 'Chimeratech' monster battles a monster with an equal or higher ATK (Quick Effect): I can send this card from my hand to the GY; I take no battle damage from that battle, also I must end the Battle Phase after the Damage Step."
So, while Scott received no battle damage, 'Cyberdark Edge' still exploded from its destruction. And with one less card in Scott's hand, 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK dropped again (ATK: 2500 → 2000).
"Man, Thomas still couldn't damage Scott!" said James in exasperation.
"At least he destroyed 'Cyberdark Edge'," Edward pointed out, "Although I have to admit that Scott has not let up with defending himself."
"His ultimate 'Cyber-Art Reverse' Deck has practically the perfect Attack and Defense," commented Stanley, "I don't know what Thomas is going to do about it."
Back on the field…
"Once again, I'll activate 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' second effect!" announced Thomas, holding out a card ('Dark Magician Girl') and discarding it, "This time, I'll destroy your whole field of monsters! While 'Cyber Eternity' will be spared, everything else will fall!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' raised her sword, eagerly awaiting the effect name to be called out once more. This time around, though, the spirit of 'Dark Magician Girl' had appeared in midair to assist her new friend. Sure enough…
"Joker's Triumph - Type Monster!" The voice of Thomas called.
With another mighty yell, 'Arcana Knight Joker' slammed her sword on the ground as 'Dark Magician Girl' fired a blast of black burning-like magic from her wand. This created a large shockwave intertwined with the magic that raced across the field and destroyed nearly all of Scott's monsters, with 'Cyber Eternity Dragon' being the lone exception. And again, with one less card being in Thomas's hand, 'Arcana Knight Joker's' ATK dropped (ATK: 2000 → 1500), and a rather satisfied 'Dark Magician Girl' vanished back into the GY.
"All that's left to be dealt with is 'Cyber Eternity'," acknowledged Thomas, taking two more cards from his hand and slotting them into his Duel Disk, "For now, I'll Set two cards face-down and end my turn."
Two Set cards materialized on the field behind 'Arcana Triumph Joker', who's ATK then took another drop (ATK: 1500 → 500).
"But I'm betting that your use of card effects has not ended even though your turn is over, right?" pressed Scott.
"You're right," Thomas confirmed, taking a card ('Queen's Knight') from his GY and shuffling it into his Deck, "During the End Phase, if this card is in my GY: I can target 1 other LIGHT Warrior monster in my GY; I must shuffle it into the Deck, and if I do, add this card to my hand," He then took another card ('Joker's Knight') from his GY and added it into his hand, "By shuffling 'Queen's Knight' from my GY into my Deck, I'll add 'Joker's Knight' back into my hand. And with one more card added back into my hand, 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK changes for the better!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' got stronger again (ATK: 500 → 1000).
"But wait, the second effect of the Spell Card, 'Joker's Straight', in my GY shares the exact same second ability as 'Joker's Knight' and even 'Joker's Wild'!"
"It does?!" realized Scott.
"Yup," As he spoke, Thomas shuffled another card ('King's Knight') into his Deck before adding one more card ('Joker's Straight') into his hand, "This time, I've shuffled 'King's Knight' into my Deck in order to add 'Joker's Straight' back into my hand. And we cannot forget 'Joker's Wild', right?"
From there, Thomas took the 'Jack's Knight' Monster Card from his GY (it was a LIGHT Warrior monster) from his GY and shuffled it into the Deck, before taking the 'Joker's Wild' Trap Card from his GY and adding it into his hand.
"With two more cards added into my hand," reminded Thomas, "'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK rises by 1000!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' got stronger again (ATK: 1000 → 2000).
"Now it's my turn to use an effect!" interrupted Scott. "The second effect of 'Cyber Devotee', that is! During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was sent there to activate this effect this turn, and my opponent controls more monsters than I do; I can send 1 Level 10 or lower Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck to the GY. Currently, you control more monsters than I do."
"Yes…" confirmed Thomas, while in his thoughts… "What Level 10 or lower Fusion Monster will he send next?"
Scott took out his Extra Deck and started looking through it for a possible Fusion Monster to send to the GY, with some of the cards being shown as followed:
-'Chimeratech Overdragon'
-'Cyber Twin Dragon'
-'Chimeratech Fortress Dragon'
-'Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon'
-'Five-Headed Dragon'
-'Cyber End Dragon'
"Found one," thought Scott, taking a card ('Chimeratech Fortress Dragon') and holding it out for a moment before sending it to his GY, "This is the Level 10 or lower Fusion Monster I'll send to the GY; my Level 8 'Chimeratech Fortress Dragon'!"
The spirit of a huge, multi-headed, robotic dragon briefly appeared on the field before vanishing.
"Once you draw another card from your Draw Phase, her ATK will rise to 2500," declared Thomas, "It will make her strong enough to defend against a few things you might try to bring out to fight during your turn!"
Scott grunted in frustration, "You're right about that," he admitted, drawing a card, "However, I won't let that stop me! It's my turn!"
Turn Five: Scott Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (1): "Card of Demise"
His drawn card was the 'Card of Demise' Spell Card, while 'Arcana Triumph Joker' grew stronger since a card was added into the opponent's hand (ATK: 2000 → 2500).
"And now, by taking a page out of my cousin Spencer's book, I'll replenish my empty hand with the Spell Card, 'Card of Demise'!" As Scott spoke, he drew five new cards, "I must draw until I have 5 cards in my hand. During my 5th Standby Phase after activation: I must send all cards in my hand to the GY."
"Scott, that was not wise," sighed Thomas, shaking his head, "By adding five new cards to your hand, you have given 'Arcana Triumph Joker' an ATK of 4500!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' was supercharged with power (ATK: 2000 → 4500). Scott merely smiled grimly and looked at his newly drawn hand, which contained 'Cyberdark Horn', 'Super Strident Blaze', 'Cyberdark Impact!', 'Damage Polarizer', and 'Cyber Eternal'. Sure, 'Arcana Triumph Joker' was stronger now, but just wait until Thomas got a load of some of his true power as both a duelist and as World Champion…
"I Normal Summon 'Cyberdark Horn'!" announced Scott.
Appearing onto the field was the brown, robotic creature with metallic wings, and a set of sharp teeth complete with sets of horns around the sides of its mouth (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 800). With one less card in Scott's hand, 'Arcana Triumph Joker' lost 500 ATK (ATK: 4500 → 4000).
"'Cyberdark Horn's' first effect! If this card is Normal Summoned: I must target 1 Level 3 or lower Dragon monster in my GY; I must equip that Dragon monster to this card," explained Scott, taking a card ('Cyberdark Cannon') from his GY and holding it out, "I target 'Cyberdark Cannon'!"
Reappearing onto the field was the purple, winged being resembling part of a dragon before being attached to 'Cyberdark Horn'.
"Due to 'Cyberdark Horn's' second effect, it gains ATK equal to the original ATK of 'Cyberdark Cannon'!"
'Cyberdark Horn' grew even stronger (ATK: 800 → 2400).
"And now, from my hand, I'll activate 'Cyberdark Impact!'!" declared Scott, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "I must Fusion Summon 1 'Cyberdark Dragon' from my Extra Deck, by shuffling 1 each of 'Cyberdark Horn', 'Cyberdark Edge', and 'Cyberdark Keel' from my hand, field, and/or GY, into the Deck, as Fusion Material."
Thomas was not thrilled about that, and the audience was likewise surprised about it.
"'Cyberdark Dragon'," uttered James, "That's the one which took Stepney out of the tournament… Now Thomas is about to go up against it."
Back on the field, two cards ('Cyberdark Edge' and 'Cyberdark Keel') ejected from Scott's GY, appearing on the field to join 'Cyberdark Horn'.
"'Edge', 'Keel', and 'Horn'!" said Scott loudly, "Merge together into 'Cyberdark Dragon'!"
The three 'Cyberdark' components began to combine together. When the Fusion Summon sequenced ended, there, on the field, was the robotic dragon with 'Cyberdark Horn' as the head, 'Cyberdark Edge' as the winged middle, and 'Cyberdark Keel' as the tail (Level: 8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000). The audience went "Oooohhh" and "Aaaahhh" over seeing this famous monster. And with one less card in Scott's hand, 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK once again dropped (ATK: 4000 → 3500).
"'Cyberdark Dragon'…" worried Thomas, initially.
'Arcana Triumph Joker' stood ready, just in case Scott decided to try attacking with the weaker 'Cyberdark Dragon'. Of course, because 'Cyberdark Horn' was shuffled back into the Deck, the 'Cyberdark Cannon' equipped to it was destroyed.
"The first effect of 'Cyberdark Cannon' activates now!" continued Scott, drawing a card, "If this card is sent to the GY while equipped to a monster: I can draw 1 card."
"However, doing so grants 'Arcana Triumph Joker' more ATK," reminded Thomas, as once again 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK rose (ATK: 3500 → 4000).
"Next, the first effect of 'Cyberdark Dragon'!" As Scott spoke, he looked down at the Monster Zones on his Duel Disk before looking at his GY, "If this card is Special Summoned: I must target 1 Dragon monster in my GY; I must equip that target to this card."
"Planning to equip a powerful Dragon to 'Cyberdark Dragon'?" frowned Thomas, "That way, you can make it an even more destructive force to be reckoned with? Well, I cannot let you succeed in doing that."
"Huh?" quizzed Scott.
"I'm prepared to stop your monster from powering up," As he said that, Thomas swept his left arm (with the Duel Disk) about as his remaining Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Face-down Trap, open! 'Destined Rivals', activate!"
"'Destined Rivals'?!" gasped Scott.
"If I control 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' or 'Dark Magician': I must negate the effects of all face-up monsters my opponent currently controls, until the end of this turn," explained Thomas, "Normally I don't have 'Dark Magician' on my field, but remember 'Magician of Dark Illusion'? Its name becomes 'Dark Magician' while on the field. Which means…" He then pointed at his opponent, "…your 'Cyberdark Dragon' won't be able to use any of its effects this turn!"
Scott recoiled, watching as 'Cyberdark Dragon' tried and failed to bring a Dragon monster from his GY back to equip itself with. Before long, Scott closed his eyes and smiled.
"Well, talk about an unexpected way to briefly stop my monster," he admitted, but then opened his eyes with a more serious look on his face, "However, this is where things return to my control!"
"What?" flinched Thomas.
To prove such a point, Scott took a card from his hand and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk. On cue, a face-down card materialized on the field, but flipped face-up and revealed itself to be…
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Cyber Eternal'!" began Scott, "I must target 1 Machine 'Cyber' Fusion Monster in my GY; I must return it to the Extra Deck or Special Summon it, ignoring its Summoning conditions," A card ('Cyber End Dragon') ejected from his GY, which he took and held out to show the opponent, "I'm gonna Special Summon this one, 'Cyber End Dragon'!"
In a burst of light behind Scott, the huge, three-headed, robotic dragon arose from the ground with a loud, powerful roar (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 2800). And with another card gone from Scott's hand, 'Arcana Triumph Joker' grew weaker again (ATK: 4000 → 3500).
"Big Brother!" Annie and Clarabel both wailed.
"Now Thomas is up against 'Cyber End Dragon'!" came from James, speaking to both Gordon and Henry, "I faced it before, and it's not a whole lot of fun to fight thanks to that massive 4000 ATK!"
"Unfortunately," put in Edward, "it's about to get a whole lot harder for Thomas to fight."
"How so?"
"Once Scott plays that card!" The intelligent, blue-haired boy pointed out.
Back on the field…
"From my hand, I'll activate the Equip Spell, 'Super Strident Blaze'!" began Scott, holding another card out, "This will be equipped onto 'Cyber End Dragon'!"
From there, 'Cyber End Dragon' began charging blasts from its three heads.
"I must equip only to a Machine Fusion Monster. My opponent cannot activate cards or effects during my Battle Phase," explained Scott, "And with another card in my hand being used, your 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK drops by another 500!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' grew even weaker (ATK: 3500 → 3000).
"However, the second, more deadly effect is what I'm really aiming for," continued Scott, "At the end of the Damage Step, if the equipped monster attacked an opponent's monster: I can banish 1 'Cyber Dragon' monster from my GY; the equipped monster can attack an opponent's monster again in a row. My other monsters cannot attack the turn I activate this effect," He then took a card from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "Before I go on the offensive, I'll Set two cards face-down."
Two face-down cards materialized on the field near Scott's feet. More importantly, 'Arcana Triumph Joker' grew weaker again because two more cards were gone from Scott's hand (ATK: 3000 → 2000). Finally, the Battle Phase…
"'Cyber End', attack 'Arcana Triumph Joker'!" ordered Scott, announcing his monster's attack name as 'Cyber End Dragon's' three heads started charging a three-way plasma blast, "Super Strident Blaze!"
'Cyber End Dragon' obeyed, firing the charged blast. 'Arcana Triumph Joker' bravely blocked the attack with her sword and tried her best to hold out and survive, but, alas, she was not strong enough because her ATK had dropped way too much, and so cried out as she was overwhelmed and destroyed.
"'Arcana Triumph Joker' was-!" winced Thomas, taking very heavy damage (LP: 3600 → 1600).
"Unfortunately, it's not over yet!" reminded Scott, allowing a card ('Cyber Dragon Vier') to eject from his GY before fading into oblivion, "Through the second effect of 'Super Strident Blaze', I'll banish 'Cyber Dragon Vier' from my GY to allow 'Cyber End Dragon' to attack again! Go forth, 'Cyber End'! Turn your attention to 'Magician of Dark Illusion'!"
'Cyber End Dragon' obeyed, charging another three-way blast and firing it off towards Thomas's only remaining monster.
"And you won't escape unscathed either!" boomed Scott, "The effect of 'Cyber End' will make sure of it! If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, I must inflict piercing battle damage!"
The second Super Strident Blaze struck 'Magician of Dark Illusion' and overwhelmed it in an instant, with its destruction resulting in a large explosion clouding Thomas' field. Thomas himself could cry out as he was pushed back by the force of the attack, while his LP dropped to critically low levels (LP: 1600 → 100).
"'Magician of Dark Illusion'…" whispered Thomas, huffing and puffing from exhaustion.
With the audience, they were relieved that Thomas had barely withstood the onslaught of Scott's monsters.
"He survived!" Henry sighed with relief.
"Yeah, only by the skin of his teeth!" added Gordon, "He's left with exactly 100 LP!"
Back on the field, Scott's fierce onslaught had finally ended.
"You were lucky to have negated 'Cyberdark Dragon's' effects, otherwise you wouldn't have survived this turn, Thomas," commented Scott, "But now your LP are a candle in the wind. If one more attack of any kind gets through, you're finished."
Despite the odds being heavily stacked against him, Thomas smirked with utmost confidence.
"You forget who you're up against," he pointed out, "I've already said; not even the coldest winds can extinguish the burning flames in my soul."
"Then that will make my victory over you all the sweeter," smirked Scott, "My turn is over, so the effect of 'Destined Rivals' expires. 'Cyberdark Dragon's' effects return! In this case, the third effect! It gains 100 ATK for each monster in my GY. There are currently sixteen in total!"
'Cyberdark Dragon' let loose a fierce roar as it regained its lost abilities and grew stronger (ATK: 1000 → 2600). With three power dragons staring down on Thomas, his friends knew that he was in for a difficult time.
"It's my turn!" declared Thomas, before going into his thoughts, "I have to make this turn count," At last, he drew his card, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Thomas Billinton (LP: 100)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (5): "Five Star Twilight", "Joker's Knight", "Joker's Straight", "Joker's Wild", and "Dark Magical Circle"
His drawn card was the 'Dark Magical Circle' Spell Card.
"This will help later on," thought Thomas, before adding the card into his hand and taking another out to play, "Here I come, Scott! Spell Card, 'Joker's Straight', activate!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I must discard 1 card, Special Summon 1 'Queen's Knight' from my Deck, add 1 'King's Knight' or 'Jack's Knight' from my Deck to my hand, then, immediately after this effect resolves, I can Normal Summon 1 monster," explained Thomas, discarding a card ('Joker's Wild'), "I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except LIGHT Warrior monsters," He then took another card ('Queen's Knight') from his Deck and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "I Special Summon 'Queen's Knight' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was the female 'Poker Knight' with long blonde hair (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600).
"Now," Thomas went on, as he added another card ('King's Knight') from his Deck into his hand, "I'll add 'King's Knight' from my Deck into my hand…" He placed the added card ('King's Knight') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "…I'll Normal Summon 'King's Knight'!"
Appearing onto the field was the first male 'Poker Knight' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400).
"With 'King's Knight' being Normal Summoned while 'Queen's Knight' is on the field, I'll Special Summon 'Jack's Knight' from my Deck!" reminded Thomas, taking and holding a card ('Jack's Knight') up.
Appearing onto the field was the second male 'Poker Knight' (Level: 5/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1000). All three 'Musketeer of Face Card' monsters raised and crossed their swords together.
"Although all three monsters of yours are no match for my own, I can tell you have a plan, don't you?" pressed Scott.
"I do," nodded Thomas, before pointing to his remaining Set card, "Face-down card, open! I activate a Continuous Trap, 'Court of Cards'!"
The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"If I control no monsters, or only control 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and/or 'Jack's Knight': I can Special Summon 1 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', or 'Jack's Knight' from my hand or GY."
"Hold on, don't you only have a single copy of those monsters?" protested Scott.
"I have a far better idea," interrupted Thomas, "Instead, I'll activate the first effect of the 'Arcana Triumph Joker' in my GY. If this card is in my hand or GY: I can send 1 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and 'Jack's Knight' from my hand and/or face-up Monster Zone to the GY; I must Special Summon this card," He then hold his right hand out, "'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and 'Jack's Knight', I send you three to the GY!"
'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and 'Jack's Knight' each faded away in streaks of blue, and the 'Arcana Triumph Joker' Monster Card rematerialized face-up on the field.
"Return to the field, 'Arcana Triumph Joker'!" ordered Thomas.
Appearing from the face-up Monster Card and back onto the field, was the newest, more regal female 'Poker Knight' (Level: 10/ATK: ?/DEF: 2500).
"Once again, her second effect activates!" declared Thomas, "This card gains 500 ATK x the combined number of cards in both players' hands," He held his hand out, "I have three cards in my hand, and you have no cards; 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK becomes 1500 as a result!"
'Arcana Triumph Joker' gained strength (ATK: ? → 1500).
"However, 'Court of Cards' has a second effect!" continued Thomas, "I can banish up to 1 each 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and/or 'Jack's Knight' from my hand and/or GY; I must draw the same number of cards I banished."
"Planning to give your monster an ATK of 3000?" cut in Scott, "Unfortunately, I won't let you do that."
"What?" peeped Thomas.
"I activate a Trap, 'Infinite Impermanence'!" announced Scott, as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; I must negate its effects (until the end of this turn), then, if this card was Set before activation and is on the field at resolution, for the rest of this turn all other Spell/Trap effects in this column are negated," A grim smile appeared on his face, "I'm gonna target your 'Arcana Triumph Joker' and negate her effects!"
Thomas cringed, while 'Arcana Triumph Joker' was not too thrilled about it either.
"And since 'Court of Cards' is in the same column as 'Infinite Impermanence'," said Edward urgently, "its own effects will be negated as well."
"And there goes Thomas's chance to replenish his hand," groaned Rosie.
"And the fact 'Arcana Triumph Joker's' ATK will go back to being 0," added Stanley.
Back on the field, an exhausted 'Arcana Triumph Joker' collapsed onto a knee while using her sword to keep her balance and her ATK dropped to nothing (ATK: 1500 → 0). Frustrated, there was only one thing Thomas could do about it now…
"I offer 'Arcana Triumph Joker' as a Tribute!" he proclaimed.
'Arcana Triumph Joker' faded away in a blue streak.
"I Tribute Summon 'Joker's Knight'!" exclaimed Thomas, holding up a card ('Joker's Knight') before placing it onto his Duel Disk.
Reappearing on the field was the new male member of the 'Poker Knight' archetype (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1400).
"Also, I'll activate a Spell Card from my hand, 'Five Star Twilight'!" As Thomas spoke, he held a card ('Five Star Twilight') out, "If the only monster I control is 1 Level 5 monster: I must Tribute that monster; I must Special Summon 5 monsters (1 'Kuribah', 1 'Kuribee', 1 'Kuriboo', 1 'Kuribeh', and 1 'Kuriboh') from my hand, Deck, and/or GY, but they cannot be Tributed for a Tribute Summon. With that, I'll offer 'Joker's Knight' as a Tribute!"
'Joker's Knight' turned into a ball of light… before separating into five colorful balls of light.
"Show yourselves, 'The Five Kuriboh Brothers'! 'Kuribah', 'Kuribee', 'Kuriboo', 'Kuribeh', and 'Kuriboh'!"
The colorful balls of light then turned into five different 'Kuribohs'. One was the original, while the other four were colored white, pink, light blue, and green (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200) x5. The five brothers each spoke in the 'Kuriboh' language.
"Been a while since we've seen all five of those little guys together," remarked Stanley.
"It sure has been," agreed Percy.
Back on the field, Scott was a little confused in seeing the five 'Kuriboh' monsters.
"Um… Are your monsters gonna perform a circus act or something?" The green-haired young man deadpanned, "Why would you bring them out when they only have 300 ATK?"
"My turn's just getting started," said Thomas, "Watch as I activate the second effect of 'Kuribah'! I can Tribute this card I control and 1 each of 'Kuribee', 'Kuriboo', 'Kuribeh' and 'Kuriboh' from my hand and/or field; I must Special Summon 1 'Kuribabylon' from my hand, Deck, or GY."
'Kuribee', 'Kuriboo', 'Kuribeh', 'Kuribah', and 'Kuriboh' all combined together, and, now on the field in their place, was a bigger, stronger 'Kuriboh' with a razor sharp horn sticking out of its head (Level: 5/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000).
"'Kuribabylon's' first effect!" began Thomas, "It gains 300 ATK/DEF for each 'Kuriboh' monster I control and in my GY. I have five different 'Kuribohs' in my GY, meaning 'Kuribabylon' gains 1500 more ATK and DEF!"
'Kuribabylon' grew much stronger (ATK: 1500 → 3000/DEF: 1000 → 2500).
"There's more to come!" Thomas warned, as he made a card ('Supreme Requiem') emerge from his GY for a few seconds, "I will use this opportunity to activate the second effect of the Trap Card, 'Supreme Requiem', in my GY! During the Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 DARK monster I control; this turn, if that monster battles an opponent's monster, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step."
"Tch! You're gonna pick 'Kuribabylon' for the effect," guessed Scott.
Thomas merely smiled cheekily, but didn't respond back. Either way, 'Kuribabylon' was, indeed, targeted for the effect of the 'Supreme Requiem' Trap Card.
"'Kuribabylon', attack 'Cyberdark Dragon'!" shouted Thomas.
'Kuribabylon' obeyed, charging towards 'Cyberdark Dragon' while aiming the horn at the enemy monster.
"To aid my monster, I'll activate the third effect of the 'Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin' in my GY!" As those words left his mouth, Thomas, made another card ('Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin') eject from his GY, "During the Battle Phase (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from my GY, then target 1 monster on the field whose current ATK is different from its original ATK; its ATK becomes its original ATK."
Scott's eyes widened, "Oh no!"
"That's right! Your 'Cyberdark's' ATK will fall back to exactly 1000!" confirmed Thomas.
'Cyberdark Dragon' emitted bluish electricity as it roared in pain and its ATK fell back to normal (ATK: 2600 → 1000). From there, 'Kuribabylon' impaled 'Cyberdark Dragon' in its chest.
"'Cyberdark'-!" stammered Scott.
*BOOM!*
'Cyberdark Dragon' exploded from its destruction, leaving Scott to brace himself from the backlash of the explosion as he finally sustained damage in the duel (LP: 4000 → 2000). The audience started cheering over Thomas's successful strategy.
"Awesome!" whooped James, "Thomas finally dealt Scott some big time damage!"
"But still, Thomas only has 100 LP left," reminded Gordon, "And Scott still has at least 2000 LP left."
Back on the field…
"I lost half of my LP," thought Scott, "Heh, Thomas really is the 'King of Games'… Too bad he still has ways to go before he can beat me," He started talking aloud again, "I activate the third effect of the 'Cyber Pharos' in my GY!" A card ('Power Bond') ejected from his Deck, which he took and held out to show his opponent, "When a Fusion Monster I control is destroyed by battle: I can banish this card from my GY; I must add 1 'Power Bond' from my Deck to my hand."
Briefly appearing on the field was a monster known as 'Cyber Pharos', but, just as quickly, it dissolved into little specks of light-like dust.
"Did Scott say 'Power Bond'?!" panicked James.
"Yeah," confirmed Emily firmly, knowing that card really well.
"Does this mean Scott's gonna Fusion Summon a Machine monster and power it up on his next turn?" worried Molly.
Back on the field…
"You sent 'Cyber Pharos' to the GY on your first turn when you activated 'Cybernetic Horizon'," said Thomas sternly, "You planned for this event as soon as the duel began."
"I sure did," replied Scott, "As soon as I get a turn, things will be going right back into my favor."
"Well, it will have to wait, since my own turn's not over," From there, Thomas pointed at 'Kuribabylon', "I activate the third effect of 'Kuribabylon'! During my Main or Battle Phase: I can return this card to the hand, and if I do, Special Summon 5 monsters (1 'Kuribah', 1 'Kuribee', 1 'Kuriboo', 1 'Kuribeh', and 1 'Kuriboh') from my hand and/or GY in Attack Position."
'Kuribabylon' closed its eyes and *POOF!* removed itself from the field, resulting in 'Kuribah' (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200), 'Kuribee' (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200), 'Kuriboo' (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200), 'Kuribeh' (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200), and 'Kuriboh' (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200) all reappearing on the field in a daze from using so much power.
"Next, I'll activate the second effect of 'Kuribeh'!" continued Thomas, "I can Tribute this card I control and 1 each of 'Kuribah', 'Kuribee', 'Kuriboo' and 'Kuriboh' from my hand and/or field; add 1 'Kuribandit' from my Deck or GY to my hand, then, immediately after this effect resolves, I can Normal Summon 1 Fiend monster from my hand."
'Kuribeh' started bashing into his fellow 'Kuribohs', causing all of them to bounce around the area until they came together and created a lot of pink smoke.
"Come forth, 'Kuribandit'!" announced Thomas, holding a new card ('Kuribandit') up.
When the smoke cleared away, there, now on the field, was a black/gray-colored 'Kuriboh' wearing an eye patch and yellow bandana (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 700).
"Now there's 'Kuribandit'…" mused Scott.
"Now it's my turn to activate a Continuous Spell!" said Thomas, while slotting a card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I activate 'Dark Magical Circle'!"
A magical circle erupted from the center of the field.
"When this card is activated: I must look at the top 3 cards of my Deck, then I can reveal 1 'Dark Magician' or a Spell/Trap that mentions 'Dark Magician', and add it to my hand, also place the remaining cards on top of my Deck in any order," explained Thomas, drawing three cards and looking them over, "Now, let me see…"
The cards were 'Magicians' Combination' (Trap Card), 'Spiral Discharge' (Trap Card), and 'Magician's Salvation' (Spell Card). Thomas noticed that both the first ('Magicians' Combination') and third ('Magician's Salvation') contained the name 'Dark Magician' in their text, but he could only pick one of them to reveal and add into his hand. Ultimately, he came to a decision on what card he would pick of the two…
"I reveal 'Magician's Salvation' and add it into my hand!" declared Thomas, holding the mentioned card out. He then placed the remaining two back on top of his Deck for later use, "However, I'm also gonna activate it, right now! Field Spell, 'Magician's Salvation'!"
The Field Spell Zone opened up, and the 'Magician's Salvation' Spell Card was placed inside before shutting itself. The magical circle in the center of the field started releasing magic of sorts, which meant the field had officially changed.
"When this card is activated: I can Set 1 'Eternal Soul' directly from my Deck," As he spoke, Thomas took a card from his Deck and slotted it into his Duel Disk, resulting in a face-down card appearing on the field, "And there's also a second effect… If I Normal or Special Summon 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 of those monsters; Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' from my GY, with a different name than that monster."
In the stands…
"So, we've seen 'Gaia The Fierce Knights', then 'Poker Knights', then 'Kuribohs', and now we're gonna see 'Dark Magicians'?" pondered Percy.
"They are Thomas's most reliable monsters," Emily pointed out, "'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl'—no, Mahad and Mana—both will never let him down."
Back on the field…
"I end my turn," finished Thomas, "However, now's when I activate 'Kuribandit's' special ability! During the End Phase, if this card was Normal Summoned this turn: I can Tribute this card; I must excavate the top 5 cards of my Deck, I can add 1 excavated Spell/Trap to my hand, also send the remaining cards to the GY."
"That's a really risky gambit, Thomas," scolded Scott, "By doing so, you'd risk leaving yourself open."
"It's a risk I'm eager to take," Thomas insisted, just as 'Kuribandit' shattered into shards of glass. He then drew five cards and looked them over, "In fact, I'm used to taking risks like this."
The excavated cards were 'Dark Magician' (Normal Monster Card), 'Chaos Form' (Spell Card), 'Imperial Bower' (Effect Monster Card), 'Electromagnetic Turtle' (Effect Monster Card), and 'Face Card Fusion' (Spell Card). Thinking wisely, Thomas chose a card ('Chaos Form') to add into his hand, discarding the remains to the GY.
"Now, I'll activate the second effect of the 'Joker's Knight' in my GY!" Thomas went on, as a card ('Imperial Bower') ejected from his GY and he took and shuffled into his Deck, "During the End Phase, if this card is in my GY: I can target 1 other LIGHT Warrior monster in my GY; I must shuffle it into the Deck, and if I do, add this card to my hand."
After adding the 'Joker's Knight' Monster Card into his hand, Thomas eased up and prepared for what was coming next.
"Okay, Scott, I'm ready," dared Thomas, "Show me your true power as champion!"
"Ask, and you shall receive," accepted Scott, getting prepared to draw his card, "As of now, I will stop holding back and show you and everyone else the true power of my Deck!"
He drew his card, releasing a powerful blast of wind in the process.
Turn Seven: Scott Gresley (LP: 2000)
Deck: 29
Current Hand (2): "Power Bond" and "Cyber Reboot"(!)
Card of Demise: 4 Standby Phases remaining
A few seconds later, Scott looked at his drawn card. However…
"Face-down card, open!" interrupted Thomas, as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be… "'Eternal Soul', activate! Every 'Dark Magician' in my Monster Zone is unaffected by my opponent's card effects. If this face-up card leaves the field: I must destroy all monsters I control. I can activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects written on the Trap Card in-question:
-"I must Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' from my hand or GY."
-"I must add 1 'Dark Magic Attack' or 'Thousand Knives' from my Deck to my hand."
"I already know what you'll choose; it's going to be the first option," acknowledged Scott, "Well? Am I not wrong?"
"Yes, you're right," admitted Thomas, taking a card ('Dark Magician') from his GY and placing it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "Come forth, 'Dark Magician'!"
Appearing on the field in a defensive stance, was the purple-haired, male Spellcaster monster (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"However, without attacking, I'm about to topple your 'Cyber End'," warned Thomas, "This is through the second effect of 'Dark Magical Circle'! If 'Dark Magician' is Normal or Special Summoned to my field (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 card my opponent controls; I must banish it."
Scott gritted his teeth, waiting for the end of his monster to come. Sure enough, a magical circle formed around 'Cyber End Dragon'.
"Take this!" cried Thomas.
The circle emitted a powerful magical light, overwhelming the enemy monster and causing it to explode from destruction (or being banished).
"'Cyber End'-!" grimaced Scott, before recovering, "Just remember that you can only use that effect once per turn."
"I'm well aware of that," retorted Thomas, "And now, I'll activate the second effect of my Field Spell, 'Magician's Salvation'! If I Normal or Special Summon 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 of those monsters; I must Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' from my GY, with a different name than that monster," He took a card from his GY and placed it onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "Come forth, 'Dark Magician Girl'!"
Appearing on the field in a defensive stance, was the famous female apprentice of 'Dark Magician' (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).
"Now, let's try this again," Thomas told himself, before speaking aloud, "I activate the second effect of my Trap Card, 'Court of Cards'! I can banish up to 1 each 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and/or 'Jack's Knight' from my hand and/or GY; I must draw the same number of cards I banished."
Briefly appearing onto the field were 'Queen's Knight', 'King's Knight', and 'Jack's Knight'. Once they were fully materialized, they each raised their swords and crossed them before fading away in blue streaks.
"With these three monsters banished, I'll draw three cards," said Thomas, drawing three cards.
The cards were 'Magicians' Souls' (Effect Monster Card), 'Dark Magic Expanded' (Spell Card), and 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' (Ritual Monster Card).
"Are you done?" pressed Scott, and Thomas nodded, "Good… Now, here I go!" He held his drawn card out, "Spell Card, 'Cyber Reboot', activate! I must send 1 'Cyber' Fusion Monster I control to the GY, and if I do, draw 3 cards, then if that monster was Level 10 or higher, draw 1 more card. The 'Cyber' Fusion Monster I'll send to the GY will be 'Cyber Eternity Dragon'!"
'Cyber Eternity Dragon' roared as it broke apart, resulting in Scott drawing four cards ('Cyber Eternity Dragon' is a Level 10 or higher 'Cyber' Fusion Monster). The cards were 'Cyberdark Chimera' (Effect Monster Card), 'Cybernetic Overflow' (Trap Card), 'Cyberdark Horn' (Effect Monster Card), and 'Cyberdark Invasion' (Trap Card).
"It's just about time," uttered Scott, before looking up at Thomas, "Thomas, it's just about time for my ultimate power to show itself. Can you hope to survive it at only 100 LP?"
Thomas said nothing.
"First, I'll Summon 'Cyberdark Chimera' in Defense Position!" began Scott, placing a card ('Cyberdark Chimera') onto his Duel Disk (sideways).
Appearing onto the field was a large, powerfully defensive Machine monster with green hues (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 2100).
"'Cyberdark Chimera's' first effect!" continued Scott, discarding a card ('Power Bond'), "I can discard 1 Spell/Trap; I must add 1 'Power Bond' from my Deck to my hand, I can only use Dragon or Machine 'Cyber' monsters as Fusion Material this turn, also once when I Fusion Summon this turn, I can also banish monster(s) from my GY as material," He took a card ('Power Bond') from his Deck and held it out, "By discarding my first copy of 'Power Bond', I've added another copy into my hand. And…" The green-haired young man then made the spirit of 'Cyber Eternity Dragon' briefly appear on the field, "…I'll activate the third effect of 'Cyber Eternity' again!"
Again, 'Cyber Eternity Dragon' dissolved into specks of light, which would prevent Thomas from targeting or destroying Fusion Monsters Scott controls with card effects. Finally, the big play came…
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Power Bond'!" announced Scott, holding another 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. 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."
Thomas sweated fearfully, knowing that Scott could not only use monsters from his field or hand, but also could banish monsters from his GY, too.
Appearing briefly on the field were a second copy of 'Cyberdark Chimera', 'Cyberdark Cannon', and 'Cyberdark Claw'. Also appearing on the field for a brief moment was 'Cyberdark Horn'.
"I will banish 'Cyberdark Chimera', 'Cyberdark Cannon', and 'Cyberdark Claw' from my GY and have them fuse with the 'Cyberdark Chimera' on my field, and the 'Cyberdark Horn' in my hand!" thundered Scott, "Merge together, my monsters!"
And the Fusion Summon sequence began.
"Five components of the mechanical darkness, combine into the mightiest form and engulf anyone who stands before you!" chanted Scott, before bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Come forth, Level 10! Dragonlord of the underworld! 'Armored Hell Dragon - Cyberdarkness Dragon'!"
When the Fusion Summon sequence ended, there, flying in midair, was a far more powerful and dangerous version of 'Cyberdark Dragon' (Level: 10/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000).
"'Armored Hell Dragon'…" began Thomas.
"…'Cyberdarkness Dragon'!" finished Gordon.
"And we cannot forget about 'Power Bond's' effect, can we?" teased Scott, "'Cyberdarkness Dragon's' ATK will become basically doubled!"
'Cyberdarkness Dragon' let out a roar as its ATK went up (ATK: 2000 → 4000).
"And I'll also activate the second effect of the 'Cyberdark Chimera, sent to my GY!" Scott went on, drawing a card ('Cyberdark Cannon') and sending it to the GY, "If this card is sent to the GY: I can send 1 'Cyberdark' monster from my Deck to the GY, with a different name from the cards in my GY. But now, the real treat; the first effect of 'Cyberdarkness Dragon'!" A card ('Cyberdark Cannon') ejected from the GY, which he took and held up to show the opponent, "If this card is Special Summoned: I can equip 1 Dragon or Machine monster from my GY to this card."
Appearing onto the field was 'Cyberdark Cannon', which then attached itself onto 'Cyberdarkness Dragon', causing it to grow even more powerful and lethal (ATK: 4000 → 5600).
"An ATK of 5600!" wailed Thomas, but then remembered a detail, "However, both my monsters are in Defense Position, meaning even if you destroy one of them I will not take any battle damage. Plus, when you reach your End Phase, you'll take damage equal to 'Cyberdarkness Dragon's' original ATK. With only 2000 LP left, that action will defeat you, Scott!"
"Well then, why don't we see if that happens or not?" offered Scott, before entering his Battle Phase, "'Cyberdarkness Dragon', attack 'Dark Magician Girl'! Full Destruction Darkness Burst!"
'Cyberdarkness Dragon' obeyed, charging and firing off a devastating plasma blast towards 'Dark Magician Girl'.
"Even if you attack, I will protect my monsters!" interrupted Thomas, taking a card ('Electromagnetic Turtle') from his GY and holding it out, "I activate the effect of the 'Electromagnetic Turtle' in my GY! During my opponent's Battle Phase (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from my GY; I must end the Battle Phase."
"End my Battle Phase?" chuckled Scott, "Sorry, Thomas, but you'll have to do better than that."
"Huh?!"
"I activate the second effect of my 'Cyberdarkness Dragon'!" The green-haired young man announced, "When my opponent activates a card or effect (Quick Effect): I can send 1 Equip Card I control to the GY; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card. Even though 'Electromagnetic Turtle' is already banished, its effect is still negated! I send 'Cyberdark Cannon' to the GY!"
As its ATK dropped (ATK: 5600 → 4000),'Cyberdarkness Dragon's' head let loose an electrical discharge, striking the card ('Electromagnetic Turtle') in-between Thomas's fingers and turning it into dust, much to his deep shock. Full Destruction Darkness Burst, on the other hand, struck and overwhelmed 'Dark Magician Girl', destroying her.
"Since 'Cyberdark Cannon' is in the GY, I'll use its first effect to draw a card," said Scott, drawing a card. He noticed it was the 'Overload Fusion' Spell Card, and, after adding it into his hand, made another card ('Cyber Devotee') eject from the GY for a few seconds, "Now, I'll activate the third and final effect of the 'Cyber Devotee' in my GY! I can banish this card from my GY: I must target 1 of my banished Machine Fusion Monsters; I must return it to the GY. The returning monster will be 'Cyber End Dragon'!"
"'Cyber End Dragon'?" repeated Thomas, getting a bad feeling.
"My final secret weapon is about to show itself!" As he said that, Scott held one of his latest cards ('Overload Fusion') out, "Spell Card, 'Overload Fusion'! I must Fusion Summon 1 DARK Machine Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials listed on it from my field or GY."
On cue, both 'Cyber End Dragon' and 'Cyberdark Dragon' both briefly appeared on the field, much to the audience's absolute shock.
"He's gonna fuse those two monsters?!" stammered Henry.
"This is bad, really bad!" came from Mavis.
"The ultimate power of light and dark respectively," said Emily seriously, "When combined together, the true power of Scott's Deck will appear."
Back on the field, both 'Cyber End Dragon' and 'Cyberdark Dragon' started fusing together while a background of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card loomed.
"Three-headed monarch of the Cyber Style! Great beast of the Cyber-Art Reverse! Now become one in the unification of light and darkness!" chanted Scott, as a smog of darkness began emitting from whatever was being created. He then brought both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 12! Ultimate Mecha-Dragon! 'Armored Emperor Dragon - Cyberdark End Dragon'!"
Appearing out of the dark smog and onto the field, was what appeared to be a much bigger, more powerful, more dangerous, and so much more, version of 'Cyber End Dragon' equipped to 'Cyberdark Dragon' (Level: 12/ATK: 5000/DEF: 3800). 'Cyberdark End Dragon' roared loudly before gazing at its smaller target down below.
"Th-This is-!" stuttered Thomas fearfully.
In the audience…
"'Cyberdark End Dragon'?!" gasped James, "It's basically 'Cyber End Dragon' equipped with 'Cyberdark Dragon'!"
"Just look at the amount of ATK it has; 5000 in total!" Rosie pointed out, "It's as powerful as both 'Five-Headed Dragon' and "Dragon Master Knight'!"
"Thomas has gotten this far in the match, but Scott is simply too powerful of a duelist," admitted Toby glumly, "Although 'Power Bond' will take effect at the end of Scott's turn, he likely has a way to protect himself from that side effect."
"Thomas…" groaned Percy, "Is this really the end?"
Emily, however, had far different thoughts about Thomas's near hopeless state…
"No… This isn't enough to break, Thomas," she thought to herself, "His 'Will of the Duelist' has become too strong to shatter. Somehow, someway, he'll find a way to take on those two ultimate monsters."
Back on the field…
"'Cyberdark End Dragon's' first effect! It is unaffected by my opponent's activated effects," explained Scott, "But… What I'm aiming for is the second effect. Once per turn: I can equip 1 monster from either GY to this card."
Reappearing on the field was 'Cyberdark Cannon', who then attached itself to 'Cyberdark End Dragon'.
"This contributes to 'Cyberdark End's' third effect! This card can attack a number of times each Battle Phase, up to the number of Equip Cards equipped to it. This means the more Equip Cards that are on it, the more times it can attack during battle!"
Thomas remained silent.
"Thomas, you were one of the best opponents to face me," reassured Scott, "Unfortunately, even you're not going to beat me," He then took and slotted two cards into his Duel Disk, "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn."
Two Set cards materialized on the field in-front of his feet.
"This would activate 'Power Bond's' effect of inflicting damage to me based on the Machine Fusion Monster's original ATK," Scott went on, but then he pointed to the face-down card on the right, "But I still have this Counter Trap, 'Damage Polarizer'!"
The right 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," explained Scott, drawing a card and looking at it for a few seconds. He then addressed Thomas, "Now, Thomas, draw your card."
Complying, Thomas drew a card. These were the cards both duelists drew:
-Scott: 'Limiter Removal'
-Thomas: 'Secrets of Dark Magic'
"Thomas, are you certain you want to continue the duel?" offered Scott, "There's no shame in admitting you won't be able to win the duel, you know. From what everyone saw, you've done an extremely good job in fighting me."
"Right," agreed Thomas, "I did do a good job. And that's why…"
"Why what?"
"That's why I'm gonna fight on!" The blue-haired boy finished, surprising Scott greatly, "You heard that right, I will continue to duel. Even more, this is a duel I'm going to win! Scott Gresley, as powerful as you are, even you cannot destroy my 'Will of the Duelist'!"
Scott grimaced, "The third effect of 'Cyber Eternity' ends now," he stammered, before adding, "When you put it that way, show me why you're the 'King of Games'!"
"I will!" accepted Thomas, preparing to draw his card, "I'm betting all I have on this card, but with the Heart of the Cards on my side, my draw will reward me!"
Finally, he drew the card with a Destiny Draw.
Turn Eight: Thomas Billinton (LP: 100)
Deck: 24
Current Hand (8): "Kuribabylon", "Chaos Form", "Joker's Knight", "Magicians' Souls", "Dark Magic Expanded", "Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier", "Secrets of Dark Magic", and "Piercing the Darkness"
His eight card hand contained 'Kuribabylon', 'Chaos Form', 'Joker's Knight', 'Magicians' Souls', 'Dark Magic Expanded', 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier', 'Secrets of Dark Magic', and the drawn 'Piercing the Darkness'. Thomas was surprised by the very card he had drawn.
"This is the card…" thought Thomas.
"Hold it for a moment!" interrupted Scott, "It's time for me to activate a Trap Card!" He pressed a button on his Duel Disk, causing the middle Set card to flip face-up and reveal itself to be… "'Cybernetic Overflow'! I must banish 'Cyber Dragon(s)' with different Levels from my hand, face-up field, and/or GY, then destroy an equal number of cards my opponent controls."
A very concerned Thomas watched as four cards ('Cyber Dragon Herz', 'Cyber Dragon Core', 'Cyber Dragon Drei', and 'Cyber Dragon') ejected from Scott's GY, which he took and held out to show off.
"I banish Level 1 'Cyber Dragon Herz', Level 2 'Cyber Dragon Core', Level 4 'Cyber Dragon Drei', and Level 5 'Cyber Dragon'!" continued Scott, "Then I'll destroy your 'Eternal Soul', 'Dark Magical Circle', 'Court of Cards', and 'Magician's Salvation'!"
"Not before I activate 'Eternal Soul's' fourth effect!" Thomas quickly cut in, drawing a card ('Thousand Knives'), "I must add 1 'Dark Magic Attack' or 'Thousand Knives' from my Deck to my hand."
"Too bad for you! Once 'Eternal Soul' is destroyed, 'Dark Magician' will be destroyed, too!" reminded Scott, "Now, I'll use my own Trap Card to destroy your four Spell Cards and Trap Cards!"
The face-up 'Cybernetic Overflow' released a shockwave, which struck Thomas's field and destroyed all of his face-up Spells and Traps. With the 'Eternal Soul' Trap Card destroyed, 'Dark Magician' would be destroyed as well. However, Thomas was quick on the thinking…
"Now! I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Dark Magic Expanded'!" he declared, slotting it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk.
"Stop right there!" yelled Scott, "You're aiming to prevent me from activating cards or effects in response to your Spells and Traps or from destroying them, but that's not happening! I activate 'Cyberdarkness Dragon's' third effect! When my opponent activates a card or effect (Quick Effect): I can send 1 Equip Card I control to the GY; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card."
Thomas winced slightly as 'Cyberdark Cannon' self-destructed—but while he was down, he was most certainly not out.
"I activate one more Quick-Play Spell from my hand!" exclaimed Thomas, holding another card ('Secrets of Dark Magic') out, "'Secrets of Dark Magic'! I must activate 1 of the following effects."
These were the effects written on the Spell Card in-question:
-"I must Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field, including 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl', as Fusion Material."
-"I must Ritual Summon 1 Ritual Monster from my hand, by Tributing monsters from my hand or field, including 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl', whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster."
The audience held their breath, waiting to see what effect would be chosen. Eventually, the effect was decided upon…
"I will fuse 'Dark Magician' with the 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' in my hand!" revealed Thomas, holding another card ('Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier') up, "Fuse together, my monsters!"
Appearing on the field briefly was a Knight monster wielding a sword and shield, and soon he and 'Dark Magician' were fusing together while a background of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card loomed.
"Ultimate Wizard of Black Magic, Mighty Swordsman of Chaos, unite as one and bring order against the overgrown chaos!" chanted Thomas, before bringing both hands together, "Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 8! 'Master of Chaos'!"
When the Fusion Summon sequence ended, appearing on the field was what appeared to be 'Black Luster Soldier' wearing 'Dark Paladin'-styled armor with a cape and wielding a sword-like scepter and shield (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"What is that monster?" wondered Scott, since 'Master of Chaos' was only recently made, so he hadn't heard of it yet, "No matter, it will still be destroyed! The effect of 'Cyberdarkness Dragon' resolves now!"
A shockwave from the destruction of 'Cyberdark Cannon' rippled through the 'Dark Magic Expanded' Spell Card, destroying it. And from there, the side effect of the 'Eternal Soul' Trap Card took effect, destroying 'Master of Chaos' as well. 'Cyberdarkness Dragon' then lost its power gain as a result of using its effect (ATK: 5000 → 4000).
"All that work-!" complained Annie.
"But Thomas's monster was destroyed just like that," agreed Clarabel.
Back on the field…
"Now, I'll draw a card through 'Cyberdark Cannon's' first effect," said Scott, drawing another card, "Your effort to bring forth that new monster was all for nothing."
"That's where you're very wrong," retorted Thomas, "I activate the third effect of 'Master of Chaos'!" He took a card ('Dark Magical Circle') from his GY and added it into his hand, "If this Fusion Summoned card is destroyed by battle or card effect: I can target 1 Spell in my GY; I must add it to my hand."
Just then, Scott's remaining Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Continuous Trap, 'Cyberdark Invasion', activate!" declared Scott, "Once per turn: I can activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects it had:
-"I must target 1 'Cyberdark' Effect Monster I control; I must equip 1 Dragon or Machine monster from either GY to it as an Equip Spell that gives it 1000 ATK."
-"I must send 1 Equip Card I control equipped to a Machine monster to the GY; I must destroy 1 card my opponent controls."
A worried Thomas waited to hear which effect would be chosen, while Scott made a quick, yet calculated, decision on what effect to use.
"My choice will be the first effect!" he announced, "I target 'Cyberdarkness Dragon', equipping it with 'Cyberdark Cannon' and giving it 1000 extra ATK."
Once again, 'Cyberdark Cannon' reappeared on the field and attached itself to 'Cyberdarkness Dragon', then, by the effect of the 'Cyberdark Invasion' Trap Card, it grew even stronger (ATK: 4000 → 5000).
"My last chance," thought Thomas, before slotting another card ('Dark Magical Circle') into another Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "Once more, I'll activate 'Dark Magical Circle'-"
"And I'll activate 'Cyberdarkness Dragon's' effect again!" Scott again interrupted, more forcefully this time.
'Cyberdark Cannon' self-destructed once more, sending another powerful shockwave towards Thomas's field, striking the materializing face-up 'Dark Magical Circle' Spell Card and destroying it. Scott then drew another card. He saw that both cards were 'Cyberload Fusion' (Spell Card) and 'Affixed Cybern'(!) (Effect Monster Card). With the audience…
"Good Lord, how many counters can Scott even do?" asked James in exasperation.
"Come on, Thomas…" urged Percy under his breath, "You can do it."
Back on the field…
"You would be a fool to believe that I would allow you to activate a dangerous card like 'Dark Magical Circle' a second time, Thomas," scolded Scott, "Now your hopes of adding a 'Dark Magician' support card to your hand and banishing one of my cards are dashed!"
Rather than be concerned over his opponent's counter strategies, Thomas now knew this was the right time to use his new strategy.
"Actually, Scott, getting you to waste 'Cyberdarkness Dragon's' effect on 'Dark Magical Circle' was exactly what I needed," uttered Thomas.
"Say what?" growled Scott.
"Now my true counterattack begins here," began Thomas, before holding a new card ('Piercing the Darkness') out, "Behold! Continuous Spell, 'Piercing the Darkness'!"
"'Piercing the Darkness'?" questioned Scott, since that card was also relatively brand new, "What does that card do?"
"If I Normal or Special Summon a non-Token Normal Monster(s) (except during the Damage Step): I can draw 1 card. Furthermore…" As he spoke, Thomas held another card ('Magicians' Souls') out, "…I'll activate the second effect of the 'Magicians' Souls' in my hand! If this card is in my hand: I can send 1 Level 6 or higher Spellcaster monster from my Deck to the GY, then activate 1 of these effects."
These were the effects written on the Effect Monster Card in-question:
-"I must Special Summon this card."
-"I must send this card to the GY, then, I can Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' or 1 'Dark Magician Girl' from my GY."
"I already know what I'm going to choose," continued Thomas, taking a card ('Magician of Chaos') from his Deck and sending it plus the 'Magicians' Souls' Monster Card to the GY, "I send my Level 7 Ritual Monster, 'Magician of Chaos', to the GY along with 'Magicians' Souls'. By doing so, I'll Special Summon 'Dark Magician' from my GY!"
Reappearing on the field in a burst of magic, was "Dark Magician' (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"It can't be-!" worried Scott.
"It is," nodded Thomas, before continuing with his turn, "And 'Magician of Chaos's' first effect activates at this point. This card's name becomes 'Dark Magician' while on the field or in the GY. And we can't forget 'Piercing the Darkness' either," He drew a card, seeing it was a new card called 'Illusion of Chaos' (a Ritual Monster Card), "As I've Normal or Special Summoned a non-Token Normal Monster(s), I get to draw one card."
Back in the stands…
"Will it be helpful?" wondered Molly.
"Let's hope so," replied Toby, "Otherwise, this could be it for Thomas."
Back on the field…
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Thousand Knives'!" declared Thomas, holding his next card ('Thousand Knives') out, "If I control 'Dark Magician': I must target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must destroy that target. That target will be 'Cyberdarkness Dragon'!"
"I won't let you destroy it!" hissed Scott, watching as 'Dark Magician' summoned countless knives and hurled them towards his monster. He then made a card ('Cyber Eternal') eject from his GY for a few seconds before disappearing into oblivion, "I activate the second effect of the 'Cyber Eternal' in my GY! If a Machine 'Cyber' Fusion Monster(s) I control would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can banish this card from my GY instead."
'Cyberdarkness Dragon' let loose a roar, while the knives approaching dissolved before they could pierce their intended target.
"That was close," Scott said in a more relaxed tone.
"Or was it close?" Thomas responded ominously, once again making Scott uneasy. He then took and held another card ('Illusion of Chaos') out, "I activate the first effect of the 'Illusion of Chaos' in my hand! I can reveal this card in my hand; I must add 1 'Dark Magician' or 1 non-Ritual Monster that mentions it, from my Deck to my hand, then place 1 card from my hand on the top of the Deck," He took a card ('Timaeus the United Dragon') from his Deck and added it into his hand, then took another card ('Kuribabylon') from his hand and placed it on top of his Deck, "By adding a card with 'Dark Magician' in its text into my hand, I'll place 'Kuribabylon' from my hand on top of my Deck."
"This guy… He just keeps coming!" thought Scott, before managing to grin, "Well, that's what I like to see; it will make my impending win all that more satisfying."
Thomas, meanwhile, resumed looking at his hand for what seemed like forever before selecting a card ('Illusion of Chaos') from it and sending it to the GY.
"I activate the first effect of the 'Timaeus the United Dragon' in my hand," howled Thomas, placing his next card ('Timaeus the United Dragon') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I can send 1 Spellcaster monster, or 1 Spell/Trap that mentions 'Dark Magician', from my hand or face-up field to the GY; I must Special Summon this card from my hand! Appear, 'Timaeus the United Dragon'!"
Appearing onto the field was a huge dragon with greenish blue skin and two majestic-looking wings (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1800).
"'Timaeus'?" started Scott, "And 'Dark Magician'? But why? Neither of your monsters are capable of taking on 'Cyberdarkness Dragon' nor 'Cyberdark End Dragon'."
"Maybe not individually, but as one, they are capable of winning," insisted Thomas, "To do this, I'll activate 'Timaeus's' second effect! During my Main Phase: I can Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as material, including a Spellcaster monster," He held both hands out, "'Timaeus the United Dragon'! 'Dark Magician'! Fuse yourselves together into the mighty 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon'!"
And both 'Dark Magician' and 'Timaeus the United Dragon' started fusing together, and appearing on the field in their place was 'Dark Magician' wearing 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'-style armor (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). As before, the audience went "Ooooohhh" and "Aaaaahhh" when they saw a really rare Extra Deck monster like that. Percy, however, was very surprised to see it.
"I remember that card-!" The green-haired boy recalled, "When we returned home after we stopped those Duel Pirates in Boxford Corp!"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Inside Burger World, Flashback Thomas and Flashback Pecy both were grabbing a bite to eat after an exciting day at the arcade.
"Yummy! That burger really hits the spot!" said Flashback Percy cheerfully, eating away.
Flashback Thomas could only chuckle. When they were done eating, both boys paid for their meals and were preparing to leave when…
"Hold on a second, Thomas," requested Flashback Percy, "Before we leave, I have a little something for you."
"Really?" pondered Flashback Thomas, before being handed a card, "Huh? A card?"
"I recently got this in a Premium Pack, but I don't have any use for it," explained Flashback Percy, "You, however, can use it to its full power very easily. Check out the name of it; it's named 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon', right after 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'."
"You're gonna give it to me?" gasped Flashback Thomas, taking the card, "A-Are you sure?"
"Sure, I'm sure," smiled Flashback Percy, "I'm your best friend until the end of time. There's no question about that. Now, if you ever get into an important duel, bring it out for everyone to see."
Flashback Thomas smiled back and looked back at the card one last time.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, while back on the field…
"Scott, this is the monster that will grant me victory!" Thomas barked with confidence, "For 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's' first effect, it cannot be destroyed by card effects. And for the second effect, neither player can target this card with card effects."
"But with an ATK of 3000, it still won't be enough," reminded Scott, "And besides, I choose this moment to activate the first effect of the 'Affixed Cybern' in my hand!" He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "If a monster(s) is Special Summoned from my opponent's Extra Deck: I can target 1 Dragon or Machine 'Cyber' monster I control; I must equip this monster from my hand or face-up field to that target," He swung his left arm (with the Duel Disk) about, "I equip this monster onto 'Cyberdarkness Dragon'!"
"But with an ATK of 3000, it still won't be enough," reminded Scott, "And besides, I choose this moment to activate the first effect of the 'Affixed Cybern' in my hand!" He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "If a monster(s) is Special Summoned from my opponent's Extra Deck: I can target 1 Dragon or Machine 'Cyber' monster I control; I must equip this monster from my hand or field to that target," He swung his left arm (with the Duel Disk) about, "I equip this monster onto 'Cyberdarkness Dragon'!"
Appearing on the field was a small dragon-like Machine monster, which then attached itself to 'Cyberdarkness Dragon' as per its effect.
"The second effect of 'Affixed Cybern'," Scott went on, "While this card is an Equip Card, the equipped monster cannot be targeted by my opponent's card effects."
"I'm not afraid," said Thomas scornfully, shaking his head, "I activate 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's' third effect! During my Main Phase: I can destroy 1 monster my opponent controls, and if I do, inflict damage to my opponent equal to that monster's original ATK. I can use this effect a number of times per turn up to the number of Normal Monsters used as Fusion Material for this card. Since only one Normal Monster, 'Dark Magician' was used, the effect can only be used once per turn."
'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon' raised his scepter and prepared to cast a spell, but not if Scott had anything to say about it…
"Once again, I'll activate 'Cyberdarkness Dragon's' second effect!" The dark green-haired young man declared, before pointing at his opponent, "Of course, I'm aiming towards 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon'!"
'Cyberdarkness Dragon' allowed 'Affixed Cybern' to be released before exploding, sending a shockwave racing towards Thomas's field and, more importantly, 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon'.
"Your new monster is about to get his effect negated!" taunted Scott.
"That's hardly the case with 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon'," dismissed Thomas, taking a card ('Chaos Form') from his hand and discarding it, "I activate my monster's fourth effect! Once per turn, when a card or effect is activated (Quick Effect): I can discard 1 card; I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card, and if I do that, this card gains 1000 ATK."
'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon', due to the effect of 'Cyberdarkness Dragon' being used, retaliated by rushing forth and slashing the enemy monster in half with his blade/scepter. This caused 'Cyberdarkness Dragon' to roar in surprise and agony before exploding due to its own destruction, which also caused 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon' to grow stronger in the process (ATK: 3000 → 4000).
"My…'Cyberdarkness Dragon'…" reeled Scott, taken completely by surprise.
The audience cheered over Thomas's successful strategy in taking down 'Cyberdarkness Dragon'.
"Now Thomas truly has a chance against Scott!" cried Toby.
Back on the field, the upset look on Scott's face became one of sheer triumph.
"You have fallen into my final trap," he uttered, causing Thomas to ease up slightly, "My final strategy to win has been triggered!"
"What?" blinked Thomas.
"'Affixed Cybern' has a third and final effect!" announced Scott, as a card ('Affixed Cybern') ejected from his GY for a few seconds before disappearing, "If this card is sent to the GY while equipped to a monster: I can target 1 other Dragon or Machine 'Cyber' monster I control; I must double that monster's ATK until the end of my next turn."
"Doubled?!" exclaimed Gordon.
"That will raise 'Cyberdark End's' ATK from 5000 all the way to…!" added Edward.
Back on the field, 'Cyberdark End Dragon' let out a roar as its ATK doubled (ATK: 5000 → 10000).
"10000 ATK?!" cried Clarabel.
"Big Brother!" A scared Annie yelled out.
Back on the field…
"This is not good at all!" The voice of the Sudrian MC was commenting, "After all that hard work, Thomas finds himself facing a beefed up 'Cyberdark End Dragon'! Is this really the end for him? Has the champion declared his victory before his turn actually comes?"
"Thomas, I'm sorry the duel has to end like this," said Scott grimly, "Your final hope, 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon', is no match for the power that 'Cyberdark End Dragon' possesses. On my turn, I'm going to finish you off."
Over with Thomas, there was a shadow over his eyes as he listened. Eventually, his mouth formed into a small smile as he uttered a few familiar words…
"Are you sure about that?"
Scott eased up in deep concern; what was Thomas going to do? Surely he wasn't going to attack with a mere 4000 ATK 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon', was he? Sure enough, that's exactly what he was going to do.
"Scott, I'm going to prove that my monster 'can' take down your 'Cyberdark End Dragon'!" offered Thomas, entering the Battle Phase, "Go forth, 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon'! Strike down 'Cyberdark End'!"
'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon' obeyed, raising his blade in preparation to attack. Scott, however, was much faster on the draw.
"'Cyberdark End', counterattack!" The dark green-haired young man commanded, as 'Cyberdark End Dragon' started charging its three-way blast, "Eternal Darkness Burst!"
The three-headed mechanical dragon obeyed, as its three heads fired off a purple plasma-like blast. With an ATK of 10000 against a monster with an ATK of only 4000, it looked like 'Cyberdark End Dragon' would easily win out. The blast then collided, and Scott smiled in victory, believing to have won the duel.
"I win!" muttered Scott.
"Look again!" The voice of Thomas interrupted.
"Huh?"
As it turns out, 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon' was not destroyed. In fact, he was using his blade to block Eternal Darkness Burst and prevent it from overwhelming and taking him down.
"But how?!" cried Scott.
Thomas smirked (LP: 100), "I told you before, my monster 'is' more than a match for your own," he pointed out, "As a matter of fact, it was made only possible through the second effect of my Continuous Spell, 'Piercing the Darkness'!"
"S-Say what?!" wailed Scott.
"When an attack is declared involving an opponent's monster and a monster I control that is a Level 5 or higher Normal Monster, or was Ritual Summoned using a Normal Monster, or was Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz Summoned using a Normal Monster as material: I can make that monster I control gain ATK equal to that opponent's monster's ATK, until the end of this turn," explained Thomas, before pointing at his shocked opponent, "'Cyberdark End Dragon' has an ATK of 10000, and so 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon' gains that much ATK, giving it an ATK of…"
'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon', grunting over the strain, finally let out the roar of 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' and sliced Eternal Darkness Burst with his weapon, ending the attack as his power started climbing to even higher levels (ATK: 4000 → 14000).
"Amazing! 'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon' now has an ATK of 14000!" exclaimed the MC.
Scott flinched, taking a step back out of horror as he couldn't muster the strength to say anything back regarding this turnaround. Thomas, however, certainly had something he wanted to tell his about-to-be-defeated opponent…
"This is the final attack!" announced Thomas, "Are you prepared to accept it, Scott?!" He then gave the order, "'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon', end this duel! Black Magic Flare!"
'Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon' obeyed, raising, taking aim, and firing a powerful flaming blast from his scepter, which hit 'Cyberdark End Dragon' and caused it to roar before finally self-destructing from its defeat. The force of the explosion was so powerful that the whole crowd could feel it, while Scott was only barely able to stay on his feet and withstand it. Finally, when the explosion died down and the smoke cleared away, Scott fell to a knee in defeat as his LP fell all the way to 0 (LP: 2000 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!
There was a long, stunned silence from the audience. Eventually that was broken by…
"The duel…is over…" uttered the Sudrian MC, before smiling big and loudly announcing the results, "IT'S OVER, IT'S FINALLY OVER! THE WINNER OF THIS TITLE MATCH IS NONE OTHER THAN…THOMAS BILLINTON! THOMAS IS THE WINNER!"
And the audience broke in clapping and cheering like no other, turning into a standing ovation within seconds.
"Oh, honey, our boy won!" wept Mrs. Billinton, clapping.
"That's our Thomas," agreed Mr. Billinton, also clapping.
"Hurray for Big Brother! Hurray for Big Brother!" chanted Annie and Clarabel.
"This was a match for the freakin' ages!" cheered James.
"And, best of all, Thomas won it and so much more!" added Percy.
Emily was so happy that her Tommy won that she stood up from her seat and jumped into the arena, ran towards him, and jumped into his arms. Seconds later, Scott stood up from his spot unable to believe that he, the Duel Monsters World Champion, had been defeated. Despite the loss, Scott managed to smile before approaching his victorious opponent.
"Hey, Thomas, this whole duel…" Scott began, "This was one of the greatest matches I ever had the opportunity to take part in. Best of all, you have officially taken me down. You don't know how proud I am of you for accomplishing what seemed to be impossible for other duelists."
"Scott…" uttered Thomas, not knowing what else to say.
"Thomas Billinton, as the winner of this title match, you have earned the right to be called the Duel Monsters World Champion," continued Scott, holding his right hand out, "Congratulations, you are now officially the greatest duelist in the entire world!"
Thomas remained speechless, completely unprepared for earning such a title. Emily, however, was not about to let her boyfriend stay silent on the subject.
"Go on, Thomas," encouraged Emily, "This is your moment."
Thomas, realizing he'd become World Champion, smiled and accepted the handshake, having never felt any prouder than he did right now; it was easily the greatest moment of his whole life, and one such moment he would never, ever forget.
(later…)
Before long, a party had begun in the area; food had been set up on several tables, there were people either chatting about the duel or having friendly duels either with Duel Disks or playmates, music could be heard blaring from the hired DJ, and everyone was having a good time. The only one not present at the moment was Thomas, who had disappeared into the building itself for a few minutes to do some quick thinking.
(inside…)
Inside the hallway, Thomas was walking around when both Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl appeared.
"Pharaoh," began Dark Magician.
"Prince!" squealed Dark Magician Girl, before floating over and hugged Thomas tightly, "You won the duel and became World Champion! We're all so proud of you!"
Thomas chuckled, "I couldn't have done it without each and everyone of you in my Deck," he insisted, "We're all winners as of today."
"Mmm-hmm," agreed Dark Magician, nodding.
"But why aren't you at the party?" wondered Dark Magician Girl, letting her master/friend go, "You should be outside celebrating with friends and family, not being inside and on your own."
"I just needed to take a walk and clear my head," said Thomas, "As happy as I am for defeating Scott and winning the title of Duel Monsters World Champion, this is still a huge life changer for me."
"Oh yeah…"
"But still, whatever the future holds, I know I can count on all of you and our friends to stand by my side," The blue-haired boy went on, "Our years are still pretty young, and there's still so much ahead of us in life, and I'm looking forward to finding it all out—with your help, that is."
With that said, both Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl faded away, and Thomas turned around and, with a happy laugh, started running back towards the party outside, excited to see what the future holds since it was looking pretty bright for him. What exactly would the future hold for him? That, I'm afraid, is a tale worth telling another day.
After several writing delays, we finally have this big story finished. Thomas dueling against Gordon's older brother Scott, or, as we all know him, The Flying Scotsman. With Thomas now crowned the Duel Monsters World Champion, where will this take him? Well, you can always check out more deleted scenes that will come hopefully soon, along with the eventual release of the adaptation of "The Dark Side of Dimension", which is due out later in the year and more. In the meantime, work on the "Legend of the Six Dragons" will resume immediately. Anyway, I hope everyone has a good day, and stays safe.