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: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!, Part 1

The next morning, Thomas had managed to sleep well the rest of that night despite him nearly getting buzz sawed in half. After a nice breakfast, he had set off to meet his friends at the town square so that they (the ones competing) could get ready for the second day of the Battle City tournament. He was shown emerging from the Billinton household, stretching his arms out with a yawn.

"Boy, oh boy," groaned Thomas tiredly, but ready either way, "I think today is gonna be a great time."

"Have a good time!" The voice of Mrs. Billinton called out.

"I will!" called Thomas, waving back.

(inside…)

Inside the kitchen, Mrs. Billinton stopped smiling as soon as her son was long gone, sighing heavily to herself. Mr. Billinton was quick to notice his wife's anxious state.

"Something on your mind?" he wondered, placing a hand on Mrs. Billinton's shoulder.

"I'm worried about him, dear," replied Mrs. Billinton gravely, "After what happened to him last night, and with these hunter people targeting him; I don't want him getting hurt out there."

Mr. Billinton brought her into a hug.

"I understand what you're saying, but you know how important this is to him," Mr. Billinton pointed out, "Besides, he's a smart boy; he'll know what to do."

Mrs. Billinton hugged her husband back tightly.

"But he's growing up so fast," she whispered.

Both parents stood embracing each other. Despite their resolution, they hoped nothing more would happen to their son.

(elsewhere…)

Outside at the Hughes residence, Gordon, Henry, Edward, and Emily were all waiting for James to exit the house.

"He isn't still grounded, is he?" pondered Henry.

"Let's hope that's not the case," responded Edward, "Unlike the last tournament, this one will somewhat conclude this evening."

At last, the door opened and a rather glum-looking James walked out.

"Morning, jailbird," greeted Gordon mockingly.

"Hey," muttered James.

"So, did your parents ungrounded you?" figured Emily.

"They agreed to let me resume competing only if I apologize to Molly before the day is over," frowned James, "If I don't, I'm not allowed to participate in the finals," He folded his arms in disgust, "But why should I when she lied to me?"

Gordon and Henry both sighed. Once again, James refused to blame himself for hurting Molly's feelings. Regardless, James perked up almost immediately.

"Well, anyway, I've got some serious catching up to do," he grinned, "I'm ready to begin day 2 of this tournament!"

"That reminds me…" recalled Henry, pulling something out of his pocket, "Murdoch asked us to give this…" He held out a Locator Card, "…to you since you forgot to take it after your duel with him yesterday."

"Nice!" rejoiced James, which gave him three Locator Cards so far.

"Now you and Thomas are tied with three Locator Cards," acknowledged Emily.

"By the way, how's Thomas doing?" asked James, who heard the story from Percy on the phone last night, "Last I heard, he almost got his legs sliced off by a buzzsaw. Sure wish I could have helped look for him."

"He's doing fine for now," assured Emily, "After facing two more Rare Hunters, I'm starting to wish he wouldn't compete in this tournament, because it just seems so dangerous."

"What did he say after you told him that?" pressed Edward.

"He said that I worry too much and that if he wouldn't be able to stop Marik, then who would?"

"Not to mention he has another good reason for entering the tournament," remembered Gordon.

James looked interested, "What is it?"

"Remember when we went to the museum for the school field trip?" put in Henry, directing his (Henry) attention to James, "He wants more answers to what we saw. And he believes he'll find them by taking part in this tournament."

"Oh right, that's what he said…" mused James, folding his arms and closing his eyes, "Man, what a day that was."

The five Sudrian teenagers then left the residence to head over to the town square.

(elsewhere…)

In the town square, Thomas, Percy, and Lady were waiting for the rest of their friends to arrive.

"I'm glad to see you're still in one piece in this tournament, Percy," began Lady.

"Hey, you know me," beamed Percy, "In a Duel Monsters tournament this important, nothing can keep me down from proving myself!" He then grew interested, "So, uh, how many Locator Cards have you earned thus far?"

"Oh, not very much," The voice of Lady sighed, holding out her four Locator Cards, "I only have four."

"That's amazing, Lady!" praised Thomas, holding his three Locator Cards out near Lady's, "James and I have three!"

Percy then held out both of his own Locator Cards near his friends', clearly disappointed by the fact he was lagging behind.

"Aw man!" complained Percy, "When we three get together, I'm always at the bottom."

"Well, at least you guys earned yours in safe, friendly duels," cut in Thomas, sternly, looking down at his Locator Cards and recalling his first two tournament duels, "I had to earn mine from Rare Hunters where my life was on the line!"

"We know," said Lady soothingly.

"I'm sorry, Thomas," apologized Percy, "I-I didn't mean it like that."

"It's alright, Percy," accepted Thomas, calming down slightly, "I'm sorry I got snappy," He then looked around the area, "The other duelists had at least one duel since yesterday."

"That means half are eliminated," guessed Lady, looking at her four Locator Cards, "Only ten duelists can make the finals, so we can't waste any time."

"No worries," vowed Percy, "We'll all make it to the finals together, or my name isn't Percival Avonside."

While Percy and Lady shared a friendly conversation, Thomas looked down at the Deck holder on his belt.

"Maybe today I'll encounter the 'God' Card that Marik mentioned," thought Thomas.

Nearby, a weird mime with facial piercings was standing and blankly watching Thomas as though there was nothing better to do—even ignoring the birds landing on his shoulders and the top of his head. Just then…

"HELP! HELP!" A young boy's voice echoed.

The birds flew away from the stationary mime. A young boy with orange hair and buck teeth then ran in, getting the attention of lots of people. He looked very upset, so he didn't pay any attention to any of the stares and just wanted someone who would be willing to help him.

"Please, you have to help me!" he wailed.

Thomas, Percy, and Lady each approached the young boy, wondering what the problem was.

"What is it, Billy?" pressed Thomas.

"It's Diesel!" The young boy, named Billy, stated sadly, "After he beat me in a duel and took my Locator Card as we agreed to, he had 'Arry and Bert take my whole Deck instead of my rarest card!"

"That big cheat!" seethed Lady, "How dare he do that?"

"Do we really have to help Billy?" whispered Percy, "I mean, what if Billy is secretly working for Diesel in an effort to sabotage one of our Decks?" He (Percy) looked at Thomas, "Your Deck was sabotaged that one time, Thomas, remember?"

"Percy!" scolded Thomas harshly.

Percy blinked a few times then looked at Billy, who looked fit to cry from being accused of lying and working for Diesel.

"Okay, my bad," mumbled Percy sheepishly.

Lady knelt down and placed her hands on Billy's shoulders warmly.

"Everything will be okay, Billy," she promised kindly, "We'll get your Deck back."

Billy felt grateful someone agreed to help him overcome his problem.

"So, um, how do we even find him?" wondered Percy, resting both hands behind his head.

"If we find 'Arry and Bert, we're bound to find Diesel," assumed Thomas, "We'll split up and cover more ground."

With that said, Thomas, Percy, and Lady each split up in different directions—with Billy deciding to accompany Percy.

(elsewhere…)

Surprisingly, it didn't take long for Percy to find Diesel and his two cronies. The trio were currently in an alleyway chatting.

"Wow, Diesel, you have two Locator Cards!" grinned Bert.

"Forget the Locator Cards!" snapped Diesel, before smirking widely, "I'm uninterested in winning this tournament," He held up Billy's stolen Deck, "Winning rare cards is all I ever need to build the ultimate Insect Deck!"

Nearby…

"That's my Deck!" shouted Billy.

The three Smelter Teens turned and saw Percy and Billy confronting them.

"Oil slick! Run for it!" announced Diesel, dashing away.

Percy and Billy immediately started giving chase, not about to let a cheater and his two cronies escape.

(elsewhere…)

In another part of Knapford City, Edward, Emily, Toby, and Mavis were walking down the street and talking.

"I really wish James didn't take forever to come down," grumbled Emily, "Now we have to look hard to find Thomas, Percy, and Lady…again."

Suddenly, they all saw the three Smelters Teens race by.

"Was that Diesel, 'Arry, and Bert?" blinked Toby, looking puzzled.

Mavis, not wanting anything to do with her former boyfriend, just moved along in a very unhappy manner.

"Just ignore him," she requested dismissively.

It was then Percy and Billy ran by, yelling at Diesel to stop.

"There goes Percy," commented Edward.

Suddenly, Emily had a look of concern on her face. Without wasting a single second, she raced after the duelists before anyone could even ask where she was even going.

"Emily? Hey…!" cried Toby.

The rest of the Sudrian teenagers soon gave chase, too. With the three Smelter Teens, they thought they managed to get away from the goody-goods chasing after them.

"Ha ha ha! Those slowpokes," mocked Diesel.

Unfortunately for him…

*BAM!*

…someone was standing in his way, and he smashed into that person. It was Zack, who managed to stay on his (Zack) feet, while Diesel fell down. 'Arry and Bert both stopped when they saw James R., Carlie, and Ben standing with arms folded and angry looks on their faces.

"Going somewhere?" questioned Zack.

Suddenly the rest of the pursuing group, except Percy, came up, trapping the three bullies and preventing them from escaping.

"We're trapped like rats!" sweated Bert.

"What have you three done this time?" asked Edward unhappily.

"N-Nothing!" lied Diesel, "We're just ordinary Battle City duelists!"

"That's a lie!" cut in Billy, as everyone else listened to him, "After he defeated me in a duel, he had 'Arry and Bert steal my Deck!" He held his right hand out, "Give me my Deck back!"

"Shame on you!" scolded Carlie, grabbing Diesel by the shirt collar and pulling him in until he and she were seeing eye-to-eye, "Stealing a little boy's Deck after you defeated him in a duel! That is not how a True Duelist should act!"

"Hehehe… I'm glad such a cute girl is telling me that," chuckled Diesel fearlessly.

Angrily, Carlie threw Diesel onto the ground as she glared hotly at him.

"Listen up! Never say that to my face again," threatened Carlie, putting the heel of her boot to Diesel's face, "I'm not the ordinary girl you're so used to being around—I can, and will, brutally kick your lights out if you're not careful with your choice of words."

Percy then finally caught up to the group and bent over to catch his breath.

"F-Finally…" he huffed and puffed, before recovering and glaring at Diesel angrily, "Okay, Diesel. Hand over Billy's Deck, and there will be no trouble!"

"Never!" refused Diesel deviously, "These rare cards are all mine, now!"

"That's against the rules!" protested Edward, "You're only allowed to take the loser's ONE rarest card and a Locator Card. Not the whole Deck!"

"Rules, schmules!" Diesel scoffed, waving his right hand, "I honestly don't care about this crummy tournament. I'm only in it to win rare cards to build the ultimate Insect Deck!"

"Heh, so says the guy who tried to take a set of 'Exodia' cards," teased Percy, "Only to find out they were fakes!"

"Shut up!" shouted Diesel.

"You're outnumbered, Diesel," James R. pointed out, as Diesel, 'Arry, and Bert each listened, "Either return the cards you stole, or we'll take them back by force."

The brown-haired boy was right about that; it was currently three against nine.

"I've got a better idea," Diesel spoke up, turning to face Percy, "How about we duel for them?"

"Duel?" repeated Percy

Diesel nodded, "Yes," he confirmed, "If I lose, I'll gladly return the stolen cards."

"How many Locator Cards do you also have?" urged Percy.

"Two," Diesel revealed, holding up his two Locator Cards.

"I have two as well," said Percy, holding his two Locator Cards up, "I'll duel you in a Winner-Take-All match. I stack my 'Time Wizard' for this match."

Diesel grinned, followed by 'Arry and Bert. Diesel honestly had no use for the 'Time Wizard' Effect Monster Card, but believed that by dueling and winning against Percy, it would bring Thomas out of hiding.

"You're on," accepted Diesel, "Just to warn you… You don't stand a chance against me."

"If Thomas can beat you, then so can I," insisted Percy.

"Thomas won by a fluke!" scoffed Diesel, "And when I'm finished with you, he'll be certain to come find me and avenge your loss!" He looked down at his Deck, "That's when my Super Insect Deck will crush him!"

The two activated their Duel Disks and drew their opening hands (LP: 4000) x2.

"So, what kind of Deck does this Diesel guy run?" pondered Ben, who was new to the Island of Sodor, "It has to be good, right?"

"He runs an Insect Deck," explained Edward.

"And lots of his cards are a pain in the neck," put in Toby, "One time, he even planted a card in Thomas's Deck to give him the advantage."

"What a cheater," huffed Carlie.

"Hey, cutie!" The voice of Diesel called out, flirtingly. He didn't seem bothered that he was called a cheater, "You could have at least called me an insect!"

Carlie fumed over being called cute again by Diesel, but Ben got her to settle down before she decided to use her psychic powers on the creep.

"That's my sister you're messing with, creep!" berated Ben.

"Blah blah blah!" cackled Diesel, before looking back to Percy, "First move is mine, luck boy!" He drew a card, "Draw!"


Turn One: Diesel Horwich (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Flying Kamakiri #1", "Insect Barrier", "Hercules Beetle", "Polymerization", "Resonance Insect", and "Verdant Sanctuary"


He added the card into his hand, then took a different card and placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk. That caused a Monster Card called 'Flying Kamakiri #1' to materialize face-up on the field.

"I Summon 'Flying Kamakiri #1'!" The voice of Diesel declared, as the above scenario played out, "Attack Position!"

Appearing from the face-up card and onto the field, was a large green dragonfly monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 900).

"Next, I'll activate a Continuous Spell from my hand," continued Diesel, holding up a card ('Verdant Sanctuary') before turning it over, "'Verdant Sanctuary'!"

The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, causing several more trees to appear all around the area.

"When a face-up Insect monster is destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to the GY: Its controller can add 1 Insect monster with the same Level as the destroyed monster from their Deck to their hand," stated Diesel, before snickering, "That means whenever you destroy my monsters, I can keep reinforcing my hand with new, fresh bugs!"

With the crowd…

"That's unfair," pouted Mavis.

"Diesel's Deck is filled with so many Insect monsters that he can easily swarm his field if that were to happen," added Emily, "The same would happen with Percy, but he doesn't run any Insect monsters we're aware of.

Back on the field…

"Now, Percy, it's your turn," offered Diesel.

"Just because you can add new monsters to your hand doesn't mean you'll win," dismissed Percy, "It's my turn!" He drew a card, "Draw!"


Turn Two: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Swordsman of Landstar", "Jinzo", "Shield & Sword", "Kunai with Chain", "Copycat", and "Salamandra"


He added his drawn 'Salamandra' Spell Card into his hand, which also contained 'Swordsman of Landstar', 'Jinzo', 'Shield & Sword', 'Kunai with Chain', and 'Copycat'.

"This is my card," began Percy, placing a card ('Swordsman of Landstar') onto his Duel Disk. That caused the 'Swordsman of Landstar' Normal Monster Card to materialize face-up on the field, "'Swordsman of Landstar' in Attack Position!"

Appearing from the face-up card and onto the field, was the small, cartoon-like warrior monster with a sword and shield (Level: 3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1200).

"What a wimpy monster!" taunted 'Arry.

"You can't beat Diesel with that!" gloated Bert.

"My monster can handle those bugs without problem," retorted Percy, holding up another card ('Shield & Sword'), "Spell Card, 'Shield & Sword'!"

The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, causing everything to pulse a little bit.

"I must switch the original ATK and DEF of all face-up monsters currently on the field, until the end of this turn," said Percy, as the stats of 'Swordsman of Landstar' (ATK: 500 → 1200/DEF: 1200 → 500) and 'Flying Kamakiri #1' (ATK: 1400 → 900/DEF: 900 → 1400) were swapped, "That makes my monster stronger, and yours weaker!"

"Oh, oil slick…" grunted Diesel.

*SLASH!*

With a single sword slash, 'Swordsman of Landstar' sliced 'Flying Kamakiri #1' clean in two before both halves shattered into shards of glass.

"How do you like them apples, Diesel?" The voice of Percy taunted.

Diesel growled as he took damage (LP: 4000 → 3700), but he immediately recovered.

"I activate 'Flying Kamakiri #1's' special effect!" announced Diesel, drawing a card, looking at it, then holding it ('Bee List Soldier') up, "When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I can Special Summon 1 WIND monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck, in face-up Attack Position."

Appearing onto the field was a small, mechanical bee monster (Level: 1/ATK: 500/DEF: 400).

"'Bee List Soldier'?" blinked Percy, "But that thing has 500 ATK."

"Be patient," advised Diesel, "Next, the effect of 'Verdant Sanctuary'!" He drew another card, held it ('Kuwagata α') up, then placed it into his hand, "Since you destroyed my face-up Level 4 Insect monster by battle, I'll place another Level 4 Insect monster from my Deck into my hand."

"Ngh… I'll Set one card face-down and end my turn," finished Percy.

A face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Swordsman of Landstar'. With it being the End Phase, the effect of the 'Shield & Sword' Spell Card expired, causing 'Swordsman of Landstar' to regain his original stats (ATK: 1200 → 500/DEF: 500 → 1200).

"Then, it looks like it's my turn again," chortled Diesel, drawing a card.


Turn Three: Diesel Horwich (LP: 3700)
Deck: 31
Current Hand (6): "Insect Barrier", "Hercules Beetle", "Polymerization", "Resonance Insect", "Kuwagata α", and "Kiseitai"


On cue, a Monster Card called 'Resonance Insect' materialized face-up on the field.

"Come forth, 'Resonance Insect'!" The voice of Diesel commanded.

Appearing from the face-up card and onto the field, was a large green bug (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 700).

"And now, I'll activate 'Bee List Soldier's' monster effect," As Diesel said that, both 'Bee List Soldier' and 'Resonance Insect' faded away in blue streaks, "I can Tribute this card and 1 face-up Insect monster, except 'Bee List Soldier'; I must…" He drew two additional cards, "…draw 2 cards."

Both cards were 'Petit Moth' (Normal Monster Card) and 'Insect Knight' (Normal Monster Card). Diesel placed both cards into his hand, planning to use them when the time was right.

"I activate 'Resonance Insect's' first effect!" proclaimed Diesel, drawing another card, looking at it ('Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth'), and placing it into his hand, "If this card is sent from the field to the GY: I can add 1 Level 5 or higher Insect monster from my Deck to my hand."

"His hand keeps getting bigger!" gawked Percy.

"Diesel's trying to get something important—but what?" figured Zack.

"And that isn't all," bragged Diesel, holding up three cards ('Hercules Beetle', 'Polymerization', and 'Kuwagata α'), "I fuse 'Hercules Beetle' and 'Kuwagata α' together!"

Appearing on the field for a short time was a large beetle monster and a large flying red beetle. They then started fusing together into a new monster.

"I Fusion Summon 'Kwagar Hercules'!" The voice of Diesel raged.

Appearing on the field was a huge beetle with two green pincers and spikes outlined on its shell (Level: 6/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1700).

"Go forth!" screeched Diesel, entering the Battle Phase.

'Kwagar Hercules' obeyed, approaching 'Swordsman of Landstar'.

"Set card, open!" interrupted Percy, pressing a button on his Duel Disk. His face-down card flipped up and revealed itself, "'Kunai with Chain'!"

A large anchor with a long chain emerged from the face-up 'Kunai with Chain' Trap Card, entangling Diesel's monster and saving 'Swordsman of Landstar'.

"I must activate 1 or both of these effects (simultaneously)," began Percy.

These were the two effects written on the 'Kunai with Chain' Trap Card:
-"When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must target the attacking monster; I must change that target to Defense Position!"
-"I must target 1 face-up monster I control; I must equip this card to that target. It gains 500 ATK!"

'Swordsman of Landstar', now armed with a new weapon, gained some strength (ATK: 500 → 1000).

"I guess even a deadbeat of a duelist can plan ahead," shrugged Diesel, entering the End Phase, "I end my turn."

"I'm not a deadbeat duelist," fumed Percy, before drawing a card, "Draw!"


Turn Four: Percy Avonside (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (4): "Jinzo", "Copycat", "Salamandra", and "Graceful Dice"


His drawn card was the 'Graceful Dice' Spell Card; a card he would use later on. Percy placed the card into his hand, then took another card out.

"Try this monster on for size!" dared Percy, placing the card ('Copycat') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "'Copycat'!"

Appearing on the field was a Spellcaster monster carrying a hand mirror (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0). With the crowd…

"'Copycat'?" peeped Billy.

"That's a monster that mimics the stats of any monster the opponent controls," acknowledged Edward.

Back on the field…

"A monster with 0 ATK… What hope do you have of using that?" teased Diesel.

"Haven't you heard of 'Copycat's' effect?" responded Percy, causing Diesel to ease up. He then explained the sole effect of 'Copycat', "If this card is Summoned: I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; this card's ATK/DEF become equal to that monster's original ATK/DEF."

Focus went towards 'Copycat' as a reflection of 'Kwagar Hercules' was shown in the mirror, causing 'Copycat's' stats to rise and match the opponent (ATK: 0 → 1900/DEF: 0 → 1700).

"It can't be!" freaked out Diesel.

'Copycat' charged a beam in its mirror and fired it at 'Kwagar Hercules', striking the defensive monster and destroying it. Over with the group…

"Thanks to 'Kunai with Chain', 'Kwagar Hercules' was forced into Defense Position," remembered Carlie, "It couldn't fight back against 'Copycat'!"

"You go, Percy!" cheered Emily.

Back on the field…

"Thanks to 'Verdant Sanctuary', because my Level 6 'Kwagar Hercules' was destroyed by battle, I'll add another Insect monster into my hand," reminded Diesel, drawing a card and looking at it, "This time, Level 6!"

"I'm not done just yet," warned Percy, as a glaring 'Swordsman of Landstar' charged in and landed a direct slash on Diesel, "My 'Swordsman of Landstar' attacks you directly, Diesel!"

Diesel reeled back from being struck like that (LP: 3700 → 2700).

"How's that?" challenged Percy, "Still think I'm a deadbeat of a duelist? Well, I'm farther ahead in LP than you are!"

"Keep laughing," sulked Diesel, before smiling, "But I'll be the one laughing in the end!" He drew a card, "Card drawn!"


Turn Five: Diesel Horwich (LP: 2700)
Deck: 26
Current Hand (7): "Insect Barrier", "Kiseitai", "Petit Moth", "Insect Knight", "Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth", "Insect Princess", and "Golden Ladybug"


Upon seeing his drawn card…

"In fact… For this turn, I'm going to have a higher amount of LP than you!" reassured Diesel, before holding his drawn card ('Golden Ladybug') out, "First, I'll reveal this!"

"That's 'Golden Ladybug'!" gasped James R..

"I activate 'Golden Ladybug's' special ability!" replied Diesel, gaining LP (LP: 2700 → 3200), "During my Standby Phase: I can reveal this card in my hand, and it will remain revealed until the end of this turn; I must gain 500 LP!"

"He has 3200 LP…" muttered Percy.

"And now," As Diesel spoke, he placed another card ('Insect Knight') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I'll go on offense with this!" A Monster Card called 'Insect Knight' materialized face-up on the field, "'Insect Knight'!"

Appearing on the field was an insect wearing armor and wielding a sword and shield (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1500).

"1900 ATK?" cried Emily.

"Take this!" yelled Diesel, entering the Battle Phase, "My 'Insect Knight' will attack your 'Swordsman of Landstar'!"

With one sword slash from 'Insect Knight', 'Swordsman of Landstar' was thrown to the ground and shattered into shards of glass.

"'Swordsman of Landstar' has been destroyed!" The voice of Diesel exclaimed.

Percy gritted his teeth while taking damage (LP: 4000 → 3100).

"See that? Now 'I' have more LP than you do!" laughed Diesel, "Soon, I will knock you out of the tournament!" He then slotted 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 and end my turn!"

"Damn," thought Percy, "I can't lose like this!" He looked at his hand, "Luckily, I already have the right remedy for Diesel's field," A card was shown being drawn, "Draw!"


Turn Six: Percy Avonside (LP: 3100)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (4): "Jinzo", "Salamandra", "Graceful Dice", and "Panther Warrior"


He added the card into his hand, and took and readied a new one.

"Here I go!" announced Percy, as 'Copycat' faded away in a blue streak, "I Tribute 'Copycat'!" And appearing on the field in his monster's place was the familiar android monster (Level: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500) he recently won, "I Tribute Summon 'Jinzo'!"

"2400 ATK?!" panicked Diesel.

"With 'Jinzo', your Trap Cards are destroyed!" beamed Percy, as 'Jinzo' made his visor glow red, "Trap Search!"

A red beam was fired, striking Diesel's face-down card but not destroying it.

"Must be a Spell Card," figured Percy, shrugging the failed effect off. He entered the Battle Phase, "No worries, I still have a monster with high enough ATK to destroy 'Insect Knight'!" As he announced the attack name, 'Jinzo' raised both hands to charge a sphere up, "Go forth, 'Jinzo'! Cyber Energy Shock!"

The energy sphere was fired, striking 'Insect Knight' and destroying it. Diesel grimaced as he received 500 damage from the loss of his monster (LP: 3200 → 2700).

"Again!" howled Diesel, drawing a card, "'Verdant Sanctuary' lets me an Insect monster from my Deck into my hand!"

"I doubt you have anything that can match the power of 'Jinzo'!" yawned Percy, "You can keep Summoning monsters, but I'll just destroy them."

"Are you sure?" cut in Diesel, "What if I told you I have a way to use 'Jinzo' to my advantage?"

"Huh?"

"Here I go!" The devious black-haired boy declared, drawing a card, "Draw!"


Turn Seven: Diesel Horwich (LP: 2700)
Deck: 24
Current Hand (7): "Kiseitai", "Petit Moth", "Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth", "Insect Princess", "Golden Ladybug", "Skull-Mark Ladybug", and "Cocoon of Evolution"


His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Cocoon of Evolution'; Diesel pretty much had everything he needed for his eventual victory—only a couple more cards were needed. First, he had to get his LP back up.

"Once more, I'll reveal 'Golden Ladybug'!" Diesel went on, holding out a card ('Golden Ladybug') and recovering LP (LP: 2700 → 3200), "I once again have 3200 LP!" Next, a face-down card appeared on the field (sideways), "Finally, I'll Set a monster and finish my turn!""

"That's right, just keep pouring out the monsters," joked Percy, "That way, I can knock them back down!" He drew a card, "It's my turn!"

Over with the group…

"Don't get overconfident, Percy," thought Edward, "That could easily come back to bite you."


Turn Eight: Percy Avonside (LP: 3100)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (4): "Salamandra", "Graceful Dice", "Panther Warrior", and "Max Raider"


The Battle Phase began immediately.

"Let's go, 'Jinzo'!" commanded Percy, as 'Jinzo' held both hands out and sent out waves of energy, "Psychic Wave!"

The waves overwhelmed the Set monster, revealing itself to be something that wasn't an Insect monster.

"Huh?" gawked Percy, "That's not an Insect monster!"

Indeed not… It was an intestinal flatworm monster called 'Kiseitai' (Level: 2/ATK: 300/DEF: 800).

"No, it isn't," confirmed Diesel, "This is a Fiend monster named 'Kiseitai', and I use this moment to activate its first effect!" As he spoke, 'Kiseitai' leaped forth and latched onto 'Jinzo' painfully, "When my opponent's monster attacks this card in face-down Defense Position: I must equip this card to the attacking monster as an Equip Card," He chuckled, "And there's a second effect… During each of my opponent's Standby Phases: I must gain LP equal to half of the ATK of the monster equipped with this card."

With the crowd…

"That was a smart play by Diesel…" admitted Toby.

"Diesel knew by now that Percy would be fully aware of his Insect Deck," agreed Mavis, "So he added a card like 'Kiseitai' to throw everyone off. That sneaky bastard."

Back on the field…

"I end my turn," concluded Percy, now worried.

"It's my turn!" added Diesel, "My Super Insect Deck is almost done providing me the right cards," He drew a card, "Draw!"


Turn Nine: Diesel Horwich (LP: 3200)
Deck: 23
Current Hand (7): "Petit Moth", "Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth", "Insect Princess", "Golden Ladybug", "Skull-Mark Ladybug", "Cocoon of Evolution", and "DNA Surgery"


His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'DNA Surgery'.

"Just one more important ingredient," thought Diesel, before taking and holding a card ('Golden Ladybug') out, "Once again, during my Standby Phase, I'll reveal 'Golden Ladybug'!"

"Not again!" whined Percy, just as Diesel regained 500 LP once more (LP: 3200 → 3700), "If I can't get rid of that card, you'll keep healing yourself at the beginning of your every turn!"

"That's the whole point," corrected Diesel, "This will make it harder for you to defeat me," He then placed another card (sideways) onto his Duel Disk, "I Set a monster on my field!"

A face-down card appeared on the field in a sideways factor, signaling it was a monster.

"Another Set monster?" gasped Percy, before entering his thoughts, "Knowing Diesel, it's got to be another annoying Insect monster."

"Now, Percy, it's your turn," dared Diesel, "Just be careful where you step, since stirring a hornet's nest can be dangerous."

"Draw card!" flailed Percy, drawing a card.


Turn Ten: Percy Avonside (LP: 3100)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (5): "Salamandra", "Graceful Dice", "Panther Warrior", "Max Raider", and "Hayabusa Knight"


Now that it was the Standby Phase…

"And now, the second effect of 'Kiseitai'!" cut in Diesel (LP: 3700 → 4900), "Half of 'Jinzo's' ATK are added to my LP!"

"Dammit!" cursed Percy, before placing a card onto his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Jet-Black Leopard Warrior - Panther Warrior'!"

Appearing on the field was the familiar puma warrior (Level: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1600).

"'Jinzo', attack the face-down monster!" ordered Percy, entering the Battle Phase.

Using his Psychic Wave, 'Jinzo' struck the Set monster, causing a large black spider to appear on the field before being destroyed.

"That was-!" realized Percy.

"'Skull-Marked Ladybug'," confirmed Diesel, going over his monster's effect while also recovering serious LP (LP: 4900 → 5900), "When this card is sent to the GY: I must gain 1000 LP!" He then took another card ('Pinch Hopper') from his Deck and added it into his hand, "And the effect of 'Verdant Sanctuary' adds another Insect monster to my hand!"

Over with the crowd…

"You go, Diesel!" encouraged 'Arry.

"Show that loser why you're the number one Insect duelist!" praised Bert.

"No way…" bemoaned Ben.

"It's not all bad," reassured Zack, causing Ben to look over, "All Percy has to do is Tribute 'Jinzo' and Diesel won't regain anymore LP from 'Kiseitai'."

Back on the field…

"This card cannot declare an attack unless I Tribute 1 monster," commented Percy, going over his 'Panther Warrior's' only effect, "In that case, that's what I'll do!" As he spoke, 'Jinzo', still equipped with 'Kiseitai', faded away in a blue streak, "I Tribute 'Jinzo'!" From there, he pointed forth, "I use 'Panther Warrior' to attack directly!"

'Panther Warrior', with the swing of the sword, rushed forward into combat. Once close enough, he slashed at Diesel, causing the devious black-haired boy to yell out in pain before easing up and losing major LP (LP: 5900 → 3900).

"I wish there was more I could do, but there currently isn't anything else," thought Percy, before talking aloud and entering the End Phase, "I finish my turn!"

"That attack was nothing," insisted Diesel, "I've a big surprise for you, Percy. I was waiting this long into the duel to prepare everything!"

"What? You were preparing a surprise?" stammered Percy.

"All I have to do are play the right cards and wait a little longer, then victory will become mine!" Diesel gloated, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"


Turn Eleven: Diesel Horwich (LP: 3900)
Deck: 21
Current Hand (8): "Petit Moth", "Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth", "Insect Princess", "Golden Ladybug", "Cocoon of Evolution", "DNA Surgery", "Pinch Hopper", and "Eradicating Aerosol"


His hand now contained 'Petit Moth', 'Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth', 'Insect Princess', 'Golden Ladybug', 'Cocoon of Evolution', 'DNA Surgery', 'Pinch Hopper", and the drawn 'Eradicating Aerosol'.

"Soon, Percy and the others will bear witness to the strongest Insect monster alive!" thought Diesel, before taking and holding a card ('Golden Ladybug') out, "Once again, by revealing 'Golden Ladybug' during my Standby Phase," He regained more LP (LP: 3900 → 4400), "I gain 500 LP!"

"Sooner or later, you'll have to eat a direct attack or more," argued Percy, "So far in the duel, you haven't played any Trap Cards," Focus went towards Diesel's face-down card, "If that face-down card of yours isn't a Trap, why would you even play it?"

"To make you feel confident," interrupted Diesel.

"What'd you say?" gulped Percy.

"As a skilled strategist, you have to know when to use certain cards," scolded Diesel, before raising his Duel Disk and pressing a button on it, "The time for me to use this card is now!" His Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "The Continuous Spell, 'Insect Barrier'! Insect monsters my opponent controls cannot declare an attack!"

"No attacks?!" wailed Billy.

"But Percy doesn't control any Insect monsters, so using 'Insect Barrier' is pointless," countered James R..

"It's not pointless," denied Diesel, "Soon, Percy will have all sorts of 'Insect' monsters to use against me—and 'Insect Barrier' will block them all!" He placed a card ('Petit Moth') onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Summon 'Petit Moth'!"

Appearing on the field was a large, weak caterpillar monster (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200).

"'Petit Moth'?" uttered Percy.

With the crowd…

"That's a weak monster," remarked Emily, "What's Diesel thinking?"

"Oh no!" cried Zack, looking scared.

"Something wrong?" worried Ben.

"You'll know what the problem is soon enough."

Back on the field…

"I know what you're thinking… 'What the heck is a brilliant strategist like Diesel thinking about playing such a weak helpless caterpillar like 'Petit Moth' when he has bigger, stronger monsters he could use'?" cracked Diesel, praising himself before slotting a card into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "Well, I'll show you by…" All of a sudden, 'Petit Moth' began to be wrapped inside a large cocoon, "…activating the first effect of 'Cocoon of Evolution'!"

Over with the audience…

"'Cocoon of Evolution'?" repeated Toby.

"And 'Petit Moth' transformed?" came from Mavis.

"That's to help build up its power!" The voice of 'Arry echoed, causing Toby and Mavis to look over. He ('Arry) and Bert were looking very smug about the whole thing as he explained the first effect, "You can target 1 'Petit Moth' you control; equip this card from your hand to that target."

"While equipped by this effect, the original ATK/DEF of that 'Petit Moth' becomes the ATK/DEF of 'Cocoon of Evolution'," put in Bert, revealing the second effect. Focus went towards the covered 'Petit Moth' on the field, who's stats changed due to being equipped with 'Cocoon of Evolution' (ATK: 300 → 0/DEF: 200 → 2000), "But that's not the real problem for Percy."

"It isn't?" The voice of Emily murmured.

"The real problem is the countdown," explained Diesel, "When six or more turns pass, my cocoon will hatch," In the background behind him, the shadow of a gigantic Insect monster was shown, "The most powerful of all Insect monsters will be Summoned…'Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth'!"

Over with the crowd…

"That's what I was afraid of," frowned Zack.

"'Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth' is one of the most difficult monsters to Summon in all of Duel Monsters," mused Carlie, "'Petit Moth', equipped with 'Cocoon of Evolution', has to survive in a vulnerable state for six turns."

"If successful, the player using those cards will be rewarded with an extremely powerful monster," concluded James R..

Back on the field…

"Remember, you have six turns," taunted Diesel, before slotting a card into his Duel Disk, "Now, until then…" A face-down card materialized on the field, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!"

"I have to destroy that cocoon!" Percy remarked urgently.

"That's too bad, Percy!" retorted Diesel, "I won't let you do that so easily. Now, it's your turn!"


Turn Twelve: Percy Avonside (LP: 3100)
Deck: 49
Current Hand (5): "Salamandra", "Graceful Dice", "Max Raider", "Hayabusa Knight", and "Pot of Greed"


Percy looked at his drawn card.

"I gotta find something that will send 'Cocoon of Evolution' packing," thought Percy, before holding the card ('Pot of Greed') out, "I activate 'Pot of Greed'!" He drew two cards, "I must draw 2 cards!"

"Draw cards until you turn blue!" mocked Diesel, "You'll never destroy 'Cocoon of Evolution' in time!"

Percy scowled and added both cards into his hand, realizing that until he can come up with an idea, he'll have to go on the defensive.

"I play this card!" As he spoke, Percy placed his next card ('Hayabusa Knight') onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "'Hayabusa Knight'!"

Appearing on the field was a falcon-like knight monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 700).

"I don't know how I'll destroy 'Cocoon of Evolution', but when I figure it out, you'll feel the wrath of my monsters!" promised Percy.

"Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots," shuddered Diesel sarcastically, "Actually, you'll never get the chance to attack me period!" He pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "I declare the Monster Type of Insect to activate this Continuous Trap!" The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "All face-up monsters on the field become that Type!"

To the horror of everyone else, 'Panther Warrior' and 'Hayabusa Knight' grossly started gaining insect-like features.

"Okay, that's just disturbing," winced Emily.

"I told you that you'd be controlling Insect monsters before too long!" ranted Diesel, "Now, thanks to 'Insect Barrier', you're unable to attack!"

"I finish my turn," sighed Percy.

"Just five turns left until you meet my greatest monster, Percy!" rejoiced Diesel, drawing a card, "Draw card!"


Turn Thirteen: Diesel Horwich (LP: 4400)
Deck: 20
Current Hand (6): "Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth", "Insect Princess", "Golden Ladybug", "Pinch Hopper", "Eradicating Aerosol", and "Monster Reincarnation"
Cocoon of Evolution: Five Turns


The Standby Phase…

"Again, I reveal 'Golden Ladybug'!" As he rambled, Diesel held a card ('Golden Ladybug') out and gained LP (LP: ), "I gain 500 more LP!" Now in the Main Phase 1, he took another card from his hand and placed it onto his Duel Disk, "Now to Summon a monster! Come, 'Pinch Hopper'!"

Appearing on the field was a large green grasshopper (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1200).

"However, I use a more helpful use for this monster," remarked Diesel, holding up a card ('Eradicating Aerosol') taken from his hand, "I activate 'Eradicating Aerosol'!"

The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, causing a large spray can to emerge over 'Pinch Hopper'.

"I must target 1 Insect monster on the field; I must destroy it," explained Diesel, "This is why I said I have a better use for my monster, for I'm going to destroy it!"

The substance sprayed from the can caused 'Pinch Hopper' to screech in pain before melting into a puddle of goo.

"With 'Pinch Hopper' destroyed, its special effect activates!" smiled Diesel, taking another card from his hand and holding it up, "When this card I control is sent to my GY: I can Special Summon 1 Insect monster from my hand!" He turned it ('Insect Princess') over and revealed what it was, "This will be a fun playmate for you until my 'Great Moth' emerges!"

Appearing to the field was a younger female Insect monster with wings on the back of her body (Level: 6/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200).

"'Insect Princess'?" pondered Percy.

"Oh yes, and the end of an Insect monster…" said Diesel, drawing and adding a card ('Neo Bug') from his Deck into his hand, "…means the effects of 'Verdant Sanctuary' lets me add another Level 4 Insect monster into my hand. Now, 'Insect Princess', use your power to force a fight!"

'Insect Princess' obeyed, raising her arms out and sending out a scent that forced all of Percy's monsters to go from Defense Position into Attack Position—granted, the only monster to feel it was 'Hayabusa Knight'.

"What?!" cringed Percy.

"My 'Insect Princess's' first effect," revealed Diesel, "All Insect monsters my opponent controls are changed to Attack Position!" He entered the Battle Phase, "This will allow 'Hayabusa Knight' to be destroyed and leave you reeling from damage! Go forth, 'Insect Princess'!" As he announced the attack name, 'Insect Princess' flapped her wings and sent a blast of wind towards the opposing field, "Scale Shower!"

The blast of wind threw 'Hayabusa Knight' to the ground near Percy before shattering into shards of glass.

"My 'Hayabusa Knight' was-!" spluttered Percy (LP: 3100 → 2200).

"And with the destruction of an Insect monster, 'Insect Princess's' second effect activates!" As Diesel explained the effect, 'Insect Princess' grew stronger (ATK: 1900 → 2400), "If this card destroys an Insect monster by battle: This card gains 500 ATK!"

Over with the crowd…

"You rule, Diesel!" cheered Bert, "Just a little longer, and you'll be the winner!"

"2400 ATK…" fretted Ben.

"Thanks to 'DNA Surgery', Percy's monsters become the Insect-Type," noted Zack, "Combined with 'Insect Princess's' first effect, he can't rely on playing defensive monsters."

"Along with 'Cocoon of Evolution', Diesel just needs a few more turns to bring out the strongest Insect monster in the whole game," finished Carlie.

In a frozen still, Percy and the now Insect-Type 'Panther Warrior' faced off against Diesel, 'Insect Princess', and cocoonified 'Petit Moth' as the background soon turned into a shadowed image of a gigantic moth-like monster. Can Percy win the duel before Diesel Special Summon 'Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth', or at least stopped it? Stay tuned for the answer.


Cliffhanger alert! The duel has received a significant overhaul, as did the chapter itself in order to remove some stuff and add new stuff. Stay tuned for part 2 at some point.