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: Ignorance, Thy Name is James
Battle City was officially underway in the city of Knapford on the Island of Sodor. Duelists all around were dueling and trying to earn brand new cards as well as Locator Cards. No one knew where the finals were, so they needed to earn six of those cards first. Thomas had already won his first duel of the tournament, earning himself a Locator Card and Percy's 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' Normal Monster Card in the process. Percy, who declined to take his card back right now, had vowed to become a better duelist to the point of directly challenging Thomas to a duel when that time comes to see if he can truly earn his favorite card back. Somewhere in the city with Gordon, Henry, and James, they were exploring and trying to find duelists for James to face.
"Come on… come on!" James called out, as various people and/or duelists roamed around, "Who in this city wants a piece of me?!"
"Well, well! Somebody sure sounds confident in their first day in this tournament." commented Gordon.
"Well, why shouldn't I be?" grinned James, "With the 'Neo Spacians' and 'Neos' now included, my Deck is one of the strongest around!"
"I hate to say this, James, but you're not one of the best around here," Henry pointed out, "That would obviously be Thomas. You've also lost quite a number of duels up to now too."
James was upset to be reminded of that. He thought for sure he was one of the best duelists on the island, and would go and prove it for sure.
"We'll see about that," grunted James irritably, looking down at the top of his Duel Disk for a moment, "When I win the Battle City tournament, I'll prove to Spencer and everybody else that I, James Hughes, am one of the greatest duelists on the Island of Sodor!"
Gordon and Henry both sighed. They had a feeling this was going to lead James directly into trouble for certain; they just knew it. Still, James was their friend, and they would support him to the very end.
(elsewhere…)
Somewhere else in the city, Molly was roaming around admiring much of the duels going on.
"Oh, wow," admired Molly, "I've never seen so many duels going on. Spencer really has gone all out to make this great. It's too bad I'm not competing though—although at the same time, I'm glad I'm not dueling… I wouldn't last very long in something like this."
"Hey, Molly!" The voice of a teenage boy echoed.
The voice belonged to a boy about 16-years old. He was tall, had short orange hair, and very well built. It was Murdoch Riddles, a gentle-hearted boy who was also taking part in the tournament.
"Hello, Murdoch," Molly greeted, smiling, "How are you doing so far in the tournament?"
"I'm doing alright so far." said Murdoch bashfully, taking two see-through cards out of his pocket and holding them up for Molly to see, "I've just won my first duel. Along with the one I started with, I have two so far."
"That's great," smiled Molly, "Did you hear about Thomas's duel with some guy wearing a purple cape and hood?"
"Yup, I've heard of that duel," confirmed Murdoch, "I don't know what that guy was all about, and, frankly, I don't want to know."
"Me neither," agreed Molly gravely.
As the two teenagers talked, Gordon, Henry, and James were walking into the area.
"Oh man, I need a duel and fast!" complained James.
"Hey, isn't that Molly talking with Murdoch over there?" pondered Henry.
"It is them," Gordon acknowledged, smiling a little bit, "Why don't we go over and say hi?"
It was then both Gordon and Henry noticed that James was staring at Molly and Murdoch in silence.
"Um, you okay over there, James?" peeped Henry, sounding and looking a bit nervous.
James was still staring at Molly and Murdoch in the distance. The way they were chatting and laughing made it seem like they were enjoying each other's company. The red-haired boy went from curious to seething in anger and jealousy in the span of ten seconds. Gordon and Henry noticed their cross friend and exchanged worried glances. Sure enough…
"Hey you!" James shouted at Murdoch.
Murdoch, not knowing that James was mad, turned and smiled at the arrivals.
"Hi, guys!" called Murdoch happily.
"Hello, everyone!" Molly added in, waving to James, Henry, and Gordon.
Just then, without warning, James lunged forth and tackled the bigger boy onto the ground. Molly was shocked to see this.
"James!" she cried. "What are you doing?"
"How dare you!?" yelled James.
"Wh-What'd I do?" Murdoch stammered, looking surprised but not angry, "I didn't do anything wrong!"
"Cut the crap! You tried to take her away from me!" accused James.
"What're you talking about-?"
Quickly, Gordon and Henry both ran over and managed to pull James off of Murdoch.
"James!" Gordon said angrily. "What on Earth is wrong with you?!"
"Yeah, they were just talking!" added Henry.
"I bet!" James retorted, looking towards Murdoch in anger as Molly joined up with him (Murdoch), "You just want Molly all to yourself!"
Murdoch and Molly both looked surprised by the accusation, the former shook his head.
"I think you're sorely mistaken, James; Molly and I are just friends," said Murdoch, "That's all."
"Shut up!" cut in James, activating his Duel Disk, "I challenge you to a duel, right here and now!"
"James, what is with you?" Molly asked, trying her absolute hardest to not get angry, "You attack Murdoch, and then challenge him to a duel just because he was talking to me?"
"He was trying to flirt with you!" insisted James.
Molly groaned, "James, that's not-"
"I accept your challenge." Murdoch interrupted, still not sounding or looking angry—but instead smiled, "This should be a good duel. I get to face one of the runner-ups of that San Francisco tournament."
Once Murdoch had activated his Duel Disk, the two drew their opening hands (LP: 4000) x2. While that was happening, Gordon, Henry, and Molly each stood nearby to watch the duel.
"Why is this happening?" frowned Molly, sounding upset.
"James thought Murdoch was flirting with you or something," answered Gordon, "I'd say he's gone a little nuts."
"I think nuts is an understatement…" mused Henry earnestly.
Molly blushed in embarrassment. Back on the field…
"I'll go first." said James, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn One: James Hughes (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Elemental HERO Burstinatrix", "Elemental HERO Bubbleman", "Transcendent Wings", "Wroughtweiler", "Bubble Blaster", and "A Hero Emerges"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'A Hero Emerges', and the rest of his hand contained 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix', 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman', 'Transcendent Wings', 'Wroughtweiler', and 'Bubble Blaster'.
"Not too shabby if I say so myself," thought James. Taking a card from his hand, he placed it onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, causing the device to light up, "I Summon 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was the aquatic suited 'Elemental HERO' (Level: 4/ATK: 800/DEF: 1200).
"I activate 'Bubbleman's' second effect!" continued James, "When this card is Summoned, if there are no other cards on your field: I must…" He drew two more cards, "…draw 2 cards
Both cards were shown to be 'Polymerization' (Spell Card) and 'Elemental HERO Bladedge' (Effect Monster Card). Afterwards, a large blaster materialized in 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman's' hand.
"I also equip 'Bubbleman' with 'Bubble Blaster'!" The voice of James revealed, as the above scenario played out. 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman' grew stronger (ATK: 800 → 1600), "I must equip only to 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman'. It gains 800 ATK!"
"A monster with 1600 ATK…" fretted Murdoch.
"And finally," concluded James, as he slotted a card into his Duel Disk and caused a face-down card to appear on the field near his feet, "I'll Set one card and end my turn. Alright, let's see what you can do, Murdoch."
"Sure, James," nodded Murdoch, drawing a card, "Card drawn!"
Turn Two: Murdoch Riddles (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Marauding Captain", "The A. Forces", "Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade", "Sword Hunter", "Reinforcement of the Army", and "Great Sword"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Great Sword', and the rest of his hand contained 'Marauding Captain', 'The A. Forces', 'Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade', 'Sword Hunter', and 'Reinforcement of the Army'.
"Well?" urged James, "What are you gonna do?"
"I activate 'Reinforcement of the Army'!" began Murdoch, holding a card ('Reinforcement of the Army') out, "I must add 1 Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from my Deck to my hand," From there, he took his Deck out of the Duel Disk and began looking through it, finding a card worth taking, "I think I'll pick this one, 'Marauding Captain'!"
"What?!" gasped James.
"Come forth, 'Marauding Captain'!" commanded Murdoch, placing a card ('Marauding Captain') onto his Duel Disk.
Appearing on the field was a Warrior monster wearing armor, carrying a shield, and wielding a sword (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 400).
"It's nothing to worry about," murmured James, "1200 ATK can't beat 1600 ATK, after all."
"I activate my monster's second effect!" interrupted Murdoch, holding up another card ('Marauding Captain'), "When this card is Normal Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from my hand."
"Is that…another copy of 'Marauding Captain'?" worried James.
"It is," replied Murdoch, "My monster's first effect… Monsters my opponent controls cannot target Warrior monsters for attacks, except this one! But since I control two of the same monster…"
"Then I can't attack either of them," finished James.
Appearing on the field was a second 'Marauding Captain' (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 400). Over with Gordon, Henry, and Molly…
"Ooh, tough break," winced Gordon, "Unless James can get something out that can wipe out at least one of those captains, he's a sitting duck."
Molly didn't say a single word. Back on the field, James was feeling frustrated by the fact he couldn't attack, and there was still more to come from Murdoch.
"I activate the Continuous Spell, 'The A. Forces'!" declared Murdoch, as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field as focus went towards both 'Marauding Captains', "All Warrior monsters I control gain 200 ATK for each Warrior or Spellcaster monster I control!" Both monsters glowed red as their strength went up (ATK: 1200 → 1600) x2, "Since I control two Warrior monsters in 'Marauding Captain', their ATK increases from 1200 to 1600!"
"This sucks…" grumbled James.
"I'm not done," reminded Murdoch, just as one of the 'Marauding Captains' received a new sword to use, "I equip 'Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade' to my first 'Marauding Captain'!"
"Oh no… It had to be 'Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade' of all cards," grimaced James.
"I must equip only to a Warrior monster. It gains 300 ATK," explained Murdoch, as focus went towards the first 'Marauding Captain' as he grew stronger (ATK: 1600 → 1900), "1600 ATK now becomes 1900 ATK!" He then held up one more card ('Great Sword'), "I then equip my second 'Marauding Captain' with 'Great Sword'!"
"Uh-oh! That's about to mess James up," gulped Gordon.
"I must equip only to a Warrior monster. It gains 300 ATK, and can be treated as 2 Tributes for the Tribute Summon of a Warrior monster," noted Henry.
The second 'Marauding Captain' gained a whole new sword like the first one, causing him to grow stronger (ATK: 1600 → 1900).
"Let's go! Battle!" announced Murdoch, entering the Battle Phase, "My first 'Marauding Captain'…" As he gave the order to attack, the first 'Marauding Captain' charged towards 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman', "…will attack 'Bubbleman'!"
*SLASH!*
Rather than 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman' being destroyed, 'Marauding Captain' #1 ended up destroying the weapon he was carrying.
"The second effect of 'Bubble Blaster'!" announced James, "If the equipped monster would be destroyed by battle, I must destroy this card instead, also make the battle damage to the controller of the equipped monster 0!"
"But I still control my other 'Marauding Captain'!" The voice of Murdoch reminded, as the second 'Marauding Captain' jumped into the air while armed with 'Great Sword', "You can't stop this second attack!"
With a quick slash with the sword, 'Marauding Captain' #2 destroyed 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman' in a big explosion. James braced himself as the backlash from the explosion barely pushed him back and his LP took a good hit (LP: 4000 → 2900).
"I end my turn," said Murdoch, "Now, James, it's your turn. Let me see the power of a finalist!"
"Grr… It's my turn!" hissed James, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: James Hughes (LP: 2900)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (6): "Elemental HERO Burstinatrix", "Transcendent Wings", "Wroughtweiler", "Polymerization", "Elemental HERO Bladedge", and "Elemental HERO Clayman"
His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Elemental HERO Clayman', and he had two cards in his hand that were going to help turn things around in an instant.
"This will change things around!" bragged James, taking two other cards ('Elemental HERO Burstinatrix' and 'Polymerization') from his hand and holding them along with the one he drew out, "Spell Card, 'Polymerization'! I fuse 'Clayman' with 'Burstinatrix'!"
Appearing on the field were two monsters; one was a Warrior monster resembling a golem and made out of what appeared to be clay, and the other was a human female with long black hair and wearing a red outfit that left a lot of skin around her right breast, hip, and upper thigh being shown as they began fusing together.
"I Fusion Summon 'Elemental HERO Rampart Blaster' in Defense Position!" The voice of James proclaimed.
Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix' decked out in heavy clay armor with a shield, helmet, and a gatling blaster on her right arm (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2500).
"2500 DEF…" observed Murdoch.
"This card can attack directly while in Defense Position," said James confidently, "If it does, I must apply its ATK for damage calculation, and its ATK is halved during damage calculation only," He entered the Battle Phase, "Go forth, 'Rampart Blaster'! Rampart Shot!"
Raising her weapon, 'Elemental HERO Rampart Blaster' fired several rounds of bullets through both 'Marauding Captains' and striking Murdoch directly, causing him to hold both his arms up to lessen the blow as he took damage (LP: 4000 → 3000).
"And from there, I'll Summon a monster," James went on, as he placed another card ('Wroughtweiler') onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "'Wroughtweiler' in Defense Position!"
Appearing on the field was a black-colored mechanical dog monster (Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 1200).
"I end my turn," finished James.
"Attacking while ub Defense Position… Man, you really do have the power of a semi-finalist," admired Murdoch, "It makes me feel honored that we're facing each other," He drew a card, "But just because you're that good, it doesn't mean I will lose that easily!"
Turn Four: Murdoch Riddles (LP: 3000)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (2): "Sword Hunter" and "Monster Reborn"
His drawn card was the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card.
"Hey, James, remember my 'Great Sword's' effect?" smirked Murdoch, causing James to look up, "The equipped Warrior monster can serve as two Tributes instead of just one," 'Marauding Captain' #2 faded away in a blue streak, and a new monster began to appear on the field in his place, "I offer my second 'Marauding Captain' as a Tribute, and Tribute Summon 'Sword Hunter' in Attack Position!"
Appearing on the field was a muscular human male wearing armor and wielding two swords for weapons (Level: 7/ATK: 2450/DEF: 1700). Over with the spectators, Molly was surprised by seeing a monster with 2450 ATK, while Gordon and James believed James bit off more than he could chew.
"Oh boy… This is what happens when arrogance gets the best of you," mumbled Henry.
"I second that," agreed Gordon, "And I think James would agree. Look at that monster!"
"But my second 'Marauding Captain' won't remain gone for much longer," teased Murdoch, before holding up his drawn card ('Monster Reborn'), "I activate 'Monster Reborn'! Resurrect, 'Marauding Captain'!"
Reappearing on the field was 'Marauding Captain' #2 (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 400).
"There's also the effect of my Continuous Spell, 'The A. Forces'!" Murdoch pointed out, as focus went towards 'Marauding Captain' #1 (ATK: 1900 → 2100), 'Sword Hunter' (ATK: 2450 → 3050), and 'Marauding Captain' #2 (ATK: 1200 → 1800), "All of my Warrior monsters gain 200 ATK for every Warrior or Spellcaster monster on my field. With three of them being present, my monsters gain 600 ATK!"
"Dammit… 'Sword Hunter's' ATK exceeds my 'Rampart Blaster's' DEF…" winced James.
The Battle Phase began, just as 'Sword Hunter' made a move towards 'Elemental HERO Rampart Blaster'.
"Hunter's Chance!" The voice Murdoch yelled out.
*SLASH!*
With two mighty sword slashes, 'Elemental HERO Rampart Blaster' shattered into shards of glass, leaving James without his best defense against an attack.
"My second 'Marauding Captain' will attack 'Wroughtweiler'!" cried Murdoch, "Go forth!"
'Marauding Captain' #2 obeyed, aiming to take down 'Wroughtweiler' so that the first copy can mount a direct attack.
"It's not over just yet!" shouted James, holding his left hand (equipped with the Duel Disk) out, "I activate a Trap, 'A Hero Emerges'!" The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: My opponent chooses 1 random card from my hand, then if it is a monster that can be Special Summoned, I must Special Summon it. Otherwise, send it to the GY," He held both cards up, "I have two cards in my hand, so pick your poison!"
"He has two cards…" thought Murdoch, "At least one of them is a monster, and the other possibly isn't—but which one is which?" He shrugged, "I guess there's no helping it. I pick the card on the right, James."
"Is that so?" frowned James, before smiling, "I gotcha!"
"Huh?" gasped Murdoch.
"You've picked one of my strongest Effect Monsters," James beamed, taking and holding the chosen card ('Elemental HERO Bladedge') up, "'Elemental HERO Bladedge'!"
Appearing on the field was a Warrior monster wearing golden armor and the arms basically serving as the weapons (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1800). From there, 'Marauding Captain' #2 resumed his attack and slashed 'Wroughtweiler', destroying the weaker monster in an explosion.
"My 'Wroughtweiler' has been destroyed," acknowledged James, "But by doing so, its effect activates," As he explained, two cards ('Elemental HERO Clayman' and 'Polymerization') emerged from his GY, "If this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I must…" He took both cards and added them into his hand, "…target 1 'Elemental HERO' card and 1 'Polymerization' in my GY; I must add them to my hand."
"I don't mean to bring up some more bad news for you, James, but this is where my 'Sword Hunter's' special ability activates," warned Murdoch, as focus went towards the card ('Sword Hunter') on the occupied Monster Zone—then towards the monster itself on the field, "At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card destroyed a monster(s) by battle and sent it to the GY this Battle Phase: I must equip all those monsters from the GY to this card as an Equip Card(s) with this effect."
This was the additional effect written on the 'Sword Hunter' Effect Monster Card:
-"The equipped monster gains 200 ATK."
"What?!" wailed James, "You can just take and equip my monster to your own?!"
The spirit of 'Elemental HERO Rampart Blaster' reappeared on the field before merging and becoming one with 'Sword Hunter', raising his already high ATK to even greater heights (ATK: 3050 → 3250). Over with the spectators again…
"Other than to stop himself from being attacked directly, I still don't see the point of why James Summoned 'Bladedge'," complained Gordon.
"I just hope he has a plan," pleaded Henry, "Because if Murdoch destroys 'Bladedge', then James will be out of the tournament."
Back on the field…
"Not to sound rude," said Murdoch, "But don't you think now would be a good time to surrender? I've got an unbeatable defense, and a powerful monster that can easily tear your monsters apart while getting stronger. Why continue?"
"Me? Surrender?" snorted James, "And let you hold hands with Molly afterwards? Not a chance in hell!"
"Again with that?" Murdoch sighed, unable to believe how dense James was behaving, "Molly and I are just friends. How many times do I have to say it?"
"I won't lose to you!" rebutted James, "I won't get knocked out of the tournament in my first duel!" He drew a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: James Hughes (LP: 2900)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (4): "Transcendent Wings", "Polymerization", "Elemental HERO Clayman", and "Pot of Greed"
On cue, the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"I activate 'Pot of Greed'!" began James, drawing two cards, "I must draw 2 cards!"
His drawn cards were 'Neo-Spacian Grand Mole' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Edge Hammer' (Trap Card). From there, appearing on the field was a mole-like monster with a drill for a nose (Level: 3/ATK: 900/DEF: 300).
"I Summon 'Neo-Spacian Grand Mole' in Defense Position!" The voice of James exclaimed, as the above scenario played out. It was followed by a face-down card appearing on the field behind 'Elemental HERO Bladedge', "In addition, I'll Set one card and end my turn."
Over with Gordon, Henry, and Molly…
"James, you'd better hope that card of yours is a good one!" called Gordon, "One wrong move, and you're done in Battle City!"
Back on the field, James remained grim and quiet. Murdoch sighed and decided he should put an end to the duel.
"It's my turn!" cried Murdoch, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Murdoch Riddles (LP: 3000)
Deck: 31
Current Hand (1): "Jewel Sword"
His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Jewel Sword'; it was perfect to help end the match and grant him victory.
"It's all over, James!" declared Murdoch, holding his card ('Jewel Sword') out, "I activate the Equip Spell, 'Jewel Sword'!"
A large sword appeared in the hands of 'Marauding Captain' #2.
"Another Equip Spell?" blurted James.
"I must equip only to a Warrior monster. It gains 300 ATK," explained Murdoch, as 'Marauding Captain' #2 grew stronger (ATK: 1800 → 2100), "My second 'Marauding Captain' now has 2100 ATK!"
"So, you control two monsters with over 2000 ATK, and a monster with over 3000 ATK," uttered James, "The only monsters I control are 'Grand Mole' and 'Bladedge'… Once both of them go down, you'll be one turn away from defeating me."
"James…" whispered Murdoch, "For what it's worth, you put up a good fight. But this is a tournament I plan to win," He entered the Battle Phase, "Go forth, my second 'Marauding Captain'!" As he announced the intention to attack, 'Marauding Captain' #2 charged towards the vulnerable 'Neo-Spacian Grand Mole', "Destroy 'Grand Mole'!"
As 'Marauding Captain' #2 prepared to strike down 'Neo-Spacian Grand Mole', James smiled a little bit.
"You fell into my trap," whispered James.
"Huh?" blinked Murdoch.
Before 'Marauding Captain' #2 could slash at 'Neo-Spacian Grand Mole', he stopped at literally the last second and faded away in a blue streak. It was followed by James's monster fading away, too.
"What?! What happened to my monster-?" stammered Murdoch.
"The monster effect of 'Neo-Spacian Grand Mole'," said James, "At the start of the Damage Step, if this card battles an opponent's monster: I can return both the opponent's monster and this card to the hand," As he spoke some more, 'Marauding Captain' #1 (ATK: 2100 → 1900) and 'Sword Hunter' (ATK: 3250 → 3050) both lost some of their boosted ATK, "With one Warrior monster gone, the effect of 'The A. Forces' becomes weaker!"
"Smart move," admitted Murdoch, "But I now activate the second effect of my Equip Spell, 'Jewel Sword'!" He drew a card, "When this equipped card is sent from the field to the GY: I must draw 1 card!" Adding the card into his hand, he resumed the Battle Phase, "'Sword Hunter', go and strike down 'Elemental HERO Bladedge'!" While announcing the attack name, 'Sword Hunter' readied both swords and charged towards 'Elemental HERO Bladedge', "Hunter's Chance!"
"If 'Bladedge' falls, your 'Sword Hunter' will go with him!" retorted James, as he pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "Trap Card, 'Edge Hammer'!" The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I must Tribute 1 "Elemental HERO Bladedge", then target 1 monster my opponent controls; I must destroy that target, and if I do, inflict damage to my opponent equal to that target's original ATK!"
Murdoch cried out, watching as 'Sword Hunter' slashed at 'Elemental HERO Bladedge' with both swords, and 'Elemental HERO Bladedge' punched 'Sword Hunter' in retaliation; both monsters shattered into shards of glass from mutual destruction.
"Your 'Sword Hunter' has an original ATK of 2450, so you lose that many LP, Murdoch!" jeered James.
Glowing red, Murdoch grimaced and lost heavy LP (LP: 3000 → 550), then looked at his face-up 'The A. Forces' Spell Card.
"Not good," thought Murdoch, as his remaining 'Marauding Captain' grew weaker (ATK: 1900 → 1700), "With only 'Marauding Captain' left and equipped with 'Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade', his ATK is stuck at 1700," He spoke up once more, "Just because you destroyed 'Sword Hunter', doesn't mean you're off the hook, James! I still control my first 'Marauding Captain', and he can still attack you!"
With that said, 'Marauding Captain' rushed forth and, armed with both swords, slashed at James, causing the red-haired boy to yell out in pain as his LP took another big hit (LP: 2900 → 1200).
"Now for my Main Phase 2," noted Murdoch, just before the second copy of 'Marauding Captain' reappeared on the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 400), "I Summon 'Marauding Captain'!" He took another card from his hand, "And now, my 'Marauding Captain's' second effect! I Special Summon 'Armed Samurai - Ben Kei' from my hand!"
Appearing on the field was a Samurai monster wielding two spears for weapons (Level: 4/ATK: 500/DEF: 800).
"Now, my brothers in arms, grow stronger from the power of 'The A. Forces'!" commanded Murdoch.
'Marauding Captain' #1 (ATK: 1700 → 2100), 'Marauding Captain' #2 (ATK: 1600 → 1800), and 'Armed Samurai - Ben Kei' (ATK: 500 → 1100) all grew even stronger.
"I end my turn," concluded Murdoch, as James glared in defiance while listening, "Well, James, I guess you can say we're at the climax of the show, right?" He nodded carefully, "Your monsters are gone, I control three Warrior monsters empowered by 'The A. Forces', and none of them can be attacked thanks to the first effect of my 'Marauding Captains'."
"So what?!" barked James.
"I think it might be a good time to quit before it's too late," suggested Murdoch, "If you give up now, I promise you I won't take your Locator Card and rarest card."
"And let Molly leap into your arms?" James growled out stubbornly, "I'll give up this duel when Hell freezes over!"
"You still won't surrender?" asked Murdoch, bemused, "You're really stubborn, James. Fine, let's continue the duel. Currently, it's your turn."
"So be it," accepted James, looking at the top of his Duel Disk, "I need to draw that one card for this turn, otherwise my plan to win will not work," He braced both fingers on top of his Deck, "Here I go, Murdoch! I'm betting everything on this draw!"
"I understand," responded Murdoch.
And with that, James drew a card with a Destiny Draw.
Turn Seven: James Hughes (LP: 1200)
Deck: 47
Current Hand (5): "Transcendent Wings", "Polymerization", "Elemental HERO Clayman", "Neo-Spacian Grand Mole", and "Winged Kuriboh"
His faith was rewarded with a Monster Card called 'Winged Kuriboh', which was the card he needed at this moment—he had another card ('Transcendent Wings') in his hand that needed it to be on the field. With his plan ready, James placed his drawn card onto his Duel Disk (sideways).
"I Summon 'Winged Kuriboh' in Defense Position!" he declared.
Appearing on the field was a small, brown-furred monster with a pair of angelic-like wings (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200).
"'Winged Kuriboh'?" wondered Henry.
"You know what this means, right?" added Gordon.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn," said James, slotting a card into his Duel Disk and causing a face-down card to appear on the field, "Okay, Murdoch, that is all I can do. If you think you can win with your wall of Warrior monsters, then go ahead and show me, my friends, and Molly!"
"A 'Winged Kuriboh' and a face-down card… James, are you sure that's all you can do?" pressed Murdoch, "I mean, I'm not trying to put you down nor insult your choice of monster, but I thought you'd have more you want to do."
James's response was to glare, wanting Murdoch to continue the duel to the bitter end.
"Alright, if that's how it is, I'll finish you off this turn," continued Murdoch, drawing a card, "It's my turn! Draw card!"
Turn Eight: Murdoch Riddles (LP: 550)
Deck: 29
Current Hand (1): "Hidden Armory"
Upon seeing what he drew…
"Here I go, James!" began Murdoch, and held his drawn card ('Hidden Armory') out, "I activate 'Hidden Armory'!" He drew a card and looked at it, "I must send the top card of my Deck to the GY; I must…" The card ('Command Knight') was sent to the GY, causing another card ('Fusion Sword Murasame Blade') to eject from the middle of the Deck and get taken, "…add 1 Equip Spell from my Deck or GY to my hand. I cannot Normal Summon/Set the turn I activate this card," It was then a Spell Card called 'Fusion Sword Murasame Blade' flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Equip Spell, 'Fusion Sword Murasame Blade'! I must equip only to a Warrior monster. It gains 800 ATK! I equip this onto 'Armed Samurai - Ben Kei'!"
Replacing one of the spears in his hands, a new katana-like sword was forged for 'Armed Samurai - Ben Kei' to use in battle, raising his ATK (ATK: 1100 → 1900).
"'Ben Kei' also has an effect," revealed Murdoch, "For each Equip Card equipped to this card, it gains 1 additional attack during each Battle Phase."
James said nothing, but Gordon, Henry, and Molly each had something to say about what Murdoch planned to do.
"Four attacks!" realized Molly.
"Maybe James isn't gonna use that plan!" out in Henry.
"Then the only good thing about 'Winged Kuriboh' being out is preventing James from losing the duel from being attacked directly!" finished Gordon.
Back on the field…
"My 'Armed Samurai - Ben Kei' attacks 'Winged Kuriboh'!" announced Murdoch, entering the Battle Phase.
'Armed Samurai - Ben Kei' jumped into the air and prepared to take 'Winged Kuriboh' down. All 'Winged Kuriboh' could do was look up, see a scary monster coming down for it, and calmly close its eyes and begin glowing white.
"What?!" recoiled Murdoch, "What's happening to 'Winged Kuriboh'?"
"It's evolving, that's what's happening," James pointed out, before pointing to a face-up card of his, "Quick-Play Spell, 'Transcendent Wings'! I must send 1 face-up or face-down 'Winged Kuriboh' I control and 2 cards from my hand to the GY; I must…" He took two cards ('Polymerization' and 'Elemental HERO Clayman') and sent them to the GY, "…Special Summon 1 'Winged Kuriboh LV10' from my hand or Deck," At last, he held up his final card ('Winged Kuriboh LV10'), "Appear now, 'Winged Kuriboh LV10'!"
The evolution of 'Winged Kuriboh' soon ended, revealing on the field an almost dragon-like version of 'Winged Kuriboh' with two large white angel wings, a golden tail, and white hair to go along with the brown fur (Level: 10/ATK: 300/DEF: 200).
"'Winged Kuriboh LV10'…" admired Molly.
"'Winged Kuriboh LV10's' special effect!" The voice of James vowed, causing Molly to look back over. On the field, he was making his game-winning move, "During my opponent's Battle Phase (Quick Effect): I can Tribute this face-up card; I must…" Focus went towards 'Winged Kuriboh LV10', "…destroy as many Attack Position monsters my opponent controls as possible, and if I do, inflict damage to my opponent equal to the combined original ATK of those destroyed monster(s)!"
"You can destroy all of my monsters that easily?!" panicked Murdoch, watching as 'Winged Kuriboh LV10' released rays of light, "Oh no!"
The rays of light struck and destroyed 'Armed Samurai - Ben Kei' and both 'Marauding Captains'. Trying as he could, Murdoch got thrown a distance to the ground as he was defeated (LP: 550 → 0).
DUEL RESULTS: James Hughes wins!
With the duel over, the remaining holograms faded away.
"Wow!" blinked Henry.
"I guess James won after all," admitted Gordon.
Molly then rushed forth. James turned and saw Molly running towards him.
"Hey!" The red-haired boy smiled, opening his arms out, But then, Molly simply rushed past him, "Huh?"
To his surprise and dismay, Molly had instead ran over to see if Murdoch was okay.
"Murdoch!" she cried. "Oh, Murdoch, are you okay?"
Murdoch got onto a knee, grimaced, and rubbed the top of his head. That blow was painful, but that was how a duel would go and/or end.
"That attack did hurt," groaned Murdoch, but managing to smile painfully, "But I'll certainly make it."
"Oh, come on!" pouted James, as Gordon and Henry walked up, "I'm the one who won, not him! Besides, those were holograms, so they shouldn't hurt at all!"
"Um, James?" started Gordon, "Maybe you should cool it before you go too far…"
But James wouldn't listen and just kept on ranting, much to Henry and Gordon's dismay.
"You're supposed to be paying attention to ME!" The voice of James went on, as he motioned both hands towards himself in protest, "I was top 3 in the San Francisco tournament for crying out loud! Why is it that every time I try to hang with you, you make up some excuse to ditch me? It's not fair!"
"James?" worried Henry.
"I mean Murdoch's not even that great of a duelist!" rambled James, as Murdoch frowned over basically being called a bad duelist, "Why are you always avoiding a chance for us to hang out?"
Unfortunately, by that point, sweet-natured Molly Russell had had enough of James's arrogant and conceited attitude.
"Stop it," she said suddenly.
"Wha-?" gulped James, leaving himself to hang.
Molly stood up, turned around, and gave James a very dangerous stare that made him further hush up in an instant. Gordon and Henry were, likewise, a little nervous over Molly's anger.
"He's dead," whispered Gordon, and Henry nodded silently, "We tried to warn him."
After a moment of silence, Molly began speaking. And she sounded dead serious too.
"James Hughes!" berated Molly acidly, "You are by far the most arrogant and self-centered boy I have ever met. You brag to everybody thinking that you are the greatest thing since sliced bread even though you're not," As she spoke about the past, faded stills of Emily's darkest period were superimposed over everyone—one image at a time, "You, for instance, bullied Emily to the point she became a bossy brat and caused her to bully 'me', and you even had the nerve to scare Percy and almost cause him to leave Sodor forever!" She narrowed her eyes further, "To be honest, I don't care at all for your arrogant nature! Why can't you be a better person like Thomas and the likes?"
James completely flinched upon hearing that Thomas was a better person than he (James) would ever be. But did Molly stop there? Don't bet on it.
"Ever since we met," she went on, "I've been wondering to myself what was wrong with you. Why is it that you're always trying to show off and make people think you're the best instead of thinking about other people's feelings? You didn't even show any concern for Murdoch when he got hurt at the end of your duel! I really don't like a guy that's arrogant and doesn't care for those around him, James Hughes."
Gordon and Henry were both amazed that someone so soft-spoken and nice like Molly could house quite the temper when pushed too far. And they mentally made a note to never do anything that would anger her. James, meanwhile, had his head bowed with a shadow covering his eyes; he had never seen or heard a girl say something like that to him—and he didn't appear to take it (more like the rejection part seemingly) very well to say the least. After what seemed like forever, James began to speak right back.
"I think I understand perfectly what you're saying, Molly," muttered James, trying to sound as calm as possible yet with hints of anger, "What you're saying is that you have ALWAYS DESPISED ME!" Raising his head and dispelling the shadow, his calmness was immediately replaced with anger, frightening Molly a bit as she gasped and listened to him, while Murdoch, Gordon, and Henry each flinched themselves, "All this time you've been lying to me, making me THINK you cared about me when all along you were feeding me false hopes to make me think that one day we'd be a couple, only to rip my heart out and crush my dreams just to satisfy your sadistic fantasies!"
"James?" Molly peeped, all of her own anger was gone in an instant.
"How can you say something like that?" demanded Henry, aghast.
Unfortunately, James, with angry tears forming, still didn't stop there.
"I can't believe I wasted nearly five years trying to get a selfish, heart-breaking bitch like you to notice me!" raged James, causing Molly to fearfully back up into a wall, "If you never intended on being my girlfriend at all, then you should have at least have the decency to just come out and say so instead of waiting to break my heart!" He swung his right arm about in a dramatic fashion as he got his point across, "If you want nothing to do with me, then I want nothing to do with you! I hate you, Molly Russell! Do you hear me?! I HATE YOU! I never want to see or talk to you ever again!"
With that said, James turned and ran off in a terrible mood. Molly, meanwhile, slowly slumped down onto the ground as she felt her heart break into little pieces.
"James..." Molly whispered, while starting to tear up.
Gordon, Henry, and Murdoch each approached the dark-haired girl. They felt terrible for what they just witnessed James said to her.
"Are you okay, Molly?" asked Henry.
He never got an answer, as poor Molly finally broke down to cry. James may have won the duel… but at the same time, he had lost. Lost his friendship with Molly Russell, that is. Now both sides were hurting. Would they ever make up? Stay tuned, folks!
The "remastered" version of the chapter has a brand new title since I was unhappy with the original title. Hopefully it will be much better.
