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: These stories are rated T for moments of violence, mild blood, frightening moments, and some suggestive themes. Viewer discretion may be advised.
Title: Stalked by Rare Hunters
It had been a few days since Spencer had announced when the new Duel Monsters tournament would be taking place… and Thomas knew it was going to be very big. In the schoolyard of Sodor High School during lunch hour, Thomas, Emily, Lady, and Percy were chatting with their friends about the Battle City tournament.
"Basically, Spencer added an ante rule," Thomas was explaining, as Toby, James, Edward, Gordon, and Henry each listened, "Where before a duel, we wager our rarest card. And if we lose, then we have to give that card to the winner."
"There are bound to be other important new rules, but that one is the biggest we've heard of," added Emily.
"That doesn't sound very fair," sulked James, "Why do we have to give up our best cards if we lose?"
"Somehow, my cousin might be after something more," Gordon commented, thoughtfully, "The big question is what that is?"
"Who knows?" shrugged Toby, "But whatever the case, in just two weeks, the new tournament will begin."
"Do you think you'll take part in it, Thomas?" pressed Edward.
"I 'know' I will," replied Thomas, "What about you guys?"
"As ever, count me in," Percy declared confidently.
"There's no way I'm missing it out," Lady chimed in.
"I'll take part, too," James accepted, before scowling, "I'd like to finally beat that Spencer and pay him back for that humiliating defeat in San Francisco."
"What about you, Emily?" urged Thomas.
Emily shook her head, "I'm still not ready for a big tournament yet, Thomas."
"But you've been getting way better since the San Francisco tournament!" Henry pointed out.
"Not to mention your duel with Rosie," reminded James.
"You ended Märklin's winning streak, on your date with Thomas," smirked Lady
"It wasn't a date!" exclaimed Emily, flustered.
"AND you crushed James here several times before," chuckled Gordon.
"HEY!" fumed James.
Everyone else shared a laugh. James took a moment to calm himself down before grinning once more.
"Anyway, who cares who's been winning against who. What I have here is a card which will blow Spencer away!" he proclaimed, holding onto a card.
"Is it 'Elemental HERO Neos'?" remarked Percy rhetorically.
James giggled, "Thaaaat's right!"
"You've been holding onto that thing since you got it in the booster pack Discord gave you," recalled Gordon.
"And I've got 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'," The voice of Percy acknowledged, holding up his own card ('Red-Eyes Black Dragon'). He (Percy) won that card from Dennis during the San Francisco tournament, and it had been his Deck's ace card ever since, "Such a great card…"
"Okay, I know those cards you two have both may be powerful, but do you honestly think they'll be able to beat Spencer?" wondered Emily, sweatdropping.
"Even with all those support cards you have?" worried Thomas.
"Of course," insisted James, "When you focus and get good cards, anything can happen."
"I don't know about that…" mused Edward quietly.
"Anyway," interrupted Thomas, changing the subject, "While the tournament isn't for two weeks, I'm still heading down to the card shop in the mall after school to sign up. Would you guys like to come?"
"Of course," smiled Toby.
"We're in!" James and Percy put in at the same time, "We'll sign up with you."
Thomas felt grateful. With that agreed to, the friends heard the bell ring and went back towards the school.
(elsewhere…)
Later that day, Emily had run into Rosie and Stanley. Since Thomas, Percy, James, and Lady were all going to sign up for the Battle City tournament, Emily inquired about whether Rosie and Stanley were going to participate as well. Surprisingly, both of the American students had claimed that they would not be taking part.
"Why not?" blinked Emily.
"I want some more time to adjust to using my new Deck," answered Rosie, holding up her Deck, "A big tournament like this doesn't feel all that right for me."
"As for me, I'm not really up to competing in a tournament so soon after San Francisco," declined Stanley, "We'll wish Thomas, Percy, James, and Lady good luck, though."
Emily nodded, before turning and leaving to find the rest of her friends. When they were alone, Stanley and Rosie both looked at each other.
"Too soon?" quizzed Rosie.
"Yeah," admitted Stanley, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, "It's a pretty lame excuse, but I didn't really feel like competing."
"It's okay; I completely understand," Rosie reassured. She then blushed a little bit, "Umm…"
"Eh? Rosie, what's wrong?"
"Errr… S-Stanley?" The pink-haired girl stammered, trying to find the correct words, "I've been…wondering, umm, something."
"What's the matter?" frowned Stanley, sounding concerned.
"Can you…help me with practicing?" wondered Rosie, "Again, I don't feel I'm ready to compete in a big tournament with a Deck I haven't used much since buying."
"Say no more," reassured Stanley kindly, "For you, I'll be glad to help."
Rosie felt very happy and relieved to hear that. Truth be told, ever since the incident with Diesel 10, Rosie had already started to grow very fond of Stanley since he tried to help her find help to stop the villain from taking over the school, and Stanley, not sure if he should tell anyone just yet, had a bit of a soft spot for Rosie.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the Knapford Mall later after school, the Tidmouth Teens, plus Lady, were walking down the area, passing by lots of shoppers along the way.
"Well, with the tournament coming up," chortled Edward, "everybody wants to be in on it."
"More like shoppers are around to 'shop till they drop'," joked James.
Soon the friends arrived at the card shop. A stall and computer had been set up by someone so that duelists looking to enter Battle CIty could enlist.
"Well, here we are," Percy announced proudly.
"Now let's go sign up," beamed James eagerly.
They walked up to the store clerk.
"We'd like to sign up for the Battle City tournament, please," began Thomas.
"Oh?" The clerk murmured, as he looked at the group, "Are all of you signing up?"
"Actually it's me, Polly Stone, James Hughes, and Percy Avonside," corrected Thomas.
"I see," The clerk nodded, as Thomas walked up, "We'll start with you."
Thomas waited as the clerk typed on his computer. The man then looked up when he finished.
"Your name, young man?" he asked.
"Thomas Billinton," introduced Thomas.
The clerk typed on his computer some more.
"There we go…" The clerk said at last, turning the screen around for the Sudrian teenagers to see, "Your stats."
Name: Thomas Billinton
Duel Rank: 8/10
Rarest Card: "Dark Magician"
"Wow…" Emily and the likes gasped.
"Wait a minute!" James suddenly spoke up, "What's a Duel Rank?"
"A Duel Rank is a level that determines how skilled the duelist is," revealed the clerk, turning the screen back around to its original position, "You need a rank of at least five to qualify."
"And judging from my rank of 8/10, I guess it means I qualify?" guessed Thomas.
"Yes it does," smiled the clerk, "Now, who's next?"
"Polly Stone," cut in Lady, stepping forward.
The clerk nodded and started typing away at the computer again, and he showed the group Lady's statistics when he finished.
Name: Polly Stone
Duel Rank: 7/10
Rarest Card: "Harpie's Feather Duster"
"Awesome," grinned Lady.
James and Percy both shoved past Thomas—even before the clerk could ask who would be next.
"ME!" Percy and James yelled out.
The clerk blinked a few times.
"Me first!" requested Percy, "Percy Avonside!"
"No, me!" argued James hotly, "James Hughes!"
"Easy, lads. I'll sign both of you up at once," The clerk chuckled, slightly amused.
The man typed away for a minute. Just then, there was a beeping sound coming from his computer.
"Um, what's up with that?" fretted Percy nervously.
"I'm afraid you'll have to see for yourselves," advised the clerk gravely, showing the computer screen.
Upon seeing the screen, James and Percy's jaws both nearly dropped onto the counter.
"WHAT?!" freaked out James.
"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" screamed Percy.
This was what the computer said on them both:
Name: Percy Avonside
Duel Rank: 1/10
Rarest Card: "Red-Eyes Black Dragon"
And…
Name: James Hughes
Duel Rank: 2/10
Rarest Card: "Elemental HERO Neos"
"I'm afraid you need to have a rank of at least 5 or higher to be in the tournament," The clerk sighed sadly.
"That's so unfair!" whined Percy.
"I'm afraid I don't make the rules," replied the clerk, "The rules were commissioned by Spencer Gresley of Boxford Corporation."
James literally turned red out of anger.
"THAT GOOD FOR NOTHING BASTARD!" raged James, "Wait until I get my hands around his rich little neck!"
"Save some for me!" Percy added, sounding very, very cross too.
"Guys, cool it!" scolded Emily, "We're in a public area!"
"Yeah," Toby agreed, sounding a little nervous over the people outside the shop staring and wondering what the problem was, "You're making people stare at us."
"LET THEM STARE FOR ALL I CARE!" roared James, "THAT SELFISH RICH BOY DID THIS TO US ON PURPOSE!"
As James and Percy both ranted and raved on about Spencer and more, the store clerk turned the computer screen back. Suddenly, he took a closer look at Percy's rarest card and gasped to himself.
"That boy has the legendary 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'?" The clerk thought to himself, "But how is that even possible?" Taking another look, he gasped again at what James's rarest card was, "The other boy has the ultra rare 'Elemental HERO Neos'!"
Without wasting another second, the clerk typed something into the computer and tried getting the attention of Percy and James.
"Well would you believe it?" he admitted dishonestly, "I guess there was a mistake in the system."
James and Percy both turned around, wondering if they misheard that. The clerk merely smiled at both boys, turning the monitor around.
"See for yourself," chortled the clerk.
This was what the screen now showed:
Name: Percy Avonside
Duel Rank: 6/10
Rarest Card: "Red-Eyes Black Dragon"
And…
Name: James Hughes
Duel Rank: 7/10
Rarest Card: "Elemental HERO Neos"
"Alright!" cried Percy happily, "We get to be in the tournament!"
"I guess Spencer realized your true talent and changed his mind," commented the clerk.
"Nah, I think that ranking mistake was just a cruel joke he played on us," figured James, clenching a fist, "One I'd like to get back at him for!"
"Now, since you're all signed up," instructed the clerk, "I'll remind you that you will be wagering your rarest cards in all the duels you'll be participating in this tournament."
"Though it sounds unfair, we understand clearly," nodded Thomas.
"One more thing," The clerk went on, holding out four clear-looking cards, "You will need these cards."
Thomas, James, Lady, and Percy each took a clear card.
"What the heck are these?" quizzed James.
"You'll find out when the tournament begins," promised the clerk.
No longer needing to be in the card shop, Thomas and the others all left the mall. The clerk, once the kids were gone, smirked sinisterly to himself.
"Wonderful," muttered the clerk. He picked up the phone and dialed a number until, after a few seconds, someone picked up on the other line, "Yo."
"Yes?"
"Everything is going according to plan," said the clerk.
"How many more peons have signed up?" The male voice demanded.
"Four suckers have just left now," The clerk stated, as enlarged images of the 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' Normal Monster Card and the 'Elemental HERO Neos' Normal Monster Card briefly loomed in the background, "And get this; one of them has the legendary 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', and the other has an 'Elemental HERO Neos'!"
The voice on the other line could be heard laughing with delight. Taking it as a sign of praise, the clerk hung up, smiling wickedly to himself.
(elsewhere…)
Outside of the mall, the Tidmouth Teens were chatting on what to do now.
"So, what should we do, now?" yawned Gordon.
"I've got an idea," Thomas spoke up, holding up a picture of a movie poster, "That new movie at the Knapford theater is playing at 50% off tonight. Why don't we all go and see it?"
"Great idea," praised Emily, "I've heard that Misty Tredwell plays an important role in it, and she's absolutely amazing!"
"Ditto," swooned Henry.
"You're damned right about that, Emily!" agreed James, before he, Gordon, Henry, and Percy all took off in different directions, "We'll see you guys later tonight!"
All that was left was Thomas, Emily, Edward, Toby, and Lady.
"Sorry, guys, as much as I want to come see the movie, too, I'm gonna be busy overhauling my Deck for the tournament," apologized Lady.
"Hey, it's fine," accepted Thomas, "Do what you need to do."
A grateful Lady nodded in agreement.
(elsewhere…)
Later on, it was around 6:00 pm, and Percy was leaving his home.
"Movie starts at 7:00," thought Percy, "I'd better head over there."
(elsewhere…)
The walk took Percy through downtown Knapford City. Not wanting to risk being late, he decided to take a shortcut through an alley.
"Oooh… it sure is spooky in these parts at night…" Percy shivered nervously, looking around the dark alleyway, "B-But I'm not scared," There was a creaking sound, making the green-haired boy jump a moment, "What was that?!"
(elsewhere…)
Over with James, he, along with both Gordon and Henry, was on his way to meet up with the others to see the movie Thomas suggested.
"How long do we have?" pressed Henry.
"Shouldn't be too long," answered James.
The three boys jogged down the street of Knapford City, trying to make it on time to the movie when…
"Well, well, well…" A calm, but sinister, voice (male) echoed, "What do we have here, boys?"
"Who said that?" shivered Henry.
"A bunch of children are what they are," Another voice (male) laughed.
"Whoever's out there, show yourself!" ordered James.
Out from the shadows came a group of hooded men.
"Who are you guys?" demanded Gordon.
"We are the elite group known as the Rare Hunters," explained Rare Hunter 1.
"Rare Hunters?" repeated Henry.
"Hold on," said James, remembering what Ishizu mentioned about the cloaked figures, "We were told about you guys!"
"Oh?" teased Rare Hunter 2, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
"You go around stealing rare cards from innocent duelists just so you can sell them for big money," accused James, before getting into a defensive stance, "Well, I hate to break it to ya, but you're not getting anything from me!"
"HA!" scoffed Rare Hunter 2, "If we did that, then there would be no fun."
"What's that supposed to mean?" growled Gordon.
With the swoosh of his cape, Rare Hunter 1 held out an activated Duel Disk on his left arm.
"We find it more interesting to duel our victims instead of just taking their cards," Rare Hunter 1 pointed out.
"Oh, I see! You want a duel?" threatened James, smiling while activating his own Duel Disk, "You've got one!"
"Do be careful out there, James," Henry warned, nervous as to what might happen should the three Rare Hunters win the battle, "Something tells me these guys play very differently than we do."
James nodded before facing Rare Hunter 1, named Zander. The two duelists drew their opening hands (LP: 4000) x2.
(elsewhere…)
Back with Percy in the alley, he was still looking around nervously.
"W-Who's there?" squeaked Percy.
Suddenly, a rat scuttled by.
"Oh, it was just a rat," Percy sighed to himself, greatly relieved, "It is nothing to be afraid of."
Just then, there was a new voice…
"Ah ha! My target has been found."
"Who's there?" worried Percy, as laughter echoed throughout, "Come on out!"
On cue, three more Rare Hunters emerged from the shadows of the alley.
"You!" yelled Rare Hunter 4, "You possess the legendary 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', do you not?"
Percy was rather startled.
"H-H-How do you know?" peeped Percy, hugging the Duel Disk on his left, "You're not going to beat me up and steal it are you?"
"HA! You sound scared of us," taunted Rare Hunter 5.
"Wh-What?! I-I'm not scared of you!" Percy stammered, trying to sound brave but obviously failing, "You're those Rare Hunters I've heard about, aren't you?"
"Indeed, we are," confirmed Rare Hunter 6, the leader of the pack, "We, the Rare Hunters, will not let you pass that easily," He held his right hand out, "Now hand over your 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' and we'll let you pass. Otherwise, we'll duel for it."
"There's no way I'll hand over my favorite monster card to the likes of you!" refused Percy, "If I have to duel you to keep it, then so be it!"
"Percy Avonside, we'll play using the Battle City rules!" Rare Hunter 6, Seeker, urged, revealing the Duel Disk on his left arm, "If you lose, we get your rarest card, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'!"
"I don't have time for this," thought Percy, "But these guys won't let me pass," He smirked to himself, "Very well, I'll show them the power of a San Francisco finalist!"
Both Percy and Seeker activated their Duel Disks and drew their opening hands (LP: 4000) x2.
"Duel!" Percy and Seeker announced at the same time.
Rare Hunter 4 and Rare Hunter 5 both smiled maliciously, waiting for the outcome they knew would come.
"I'll take the first turn, kid!" insisted Seeker, drawing a card.
Turn One: Seeker (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Left Leg of the Forbidden One", "Vortex Trooper", "Stone Statue of the Aztecs", "Graceful Charity", "Hannibal Necromancer", and "Magical Mallet"
Adding the card into his hand, he took a new one out.
"Prepare yourself," advised Seeker, as he laid a card ('Vortex Trooper') onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Vortex Trooper' in Defense Position!"
Appearing to the field was a large blue robot with a vortex spinning blade for a head and left arm (Level: 3/ATK: 0/DEF: 600).
"'Vortex Trooper's' first effect activates!" The voice of Seeker went on, with 'Vortex Trooper' glowing an orange aura. He was then shown taking two cards from his hand, "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can shuffle 2 cards from my hand into the Deck, then draw 2 cards!" Upon adding the drawn cards into his hand, he then took one of them and slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "And then, I'll Set one card," While that was being said, a face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Vortex Trooper', "From there, my turn is finished."
"Is that it?" commented Percy, "That's all you got?"
"It's your turn, kid!" snapped Seeker.
Percy flinched at first, but regained a confident aura as he nodded.
"Gladly! It's my turn!" declared Percy, drawing a card, "Draw card!"
Turn Two: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Knight of Dark Dragon", "The Warrior Returning Alive", "Panther Warrior", "Metalmorph", "Blue Flame Swordsman", and "Copycat"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Copycat', while the rest of his hand consisted of 'Knight of Dark Dragon', 'The Warrior Returning Alive', 'Panther Warrior', 'Metalmorph', and 'Blue Flame Swordsman'. Adding the drawn 'Copycat' to his hand, Percy was feeling quite chuffed.
"Oh, yeah, that's what I'm talking about," thought Percy, as he took another card ('Blue Flame Swordsman') and placed it onto a Monster Zone, "I Summon 'Blue Flame Swordsman' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on Percy's field was a monster that looked similar to 'Flame Swordsman', but his chest armor was painted black and his sword's blade was blue (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1600). Seeker seemed to smile with approval of Percy's monster.
"Go, 'Blue Flame Swordsman'!" commanded Percy, immediately entering his Battle Phase, "Attack 'Vortex Trooper'!"
'Blue Flame Swordsman' obeyed, causing a blue flame to ignite on his sword as he charged forward and sliced 'Vortex Trooper' in two, causing it to explode from destruction.
"'Vortex Trooper's' second effect activates!" snickered Seeker, drawing a card, "If this card is destroyed: I must draw 1 card."
"Big deal," rebutted Percy, entering his Main Phase 2 to slot a card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field near his feet, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn."
"How pathetic," taunted Seeker, "You didn't do any damage to me, and you never will that easily," He drew a card, "Card drawn!"
Turn Three: Seeker (LP: 4000)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (6): "Left Leg of the Forbidden One", "Graceful Charity", "Hannibal Necromancer", "Right Arm of the Forbidden One", "Upstart Goblin", and "Deep Diver"
Adding the drawn card to his hand, Seeker then held up another card ('Graceful Charity'), before slotting it into his Duel Disk.
"I activate 'Graceful Charity'," began Seeker, as the mentioned card materialized face-up on the field. He then was shown drawing three cards, "I must draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards!" He then discarded two cards, then reached to press a button on the main body of the Duel Disk, "Continuous Trap, open!" The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Forced Requisition'!"
"What?!" cried Percy.
"I can activate this card when I discard from my hand," explained Seeker, "After that, each time I discard from my hand, my opponent must also discard the same number of cards from their hand."
"Huh? Are you kidding me?" complained Percy.
"Oh, do lighten up, won't you?" retorted Seeker playfully, holding up another card ('Upstart Goblin') "This should help you some. Spell Card, 'Upstart Goblin'! I must draw 1 card, then my opponent gains 1000 LP!"
Percy gasped a little bit, even as his LP went up (LP: 4000 → 5000). Seeker looked at his drawn card, smiled, and looked at the opponent.
"I Summon 'Deep Diver' in Defense Position, and then I'll Set one card face-down!" ranted Seeker.
Appearing on the field was a Warrior monster dressed in an old-fashioned scuba diving suit (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1100), followed by a face-down card materializing on the field behind it.
"My turn's finished!" concluded Seeker.
"Defense Position again?" thought Percy, "Why doesn't he try something that will hurt me? He gave me 1000 more LP just to draw another card… He has to be up to something, but I don't have the faintest idea what that could be," He spoke aloud, "It's my turn!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Percy Avonside (LP: 5000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): "Knight of Dark Dragon", "The Warrior Returning Alive", "Panther Warrior", "Copycat", and "Dark Dragon Ritual"
His drawn card was a Spell Card, of the Ritual kind, called 'Dark Dragon Ritual'.
"Great! I've drawn 'Dark Dragon Ritual'!" thought Percy, before noticing another good card in his hand, "And I've got 'Knight of Dark Dragon', too! This is perfect! I can deliver massive damage with these monsters!" He took a card ('Panther Warrior') from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Jet-Black Leopard Warrior - Panther Warrior'!"
Appearing on the field was a humanoid panther wearing armor and cape, wielding a sword, and carrying a shield (Level: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1600).
"A monster with a side effect," responded Seeker, as focus went towards 'Panther Warrior', "This card cannot declare an attack unless you Tribute 1 monster."
"I know that!" shouted Percy, entering the Battle Phase, "Go, 'Blue Flame Swordsman'!" As he ordered the attack, 'Blue Flame Swordsman' jumped into the air and sliced 'Deep Diver' in two, "Take out 'Deep Diver'!"
Both halves of "Deep Diver' shattered into shards of glass.
"Yes!" beamed Percy, briefly speaking about 'Panther Warrior', "With no monsters on your field, my 'Panther Warrior' can hit you for 2000 direct damage!" He then talked about 'Blue Flame Swordsman', "Sure, I have to Tribute 'Blue Flame Swordsman' to allow 'Panther Warrior' to attack, but what works, right?"
Seeker said nothing, but he remained smiling to himself.
"Here I go!" boasted Percy, as 'Blue Flame Swordsman' and 'Panther Warrior' stood side-by-side as the former faded away in a blue streak, "I Tribute 'Blue Flame Swordsman' so that 'Panther Warrior' can attack you directly!"
'Panther Warrior' charged at Seeker, raised his sword, and brought it down. However, Seeker chose that moment to speak up.
"'Necro Gardna's' effect!" boomed Seeker, as a card emerged his GY and caused a white-haired monster wearing armor to appear on the field and take the blow instead, "During my opponent's turn (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from my GY; I must negate the next attack this turn from a monster my opponent controls!"
"Ngh…" grunted Percy, disappointed.
"'Deep Diver's' effect also activates!" continued Seeker, taking out his Deck from the Duel Disk and looking it over, "At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card was destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I must choose 1 monster…" He picked a card, placed the Deck back in, and placed it on top, "…from my Deck and place it on top of my Deck."
"Heh! I already have everything I need to bring out my best monster!" reassured Percy, taking the failed attack as a minor setback. He held out another card ('Dark Dragon Ritual') "I activate the Ritual Spell, 'Dark Dragon Ritual'! This card is used to Ritual Summon 'Knight of Dark Dragon'. I must also Tribute monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels equal 4 or more. I Tribute my Level 4 'Panther Warrior'!" 'Panther Warrior' faded away in a blue streak, and a face-up Ritual Monster Card called 'Knight of Dark Dragon' materialized on the field, "Ritual Summon! Descend, 'Knight of Dark Dragon'!"
Appearing from the face-up card and onto the field, was a Warrior monster resembling 'Paladin of White Dragon'—but was wearing black armor, and had no steed to ride on (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200).
"Oh… 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' support?" smirked Seeker.
"There's way more support than just this guy in my Deck. I activate 'Knight of Dark Dragon's' second effect!" said Percy, removing the card ('Knight of Dark Dragon') from the Monster Zone and holding it up, "I can Tribute this card; I must Special Summon 1 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' from my hand or Deck, but 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' cannot attack for the rest of this turn," He then held up another card ('Red-Eyes Black Dragon') taken from his Deck, "Appear now, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'!"
Appearing on the field with a spectacular light show, was a large, terrifying dragon. Its sharp, armor-like scales were glossy black, and its eyes glowed red. It let loose a mighty roar to signal its arrival (Level: 7/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000). The trio of Rare Hunters merely grinned to themselves. The one most pleased about it was Seeker.
"There it is…" Seeker told himself, as 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' let loose another roar, "It will make my victory all the sweeter."
"Well, that's too bad, because this is the only chance you'll ever have to see my 'Red-Eyes' in its true glory!" bragged Percy, as a Spell Card called 'The Warrior Returning Alive' materialized face-up on the field, "I activate 'The Warrior Returning Alive'! I must target 1 Warrior monster in my GY; I must add that target to my hand," He held up a card ('Blue Flame Swordsman') taken from his GY for a moment before placing it into his hand, "I add 'Blue Flame Swordsman' back to my hand!" He entered the End Phase, "I end my turn!"
"Hmhmhm… Then, it's my turn," squirmed Seeker, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Seeker (LP: 4000)
Deck: 27
Current Hand (5): "Left Leg of the Forbidden One", "Right Arm of the Forbidden One", "Left Arm of the Forbidden One", "Graceful Charity", and "Right Leg of the Forbidden One"
He held up a card ('Graceful Charity') from his hand.
"'Graceful Charity'!" began Seeker.
"Another copy?" gasped Percy.
"I must draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards!" reminded Seeker, drawing three cards, placing them in his hand, then taking two cards and sending them to the GY, "By doing this, the effect of 'Forced Requisition' activates!"
The face-up 'Forced Requisition' started glowing, much to Percy's displeasure.
"I discarded two cards, so you're forced to do the same thing!" laughed Seeker.
"Damn…" groaned Percy, taking the only two cards ('Copycat' and 'Blue Flame Swordsman') from his hand and discarding them, "There! Are you happy now?"
"Quite," mocked Seeker, placing a card ('Stone Statue of the Aztecs') onto a Monster Zone (sideways) on his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Stone Statue of the Aztecs'!" The Duel Disk lit up, "Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a large stone Aztec statue-like monster (Level: 3/ATK: 300/DEF: 2000).
"Next, I pay 1000 LP to activate my Continuous Trap, 'Skill Drain'!" As Seeker lost some of his LP (LP: 4000 → 3000), his face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself—causing Percy to look upset, "I must negate the effects of all face-up monsters while they are face-up on the field (but their effects can still be activated)!" He entered his End Phase, "I end my turn!"
"As long as I have 'Red-Eyes', there's just no way this creep can defeat me," thought Percy, before speaking aloud again, "It's my turn!" He drew a card with a Destiny Draw, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Percy Avonside (LP: 5000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (1): "Inferno Fire Blast"
Upon seeing his drawn card…
"Alright!" cheered Percy, as Seeker seemed to ease up, "Now you're gonna get it!"
"Damn you! What did you draw?" uttered Seeker.
"Allow me to show you," offered Percy, holding his drawn card ('Inferno Fire Blast') out, "I activate the Spell, 'Inferno Fire Blast'! I must target 1 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' in my Monster Zone; I must inflict damage to my opponent equal to the original ATK of that 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'!"
With the audience, Rare Hunter 4 and Rare Hunter 5 both looked shocked by that development, as, back on the field, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' started charging a blast of fire.
"Go, 'Red-Eyes'! Inferno Fire Blast!" commanded Percy.
'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' fired a powerful blast of fire towards Seeker, striking him head on (LP: 3000 → 600). When the smoke cleared, Seeker had fallen onto a knee in exhaustion.
"I'm not finished! I activate a Trap Card!" vowed Percy, as his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself—causing metal coating to form on 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon's' scales, "'Metalmorph'! I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; I must equip this card to that target. It gains 300 ATK/DEF!"
'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' grew even stronger (ATK: 2400 → 2700/DEF: 2000 → 2300).
"Naturally, I target 'Red-Eyes'!" chuckled Percy, before explaining the second effect of his face-up 'Metalmorph' Trap Card, "If it attacks, it gains ATK equal to half the ATK of the attack target, during damage calculation only."
"Unfortunately that effect is meaningless because 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' cannot attack the turn you activate 'Inferno Fire Blast'," objected Seeker.
"I Tribute 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' equipped with 'Metalmorph'!" cut in Percy, placing another card ('Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon') onto the occupied Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "Come forth, 'Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon'!"
'Red-Eyes Black Dragon's' eyes glowed red as its body became further mechanical-like and its stats went up further (Level: 7 → 8/ATK: 2700 → 2800/DEF: 2300 → 2400).
"Battle! 'Red-Eyes', turn that 'Stone Statue of the Aztecs' to rubble!" coached Percy, as 'Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon' opened its mouth and charged a powerful attack, "Dark Mega Flare!"
The mighty blast of fire was launched, striking and destroying 'Stone Statue of the Aztecs' in a massive explosion. Seeker was pushed back slightly, but remained on his feet.
"Wow, this duel is just too easy!" bragged Percy, "Anyway, how do you guys like the power of my 'Red-Eyes'?" When Seeker said nothing in response, he (Percy) continued egging on the opponent, "I know you want this card, but you can't have it. Just remember how it looks! I'll end you on my next turn!"
Suddenly, the three Rare Hunters started laughing in response.
"Huh?" blinked Percy.
"I have to say it's been a fun duel while it lasted," admitted Seeker, "But you won't live to see another turn."
"No way!" Percy cried out, clearly growing afraid, "I clearly have the upper hand. All you've been doing is playing defensive throughout."
"Really?" uttered Seeker ominously, before drawing a card, "It's my turn! Card drawn!"
Turn Seven: Seeker (LP: 600)
Deck: 23
Current Hand (5): "Left Leg of the Forbidden One", "Right Arm of the Forbidden One", "Left Arm of the Forbidden One", "Right Leg of the Forbidden One", and "Exodia the Forbidden One"
Looking at what he drew, the Rare Hunter's eyes widened with glee as he looked back up.
"Can't you see?" raged Seeker, "I've been leading you right from the beginning!"
"W-What?" peeped Percy.
Suddenly, to prove his point, Seeker laid all five cards in his hand onto Monster Zones on his Duel Disk.
"Come forth, 'Exodia the Forbidden One'!" exclaimed Seeker.
"What?! Did you say…'EXODIA'?!" panicked Percy, who was really scared.
A large pentagon symbol appeared in mid-air in-front of Seeker, and out of the pentagon and onto the field came a large, muscular monster known only as 'Exodia the Forbidden One'.
"No… NOT 'EXODIA'!" screamed Percy.
At long last, 'Exodia the Forbidden One' started charging something in its hands.
"Hellfire's Rage! Exodo Flame!" The voice of Seeker commanded with such force.
'Exodia the Forbidden One' fired a sphere of flames to the right, towards the helpless 'Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon'.
"This can't be…" whispered Percy, as the attack collided, "IMPOSSIBLE!"
The blast destroyed 'Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon' and then struck Percy, sending him flying back into a wall (LP: 5000 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Seeker wins!
Percy slid down the wall and laid in pain from that massive blow. The three Rare Hunters loomed over him menacingly.
"You've lost, kid," sneered Rare Hunter 5.
Seeker walked over to Percy's dropped cards and look for a specific one to take as a prize. The blow from 'Exodia the Forbidden One' caused all of Percy's cards to fly out of the Duel Disk. Seeker then noticed, and picked up the 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' Normal Monster Card.
"I'll be taking your 'Red-Eyes', now," cackled Seeker, "I guess you could say this is my lucky day."
"My 'Red-Eyes'…" murmured Percy, as the three Rare Hunters glared and grinned at him, "How did you get your hands on something as rare as 'Exodia'?"
"How, you ask?" spoke Rare Hunter 4, breaking into laughter.
Seeker and Rare Hunter 5 also started laughing at poor Percy.
"As Rare Hunters, we thrive on taking rare cards from players," revealed Seeker, "That includes the legendary 'Exodia'," He then held up…three complete sets of 'Exodia the Forbidden One', "But we also collect extra copies and even make new copies! Like how I possess three complete sets of 'Exodia'!"
"Three…sets?!" gawked Percy weakly.
"That's right," confirmed Seeker, "Many thanks for the 'Red-Eyes'. With a card this rare, we could end up retiring sooner than we expected."
"N-No-!" protested Percy, trying to stand back up, "You can't just-!"
An unamused Seeker frowned and snapped his fingers, prompting Rare Hunters 4 and 5 to approach Percy menacingly and start beating him up. When the vicious pummeling was done, Percy was thrown against the wall again. The Rare Hunters then turned and left while laughing.
"My 'Red-Eyes'…" hissed Percy in pain, "M-My…"
Alas, he felt too weak to try and get up. Thus, Percy Avonside finally passed out. How was James doing in his duel? Let's go see, shall we?
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere else in town, the duel between James and Zander was still going. James (LP: 3500) controlled no cards, while Zander (LP: 1600) controlled very powerful monsters in 'Cosmo Queen' (Level: 8/ATK: 2900/DEF: 2450) and 'Sengenjin' (Level: 8/ATK: 2750/DEF: 2500), and both were in Attack Position.
"It's my turn!" announced James, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn ?: James Hughes (LP: 3500)
Deck: ?
Current Hand (3): "Elemental HERO Prisma", "Wrath of Neos", and "O - Oversoul"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'O - Oversoul', and his hand contained 'Elemental HERO Prisma' and 'Wrath of Neos'.
"Heh! I gotta hand it to you," admitted James, as Zander listened closely, "You're pretty good for a card thief, Summoning and controlling two powerful monsters."
"And soon I will have your 'Neos'!" countered Zander.
"Not gonna happen, pal," grinned James, before taking and placing a card ('Elemental HERO Prisma') onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Elemental HERO Prisma'!"
Appearing to the field was a HERO made entirely out of prism crystals (Level: 4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1100). Back in the stands, the reaction to the new monster was mixed.
"What good will that monster do him?" huffed Rare Hunter 2, as Rare Hunter 3 nodded in agreement, "It's worthless against Zander's monsters!"
"Are you sure about that?" replied James, giving Gordon and Henry some hope. Sure enough, he had a plan, "I activate 'Prisma's' monster effect! Once per turn: I can reveal 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, then send 1 of the Fusion Materials whose name is mentioned on that card from my Deck to the GY; this card's name becomes the sent monster's until the End Phase!"
"What?!" gasped Zander, "You can do that?"
"Watch and weep!" dared James, holding up a Fusion Monster Card called 'Elemental HERO Flare Neos', "I reveal 'Flare Neos' from my Extra Deck," He then took and sent a card ('Elemental HERO Neos') from his Main Deck to the GY, "I then send 'Neos' from my Deck to the GY!" He looked up, "Care to guess what happens next? That's right, 'Prisma' is now named 'Neos' until my turn ends."
'Elemental HERO Prisma' turned into a replica of 'Elemental HERO Neos'—who resembled the fictional Japanese hero Ultraman—and Zander wondered what would happen next. James had more he wanted to do, and knew the perfect card to play.
"I activate the Spell Card, 'Wrath of Neos'!" continued James, holding a card ('Wrath of Neos') out, "I must target 1 'Elemental HERO Neos' in my Monster Zone; I must shuffle that 'Elemental HERO Neos' into the Deck, and if I do, destroy all cards on the field!"
"C-Crap!" wailed Zander.
'Elemental HERO Prisma' jumped up and punched the ground, causing a shockwave that destroyed all of Zander's monsters. It also destroyed 'Elemental HERO Prisma'.
"You know, since you guys want to see 'Neos' so badly, I'll let you see him," requested James, holding up one more card ('O - Oversoul'), "That way, he can be the one to kick your ass!"
"Is that 'O - Oversoul'?!" worried Zander.
"I must target 1 'Elemental HERO' Normal Monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target!" explained James, as a card ('Elemental HERO Neos') ejected from his GY, "Resurrect, 'Neos'!"
Appearing on the field was the Ultraman-like 'Elemental HERO' monster (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
"Take this!" shouted James, entering the Battle Phase. As he announced the attack name, 'Elemental HERO Neos' jumped into the air until he was above Zander, "Wrath of Neos!"
Zander was slugged in the stomach by 'Elemental HERO Neos', throwing him to the ground in an injured state.
"Dammit! How could I lose?" Zander asked himself in shock (LP: 1600 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: James Hughes wins!
"Heck yeah!" whooped James, jumping up while punching the air with his right fist, "I've won!"
As the remaining holograms faded away, Rare Hunters 2 and 3 were aghast that their boss lost to James and 'Elemental HERO Neos'.
"What a relief," sighed Henry, relieved.
"Now, do us a favor," ordered Gordon, as Zander, Rare Hunter 2, and Rare Hunter 3 each listened, "and go away before we really get serious!"
The three Rare Hunters looked angry, but complied, running away into the distance.
"Good riddance," huffed Gordon.
"Think we'd better call the police on them in case more come?" suggested Henry.
"Let's do that later," declined James, "We have to go meet with Thomas and the others," Gordon and Henry both looked surprised with the statement, "After all, they're waiting for us."
And the three teenagers took off down the block.
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, outside the Knapford Theater, Thomas, Toby, Edward, and Emily were all waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.
"It's 7:15," grumbled Toby, "What could be keeping them?"
"I hope they're alright," frowned Emily, sounding worried.
"Same here," finished Edward.
"HEY!" The voice of James called out.
The four Sudrian teenagers looked over and saw Gordon, James, and Henry running up.
"Where were you?" questioned Toby.
"We ran into a bit of trouble," panted Gordon.
"Remember those Rare Hunters guys Ishizu told us about?" recalled Henry, as James nodded, "Well we ran into a trio of them while on our way here."
"They tried to take 'Neos' from me," added James, holding up his 'Elemental HERO Neos' Normal Monster Card, "But I won in the end."
"But what about Percy?" remembered Thomas, now sounding as worried as Emily, "They might have gone after him, too!"
"So, I guess the movie is off?" figured Toby.
"I'm afraid so," confirmed Thomas, "We'll have to split up and find Percy before those Rare Hunters do."
With that being said, the friends split up and raced off to try and find Percy.
(elsewhere…)
Thomas and Emily were both looking around a street.
"Not here," reported Emily.
"Hold on," countered Thomas, pointing nearby, "Let's check that alley."
They ran into the alleyway and soon saw Percy lying on his back, badly beaten and ashamed.
"PERCY!" Thomas and Emily realized, racing over to their fallen friend.
"'Red…Eyes'…" mumbled Percy.
"Percy!" wailed Thomas, running over to help Percy, "Percy! Wake up!"
Percy slowly woke up to find Thomas and Emily looking at him in concern.
"Are you alright, Percy?" fretted Emily, "We were so worried about you when James mentioned the Rare Hunters."
"They went after James, too?" coughed Percy.
"Yeah, but James managed to beat one of them," assured Thomas.
Percy looked away from his two friends in shame.
"Percy?" urged Emily.
"I wasn't so lucky," murmured Percy sadly, "I lost my 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'."
"What?" Thomas, thinking he didn't hear that right, quizzed.
"I said I lost my 'Red-Eyes' to those creeps!" Percy shouted, bursting into tears over his failure, "After that, they beat me up!"
"It'll be okay, Percy," soothed Emily, hugging her sobbing friend in comfort, "We'll help you get your Red-Eyes back."
Thomas watched on grimly before going into his thoughts.
"Those creeps have already started their hunt," thought Thomas, "They've already gotten Percy's 'Red-Eyes'… Who knows who will be targeted next?" He narrowed his eyes over what the Rare Hinters did, "You'll pay for this, Rare Hunters!"
Either way, with exams coming in about a week, as well as the biggest Duel Monsters tournament in the week after that, who knows what Thomas and his friends would encounter by then?
A pretty dark ending, wouldn't you agree?