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 14
Oxygen + Hydrogen = H2O
Opening up outside the school grounds...
"DUEL!" declared Percy and Jinty at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
"DUEL!" came from Axel and Pug at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
"DUEL!" put in Edward and a teenage boy named Fred (LP: 4000) x2.
"DUEL!" finished James and Logan (the same one from 'The Great International Duel Cup') at the same time (LP: 4000) x2.
Four duels at once?! Holy mackerel! Can Percy, Axel, Edward, and James all keep the crowd from going after Thomas, Emily, and Gina? Well, we'll have to see about that...
Duel One: Percy vs. Jinty
The first duel commenced...
"Jinty, just because we're friends doesn't mean I'll let you go after my best friend." Percy pointed out.
"I'll win this duel, Percy!" insisted Jinty, adding a sixth card to his hand. He had black hair. "I really want a shot at battling the Duel King and those 'God' Cards of his."
Turn One: Jinty Fowler (LP: 4000)
Deck: 44
Current Hand (6): ?, "Call of the Mummy", ?, ?, ?, and ?
On cue, a Spell Card called 'Call of the Mummy' flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Call of the Mummy'! Here's how it works - as I control no monsters, I'm able to Special Summon a Zombie-Type monster from my hand."
Taking another card from his hand, Jinty placed it onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Plague Wolf' in attack mode!" he announced.
Appearing onto the field was a wolf monster that looked rather haunting (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"But since this was a Special Summon, I have yet to Normal Summon this turn." continued Jinty, taking another card from his hand. "I Normal Summon a second copy of 'Plague Wolf'."
A second 'Plague Wolf' appeared on the field and joined its comrade (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"Two 'Plague Wolves'..." whispered Percy.
"When there are two of these creatures on my field-" explained Jinty. "-their respective Attack Power doubles until the End Phase."
The two 'Plague Wolves' grew stronger (ATK: 2000 - 1000), and a facedown card then materialized on the field.
"Now I'll set one facedown card and end my turn. However, the effect of my monsters active!"
"Effects?" blinked Percy, he then saw both of Jinty's monsters fading away. "Hey! What's going on?"
"Since my wolves activated their effects-" explained Jinty. "-they're both destroyed at the end phase." He then took and held another card out. "But next comes 'Surrounded by Fallen Wolves'!"
Percy gasped. "A Quick-Play Spell!"
On cue, both 'Plague Wolves' reappeared on the field.
"'Surrounded by Fallen Wolves' Special Summons two or three Zombie-Type monsters from my Graveyard of the same name with 1000 or less Attack Points that were destroyed by a Card Effect this turn in defense position with their effects negated." explained Jinty, drawing two cards. "After that, I draw cards equal to the number of monsters Special Summoned by this effect."
"That's two cards in total!" realized Percy.
"Exactly!" confirmed Jinty. "Now, Percy, it's your turn!"
Percy drew a card, hoping he could draw something good.
Turn Two: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Phoenix Gearblade", "Majesty of Fire", "Valkyrian Knight", "Black Dragon's Chick", "Metalmorph", and "Phoenix Gearfried"
His hand consisted of 'Phoenix Gearblade', 'Majesty of Fire', 'Valkyrian Knight', 'Black Dragon's Chick', 'Metalmorph', and the drawn 'Phoenix Gearfried'.
"Glad I got these new cards from the shop." Percy thought to himself. "It's time to give one of them a test run." He looked up. "I activate 'Majesty of Fire'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field and erupted into flames.
"What's with all the flames?" asked Jinty.
"Thanks to this card, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or higher FIRE monster from my hand." answered Percy, readying and placing another card onto his Duel Disk. "Appear - 'Phoenix Gearfried'!"
Appearing on the field in a blaze of fire was a very powerful-looking warrior monster with an armor and blade that looked like fire (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2200).
"That's a new one." Jinty gulped fearfully. He then saw a Spell Card ('Phoenix Gearblade') materializing face-up on the field behind 'Phoenix Gearfried'. "So's that!"
"From my hand, I'll equip 'Phoenix Gearfried' with 'Phoenix Gearblade'!" declared Percy.
Jinty was nervous. "I just know I'm gonna regret asking, but...what can I expect this card to do?"
"The equipped monster gains a new weapon - and a power boost of 300 Attack Points, that's what!" The green-haired boy answered.
'Phoenix Gearfried's' Attack Power rose to higher levels (ATK: 2800 - 3100).
"Unfortunately, I'm not finished yet." continued Percy, taking another card from his hand. "You see, I still have yet to Normal Summon."
Jinty was worried. "W-What do you have...in mind, Percy?"
"I'm glad you asked." With that said, Percy took and placed another card onto his Duel Disk. "I Summon 'Valkyrian Knight' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a female monster in red, flame-like armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200). The Battle Phase then commenced...
"Alright, guys, let's do this!" declared Percy, pointing forth. "Take down those 'Plague Wolves'!"
Percy's monsters obeyed, slashing their weapons at the two wolves. Before long, both 'Plague Wolves' were hit and destroyed.
"Unfortunately, it's not over yet." Percy went on, just as his 'Phoenix Gearblade' Spell Card faded away in a blue streak. "'Phoenix Gearfried' will attack again!"
"But how?!" gasped Jinty. "And why did your 'Phoenix Gearblade' fade away?"
"As 'Phoenix Gearfried' destroyed a monster in battle-" explained Percy. "-I can get rid of my Equip Spell to allow all FIRE-Attribute monsters on the field a second attack."
'Phoenix Gearfried', losing Attack Points (ATK: 3100 - 2800), readied and charged towards a defenseless Jinty.
"Say goodbye to 2800 Life Points!"
"Not yet!" cut in Jinty.
Percy recoiled. "Huh?!"
"I activate my Trap Card!" The black-haired boy announced, just as his facedown card flipped up and revealed itself to be... "'Howl of the Fallen Wolf'! With it, I can Special Summon two Zombie monsters from my Graveyard of the same name with 1000 or less Attack Points in defense mode, and then I can add a Field Spell from my Deck into my hand."
The two 'Plague Wolves' returned to the field. Not only that, the Field Spell Card Jinty chose to add was something called 'Edge of Darkness'.
"Attack again, my monsters!" ordered Percy.
Both of Percy's monsters obeyed, once again slashing and destroyed the wolves.
"Not too bad, Percy." admitted Jinty.
"Thanks!" smiled Percy. "You're not too bad yourself." He then readied one more card. "Before my turn ends, I'll set this card for later."
A facedown card materialized on the field behind 'Phoenix Gearfried', as Percy eased up.
"My turn is over!"
"It's my turn!" announced Jinty, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Three: Jinty Fowler (LP: 4000)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (4): ?, "Edge of Darkness", ?, and "Zombie Heart"
On cue, the 'Edge of Darkness' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate 'Edge of Darkness', a Field Spell! Now, watch what will happen..."
The scenery began to change.
"Ulp..." gulped Percy, which was all he could say.
With the field now like the Shadow Realm, Jinty took two cards from his Graveyard and allowed them to fade away into oblivion.
"I activate the effect of 'Edge of Darkness'!" The black-haired boy declared. "I remove two Zombie-Type monsters from my Graveyard with the same name to add a Zombie-Type Monster Card from my Deck or Graveyard into my hand."
Percy sweated nervously, watching as his friend drew a card and looked at it for a few seconds. Before long, he motioned his right hand towards his face-up "Call of the Mummy' Spell Card.
"I activate the effect of 'Call of the Mummy'!" Jinty took and readied another card from his hand. "As you know, I can Special Summon a Zombie monster from my hand, and I know just the one to play..."
With that said, he placed the card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk. Percy watched as a Monster Card called 'Despair from the Dark' rose from the ground.
"Appear - 'Despair from the Dark'!" commanded Jinty.
Appearing on the field, from a purple fog, was a large, red, fiendish creature with purple arms and claws (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 3000).
"Pretty good, wouldn't you agree?" grinned Jinty.
"Pretty creepy to look at..." shivered Percy.
"Unfortunately for you, I still have yet to Normal Summon this turn." continued Jinty, placing a card onto his Duel Disk. "With that, I'll Summon 'Skull Conductor' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was an undead, Symphony-like Conductor (Level: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 0). This was followed by a Spell Card called 'Zombie Heart' materializing face-up on the field behind the new monster.
"I'll also equip my new monster with 'Zombie Heart'!" Jinty then entered the Battle Phase. "BATTLE! 'Skull Conductor', attack 'Valkyrian Knight'!"
'Skull Conductor' obeyed, tapping his batton, and sending a chorus of spirits towards 'Valkyrian Knight'.
"And if you think your set card will help, think again!"
"What're you going to do?" peeped Percy.
Jinty responded by holding another card out. "Activate 'Anti-Magic Arrows', that's what! It prevents you from activating your set card for the rest of your turn!"
Magical arrows fired from the card in the black-haired boy's hand, striking Percy's set card and rendering it paralyzed in place.
"Bother!" cried Percy. "I can't use my set card..."
'Valkyrian Knight' was defenseless against 'Skull Conductor', who suddenly grew slightly stronger than normal (ATK: 2000 - 2200).
"What's going on?" demanded Percy, who then saw 'Despair from the Dark' grow stronger, too (ATK: 2800 - 3000). "Your monsters are growing stronger?!"
"'Edge of Darkness' increases the Attack Power of my attacking Zombie-Type monsters by 100 points per Zombie I control until the end of my turn." explained Jinty. "I control two Zombies, so they both gain 200 extra Attack Points."
The attack from 'Skull Conductor' struck its mark, causing 'Valkyrian Knight' to shatter into shards of glass. Percy grimaced as he sustained some damage (LP: 3700).
"It's not over!" Jinty went on, pointing forth. "I use 'Despair from the Dark' to attack 'Phoenix Gearfried'!"
'Despair of the Dark' slashed at 'Phoenix Gearfried', causing the weaker monster to explode in a blast of fire.
"Ugh! 'Phoenix Gearfried'!" Percy called out, bracing himself from the force of the destruction of his remaining monster (LP: 3500).
"Looks like you're wide open for a direct attack on my next turn." teased Jinty. "But that's the least of your problems."
"They're not?" Percy squeaked.
"Nope. There's also 'Zombie Heart' to take into consideration. Once per turn, during the End Phase, if the equipped monster battled a monster with higher Attack Points than the equipped monster this turn, or if a card or effect that would destroy the equipped monster was activated this turn, I can inflict damage to his opponent equal to the equipped monster's Attack Power."
The green-haired boy panicked. "What?!"
"Afraid so." insisted Jinty. He then pointed at 'Skull Conductor'. "The Monster Effect of 'Skull Conductor' also activates! As it was face-up on the field at the end of the Battle Phase, it's destroyed by its own effect."
'Skull Conductor' shattered into shards of glass. Before long, Jinty slotted a card into his Duel Disk, causing a facedown card to materialize behind 'Despair from the Dark'.
"Finally, I'll set a card and end my turn. The effects of both 'Anti-Magic Arrows' and 'Edge of Darkness' have ended."
The magic arrows disappeared from Percy's facedown card, while 'Despair from the Dark' returned to its base Attack Power (ATK: 3000 - 2800). Unfortunately...
"Now, since the equipped monster was destroyed by a card effect this turn, the effect of 'Zombie Heart' activates!" continued Jinty. "Say goodbye to 2000 more Life Points, Percy!"
Percy started glowing as he sustained huge damage (LP: 1500).
"Only 1500 Life Points left, Percy."
Percy recovered and smirked. "You're good, Jinty." he admitted. "Despite having a ton of fun, however, I can't let you win."
"Sorry, Percy, but I want to have a shot at beating Thomas's 'God' Cards." said Jinty. "I really want to battle them."
"I will win, Jinty. Just you watch!" warned Percy, drawing a card. "My turn, draw!"
Turn Four: Percy Avonside (LP: 1500)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (2): "Black Dragon's Chick" and "Roll of Fate"
On cue, the 'Roll of Fate' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, just as a large dice materialized from the face-up Spell Card.
"And with help from 'Roll of Fate'-" continued Percy. "-I have an increased chance of success."
The dice was tossed into the sky. Very quickly, it fell, landed on the ground, rolled about, and landed on a...
"A four!" Percy rejoiced, drawing four cards. "Now I draw four cards and Banish the top four cards from my Deck!" He then drew four more cards and allowed them to fade away into oblivion. "Let's see..."
The green-haired boy's hand now consisted of 'Black Dragon's Chick', 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', 'Inferno Fire Blast', 'Polymerization', and 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight'.
"Aww, yeah!" he cheered, placing one of the cards onto his Duel Disk. "I Summon 'Black Dragon's Chick' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was the infant 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' (Level: 1/ATK: 800/DEF: 500).
"'Black Dragon's Chick'?" blinked Jinty. "Isn't that-?"
"Support for 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'?" asked Percy, finishing his opponent's sentence. "You bet it is."
'Black Dragon's Chick' started glowing all white, almost like it was evolving like a Pokemon.
"By sacrificing 'Black Dragon's Chick'-" Percy continued speaking, while also placing a card on a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk. "-I can Special Summon 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' in its place!"
'Black Dragon's Chick' grew bigger and bigger before it ceased glowing, revealing it had become 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"I'll also activate 'Inferno Fire Blast'!" announced Percy, holding another card out. "With 'Red-Eyes' on my field, you lose Life Points equal to the original Attack Points of my monster!"
'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' charged and unleashed a powerful blast of fire at Jinty, striking him and making him take massive damage (LP: 1600).
"Is that all?" he asked upon recovering. "Because you've played that card, 'Red-Eyes' can't attack this turn."
"I'm not done yet." Percy pointed out, just as the 'Polymerization' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field. "I activate 'Polymerization'!" He held his last card out. "I'll fuse 'Red-Eyes' with this monster - 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight'!"
Jinty was alarmed. "'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight'?! That's more support for 'Red-Eyes', isn't it?"
"Got that right! Now, watch..."
Briefly appearing to the field was what looked like 'Gearfried the Iron Knight', but was wearing a suit of armor that was almost the same color as 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon's' scales. He and 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' then were fused together.
"Come on down - 'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon'!" commanded Percy, as the light started dimming.
Appearing in the sky was 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' decked with 'Gearfried the Iron Knight's' armor (Level: 7/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2400). Percy, not being done still, then poksed a button on his Duel Disk.
"Next, I'll activate my set card!" As Percy said this, his facedown card flipped up and revealed itself to be... "'Metalmorph'! I'm sure you know what this does, right?"
"It raises your monster's respective Attack Power and Defense Power by 300 points." worried Jinty. "But that isn't all it does..."
'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon' turned more metallic as it grew even stronger (ATK: 2800 - 3100/DEF: 2400 - 2700).
"Now if my 'Red-Eyes' attacks an opponent's monster-" put in Percy. "-it gains Attack Points equal to half its target's current Attack Points during the Damage Step."
Entering the Battle Phase, 'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon' started to charge up an attack.
"Attack 'Despair from the Dark', 'Red-Eyes'!" As Percy said this, 'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon' fired the blast of flame. "And now, since my monster's attacking, its effect activates!"
"Effect?!" gasped Jinty.
On cue, 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight' reappeared on the field as a spirit. It then merged with 'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon', causing the dragon to grow even stronger (ATK: 3100 - 3300).
"When Red-Eyes Slash Dragon attacks-" explained Percy. "-one Warrior-Type monster from my Graveyard can be equiped onto 'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon', thus raising its Attack Power by 200 points."
The blast of flame got closer and closer to 'Despair from the Dark'.
"Time for-!" Percy began, but got interrupted.
"I activate a Trap!" announced Jinty, making his opponent freeze. From there, his set card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be... "'Sakuretsu Armor'!"
A large armor appeared on Despair from the Dark.
"This Trap Card destroys your attacking monster." explained Jinty. "Once 'Red-Eyes' bites the dust, I'll win on my coming turn!"
Percy just raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that?"
"Huh?" recoiled Jinty. "What are you-?"
"I activate my dragon's third effect!" declared Percy, just as the spirit of 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight' was removed from 'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon' and slashed at the Sakuretsu Armor. "Say goodbye to 'Sakuretsu Armor'!"
The armor equipped to 'Despair from the Dark' was destroyed. 'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon' then grew slightly weaker due to the Warrior-Type monster being lost (ATK: 3300 - 3100).
"What just happened?!" gasped Jinty.
"Since a card or effect was activated by the opponent that targets a card I control, I can send one Equip Card I control to the Graveyard to negate the activation and destroy that card." explained Percy. "Based on what you saw, I've sent 'Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight' to the Graveyard to negate and destroy your 'Sakuretsu Armor'."
This was not good news for Jinty. And it only got worse from there...
"And, since it's now the Damage Step-" continued Percy. "-'Metalmorph' will increase 'Red-Eyes's' Attack Power based on half of your 'Despair from the Dark's' Attack Power!"
'Red-Eyes Slash Dragon's' Attack Power increased even further (ATK: 3100 - 4500).
"I'm sorry to say this, Jinty, but this duel is over!" The green-haired boy declared.
The blast finally struck. Jinty cried out as his remaining monster shattered into shards of glass, and his Life Points dropped all the way to zero (LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Percy Avonside wins!
"Aww, nuts!" groaned Jinty, falling to his knees as the holograms faded away. "Guess I'm not ready to face the 'God' Cards, after all..."
Duel Two: Axel vs. Pug
Over with Axel and Pug...
"I won't let you try to duel Thomas by force!" insisted Axel.
"I have to!" protested Jug, another boy with black hair. He added his drawn card to his hand. "I really want to face those 'Egyptian Gods' coming from the 'King of Games'!"
Turn One: Pug Kitson (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?
A facedown card materialized on the field, followed by a Monster Card called, 'Fool Clown', appearing face-up on the field.
"I set one card, and Summon 'Fool Clown' in attack mode!"
Appearing from the face-up Monster Card and onto the field, was a clown that was made from a pile of spinning tops (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"'Fool Clown'?" frowned Axel. "By Summoning that monster, you have to throw your entire hand into the Graveyard."
"Correct." Pug confirmed, discarding his entire hand. "However, three cards that were sent to the Graveyard were Monster Cards called 'Laugh Exploder'!"
Three Monster Cards called 'Laugh Exploder' emerged from Pug's Graveyard and started flying all-around the black-haired boy.
"By removing them from my Graveyard, I can inflict 500 points of damage to my opponent! I've removed all of three of them, and that means you take exactly 1500 points of damage!"
Three explosions hit Axel, pushing him back some (LP: 2500).
"I end my turn." finished Pug.
Axel drew a card. "It's my turn... Draw!"
Turn Two: Axel Notesse (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?
A facedown card materialized on the field immediately.
"I set one card facedown." The purple-haired boy continued, just before taking and placing a card onto his Duel Disk. On cue, a Monster Card called 'Fire Trooper' flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Then, I'll Summon 'Fire Trooper' in attack mode!"
Appearing on the field was a monster with a head full of flame (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"It won't stay for much longer." continued Axel earnestly. "I send it to the Graveyard with its effect!"
'Fire Trooper' erupted into flames, causing it to disappear (although the fire left behind remained).
"By doing this, I can hit you for 1000 points of damage!"
Pug was suddenly hit with the large wall of flames left behind (LP: 3000). The fire then finally died down.
"Now it's my turn to deal damage!" declared Pug. "I Banish 'Laugh Fight' from the Graveyard!"
The mentioned Spell Card slid out of Pug's Graveyard and faded away into oblivion.
"By doing this, I now inflict the same amount of damage you've inflicted on me!"
Another blast hit Axel, causing him to grunt (LP: 1500). Even then, he didn't look worried about it - he just resumed with his turn.
"I activate 'Fire Recovery'!" Axel declared, taking and holding a card out. "By sending 'Volcanic Scattershot' from my hand to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon 'Fire Trooper' from the Graveyard in attack mode!"
'Fire Trooper' returned to the field.
"Don't tell me you're going to do it again!" Pug cringed.
Axel smirked. "That's the general idea."
'Fire Trooper' burst into flames, causing the fire to surround Pug and make him take damage yet again (LP: 2000).
"And since I've discarded 'Volcanic Scattershot', you take an additional 500 points of damage!" continued Axel.
Pug grimaced in response (LP: 1500).
"We're about even!" The purple-haired boy pointed out. He then held out another copy of the 'Fire Recovery' Spell Card. "I activate a second copy of 'Fire Recovery' to send yet another copy of 'Volcanic Scattershot' from my hand to the Graveyard!"
Another bullet of flames struck Pug head on (LP: 1000). From there, the first copy of the 'Volcanic Scattershot' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Thanks to 'Fire Recovery', I'll bring my first copy of 'Volcanic Scattershot' back in defense mode!"
The three-headed 'Volcanic' Monster reappeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 2/ATK: 500/DEF: 0). With nothing else left to do, Axel entered the End Phase.
"I end my turn." Axel finished. "Alright, Pug, it's your turn!"
Pug looked to his set card. "Once I draw my card, I'll activate my facedown 'Burial from a Different Dimension' to return my three banished 'Rough Exploders' to the Graveyard." he thought to himself. "This will allow me to banish them from the Graveyard again, inflicting 1500 more damage to the Belgian champion and finishing him off."
Axel merely watched his opponent silently. Finally...
"It's my turn!" declared Pug, drawing a card "Draw!"
Turn Three: Pug Kitson (LP: 1000)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (1): ?
The black-haired boy looked at his drawn card with a smile.
"This is the end." he said cockily, before looking up at his opponent. "I acti... Huh?"
To his surprise, Axel was walking away from the duel.
"What're you doing?!" Pug demanded. "Get back here! The duel's not over yet!"
"Actually, yes, it is." retorted Axel. "You've just lost the match."
"What?! How?" Pug then saw a face-up Trap Card on Axel's side of the field. "Huh? Is that 'Draw Blast'?" He started to read what the card does. "'When your opponent draws a card, this deals 1000 damage to them'..." The black-haired boy immediately realized that he just lost (as Axel had said). "THAT'S NOT FUNNY!"
*BOOM!*
Not knowing what hit him, Pug found himself lying on the ground with his Life Point gauge emptied (LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Axel Notesse wins!
"That's too bad." dismissed Axel, as the remaining holograms faded away. "How can you hope to defeat Thomas, when you stood no chance against me?"
Poor Pug...
Duel Three: Edward vs. Fred
Over with Edward and Fred...
"Mopping the floor with somebody like you'll be a breeze." taunted Fred, drawing a card. "Once you're out of the way, I'll duel that 'King of Games' and his 'God' Cards!"
Edward merely braced himself; this was his first official duel, and he needed to win it to protect his younger friend.
Turn One: Fred Pelhay (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Chthonian Soldier"
On cue, a Monster Card called 'Chthonian Soldier' materialized face-up on the field.
"Meet the first of my 'Hell'-based cards - 'Chthonian Soldier'!" announced Fred. "I place it in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a fiendish warrior dressed in black armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1400). This was followed by a facedown card appearing behind the new monster.
"With that, I'll set one card and end my turn." finished Fred, grinning. "Now, it's your turn."
No answer.
"Huh?" Fred looked and saw Edward studying his hand. "Hey! You listening to me? I said it's your turn!"
"Don't rush me." scolded Edward, looking up at his opponent briefly. "I'm trying to think."
"Well, think later!" snapped Fred. "Draw a card and take your turn!"
"Alright, alright! Just calm down..." Edward sighed, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Two: Edward Stewart (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Hydrogeddon"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Hydrogeddon'. Seeing it caused Edward to do some thinking...
"This card could give me an advantage in this duel..." The intelligent, blue-haired boy then looked back at his hand. "Even though this is my first major duel, if I play my cards right, I can win against-"
"Hey!" The voice of Fred snapped, causing Edward to look up. The orange-haired boy was looking really annoyed. "Play a card! I haven't got all day to wait, ya know!"
Edward responded by placing his drawn card onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Hydrogeddon' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a large dinosaur-like creature made entirely of brown hydrogen (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000).
"A 1600 Attack Point monster..." mused Fred, before smirking. "But nothing I can't handle."
"We'll see." interrupted Edward, who then entered the Battle Phase. "'Hydrogeddon', attack 'Chthonian Soldier'!"
'Hydrogeddon' obeyed, firing a watery blast at 'Chthonian Soldier' and destroying the weaker monster. Fred was hit by part of the watery blast (LP: 3600), but quickly smirked upon recovering.
"Say goodbye to 400 Life Points of your own." he remarked.
Before Edward could react, 'Chthonian Soldier's' blade suddenly reappeared, soared forth, and struck him head-on.
"Agh!" Edward grimaced (LP: 3600).
"You think I'm stupid or something?" teased Fred. "I was expecting you to play a stronger monster than my own. Since 'Chthonian Soldier' was destroyed by an attacking monster and sent to the Graveyard, its effect inflicts damage to you equal to the Battle Damage I took."
Edward smirked. "Oh, I knew that..." he acknowledged. "But now, I have a surprise of my own to show you."
"You do?!" gasped Fred.
"When 'Hydrogeddon' destroys a monster in battle-" explained Edward, taking his Deck out of the Duel Disk. "-I can Special Summon another copy of 'Hydrogeddon' to the field from my Deck."
A second copy of 'Hydrogeddon' appeared on the field, joining the first copy for battle.
"Crap! I'm open for a direct attack..." groaned Fred, not looking too thrilled about the impending direct attack.
"I'm afraid you are." admitted Edward. He then pointed forth and announced the attack name of his monster... "HYDRO BREATH!"
The second Hyrdogeddon obeyed, shooting a blast of water at Fred. The attack hit and threw Fred back a small bit.
"Tch! Lucky hit..." he mumbled (LP: 2000).
"I end my turn." concluded Edward. In his head... "So far, so good. All the training and tutoring I was getting from Nia is really helping me."
Fred slowly got back to his feet. He wasn't going to let a newbie beat him, and prevent him from taking on a REAL duelist (Thomas).
"It's my turn!" The orange-haired boy declared, drawing a card. "Draw card!"
Turn Three: Fred Pelhay (LP: 2000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?
From there, the facedown card flipped up and revealed itself.
"Continuous Trap - 'Call of the Haunted', activate!"
On cue, 'Chthonian Soldier' returned to the field like it hadn't been harmed from the last battle.
"This Trap Card lets me Special Summon one monster from my Graveyard in attack mode." explained Fred, just as he slotted another card into his Duel Disk. "But, I'm afraid this is only the beginning... Now, I'll activate another card - 'Inferno Reckless Summon'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I was afraid of this..." Edward thought to himself. "Thanks to playing 'Call of the Haunted', Fred can Special Summon all monsters with the same name as the Special Summoned monster from his hand, Deck or Graveyard."
In a burst of energy, two more 'Chthonian Soldiers' appeared on the field. The three 'Chthonian Soldiers' each stared Edward down.
"But to show that I'm a nice guy, you can select one monster you control and Special Summon all monsters with the same name as the selected monster from your hand, Deck or Graveyard." teased Fred. "Go on! Select your monster!"
"I select one of my 'Hydrogeddons'." said Edward, taking a card from his Deck. "I Special Summon the third copy in attack mode!"
A third copy of 'Hydrogeddon' appeared on the field and joined the other two for combat. Fred, however, only laughed in response.
"What's so funny?" asked Edward. "All three of my monsters are stronger than yours."
"Does the saying 'strength in numbers' mean anything to you?" asked Fred, slotting a card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. "Because I now have three of the exact same monster out, I can activate this Equip Spell!"
On cue, a Spell Card called 'Chthonian Alliance' materialized face-up on the field behind the middle 'Chthonian Soldier'.
"This increases the Attack Power of the equipped monster by an additional 800 points for each monster on my field that have the same name as it." explained Fred. "Hence why I've used a combination of 'Call of the Haunted' and 'Inferno Reckless Summon' to bring three 'Chthonian Soldiers' out.
The middle 'Chthonian Soldier' grew even stronger (ATK: 1200 - 3600).
"Battle..." grinned Fred, knowing that this was going to be good. "I use the equipped 'Chthonian Soldier' to attack one of your 'Hydrogeddon' monsters!"
The strengthened 'Chthonian Soldier' obeyed, slashing one of the three 'Hydrogeddon' monsters with its blade.
"Your monster has met its end!"
The attacked 'Hydrogeddon' exploded, causing Edward to cry out and brace himself as massive damage was sustained (LP: 1600).
"Let's see you top that." dared Fred. "Come on... I'm waiting."
Getting back to his position, Edward drew his next card.
Turn Four: Edward Stewart (LP: 1600)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Oxygeddon"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Oxygeddon'.
"'Oxygeddon'..." he murmured. "Is this what I need next?"
"Hey! Are you actually going to make a move?" snapped Fred impatiently. "Or are you just going to keep stalling time and looking at your cards?"
Edward frowned. "Alright then, here's my card!" He placed his drawn card onto his Duel Disk. "Arise - 'Oxygeddon'!"
Appearing onto the field was a large pterodactyl made of greenish gas (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 800). Fred frowned, knowing that despite his opponent owning weaker monsters, Edward was going to attack, anyway.
"I'll now attack your two weaker 'Chthonian Soldiers'!" announced Edward. "I know I'll lose Life Points, but it's a chance I'm willing to take!" He then announced 'Oxygeddon's' attack name... "OXY STREAM!"
'Oxygeddon' let loose a loud shriek, which overwhelmed and shattered one of the two weaker 'Chthonian Soldiers'. Fred braced himself as shards of glass from the destruction of his monster soared past him (LP: 1400).
"By destroying 'Chthonian Soldier', you'll take the exact same damage I've sustained!" The orange-haired boy declared. "600 points, that is!"
Edward didn't even flinch as he sustained damage from the effect of 'Chthonian Soldier' (LP: 1000).
"It's a small price to pay." Edward said simply, before giving another command... "And now, it's 'Hydrogeddon's' turn to attack!"
One of the two 'Hydrogeddon' monsters obeyed, firing a blast of water at 'Chthonian Soldier'.
"Still risking damage?" huffed Fred, just as his 'Chthonian Soldier' was destroyed (LP: 1000). "So be it... You take 400 more points of damage!"
Edward glowed red and cried out, taking more damage from the effect of 'Chthonian Soldier' (LP: 600).
"By destroying two of your monsters, your remaining 'Chthonian Soldier' loses 1600 of its Attack Bonus!" The intelligent, blue-haired boy reminded. "Not to mention 'Call of the Haunted' is destroyed since the monster Summoned by it's been eliminated!"
The face-up 'Call of the Haunted' Trap Card shattered into shards of glass, while the remaining 'Chthonian Soldier' grew weaker (ATK: 3600 - 2000).
"It doesn't matter." shrugged Fred. "You've lost most of your Life Points from your little attack barrage. Come my next turn, I can attempt to finish you off!"
"We'll have to wait and see." retorted Edward, slotting a card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. With that done, a facedown card materialized on the field behind 'Oxygeddon'. "I set a facedown card and end my turn."
"Man, I always knew that you were a terrible duelist, but never this form of bad." snickered Fred, drawing a card. "Time for my 'Hell'-based Deck to win me another match!"
Turn Five: Fred Pelhay (LP: 1000)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (4): ?, ?, ?, and ?
Upon seeing his drawn card, the orange-haired boy's smug smile widened.
"Here's where it ends for you, egghead." whispered Fred, making Edward sweat nervously. He then sent all but one card from his hand to the Graveyard. "I sacrifice my lone 'Chthonian Soldier', and all of the remaining cards in my hand, to Tribute Summon one of my strongest monster!"
The remaining 'Chthonian Soldier' vanished in a blaze of fire, which then erupted into an explosion on Fred's side of the field.
"Come forth - 'Infernal Incinerator'!"
When the explosion died down, a massive creature with a withered body chained to the top of its head appeared from the fading flame and smoke (Level: 6/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1800).
"And if you think it's powerful now, wait until you see its effect!" taunted Fred. "For you see, for every monster you control, 'Infernal Incinerator' gains 200 more Attack Points!" He pointed forth. "You control three monsters, and that means my monster gains 600 extra Attack Points!"
The giant beast grew even stronger (ATK: 2800 - 3400).
"Go forth, 'Infernal Incinerator'!" commanded Fred. "Roast that nerd and his monsters to ash! End this duel!"
'Infernal Incinerator' obeyed, letting loose a powerful blast of fire at Edward, 'Oxygeddon', and the two 'Hydrogeddons'.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! I win, ya newbie!"
"I'm going to have to disappoint you, I'm afraid." sighed Edward. "I activate a Counter Trap!"
Fred's eyes widened. "You what?!"
The intelligent, blue-haired boy's set card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be...
"'Amorphous Barrier'!" announced Edward. "Since I control three monsters, the opponent's attack is negated, and the Battle Phase immediately ends!"
Suddenly, large pillars appeared, blocking 'Infernal Incinerator's' flame attack.
"I...don't believe it!" complained Fred. "I thought I had this duel in the bag! Ngh... you're a persistent one, aren't you?"
Edward seemed to smirk tauntingly. "I guess it's true that thoughts outwit actions every time."
"Grr... That's fine!" growled Fred, clearly frustrated. "I can wait until my next turn to win... I end my turn!"
"I'm afraid there won't be a next turn for you." insisted Edward.
"What?! There won't be?!" spluttered Fred. "What makes you say that?"
"Just because I'm new to playing the game-" Edward went on. "-doesn't mean I'll let you win and try to forcefully duel my friend." He looked to his Deck. "And just because I'm new to playing the game, doesn't mean I don't know how to make strategies based on how my opponent plays."
"Say what?!" exclaimed Fred.
"It's my turn!" declared Edward, preparing to draw a card. "This draw will complete my calculated strategy to finish you off!"
With that said, the intelligent, blue-haired boy drew a card with the good old Destiny Draw technique.
Turn Four: Edward Stewart (LP: 1600)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (5): ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Bonding - H2O"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Bonding - H2O'. It was just what he needed!
"It's time!" announced Edward. "With my draw being successful, I've completed my strategy!" He then looked to Fred. "Tell me, have you ever paid attention in chemistry class?"
"What does that have to do with playing Duel Monsters?!" The orange-haired boy demanded. "The object of the game is to reduce the opponent's Life Points to zero, which is what I'm going to do next turn! If you think you can defeat me this turn, however, then stop wasting time and show me!"
"So, you haven't been paying attention?" Edward shook his head. "Then, allow me to show you a little something." He held his drawn card out. "I activate a Spell Card - 'Bonding - H2O'!"
"'Bonding - H2O'?" repeated Fred.
"For this to work, I must control two copies of 'Hydrogeddons' and one copy of 'Oxygeddon' on my field." explained Edward. "When I do, I can offer them as a tribute... Go forth, my monsters!"
All three monsters turned to vapor.
"When two molecules of hydrogen mix with one molecule of oxygen-" explained Edward, speaking in scientific terms. "-they create water. In a similar matter, my three monsters have formed a new monster from the heart of my Deck!"
The creation of the new water-like monster was soon finished.
"Appear - 'Water Dragon'!"
With the chemistry-like sequence ending, the result was a large dragon-like creature made entirely from water appearing on the field (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2600).
"Heh! I was expecting something much tougher than that." grinned Fred. "My monster still has an Attack Power of 3000, while yours only has an Attack Power of 2800!"
'Infernal Incinerator' (ATK: 3000) and 'Water Dragon' (ATK: 2800) both stared each other down.
"Your monster isn't a match for mine!"
"So you say." grinned Edward.
Suddenly, to Fred's surprise, 'Water Dragon' began to cover the field in water, causing 'Infernal Incinerator' to grow weak - very weak (ATK: 3000 - 0).
"My monster has...z-zero Attack Points?!" Fred stuttered. "But...how?"
"Water quenches Fire, you know." Edward pointed out. "The effect of 'Water Dragon' is to blame for this... As long as this monster is on the field, the Attack Power of all FIRE and Pyro monsters present becomes zero!"
Fred recoiled in horror. There wasn't anything he could do to save himself; he had lost the duel.
"'Water Dragon', attack!" commanded Edward. "AQUA PUNISHER!"
'Water Dragon' obeyed, creating a tidal wave strong enough to drown and destroy 'Infernal Incinerator'. In addition, Fred was thrown to the ground by the water (LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Edward Stewart wins!
The holograms faded away.
"I lost..." mumbled the defeated Fred. "I can't believe it!"
Edward said nothing in response, although he was proud that Nia's teachings had paid off. Just then, he heard James's voice...
"'Elemental HERO Neos' and 'Neo-Spacian Flare Scarab', attack Logan directly!"
James, meanwhile, was at facing another duelist at the moment and had just declared a direct attack on him.
"Let's end this duel!" The red-haired boy ordered. "'Flare Scarab', Flame Bullet! 'Neos', Wrath of Neos!"
The two monsters obeyed, with both of them attacking at once and finishing off Logan (LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: James Hughes wins!
"And that's game!" declared James, just as the holograms faded away.
The crowd of duelists soon grew tired of the delay.
"This is a waste of time!" The voice of a teenage boy yelled out.
"We want Thomas!" One young man demanded.
"Well, you can't duel him." declared Percy, as he was joined by James, Edward, and Axel. "Thomas has no interest in being forced into a duel against his will. If you try anything to go after him, we'll stand in your way!"
Then there was trouble...
"What is going on here?!" demanded Sir Topham Hatt, who was walking towards the area. "Whatever is happening, I demand you all to leave!"
"H-Hey!" spluttered Fred, standing back up. "Who do you think you-!"
"I am the principal of this school." boomed Sir Topham Hatt, glaring at the orange-haired boy. "And you're all trespassing on School Property, causing Confusion and Delay for the buses coming to pick my students up!"
The crowd was murmuring to each other.
"Now, what in blazes are you all doing here in the first place?!"
Fred cowered. "Just...leaving." he squeaked.
"Y-Yeah!" agreed Neil, reeling from commanding the principal was. "We're just leaving! Come along, everybody!"
With murmured agreement, the crowd of duelists disappeared faster than you can say 'Bust my Buffers' or something along the lines...
"Thanks a ton, sir!" praised James, once he, Edward, Percy, and Axel were all alone with the principal.
"Think nothing of it." replied Sir Topham Hatt. "Still, I wonder what's been happening for half an hour out here."
"The crowd all wanted to duel against Thomas." explained Percy.
"Because Thomas is now 'King of Games'-" put in Edward. "-duelists want a piece of him and the 'God' Cards."
"We were only trying to defend Thomas." finished James.
"Well, you've all did a good thing by looking out for your friend." smiled Sir Topham Hatt. "I'm very proud of you four."
The four teenagers all smiled back, looking to one another. They were happy that they did a good thing today.
END OF CHAPTER 14