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. 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 some violence. Viewer discretion may be advised.
Title: No Honor Among Thieves
Opening up inside the dining room of Yong Bao's residence during the evening, Lady, Burnett, Hong-Mei, and Yong Bao were seated at the table and enjoying some lemon-flavored chicken and fried noodles for dinner.
"Mmm! These fried noodles are wonderful!" admired Lady, using some chop-sticks to eat her meal.
Eating a piece of chicken with his chop-sticks, Yong Bao was pleased to hear that from one of his guests, considering it was the most positive attitude that Lady had displayed since arriving in China, but remained keenly aware that she still had ways to go before she recovered from her trauma. After slurping up some of her own noodles, Hong-Mei decided to try a second time to strike up a conversation with the girl her age.
"Lady, can I ask you something?" began Hong-Mei, which caused Lady to look over, "Do you know how my Uncle rose to fame?"
"No, I don't," denied Lady, "But I am interested in hearing this story."
Yong Bao was surprised to hear that Burnett never told Lady the story about how he saved a train from a money heist and potential crash. He (Yong Bao) looked at Burnett, who nodded and allowed the story to be told. Smiling, Yong Bao turned towards Lady once more.
"In that case," he offered, "I will tell you my story. It began ten years ago…"
A flashback began.
FLASHBACK
Ten years ago, a passenger train was traveling through the Chinese countryside from Beijing to Hong Kong, where Flashback Yong Bao was onboard intending to visit his niece and her family.
(inside…)
Inside one of the coaches, Flashback Yong Bao was reading a book when he looked up, got up from his seat, and approached the bathroom at the front of the coach, going inside and shutting the door. As the passengers waited for their stop, they suddenly heard a loud clatter coming from the roof of the coach, causing a few gasps, but were assured it was nothing wrong. Seconds later, however, the emergency hatch at the top of the area opened, and two men jumped down, scaring the passengers.
"Alright, listen up!" One of the men (Flashback Xiao Hu) threatened, taking out a pistol, "This is a heist!" As he raged on, the passengers stared and listened in terror, "Someone tell us where the money is being kept, and I won't unload my gun upon all of you!"
One male passenger silently pointed the two thieves to the engine itself. Flashback Xiao Hu narrowed his eyes, but decided to trust the passenger. He (Flashback Xiao Hu) looked to his partner, Flashback Da Li, and nodded, and Flashback Da Li took out his own pistol and started making his way to the engine itself while Flashback Xiao Hu stayed behind to make sure the passengers stayed right where they were. The bathroom door opened, and Flashback Yong Bao peeked out, luckily unseen by anyone. He then slowly slipped out and followed Flashback Da Li to the front of the train.
(elsewhere…)
At the front of the train, Flashback Da Li was busy threatening the driver and fireman.
"I'm going to say this one more time! Where's the money?!" snarled Flashback Da Li, pointing his gun.
"I'm telling you it's not here!" The train's fireman insisted.
"Don't lie to me!" shouted Flashback Da Li, "You all have it hidden away here, and you will tell me where it is exactly! If you don't I'll—Arrrghhh!"
He (Flashback Da Li) felt someone jumping onto his back and wrapping his (Flashback Yong Bao) left arm around his (Flashback Da Li) neck, leading to a scuffle between the two within the front of the train. The driver and fireman both got out of the way, as the two men accidentally smashed into the control system.
(outside…)
Outside, the train began to pick up additional speed, much to the surprise of several people and animals remaining away from the tracks.
(inside…)
In one of the coaches, the passengers all screamed over the train gaining speed, while Flashback Xiao Hu, believing Flashback Da Li did something stupid, cursed in Chinese as he decided to go see what was going on.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the front of the train, the scuffle was ongoing as Flashback Yong Bao managed to disarm Flashback Da Li and get him to accidentally kick the gun somewhere out of sight and reach before the door opened and revealed Flashback Da Li. With his chance, Flashback Yong Bao lowered himself to his feet then roughly pushed Flashback Da Li into Flashback Xiao Hu and knocked both men down as he (Flashback Yong Bao) quickly shut and locked the door, forcing the thieves to work and get it opened.
"Are you two alright?" Flashback Yong Bao asked the driver and fireman.
"The train! It's picking up speed!" cried the driver.
"If we don't slow it down soon, there could be a serious derailment!" urged the fireman.
Flashback Yong Bao immediately went back over to the control panel and started looking it over, all in hopes of finding a way to slow/stop the train and prevent a derailment and potentially hundreds of deaths. Pressing a few of the buttons, he then grabbed the lever and pulled down on it.
(outside…)
Outside, the train started screeching as sparks flew from the wheels and it started coming to a complete stop—but due to the current speed limit the training was driving at, it was still moving very fast as nearby watchers gawked in shock.
(inside…)
Back in the front of the train, Flashback Yong Bao kept pulling down on the handle as the driver and fireman helped him, hoping they would be successful.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the front, Flashback Xiao Hu and Flashback Da Li were furiously trying to get the door open without success.
(outside…)
Back outside, the train finally began to slow down before coming to a full stop just outside the next station.
(inside…)
In each of the coaches, the passengers expressed great relief that the train had been stopped in time, wondering who it was that saved them from a horrifying derailment.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the front of the train, Flashback Yong Bao released his hands from the handle and, along with the driver and fireman, let out an exhausted sighed.
"(感謝上帝!) Gǎnxiè shàngdì! (Thank God!)" The train's driver groaned in Chinese.
"We're all safe…" agreed the fireman.
(outside…)
Before long, police cars started arriving on scene, having gotten a call from the guard about the attack and such. Emerging from the engine itself were Flashback Da Li and Flashback Xiao Hu, about to make a getaway when they were tackled out by Flashback Yong Bao. They were pinned down long enough for the police to approach and cuff the two thieves.
"We'll take it from here," The male police officer requested, "You did some good work."
"Nothing to it, sir," dismissed Flashback Yong Bao modestly.
Suddenly, he heard countless cheers from the passengers inside the coaches and the people preparing to board the train. Flashback Xiao Hu and Flashback Da Li were loaded into a car to be taken away. Before leaving, Flashback Da Li shot Flashback Yong Bao a hateful glare for ruining the heist before the car drove off.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Oh wow…" admired Lady, somewhat glad to have heard the story, "You know, it reminds me of a story about Thomas."
"Thomas?" wondered Yong Bao.
"Yeah, it was how he led his friends in stopping Alexander Swindon, now known as Diesel 10," said Lady, "Diesel 10 used to be the vice-principal of Sodor High, but his belief in…" As she explained away, Hong-Mei listened with interest, "…the superiority of the Smelter class caused him to rebel and overthrow Sir Topham Hatt, the school principal, in order to enforce his own rules."
"What happened next?" pressed Yong Bao.
"Clearly, Thomas stopped Diesel 10, sending him to prison for a long time," recalled Lady, "Accordingly, we never heard from him again until the spring of 2009, where he disguised himself as a new teacher of the Smelter classroom for Sodor High."
"I have one question; you weren't there when this Diesel 10 rebelled the first time, right?" asked Hong-Mei. When Lady shook her head, she (Hong-Mei) offered something else, "If I may ask, who told you this story?"
"Emily did," smiled Lady.
The mention of Emily's name brought some noticeable discomfort to Hong-Mei, much to Lady's concern.
"Did I say something wrong?" worried Lady.
"Oh no, you didn't," reassured Hong-Mei glumly, "There's…just something I never told you."
"Huh?"
"Yeah, the thing is…" The dark blue-haired Chinese girl began, "You remember how infatuated I was with Thomas in 'The Great International Duel Cup' and, to put it lightly, antagonistic towards your friend?"
"Uh-huh?" remembered Lady.
"After I lost early on to your cherry red-haired friend, Rosie, I…went a little overboard," admitted Hong-Mei. When Lady frowned but said nothing, she (Hong-Mei) went on, "When Sir Topham Hatt was admitted into the hospital over a busted back, I went to that hospital, threw his two grandchildren into a closet and locked it up, then manipulated the man into helping me."
"You what?!" Lady gawked, having not been there when the incident happened.
"I then lured Thomas and his friends to a Chinese diner, where he and I dueled," explained Hong-Mei, looking ashamed with herself, "During which, I…said a few things that really offended Emily, making Thomas angry with me. When he won the duel, I tried to escape—only for Emily to step in and we fought each other."
"Oh dear…" sighed Burnett, looking unhappy.
"Had my Uncle not intervened when he did, it likely would have gotten a whole lot worse," finished Hong-Mei, before clenching her hands into fists as they rested on her lap, "It took being scolded by my Uncle plus working for that diner for two weeks in order for me to realize how much of a fool I'd been."
Lady frowned heavily with disapproval, since while she (Lady) was fully aware that Hong-Mei was taken with Thomas during their initial meeting and saw Emily as a love rival, she (Lady) didn't know the Chinese girl went so overboard just to be noticed by Thomas because she (Lady) wasn't around when it happened.
"You know what? Enough of this dark conversation," interrupted Burnett, bringing both hands together, "So, Yong Bao," As he (Burnett) asked his question, Yong Bao listened while sitting down, "what are you and Hong-Mei going to celebrate the New Year?"
"Well, we-" Yong Bao tried to say, but was cut off.
"I'm going to be one of the people dressing up as the lion, and my Uncle is going to be one of the people who will be performing the dragon dance!" answered Hong-Mei eagerly, "The first day of this lunar New Year 2010 falls on St. Valentine's Day, so it's a day the West celebrates as a lovers' day, a day of romance."
"To the Chinese, it is the start of the Golden Tiger Year," added Yong Bao.
"Golden Tiger Year?" repeated Lady.
"The Tiger is the third sign in the cycle of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of twelve animal signs," replied Yong Bao, before eyeing Lady carefully as he chose his next set of words very carefully, "It is a sign of courage."
The last part of the statement wasn't lost on Lady, but she still allowed Yong Bao to continue with the explanation.
"The Tiger is a fearless and fiery fighter revered by the ancient Chinese as the sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household; fire, thieves, and ghosts," Yong Bao revealed, "On New Year's day itself, it is beneficial to celebrate, to be happy, to have smiling faces, and to refrain from scowling, quarreling, or criticizing anyone."
Just then the nearby windows shattered when a pair of rocks entered the dining room and landed on the floor around the table.
"What the-?" wondered Yong Bao.
Suddenly, smoke was released from the 'rocks', revealing them to be smoke bombs! Lady, Burnett, Yong Bao, and Hong-Mei all coughed and wheezed while scrambling their way outside the home.
(outside…)
Outside the home, Lady, Burnett, Yong Bao, and Hong-Mei emerged while smoke poured out from the door.
"Wha-what in the world just happened?!" demanded Lady.
Her answer came in the form of another smoke bomb landing near her feet and releasing its contents, enveloping the four all once again in smoke. While coughing, Lady found herself seemingly separated from everyone else.
"Burnett! Burnett!" howled Lady, trying to find her guardian.
Her cries were met with a duo of devious laughter. Lady, still coughing a fit, managed to find her way to Yong Bao as the smoke cleared away. When it did, the pair were met with a terrifying sight; Burnett and Hong-Mei had their arms wrapped around a tree and their hands handcuffed together, so they were stuck hugging the tree, while standing in front of them were Da Li and Xiao Hu—the two men that Yong Bao talked about in his story.
"It's been a while, Yong Bao," greeted Da Li.
"Da Li and Xiao Hu!" realized Yong Bao.
"Did you miss us?" sneered Xiao Hu, "Well, we sure missed you; Da Li and I spent eight years in prison thanks to you—and it's time for some payback!"
"So, you're the same Da Li and Xiao Hu from Yong Bao's story," acknowledged Lady.
"You're talking to them," answered Da Li, before eyeing Yong Bao with contempt, "It seems you've become quite the dueling celebrity ever since Duel Monsters became big across the globe," He grinned with malice, "This might actually be fun!"
"I guess you both want to take revenge by dueling me," figured Yong Bao.
"Not just you!" retorted Da Li, "We also want…" He pointed at Lady, "…her to fight alongside you!"
"What?! Me?" gasped Lady.
"Yes, you!" confirmed Xiao Hu, "And you will agree to our demand—that is, if you ever…" He motioned his right hand towards the trapped Burnett and Hong-Mei, "…want to see them, particularly the old man, ever again."
"Ngh! Ugh! Just you wait!" yelled Hong-Mei stubbornly, struggling against the tree, "You two jerks are gonna be sorry you ever messed with my Uncle! He'll…" As she rambled on, Da Li and Xiao Hu both seemed amused, "…demolish you for this!"
"Oh, wouldn't I like to see that happen," taunted Xiao Hu.
"Be silent!" boomed Yong Bao, who was very protective of his niece, "Face me, Da Li and Xiao Hu!" He then looked at Lady firmly, "Lady, it seems we will have to team-up to beat those two."
Unfortunately, Lady was still badly shaken, but she had no other choice unless she never wanted to see Burnett again. She would fight to save her guardian, no matter what. Both sides faced each other and activated their Duel Disks.
"Duel!" Lady, Yong Bao, Da Li, and Xiao Hu all declared at once (Team LP: 8000) x2.
All four players had the following cards in their opening hands:
-Da Li: 'Ancient Warriors - Graceful Zhou Gong', 'Nobleman of Crossout", 'Ancient Warriors - Fearsome Zhang Yuan', 'Ancient Warriors - Deceptive Jia Wen' and 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Sun-Liu Alliance'
-Yong Bao: 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant', 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak', 'Pot of Greed', 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo', and 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Ram'
-Xiao Hu: 'Ancient Warriors - Masterful Sun Mou', 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Chivalrous Path', 'Dian Keto the Cure Master', 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Sun-Liu Alliance', and 'Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan'
-Lady: 'Alluring Mirror Split', 'Harpie Queen', 'Mirror Wall', 'Symbol of Heritage', and 'Harpie Channeler'
Nearby, Burnett and Hong-Mei prayed that Lady and Yong Bao would win the duel, since something bad was going to happen to them should their loved ones lose. On the field, the duel began with…
"The first turn is mine!" declared Da Li, drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn One: Da Li Datong (Team LP: 8000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Ancient Warriors - Graceful Zhou Gong", "Nobleman of Crossout", "Ancient Warriors - Fearsome Zhang Yuan", "Ancient Warriors - Deceptive Jia Wen", "Ancient Warriors Saga - Sun-Liu Alliance", and "Ancient Warriors Saga - Defense of Changban"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Defense of Changban', which was added into the hand in exchange for another card ('Ancient Warriors - Graceful Zhou Gong') from there.
"I play this card…" Da Li began, holding up the card and turning it over to reveal what it was, "'Ancient Warriors - Graceful Zhou Gong'!" he placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was a human male with long aqua blue hair, wearing white clothing, and wielding a sword (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1600).
"For this duel, no player can attack until they take one turn," explained Da Li, while Yong Bao, Lady, and Xiao Hu each listened to what else was said, "Once my turn is over, Yong Bao will go next, followed by Xiao Hu, and then the foreign girl," He took from his hand and held two cards up for a few seconds before slotting them one-at-a-time into his Duel Disk, "From there, I'll Set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
Two face-down cards materialized on the field near his feet.
"Now, Yong Bao, it's your turn!" dared Xiao Hu, "Show us your warrior's spirit!"
Yong Bao said nothing and could only look at Lady with grave concern.
"Lady… You're going to struggle greatly in this fight," thought Yong Bao, before facing his enemies, "I have to go all-out right away against those two in order for you to have some protection," He drew his card, "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Yong Bao Sifang (Team LP: 8000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant", "Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak", "Pot of Greed", "Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo", "Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Ram", and "Fire Formation - Tenki"
Seconds later, the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, compliments of Yong Bao with the index and middle fingers of his right hand pressed on a Spell & Trap Zone.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Pot of Greed'!" announced Yong Bao, as he drew two cards, "I must draw 2 cards!"
He looked at the two cards, which were 'Five Brothers Explosion' (Trap Card) and 'Fire Formation - Domei' (Spell Card). With a decision made, he added both cards into his hand, took another ('Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak') out, and held it out.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Field Spell, 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak'!" began Yong Bao.
The surrounding area began to turn into a large, majestic mountainside. And atop the mountainside was a stone stairway leading to a huge fortress.
"Each time a 'Fire Fist' monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned, I must place 1 Fire Fist Counter on this card," explained Yong Bao, before taking and slotting another cards into his Duel Disk, "Next, I'll activate a Continuous Spell from my hand!" While speaking and explaining the card, a Spell Card called 'Fire Formation - Tenki' flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Fire Formation - Tenki'! When this card is activated: I can add 1 Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior monster from my Deck to my hand!"
Lady was nervous about Yong Bao activating a card he used against her in their duel, because it helped fuel her fear of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' and Dark Marik. Yong Bao proceeded to add a card ('Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Rooster') from his Deck to his hand, before pointing towards his face-up 'Fire Formation - Tenki' Spell Card.
"The second effect of my card!" continued Yong Bao, "All Beast-Warrior monsters I control gain 100 ATK!" He then took another card from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "I'll also Summon this monster!"
Appearing onto the field was the warrior dressed in a garb of white, yellow, and blue trims, wielding a fan containing the white spirit of an elephant (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1800).
"'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant' in Attack Position!" The voice of Yong Bao exclaimed, before he held both arms out, "The Summon will place a Fire Fist Counter onto 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak'!"
The face-up 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak' Spell Card appeared to get marked. This made Lady grow a little uneasy, but then she remembered that Yong Bao was on her side.
"Now, I'll activate the first effect of 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant'!" As Yong Bao spoke, his face-up 'Fire Formation - Tenki' Spell Card erupted into flames before burning into ash, "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can send 1 face-up 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap I control to the GY; I must…" He took another card from his hand and, after about two seconds, placed it onto his Duel Disk, "…Special Summon 1 'Fire Fist' monster from my hand, except 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant'. Come, 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Rooster'!"
Appearing on the field was a human warrior wearing clothing and armor from the ancient times, wielding a spear that contained the blue spirit of a rooster (Level: 3/ATK: 1500/DEF: 100). And with the loss of the activated 'Fire Formation - Tenki' Spell Card, the ATK of 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant' dropped back to normal (1100 → 1000). Another Summon caused another Fire Fist Counter to appear on the face-up 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak' Spell Card.
"When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Fire Fist' monster: I can add 1 'Fire Fist' monster from my Deck to my hand," revealed Yong Bao, going over his monster's first effect before adding the 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland' Monster Card to his hand. "From there, I'll activate the second effect of 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant'!" A card ('Fire Formation - Tenki') ejected from his GY, "I can target 1 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap…" He took and shuffled the card into the Deck as it automatically shuffled, "…in my GY; I must shuffle it into the Deck, then, I can add 1 Level 5 or higher 'Fire Fist' monster from my Deck to my hand!"
Da Li and Xiao Hu waited, as another card slipped from the middle of Yong Bao's Deck, which he took and looked at. It was the 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panda' Monster Card. Nearby with the trapped Hong-Mei and Burnett…
"If my hunch is right," said Hong-Mei knowingly, "this is where the first major Summon of the duel begins."
"First major Summon of the duel?" wondered Burnett, "How will Yong Bao do it?"
Back on the field…
"Continuous Spell, 'Fire Formation - Domei'!" announced Yong Bao, slotting a card into his Duel Disk and causing the mentioned Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field, "When this card is activated: I can Ritual Summon 1 Beast-Warrior Ritual Monster from my hand, by Tributing monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels equal or exceed its Level!"
"What?!" flinched Xiao Hu.
"Ritual Summoning with a Continuous Spell?" Da Li asked, "There's seriously a card that can do that?"
Yong Bao smiled humorlessly, "I guess you never heard of it?" he remarked, "Well, now you know!"
The two Chinese men gritted their teeth in response as the turn continued.
"Here I go!" thundered Yong Bao, taking and sending two cards ('Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Ram' and 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo') from his field and hand respectively to the GY, "I Tribute my Level 3 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Ram' and Level 4 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo' in my hand!"
Joining 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Ram' on the field for a few seconds was 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo', as they both erupted into flames as a Summon Chant ensued.
"Prodigal wanderer, rise from the valley of flames to scorch the tainted land with your blazing arrows!" chanted Yong Bao, before the flames died down and revealed a new monster, "Ritual Summon! Level 6! Ignite, 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland'!"
The monster, 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland', had long, stylized black hair and wore Chinese-styled armor while carrying a large crossbow (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000). The appearance of another monster added a Fire Fist Counter to the face-up 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak' Spell Card.
"Great, the first top-class monster of the whole duel, and it had to be played by Yong Bao," muttered Xiao Hu.
"Urgh…" groaned Da Li.
"I activate 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Rooster's' second effect!" cut in Yong Bao, as 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Rooster' held both hands in-front of the face-up 'Fire Formation - Domei' Spell Card and caused the card to burst into flames before being destroyed, "Once per turn: I can send 1 face-up 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap I control to the GY; I must Set 1 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap directly from my Deck!" He took a card from his Deck, held it up for a second, then slotted it into his Duel Disk, "I Set this card face-down!"
A face-down card ('Fire Formation - Tensen') materialized on the field, and from there, Yong Bao's GY began to glow as yet another effect was triggered.
"The second effect of 'Fire Formation - Domei' activates!" Yong Bao went on, as, appearing on the field was 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo' (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1000), "If this face-up card is sent from the Spell & Trap Zone to the GY: I can target 1 'Fire Fist' monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it!"
Once again, the face-up 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak' Spell Card gained a Fire Fist Counter, its fourth one.
"He has two Level 4 monsters…" frowned Da Li.
"Oh no! Not an Xyz Summon!" complained Xiao Hu.
"I overlay Level 4 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant'…" began Yong Bao, just as the Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field, "…and 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo'!"
Both monsters were absorbed into the Overlay Network. A new monster started to emerge from the Overlay Network, which was a muscular man wearing Chinese-styled armor and wielding a sword of sorts that contained the white spirit of a tiger—as a Summon Chant followed.
"Protector of justice, rise from the infernal blaze to incinerate all evil that crosses your path!" chanted Yong Bao, "Xyz Summon! Roar! Rank 4! 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King'!"
The new monster let out a loud yell before posing with the sword for battle (Rank: 4/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1800). The appearance of this monster added a fifth Fire Fist Counter to the face-up 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak' Spell Card. Nearby, Burnett found himself amazed that Yong Bao had access to not only Fusion and Synchro, but also Ritual and Xyz.
"See that?" boasted Hong-Mei proudly, "Just like Thomas, my Uncle is one of the only known duelists to use all four of the Special Summon methods at once," She cast a glance back at the field, "Not even the World Champion, Scott Gresley, has done that!"
Lady was also impressed by how quickly Yong Bao had been able to perform multiple Summoning methods.
"Amazing…" she whispered, "Yong Bao is an amazing duelist."
But the appearance of 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King' made Lady think about what Yong Bao had said earlier…
"It is a sign of courage… The Tiger is a fearless and fiery fighter revered by the ancient Chinese as the sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household; fire, thieves, and ghosts…"
Remembering those words only made Lady feel worse about herself, knowing that she didn't have the courage to conquer her demons.
"I activate 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King's' first effect!" interrupted Yong Bao, before holding up a card he took from his Deck, "When this card is Xyz Summoned: I can Set 1 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap…" He slotted the card into his Duel Disk, "…directly from my Deck!"
A face-down card ('Fire Formation - Tenki') materialized on the field beside the other one, but then it flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"Continuous Spell, 'Fire Formation - Tenki'!" declared Yong Bao, as he added yet another card ('Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Zebra'(!)) from his Deck to his hand, "When this card is activated: I can add 1 Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior monster from my Deck to my hand!"
"Damn!" complained Xiao Hu, "Now all of his monsters will gain 100 ATK again!"
'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Rooster' (ATK: 1500 → 1600), 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland' (ATK: 2400 → 2500), and 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King' (ATK: 2200 → 2300) all grew stronger.
"That should be the least of your worries," warned Yong Bao, "I activate 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland's' first effect!" He sent a card ('Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Zebra') from his hand to the GY, "I can discard 1 monster; I must…" He took another card ('Ultimate Fire Formation - Sinto') from his Deck and slotted it into his Duel Disk, "…Set 1 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap directly from my Deck or GY."
Another face-down card materialized on the field, beside the first Set card.
"Another of those stupid 'Fire Formation' cards," thought Da Li, looking downward before facing Yong Bao.
"Finally, I'll Set one card face-down and end my turn!" The voice of Yong Bao concluded, as a final Set card materialized on the field beside the other two cards. He then looked satisfied with how his turn went, "Now, Xiao Hu, it's your turn!"
"This is how Yong Bao duels," grumbled Da Li, before looking towards his partner, "Xiao Hu!" As he (Da Li) spoke, Xiao Hu looked over and listened, "Keep your guard up at all times. This guy means business!"
"If it weren't so obvious," retorted Xiao Hu, before facing Yong Bao, "It's my turn!" He drew his card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Xiao Hu Chrzanów (Team LP: 8000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Ancient Warriors - Masterful Sun Mou", "Ancient Warriors Saga - Chivalrous Path", "Dian Keto the Cure Master", "Ancient Warriors Saga - Sun-Liu Alliance", "Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan", and "Ancient Warriors - Eccentric Lu Jing"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Ancient Warriors - Eccentric Lu Jing', which he added into his hand, looked over, and picked another card to play.
"This will be my card!" declared Xiao Hu, holding his card ('Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan'), "'Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan'!" He placed the card onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was a warrior wearing aqua-colored Chinese armor and wielding two swords (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1200).
"I see," understood Yong Bao, "So you two play the same Deck?"
Lady expressed worry over facing duelists playing the same Deck.
"Heh! Xiao Hu and I have built a fearsome reputation on the dueling scene with our Decks," bragged Da Li, as Yong Bao listened with annoyance, "Maybe it will be enough to give you a run for your money, Yong Bao!"
"Now then, while I control another 'Ancient Warriors' monster, my opponent's monsters cannot target this card for attacks," came from Xiao Hu, explaining his monster's first effect, "I'll also activate my monster's second effect! If my opponent controls more monsters than I do: I can send 1 card from my hand or field to the GY; I must Special Summon 1 'Ancient Warriors' monster from my Deck, except 'Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan'!" He cast a glance towards his partner-in-crime, "You don't mind if I use your face-down card, do you?"
"Hehehe… Be my guest!" accepted Da Li deviously, as one of his face-down cards ('Nobleman of Crossout') faded away, "Use any one of them how you see fit!"
"No, you don't!" cut in Yong Bao.
"Huh?!" Xiao Hu and Da Li gawked at once.
"The second effect of 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland' activates!" declared Yong Bao, "When my opponent activates a monster effect (Quick Effect): I can send 1 face-up 'Fire Fist' or 'Fire Formation' card I control to the GY, except 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland'; I must negate that effect!"
"What?!" Da Li and Xiao Hu both cried out.
"I send…" As Yong Bao spoke, his face-up 'Fire Formation - Tenki' Spell Card faded away in a blue streak and causing 'Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan' to fall to his knees in pain, "…'Fire Formation - Tenki' to the GY in order to negate the second effect of 'Virtuous Liu Xuan'!"
"Tch! How annoying," grumbled Xiao Hu, "But remember that the loss of 'Fire Formation - Tenki' returns the ATK of your monsters to normal!"
'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Rooster' (ATK: 1600 → 1500), 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland' (ATK: 2500 → 2400), and 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King' (ATK: 2300 → 2200) all grew weaker.
"A small price to pay, because now I can activate the second effect of 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Zebra'!" declared Yong Bao, as a card ('Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Zebra') ejected from his GY, before he took it, held it up for a few seconds, and placed it in one of his Spell & Trap Zones, "If a face-up 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap I control is sent from the field to the GY by the effect of a 'Fire Fist' monster: I can place this card from my GY face-up in my Spell & Trap Zone as a Continuous Spell!"
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn!" The voice of Xiao Hu concluded, as a face-down card materialized on the field. He then pointed at Lady, "Now for the big bundle of nerves over there to make her move!"
Lady just stood in her spot, sweating fearfully over having to duel again this soon.
"Lady," The voice of Yong Bao comforted, causing her to look over. He smiled at her with assurance, "Just focus on dueling, and, if needed, I'll help you out."
Lady didn't say a word back, but eventually nodded before facing Da Li and Xiao Hu.
"It's my turn!" declared Lady, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Lady Stone (Team LP: 8000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Alluring Mirror Split", "Harpie Queen", "Mirror Wall", "Symbol of Heritage", "Harpie Channeler", and "Harpie's Pet Dragon"
Her drawn card was the 'Harpie's Pet Dragon' Monster Card, which was one of her favorite cards. She added it into her hand, and prepared to play another card.
"From my hand, I'll activate the Continuous Spell," As Lady spoke, the 'Alluring Mirror Split' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Alluring Mirror Split'! When a 'Harpie Lady' or 'Harpie Lady Sisters' I control is destroyed by battle: I can Special Summon 1 'Harpie' monster from my Deck with a different original name than the destroyed monster!" She then held up one more card ('Harpie Queen'), "Furthermore, I'll also activate the second effect of 'Harpie Queen'!" The card was sent to the GY, causing another card ('Harpies' Hunting Ground') to emerge from the Deck, get taken, and added into the hand—which also contained 'Mirror Wall', 'Symbol of Heritage', 'Harpie Channeler', and 'Harpie's Pet Dragon', "I can discard this card to the GY; I must add 1 'Harpies' Hunting Ground' from my Deck to my hand."
"So, are you gonna activate that card?" teased Da Li, "By doing so, however, you'll destroy your ally's own Field Spell!"
He was, of course, talking about the face-up 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak' Spell Card, which was marked with five Fire Fist Counters and was seen as a key card to Yong Bao's strategy. Rather than take the bait, Lady had another move in mind…
"I Summon 'Harpie Channeler'!" she proclaimed.
Appearing on the field was a female Winged Beast monster with claws for hands, wearing revealing white clothing, and wielding a scepter (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1300).
"'Harpie Channeler'!" realized Burnett.
"Of course! That's what Lady aims to do!" added Hong-Mei.
"I activate 'Harpie Channeler's' first effect!" continued Lady, holding up a card ('Harpies' Hunting Ground') taken from her hand, "I can discard 1 'Harpie' card; I must…" She discarded the card, as another card emerged from the top of her Deck, "…Special Summon 1 'Harpie' monster from my Deck in face-up Defense Position, except 'Harpie Channeler'!" The beautiful blonde-haired girl held her card out, "I Special Summon 'Harpie Oracle'!"
Appearing on the field was a young-looking female Winged Beast monster with white/blue hair and wearing a purple and gray outfit that showed off the top half of her breasts (Level: 4/ATK: 1300/DEF: 1400).
"This card's name becomes 'Harpie Lady' while on the field or in the GY," said Lady, going over her monster's first effect before activating the third effect, "Then I'll activate 'Harpie Oracle's' third effect! If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: I can add 1 Spell/Trap from my GY to my hand, that specifically lists the card 'Harpie Lady Sisters' in its text, during the End Phase of this turn," She held up one more card, "I Set one card face-down and enter my End Phase!"
A face-down card materialized on the field, just as a card ('Harpies' Hunting Ground') ejected from her GY and was added into her hand.
"As of this moment, I'll activate my Set card!" declared Yong Bao, as one of his Set cards flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Continuous Trap, 'Five Brothers Explosion'! When this card is activated: I must gain 500 LP for each Continuous Spell/Trap Card I control!" He held up three fingers from his right hand, "Lady and I control three Continuous Spells and Traps, so we gain 1500 LP!"
Both duelists glowed yellow and gained more LP (Team LP: 8000 → 9500).
"I end my turn!" finished Lady.
"Hmph! So what if you both gained LP," dismissed Da Li, smirking, "With my turn here, I'm going to turn things around so quick it'll make your heads spin!"
"Nice try!" The voice of Hong-Mei called out, causing Da Li to look over. She remained confident Yong Bao and Lady would win, "We're not afraid of your threat to win!"
"You brat, this isn't a 'threat', but a 'promise'," vowed Da Li, before drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Da Li Datong (Team LP: 8000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (4): "Ancient Warriors - Fearsome Zhang Yuan", "Ancient Warriors - Deceptive Jia Wen", "Ancient Warriors Saga - Sun-Liu Alliance", and "Ancient Warriors Saga - Borrowing of Arrows"
Adding the card into his hand, he took out another to play.
"I Summon 'Ancient Warriors - Deceptive Jia Wen'!" yelled Da Li.
Appearing on the field was a Chinese man wearing emperor's clothing (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 1800). From there, Xiao Hu decided to spring his Trap Card…
"I activate the Continuous Trap, 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Chivalrous Path'!" he bellowed, as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "If an 'Ancient Warriors' monster(s) would be destroyed by battle, I can send this card to the GY instead."
"Good job, Xiao Hu," praised Da Li, "That will slow down Yong Bao and his duel partner," He then activated an effect of his own, "I activate 'Graceful Zhou Gong's' first effect! I can target 1 Continuous Spell/Trap I control; I must send it to the GY, and if I do, add 1 'Ancient Warriors' Spell/Trap from my Deck to my hand."
"It won't work!" said Yong Bao sharply, "The second effect of 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland' activates again!" His 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Zebra' faded away in a blue streak, "I send 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Zebra' to the GY to negate your monster's effect!"
Da Li helplessly watched as 'Ancient Warriors - Graceful Zhou Gong' fell to the knees and grew numb in the body.
"And now the first effect of 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Zebra' activates!" reminded Yong Bao, "If this face-up card I control is sent from the field to the GY by the effect of a 'Fire Fist' monster: I can target 1 face-up 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap I control; this turn, that card cannot be destroyed by card effects," He motioned his left hand (with the Duel Disk) towards his face-up 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak' Spell Card, "I choose to safeguard my 'Fire Fortress atop Liang Peak' from card effects!"
"So you've protected your best card from being destroyed so easily," frowned Da Li, but then grinned big, "Well, that's good and all, but I have a better idea… I activate the Continuous Spell, 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Borrowing of Arrows'!" The mentioned Spell Card rose up from the ground and revealed itself, "I can target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls and 1 'Ancient Warriors' monster I control; until the end of this turn, I must halve that opponent's monster's ATK, and if I do, add that lost ATK to my monster (even if this card leaves the field)!"
"Heh! Yong Bao will likely counter this move, too," thought Xiao Hu, "That's exactly what we're counting on!"
Sure enough…
"I won't let either of you succeed!" promised Yong Bao, as he pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "Counter Trap, open! 'Ultimate Fire Formation - Sinto', activate!" The next Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When a Spell/Trap Card is activated, while I control a 'Fire Fist' monster and a 'Fire Formation' Spell/Trap: I must negate the activation, and if I do, destroy that card!"
The face-up 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Borrowing of Arrows' Spell Card shorted out before shattering into shards of glass. But Da Li wasn't upset by it; instead, he seemed to smile over his card's destruction.
"Fool!" insulted Da Li, "You've wasted one of your strongest resources for the sake of keeping your pathetic partner safe from us!"
"What did you say?" frowned Yong Bao.
"What are you implying?" demanded Lady.
"Yong Bao, we wanted you to send 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Borrowing of Arrows' to the GY, because it will be of great help to us!" answered Da Li, "The second effect of my card!" A card slipped from the bottom of the Deck, which he took and slotted into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "If this card is sent to the GY while I control 'Ancient Warriors' monsters with 2 or more different Attributes: I can place 1 'Ancient Warriors' Continuous Spell/Trap from my hand or Deck face-up on my field, except 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Borrowing of Arrows'!"
Materializing face-up on the field was a Spell Card called 'Ancient Warriors Saga - East-by-South Winds'.
"Oh no! That's 'Ancient Warriors Saga - East-by-South Winds'!" panicked Yong Bao.
"You know of this card?" chuckled Da Li, "Well, it doesn't matter, since it won't stay for too long—just until my second Standby Phase after activation," He then motioned his right arm about in a dramatic fashion, "The second effect of my card! Once per turn, during my Main Phase: I must toss a coin and if the result is heads, send this card to the GY."
"That…sounds risky," commented Lady.
Da Li reached into his pocket and pulled out a Chinese coin and flipped it. When the coin landed on top of his hand, Da Li saw the result was heads.
"Since I got heads, 'Ancient Warriors Saga - East-by-South Winds' goes to the GY!" recalled Da Li, as his face-up 'Ancient Warriors Saga - East-by-South Winds' faded away in a blue streak, "However, I 'wanted' heads as the result, because this activates the card's second effect!"
"I thought so," figured Yong Bao.
"If this card is sent from the Spell & Trap Zone to the GY: I can activate this effect; this turn, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects…" explained Da Li, before focus went towards the 'Ancient Warrior' monsters already on the field, "…in response to the activation of my 'Ancient Warriors' cards and effects, also until the end of the turn, all 'Ancient Warriors' Effect Monsters I currently control gain this effect."
This was the gained effect written on the 'Ancient Warriors Saga - East-by-South Winds' Spell Card:
-"When this card declares an attack: I can destroy 1 card my opponent controls!"
"What?" gulped Lady, while Yong Bao began to fear for the worst.
"It gets better though!" taunted Da Li, as he took and slotted another card ('Ancient Warriors Saga - Sun-Liu Alliance') into his Duel Disk, "Continuous Spell, 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Sun-Liu Alliance'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, with Yong Bao, Lady, Burnett, and Hong-Mei all listening to what it did, "If I control 'Ancient Warriors' monsters with 2 or more different Attributes: I can declare 1 Attribute; my opponent cannot activate the effects of monsters they currently control with that Attribute, until the end of this turn (even if this card leaves the field)!"
"What?!" cried Hong-Mei.
"This is our 'true' goal!" boasted Xiao Hu, "There's one Attribute in particular we want to cripple!"
"That Attribute is, of course, FIRE!" came from Da Li, before pointing at Yong Bao, "Your FIRE monsters can't activate their effects for the rest of this turn!"
Yong Bao helplessly watched as all of his monsters found themselves growing numb in the bodies, rendering them mostly useless. Lady was, likewise, shocked by the cunning strategy made by the two Chinese men.
"Hey, you!" The voice of Xiao Hu called out, getting Lady's attention as he and Da Li grinned mischievously, "You really should be thanking us for disabling Yong Bao's FIRE monsters, seeing as you seem to have a great fear of fire."
Lady scowled, knowing that Da Li was right…for all of the wrong reasons.
"And there's more where that came from!" said Da Li proudly, pointing towards his partner-in-crime's 'Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan', "I activate the second effect of Xiao Hu's 'Virtuous Liu Xuan'!" he and Xiao Hu both continued to smile deviously, "If my opponent controls more monsters than I do: I can send 1 card from my hand or field to the GY; I must Special Summon 1 'Ancient Warriors' monster from my Deck, except 'Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan'.
Xiao Hu looked to Da Li and accepted the sacrifice without hesitation, which pleased Da Li as he continued his turn.
"I send 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Chivalrous Path', belonging to Xiao Hu, to the GY!" he announced with pride, as the 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Chivalrous Path' Trap Card faded away in a blue streak, "Appear now, 'Ancient Warriors - Ambitious Cao De'!"
Appearing on the field was a Warrior monster wearing red and gold armor and red cape, wielding a large sword for a weapon (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"'Ancient Warriors - Ambitious Cao De'!" realized Yong Bao.
"That monster has 3000 ATK!" agreed Lady.
"While I control another 'Ancient Warriors' monster, my opponent cannot target this card with card effects, also it cannot be destroyed by my opponent's card effects," Da Li, going over the monster's first effect, said gleefully, "And then, I'll activate 'Graceful Zhou Gong's' second effect!" While explaining away, focus went towards 'Ancient Warriors - Graceful Zhou Gong', who was eyeing 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King', "If my other 'Ancient Warriors' monster's effect is activated (except during the Damage Step): I can target 1 Effect Monster my opponent controls; I must negate its effects until the end of this turn!"
With his eyes glowing red 'Ancient Warriors - Graceful Zhou Gong', continued to eye 'Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King' until he started growing numb in the body, too, falling to his knees in a weakened state, much to the concern of Yong Bao.
"This is it, you two!" The voice of Da Li exclaimed, causing Yong Bao to look up. He looked very triumphant with what he was about to do next, "The second effect of 'Ancient Warriors Saga - Sun-Liu Alliance' activates!" While explaining away, focus went to all of the 'Ancient Warriors' on his and Xiao Hu's fields respectively "If my opponent Special Summons a monster(s), or I activate an 'Ancient Warriors' monster's effect (except during the Damage Step): I can make all 'Ancient Warriors' monsters I control gain 300 ATK for each 'Ancient Warriors' monster I control until the end of this turn (even if this card leaves the field)!"
"There are four such monsters, so they gain 1200 ATK!" The voice of Xiao Hu added in.
'Ancient Warriors - Graceful Zhou Gong' (ATK: 1600 → 2800), 'Ancient Warriors - Virtuous Liu Xuan' (ATK: 1400 → 2600), 'Ancient Warriors - Deceptive Jia Wen' (ATK: 1100 → 2300), and 'Ancient Warriors - Ambitious Cao De' (ATK: 3000 → 4200) all grew even stronger. Hong-Mei and Burnett both watched from their spots in distress over how bad the situation had gotten for Yong Bao and Lady, with it going to get worse before it got better. Would Lady and Yong Bao be able to win, and would Lady be able to keep her head on straight? Stay tuned to find that out.
And a tab duel of Lady and Yong Bao against Da Li and Xiao Hu has begun. A warning; keep safe in these tiring, also troubling, times.