This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. Credit to author AaronCottrell97 for a few ideas and character suggestions (especially the duel layout for the story). Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
WARNING: Again, this story is rated T for fantasy violence and minor depictions of blood.
Chapter 5
Woman of the Match
A couple of days after the new school year had begun, things were taking a turn for the interesting... During gym class one morning, Mr. Baldwin had a special announcement for his students. Originally, Mr. Baldwin was the gym teacher at the Middle School Thomas and his friends attended years ago, Mr. Baldwin, however, retired from teaching at Middle Schools and was now the gym teacher of Sodor High School.
"Tomorrow-" Mr. Baldwin was saying. "-the world famous Football star, Albert Mason, will be visiting the school to speak with the class! Isn't that exciting?"
Many of the students present really liked the idea.
"He's the best Football player on the Island." Percy whispered to Stanley.
"He's really nice to his fans." Edward whispered to Thomas.
"He's won several championships in the past four years." James whispered to both Oliver and Duck.
Mr. Baldwin laughed. "Alright, alright, everyone, settle down, now!" He was pleased at how excited his students were, but then saw that only Emily wasn't looking very excited for the guest speaker coming tomorrow. "Emily, what's the matter? Cheer up! A famous Football player is visiting tomorrow... You should be excited!"
"I want to be excited, Mr. Baldwin." insisted Emily, still not sounding very enthusiastic to meet a famous Football player. "I really want to be, but..."
"But, what?"
"I've been hearing a rumor about him from some of the women around town." The dark green-haired girl frowned.
"Rumor?" repeated Thomas. "What kind of rumor?"
"That Albert treats women like they shouldn't be playing sports or anything." frowned Emily. "He may seem like a nice guy to his fans, but he also happens to be very sexist."
"Now that you mention it, I kinda don't trust the guy." agreed Mavis glumly.
"But it's, as you've mentioned, Emily, just a rumor." Mr. Baldwin pointed out. "It could have been started by anyone. Now chin up; you'll see that Albert is as nice as he is skilled at Football."
As a result, Emily and Mavis both said nothing else. They hoped that their gym teacher was right about the issue with Albert being just a rumor.
(new scene...)
The next morning, the class was inside the gym area awaiting for the guest speaker to arrive. Not only that, but Nia also decided to come and listen to the lecture.
"Nia? You're here, too?" quizzed Thomas.
"Of course." smiled Nia. "Funny enough, I actually used to play a bit of Football when I was a teenager and living in Africa... Actually, the term for 'Football' outside of the United Kingdom is 'Soccer'. Again, I used to play a bit of that sport when I was younger."
"How interesting." admired Percy.
Before long, the doors opened up, and Albert Mason, a 29-year old young man with long, wavy brown hair, walked inside the gym.
"And there he is!" One very excited Mr. Baldwin exclaimed. "The Football superstar himself - Albert Mason!"
Many of the students began to cheer excitedly.
"Hello, everybody!" spoke Albert. "How is everyone today?"
The cheering continued, much to the Football superstar's happiness.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! That's what I like to hear! When this lecture is done, I'll gladly stick around to sign autographs for the last twenty minutes of your class. Is that okay with all of you?"
The continued cheering confirmed that the students loved the idea. And so, Albert's lecture began... He spoke about how he got into playing Football, how he joined a team, how he eventually became professional, how he lost his first big tournament, how he strived to become a better player, how he eventually became one of the best Football players out there, etc.. It was rather entertaining, and the students were enjoying the tale.
"Now, does anyone have any questions?" Albert then saw that Emily suddenly raised a hand. "Yes, young lady? What would you like to ask?"
"Do you have any female Football players on your team?" asked Emily seriously.
Albert was surprised by the question being asked. It would seem like he didn't know how to answer such a question, and Emily knew this full well.
"You can tell us the truth; there's no harm in doing that, you know." she pressed.
After about a minute or so of thinking, Albert spoke up again...
"Um... Well... I...ahem...wouldn't say we don't have use for female players on the team, I mean..." The famous Football player struggled. "Our team is strictly male, with women serving as cheerleaders for the audience's entertainment."
Percy raised a hand. "If I may ask, what's wrong with having girls play on your team?"
"Yeah." agreed Nia. "I myself used to play Football when I was younger."
"Not to mention I play sports, too!" put in Mavis. "Come on, just tell us the truth!"
Albert coughed once more. "Well, I...don't honestly see a problem with women playing Football, but that...really isn't up to me..." he explained the best that he could. "You see, the audience would seem to prefer them as cheerleaders as apposed to actually playing."
"Ah, so you seem to be in favor of catering to the tastes of a bunch of sexist pigs?" snorted Emily in disgust, getting the feeling that the rumor she heard was very true. "Well, I'll have you know that women CAN play sports, not just Football, just as well as guys like you!"
Albert raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"I KNOW so!" The dark green-haired girl answered firmly. "In fact, I bet there's one sport I 'can' beat you at!"
"And that sport is...?" questioned Albert.
Emily responded by taking her Duel Monsters Deck out and holding it up. "Duel Monsters!" she declared. "I challenge you to a duel!"
"That isn't a sport though." Albert pointed out. Even then, he dug into his jacket pocket and pulled out a Deck of his own. "Even then, I'm a pretty good Duel Monsters player myself."
"That suits me just fine." said Emily. "I'll show you that girls are not only good at sports, but can be just as good at playing Duel Monsters! They are not JUST for eye candy or fanservice, you know!"
Mr. Baldwin was surprised by the events transpiring. Ultimately, he agreed to the match taking place and started to lead everyone outside...
"If everyone would follow me outside to the Football field, please..."
(elsewhere...)
Outside on the Football field, Emily and Albert were both face-to face in the center of the field. Thomas, Nia, and everyone else were watching in the stands.
"Well, this is quite the surprise." admitted Nia. "A duel between Albert Mason and Emily..."
"It'll be very important - Emily is fighting for the pride of women everywhere." Percy pointed out.
"Kick his butt, Emily!" cheered Mavis.
"Show that guy what girls can REALLY do!" put in Rosie.
"Go, Emily, go!" whooped Molly.
In the duel field, Emily heard her three best friends calling out to her and turned to flash them a quick thumbs up and smile before turning to glare at Albert with a look of pure determination on her face...
"You ready, Albert?" The dark green-haired girl questioned.
Albert smiled. "As I'll ever be." he confirmed. "Let's get started!"
With that said, the two duelists activated their Duel Disks. It was a sign that the duel had finally commenced...
"It's my turn!" announced Emily (LP: 4000), drawing a card. "Draw!"
Albert stood ready for whatever his opponent was gonna try to throw at him (LP: 4000).
Turn One: Emily Stirling (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Cards from the Sky"
On cue, the 'Card from the Sky' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate 'Cards from the Sky'!" The dark green-haired girl declared, taking and holding a card out. "By removing one LIGHT Attribute Fairy-Type monster from my hand, I'm able to draw two more cards..."
On cue, a Monster Card called 'Wingweaver Enchantress'(!) briefly materialized face-up on the field before fading away into oblivion.
"So, I will Banish 'Wingweaver Enchantress' to draw two more cards from my Deck!" As Emily spoke, she drew two more cards. "Not only that, I cannot Special Summon any monsters or conduct my Battle Phase for the rest of the turn."
"What was the point of that move?" asked Albert.
"My turn is not over yet." Emily pointed out, adding two cards to her hand. She then took another card out and placed it onto a Monster Field slot on her Duel Disk. "Now, I'll Summon 'Condemned Witch' in defense mode!"
Appearing on the field was a female monster in a tattered cloak with horns in the hood (Level: 4/ATK: 100/DEF: 2000).
"'Condemned Witch'..." whispered Oliver.
"I know of it." Duck said suddenly. "When it's Normal Summoned, you can add one 'Forbidden'-named Quick-Play Spell from your Deck into your hand."
Back in the duel field, a card had slid from Emily's Deck. She took hold of it, and saw it was a Spell Card called 'Forbidden Lance'.
"Before I end my turn, I'll set one card facedown!" The dark green-haired girl went on, slotting the card into her Duel Disk. On cue, a facedown card materialized on the field behind 'Condemned Witch'. "I'm done with my turn!
In the audience...
"So, Thomas, what is Emily's Deck and playing style like?" Nia asked curiously.
"Her Deck is full of Fairy and Spellcaster monsters." explained Thomas. "Nearly all of them are of the LIGHT Attribute."
"A LIGHT Deck?"
Percy then cut in. "Yup, and it's extremely difficult for someone to beat!" he commented. "You see, I could never beat it no matter how hard I try."
"It even kicked the butt of Vinnie back in 'The Great International Duel Cup'!" added James.
"I see." said Nia, interested with seeing how Emily played the game.
Back in the duel field...
"With your turn now over-" declared Albert, drawing a card. "-it's my turn, now!"
Turn Two: Albert Mason (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Stadium of Dreams"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Stadium of Dreams'.
"I'd say this duel calls for a little change of scenery." Albert declared, readying his drawn card. "Fortunately, I have a Field Spell perfect for the occasion." His Field Spell zone opened up, and he slid the card inside. "I activate the Field Spell 'Stadium of Dreams'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"'Stadium of Dreams'?" blinked Emily. "What does it do?"
"Patience." smirked Albert, just as his 'Stadium of Dreams' Spell Card started releasing sparkles. "Now comes the best part of it!"
The scenery suddenly changed into a giant football stadium. However, that wasn't the only change made...
"Huh?!" yelped Thomas, standing up in surprise.
"Hey!" cried James, seeing his whole body glowing.
"W-What's going on?!" exclaimed Rosie, also glowing.
The whole audience found themselves glowing. When the glowing ceased, the boys were revealed to be decked out in Football uniforms. Not only that, Mr. Baldwin found himself wearing a Football coach's uniform. Finally, Nia, Mavis, Rosie, and Molly all found themselves wearing cheerleading outfits.
"Goodness!" cried Molly, holding onto to two pompoms. "We're wearing Football clothes!"
"More like the boys are." corrected Rosie, also carrying two pompoms. "And we're cheerleaders!"
"Does this outfit make my butt look big?" asked Mavis, taking a good look at herself.
Nia was not amused with the change. "It looks like that rumor about Albert Mason was true!"
Back in the duel field, both Emily and Albert were decked out in Football uniforms from the magic of the 'Stadium of Dreams' Spell Card... Although Emily's uniform had a smaller shirt, which caused her midriff to be purposely exposed. Not only that, but her own 'Condemned Witch's' outfit had also changed to a Football outfit, too.
"So that's the power of 'Stadium of Dreams'?" Emily angrily asked.
"That's just the beginning." said Albert, who then took another card from his hand. "As long as it remains face-up on the field, all facedown Monster Cards are flipped up. If any of them have Flip Effects, they are not activated at this time."
From there, a Monster Card called 'Wing Captain' materialized face-up on the field.
"Now, on with the Football game... I Summon 'Wing Captain' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a robotic warrior dressed in a Football outfit (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1100). Back with the audience...
"Um... Do you two feel like you're being watched?" Rosie asked, speaking to Mavis and Molly.
"Funny, I'm thinking and feeling the same thing." agreed Mavis.
The three girls found that their respective boys (Mavis: Toby, Rosie: Stanley, Molly: James) were staring at them with ogling eyes.
"Um... Why are you looking at us like that?" questioned Molly, who was feeling very uncomfortable.
"Sorry." apologized James, although he wasn't stopping with his staring. "Force of habit."
"You look hot in a cheerleading outfit." admitted Stanley, speaking to Rosie.
"You should wear something like that once in a while, Mavis." put in Toby.
Anger marks appeared on the back of the three girls' heads...
*SMACK!*
...and the three boys ended up laying on the ground with swirling eyes and lumps on their heads, compliments of Molly, Rosie, and Mavis each wielding a paper fan.
"Have you boys forgotten what Emily is fighting for?!" demanded Mavis.
"She's fighting to prove that women are more than just eye candy!" added Rosie. "And I, for one, do not want to be seen as something like that."
"Me neither!" agreed Molly.
Back in the duel field...
"I activate another Spell Card!" announced Albert, readying another card. He then held it out and showed what it was. "'Perfect Pass'! This lets me target one face-up monster I control and negate the effects of any monster it battles. In addition, if it attacks an opponent's monster whose Defense Points is higher than that target's Attack Points, the Attack Power of my targeted monster becomes doubled until the End Phase."
'Wing Captain' started glowing.
"I choose 'Wing Captain' for the effect!" While speaking, Albert entered the Battle Phase... "Now, attack 'Condemned Witch' at once!
'Wing Captain' obeyed, kicking a football towards 'Condemned Witch'.
"Now the effect of 'Perfect Pass' activates!" continued Albert. "Your monster's Defense Power exceeds my own monster's Attack Power, so my monster has its Attack Power doubled! And now, say goodbye to your monster!"
"Not so fast!" interrupted Emily, making her opponent gasp in response. On cue, the dark green-haired girl's set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Facedown card, open - 'Forbidden Lance'!"
A mystical lance appeared out of the face-up 'Forbidden Lance' Spell Card.
"'Forbidden Lance'?" questioned Albert.
"I use its effect to decrease your monster's Attack Power by 800 points and rendered unable to be unaffected by the effects of other Spell and Trap Cards." explained Emily.
'Wing Captain's' power decreased (ATK: 1100 - 300). With the attack now weaker, 'Condemned Witch' was able to counter by kicking the ball back towards 'Wing Captain', slamming the enemy monster in the face. Albert grimaced as he sustained major damage from his failed attack (LP: 2300).
"Go, Emily, go!" whooped Nia, who seemed to act like a cheerleader. This earned her a few stares, which caused her to smile sheepishly. "Eh heh... I know this looks weird and sounds a tad bit hypocritical, but I'm making the most of the whole thing to try and ensure that Emily wins the duel."
Rosie, Molly, and Mavis each stared at the young African woman for a few seconds before looking to each other.
"Even though I don't want to be seen as eye candy or anything-" Rosie was saying. "-I guess we might as well make the most of the situation."
With a few shrugs, Molly, Mavis, and Rosie each started cheerleading, too. Back in the duel field...
"My attack has failed, but my turn isn't over yet." insisted Albert, entering Main Phase 2.
"Good, because I activate the effect of 'Condemned Witch'!" cut in Emily.
"You what?!"
On cue, 'Condemned Witch' faded away in a blue streak.
"Where'd your monster go?" demanded Albert.
"She's going to be replaced in the starting line-up." answered Emily. "By tributing my 'Condemned Witch' during your Main Phase, I can Special Summon a Level 4 Fairy monster from my Deck that isn't named 'Condemned Witch'."
On cue, a Monster Card called 'Dancing Fairy' materialized face-up on the field.
"This is the one I choose - 'Dancing Fairy', defense mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a group of small fairies dressed in cheerleader outfits (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1000).
"'Dancing Fairy'..." scowled Albert, who then slotted a card into his Duel Disk. "I set one card facedown and end my turn!"
A facedown card materialized on the field. In addition, 'Wing Captain' regained its lost Attack Points (ATK: 300 - 1100).
"With it now being the End Phase, the effect of 'Forbidden Lance' ends!" finished Emily.
In the audience...
"Look at Emily go." Edward whispered to Percy.
"So far, she's already beating him." added Percy.
Mr. Baldwin called out to Emily... "Alright, Emily, keep it going, now!" he called out, acting like a Football coach. "Don't give up!"
Back in the duel field...
"Draw!" cried Emily, drawing a card.
Turn Three: Emily Stirling (LP: 4000)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Light of Redemption"
Suddenly, 'Dancing Fairy' started cheerfully dancing about.
"What're they doing?" quizzed Albert.
"When 'Dancing Fairy' is in defense mode during my Standby Phase-" explained Emily, gaining some Life Points (LP: 5000). "-I gain 1000 Life Points." She then held her drawn card out. "And those Life Points will cover the cost of this Spell Card - 'Light of Redemption'!"
Albert gasped. "By paying 800 Life Points, you can add one of your banished LIGHT monsters back into your hand!"
"That's right." While speaking, Emily's Life Points took a hit (LP: 4200). On cue, a card materialized out of thin-air and she took hold of it. "'Wingweaver Enchantress' has been added into my hand!"
In the audience...
"That's new support for 'Wingweaver'..." whispered Thomas.
Back in the duel field, Emily, while speaking, took the returned card and placed it onto a Monster Field slot on her Duel Disk...
"Thanks to 'Wingweaver Enchantress's' effect - if she is added to my hand outside of drawing during the Draw Phase, I get to Special Summon her!"
On cue, the 'Wingweaver Enchantress' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Come forth - 'Wingweaver Enchantress'!" ordered Emily.
Appearing onto the field was a weaker version of 'Wingweaver' with two wings and shorter-length hair. Her clothing was also colored somewhat differently, but it suddenly morphed into Football-like clothing due to the power of the 'Stadium of Dreams' Spell Card (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1400).
"With two monsters on my field-" continued Emily. "-I'll sacrifice them both!"
Both monsters vanished in streaks of blue, and in their place was the face-up 'Wingweaver' Monster Card.
"Show yourself - 'Wingweaver'!"
Appearing onto the field before Albert and his only monster was the graceful, beautiful, and six-winged angelic-like monster herself (Level: 7/ATK: 2750/DEF: 2400).
"With 'Wingweaver Enchantress' in the Graveyard due to her being a tribute for the Summon of 'Wingweaver'-" Emily went on. "-another of her effects activates! All monsters you control lose 1000 Attack Points!"
'Wing Captain' got even weaker (ATK: 1100 - 100).
"Not possible!" cringed Albert.
"I'm afraid it is!" insisted Emily, entering the Battle Phase. "Once this attack goes through, you'll lose! 'Wingweaver', attack 'Wing Captain'!"
'Wingweaver' obeyed, kicking a football that hit 'Wing Captain' in the stomach, destroying him.
"And that's game!"
"Oh, is it?" questioned the voice of Albert.
Emily's look of triumph became one of confusion. Just then, 'Wing Captain' suddenly returned to the field like it wasn't destroyed, and Albert's Life Points were shown to be untouched (LP: 2300).
"What?!" Emily recoiled hard.
In the audience...
"Albert survived?!" gasped Molly.
"Emily had the duel won!" added Rosie.
Nia realized something... "A Trap Card..."
Back on Albert's side of the field, more smoke lifted to show a face-up Trap Card.
"Trap Card - 'Offside Trap'!" announced Albert. "This activates when one of my monsters is destroyed. Not only do I bring my destroyed monster back onto the field, but any Battle Damage I were to have sustained from the battle is reduced to zero and your turn immediately comes to an end."
Emily wasn't pleased. Back with the audience...
"So close..." groaned James, who was conscious again.
"Just when Emily had him." added Stanley.
Back in the duel field...
"Ha ha ha ha! Nice try!" chuckled Albert, smirking with confidence. "Your efforts to defeat me were in vain!"
With that said, he drew a card and took his turn.
Turn Four: Albert Mason (LP: 2300)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (3): ?, ?, and "Top Scorer"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Top Scorer'.
"Because 'Stadium of Dreams' is face-up on my field-" explained Albert, placing his drawn card onto his Duel Disk. "-I can Summon this monster without having to make a sacrifice."
On cue, the Monster Card known as 'Top Scorer' materialized face-up on the field.
"Take to the field - 'Top Scorer'!"
Appearing out of the face-up card and onto the field, was another robotic Football player (Level: 5/ATK: 2000/DEF: 100).
"I wonder what he plans to do with those monsters?" questioned James. "Even then, they're weaker than 'Wingweaver'."
"We'll just have to wait and see." figured Stanley. "It's still Albert's turn, after all."
Back in the duel field, a second copy of the 'Perfect Pass' Spell Card materialized face-up on his side of the field.
"I'll use 'Perfect Pass' on my 'Top Scorer'." he announced. "I bet you know what it does, right?"
Emily glared on silently.
"I'll take that as a yes... Now, I'll use it on my 'Top Scorer'!"
The face-up 'Perfect Pass' Spell Card started activating, causing 'Top Scorer' to begin glowing as it stood ready to attack, which was a sight Emily did not like.
"You ready?" asked Albert. "Then let's score a goal! 'Top Scorer', you know what to do... Attack 'Wingweaver'!"
'Top Scorer' obeyed, kicking a ball towards 'Wingweaver' as his power grew greater due to his Attack Power being less than the opposing monster's Defense Power (ATK: 2000 - 4000). Poor 'Wingweaver' was struck by the ball, and ended up destroyed as a result of the hit.
"'Wingweaver'!" Emily cried out (LP: 2950).
"It's not over yet!" Albert went on, before pointing forth. "'Wing Captain', direct attack!"
'Wing Captain' obeyed, creating and kicking a football towards Emily.
"He shoots...!"
The ball soared through the air at great speed and struck Emily in her chest, causing her to cry out while being sent flying back a bit of a distance and landing on the ground. Needless to say, she sustained Battle Damage regardless (LP: 1850).
"...he SCORES!" cheered Albert. He smirked with triumph. "That puts me in the lead!"
Emily wobbly got back to her feet with a look of determination on her face.
"It's not...over yet!" The dark green-haired girl winced.
"Of course, it's not over." replied Albert. "The game won't end until one of is truly defeated." He then slotted a card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. "Now, I'll activate a Spell Card!"
On cue, a Spell Card called 'Eye Contact' flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Oh, that's not good..." Emily mumbled to herself.
"This lets me add 'Offside Trap' from the Graveyard back to my hand." explained Albert, adding a card from the Graveyard to his hand. "It's called 'Eye Contact'!"
In the audience...
"That means Albert can use his Trap Card again." frowned Nia.
"And it would also end Emily's turn immediately." added Rosie.
"Oh, Emily..." groaned Molly.
Back in the duel field, a facedown card materialized on the field behind 'Top Scorer' ('Offside Trap').
"With this card set facedown, my turn has ended!" finished Albert.
From there, 'Top Scorer's' Attack Power returned to normal (ATK: 4000 - 2000).
"It's my turn!" declared Emily, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Five: Emily Stirling (LP: 1850)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (5): "Wingweaver Paladin"(!), "Airknight Parshath", "Half Unbreak", "Monster Reborn", and "Wall of Disruption"
Her hand consisted of 'Wingweaver Paladin', 'Airknight Parshath', 'Half Unbreak', 'Monster Reborn', and the drawn 'Wall of Disruption'.
"This is a start." Emily thought to herself, taking a card and readying it. "Okay, Albert, I'll Summon this monster..." She turned the card over. "'Wingweaver Paladin'!"
On cue, a different, weaker version of 'Wingweaver' (wearing Holy Knight-like armor) appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 900). From there, the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field to her right.
"Next, I'll activate 'Monster Reborn'!" declared Emily, taking a card ('Wingweaver Enchantress') from her Graveyard, holding it out, and then placing it onto her Duel Disk. "I'll use it to Special Summon 'Wingweaver Enchantress' from my Graveyard!"
Within seconds, 'Wingweaver Enchantress' returned to the field.
"Now comes 'Wingweaver Paladin's' effect..." continued Emily. "It can attack directly this turn, while preventing other monsters I control from attacking this turn."
'Wingweaver Paladin' stood ready for battle, waiting for the command to be given.
"Attack Albert directly!"
'Wingweaver Paladin' obeyed, kicking a ball at Albert, striking him in his chest.
"And that evens things up!" rejoiced Emily.
Albert, being pushed back, grunted hard (LP: 1300). In the audience, namely from our four favorite cheerleaders...
"Go, Emily, go!" Nia, Rosie, Molly, and Mavis all cheered like—well, cheerleaders.
"That's more like it!" grinned James.
"Look at that Emily go!" added Duck.
"Well done, Emily!" called Thomas.
Back in the duel field...
"Since 'Wingweaver Paladin' has dealt Battle Damage-" said Emily, pointing forth. "-her next effect activates - I can target and destroy one monster you control that has the lowest Attack Power!"
'Wingweaver Paladin' slashed her wings and shot razor sharp blades at 'Wing Captain', striking and destroying him. Suddenly, 'Wingweaver Paladin' grew weaker (ATK: 1000 - 600).
"Your monster grew weaker?" questioned Albert.
"That's a drawback from my 'Wingweaver Paladin's' effect." explained Emily. "When it's used, her Attack Power drops by 400 points until my next Standby Phase." She readied two cards from her hand. "But it's a risk I'm willing to take."
On cue, two facedown cards materialized on the field behind the two 'Wingweaver'-named monsters.
"I set two cards facedown and end my turn."
Albert could not believe he was being defeated. Especially by a girl! He was a Football superstar, and a powerful duelist... He, Albert Mason, simply could not allow this!
"So, are you ready to admit that women are just as good at playing sports and Duel Monsters?" questioned Emily firmly.
"I... I can't be defeated!" protested Albert. "I refuse to lose to a woman like you!"
With that said, he drew his next card. Emily, meanwhile, scowled in response to the young man's objection and defiance.
Turn Six: Albert Mason (LP: 1300)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (1): "Pot of Greed"
On cue, the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate 'Pot of Greed'!" exclaimed Albert, drawing an extra two cards. "With it, I can draw two more cards. These two cards will put things back into my favor!"
His two drawn cards were shown to be 'Defending Sweeper' (Effect Monster Card) and 'All For One' (Spell Card). They were what he needed!
"This is where my big win comes into play!" Albert declared, taking and placing one of his drawn cards onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk. "To start off my play to victory, I'll Summon this creature..."
On cue, a Monster Card called 'Defending Sweeper' materialized face-up on the field.
"Come out - 'Defending Sweeper'!"
Appearing onto the field was a robotic football goalie (Level: 4/ATK: 100/DEF: 2000).
"Thanks to the effect of 'Defending Sweeper'-" continued Albert. "-my monster's Level is increased by 1 point."
'Defending Sweeper's' Level was increased to 5 (Level: 4 - 5). All of a sudden, the 'Wing Captain' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field once more.
"Not only that, but thanks to 'All for One'-" exclaimed Albert. "-since both my monsters share the same typing I can also revive my fallen 'Wing Captain' with its Level increased by 1 point!"
On cue, 'Wing Captain' returned to the field (Level 5/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1100).
"Now Emily has three monsters to deal with." whispered Percy.
"But they're much weaker than her own!" argued Oliver.
Thomas, however, had a thought about the three Level 5 monsters on Albert's side of the field...
"Does he know how to do it?" The blue-haired boy thought to himself.
Back in the duel field...
"With my three Level 5 monsters-" Albert declared boldly. "-I build the Overlay Network!"
Cue a collective gasp from the audience...
"He's performing an Xyz Summon!" cried Toby.
"Looks like the gates of Xyz Summoning have been opened ever since Ashima first showed the method off!" came from Mavis.
Back in the duel field, the Xyz Summon sequence commenced as Albert performed a Summon Chant...
"Game, set, match! Here comes a player who's skill on the field is unmatched!"
Emily watched anxiously as the Xyz Summon sequence started to finish itself up.
"Xyz Summon!" declared Albert, sweeping his right hand about. "Appear now - 'Playmaker'!"
Appearing onto the field, ready to win the match, was a much more powerful-looking robotic Football player (Rank: 5/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2500).
"Meet 'Playmaker'." smirked Albert. "Along with myself, he is the team's star player!"
Back with the audience...
"Quite a powerful-looking monster." commented Edward.
"He has 2600 Attack Points, and both of Emily's monsters are so much weaker." came from Percy.
"If any of them are attacked-" added Toby. "-Emily will lose!"
Back in the duel field...
"It's time, 'Playmaker'!" called Albert to his monster. "Get ready to deliver the game-winning kick!"
'Playmaker' readied for battle, but just then...
"Facedown card, open!" announced Emily, just as her first facedown card flipped up and revealed itself. "'Wall of Disruption', activate!"
"'Wall of Disruption'?" questioned Albert. "What does a card like that do?"
"Your 'Playmaker' loses 800 Attack Points for each monster you control!"
'Playmaker' grew weaker (ATK: 2600 - 1800).
"Not enough to protect your monsters!" retorted Albert. He then gave the command to his monster... "Take down 'Wingweaver Paladin'!"
'Playmaker' obeyed, kicking a football towards 'Wingweaver Paladin'. The ball immediately hit her, but, to Albert's surprise, did not destroy her.
"Huh?!"
Emily grinned as she sustained damage (LP: 1250). "As you can see, I have another Trap Card to activate." A face-up Trap Card called 'Half Unbreak' was then shown. "'Half Unbreak'! It keeps my monster from being destroyed, and makes me take only half of the damage!"
"So be it!" growled Albert, before recovering. "Besides, I have a little surprise for you..."
One of the three Overlay Units around 'Playmaker' disappeared.
"By detaching an Overlay Unit-" Albert went on. "-'Playmaker' can attack again! This time, on the monster with the highest Attack Points!"
'Playmaker' turned his attention to 'Wingweaver Enchantress', much to Emily's concern.
"Attack!"
'Playmaker' kicked another ball, striking and destroying 'Wingweaver Enchantress'.
"Glad my monster was in defense mode..." Emily thought to herself, bracing herself as shards of glass from the destruction of her monster soared passed.
"Now, again!" shouted Albert. "I remove another Overlay Unit to allow 'Playmaker' to attack again!"
A third ball was kicked. 'Wingweaver Paladin' was hit, but the effect of the face-up 'Half Unbreak' Trap Card activated and prevented her from being destroyed.
"My monster is safe!" insisted Emily (LP: 650). "While the Battle Damage I sustain is halved!"
"But, now, I'll do it a third time!" interrupted Albert, as 'Playmaker' started to attack again. "I remove the last Overlay Unit to allow 'Playmaker' to attack one final time!"
Another ball was kicked, which struck 'Wingweaver Enchantress' and caused Emily to go down onto her knees while being left with her last bit of Life Points (LP: 50).
"EMILY!" Rosie, Molly, and Mavis each cried out.
"One more attack, and Emily will be defeated!" panicked Stanley.
Back in the duel field, Albert was proudly laughing at his impending victory.
"Now do you see why women shouldn't be cut out for sports like this?" he asked, beating on his chest with his right fist. "Sports are best left to big, strong men like me! Once I attack you on my next turn, the game will be mine."
There was a long silence...
"I'm not giving up." retorted Emily, standing back up and glaring at her opponent. "I'm gonna show you that women do indeed have what it takes to play sports and do other things!" She drew a card. "Besides, with 'Wingweaver Enchantress' alive and well, I have the offering I need."
Albert raised an eyebrow. "Offering, you say?"
Turn Seven: Emily Stirling (LP: 50)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (2): "Airknight Parshath" and "Pot of Greed"
Emily saw that her drawn card was the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card.
"Right." she confirmed. "And now, since it's my Standby Phase, 'Wingweaver Enchantress's' Attack Power returns to its normal amount!"
'Wingweaver Enchantress' regained her lost Attack Points (ATK: 600 - 1000). Almost immediately, this was followed by the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card materializing face-up on the field.
"Now, I'll activate my own copy of 'Pot of Greed'!" continued Emily, drawing two more cards. She saw that they were both 'Giant Hunter' (Equip Spell Card) and 'Quick Summon' (Spell Card). "By its effect, I draw two more cards!"
"Is that all?" dismissed Albert.
"I'm just beginning to unleash my own comeback play!" Emily pointed out. "Next, I'll sacrifice 'Wingweaver Enchantress'!"
'Wingweaver Enchantress' turned into an orb of light as commanded. From there, Emily placed one of her last cards onto a Monster Field slot on her Duel Disk.
"Appear - 'Airknight Parshath'!" commanded Emily.
Appearing onto the field was the angelic, centaur-like monster (Level: 5/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1400). Once the light show ended, 'Airknight Parshath' turned and looked to Emily.
"Let's win together." he nodded, speaking mentally.
Emily silently nodded back before turned to face her opponent, readying one of the last cards from her hand.
"I equip 'Parshath' with the power of 'Giant Hunter'!" The dark green-haired girl announced, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field beside 'Airknight Parshath. "Behold what will happen next!"
'Airknight Parshath' began to glow from the effect of the face-up 'Giant Hunter' Spell Card.
"For the first effect, you are unable to activate any Spells or Traps during the Battle Phase!" explained Emily. "And that's not all; when my Life Points are lower than your own, your monster loses half of its Attack Points!"
Suddenly, 'Playmaker' became much weaker (ATK: 1800 - 900). Raising his sword, 'Airknight Parshath' brought it down and delivered the killing blow to the enemy monster.
"No!" cried Albert.
An explosion ensured, clouding his side of the field. Over with the audience...
"She got him that time!" whooped Percy.
"Go, Emily, go, Emily, go, Emily!" chanted Rosie, Molly, and Mavis, each acting like cheerleaders. "Go, go!"
Back in the duel field...
"I'm still in the game!" grimaced Albert (LP: 300). "I still have a way to turn things around!"
"Whoever said I was done?" asked Emily ominously.
"What?!"
"The effect of 'Airknight Parshath' now activates!" The dark green-haired girl went on, preparing to draw a card. "Whenever he inflicts Battle Damage to my opponent, I'm able to draw another card!"
"Go ahead!" dared Albert. "But whatever you draw, it won't help you! Someone like you won't ever defeat a great Football-playing duelist like myself!"
Emily never said another word; she instead drew her card with the all-too famous Destiny Draw technique. Without even looking at what she drew, the dark green-haired girl added the card to her hand and took out another.
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell!" Emily announced, just as the 'Quick Summon' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "'Quick Summon'!"
"What?!" gasped Albert. "'Quick Summon'?"
"This Spell Card lets me perform an extra Normal Summon this turn." explained Emily, readying her last card. "And this monster will be all I need to finish you off." She placed it onto her Duel Disk. "Behold it..."
On cue, the 'Kuribon' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I Summon 'Kuribon' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was little 'Kuribon', and she was dressed like a cheerleader (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200).
"'Kuribon' has a high enough Attack Pert to finish Albert off!" began Stanley.
"And since Emily used a Quick-Play Spell to Special Summon 'Kuribon' during the Battle Phase..." put in Thomas.
"...Emily is still able to attack!" finished Toby.
"Who's emerald? Who's green? Who is showing everybody that girls rule?" Nia, Molly, Mavis, and Rosie were all singing, doing a cheerleading routine. "That's right, it's Emily; because there's no one quite like her!"
Back in the duel field...
"'Kuribon', let's finish the duel!" cried Emily, giving the final command to her monster. "Take that sexist pig down!"
'Kuribon' obeyed, rolling down the field like a ball and striking Albert, throwing him a good distance into the goal. 'Kuribon' immediately stopped and winked once her attack had ended. In the net...
"Oh, I give up." Albert groaned in defeat (LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Emily Stirling wins!
With the duel finally over, the holograms faded away with everyone in the Football field regaining their old clothing.
"Now that's what I call a True Duelist." admired Nia, deeply impressed with Emily's win.
"Three cheers for Emily!" called Rosie. "The one who has proven that women CAN play sports AND win at Duel Monsters!"
There was much rejoicing from the rest of the students. Thomas, meanwhile, watched as the spirit of Kuriboh appeared and floated over to see Emily and Kuribon. Mr. Baldwin, on the other hand, walked over to the net that poor Albert was thrown into.
"To think I was one of your biggest fans!" The gym teacher hissed, taking out and tearing up his sports card of 'Albert Mason'. "I had never known that you have such a sexist attitude towards women!"
Albert cowered. "Mercy!"
"Just you wait until the rest of the world is informed about your true colors." Mr. Baldwin went on. He then gestured towards the nearby Emily. "Take a good, long look at her. Today, Emily has just proven a very important detail... You know what that is?"
No response came from the disgraced Albert Mason, and this allowed the gym teacher to continue speaking...
"She has shown that women can do anything that men can do; be it playing sports, being teachers at school, or playing card games like Duel Monsters. They have no right to be seen or treated like mere objects!"
Back over with Emily and Kuribon, Kuriboh had finished approaching and started speaking to Kuribon in the native 'Kuriboh' language. Kuribon blushed bashfully, feeling happy that she was receiving praise from her male species (along with crush). Soon enough, Thomas and Nia both approached the victorious Emily to speak with her.
"You were wonderful out there, Emily!" smiled Thomas.
Emily smiled back. "Thanks."
"I couldn't agree more." agreed Nia. "You, Emily, are very special."
"You don't know the half of it, Nia." Emily remarked modestly. "It helps that I have a very special boy by my side for always."
With that said, she embraced Thomas in a loving hug. The rest of the class continued to cheer and rejoice over Emily's win against Albert Mason, and proving that women can be just as successful as men. Of course, we all knew women can do things just as well as men, wouldn't you agree?
END OF CHAPTER 5