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 20
The Couple's Cup, Part 1
It had been two days since the incident with Anubis, and Discord and his family returned to the United States. Not only that, Gina and Axel both had a few days left before they had to leave and return to their respective European countries (Italy for Gina, and Belgium for Axel). According to them, they wanted to do something extra special to finish off their experience on the Island of Sodor before having to depart from each other, but did not know what to do exactly.
While walking through the Knapford Mall, Axel was looking around the place, trying to figure out how he and Gina could end their little vacation on the Island of Sodor in the best possible way.
"What do to, what to do..." The purple-haired Belgian boy thought to himself. "There's got to be something we could do before leaving..."
Walking past the Card Shop, they saw the owner posting something onto the wall. The notice caught Gina's attention...
"What is-a this?" she asked, walking over.
"Well, missy, this is a notice for a small Duel Monsters tournament we'll be hosting here in the mall." The Shop Owner explained. "Anyone can sign up for it, but there's a small catch."
"A catch? What sort of catch?" quizzed Axel.
"This is a special pair-up tournament for couples. To win it, you must be willing to work together and defeat your opponents all the way to the very end. I call it 'The Couple's Cup'! I'll admit it's not as big as those last tournaments held by Boxford Corporation, but we still hope for it to be successful."
"'The Couple's Cup'..." mused Axel, who then seemed to smile at the idea. "You know something? It does sound like fun."
"Let's sign-a up for-a it!" suggested Gina, who then wrote her boyfriend's name, and her own name, on the sign-up sheet.
"Unfortunately, we're still short on dueling couples at the moment." The Shop Owner pointed out. "Perhaps you two could be of some assistance in finding couples interested in coming and signing up?"
"It is-a no problem." Gina kindly agreed.
"Leave it to us." added Axel.
Yup, this would be quite good...
(elsewhere...)
Later on, Axel was at the arcade with some of the boys...
"'The Couple's Cup'?" blinked Stanley. "It sounds like a fun little event."
"So, could any of you sign up?" asked Axel.
"I have to turn you down, I'm afraid." sighed James. "Molly doesn't play the game."
"I have to turn you down, too." apologized Edward. "I don't have a girlfriend, after all."
Stanley, however, smiled. "I'm sure Rosie would love to take part, so I'll join in."
"Great!" smiled Axel, before deciding to bring one more person up... "What about Thomas?"
The atmosphere suddenly became uncomfortable among the group after that question was asked.
"What?" The purple-haired Belgian boy asked innocently. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Thomas has been feel kinda down in the dumps." sighed Percy. "Remember how we were almost killed because of Anubis?"
"Don't remind me." groaned James.
"Well, Thomas has been feeling down over failing to keep us safe from danger...again." Edward pointed out.
"That's just what we need; Thomas falling into a depressed state once again." frowned Stanley. "Especially after all it took to snap him out of it."
"That's true enough." mused Axel, folding his arms. "What do you think we should do about it?"
"I think it's best that we give him some space and let him recover at a pace he's more comfortable with." answered Edward, making a suggestion.
The rest of the boys nodded in agreement. Would it work? Who knows...
(elsewhere...)
At Burger World, Gina was hanging out with the girls for lunch.
"'The Couple's Cup' does sound very fun." commented Mavis, before shaking her head. "Sadly, I can't take part because Toby doesn't duel."
"You can count me in, Gina." peeped Rosie. "I'm highly positive Stanley would want to team-up with me for something like this."
"I'd love to take part as well." added Emily. "It would also help see if Tommy and I could work well as a dueling team."
"But what about-a Thomas?" asked Gina, recalling the Anubis incident. "Do you-a think he would-a be up for-a it after what-a happened just-a recently?"
The atmosphere, similar to the arcade's mood, became increasingly uncomfortable after the brown-haired Italian girl asked that question. Eventually, Emily spoke once more to bring up something...
"Thomas has promised that he would have fun with his friends more often." reminded Emily. "And that he would only be serious in dire emergencies. My Tommy NEVER goes back on his promise."
"But don't you think it's too soon for Thomas to be getting involved with something like this?" interrupted Mavis, looking a little concerned at what her best friend was thinking of doing. "I think it would be better if you waited until he was feeling better."
Emily remained silent on the matter.
"If-a I could-a make a suggestion?" Gina spoke up. "Do you-a think we should-a ask him about-a it?"
"Hmm, I suppose we could." shrugged Emily, taking her cellphone out and dialing a number. "If he declines, that I'll gladly step down from taking part."
(elsewhere...)
Meanwhile, Thomas was alone and sitting down by the River Els doing some thinking. The peace and quiet atmosphere seemed to help soothe his unhappy thoughts from the previous battle with Anubis and the near-death experience involving his friends.
"Is something troubling you, my Pharaoh?" A familiar voice (male) echoed.
Thomas looked up and saw that he had been joined by the spirits of Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl; both having appeared from the Millennium Puzzle.
"Oh... it's...nothing." The blue-haired boy replied dully.
"You know, Thomas, we can always tell when you're lying." frowned Dark Magician Girl. "What's on your mind?"
After a few seconds, Thomas sighed in defeat and decided to reveal why he was feeling so down...
"It's my friends..." Thomas answered at last. "They were almost killed because of Anubis, and I couldn't do anything to protect them... Had they not gotten involved in this mess, then maybe they would have been much safer."
"Maybe so-" said Dark Magician. "-but had they not gotten involved, then Anubis would never have been defeated, and all life on Earth would have been wiped out."
"We know how much you care for your friends, Thomas." Dark Magician Girl pointed out. "But, if you're the one who always rescues them from danger, how will they ever learn to rely on their own strengths when you're unavailable?"
Before Thomas could reply, his cellphone started ringing. With that happening, the spirits of both Dark Magician Girl and Dark Magician faded away, leaving the blue-haired boy to answer his phone.
"Hello?" Thomas quizzed.
"Tommy?" came Emily's voice from the other end.
Thomas felt even more at peace whenever he heard Emily's voice. At this point, he really needed to talk to her.
"Emily, hi..." said Thomas slowly.
"I'm calling because there's something coming up that I think you'll really like." The voice of Emily began, before bringing up what Gina told her... "There's a small Duel Monsters tournament coming soon, and it's for couples like you and I."
"A Duel Monsters tournament for couples?" repeated Thomas.
"A tag team-based tournament." The voice of Emily explained. "I'm calling, because I think this would be something that might help you cope with your depression over the events with Anubis."
Thomas seemed to be silent on the matter. Him and Emily working together in a duel? Hmm... it does sound rather interesting.
"I see..." muttered Thomas.
"So, would you like to team-up for the event-" suggested Emily's voice. "-and show everyone on the island the true power of the 'Supreme King' and the 'Supreme Queen'?"
Another thought suddenly came to Thomas... What if taking part in the tournament would put everyone in danger again? The voice of Emily seemed to think something was wrong when she got no immediate answer...
"Please, Tommy? This tournament might be able to help you."
At last, Thomas made his decision on the matter...
"Alright." he answered reluctantly. "I'll do it."
"That's wonderful, Tommy!" cheered the voice of Emily, clearly overjoyed. "I'm sure we'll do great together!"
With that said, she hung up. Thomas put his cellphone away and sat back down alongside the river bank, resuming his thinking.
"Will we do well?" Thomas thought to himself. "Will I be able to let go of the Anubis incident?"
He just kept still by the river bank, as the lovely afternoon sun continued to shine. It looks like we're about to find out...
(elsewhere...)
Inside the Knapford Mall two days later, lots and lots of people had gathered to watch the tournament take place (including the rest of the group).
"Will this be a swell tournament or what?" admired Henry.
"I should think so." answered Gordon. "A small tournament is usually safer than a big one."
"Probably since whenever Boxford Corp hosts a tournament, something bad happens at one point." joked James.
Molly didn't laugh at the joke. "Unfortunately-" she was saying firmly, giving James a stern glare. "-it often results in Thomas blaming himself for letting it happening."
"Good point." The red-haired boy cringed, realizing he made a boo boo by making an unfunny joke.
Over on the stage, several couples were present as the Card Shop owner announced who they were...
"Good day, Duel Monsters fans!" he announced. "Welcome, one and all, to the first Duel Monsters tournament on a small scale - 'The Couples' Cup'!"
The audience, even the dueling couples, applauded in response.
"Now, I'm sure you're all keen to see it get started, but first we have a few rules to go over on how this tournament will work." The Card Shop owner looked nearby. "My assistant will explain everything..."
A young man with blue and yellow-colored hair took the microphone and spoke into it...
"Hello, hello to all of you!" he greeted. "My name is Dexter! Now, I'll briefly go over the rules..."
These were the rules the blue/yellow-haired young man went over...
"All couple participants are to take it in turns with the official Tag Team rule." began Dexter. "You're also allowed to use your cards in combination with your partners' cards. Both players will share the same amount of Life Points, which is 4000. But the most important rule of all... is to just have fun and do your best."
The applauding resumed. Before long, the Card Shop owner revealed the first match of the tournament...
"First up for the tournament's first duel, we have... Stanley Hudswell and Rosie Vulcan!" The Card Shop owner announced.
Stanley and Rosie both waved to the crowd in response to the applauding that ensued.
"Our next couple... Elizabeth Larson and George Porter!"
George (the construction worker), and a woman with dark red hair waved to the crowd. While Elizabeth was enjoying herself, George certainly was not...
"I could've been at home watching the sports channel." he grumbled. "Instead, I get dragged by this pesky woman to play in some crappy card game tournament..."
"Oh, come on, you need to get out once in a while." chuckled Elizabeth, playfully smacking her boyfriend's shoulder. "Besides, this could be a very fun experience."
With the audience...
"George and Elizabeth are together?" blinked Percy. "But they're so different in personality, though."
"I guess opposites attract." said Henry, before adding as a joke... "Take James and Molly for example."
"Hardy har har." James laughed sarcastically. "We're together because I happened to save her life."
Molly, however, couldn't help but giggle a bit at Henry's little jab.
(later on...)
The duel between Stanley/Rosie and George/Elizabeth was going on (once the rest of the first round duels had been announced), and it currently seemed to be very exciting to watch...
-Rosie and Stanley (Team LP: 4000) controlled 'Carboneddon' (Level 3: 800/600) in defense position, and a set card.
-George and Elizabeth (Team LP: 4000) controlled 'Javelin Beetle' (Level 8: 2450/2550) in attack position and 'La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp' (Level 4: 1800/1000) in attack position.
"Get ready!" announced Stanley, just as his Graveyard started glowing all white. "I remove 'Destiny HERO - Malicious' from my Graveyard to Special Summon a second copy of this monster from my Deck..." A card slipped out of his Deck. "Appear - 'Destiny HERO - Malicious'!"
The fiendish-looking 'Destiny HERO' appeared on the field (Level: 6/ATK: 800/DEF: 800). Just as quickly, however, it faded away in a blue streak.
"Hm? What're you doing there?" asked George gruffly.
"I'm Tribute Summoning, that's that!" grinned Stanley. "Come on - 'Destiny HERO - Dasher'!"
Appearing onto the field was the 'Destiny HERO' dressed in a wheeled speedster outfit (Level: 6/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1000). With that done, the gray-haired boy looked to his dueling partner...
"Shall I, Rose?" Stanley asked hopefully.
Rosie nodded. "Go for it, Stan!" she accepted. "Use my monster."
"In that case, I offer Rosie's 'Carboneddon' to increase 'Destiny HERO - Dasher's' Attack Power by 1000 points!"
'Carboneddon' vanished as 'Destiny HERO - Dasher's' Attack Power rose to higher levels (ATK: 2100 - 3100). Quickly, the Battle Phase followed...
"Now, attack 'Javelin Beetle' with Lightning Strike!" commanded Stanley.
'Destiny HERO - Dasher' obeyed, charging forth and kicking 'Javelin Beetle'. The Insect-Type monster collapsed and shattered into shards of glass, causing both George and Elizabeth to take Battle Damage (LP: 3350). From there, 'Destiny HERO - Dasher' went into a defensive stance.
"After 'Destiny HERO - Dasher' attacks-" explained Rosie. "-he goes into defense mode by his own second effect."
From there, two facedown cards materialized on the field behind 'Destiny HERO - Dasher'.
"I'll set two facedown cards and end my turn." finished Stanley, removing his fingers from a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk.
'Destiny HERO - Dasher's' Attack Power then dropped to normal (ATK: 3100 - 2100).
"It's my turn!" declared Elizabeth, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn ?: Elizabeth Larson (Team LP: 3500)
Deck: 35
Current Hand (3): ?, ?, and "Red Lamp"
Her drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Red Lamp'.
"Okay, try this!" The dark red-haired woman announced, holding her card out. "'Red Lamp', attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was a red version of a genie's lamp (Level: 3/ATK: 900).
"'Red Lamp'?" blinked Stanley.
"When this monster is Normal Summoned successfully-" explained Elizabeth. "- the opponent will sustain 500 points of damage!"
'Red Lamp' shot out a puff of smoke that caused Stanley and Rosie to both cough (Team LP: 3500).
"Are we done here yet?" whined George. "I wanna go home and watch the sports channel!"
"George!" scolded Elizabeth. She then resumed her turn. "From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Monster Reborn'!"
The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Return to me - 'Purple Lamp'!"
With that said and done, a purple lamp came onto the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1600).
"When 'Purple Lamp' is Special Summoned-" explained Elizabeth, adding a card to her hand. "-I'm able to add a copy of 'Polymerization' from my Deck into my hand." She held the card out. "I'll activate it, now!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, sucking both 'La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp' and 'Red Lamp' inside.
"By fusing 'La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp' and 'Red Lamp' together, I'll Fusion Summon 'Fire Jinn the Flame Genie of the Lamp' in attack position!"
The face-up 'Polymerization' Spell Card exploded. When the smoke cleared, there, on the field, was a red version of 'La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp' (Level: 7/ATK: 2400).
"When successfully Fusion Summoned-" Elizabeth went on. "-'Fire Jinn' will attack the opponent and inflict 600 more points of damage!"
'Fire Jinn the Flame Genie of the Lamp' let loose a breath of fire at Rosie and Stanley, striking and causing them both to cry out as their Life Points went down again (Team LP: 2900). From there, 'Purple Lamp' prepared to attack...
"Attack 'Destiny HERO - Dasher', 'Purple Lamp'!" ordered Elizabeth.
'Purple Lamp' obeyed, striking down 'Destiny HERO - Dasher' with a blast of smoke.
"'Dasher'..." winced Stanley.
"That leaves you both open for a direct attack by 'Fire Jinn'!" declared Elizabeth, motioning her right hand out. "Direct attack!"
'Fire Jinn the Flame Genie of the Lamp' obeyed, breathing another blast of fire. This time, however, Stanley was ready for a direct attack...
"I activate a Trap - 'D - Fortune'!" The gray-haired boy announced, as his set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. On cue, a card ejected from the Graveyard before fading away into oblivion. "By removing 'Destiny HERO - Malicious' from the Graveyard, I end the Battle Phase!"
The spirit of 'Destiny HERO - Malicious' appeared briefly on the field to take the hit.
"Stupid move." coughed George, speaking about his girlfriend's tactic. "Now can I leave?"
"The duel hasn't ended!" argued Elizabeth.
In the audience...
"Man, they really do have clashing personalities." James observed, speaking about George and Elizabeth.
"Think it'll turn them against each other?" asked Molly innocently.
"I wouldn't really say that." answered Edward. "George isn't exactly a good duelist compared to Elizabeth."
Back in the duel field, Rosie drew a card and took her turn...
Turn ?: Rosie Vulcan (LP: 2900)
Deck: 42
Current Hand (5): ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Labradorite Dragon"
Her drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Labradorite Dragon'. It was then the cherry red-haired girl remembered another effect of 'Destiny HERO - Dasher'...
"Mind if I play your monster's effect, Stanley?" she asked hopefully.
"What's mine, is also yours." Stanley smiled, winking. "Go for it."
"Aww, you're so sweet." gushed Rosie. She then resumed focus on the duel. "By removing 'Destiny HERO - Dasher' from the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a monster from my hand so long as it was drawn during the Draw Phase."
On cue, the 'Labradorite Dragon' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I Special Summon 'Labradorite Dragon' in defense mode!"
The dragon with jeweled scales appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 2400).
"And that's just the beginning." continued Rosie. "I'll remove 'Carboneddon' from my Graveyard to Special Summon one Level 7 or lower Dragon-Type Normal Monster from my hand or Deck in face-up defense position."
"Hmph! Level 7..." scowled George.
On cue, a large chunk of diamond rose from the ground, cracking apart in the process.
"Come forth - 'Hyoranzu'!" commanded Rosie.
Once the diamond cracked enough and exploded, the large diamond-like dragon emerged and soared through the sky from the resulting smoke with a loud roar (Level: 7/ATK: 2100/DEF: 2800).
"And I have one more monster to bring out." Rosie went on still, placing a card onto a Monster Field slot on her Duel Disk. "Another Dragon monster, that is... I Normal Summon 'Alexandrite Dragon' in attack mode!"
Another magnificent-looking dragon appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 100).
"Is that all?" asked Elizabeth.
"Not even close!" replied Stanley, before looking back to Rosie. "Go get 'em, Rose!"
"I'm on it, Stan!" nodded Rosie, before holding another card out. "From my hand, I'll the Equip Spell 'Amulet of Ambition'; equipping it onto 'Alexandrite Dragon'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up behind 'Alexandrite Dragon'.
"What this does, is when 'Alexandrite Dragon' attacks a monster with a higher Level, it will gain 500 Attack Points times the difference in Levels during that battle only."
'Alexandrite Dragon' began to glow.
"You ready?" teased Rosie.
"No." said George in a deadpan tone. "Not really."
Too late...
"'Alexandrite Dragon', attack 'Fire Jinn the Flame Genie of the Lamp'!" The cherry red-haired girl commanded.
'Alexandrite' Dragon obeyed, firing a blast of blue fire. 'Fire Jinn the Flame Genie of the Lamp', being stronger, unleashed a flame breath in response.
"Both attacks are colliding!" gasped Mavis.
Suddenly, with the 'Amulet of Ambition' Spell Card in effect, 'Alexandrite Dragon's' power rose to much greater levels (ATK: 2000 - 3500).
"Now 'Alexandrite Dragon' has the higher Attack Power!" admired Toby.
"'Fire Jinn the Flame Genie of the Lamp' no longer stands a chance!" put in Henry.
The blast of blue flame from 'Alexandrite Dragon' pushed through and destroyed 'Fire Jinn the Flame Genie of the Lamp'. Elizabeth braced herself from the force of the attack as more damage was sustained (Team LP: 2250).
"'Fire Jinn' has met its end!" declared Rosie.
"The bad news is that your attack will cost you." Elizabeth pointed out. "By destroying 'Fire Jinn the Flame Genie of the Lamp' by battle, I can tribute one monster on my field to destroy a monster on your side of the field."
'Purple Lamp' melted away.
"I offer 'Purple Lamp' to take 'Alexandrite Dragon' down!"
A huge purple smoke cloud erupted and struck Alexandrite Dragon, causing it to cough. Soon enough, the Dragon-Type monster shattered into shards of glass.
"And since 'Hyoranzu's' in defense mode, it can't attack!" reminded Elizabeth. "George and I have a chance to turn things around again!"
Rosie smiled. "Oh?" she asked ominously. "Do you?"
"Huh?"
"Are you saying we're about to lose?" demanded George. "Poppycock!"
"Do you mind, Stanley?" asked Rosie.
"Absolutely not." nodded Stanley. "Activate it, and finish this duel."
With the go ahead given, Rosie looked back to the two opponents...
"Facedown card, open!" she announced, just as Stanley's set card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be... "Quick-Play Spell - 'Flash Fusion'!"
Elizabeth recoiled. "'F-Flash Fusion'?!"
"This lets me instantly perform a Fusion Summon." explained Rosie. She pointed to her two monsters... "Alright, let's do it!"
'Labradorite Dragon' and 'Hyozanryu' both rose towards the ceiling of the mall and fused together.
"We Fusion Summon 'First of the Dragons'!" announced Stanley.
When the light show ended, the powerful-looking dragon was shown soaring through the sky before landing on the stage floor (Level: 9/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2000). This was the breakthrough needed for both Stanley and Rosie, seeing as the Battle Phase was still on...
"This duel is done!" declared Rosie. "'First of the Dragons', move in and direct attack our opponents!"
The mighty dragon obeyed, swooping down and unleashing a blast of fire at both Elizabeth and George. There was nothing that could be done to save themselves as they got hit by the attack, the couple was done for...
"Aaaaaand we lose." grumbled George, just as the attack finally ended (Team LP: 0). "Good riddance, too!"
DUEL RESULTS: Stanley Hudswell and Rosie Vulcan both win!
The holograms faded away shortly after. The Card Shop owner pointed at the victorious couple.
"And we have a winner!" he announced. "Give a big round of applause for Stanley Hudswell and Rosie Vulcan!"
The audience cheered for the winning couple, while Rosie and Stanley both cheerfully waved in response.
(later on...)
The next couple to duel were Axel/Gina against Madge Sammell/Merrick Miller...
-Gina and Axel (Team LP: 4000) controlled 'Volcanic Hammerer' (Level 5: 2400/1500) in attack position, as well as three set cards.
-Madge and Merrick (Team LP: 4000) both controlled 'Light Bringer Lucifer' (Level 6: 2600/1800) in attack position.
"I activate 'Bashing Shield' and equip it onto 'Light Bringer Lucifer'!" announced Madge (a green-haired young woman), holding her card out. "This increases the Attack Power of the equipped monster by 1000 points, and also prevents its controller from taking Battle Damage from attacks involving the equipped monster!"
'Light Bringer Lucifer' grew stronger (ATK: 2600 - 3600).
"It's become stronger than 'Volcanic Hammerer'..." mumbled Axel.
"Now, 'Light Bringer Lucifer', I'll use you to attack the weaker monster on the field - namely 'Volcanic Hammerer'!" commanded Madge. "Take it down!"
'Light Bringer Lucifer' obeyed, charging in. Unfortunately, none of Axel's set cards would be of help at this time.
"Sorry, Gina, but I don't think any of our set cards will help with this attack." The purple-haired Belgian boy apologized.
With the attack continuing, 'Volcanic Hammerer' was hit and destroyed. Gina and Axel both grimaced as they sustained major damage (Team LP: 2800).
"To finish my turn-" said Madge, slotting two cards into her Duel Disk. "-I'll set these two cards... That's all for me."
Two facedown cards materialized on the field.
"It is-a my turn!" announced Gina, drawing a card. "Disegnare!"
Turn ?: Gina Couillet (Team LP: 2800)
Deck: 42
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Polymerization"
On cue, the 'Polymerization' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate-a 'Polymerization'!" declared Gina. "With-a it, I shall fuse-a both 'Lunalight Kaleido Chick' and-a 'Lunalight Purple Butterfly' both from my-a hand!"
The two mentioned monsters briefly appeared on the field before fusing together.
"Fusion-a Summon!" chanted Gina, bringing both her hands together. "Come-a forth... Level Sette - 'Lunalight Cat Dancer'!"
Within seconds, the beautiful (sexy to some boys), feline-like belly dancer appeared on the field (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"I am not-a done!" continued Gina, placing a card onto her Duel Disk. "I also-a Normal Summon-a 'Lunalight White Rabbit' in-a attack position!"
Appearing onto the field was a female human dressed in a rabbit-like getup (Level: 2/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).
"It is-a weak, but it-a lets me-a target one 'Lunalight' Monster, except for-a 'Lunalight White Rabbit', from the-a Graveyard and-a Special Summon it in-a defense mode."
"And I know she'll target 'Lunalight Purple Butterfly' and bring it out." put in Axel, before looking to his brown-haired Italian girlfriend. "Am I right about that, Gina?"
"You are-a right, Axel." confirmed Gina.
With that being said, 'Lunalight White Rabbit' used her effect to bring 'Lunalight Purple Butterfly' back onto the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000). Unfortunately, that was when Gina's plan really started to come into play...
"I activate-a 'Lunalight White Rabbit's' next-a effect!" The brown-haired Italian girl went on. "I can-a target Spell and-a Trap Cards on the-a opponent's field equal to the-a number of-a other 'Lunalight' cards I-a control and-a return those-a targets to the-a hand."
Madge cringed. "Oh no!"
"You control two others in both 'Cat Dancer' and 'Purple Butterfly'!" added Merrick (a vermilion-haired young man).
"Giusto!" agreed Gina, speaking in Italian briefly. "Now, I send due of-a your Spells and-a Traps back to-a your hand!"
The face-up 'Bashing Shield' Spell Card and the set 'Draining Shield' Trap Card both found themselves returning to card form and being sent back to Madge's hand.
"With-a that done, I-a activate 'Purple Butterfly's' effect! I will-a send it from the-a field to the-a Graveyard to-a target a 'Lunalight' monster I-a control and-a increase its Attack Power by-a 1000 points until the-a end of this-a turn."
'Lunalight Purple Butterfly' turned itself into an orb of light, which then floated over and entered the body, via chest, of 'Lunalight Cat Dancer', who then grew even stronger as a result (ATK: 2400 - 3400).
"But I am still not-a done!" continued Gina, who then looked to Axel. "Care to-a guess what-a happens next-a, Axel?"
"By sacrificing a 'Lunalight' Monster we control-" put in Axel. "-'Lunalight Cat Dancer' can attack all monsters on the field twice, but the first attack won't destroy the target—although Battle Damage will still be calculated normally."
Gina winked. "Got that-a right." The brown-haired Italian girl then turned her attention to the upcoming battle. "'Lunalight Cat Dancer', attack 'Light Bringer Lucifer' with-a Full Moon Cresta!"
'Lunalight Cat Dancer' obeyed, diving at the opposing monster.
"When-a 'Cat Dancer' attacks, the-a opponent sustains 100 points of-a damage!"
Madge winced (Team LP: 3900). 'Lunalight Cat Dancer', meanwhile, danced about before slicing at 'Light Bringer Lucifer' with one of her daggers.
"By the-a effect of-a 'Cat Dancer', your-a monster isn't destroyed." Gina pointed out. "However, it does not-a prevent Battle Damage!"
"I'll block the damage with this!" cut in Madge, just as her remaining set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Trap Card - 'Evasion Under Fire'!"
Gina gasped. "Dannazione! That reduces all-a Battle Damage from this-a battle to-a zero!"
"Precisely." said Madge.
"But, do not-a forget that-a 'Cat Dancer' can-a attack twice!" reminded Gina, before giving the command to her monster... "Attack again!"
'Lunalight Cat Dancer' obeyed, launching a second attack. Once again, her effect caused Madge and Merrick to both sustain 100 points of damage (Team LP: 3800). One attack from 'Lunalight Cat Dancer' destroyed 'Light Bringer Lucifer'.
"'Light Bringer Lucifer' has-a been defeated!"
There was no protection from Battle Damage this time around (Team LP: 3000).
"I-a set due cards and-a end my-a turn." finished Gina, just as two facedown cards materialized on the field.
"We're doing it, Gina." declared Axel. "Just a bit more, now."
"It's not over yet." insisted Merrick, drawing a card. "I draw!"
Turn ?: Merrick Miller (Team LP: 3000)
Deck: 38
Current Hand (5): ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?
The man added the card to his hand and looked to his opponent's field, seeing that there were five set cards.
"The enemy has at least two set cards..." he thought to himself, he took another card from his hand. "This one should do quite nicely."
Gina and Axel both braced themselves when they saw a Monster Card called 'Escher the Frost Vassal' to materialize face-up on the field.
"That's...!" began Axel.
"...'Escher the Frost Vassal'!" finished Gina.
Appearing onto the field was a creature made of ice (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 1000).
"This monster can be Special Summoned if the opponent has at least two set Spell or Trap Cards on their field." explained Merrick, readying another card. "But now, I'll tribute it."
'Escher the Frost Vassal' vanished in a blue streak as another Monster Card called 'Mobius the Frost Monarch' appeared in its place.
"Appear - 'Mobius the Frost Monarch'!"
Appearing onto the field was a larger and more powerful version of 'Escher the Frost Vassal' (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1000).
"Be careful." Axel warned Gina. "When Tribute Summoned, 'Mobius the Frost Monarch' can target and destroy two set cards we control."
"That is correct." confirmed Merrick, overhearing the purple-haired Belgian boy. "Now, I want you to say goodbye to two of your set cards!"
Before Axel and Gina both knew it, two of their set cards flipped face-up and revealed themselves before fading away in streaks of blue.
"My-a 'Lunalight Reincarnation Dance'!" cried Gina.
"That was 'Dormant Volcano'!" put in Axel, who the smirked. "Unfortunately, you've made a mistake in targeting it."
"A mistake? What do you mean by that?" asked Merrick.
"When 'Dormant Volcano' is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, it activates and inflicts 300 points of damage to your Life Points." answered Axel. "And during my next Standby Phase, we can add one FIRE-Attribute Monster Card from our Decks to our hands."
Suddenly, Merrick and Madge were both hit with a blast of lava. They weren't hurt, but their Life Points did take another hit (Team LP: 2700).
"Get a load of this!" declared Merric, holding another card out. "'Tribute Carnival'!"
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"As I've Tribute Summoned this turn, I can Tribute Summon again this turn in addition to my Normal Summon." Merrick then readied one more card. "I tribute 'Mobius the Frost Monarch' to Tribute Summon 'Mobius the Mega Monarch'!"
'Mobius the Frost Monarch' became encased in ice before it shattered, showing off a new, more powerful form (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1000).
"'Mobius the Mega Monarch'..." whispered Axel. "That monster's Level 8, and thus requires a tribute of two monsters... But it can be Tribute Summoned by tributing a Tribute Summoned monster."
"And it also has a Monster Effect." added Merrick. "As it was Tribute Summoned, I can target and destroy three Spell or Trap cards on your field. Best of all? Since it was brought out by sacrificing a WATER monster, those set cards are unable to be activated in response to this effect."
"What?!" gasped Axel.
The remaining facedown cards were frozen in ice before shattering into shards of glass.
"Those were my 'Blaze Accelerator Reload' and 'Volcanic Recharge'!" protested Axel.
"My-a 'Fusion Fortress' was-a also among those set-a cards!" added Gina.
"Too late, now!" declared Merrick, enerting the Battle Phase. "'Lunalight Cat Dancer' is an easy target for an attack!"
'Mobius the Mega Monarch' sent a chilling wave of ice at 'Lunalight Cat Dancer', who was weaker than the opposing monster.
"By-a 'Lunalight Cat Dancer's' effect-" cut in Gina. "-my-a monster can't be-a destroyed by-a battle." She then frowned as she and Axel both took damage from the attack (Team LP: 2400). "But it-a doesn't prevent any Battle Damage..."
"It would seem you've bought yourselves another turn." said Merrick, before slotting a card into his Duel Disk. "I'll set this and end my turn."
A facedown card materialized on the field.
"Any-a chance we-a can launch a counterattack?" Gina asked Axel hopefully.
Axel looked to his Deck. "Maybe the cards will answer that question." he answered, before drawing a card. "We'll see if that answer comes, now."
Turn ?: Axel Notesse (Team LP: 2400)
Deck: 45
Current Hand (5): ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Pot of Greed"
With it now being the Standby Phase, the effect of the 'Dormant Volcano' Trap Card in the Graveyard activated...
"Thanks to 'Dormant Volcano' during the Standby Phase, we both must add one FIRE-Attribute Monster Card from our respective Decks into our hands."
Because Merrick didn't have any FIRE-Attribute Monster Cards in his Deck, he didn't add anything to his hand. On cue, the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"From there, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed'!" continued Axel, drawing two more cards. "With the help of this, I draw two more cards."
His drawn cards were shown to be 'Blaze Accelerator' (Spell Card) and 'Ring of Defense' (Spell Card).
"These are what I'll need." The purple-haired Belgian boy thought to himself. He then held one of the cards out. "I activate a Continuous Spell - 'Blaze Accelerator'!"
The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"By discarding a Pyro-Type monster with an Attack Power of 500 or less from my hand-" explained Axel. "-I can destroy one monster on the field at the cost of my Battle Phase... But I won't do that."
Madge was surprised. "You won't? Why not?"
"Because I have something far better." answered Axel, readying another card. "You see, I'll tribute my Spell Card."
The face-up 'Blaze Accelerator' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass, while the device itself collapsed into a pile of scrap. Soon, it began rebuilding itself into something new.
"By offering the card-" The purple-haired Belgian boy went on. "-I can activate 'Tri-Blaze Accelerator' in its place!"
Once rebuilt, 'Blaze Accelerator' had now become the triple-cannoned machine.
"But, again, I won't be using its effect." Axel pointed out, removing the card from his Duel Disk. "Because, once again, I have something far better in mind."
The machine suddenly melted itself into a pool of lava.
"Phew! It's getting hot in here!" The Card Shop owner panted, waving his hand near his face.
"You're telling me!" agreed Dexter.
"The reason for the heat is because I'm about to call upon my strongest monster!" declared Axel. "Appear - 'Volcanic Doomfire'!"
As soon as those words were said, the lava started hissing and bubbling as something started to rise from the molten rock.
"'Volcanic Doomfire'?!" gasped Merrick, while Madge didn't look any better.
"Yup!" confirmed Axel. "Hot enough for ya?"
Once the figure had fully emerged, the mighty 'Volcanic Doomfire' let loose a booming roar to signal its arrival (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000).
"BATTLE!" The purple-haired Belgian boy announced, entering the Battle Phase. "Go forth, 'Volcanic Doomfire'! Attack 'Mobius the Mega Monarch' with Volcanic Cannon!"
'Volcanic Doomfire' obeyed, firing blast of magma at 'Mobius the Mega Monarch'. The enemy monster roared in agony before melting away, while Merrick and Madge both cried out from the force of the attack (Team LP: 2500).
"Trap Card, open!" announced Merrick, just as his facedown card flipped up and revealed itself to be... "'Ice Rage'! This will destroy a monster that destroyed an Aqua-Type monster by battle and inflict damage to the opponent equal to that monster's Attack Power!"
A huge beam of ice shot from the face-up 'Ice Rage' Trap Card towards both Gina and Axel's side of the field.
"When 'Volcanic Doomfire' is destroyed, you'll both lose 3000 Life Points!" continued Merrick.
"We are victorious!" put in Madge.
"Afraid not!" cut in Axel, who then held a card out. "Quick-Play Spell - 'Ring of Defense'! All damage from a Trap Card is reduced to zero!"
The magical green ring appeared before Axel and Gina, protecting them both from the beam of ice. Despite that, 'Volcanic Doomfire' was still destroyed.
"Our Life Points are-a safe!" smirked Gina. "And we-a still have-a 'Lunalight Cat Dancer' ready to-a attack!"
"That we do." agreed Axel. "Shall I?"
"It is-a all yours!"
Merrick and Madge both knew that they were about to lose the duel. Before long, 'Lunalight Cat Dancer' readied her two daggers and leaped into the sky.
"With 'Lunalight Cat Dancer' attacking, the opposing side sustains 100 points of damage!" reminded Axel. "As a result, you're weak enough to be finished off!" He then gave the final command... "FULL MOON CRESTA!"
'Lunalight Cat Dancer' hurled her daggers towards Merrick and Madge, striking them and depleting the remains of their Life Points (Team LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Axel Notesse and Gina Couillet both win!
The holograms faded away, just as the crowd started applauding loudly.
"And we have our winners!" cried Dexter. "Axel Notesse and Gina Couillet! Just when we thought they would lose, they turn things around with one card!"
The audience continued to cheer for the two European Duelists from Belgium (Axel) and Italy (Gina) respectively.
(later...)
Before long, Luke and Millie both had defeated their opponents, and thus it was time for the last duel of the first round... Thomas/Emily vs. Jack Menkin/Isobella Larson.
"Get ready for a real treat, folks!" Dexter was saying excitedly. "Two of some of the most famous duelists on the Island of Sodor are going to be dueling in this tournament! Can you believe that?!"
In the audience...
"Sure we can." James muttered to himself.
Back on the stage...
"Now, let's begin the last duel of round one!" announced the Card Shop owner. "Dueling couples, draw your cards and begin the match!"
That's exactly what they did...
"DUEL!" Thomas, Emily, Jack, and Isobella all declared at once (Team LP: 4000) x2.
Let's see if things will go smoothly... Thomas and Emily both never worked together in a duel before, and it was to hopefully be a wonderful experience for both of them.
"The first turn goes to me!" shouted Jack (a red-haired young man), drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn One: Jack Menkin (Team LP: 4000)
Deck: 39
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?
Adding the card to his hand, the red-haired young man took another card from it.
"I Summon 'Mid Shield Gardna' in defense mode!" he announced, placing the card onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing onto the field was a warrior with a smaller shield than 'Big Shield Gardna's' own shield (Level: 4/ATK: 100/DEF: 1800).
"Furthermore, I'll set this card and end my turn." finished Jack, slotting a card into his Duel Disk.
A facedown card materialized on the field.
"It's my turn!" announced Emily, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Two: Emily Stirling (Team LP: 4000)
Deck: 56
Current Hand (6): "Wingweaver Priestess", "Ancient Rules", "Airknight Parshath", "Cost Down", "Wingweaver Paladin", and "Dark Angel"
Her drawn card was the 'Ancient Rules' Spell Card, which she gladly added into the middle of her hand. Carefully looking it over, one card soon caught her eye... and not exactly in a good way. As you can see, Emily's opening hand consisted of 'Wingweaver Priestess', the drawn 'Ancient Rules', 'Airknight Parshath', 'Cost Down', 'Wingweaver Paladin', and...'Dark Angel'.
"Why? Why did I draw it now of all times?!" Emily thought to herself, a look of panic on her face.
A flashback ensued...
FLASHBACK
Emily was in a duel against Fallen Angel of Roses...
"It's my go again!" declared Flashback Emily, drawing a card. Her drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Dark Angel'. "Huh? I don't remember having this in my Deck..."
Upon gazing at the drawn card, Flashback Emily started clutching her chest like she was experiencing a heart attack or something.
"AUGH!" The dark green-hard girl exclaimed. "What's... What's wrong with...me?!"
It would seem that the card was reacting to the darkness in Flashback Emily's heart, making it grow more and more powerful than ever before.
"N-No! I must...resist!"
"Oh?" taunted Flashback Fallen Angel of Roses. "Feeling like something wants to bust out of your chest? Maybe something...like darkness, perhaps?"
It would seem the darkness in Flashback Emily's heart was still growing at an alarming rate... and had no interest in stopping either.
"Make it stop!" The dark green-haired girl shrieked in agony. "MAKE IT STOP!"
"That means I'm free to attack!" said Flashback Fallen Angel of Roses, entering the battle phase. "'Rosaria', destroy the girl's 'Wingweaver' and banish her into the darkness!"
Everything seemed to run in slow motion. Flashback Emily, still clutching her chest and trying to resist the growing darkness, started to hear familiar voices in her head...from a few years ago.
"Emily has been nothing but trouble! I can't believe I was ever grateful she saved me from being run over!" - (Young Oliver)
"She's bullied me for no reason ever since I started coming here." - (Young Molly)
"She was so nice... now she is just a big bully." - (Young Percy)
"I hope Mr. Arkwright expels her for what she's done." - (Young Duck)
"She's a muckle nuisance!" - (Young Donald)
"Aye, not even the bullies at our old school were as bad as her!" - (Young Douglas)
"Look, Thomas, I know this is hard for you to accept, but we can't take anymore of Emily's bossy and, frankly, mean-spirited ways." - (Young Toby)
"No, she hasn't! Emily is not a monster! Do you hear me? SHE IS NOT A MONSTER!" - (Young Thomas)
"Thomas, knock it off! Emily is too far gone!" - (Young Edward)
"Goody-goody tattletale...!" - (Young Gordon / Young James)
That was the last straw... Flashback Emily, now standing up and clutching her head, looked up towards the sky and gave a ear-piercing scream of rage and agony as the darkness in her heart...was unleashed.
"What in the-?!" gasped Flashback Fallen Angel of Roses, with time resuming normal speed once more.
"I'm not a monster..." mumbled Flashback Emily, with a burning dark aura rising all around her body. "Do you hear me?!" She looked up with flashing red eyes and a look of unmatched fury on her face. "I'M NOT A MONSTER!"
Flashback Fallen Angel of Roses actually looked scared. Even then, she had successfully declared an attack. That meant if it got through, the humanoid flower-like monster would win...
"'Rosaria', end this duel, now!"
'Rosaria, the Stately Fallen Angel' obeyed the command and started her attack. Just then...
"NOT SO FAST!" cut in Flashback Emily, angrily taking a card out from her graveyard and holding it out. "I activate the effect of the 'Wingweaver Priestess' in my graveyard! If 'Wingweaver' becomes the target for an attack, I can special summon Wingweaver Priestess from the graveyard in attack mode and have her become the target instead!"
Appearing onto the field was the younger, blonde-haired version of Wingweaver.
"You'll still lose once your monster is destroyed!" protested Flashback Fallen Angel of Roses. "'Wingweaver Priestess' lacks the power to fight 'Rosaria, the Stately Fallen Angel'!"
It's true...
-'Wingweaver Priestess': (ATK: 1950)
-'Rosaria, the Stately Fallen Angel': (ATK: 2900)
"Pointless... pointless..." mumbled Flashback Emily darkly, with her eyes closed. Before long, those same eyes flared open. "POINTLESS!"
"How?!"
"As of now, I'll activate the effect of the 'Dark Angel' card from my hand!" The dark-induced dark green-haired girl thundered, holding the last card from her hand out. "Now observe!"
Appearing onto the field was an angel dressed in dark attire.
"'D-Dark Angel'?!" gasped Flashback Fallen Angel of Roses.
"Because a Fairy-Type monster has been chosen for the target of attack, I can send 'Dark Angel' from my hand to the Graveyard and tribute 'Wingweaver Priestess' to change the target of attack to 'Wingweaver', and increase 'Wingweaver's' Attack Power by the same number of points that 'Wingweaver Priestess' has!"
With that said, 'Dark Angel' and 'Wingweaver Priestess' both vanished in blue streaks. 'Wingweaver' then began to grow stronger.
"Wingweaver Priestess has 1950 attack points." Flashback Emily pointed out. "That means 'Wingweaver' gains 1950 Attack Points!"
'Wingweaver' grew more powerful (ATK: 2750 - 4700).
"And it's too late to call my attack off!" said Flashback Fallen Angel of Roses in horror. "This can't be possible!"
"Oh, but it is!" retorted Flashback Emily, giving a very dark smile. "'Wingweaver', counterattack!"
'Wingweaver', despite hearing the anger, aggression, and...evil...in her master's tone, obeyed the command and began charging her hands with light.
"DIIIIIIIE!"
'Wingweaver' soon fired the ball of light, striking and destroying 'Rosaria, the Stately Fallen Angel'. Unfortunately, it didn't even stop there... The ball of light...soon began to take on a ball...of dark energy.
"W-What?!" winced Flashback Fallen Angel of Roses, noticing the dark energy orb.
She never had time to question it—the humanoid flower-like monster was soon hit and overwhelmed by the attack. Flashback Emily, with her eyes still flashing red, gave a very sadistic smile while watching the destruction going on.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end, as Emily continued to gaze at her hand with a look of nothing but horror on her face.
"I... I just can't..." The poor dark green-haired girl thought to herself. "Those memories are... are..."
Thomas soon looked over, and noticed the look of panic on his lover's face.
"Emily? Emily, what's the matter?!" he demanded pleadingly.
Before long, Emily closed her eyes and took another card from her hand to play, aiming to get rid of 'that' card from her hand as fast as possible.
"I activate 'Cost Down'!" announced Emily, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field. "I must discard one card from my hand; for the rest of this turn, the Levels of all Monster Cards in my hand are reduced by two, even after they are Summoned."
With that said, Emily took and discarded the 'Dark Angel' Monster Card to the Graveyard. Once that was done, she took another card from her hand...
"With Level 5 becoming Level 3-" While speaking, Emily placed the card onto her Duel Disk. "-I'll Normal Summon 'Airknight Parshath' in attack mode!"
The centaur-like monster appeared onto the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1400).
"It's time for battle!" cried Emily, entering the Battle Phase. "'Parshath', attack 'Mid Shield Gardna'!"
"I won't let an attack like that get us!" cut in Jack, just as his set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Continuous Trap - 'Gravity Bind', activate! No Level 4 or higher monster is able to attack so long as this Trap Card remains face-up on the field!"
The face-up 'Gravity Bind' Trap Card started releasing energy ripples across the whole field; 'Airknight Parshath' found himself being unable to move a muscle or anything thanks to the ripples. Emily, unhappy that her attack failed, took and slotted a card into a Spell/Trap slot on her Duel Disk.
"I set a card and end my turn." she sighed, just as a facedown card materialized on the field before her. In her thoughts... "With 'Ancient Rules' set, Tommy can use it to easily call upon 'Dark Magician' if he has it in his hand."
"Now, it's my turn!" announced Isobella (a blonde-haired young woman), drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Three: Isobella Larson (Team LP: 4000)
Deck: 44
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?
"Mind if I make a sacrifice?"
Jack smiled in response. "Not at all." he accepted, giving a thumbs up. "Go for it."
"In that case-" continued Isobella, nodding to her boyfriend before looking to her opponents whilst readying a new card. "-I'll offer 'Mid Shield Gardna' as a tribute to Tribute Summon 'Alector, Sovereign of Birds'!"
'Mid Shield Gardna' vanished, and appearing onto the field in his place was a large bird-like creature (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"Although my monster can't attack thanks to 'Gravity Bind'-" Isobella went on. "-I'll activate its effect..."
The face-up 'Gravity Bind' Trap Card shorted out (temporarily).
"'Gravity Bind's' effect has been negated!" gasped Emily.
"That's right - but it's only for this turn!" said Isobella. "But with it negated until then, I can attack!" She entered the Battle Phase. "Strike down 'Airknight Parshath', Alector!"
'Alector, Sovereign of Birds' obeyed, diving forth and striking 'Airknight Parshath'. The centaur-like monster was destroyed just like that.
"'Parshath'..." whispered Emily (Team LP: 3500).
"With that done, I'll set these two cards facedown." Isobella went on, slotting two cards into separate Spell/Trap slots on her Duel Disk. On cue, two facedown cards materialized on the field. "I end my turn!"
Thomas wasn't paying any attention to the duel; he was paying more attention to Emily and her earlier distress with something.
"Something must be wrong." The blue-haired boy thought to himself. "Perhaps Emily sensed an oncoming threat..." He then stood ready while drawing a card. "I have to end this duel, fast!"
Turn Four: Thomas Billinton (Team LP: 3500)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Dark Magician Girl", "Magic Gate of Miracles", "Apprentice Illusion Magician", "Bond Between Teacher and Student", "Dark Burning Attack", and "Ancient Rules"
Thomas's hand consisted of 'Dark Magician Girl', 'Magic Gate of Miracles', 'Apprentice Illusion Magician', 'Bond Between Teacher and Student', 'Dark Burning Attack', and the drawn 'Ancient Rules'.
"I send 'Dark Magician Girl' from my hand to the Graveyard in order to Special Summon 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' in attack mode!"
Appearing onto the field was the alternate look of 'Dark Magician Girl' - namely the one with bright blonde hair and the purple/pink outfit (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).
"When successfully Summoned, I can add one copy of 'Dark Magician' from my Deck into my hand!" explained Thomas, drawing another card ('Dark Magician).
Emily grew hopeful. "'Dark Magician's' now in your hand." she thought to herself. "Will you play my set card, Thomas?"
Unfortunately...
"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Ancient Rules'!" continued Thomas, taking and holding out a card from his hand. "With this, I can Special Summon one Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from my hand!"
"He didn't check my set card?!" Emily recoiled mentally.
"Come forth - 'Dark Magician'!" commanded Thomas, placing a card onto his Duel Disk.
The purple-haired, male Spellcaster-Type monster appeared on the field (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"From there, I'll activate 'Bond Between Teacher and Student'!" continued Thomas, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
In the audience...
"'Bond Between Teacher and Student'..." whispered Percy.
Back on the dueling stage...
"If I control 'Dark Magician'-" explained Thomas, taking a card ('Dark Magician Girl') from his hand and placing it onto his Duel Disk. "-I can Special Summon one 'Dark Magician Girl' from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard! Show yourself - 'Dark Magician Girl'!"
Within seconds, the standard female Spellcaster-Type monster appeared onto the field (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).
"That's not all." The blue-haired boy went on, taking and slotting a card from his Deck into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. "I can then set one 'Dark Magic Attack', 'Dark Burning Attack', 'Dark Burning Magic', or 'Dark Magic Twin Burst' directly from my Deck."
A facedown card materialized on the field, which was followed by the appearance of the 'Dark Burning Attack' Spell Card flipping face-up and revealing itself.
"From my hand, I'll activate 'Dark Burning Attack'!" declared Thomas. "As 'Dark Magician Girl' is on the field, I can destroy every monster my opponent controls!"
'Dark Magician Girl' raised her wand and prepared for an attack.
"We won't let you!" interrupted Isobella, as her facedown card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Continuous Trap - 'Invalidate', activate!"
The attack from 'Dark Magician Girl' died down before it could touch 'Alector, Sovereign of Birds'.
"What?!" Thomas cringed.
"Thanks to this Trap Card-" said Isobella. "-our monsters can't be destroyed by card effects. And should you attack, I can tribute this card to halve all Battle Damage we take."
Thomas frowned. "As I control two Spellcaster-Type monsters-" he explained, taking and readying a card in his right hand. "-I'll activate, from my hand, a Continuous Spell..." He turned the card over and revealed what it was. "...'Magic Gate of Miracles'!"
"'Magic Gate of Miracles'?" blinked Jack.
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field and activated.
"It changes an attack position the opponent controls into defense position. After that, I take control of the affected monster!"
Two large gates appeared on the field, one on each side (one on Thomas/Emily's side, and the other on Jack/Isobella's side). Two hands came out one gate and took a hold of 'Alector, Sovereign of Birds', pulling it inside.
"Wait!" protested Isobella to no avail.
'Alector, Sovereign of Birds' then reappeared through the other gate on Thomas's field.
"Now it's my turn to negate a Trap Card!" declared Thomas, pointing forth. "I use 'Alector, Sovereign of Birds's' effect to negate 'Gravity Bind' for the rest of the turn!"
Again, the face-up 'Gravity Bind' Trap Card sparked and shorted out (only temporarily, however). From there, the lone facedown card on Thomas and Emily's field flipped face-up and revealed itself to be...
"From there, I'll activate the card I had set by the effect of 'Bind Between Teacher and Student' - 'Dark Magic Twin Burst'! It lets me target one 'Dark Magician' I control; it gains Attack Points equal to the combined Attack Power of all 'Dark Magician Girls' currently on the field and in the Graveyard until the end of this turn."
'Dark Magician' raised his scepter, while 'Dark Magician Girl' raised her wand up and fired a blast of dark burning magic at the scepter's gem. This resulted in 'Dark Magician's' own power rising to greater levels (ATK: 2500 - 4500).
"An Attack Power of 4500..." Isobella thought to herself.
"BATTLE!" declared Thomas, entering the Battle Phase. "'Apprentice Illusion Magician' will attack directly!"
'Apprentice Illusion Magician' obeyed, raising her wand up and charging a blast that would greatly damage the opposition if it hit. Unfortunately...
"I activate a Trap!" exclaimed Isobella, just as the remaining set card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be... "'Draining Shield'! Your attack is negated, and our Life Points rise based on the Attack Power of the attacking monster!"
A large shield appeared and protected both Jack and Isobella by absorbing 'Apprentice Illusion Magician's' attack, causing their Life Points to rise (Team LP: 6000).
"I'm not done!" insisted Thomas, pointing forth. "'Dark Magician', attack the opposing players directly!" He gave the attack name... "DARK MAGIC ATTACK!"
'Dark Magician' obeyed, firing a powerful blast of black magic from his scepter.
"Have you forgotten all about 'Invalidate'?!" demanded Isobella, just as the face-up 'Invalidate' Trap Card faded away in a blue streak. "I send it to the Graveyard to halve the Battle Damage from this attack!"
A barrier of sorts surrounded Jack and Isobella. The black magical attack struck the both of them, reducing their Life Points at half of the damage (Team LP: 3750).
"We're still in the game." sighed Jack, relieved.
"Not for much longer." interrupted Thomas. "'Dark Magician Girl' still has yet to attack, and you'll be defeated when she does."
"But we'll still have Life Points left over!" argued Isobella.
Despite the blonde-haired young woman's objections, 'Dark Magician Girl' raised her wand up and charged a blast of black burning magic.
"Since I'm attacking, I'll use the effect of 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' to send her to the Graveyard and raise 'Dark Magician Girl's' Attack Power and Defense Power both during the Damage Step!" declared Thomas. "This will put "Dark Magician Girl' at 4000 Attack Points and 3700 Defense Points; more than enough to finish your Life Points off!"
'Apprentice Illusion Magician' raised her wand into the sky, causing "Dark Magician Girl' to close her eyes and begin glowing as the opposite female Spellcaster-Type monster found herself turning into a spirit of some sort. Before long, 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl' both merged and became one; causing the latter to receive a big power increase (ATK: 2000 - 4000/DEF: 1700 - 3700).
"This can't be!" wailed Jack, realizing that it was over.
"We're about to lose!" put in Isobella.
"You'd better believe it!" Thomas gruffly declared, before giving the final command... "DARK BURNING ATTACK!"
'Dark Magician Girl' finally fired off an extremely powerful black burning magic-like blast. Poor Jack and Isobella stood no chance at defending themselves from it, as their Life Points immediately dropped to zero upon getting by it (Team LP: 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton and Emily Stirling both win!
With the duel over, the holograms faded away.
"And boy, what a show that was!" cried the Card Shop owner. "Thomas and Emily both advance to the second round!"
The audience cheered in response. Back on the stage...
"That was a rather impressive move, Thomas." Jack commented, rubbing the back of his neck. "We didn't expect you to pull off a One Turn Kill so easily... Good luck in the next round."
"Appreciated." Thomas replied firmly—yet politely; he wasn't smiling at all.
As he turned to leave...
"Tommy-" Emily briefly interrupted. "-the set card I left on the field..."
Thomas stopped, noticing that the dark green-haired girl seemed a bit upset at the moment. After a moment of silence, she eased up a bit...
"N-No... Forget I said anything." sighed Emily. In her mind, on the other hand... "Anyway, whether Thomas used my card or the one in his hand, the end results would have been the same."
With that said (and thought of), Emily set off in another direction, leaving Thomas puzzled over what was going on with his lover. Uh-oh... Could this be a sign of trouble in the future - trouble for the 'Supreme King' and 'Supreme Queen's' relationship? At this point, we don't know the exact details.
End of Chapter 20