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 11
Just Like Clockwork
One early Friday morning, Stanley was sitting at the kitchen table enjoying some breakfast with his Mother before leaving for school. Unlike the other times where they would enjoy having a conversation, they were both very quiet this time around.
"Hmm..." Stanley mumbled dully.
"Hmm..." came the response from Mrs. Hudswell. At last, she finally said something... "Today's the day, Stanley."
Stanley nodded. "I know... THE anniversary..."
The anniversary Stanley was referring to was the anniversary of his Father's murder. Ever since he was killed by The Earl of Demise of the Court of Darkness a couple of years ago, the gray-haired boy and his Mother both had to make do with what they had. After the San Francisco Duel Monsters tournament, the family moved to the Island of Sodor so that they could start their lives anew.
"The anniversary where your Father had been kill three years ago." continued Mrs. Hudswell. She got up from the table. "We'll be going to a place at the park, later after school."
"Alright." said Stanley, soon standing up from the table and leaving to catch the bus.
(elsewhere...)
Later after school, Stanley and his Mother were both somewhere in Knapford Park. They were standing before a really big tree, keeping their heads down out of respect.
"Dad..." whispered Stanley sadly. "How Mom and I miss you so much..."
"Why did this have to happen to you?" asked Mrs. Hudswell, sounding just as devastated.
Just then...
"Mrs. Hudswell?" The voice of Emily called out.
"Stanley?" added the voice of Thomas. "What are you both doing?"
Stanley and his Mother both turned and saw Thomas and Emily both walking up. Seeing the sad looks on the two's faces made the blue-haired boy and the dark green-haired girl both feel sorry.
"Oh... Hello, Thomas and Emily..." Mrs. Hudswell greeted solemnly.
"We were giving our respects." answered Stanley. "Today is the anniversary of my Dad's murder, three years ago... Remember, Thomas? When we were in the Duel Monsters spirit world?"
"Yeah, I remember you telling us." confirmed Thomas. "Again, we're really sorry for your loss..."
"In a way, you did avenge your Father's death." Emily pointed out.
"Although I did-" agreed Stanley, looking downward. "-it still hurts that he's not longer with us."
"Hey, hey! No sweat!" came the voice of James. "Your heart will heal itself again, just you wait and see!"
On cue, James, Gordon, and Henry each showed up.
"Going to shoot some hoops?" asked Emily.
"We were, but then we overheard you guys talking." Henry pointed out. "We...came over to help pay our respects."
"But why come to this spot?" put in Gordon. "Mr. Hudswell died in America, not on the Island of Sodor."
"You didn't have him cremated and spread his ashes around this tree, did you?" added James.
"Actually, my Dad loves parks." answered Stanley. "He always said that if he were to pass away, he would want-"
"Huh? What's going on here?" questioned the voice of a young man, interrupting Stanley's sentence.
Everyone looked back.
"Who's that guy?" questioned Gordon.
"Never seen him before." added Henry, blinking.
The young man, 19-years old, in question had short silver hair (similar to Spencer), but his clothing looked old-fashioned.
"Who might you be?" Thomas asked the newcomer.
"My name is Hugo." The teenage boy answered. "Hugo Kruckenberg."
"Hugo Kruckenberg?" repeated James. "Hmm... The last name rings a bell..."
"There's someone in Knapford City with that last name." added Henry. "Cindy Kruckenberg, the clockmaker." He then realized something else. "Hold up, I seem to remember that Mrs. Kruckenberg saying one time she had a son... Maybe, just maybe... Are you that son, by any chance?"
"I'll admit I am." confirmed Hugo. "I'm the son of one of the most famous clock makers in all of the Island of Sodor."
"Weird." cut in Gordon. "When Henry, James, and I visited the shop one time, Cindy angrily told us that said she had no son. Not after he suddenly walked out of her life."
"What?!" cried Hugo. "That can't be the truth! I-I-I happen to be..."
"How long has it been since we heard Cindy say that?" Gordon continued. "Oh yes, about three years ago."
"You walked out on your own Mother?" accused Emily. "How could you?"
"Alright, I did!" admitted Hugo. "But now, I'm back! I... I just can't believe it's been three years already!"
A flashback ensured.
FLASHBACK
It was three years ago...
"The cuckoo clock suddenly broke." narrated Present Day-Hugo. "I was trying to fix it, even though I had no training in doing so."
Inside the Kruckenberg family's clock shop, Flashback Hugo was trying to fix the big clock on the top floor...
"Come on." Flashback Hugo grunted. "Why won't you move?"
(elsewhere...)
Outside the shop, Flashback Mrs. Kruckenberg and a few bystanders overheard a loud crash coming from inside the shop. From there, the big clock...stopped working entirely.
(elsewhere...)
Later inside the shop, Flashback Mrs. Kruckenberg was currently scolding her son for breaking the clock even further...
"Not even your Father was able to fix it!" Flashback Mrs. Kruckenberg ranted. "So, how can you expect to do it?!"
"He died before he was able to fix it!" argued Flashback Hugo. "Who cares if he died so soon?"
That harsh comment seemed to really upset his Mother...
"I am so ashamed of you, Hugo!" she exclaimed.
Hearing this made Flashback Hugo cross. "Well, fine! If I'm such a disappointment to you, then I'm leaving!"
With that said, the silver-haired young man walked out and slammed the door behind him.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end.
"I left after our fight." finished Hugo.
Stanley seemed to be most upset. "How could you do that, Hugo?!"
"Huh?" Thomas looked over. "Stanley, you okay?"
"You abandoned your own Mother after she scolded you for a mistake!" Stanley shouted angrily. "Families don't do that to each other!"
"Stanley..." whispered Mrs. Hudswell, knowing that her son really hated stuff like that.
"Hold up." interrupted Emily. "Maybe you left because you thought you weren't good enough."
Hugo sighed. "Yeah, that might have been the reason." he admitted. "I couldn't do it, but now I've become a genius clock fixer. All the training from that old man was long and tiring, but I finally succeeded when he said 'You have finally done it'!"
"Good! Now, go and apologize to your Mother!" demanded Stanley harshly. "Tell her that you left for training, and tell her you're sorry for that fight!"
"Yeah, that's what I should do..." agreed Hugo, but then faltered. "But..."
"You're worried that you'll get into another fight with your Mother, aren't you?" Emily calmly asked.
Hugo smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, a little bit..."
"So, that's how it is?" frowned Stanley.
"Yes... But, if I may add, the stronger your bonds are with your parents, the louder it is to get words across." explained Emily.
Everyone stared at the dark green-haired girl. All of a sudden, Hugo jumped up and took Emily by the hands and stared into her eyes.
"You, miss, say very good things!" The silver-haired young man exclaimed. "Especially since you're a very pretty one."
"T-Thanks...?" stuttered Emily uncomfortably.
Thomas, not looking happy over the fact that someone was hitting on 'HIS' girl, pulled Hugo away from Emily. Gordon and James both snickered quietly when they saw that scene.
"Look, if you're going to fix that clock, then you need to go, now." said Thomas sternly.
"Not only that-" put in Henry. "-I've also heard that they're going to be replacing the old clock with a new one."
"I-Is that true?!" Hugo blurted out.
Henry nodded gravely. The silver-haired young man cried out and started to run off, when Emily stopped him.
"Wait a second!" she exclaimed. "Are you going there wearing those clothes? You should get into something a bit better."
"She's right, Hugo." agreed Thomas. "I think we can help you with that."
(elsewhere...)
Inside the Knapford Mall, Thomas and the others took Hugo to the clothing store to pick up new trends for him. Currently, he was dressed in a smart-looking suit, although he was having a hard time with the tie.
"I'm not sure..." whispered Hugo. "I'm not sure how to tie a necktie."
Gordon walked over. "Just tighten it!" he yelled, grabbing and pulling on it tightly.
Unfortunately, all the tall, blue-haired boy was doing was accidentally choking poor Hugo. Fortunately, Emily stepped in to stop Gordon from potentially killing the silver-haired young man.
"Wait, are you trying to kill him, Gordon?" scolded Emily, before kindly turning to help Hugo. "A necktie, you see..."
Emily took the tie and began to properly tie it together.
"There we go!"
Thomas smiled. "That's a surprise." The blue-haired boy commented pleasantly. "How'd you learn to do that?"
"My Mother and I help my Father with his neckties as well." giggled Emily. "He never gets it right, so he asks either me or my Mother." She stepped away from Hugo. "You look fine, Hugo."
"Alright, are you ready to go and make things right with your Mother, Hugo?" questioned Stanley. "It's been three years, so make it count."
"I'll try." said Hugo, feeling uneasy.
(elsewhere...)
Later on, Hugo found himself standing outside the big clock shop somewhere in the city. With a heavy sigh, he approached the building. Nearby, Stanley and the likes were watching.
"You can do it, Hugo!" called James.
"Y-Yeah..." stuttered Hugo, nervous as can be.
Inside the shop, Mrs. Kruckenberg, an aging woman, turned and started to say something.
"Welco-" She stopped, seeing the young man that was her son. "H-Hugo!"
"H-Hi, Mom." Hugo greeted uneasily. "I-I've been thinking of fixing the clock again, so I've returned."
"The clock?" quizzed Mrs. Kruckenberg.
"Yeah. It's still broken, right? I... The reason I left was to learn how to fix clocks."
Mrs. Kruckenberg recoiled. "Learning?!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah. I learned from an old man somewhere in England." admitted Hugo. "My trainer always used to tell me 'You're a genius clock fixer, who comes along only once every ten years!', and so I thought 'Should I fix that clock?'... And thus, here I am!"
(elsewhere...)
Outside the shop, the group watched the discussion from a window.
"Is Hugo...trying to earn forgiveness that way?" groaned Gordon.
"It sorta sounds like he's doing it the wrong way." added James. "It's a good thing Duck's not here, he would have said that little thing..." He then started to imitate his friend... "'There are two ways of doing things; the Great Western way and the wrong way'!"
"Yeah, we get it." deadpanned Henry.
(elsewhere...)
Back inside the shop...
"'Should I finally fix that clock', huh?" growled Mrs. Kruckenberg, who then picked up a chair. "I wonder who it was that broke it in the first place?!"
Screaming, Hugo ran outside the building as the wooden chair was thrown at him. It thankfully missed, but the silver-haired young man did trip and fall down.
"You're the one who broke it, that's who!" shouted an angry Mrs. Kruckenberg. "Not to mention you've left me alone for three, long years!"
Thomas and the others walked up.
"What's going on, Hugo?" asked Emily. "Is there something you hadn't told us?"
Hugo felt even more sheepish. "Well..."
A flashback ensured...
FLASHBACK
It was, again, three years ago. Flashback Hugo was inside the clock tower of the shop, and he was working on fixing the clock.
"While I was cleaning the gears-" Present-Day Hugo narrated. "-I tried to make it run more efficiently. It wasn't all that easy, mind you."
While running the clock, Flashback Hugo took notice of a gear not moving. It appeared to be jammed or something.
"Huh? A gear's not moving?" mumbled Flashback Hugo. He got hold of something and stuck it in the center of the gear. "This should get it running again."
With a hammer in-hand, the silver-haired boy bashed on the rod in the gear, starting it up again. While the jammed gear was moving now, another one had gotten stuck, too.
"Huh?" quizzed Flashback Hugo. "That, too?"
With a bash, the gear started moving again. This, however, caused another gear to stop. This repeated for a few seconds.
"Now it's this one?" Flashback Hugo peeped, continuing to 'fix' the clock. "Hey! Here, too! What, now here! What's happening to this clock?!"
(elsewhere...)
Outside the shop, Flashback Mrs. Kruckenberg and a few bystanders overheard a loud crash coming from inside the shop. From there, the big clock...stopped working entirely.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end.
"Are you saying that you now have the confidence to fix our clock?" demanded Mrs. Kruckenberg. "Answer me!"
"I-I have to try it first." protested Hugo meekly.
"Huh, is that it? Don't forget that you've left me all alone for three years, where I was worried sick that you could be hurt or dead! Do you realize how hard it's been waiting for you to return?!"
Poor Hugo felt like he was about to cry. "F-Fine, I understand! If you disown me for not living up to your expectations, then have no Mother!" he ranted. "In fact, I hate you! I never want to see you again!"
Those stinging words seemed to greatly hurt Mrs. Kruckenberg. Before long, Hugo turned to leave, this time for good. Stanley, however, finally had enough.
"Hold up, Hugo!" The gray-haired boy demanded, getting into Hugo's path. "That's it, then? You're done?"
"Yes." confirmed Hugo. "If my own Mom hates me, then I hate her!"
"Your Mother didn't mean what she was saying." insisted Stanley. "She's just upset over your choice of words. Let's just calm down and wait until you're both feeling a bit better."
"She loves that stupid old clock more than her own child!" snapped Hugo. "I hope the council breaks it into a million pieces for all I care!"
"So, you're really fine with this? This is your chance to show the results of your training and such."
Hugo didn't budge, and only pointed at Mrs. Kruckenberg. "Forget it!" The silver-haired young man refused harshly. "I didn't train for that person who doesn't appreciate others like me!"
"Then tell us why you came back here?!" argued Stanley.
"Shut up!" exclaimed Hugo. "How could someone like you understand what I'm going through?!"
That bit really angered Stanley. "You bastard, let me tell you-!" He then stopped himself and calmed down a bit. "Let me tell you that I 'do' understand... But before you go, let's have a duel."
"A duel?" asked Hugo.
"Yes... If you win, you're free to leave and forget about your Mother." explained Stanley. "But if I win, then you must apologize to Cindy the proper way. I won't forgive or go easy on those who hurt their own Mother and try to walk away like it's nothing! Especially considering that my own Mother and I have been through a lot ever since my Father was murdered three years ago!"
Mrs. Kruckenberg listened to Stanley's words carefully, but then became surprised when Hugo made the following response...
"I accept it... I accept the the duel and its conditions!"
Stanley and Hugo glared at each other, while Thomas and the likes watched from nearby.
"Stanley..." whispered Thomas.
"Is Stanley trying to make Hugo talk to Cindy again by using force?" wondered James.
"So it would seem." answered Henry. "But, maybe he has a plan to make Hugo see sense?"
"Let's wait and see." suggested Gordon.
(elsewhere...)
Later on, Stanley and Hugo both stood on one end of the street, readying their activated Duel Disks.
"DUEL!" Both duelists announced at once (LP: 4000) x2.
With the audience...
"There they go." whispered Emily.
Back in the duel field...
"It's my turn!" announced Hugo, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn One: Hugo Kruckenberg (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Monster Clock"
Without wasting a second, he placed the card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Monster Clock' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a large cuckoo clock with arms legs, and a mouth (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"A Level 1 monster with no Attack or Defense Points." thought Stanley. "It has to have a powerful effect or something."
"I end my turn!" Hugo finished.
"And now, it's my turn!" declared Stanley, drawing a card.
Turn Two: Stanley Hudswell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Clock Tower Prison", "Destiny HERO - Drilldark", "Eternal Dread", "D - Spirit", "Destiny HERO - Celestial", and "Destiny HERO - Dread Servant"
His drawn card was the 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' Monster Card, while the rest of his hand consisted of 'Clock Tower Prison', 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark', 'Eternal Dread', 'D - Spirit', and 'Destiny HERO - Celestial'.
"Good." The gray-haired boy thought to himself, taking another card and inserting it into his Field Spell zone. "I activate a Field Spell Card - 'Clock Tower Prison'!"
The scenery began to chance to that of the familiar clock tower setting.
"During your Standby Phases, my card gains a Clock Counter." explained Stanley. "When I have four or more of those counters, I receive no Battle Damage. Not only that, but if my Field Spell Card were to be destroyed if I have four or more Clock Counters, then I can Special Summon 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster' from my hand or Deck."
"Come on, Stanley!" called James. "Wipe the floor with that guy!"
"Stanley..." whispered Mrs. Hudswell.
Back in the duel field, Stanley readied another card in his right hand.
"Since I control no 'Destiny HERO'-named monsters, I'll activate another Spell Card..." With that said, he slotted the card into his Duel Disk. On cue, the 'D - Spirit' Spell card materialized face-up on the field. "...I activate 'D - Spirit! This allows me to Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Destiny HERO' Monster Card from my hand!"
On cue, the 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Come forth - 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark'!"
Appearing onto the field from the face-up Monster Card, was the 'Destiny HERO' with drills for his arms (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200).
"As my monster was Summoned, I'll activate its effect!" continued Stanley, placing another card onto his Duel Disk. "I'm able to Special Summon another 'Destiny HERO' from my hand with an Attack Power equal to or less than the Attack Points of 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark'! And so, meet 'Destiny HERO - Celestial'!"
The red and black 'Destiny HERO' with a large circular blade on his back appeared on the field and joined his fellow 'Destiny HERO' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400). Just then, the 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' Monster Card materialized face-up beside 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark'.
"I also Normal Summon 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' in attack mode!"
A weaker 'Destiny HERO' with a spear and shield appeared (Level: 3/ATK: 400/DEF: 700).
"'Dread Servant's' effect activates!" announced Stanley. "When Summoned, my 'Clock Tower Prison' gains a Clock Counter!"
The clock's hands turned. That meant the 'Clock Tower Prison' now had one Clock Counter.
"Now that's an interesting-looking clock." commented Mrs. Kruckenberg.
Back in the duel field, Hugo scowled over the fact three monsters were ready to attack him directly.
"Listen... Have you ever once really talked to Cindy?" questioned Stanley
"I did!" insisted Hugo. "You're the one who won't listen to words!"
Stanley frowned. "Is that so? Then it would seem to me that you have no confidence."
Hugo, becoming angry with what his opponent was saying, said nothing in response (not yet, anyway).
"Well, it's all fine." The gray-haired boy continued. "When this duel is over, I'll listen to your answer." He then entered the Battle Phase... "'Destiny HERO - Drilldark', attack 'Monster Clock'!"
'Destiny HERO - Drilldark' obeyed, leaping forth and towards 'Monster Clock'.
"Now's the time!" bellowed Hugo. "I activate 'Monster Clock's' effect... Go, and grab the attacking monster!"
'Monster Clock', obeyed the command, suddenly stuck a long tongue out and grabbed 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark'.
"What?!" gasped Stanley.
"'Monster Clock' is able to grab the attacking monster." explained Hugo. "Amusing, wouldn't you say? And when an enemy monster is absorbed, 'Monster Clock' gains the Attack Points of the stolen monster! This will make 'Monster Clock' as strong as your 'Destiny HERO - Celestial'!"
'Monster Clock' grew more powerful (ATK: 0 - 1600).
"Not a chance!" interrupted Stanley. "I'll use 'Celestial' to attack 'Monster Clock', anyway!"
'Destiny HERO - Celestial' obeyed, diving forward towards 'Monster Clock'. That was what Stanley had been waiting for...
"Now the effect of 'Destiny HERO - Celestial' activates!"
"Say what?!" gasped Hugo.
Stanley smirked. "When attacking, I can have 'Celestial' target one Spell Card you control and destroy it. Since 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark' is equipped to 'Monster Clock', it counts as a Spell Card!"
'Monster Clock', who began crying out in surprise, felt 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark' vanish from within.
"In addition, the opponent takes 500 points of damage!" added Stanley.
Hugo lost some Life Points (LP: 3500). Not only that, the attack from 'Destiny HERO - Celestial' was not ending, either.
"But with that, I can snatch your monster!" Hugo pointed out. "Grab 'Celestial' now, 'Monster Clock'!"
'Monster Clock' shot its tongue out again, grabbing 'Destiny HERO - Celestial' and swallowing it. From there, the clock-like monster grew stronger (ATK: 0 - 1600). Despite his attack stopping, Stanley wasn't finished with his turn...
"I set one card facedown-" he said, slotting a card into his Duel Disk. On cue, a facedown card materialized before him. "-and end my turn."
Mrs. Kruckenberg watched the duel carefully, as did Thomas, Emily, James, Henry, Gordon, and Mrs. Hudswell. Back in the field field, Hugo stared long and hard at his opponent. Stanley was the former champion of the state of Washington in the United States, and so would not be easy to defeat.
"I'll have to be on my guard if I want a chance against this guy." Hugo thought to himself, before drawing a card and speaking aloud. "You've really done it, now... My turn, draw!"
Turn Three: Hugo Kruckenberg (LP: 3500)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?
"As it's your Standby Phase, my 'Clock Tower Prison' gains another Clock Counter!" declared Stanley. "That brings the total of counters my card has to two!"
The giant clock turned again.
"Two more, and you'll sustain no more Battle Damage." mumbled Hugo, who then readied a card. "No matter... I'll destroy both your monsters with this!" He turned it over and revealed it to be a Monster Card. "Behold 'Clock Knight No. 12'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large number 12 with arms, legs, and a knight's helmet (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1000).
"Not only that-" continued Hugo, just as a Spell Card called 'Clockwork' materialized face-up on the field. "-I'll also activate a Spell Card called 'Clockwork'! This allows me to Special Summon a monster from my hand with a Level that's lower than 'Clock Knight No. 12'!"
On cue, the face-up "Clockwork' Spell Card turned into an Effect Monster Card called 'Clock Knight No. 3'.
"I'll Special Summon this monster - 'Clock Knight No. 3'!"
A large number 3 with the same arms and legs appeared, too (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 300).
"That monster's Level is lower than that of 'Clock Knight No. 12'..." Stanley realized. "Because of that, it can be brought out."
"Yup." nodded Hugo. "And not only that, the Monster Effects of 'Clock Knight No. 12' and 'Clock Knight No. 3' are what I'm aiming to use... I flip a coin, and if it lands on heads, they will gain 1200 Attack Points until the End Phase. However, if the coin instead lands on tails, then they will be destroyed."
"As much as 1200?" worried Stanley.
"In addition-" The silver-haired young man went on. "-if there's a different 'Clock Knight' on the field, then I can redo the coin toss once!"
"You can?!"
In the audience...
"It would seem Hugo is a tougher duelists than I first thought." admitted James.
"On the field, 'Clock Knight No. 3' and 'Clock Knight #12' are there." added Thomas.
"Since the two different 'Clock Knights' can toss a coin-" put in Emily. "-the probability of the effects succeeding are increased."
Back in the duel field, 'Clock Knight No. 12' flipped a coin into the air.
"Sun is heads, and Moon is tails." Hugo pointed out. "Now, let's succeed in the coin toss... Come on, Sun!"
The coin, however, landed on Moon (tails).
"Tails!" exclaimed Hugo, but quickly recovered. "However, I can redo the coin toss!"
'Clock Knight No. 12' flipped the coin again. This time, it landed on Sun (heads).
"Alright, I got it!" The silver-haired young man rejoiced. "'Clock Knight No. 12' gains 1200 extra Attack Points!"
'Clock Knight No. 12' grew stronger (ATK: 1200 - 2400). The audience was very surprised by the outcome. Even then, it wasn't over yet...
"And then, with 'Clock Knight No. 3's' effect, I'll flip a coin again!" continued Hugo eagerly. "Success on my part will put my monster at 1500 Attack Points!"
'Clock Knight No. 3' flipped a coin, and, much to Hugo's happiness, it landed on Sun (heads).
"The sun has shown itself!" Hugo cheered. "That gives 'Clock Knight No. 3' 1200 more Attack Points!"
'Clock Knight No. 3' grew stronger (ATK: 300 - 1500). Then, the Battle Phase came...
"BATTLE! 'Clock Knight No. 12', attack 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant'!"
'Clock Knight No. 12' obeyed, charging forward with his sword. It looked like 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' was about to bite the dust, along with Stanley taking major damage...
"Say goodbye to half of your Life Points!" laughed Hugo.
"You think I'll let that happen?" retorted Stanley, making the silver-haired young man ease up. "Facedown card, open!"
Hugo cringed. "F-Facedown card?!"
On cue, the gray-haired boy's facedown card flipped up and revealed itself to be...
"'Eternal Dread'!" announced Stanley. "This adds two more Clock Counters onto 'Clock Tower Prison'!"
The large clock spun until it hit midnight.
"T-That means-!" spluttered Hugo.
"With four Clock Counters, all Battle Damage I take becomes zero!" declared Stanley.
'Clock Knight No. 12' struck 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' with its sword. The 'Destiny HERO' Monster exploded and clouded the gray-haired boy's field. Stanley braced himself, but thankfully took no damage.
"'Dread Servant's' effect also activates! When destroyed by battle, I can target and destroy one Spell or Trap Card on my side of the field!" He pointed up. "And now, I choose to destroy..." The gray-haired boy was pointing at the 'Clock Tower Prison'. "...my own Field Spell Card!"
The giant clock tower immediately exploded as the scenery returned to normal. From the dust and smoke, a new figure was shown.
"W-What's that?" asked Hugo nervously.
"You forgotten already? When 'Clock Tower Prison' is destroyed while it has at least four Clock Counters-" explained Stanley, taking a card from his Deck and placing it onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk. "-I can Special Summon 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster' from my Deck!"
"W-What?!"
The gray-haired boy smirked. "Yup..." he confirmed. "And just so you know, this is one of my ace monsters!"
The smoke cleared as 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster' stood before Hugo and his three monsters (Level: 8/ATK: ?/DEF: ?).
"The effect of 'Dreadmaster' activates! DREAD WALL!" continued Stanley, just as two cards slipped out of the Graveyard. "When Summoned, all non-'Destiny HERO' Monsters I control are destroyed, and then I target two 'Destiny HERO' Monster Cards from my Graveyard and Special Summon them onto my field in defense mode!"
The 'Destiny HERO - Drilldark' Monster Card and 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' Monster Card both materialized face-up on the field.
"Come on - 'Drilldark' and 'Dread Servant'!"
The two mentioned monsters returned to the field.
"The Attack and Defense Power of 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster'-" explained Stanley. "-is determined by the total amount of Attack Points of every other 'Destiny HERO' Monster that I control."
"That's 2000 Attack and defense Points apiece!" realized Hugo.
'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster' grew stronger (ATK: 0 - 2000/DEF: 0 - 2000). Not about to let Stanley win that easily, Hugo pointed forth towards 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant'.
"'Clock Knight No. 3', attack 'Dread Servant' and weaken 'Dreadmaster'!"
'Clock Knight No. 3' obeyed, lunging forth with his sword in an attempt to bring 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' down again.
"Your monster is doomed!" insisted Hugo.
"Are you sure about that?" quizzed Stanley, raising an eyebrow.
"What's that supposed to-?"
"'Dreadmaster', protect my monsters with Dread Barrier!" The gray-haired boy ordered.
On cue, 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster' suddenly blocked the attack, withstanding it like it was nothing.
"HUH?!" gawked Hugo, shocked over the turn of events. "What's going on? Why is 'Dreadmaster' blocking my attack, and why aren't you losing any Life Points?!"
"During the turn 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster' is summoned-" explained Stanley, once again taking no damage (LP: 4000). "-the monsters he Special Summons are unable to be destroyed by battle, and I take no Battle Damage."
Hugo was not happy. "Dammit! In that case, I'll have to buff my Life Points with this card!" He held out another card from his hand. "'Gift of Compensation'(!)! At the cost of letting you draw a card from your Deck, I gain 500 Life Points for each monster you control."
Stanley drew a card as Hugo's Life Points rose by 1500, due to there being three monsters on Stanley's side of the field (LP: 5000).
"I end my turn!" announced Hugo, just as the Attack Power of both 'Clock Knight No. 3' (ATK: 1500 - 300) and 'Clock Knight No. 12' (ATK: 2400 - 1200) returned to normal.
"You're using the effects freely beside it being a Gamble Deck..." mumbled Stanley. "Are you joking?! Real life isn't as easy to do as that!" He drew another card and took his turn. "Draw!"
Turn Four: Stanley Hudswell (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (2): ? and "Card of Spell Containment"
On cue, a Spell Card called 'Card of Spell Containment' flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate Card of Spell Containment!" Stanley announced, drawing two more cards. "At the cost of not being able to activate anymore Spell Cards or setting for the rest of the turn, I draw two more cards from my Deck."
His drawn cards were 'Destiny HERO - Dynatag' and 'Destiny HERO - Dunker', both being Effect Monster Cards.
"Both cards are monsters." The gray-haired boy thought to himself. "They're also just what I was waiting for!" He spoke aloud, placing a card onto his Duel Disk (sideways). "Come on - 'Destiny HERO - Dunker', defense mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a 'Destiny HERO' wearing an aquatic suit (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1700). From there, 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster' grew stronger (ATK: 2000 - 3200). Not being done, Stanley then sent the last card from his hand to the Graveyard.
"I activate 'Dunker's' effect! By sending one 'Destiny HERO' Monster Card from my hand to the Graveyard, I inflict 500 points of damage to your Life Points!"
'Destiny HERO - Dunker' jumped into the air, dove down, and struck Hugo. The silver-haired young man cried out and got knocked back some (LP: 4500).
"I still have more Life Points than you do!" argued Hugo.
"So, you say." retorted Stanley, just as 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' went into a defensive stance. "I switch 'Destiny HERO - Dread Servant' into defense mode... And, finally, I'll activate the effect of the 'Destiny HERO - Dynatag' in my Graveyard!"
The spirit of the mentioned monster appeared on the field briefly.
"What are you doing?!" demanded Hugo.
"By removing 'Dynatag' from my Graveyard-" explained Stanley. "-I can increase the overall Attack Power of one 'Destiny HERO' I control by 1000 points until the End Phase."
The spirit of 'Destiny HERO - Dynatag' merged with 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster', causing the latter to roar, beat his chest, and grow even stronger (ATK: 3200 - 4200).
"Eek!" squeaked Hugo.
"Now, attack 'Clock Knight No. 3, 'Drilldark!" commanded Stanley.
'Destiny HERO - Drilldark' obeyed, drilling through and destroying 'Clock Knight No. 3'. Hugo cried out as he sustained damage (LP: 3200).
"But I'm not done!" continued Stanley. "Attack 'Clock Knight No. 12', 'Dreadmaster'... PREDATOR OF DREADNOUGHT!"
'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster' obeyed, lunging forth and punching 'Clock Knight No. 12'. The enemy monster fell back, landed on the ground, and shattered into shards of glass just like that. Hugo cringed hard as he sustained massive damage from the attack (LP: 200).
"My turn is over." finished Stanley.
'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster's' Attack Power dropped by 1000 points (ATK: 4200 - 3200). After a moment of silence...
"You win." sighed Hugo, turning away from the duel field.
"What?" gasped Stanley.
The audience was also surprised by what Hugo had said.
"You all heard me." said Hugo. "I quit. You're going to win anyway, so why should it make a difference?"
"You're gonna give up that easily?" accused Stanley.
"What am I supposed to do if you control a monster as powerful as 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster'?! It gets stronger for every other 'Destiny HERO' Monster you control!"
"Don't complain!" snapped Stanley, shutting the silver-haired young man up. "You're giving up without even trying? Are you telling me you've put all that big talk as a front, and the only thing on your mind is running away?! That's pathetic!"
The audience listened onto Stanley's speech...
"Why the hell won't you make up with your own Mother? You said you were training, yes? Don't you even have the confidence to make things right with Cindy and fix the broken clock?!"
Hugo slowly started to breakdown. "S-Shut up!" he ordered. "How can I make things right if she won't even give me a chance?!"
A flashback ensured.
FLASHBACK
Several moments of Flashback Hugo attempting to fix and clean clocks were shown, but he wasn't exactly successful in his attempts. This earned him a scolding from his boss...
"What is this horrible work?!" demanded the old man from the story Hugo told. "Can't you even complete the simplest of tasks?!"
Flashback Hugo said nothing.
(elsewhere...)
In his room one night, Flashback Hugo stayed up continuing to try and fix a broken clock.
"You...really don't have the confidence to fix that clock, do you?" The voice of Stanley questioned.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end.
"The confidence to make up with Cindy, or the confidence to fix your Father's clock." Stanley went on. "You haven't learned anything!"
Hugo recoiled, but said nothing.
"Don't you think Stanley's taking this whole thing a little too seriously?" whispered James. "I mean, this issue between Hugo and his Mom is really none of our business."
"Considering that he and I've been going through so much since his Father died-" sighed Mrs. Hudswell. "-I can understand Stanley's feelings, right now..."
Back in the duel field...
"So, what're you doing to do, Hugo?" continued Stanley. "Give up? Or are you going to continue the fight?"
After a moment of silence, Hugo spoke up while drawing a card.
"I draw..."
Turn Five: Hugo Kruckenberg (LP: 200)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (3): ?, ?, and "Time Wizard"
The sight of his drawn card made the silver-haired young man's eyes widen.
"This card..." he murmured. It was shown to be the 'Time Wizard' Monster Card. "I got this rare card from one of my recent Duel Packs... It's supposed to be normally weak in stats, but comes with a deadly effect..."
"Well?" cut in Stanley. "What're you going to play?"
The audience waited to see what would happen next. At last, the play came...
"I Summon 'Time Wizard' in attack mode!" declared Hugo, placing his drawn card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk.
The familiar clock-like monster appeared to the field (Level: 2/ATK: 500/DEF: 400).
"The 'Time Wizard'!" gasped Stanley.
With the audience...
"Isn't that Percy's card?" asked James, looking surprised to say the least.
"'Time Wizard' is a rare card, you know." explained Thomas. "Hugo must've gotten lucky in getting it from a pack."
Back in the duel field...
"I activate Time Wizard's Monster Effect!" declared Hugo, just as a coin was given to him. "I must flip a coin and call heads or tails."
"'Time Wizard's' effect recently got modified into a coin toss-based one instead of a roulette-based on." Stanley thought to himself. "Either way, it's still risky."
"I call...heads!" said Hugo, flipping the coin.
As the coin soared through the sky in slow motion, the silver-haired young man started to do some serious thinking...
"Do I really not have the guts to fix my mistakes?" Hugo thought to himself. "Did I walk out on my Mother just because I was afraid?" While thinking, several images of his past started to flash before his own eyes. "Dad..."
"What's wrong?" The voice of the late Mr. Kruckenberg echoed. "Do you like watching?"
"I do!" came the response of Young Hugo, sounding very happy. "I really do!"
Hugo was being shown a vision of himself watching his Father's work when he was little.
"That's right... I liked it." The silver-haired young man thought to himself. "Watching my Father repair clocks... I always enjoyed watching him repair the clocks..."
More scenes from the past were shown flashing before Hugo's eyes.
"That's why I eventually wanted to pick up where he left off when he died... But, not matter what I tried, I could never live up to his legacy..."
In another scene, Mr. Kruckenberg was shown talking to Young Hugo under a tree.
"Your Mother is only saying that because she cares about you." Mr. Kruckenberg insisted. "She just wants you to live up to the best of your abilities. I won't be around forever, you know."
"Mom..." whispered Hugo. Shaking his head, the slow motion sequence came to an end. "This coin toss will determine the duel outcome!"
The coin suddenly came down, landing on Hugo's hand.
"It all comes down to this." Stanley thought to himself.
Everyone else awaited for the results of the coin toss. Finally, Hugo announced the words...
"My choice...is heads!"
He slowly lifted his hand to see the result... The coin was shown to be on...
"It's heads!" Hugo announced at last, making everyone in the area gasp at the lucky guess. "Because I was right, the effect of 'Time Wizard' will destroy all monsters on your side of the field, Stanley!"
Time Wizard raised its wand into the air and performed the ever handy Time Magic effect. A vortex appeared above Stanley's monsters, aging them all into dust.
"Stanley's monsters were completely wiped out!" exclaimed Henry.
"And he's open for a direct attack!" added James.
Back in the duel field...
"I'm not finished yet." insisted Hugo, just as the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field. "I activate 'Monster Reborn', and revive the fallen 'Clock Knight No. 12'!"
'Clock Knight No. 12' reappeared on the field.
"And, again, I'll use the effect of my 'Clock Knights' to buff their Attack Power!" continued Hugo. "'Clock Knight No. 12', flip the coin!"
The coin was tossed into the air. It landed on...Sun (heads).
"With it on Sun, 'Clock Knight No. 12' gains 1200 more Attack Points!" rejoiced Hugo, just as his monster grew stronger (ATK: 1200 - 2400). "Direct attack, now!"
'Clock Knight No. 12' obeyed, slashing at Stanley with his sword and pushing him back a bit (LP: 1600).
"One last attack!" declared Hugo. "'Monster Clock', with your 1600 Attack Points, we're about to win!"
'Monster Clock' lunged forward. Thomas and the others watched as it looked like Stanley was about to be defeated.
"It looks like I win, Stanley!" declared Hugo.
Stanley finally spoke up... "Not a chance." he said sternly. "You're wrong, Hugo."
"Huh?"
"This duel is about to end with my victory." The gray-haired boy continued. "I still have one more card in my hand, and it's all I need to put an end to the match."
"What could it be?" asked Hugo.
Stanley held the card up and turned it over, revealing a second copy of the 'Destiny HERO - Dynatag' Monster Card.
"Since I'm being attacked, I'll send a second copy of 'Destiny HERO - Dynatag' from my hand to the Graveyard." explained Stanley, discarding his card. "By doing so, all Battle Damage I sustain in this attack is reduced to zero. However, both players will sustain 1000 points of damage in exchange."
Hugo gasped (LP: 200). "But that means..."
"Correct." nodded Stanley (LP: 1600). "I'll survive, but you..."
A large explosion sounded all across the field. Everyone in the audience braced themselves from the force of the attack, before looking to see what just happened.
"What exactly did Stanley just do?" questioned James.
"He...won." Thomas slowly answered.
Back in the duel field, the smoke cleared away to reveal both Stanley and Hugo. The former was still standing (LP: 600), while former wasn't so lucky (LP: 0).
"You're the winner." mumbled Hugo in defeat.
DUEL RESULTS: Stanley Hudswell wins!
The remaining holograms faded, and nobody in the audience said a word about the results. Both players were breathing hard from their match.
"You've...beaten me..." whispered Hugo, breathing hard.
"That's right, I...have..." said Stanley, breathing just as hard. He then pointed to Mrs. Kruckenberg nearby. "Now then, I think you owe someone an apology."
Once all was calm again, Hugo and his Mother stared at each other for what seemed like forever. The former honestly didn't know what to say. The latter, however, soon began to slowly walk towards her son.
"Hugo..." whispered Mrs. Kruckenberg. "I... I've missed you so much..."
"Mom..." murmured Hugo. He then made a confession... "It's just as Stanley's been saying... I wanted to work harder and eventually be able to fix the clock..." He started shaking hard as he became overwhelmed with emotion. "As I studied clocks more and more, the more I understand how great my Father was..."
"Hugo..." Mrs. Kruckenberg said once more, allowing her son to continue speaking.
"Dad's cuckoo clock is important to me! I trained, and so I... I understand that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't fix it!" The silver-haired young man started to tear up. "I'm so ashamed of myself, because Dad died before I could finish the job... And I'm ashamed of myself for breaking the big clock! And I'm also ashamed of myself for not being able to carry out your wishes... But the thing I'm most ashamed of myself for, is that I abandoned you for three years to prove myself..."
The audience was quiet during this moment.
"Mom, I'm sorry... I'm so sorry!" screamed Hugo through his tears. "I know you think I'm a terrible son for what I've done, and I honestly don't blame you for it!"
Mrs. Kruckenberg, however, approached her son and embraced him in a hug.
"I'm sorry, too..." Was all the woman could say.
Hugo was confused. "Huh? You're sorry?" he wept. "But I ran away on you! What could you possibly be sorry for?"
"It was my own fault for making you feel as if I didn't care about you." insisted Mrs. Kruckenberg. "If I hadn't been so hard on you, maybe I wouldn't have driven you into running away. I just wanted you to live up to the best of your abilities."
That did it...
"MAMA!" screamed Hugo, crying hard.
"HUGO!" Mrs. Kruckenberg also screamed, beginning to cry herself.
It was quite a tearful reunion between a Mother and her son. Stanley, while watching the touching moment, was approached by his Mother, Thomas, Emily, Gordon, Henry, and James.
"You were wonderful out there, Stanley!" praised Emily.
"Great work." added Thomas.
Stanley said nothing in response. He was merely glad he was able to bring a Mother and son back together.
"Stanley?" quizzed Gordon.
"Are you okay?" added Mrs. Hudswell.
After what seemed like forever to everyone else, Stanley finally said something...
"They're together again..." The gray-haired boy whispered. "Both Hugo and Cindy have made amends... What I said during the duel must've finally knocked some sense into Hugo..."
(elsewhere...)
That evening, everyone was outside the clock shop waiting to see if Hugo could actually repair the big clock.
"Do you think he'll do it?" asked Emily.
"I trust him." answered Mrs. Kruckenberg.
Suddenly, after what seemed like forever, the clock's bell chimed. Not only that, it also came alive as a song began to play.
"It's working again!" realized Henry. "You guys think-?"
"Hugo has succeeded!" put in Stanley.
Out of the bottom of the large clock, several figures appeared and played their instruments. Just then, Hugo emerged from the entrance of the shop.
"I... I actually did it." The silver-haired young man mumbled, growing happier by the second. "I fixed the shop's clock! I've succeeded in following my Father's footsteps!"
"Good work, Hugo!" cheered Henry.
"Your Father would be proud if he were still here with us." came from Mrs. Kruckenberg, before looking up to the sky. "Even then, I know he's watching us from where he is..."
In the setting sun, a vision of Mr. Kruckenberg's spirit appeared smiling at his son and wife, happy to see that Hugo has followed well in his footsteps. Happy ending all-around, right?
END OF CHAPTER 11