This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. Credit to author AaronCottrell97 for a few ideas and character suggestions (especially the duel layout for the story). Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
Song used in Intro and Outro (c) Unknown
WARNING: The story is rated T for fantasy violence, suggestive themes, and some mild language.
Genre(s): Game, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Romance
(Thomas Billinton was shown running down the streets of Sodor, a serious look on his face as his Millennium Puzzle swung about.)
I watch your hand reach out towards tomorrow
following a light that cannot be blocked out
My pace quickens as I speed along, seeing this worlds dream through my own eyes. Take flight!
(Eventually, his Duel Monsters spirit partners, 'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl', both hovered beside him, bringing a slight smile to Thomas's face. He carried on with running towards a bright light with a determined yell. The main title then appeared.)
YU-GI-OH! The Sodor Chronicles
(Thomas watched below the Island of Sodor as the wind blowed his hair about. He was still feeling solemn and depressed from all he had endured in the Duel Monsters spirit world, and wonders if he'll ever be the same again. We then see Thomas Summon some of his monsters; 'Dark Magician', 'Dark Magician Girl', 'Magician's Valkyria', 'Skilled Dark Magician', 'Obnoxious Celtice Guardian', 'Big Shield Gardna', 'Kuriboh', the 'Poker Knight' trio, and 'Buster Blader'.)
How can anyone just say for sure they know where dreams and hopes can all be found
While they run around in circles, searching for what lies undiscovered?
(Standing proud and smirking evilly is a young man wearing a helmet for some reason. His name was Vinnie, and on his face was a look of wickedly delight. Just what is he up to? A new cut then pans to Spencer Gresley, with his Duel Disk activated, as he Summoned, 'Luster Dragon #2', 'Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End', and three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons'.)
Just how can the valley which exists between lies and the truth crumble away
When the story of how our lives came to be has yet to even begin?
(A beautiful blonde-haired young German woman named Frieda causally fans her hair. Thomas looked to the ground for a few seconds before activating his Duel Disk, ready for action!)
The path towards tomorrow is collpasing much faster than we thought
So I say let's take off before it becomes too unstable!
(Before Thomas is a large number of duelists from many different corners of the world; Brazil, India, Austrailia, China, etc.. Two of these duelists stood out; a young and excited boy named Philip, and one of Discord's adopted kids—and American Duel Monsters champion—Matt Fudo, who proceeded to Summon 'Stardust Dragon', 'Junk Warrior', 'Formula Synchron', 'Nitro Warrior', and 'Junkuriboh'. In addition, a shadowed monster that looked like an evolved form of 'Stardust Dragon' was also shown appearing behind the four Synchro Monsters and Effect Monster.)
Take the escape that's approaching in a flash. It will lead you to a life we all yearn for
Find the hope from that unseen future. Try to strive for what you most expect.
(Thomas soon found himself running along with his best of friends - Emily, Percy, James, Gordon, Henry, Edward, Toby, Mavis, Molly, Stanley, Rosie, and Lady. Emily appeared by herself and winked to the camera until Rosie—now slightly taller, sporting a slightly more mature body, and cherry red hair color—playfully hipbumps her and joined her in the shot. Many of the allies Summon their monsters for battle...)
Percy - 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon', 'Maximum Six', and 'Gilford the Lightning'
Emily - 'Wingweaver', 'Serapheem', and her newest monster in 'Supreme Queen of Angels'
James - 'Elemental HERO Neos' and 'Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman'
Stanley - 'Destiny HERO - Dogma' and 'Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster'
Rosie - 'Diamond Head Dragon' and 'Guardian Angel Joan'
Lady - 'Harpie Lady Sisters' and 'Harpie's Pet Dragon'
Hearts combined are steadier than anyone's, even when the odds are all stacked against you.
(Riding their Duel Runners in various areas of San Francisco, Michael Atlas, riding Wheel of Fortune, held up a card and brought out 'Red Dragon Archfiend'—there was also what appeared to be a shadowed image of what seemed to be an evolved form of the monster hidden behind it. Carlie Izayoi, riding Bloody Kiss, held up a card and Summoned 'Black Rose Dragon'. Finally, James R. Hogan, riding Blackbird, held up a card and called forth 'Black-Winged Dragon'. Three of the six dragons of the legendary Crimson Dragon then took flight.)
We will fight against our weaknesses, struggle through and win with just our strengths.
(Thomas found himself alone in darkness for a second before one by one, all of his monsters appear before him, causing the darkness to change to light. Thomas, not smiling, put his left hand out. Many of the other monsters, mostly the human ones along with 'Kuriboh', put their hands in as well before throwing them into the air, a bit like a sort of team thing.)
I will reach my goals in life, with the help of irreplaceable comrades.
My pace is quickening every second, and I swear to see the world's new day. Take flight!
(When the light faded, Thomas stood proudly among his friends and the other International Duelists as the title came back again.)
YU-GI-OH! The Sodor Chronicles
The rest of summer had been going by on the Island of Sodor... While it felt like months in the Duel Monsters spirit world (because of how differently time passes in that world), it had only been merely a week-and-a-half in the real world. Even then, Thomas Billinton and his friends were all in the middle of trying to move on and get back on track with their personal lives... Unfortunately, some things were not all that easy to forget for some people. As so...
(elsewhere...)
One night, Thomas (15), now sporting scars from his adventures, was inside his room within the Billinton residence, sound asleep in his bed—but I'm sorry to say he wasn't having a good sleep, at all... He was tossing and turning as a bad dream ensured.
"N-No..." The blue-haired boy mumbled. "Don't do it, Emily! Don't die! I can't live without... without you!" He then shot up, now wide awake. "NNNNNNOOOOOO!"
While breathing and panting hard, the door to his room suddenly flew open as his Mother and Father both raced inside to see what the matter was.
"Thomas, what's wrong?" asked Mrs. Billinton. "We heard you screaming."
Thomas looked down. "T-That...dream..."
"Dream? What happened in it?" asked Mr. Billinton, sitting down on the end of the bed.
Thomas uneasily told both adults the description of his dream. You see, shortly after returning home from his adventure in the Duel Monsters spirit world, the blue-haired boy relucantly showed his parents and sisters the scars he received during the journey, and revealed information about his true self as the present-day reincarnation of Anakin (someone who looked exactly like him, but sported black hair instead of blue hair). Unlike some of the previous adventures, where Mr. and Mrs. Billinton both thought Thomas was making it up, they actually believed him here (seeing the sadness and pain in his eyes). Do you know what they said after he made that confession?
"No matter what-" said the voice of Mr. Billinton. "-you are our son."
"Reincarnation or not." added the voice of Mrs. Billinton.
"And nothing will ever change that." agreed the voices of Annie and Clarabel. "Families look out for each other. And we love you, Big Brother."
Either way, Thomas practically started crying after telling his parents what his nightmare had been all about. It would seem he was still suffering from severe trauma (or, rather, Post Tramatic Stress Disorder - PTSD) over everything he had been through during his journey in the Duel Monsters spirit world.
"Oh, honey..." whispered Mrs. Billinton, feeling terrible for her teenage son. "That was the tenth nightmare this summer..."
"I know-" whimpered Thomas, who was weeping into his hands. "-but it was just so horrible... I've endured so much pain and suffering..."
"Everything's going to be alright, kiddo." comforted Mr. Billinton. "Would it help to see a Counselor?"
"No... No, not even that would help... There's only one person in this whole world who can help heal my pain..."
"Would you like us to call the Stirling family and ask if they, along with Emily, would like to stay with us for a while?" asked Mrs. Billinton.
Thomas nodded quietly... And that's exactly what they did...
Title: Old Adventures, New Beginnings
A few days later at the Sodor National Airport, Percy Avonside and the others—minus Rosie Vulcan and Stanley Hudswell—were all at the lobby, waiting for someone.
"Are you sure this is the day Rosie and Stanley both return from the United States?" asked James Hughes (16).
"Of course, I'm sure!" answered Percy (15). "It's what their email had said."
"They've been gone for most of the summer." commented Molly Russells (16). "I bet they'll have lots they want to tell us."
"Like pictures, souvenirs, etc.." added Mavis Drewry (16). "I've always been wondering what New York City is like... All I do know is that it's the biggest city in the United States."
"Look, look! There's their plane!" cried the voice of Toby Holden (16). The brown-haired boy was looking out the window. "Stanley and Rosie are both home again!"
The rest of the gang approached the window their friend was looking out of and gasped.
(elsewhere...)
Outside, one plane was flying through the sky before touch-landing on the runway and slowing down to a stop.
(elsewhere...)
Later, Percy and the others were waiting by a gate when Stanley Hudswell and his new girlfriend—a red-haired teenage girl—came by.
"Stanley!" cheered Percy, happy to see that his two friends were back. "You're home!"
"I sure am." The gray-haired boy (15) agreed, smiling big over the warm welcome. "Returning to America was as wonderful as ever, but it sure is great to be back on the Island of Sodor again."
"But who's she?" blinked James, looking at the new girl. "Didn't Rosie go with you to the U.S.?"
"I 'am' Rosie, James." giggled the red-haired girl. "I got a new look while we were in America. What do you guys think of it?"
James was aghast. "ROSIE?!"
Yup, this 'new' girl was actually Rosie Vulcan (15), someone also originally from the United States (just like Stanley). However, Rosie looked so much different than from before... She was slightly taller than from before, now had a slightly more mature-looking body (so-to-speak), wore different clothing, and even had a slightly deeper voice compared to before. The biggest change, however, was Rosie's hair color and length... Her hair was now colored cherry red instead of purple-like pink, and went all the way down to the middle of her back instead of being merely shoulder-lengthed.
"We...almost didn't recognize you at first." commented Edward Stewart (17).
"That's because when Stanley and I were visiting New York City, my body...started developing a little bit." explained Rosie, not sounding or looking embarrassed over talking about her body image. "While I'm a teenager as you can plainly see, I've always looked young for my age."
"Sorta like a pre-teen?" asked Mavis.
"Yeah, something like that. In addition, I grew taller and my voice even deepened a bit... Well, to the point I no longer sound like Emily on helium—no offense to her. Plus, I also decided to grow my hair out and change the color of it from lavender to a type of red."
James chuckled. "Well, it sounds to me like puberty had finally caught up with you, Rosie... Not to mention there's now a far greater chance the boys will finally notice you, moreso than before development decided to kick in."
With an anger pressure mark appearing on the side of her head, Rosie immediately shot a nasty-looking glare at James for making such a lewd joke about her body.
"On that note, we'll be going." cut in Gordon Gresley (18), pulling the red-haired boy away before he could say anything else with his big mouth.
"So, what have we missed out on while we were away?" asked Stanley. He then remembered something... "Wait, where are Thomas and Emily? I don't see them anywhere."
"They didn't come." answered Henry Stanier (17).
"But, why not?" asked Rosie, looking and sounding a bit hurt. "I thought they wanted to see us again."
"Both Thomas and Emily have been spending tons of time together." explained Edward. "Ever since they returned from the Duel Monsters spirit world, there hasn't been a single moment where they were apart."
Stanley had to smile. "Is that all? Well, that's-"
"There's more... They didn't even come camping with Lady and I last weekend." peeped Percy. "And they've also constantly declined to go to the arcade with Toby and I."
"It's almost like they're too busy to spend time with us anymore." Molly added sadly.
"In addition-" put in Gordon. "-Emily also informed me over the phone two days ago that she and her parents have moved in with the Billintons for the next little while."
"You mean they're living together, now?" asked Rosie. "Even though they're only 15 and 16 respectively?"
"It was what both Thomas AND Emily wanted."
"Either they're training for when they get married-" suggested James. "-or something's going on."
"Over the time Thomas and Emily have been hanging out with us-" mused Toby thoughtfully. "-they, especially Thomas, have been feeling rather down."
"Considering all that we, especially them, have been through earlier in the summer-" came from Gordon. "-it was especially traumatizing. Thomas and Emily were both revealed to be reincarnations of a royal couple who lived in the Duel Monsters spirit world."
"Emily's previous self eventually died protecting her husband from being killed by her monster of a Father, and Thomas's previous self went insane with grief and eventually became a demon hellbent on conquering the universe." put in James.
"To make things worse-" finished Edward. "-Thomas and Emily both have to carry those memories—and so much more—for quite possibly the rest of their lives."
"I wish there was something we could do to help them." sighed Percy.
Yes, indeed...
(elsewhere...)
Up on the rooftop of the Billinton residence, Thomas was shown to be resting his head on Emily Stirling's lap, while the dark green-haired girl (16) did her best to comfort her new boyfriend of his pain and suffering.
"It's quite beautiful out today." said Emily, stroking the blue-haired boy's face (but mainly his scar).
"Yeah... It sure is, I guess..." mumbled Thomas dully. It was as if he wasn't even paying any attention.
"I also heard that Rosie and Stanley were coming back from the United States today." Emily went on. "You know, perhaps we should go and welcome them back with the rest of our friends."
The blue-haired boy didn't move from his spot, much to the dark green-haired girl's concern.
"Thomas? Don't you want to go see Rosie and Stanley?"
"No..." answered Thomas, sounding as depressed as ever.
Emily looked upset. "Why not?" she asked hurtfully.
"Don't you get it? If I go down to the airport, who knows what kind of danger I might attract? Especially since I'm the reincarnation of Anakin, a.k.a. Diablon... After almost losing you, the reincarnation of Anastasia, in the Duel Monsters spirit world forever, I... I..."
Thomas couldn't finish his statement before tears started to stream down his face. Without wasting a second, the poor blue-haired boy buried his face into Emily's lap and started to cry.
"Oh, Tommy..." whispered Emily, feeling like she was about to start crying, as well. "But we have to stop avoiding our friends. They might think we don't care for them anymore if we keep doing this."
"That won't be a problem." interrupted a voice (male).
Emily looked to nearby, and saw James, Percy, and everyone else standing by the staircase leading down into the apartment building.
"James!" The dark green-haired girl gasped. "How long have you been there listening?"
"Long enough." answered James, not looking too upset.
Thomas managed to stop crying. "Guys, please, leave us be for now."
"What, again?"
"Sorry, Thomas, but the answer's no." said Gordon firmly. "We've been leaving you be ever since we got back from the spirit world, and that was over a month ago. Stop avoiding us already!"
"Don't you guys even understand?!" Thomas shouted, standing up while now getting angry. "I'm too dangerous to be around! Emily is the only one who can keep me calm and stable!"
"And remember that I, too, had suffered so much!" added Emily hotly, speaking directly to the gang.
"We know!" protested Toby. "But casting us aside is not going to undo everything that's happened!"
Before the arguing could continue, the sound of a helicopter was heard...
"A helicopter?" mumbled Percy, looking upward.
"What's it doing here?" asked Molly, also looking upward.
The answer came when a familiar, and cheery, voice could be heard.
"Hello, down there!"
"It's Discord!" cried Henry.
Yup... Hanging from the opened doorway of the helicopter was Discord J. Crawford, and he was waving to all his friends down below.
"Salutations from Industrial Illusions!" The creator of Duel Monsters greeted loudly. "I bring some important news!"
"What news?" asked James loudly.
"Let me land, and I'll tell you!"
And so, the gang quickly got out of the way of the helicopter, allowing it to lower and land safely on the rooftop. Once it stopped, Discord jumped out and approached the group of teenagers.
"It has been a while, eh?" he asked pleasantly.
"Yeah... it has..." agreed Thomas, not sounding very enthusiastic.
Discord, not realizing what has happened, chuckled teasingly. "Aww, what's the matter, Thomas-boy? Haven't been having a good summer so far? Perhaps you missed little 'ole me?"
"Discord, please-!" Emily began, but was cut off.
"We've all had a rotten summer, alright?!" croaked James suddenly. "We've spent some of it on a long and treacherous journey through a world of Duel Monsters to rescue Emily from a band of evil monsters hellbent on taking over the world and reviving a demon from hundreds to thousands of years ago! The demon turned out to a past version of Thomas, agonizing over the tragic death of his wife—a past version of Emily!"
Silence fell among the group.
"Oh..." said Discord quietly in a sympathetic voice. "I'm... I'm so sorry about all that."
"And ever since we got back-" added Henry. "-Thomas has been avoiding us."
"I was just trying to keep them safe." insisted Thomas, once again looking very upset over the story being brought up...again. "Danger has been following me left and right, and more often than not, my friends would get caught in the crossfire. And on this adventure, they... This time, they were killed, and I couldn't do anything to protect them."
"Oh dear..." whispered Discord, stroaking his chin. "I can see why you look and sound very depressed." He then smiled brightly. "Well, if this helps any, I have something for all of you."
"What is it?" asked Emily.
Discord responded by taking something out of his coat pocket. It was an envelope, and he handed it to the dark green-haired girl.
"Huh? What's in this envelope?"
Discord kept his smile. "Open it, and you'll see." he suggested.
Emily opened the envelope up. Inside there were a bunch of tickets.
"What are these tickets?" Emily asked once more, looking surprised.
"They're tickets to the grand opening of Boxford Land in 'Atlanta - Georgia'." explained Discord, who then winked. "Spencer-boy was the one who requested that I bring them personally to the lot of you."
"Awesome!" cheered Percy. "We get to go to an amusement park in America before Summer ends—wait, did you say Boxford Land?"
"That's Spencer's latest company project, right?" added Gordon.
Discord nodded. "Correct."
"Has things been going right for him and his family after the monster attacks and bad publicity from those events finally faded?" asked James.
Discord finally lost his smile as a flashback ensured.
FLASHBACK
At the city of Atlanta, things were as busy as ever. People roaming around, cars driving around—you should get the idea.
"Things haven't exactly been smooth sailing for Spencer-boy, Skiff-boy, and their parents ever since they managed to regain control of the company after all that's happened." narrated Discord. "Spencer-boy has been working non-stop for most of the summer to try and keep everything under control, but I'm sorry to say it was to some rather poor results."
(elsewhere...)
Over at the headquarters of the American branch of Boxford Corp, Spencer Gresley's voice could be heard speaking to someone...
"I just can't believe this..."
(elsewhere...)
Inside the main office, a stressed-looking Spencer (18) was seated at his desk, who then, with a heavy sigh, proceeded to bury his hands into his face...
"After the big incident with all the kidnapping and Duel Monsters-based attacks all around the United States, Boxford Corporation was left with enormous debts." narrated Discord. "The stock price became record-breakingly low."
The silver-haired boy, joined by his parents and Skiff, was busy speaking to a number of suits...
"Thanks to that maniac Gozaburo buying out the company... along with Douglas Crump's smear campaign against us, and especially the monster attacks and kidnappings from around the world..." he groaned dreadfully. "This is all a complete disaster; Boxford Corp is down in the dumps... Massive debts, pay cuts, lay-offs, stock liquidations..."
"We humbly apologize, Master Spencer." apologized one suit.
"We're doing our very best to try and reverse the damage, but..." A second suit started to say, but didn't get a chance to finish.
"I'm sick and tired of hearing this over and over!" Flashback Spencer snapped, standing up and giving a hard stare to his employes. "Start showing me some results, am I clear?"
A third suit bowed apologetically. "Y-Yes, sir!"
The team of suits all got up and left the office, leaving Flashback Spencer and his family alone to talk.
"God, this is really annoying..." mumbled Flashback Spencer, sitting back down.
"This is really bad." sighed Flashback Skiff, who was in full agreement with his Big Brother. "Based on how effective that smear campaign from Douglas Crump and his supporters was, the public just doesn't seem to trust us anymore... Could this truly be the end of Boxford Corporation?"
"Isn't there anything we can do?" asked Flashback Mrs. Gresley (Boxford). "I mean, there has to be some sort of way we can try to regain the public's trust in us, right?"
"The only other Boxford Corp-related project we have on the go is the big opening of Boxford Land, coming real soon." Flashback Mr. Gresley (Boxford) pointed out. "Even then, the project has been rushed to get ready for the end of Summer. It might not be nearly as successful unless we delay the opening of the theme park for at least a few more months for additional polishing and improvements."
"Look, what other choice do we even have at a time like this?" complained the frustrated Flashback Spencer. "With how badly the company is suffering after everything that's happened during the summer—what with the monster attacks and kidnappings from around the world, and the anti-Boxford Corporation propaganda from Douglas Crump and his former White House staff—the grand opening of Boxford Land could very well be our remaining glimmer of hope in restoring popular opinion to the general public. Even then, it simply won't be enough... We need to do something else to earn back the trust of the public."
"What if we did something special to help promote the park's opening?" suggested Flashback Skiff.
That caught Flashback Spencer's attention. "Hm?"
"What do you have in mind, Skiff?" asked Flashback Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"Okay..." Flashback Skiff went on, beginning to explain his new idea. "Now, hear me out... Imagine if we hosted a huge Duel Monsters tournament, one that's even bigger than even the Battle City tournament. We invite many of the greatest duelists from around the world, to compete and try to become the next 'Duel King' or 'Duel Queen'? The whole tournament itself could be called something like...'The Great International Duel Cup'!"
"Around the world..." mumbled Flashback Mrs. Gresley (Boxford). "You mean like duelists from around Europe, Africa, Asia, and America?"
"That'd be what I was thinking."
"Hmm... You know something, that's not a bad idea." admitted Flashback Spencer, cupping his fist and resting his elbows on the surface of the desk. "If this 'grand' tournament is successful enough, we might be able to reverse the situation and restore our reputation around the world."
"So, which duelists are you planning to invite?" asked Flashback Mr. Gresley (Boxford), watching as his older son took out his laptop and began typing away.
"I can already tell you a few I intend to invite..."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end.
"Another Duel Monsters tournament..." whispered Gordon.
"This is why I came back to the Island of Sodor to speak to all of you." Discord went on. "As for what I've brought up, Spencer-boy really needs your help."
"Who does he want competing?" asked Mavis.
"If you check your tickets, you'll see who will."
The group of Sudrian teenagers did so. Eventually...
"YES! I'm in!" cheered James, after looking at his ticket.
"What do you know? So am I." came from Percy, who also looked at his ticket.
"Me too." put in Stanley.
"As am I." agreed Rosie.
Thomas looked at his ticket and sighed to himself; he was competing in the tournament, too. However, there was one final person competing, too...
"Huh? Me?" gasped a surprised Emily, dropping her ticket.
It would seem the dark green-haired girl had been selected as a competitor for the upcoming tournament by none other than Spencer himself. Nobody, especially her, had expected it, at all. Even then, the reception to the surprise was highly positive...
"Hey, congrates, Emily!" smiled Percy.
"Spencer-boy was the one who personally selected you to compete, Emily." explained Discord pleasantly. "He said it was because you truly proved yourself to him."
"What does that mean?" quizzed James.
"I... I think I do know what it means..." Emily murmured. "But, I..."
"Emily?" asked Thomas, seeing the distress on his girlfriend's face. "Emily, are you okay?"
"It's just that I've never been invited to something this big before." said Emily. "The only reasons I was able to be apart of the last two tournaments was to cheer the rest of you who were participating in." She closed her eyes. "I... I don't know if I..."
"You feel you're not ready for something like this." Thomas managed to softly finished.
Emily nodded sadly, confirming her fears.
"Oh, Emily..." Thomas immediately embraced his dark green-haired girlfriend lovingly. "I believe in you."
"Huh?" Emily, still feeling sad, looked to the blue-haired boy. "You do?"
"You have come a long way ever since you started dueling." smiled Thomas. "You've not only become stronger as a duelist, but as an individual, as well." He then had a reminder... "You've conquered the darkness in your heart and proved what you're really capable of as a True Duelist, especially in your life-or-death battle against Gozaburo. So, I think you have what it takes to be part of this tournament."
Emily managed to smile. "Oh, Tommy..."
She pulled Thomas in for a loving kiss.
"Aww, how sweet." gushed Discord. "It would seem you both have finally confessed your dear, sweet feelings."
"That they have." agreed Edward.
"They were too scared to at first." explained Percy.
"But after all the chaos they've been through-" came from Gordon. "-they finally decided to tie the knot. Sorta like how Anakin and Anastasia did so..."
Thomas and Emily both lost their smiles and again felt upset at being reminded of their past selves, but said nothing in response... Either way, Discord decided to try and change the subject...
"So, have you all made your choice?" he asked.
"I'm definitely in." accepted James.
"Me too." agreed Percy.
"Me three!" put in Rosie.
"You can count on me." added Stanley.
"I promise I'll do my very best." finished Emily.
The only one who didn't say anything was Thomas himself. It looked like he was about to refuse to take part.
"Hm? Thomas-boy." quizzed Discord.
"Don't you want to take part too, Thomas?" asked Emily. "It could be fun."
"No..."
Discord was surprised. "Why not?"
"I'm too scared." confessed Thomas. "With all the trouble that's happened lately, I don't want to put everyone's lives in danger... But, I'll wish the best of luck to the rest of you."
"Has any real danger happened to you or your friends since you came back from your adventure?" asked Discord, trying to convince the blue-haired boy to change his mind.
Thomas thought about it. "Well... no."
"Then, come on!" begged James. "You're the Duel King of the Island of Sodor, for crying out loud!"
"And I'm sure Spencer would want to face you again in the tournament." added Percy, before looking to Discord. "Umm... Spencer will be competing, right?"
"Not this time, I'm afraid." denied Discord, shaking his head. "With all the shake-ups going on at Boxford Corp, he's been too busy to play Duel Monsters."
"I see..." mused Gordon thoughtfully.
"So, come on, Thomas-boy! You and Spencer-boy are friends now, so why not help him out and wager your Duel King title..."
It looked like Thomas still didn't seem to wanted to go, and the creator of Duel Monsters could see this instantly.
"If you don't want to take part-" continued Discord. "-then we understand... I won't force you to do so, but I highly recommend that you do compete. Because if you do decide to take part—not only could it be good for your psyche, but it could also help you reclaim what you've lost."
Hearing the last part of the sentence had made Thomas rather curious.
"Reclaim what I've lost?"
"I wonder what that means?" Percy whispered to Edward.
"I'm not sure, Percy." replied the intelligent, blue-haired boy.
Emily already had a good idea on what Discord meant... Thomas's trauma in the Duel Monsters spirit world hadn't just affected his mental health, it had also affected his thought on dueling... Maybe competing this tournament would help do him some good...
"Thomas, I think I might know what Discord is talking about." The dark green-haired girl said to her sullened boyfriend. "I won't say what it exactly is, but I do think that you should take part like the rest of us."
"Are you sure?" asked Thomas. "But what if..."
"Don't worry about if danger happens." reassured Emily, gripping her hands onto the blue-haired boy's left arm. "You'll never know for sure if life is safe unless you get out there and try."
After so much hesitation, and seeing the pleading look in his girlfriend's eyes, Thomas gave a big sigh and managed a painful little smile.
"Alright, I'll do it."
"Yes!" Percy whooped happily. "We're back in the dueling business, baby!"
"I knew you'd accept the invitation." smiled Discord, getting back into the helicopter. "I'll send a plane over to pick up all of you in three days time. See you all until then!"
With that said, the helicopter started up and took to the skies.
"Goodbye, Discord!" called the Sudrian teenagers, waving.
The helicopter took to the skies and flew off until it was out of sight.
"Off we go to another exciting tournament in the United States." remarked James in a positive tone. "Just like we did several months ago."
"Which was our first time in America, too!" agreed Gordon.
"First San Francisco, now Atlanta!" put in Henry.
"And this time-" came from Toby. "-Emily gets to be part of the fun, too."
"Hey, hey, I've been part of the fun too, you know." retorted Emily playfully. "Remember when I dueled Lady?"
"Of course, we remember." confirmed Mavis. "But you seemed real upset at first when you were defeated by her, that we were worried you were going to be in the same depressed funk Thomas was in at the time."
"True, but I have become so much stronger than I was, back then."
"Did you and her ever get to have your rematch as promised?" asked Henry.
Emily shook her head. "Not recently, but there could be a good change we could face off in the new tournament."
"Wait a second!" cried Stanley, looking at his ticket. "I think we forgot to ask Discord about who else could be competing."
"Why do you say that?" Rosie asked curiously.
"There are gonna be duelists from all around the world coming to take part! It says so on the ticket!"
"You don't say..." gulped Mavis, looking over the gray-haired boy's shoulder at the ticket. "Around thirty-two duelists..."
"Spain, France, Canada, India, Japan, China..." Rosie read from her ticket. "Yikes, and those are only some of the countries..."
"Maybe some of these duelists will be friendly." suggested Percy.
"Man, I sure hope so..." groaned James.
Right, James, that is the key word there... HOPE SO... With another big Duel Monsters tournament on the horizon, can the group try and keep things together? As for Thomas... can he successfully reclaim what he's lost after suffering from such a tramatic experience in the Duel Monsters spirit world? Stay tuned!
(A spinning light illuminates nighttime on the Island of Sodor, as Thomas looked at the scenery. The camera then spun before changing into a full aerial view of the Island of Sodor.)
Close to you...
Those precious memories will ingrave deep withitn my heart
Only one strong and shining spirit can live right next to you whenever you need it
(We then cut to many different angles to show different members of the Tidmouth Teens starting with Percy, James, Gordon, Henry, Edward, Toby, Emily, and finally Thomas.)
I have always masked my fears, by putting up a strong front
While I try to be so tough, I neglect to listen to anyone's words
Over and over it goes, my life goes repetitively on
My heart has been screaming so hard, that I fear it could break any day now
It's time to hurry on, and toss all of that stuff clean away.
Because I want to move on to tomorrow
(We then cut to several of the friends in different pictures. Gordon with James and Henry in headlocks, Percy, Toby, and Edward being modest in their own picture, and Emily, winking and sticking her tongue out at the camera, playfully gives Thomas bunny ears. during the bottom, the Tidmouth Teens pose in front of a billboard advertising the upcoming 'Great International Duel Cup'.)
Close to you...
If you're looking out for what defines who you seem to be,
Then you just go ahead and keep protecting your decisions until the end...
(The nighttime faded away as the morning sun brightened the surrounding area. The Tidmouth Teens gazed outwards at the scenery.)
Close to you...
Those precious memories will ingrave deep withitn my heart
Only one strong and shining spirit can live right next to you whenever you need it!
(Thomas and Emily both find themselves facing off against many duelists from around the world.)
YU-GI-OH! The Sodor Chronicles