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, along with the flashback to Driote's backstory). 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: As of now, this story will be rated entirely M for bloody violence, depictions of gore, sexual content (including a moment of language being used in context to sex), and some nudity. Reader discretion is strongly advised.


Opening up outside Boxford Corp HQ, all was quiet on the outside. On the inside? It was not as quiet, if quiet at all.

"How much longer?" The voice of Gordon complained.

"For the dozenth time, I don't know." The voice of Thomas answered.

(elsewhere...)

Inside one of the staircases, Thomas and the others were, thanks to the Keycard they now had, making their way further up the building. How many flights of stairs had they gone through? Nobody knew at the time.

"How long have we been inside Boxford Corp?" panted Oliver.

"Only a few hours." replied Duck. "Although it feels like it's been forever to me considering how long some of the duels were."

Eventually, the group reached a roadblock in their path, and an unlocked door beside it. Obviously it was a sign they had to make a stop on the current floor.

"Our next stop?" asked Nia.

Thomas nodded, opening the door and walking through it, with his friends slowly following close behind.

(elsewhere...)

It hadn't been a full minute since entering the rather wide open chamber that our heroes overheard a new voice calling out to them...

"Ten hut! Welcome, challengers!"

"Bust my Buttons!" gasped Henry.

"Already we've been discovered!" added Toby.

Walking from a corner was a middle-aged man with a well, stocky build and filthy green-colored hair. The man's clothing consisted of a green jacket with four visible pouches on the chest area and sleeves, over a black shirt and what appeared to be bandages covering his arms. He also wore gray pants with a black belt and black shoes. His neck was adorned with a silver pendant around his neck.

"Once again, I welcome all of you to the next floor!" The man, speaking in a Welsh accent, greeted. "My name is Bradford, a war veteran. I will be your next opponent on your way to reach Captain Frankie."

"Bradford?" repeated Emily. "A war veteran?"

"Correct! I was chosen by the United Kingdom military to fight in the various wars in Iraq, fighting on the battlefield for twelve whole years before I was able to leave for home. However, after fighting in the war for so long, I've become obsessed with fighting such great battles." While he spoke on, Bradford closed his eyes as images to his earlier years fighting in various battles in the Middle East were shown around him. "I've lost sight on who I was before being sent to fight in the great war. Even taking up Duel Monsters has not quelled my thirst for battle!"

"If that's the case, why would you agree to fight for a teenage girl like Frankie?" questioned Thomas.

"Because if I were to meet a powerful duelist-" explained Bradford, with his eyes opened again. "-maybe I could fight a great battle and quell my thirst for such desires for good." He then pointed at Thomas. "A powerful duelist like...you, kid!"

"Me?" asked Thomas.

"Yes. Dueling somebody like you is the only way I will be able to live on in peace!"

"No, Thomas. You shouldn't waste your energy dueling against him." Edward insisted. "Let one of us duel this guy. You need to save your strength for when we reach Frankie."

"I thought you'd say that." frowned Bradford, holding up a Keycard. "I will tear this up if your friend does not duel with me."

"You wouldn't!" gasped Rebecca.

"I'm sorry, but this is a desire I will do anything to achieve." insisted Bradford, sounding a bit regretful in the process. "According to the girl Frankie, this Keycard is needed to open a locked door leading further up the building. Without it, none of you would be able to move forth."

Nobody liked what they heard.


Title: Under Lock and Chain


After what seemed like forever...

"Then, I have no choice." Thomas sighed, activating his Duel Disk. "I accept your challenge!"

Nodding, Bradford pocketed the Keycard and activated his own Duel Disk.

"Now, kid! Show me a great battle!" he ordered.

"It's time to duel!" declared Thomas.

And so, after taking their positions, the duel between Thomas and Bradford commenced (LP: 4000) x2.

"Thomas better not duel that Bradford so hard." commented Toby. "If he loses too much of his energy, he might not be able to face Frankie once we do reach her."

"Thomas..." whispered Emily.

Back in the duel field...

"The first to strike will be me!" declared Bradford, drawing a card. "It's my turn! Draw!"


Turn One: Bradford Pressman (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and "Beastborg Fusioner"


Almost immediately, the filthy green-haired man slotted his card into his Duel Disk, causing a Spell Card called 'Beastborg Fusioner' to materialize face-up on the field.

"I activate a Continuous Spell - 'Beastborg Fusioner'!" began Bradford. "Once per turn, I can Fusion Summon 1 'Beastborg' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or side of the field as Fusion Materials. The downside is I cannot Normal Summon/Set during the turn I activate this effect." He took two cards from his hand and held them out. "The monsters I'll fuse are 'Panther Warrior' and 'Dark Sentinel'!"

'Panther Warrior' and a green robotic machine with wings both briefly appeared onto the field before being absorbed into the face-up 'Beastborg Fusioner' Spell Card and the Fusion Summon sequence commenced...

"O ferocious black panther, merge together with the watchman of the holy darkness, and raise a new war cry!" chanted Bradford, before bringing both hands together. "Fusion Summon! Come forth and appear - 'Beastborg Panther Predator'!"

Appearing onto the field, as the Fusion Summon sequence came to an end, was a monster that looked to be 'Panther Warrior' with half of his body as a robotic cyborg (Level: 6/ATK: 1600/DEF: 2000).

"What?!" gasped Thomas. "Your new monster has lower Attack Points than that of 'Panther Warrior'!"

"That's right." confirmed Bradford. "However, my monster's new effect works so much better than having an effect where I must offer a monster as a tribute in order to attack." He then went over 'Beastborg Panther Predator's' effect... "Once per turn, I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to half this monster's Attack Power."

The glowing circle on the cyborg Beast-Warrior monster's chest started glowing, before the monster let out a roar and released a red energy beam. Getting hit, Thomas cried out as he got pushed back a small bit (LP: 4000 - 3200).

"Thomas!" cried Emily.

Bradford then held three cards up. "Now, I'll set these three cards facedown..." He slotted them into his Duel Disk. "...and end my turn."

Three facedown cards materialized on the field.

"Now, kid, I will ask you again to give me the battle I've been desiring."

"As you wish!" accepted Thomas, drawing a card. "It's my turn! Draw!"


Turn Two: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Apprentice Illusion Magician", "Ancient Rules", "Bond Between Teacher and Student", "Monster Rebirth", "Magician Navigation", and "Aria From Beyond"


His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Aria From Beyond', and the rest of his hand contained 'Apprentice Illusion Magician', 'Ancient Rules', 'Bond Between Teacher and Student', 'Monster Rebirth', and 'Magician Navigation'. Nodding, Thomas added the drawn card into his hand, selected another card, and sent it ('Magician Navigation') to the Graveyard.

"By discarding one card from my hand-" Thomas explained, placing a card onto his Duel Disk. "-I'll Special Summon 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' from my hand!"

Appearing onto the field was what looked like 'Dark Magician Girl', but was still so much different... This one had a darker skin tone, longer blonde hair, and her outfit was purple and pink instead of blue and pink (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).

"The effect of 'Apprentice Illusion Magician'!" continued Thomas, adding a card into his hand. "If this monster is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add one 'Dark Magician' from my Deck into my hand."

Bradford, without uttering a word, nodded, allowing his opponent to continue with his turn.

"Then, from my hand, I'll activate 'Ancient Rules'!" As he spoke, Thomas took and held another card out. "I can Special Summon one Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from my hand." Light started to swarm the field. "Come forth! My mightiest servant - 'Dark Magician'!"

Appearing onto the field, whilst twirling his scepter about and posing for battle, was the purple-haired, male Spellcaster himself (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).

"This is a start." Thomas thought to himself, looking at his hand one more time. It now only contained 'Bond Between Teacher and Student', 'Monster Rebirth', and 'Aria From Beyond'. "All I need to do is activate 'Bond Between Teacher and Student', and I can Special Summon 'Dark Magician Girl' from my Deck."

A vision started to play.


VISION

'Dark Magician', Dark Magician Girl', and 'Apprentice Illusion' each were charging their weapons.

"With three of my best monsters out-" narrated Thomas. "-I can deliver a One Turn Kill on my opponent."

The three powerful Spellcaster monsters fired off their respective attacks, striking and destroying 'Beastborg Panther Predator' and sending a screaming Bradford flying across the room (LP: 4000 - 0).

END VISION


The vision came to an end.

"Whatever you have planned, I won't let you do it!" cut in Bradford, causing Thomas to become surprised. "Continuous Trap - 'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain'!"

The first facedown card flipped up and revealed itself.

"Once, if a monster(s) is Special Summoned to your opponent's field, I can activate this effect; those monsters can't attack, change their battle positions, or be destroyed by battle."

"W-What?!" Thomas recoiled. "That means-!"

"That's right!" confirmed Bradford. "As long as I control a 'Beastborg', your monsters can do nothing!"

Suddenly, 'Dark Magician' and 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' found themselves being constricted by chains from the face-up 'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain' Trap Card (despite it being 'Dark Magician' who was targeted). Thomas looked at both of his trapped monsters in horror before glaring at Bradford.

"I'm not done!" As Thomas spoke on, he took and held another card out. "I activate the Spell Card 'Bond Between Teacher and Student'! As 'Dark Magician' is on the field, I can automatically Special Summon, from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard, his own apprentice - 'Dark Magician Girl'!"

Appearing onto the field was the main female Spellcaster-Type monster, who then posed cheerfully once she was present (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700). From there, Thomas drew a card and looked at it.

"Not only that, I can take one copy of 'Dark Magic Attack', 'Dark Burning Attack', 'Dark Burning Magic', or 'Dark Magic Twin Burst' from my Deck..." He slotted the card into a Spell/Trap slot on his Duel Disk. "...and set it facedown."

A facedown card materialized on the field.

"As you've Special Summoned 'Dark Magician Girl'-" Bradford pointed out. "-she will become chained like your other monsters!"

Several more chains were released and were about to wrap around 'Dark Magician Girl' as well. Thomas, however, was faster on the draw.

"Facedown card, open!" The blue-haired boy announced, as he set card flipped face-up and revealed itself to be... "'Dark Burning Attack'!"

'Dark Magician Girl's' wand began to crack with energy.

"If I control a 'Dark Magician Girl', I can destroy all face-up monsters my opponent controls."

The blast was fired, destroying the chains and soon began 'Beastborg Panther Predator'.

"If you control no 'Beastborg' Monsters-" continued Thomas. "-then 'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain' will be destroyed!"

Like it was going to be that easy...

"You're too naive!" shouted Bradford, as his remaining set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Counter Trap - 'Beastborg Medal of Maneuver'! If a 'Beastborg' Monster I control were to be targeted and destroyed by a Spell, Trap, or Monster Effect, that card is negated and destroyed, while also preventing my 'Beastborg' Monsters from being destroyed for the rest of the turn!"

A barrier surrounded 'Beastborg Panther Predator', protecting it from destruction. Not only that, more chains from the face-up 'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain' Trap Card, trapping 'Dark Magician Girl' as well. Fortunately, despite his three best monsters being chained up, Thomas still had an ace up his sleeve...

"I overlay the Level 6 'Dark Magician Girl' and 'Apprentice Illusion Magician'!" he announced. "With these two Spellcaster monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"

The two female Spellcasters turn to purple energy and flew into the Overlay Network.

"The powers of the 'Dark Magician Girl' will evolve into a newer form with the help of her fellow 'Magician's' guidance, and its potential will unfold before the world!" chanted Thomas. From there, he raised his right hand into the air as he let loose a hot-blooded scream. "Xyz SUMMON!"

All of a sudden, a new card materialized out of thin-air and in-between Thomas's fingers. Not only that, but the Xyz Summon sequence was soon dying down...

"Appear, Rank 6 - 'Magi Magi Magician Gal'!"

Appearing onto the field, when the Xyz Summon sequence came to an end, was what looked like a more evolved, more realistic-looking, slightly older version of 'Dark Magician Girl'. Not only that, her modified outfit showed very little breast cleavage, and there even seemed to be a marking of a ankh near the middle of her chest (Rank: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" whooped James.

"That monster is just what Thomas needs to break Bradford's defense!" added Nia.

Back in the duel field...

"Your Xyz Summon, while commendable, is in vain." frowned Bradford. His third and final set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Continuous Trap - 'Beastborg Medal of the Crimson Chain'!"

More chains were released, binding 'Magi Magi Magician Gal'."

"What?!" cringed Thomas.

"Once, if a monster(s) is Special Summoned from the Extra Deck to my opponent's field, I can target one of those monsters; it can't attack, change its battle position, or be destroyed by battle." explained Bradford. "The targeted monster's controller also can't Normal or Special Summon monsters, or activate Spell and/or Trap Cards."

"So you're saying Thomas can't do anything now?" James asked in annoyance. "That's not fair!"

"Wrong, James." interrupted Thomas. "There 'is' something I can do. I may not be able to activate Spell Cards nor Trap Cards, but I can still activate Monster Effects!" he then pointed forth. "I activate the effect of 'Magi Magi Magician Gal'!"

Despite being trapped, 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' was somehow able to slip her right arm free and pick up her wand.

"What?!" gasped Bradford.

"Once per turn, I can detach one Overlay Unit from this monster and Banish one card from my hand." explained Thomas, eyeing 'Beastborg Panther Predator'. He then sent a card ('Monster Rebirth') from his hand to the Graveyard. "I target one monster on your side of the field and take control of it until the End Phase."

'Magi Magi Magician Gal' fired a spell from her wand, causing 'Beastborg Panther Predator' to begin moving over to Thomas's side of the field.

"Prepare to have your own monster be used against you!" declared Thomas. "'Beastborg Panther Predator', I-"

"It's useless!" interrupted Bradford.

"What?!"

A card ('Beastborg Medal of Maneuver') ejected from the filthy green-haired man's Graveyard, which faded away into oblivion.

"By removing 'Beastborg Medal of Maneuver' from my Graveyard-" Bradford was saying. "-I negate the effect of 'Magi Magi Magician Gal'!"

The spell from 'Magi Magi Magician Gal's' wand fizzled out, allowing 'Beastborg Panther Predator' to return to Bradford's side of the field.

"You've wasted your move there, Sonny Jim." Bradford criticized. He then smirked. "I'm still waiting for that great battle you vowed to give me."

"No...!" grimaced Thomas.

All of a sudden, more chains were released.

"Thomas! Look out!" called Mavis.

It was too late... The chains wrapped around Thomas and trapped him, causing him to cry out in surprise.

"Seeing as you can't Normal or Special Summon monsters, or activate Spells and Traps-" said Bradford. "-you're no better than a trapped animal or a prisoner in war."

'Dark Magician' and Magi Magi Magician Gal' both looked back, worried for the well being of their master/friend being in their same predicament.

"I... I end my turn." mumbled Thomas, feeling defeated.

"It's my turn!" announced Bradford, drawing a card. "Draw!"


Turn Three: Bradford Pressman (LP: 4000)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (1): "Carrier Sentinel"


His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Carrier Sentinel'.

"Since this soldier is the only card in my hand-" The filthy green-haired man went on, placing the card onto his Duel Disk. "-I can Special Summon it directly from my hand! Appear - 'Carrier Sentinel'!"

Appearing onto the field was a large robotic tank used for transporting soldiers (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1600).

"That isn't all I'll do."

"I didn't think so." muttered Thomas.

"If this monster is Normal or Special Summoned-" explained Bradford, as a card ejected from his Deck and he took hold of it. "-I can add one Beast-Warrior-Type Monster Card from my Deck into my hand."

"What did he choose?" wondered Molly.

"Beats me." shrugged Gordon.

Back in the duel field, the face-up 'Beastborg Fusioner' Spell Card started to activate once more.

"The monster I chose is 'Pitch-Black Wolf'." began Bradford. "And by activating my already face-up 'Beastborg Fusioner', I'll fuse it with the already present 'Carrier Sentinel'!"

Appearing onto the field was a humanoid-like wolf with black fur while wearing armor and cape while wielding a sword. It started fusing together with 'Carrier Sentinel', while a Summon Chant was being spoken of...

"Wolf of the battlefield that bares its fangs, unite as one with the veteran sentinel to give rise to a new bestial hero!" chanted Bradford, before bringing both hands together. "Fusion Summon! Show yourself, Level 6 - 'Beastborg Wolf Kampfer'!"

Appearing onto the field, when the Fusion Summon sequence ended, was a cyborg-like wolf-like monster with razor sharp claws (Level: 6/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1500).

Another 'Beastborg' Monster..." worried Thomas.

"I activate the effect of 'Beastborg Panther Predator' again!" announced Bradford, just as the mentioned monster started charging the circle of his chest. "Once again, you take half of his Attack Power as damage!"

Another eye blast was fired at Thomas, causing him to cry out again (LP: 3200 - 2400).

"However, that's the least of your problems." Bradford pointed out. "The next effect of 'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain' activates! If my opponent takes damage, all face-up monsters they control lose Attack Points equal to the amount of damage they took."

"That's 800 points!" realized Emily.

As expected, both 'Dark Magician' (ATK: 2500 - 1700) and 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' (ATK: 2400 - 1600) grew weaker.

"'Dark Magician'! Magi Magi Magician Gal'!" worried Thomas, who then started struggling through his chains.

"It's futile!" insisted Bradford. "Seeing as you are bound by the chains, there isn't a thing you can do!" He entered the Battle Phase... "Now, face me in battle! 'Beastborg Wolf Kampfer', I use you to attack 'Magi Magi Magician Gal'!"

'Beastborg Wolf Kampfer' obeyed, slashing his claws 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' across her chest, causing her to scream in pain. Thomas, taking some Battle Damage, also screamed a bit (LP: 2400 - 1800).

"Due to 'Beastborg Medal of the Crimson Chain' still being on the field-" he winced, trying to recover from the attack. "-'Magi Magi Magician Gal' is not destroyed."

"I know." acknowledged Bradford. He then dropped a bombshell... "However, as you've taken damage, the effect of 'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain' activates once more! Both your monsters will lose Attack Points based on the amount of damage you've taken."

"Dark Magician' (ATK: 1700 - 1100) and 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' (ATK: 1600 - 1000) both got even weaker.

"Not only that, I'll activate the effect of 'Beastborg Wolf Kampfer'! If my opponent takes Battle Damage, I can inflict 300 points of damage to said opponent!"

'Beastborg Wolf Kampfer' fired an eye laser of its own, striking Thomas head on (LP: 1800 - 1500).

"And again, the effect of 'Steel Chain'!" reminded Bradford. "Both your monsters lose 300 more Attack Points!"

The two Spellcaster-Type monsters ('Dark Magician' and 'Magi Magi Magician Gal') lost even more energy (ATK: 1100 - 800)(ATK: 1000 - 700).

"And now-" declared Bradford. "-I'll use 'Beastborg Panther Predator' to attack 'Dark Magician'!"

'Beastborg Panther Predator' obeyed, slashing at 'Dark Magician' with his blade. Both the purple-haired, male Spellcaster and Thomas cried out as the latter sustained more Battle Damage from the attack (LP: 1500 - 700). Plus, due to the effect of the 'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain' Trap Card, both 'Dark Magician' (ATK: 800 - 0) and 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' (ATK: 700 - 0) lost the remains of their Attack Power.

"NO!" screamed Thomas, struggling hard again. He was growing more and more uncontrolled and enraged. "Damn... Dammit!"

"Once more, the effect of 'Beastborg Wolf Kampfer' activates!" continued Bradford. "As you've taken Battle Damage, you'll receive an additional 300 points of damage!"

Another laser blast hit Thomas, causing him to scream (LP: 700 - 400).

"Not only are your Life Points very low, your monsters are also now useless." declared Bradford. "And you can't make any other moves due to both my Trap Cards. I've succeeded in locking you down. You can't do a single thing to defeat me!"

Thomas, still struggling hard, was now screaming in a mixture of pain and rage.

"Your only option left is to surrender." Bradford went on. "But, if you did that, then you would never receive the Keycard I have."

Over with the audience...

"So, are you saying that Thomas has no choice but to 'let' Bradford mop the floor with him?" asked Toby.

"Thomas can't activate Spell Cards or Trap Cards, and he can't Normal Summon or Special Summon any monsters." Edward pointed out. "He's completely pinned down."

"There's nothing he can do now." James added, looking dismayed. "He's royally screwed."

"Thomas..." whispered Theo.

Emily looked worried. "Thomas—no, Anakin—don't give up!"

Back in the duel field, Thomas, still screaming, had an aura of darkness beginning to form around his body, which was what Bradford noticed.

"What is-?" he began, but didn't get very far.

The dark aura soon exploded, causing Bradford to cover his eyes and try to resist being pushed back. Clouding the field with purple fog. In the audience, the group knew what this meant (especially Emily).

"He's awakening Anakin's powers..." Emily murmured. In her mind... "Ani, I know you can do it."

Back in the duel field, the aura around Thomas (who was now wearing Anakin's clothing and had black streaks in his blue hair) burned brightly, and his eyes were glowing red.

"I will 'never' surrender." boomed Thomas, speaking in Anakin's voice.

Bradford tried to get a look at his opponent. "Who-?" he spluttered. "Who, or what, are you?!"

"Even if I'm bound by these godforsaken chains, I 'will' win this duel!"

"What did you say?!" demanded a shocked Bradford.

"IT'S MY TUUUUURN!" shouted Thomas, as the aura of darkness still around exploded with great power.

Over with the audience...

"What?! He's still going to fight while like that?" questioned Lexi. "Can Thomas even win?"

"And why's his appearance changed?" Theo asked.

"Theo, do you remember the story Thomas and Emily told us?" reminded Merlin. "This is Thomas as his previous self, just like Emily took on her past self's appearance and power."

"Oh, yeah."

Back in the duel field...


Turn Four: Thomas Billinton (LP: 400)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (2): "Aria From Beyond" and "Pot of Greed"


"You can't win!" argued Bradford. "As you're chained up, you can't Summon any monsters nor can you activate any cards from your hand."

"You're wrong." retorted Thomas coldly.

"Huh?"

The blue/black-haired young man continued... "There's a card in my Graveyard I think you'll want to take a good look at." he pointed out. "It's something I've sent there early into the duel."

"What kind of card?" Bradford asked himself.

A card ejected from Thomas's Graveyard, which floated towards the field and enlarged itself.

"I activate the effect of 'Magician Navigation'!" began Thomas. "If I control 'Dark Magician', except the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard, I can remove this card from my Graveyard, and then target one face-up Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls; its effects are negated until the end of this turn."

"It won't work!" objected Bradford. "'Beastborg Medal of the Crimson Chain' prevents you from activating Spell Cards and Trap Cards!"

"Once again, you're completely wrong." growled Thomas.

"What do you mean by that?" Bradford demanded. "How are you still able to use a Trap Card while my chains remain?"

"'Beastborg Medal of the Crimson Chain' prevents me from activating Spell Cards or Trap Cards from my hand, but it doesn't prevent me from activating Spell or Trap effects!"

Beginning to struggle once more, Thomas let out an almighty scream and broke free of his bindings. Following suit, both 'Dark Magician' and 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' both managed to break free of their own bindings, although their respective Attack Power did not return to normal. In addition, a new card (the drawn one) was added into Thomas's hand.

"Impossible!" gasped Bradford. "You've broken free of my chains!"

"You asked for a true challenge, did you not?" asked Thomas, who resumed being cold and calm. "Well, I never like to keep someone disappointed." He then took and held his drawn card out. "Spell Card - 'Pot of Greed'! It lets me draw two cards."

Thomas drew his two cards, which were shown to be 'Polymerization' (Spell Card) and 'Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight' (Effect Monster Card). After spending a few seconds looking at both cards...

"I activate the Spell Card 'Polymerization'!" declared Thomas, looking back up. "With this, I fuse 'Dark Magician' with 'Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight' in my hand!"

The mentioned horse riding knight briefly appeared before fusing together with 'Dark Magician'.

"Come forth - 'Dark Cavalry'!"

Appearing onto the field was 'Dark Magician' decked out in a new kind of armor, now wielding 'Gaia The Fierce Knight's' lances, and riding a horse (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2300).

"'Dark Cavalry'?!" recoiled Bradford. In his mind... "This boy... He's beginning to actually give me the fight I've been dreaming of..."

"The effect of 'Dark Cavalry'!" announced Thomas. "He gains 100 Attack Points for each Spell and Trap Card on the field and in either player's Graveyard. I currently count six such cards."

'Dark Cavalry' grew stronger (ATK: 2800 - 3400).

"Furthermore, I'll activate 'Aria From Beyond' from my hand." Thomas went on, holding his next card out. "It lets me select one banished Spell Card, and activate it on my side of the field."

All of a sudden, the 'Monster Rebirth' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field instead of the 'Aria From Beyond' Spell Card.

"I'll activate 'Monster Rebirth'! It lets me select one Monster Card in my Graveyard and shuffle it into my Deck." As Thomas spoke, a card materialized in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand. "I choose to add 'Dark Magician' into my Deck."

As two more Spell Cards entered the Graveyard, 'Dark Cavalry' grew stronger (ATK: 3400 - 3600).

"What good will that do for you?" Bradford asked.

No answer...

"What? Are you even listening?"

"I will show you my new power." whispered Thomas, as his aura of darkness thickened. "I use 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' and her Overlay Units to build the Overlay Network!"

'Magi Magi Magician Gal', along with her only remaining Overlay Unit, turned to energy and flew into the Overlay Network.

"Now what?" wondered Bradford.

A Summon Chant from Thomas commenced...

"Twin wizards join together as one. Together, their power will grow!" chanted Thomas, before raising his right hand into the air with a loud scream of... "Xyz EVOLUTION!"

As expected, a new card materialized on a Monster Field slot on the blue/black-haired young man's Duel Disk. In addition, the Overlay Network exploded with great power...

"Come forth! Rank 7... The Ultimate Magician of All - 'EBON ILLUSION MAGICIAN'!"

Appearing onto the field, when the Xyz Summon sequence came to an end, was the newest member of the 'Dark Magician' clan (Rank: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).

"'Ebon Illusion Magician'?" pondered Bradford.

"Here I come!" declared Thomas. "I activate the effect of 'Ebon Illusion Magician'! Once per turn, I can detach one Xyz Material from this monster and Special Summon one Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster from my hand or Deck!"

Bradford recoiled. "What?! One Spellcaster-Type monster?"

An Overlay Unit flew into 'Ebon Illusion Magician's staff, which glowed and caused a portal in the middle of the field to open up.

"Come forth - 'Dark Magician'!" commanded Thomas.

Reappearing on the field, whilst twirling his scepter about and posing for battle, was the purple-haired, male Spellcaster himself (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).

"BATTLE!" Thomas went on, entering the Battle Phase. "I use 'Dark Magician' to attack 'Beastborg Panther Predator'! DARK MAGIC ATTACK!"

'Dark Magician' obeyed, twirling his scepter about before firing a blast of black magic at the enemy monster.

"Not only that, I'll activate the next effect of 'Ebon Illusion' Magician'!" exclaimed Thomas. "When a Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster declares an attack, I can target one card my opponent controls and Banish it."

"What?!" recoiled Bradford, watching as 'Ebon Illusion' Magician' raised his staff and fired a blast of magic at the face-up 'Beastborg Fusioner' Spell Card. "N-Not that-!"

With one additional Spell Card removed from the game, 'Dark Cavalry became slightly weaker (ATK: 3600 - 3500). The attack from 'Dark Magician', meanwhile, struck and destroyed 'Beastborg Panther Predator' in a massive explosion, sending Bradford screaming across the room until he slammed into the wall, injured (LP: 4000 - 3100).

"Whoa! That's gonna leave a mark." winced Merlin.

"That's Anakin for ya." commented James. "He has a strong sense of justice, but he's absolutely ruthless in battle."

Over with Bradford, the filthy green-haired man struggled to get back up. Despite losing some Life Points, he wasn't beaten yet...

"I activate the effect of 'Beastborg Panther Predator'!" declared Bradford. "If this monster is destroyed by battle, and all the Fusion Materials that were used for its Fusion Summon are in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon all of the materials used." Two cards ejected from his Graveyard. "Come - 'Panther Warrior' and 'Dark Sentinel'!"

The two monsters ('Panther Warrior' and 'Dark Sentinel') appeared on the field in a defensive stance (Level: 4/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1600)(Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1800).

"'Ebon Illusion Magician', attack 'Beastborg Wolf Kampfer'!" ordered Thomas, continuing with his Battle Phase. "BLACK ILLUSION MAGIC!"

'Ebon Illusion Magician' obeyed, firing a magic blast at 'Beastborg Wolf Kampfer'. The attack struck and caused another explosion to cloud the field. Bradford, braced himself from the force of the powerful attack as he took more damage (LP: 3100 - 2800).

"I...activate 'Wolf Kampfer's' effect!" The filthy green-haired man coughed, as two more cards ejected from his Graveyard. "I Special Summon the Fusion Materials used for 'Wolf Kampfer's' Fusion Summon! In this case, both 'Carrier Sentinel' and 'Pitch-Black Warwolf'!"

The two monsters ('Carrier Sentinel' and 'Pitch-Black Warwolf') appeared on the field in defensive positions (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1600)(Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 600).

"And, with a lack of 'Beastborg' Monster under your control-" Thomas pointed out, just as the face-up 'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain' Trap Card shattered into shards of glass. "-'Beastborg Medal of the Steel Chain' is destroyed! And don't think your monsters being in defense position will save you!"

"They won't?" wondered Bradford.

"No!" shouted Thomas. "In battle, 'Dark Cavalry' can deal piercing damage against enemy monsters!"

"What?!" Bradford cringed. In his mind... "This... this is it. This is what I've been waiting for. The battle to finally quell my thirst for battle since the war ended. This boy—no, this man—he gave me my final wish." He then recovered and smiled in defeat. "Congratulations; you've done exactly what I've been hoping for someone to do for me."

Thomas eased up a bit, but said nothing in response.

"You have given me a battle to finally quell my search for battle. And for that, I thank you for it. Now, go! Go, and finish me off!"

And so, the final attack was unleashed...

"Go forth, 'Dark Cavalry'!" commanded Thomas, pointing at 'Pitch-Black Warwolf'. "Attack 'Pitch-Black Warwolf'!"

'Dark Cavalry' obeyed, charging forward, and thrusting his lance at 'Pitch-Black Warwolf'.

"As 'Dark Cavalry' can deal piercing damage, you can't stop yourself from taking Battle Damage!"

'Pitch-Black Warwolf' exploded from destruction. Despite knowing that he lost, Bradford closed his eyes and smiled, accepting his loss (LP: 2800 - 0).


DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!


With the duel over and done with, the holograms faded away. Almost immediately, the Bio-Bands on Thomas and Bradford's wrists activated, draining them of their energy while causing both duelists to scream in pain. As Anakin, however, the drainage was much more extreme on Thomas.

"Thomas!" called Nia, worried for her student's safety.

"Thomas won't be able to survive another duel at this rate!" proclaimed Edward.

"Dammit!" cursed James, frustrated.

When the screaming and draining ceased, Thomas, back to normal once again, fell to his hands and knees in complete exhaustion.

"M-My energy..." he wheezed. "It... it feels like I won't be...able to last another duel!"

He started to hear a female voice in his head taunting him...

"Aww, what's the matter? Once again biting off more than you can chew? Don't you ever 'learn' from your mistakes?" The voice of Driote echoed. "Ah well, it won't matter when we finally meet face-to-face again. I'll be sure to make you into my greatest piece of art!"

"N-No...! grimaced Thomas, struggling to stand back up. "I won't...let you w-win, Driote! I... I won't allow...it!"

Soon, he was standing tall again, despite being a little wobbly. Meanwhile, sitting on the floor with his back against the wall was Bradford. He was still conscious, but it was crystal clear he would lose that consciousness very soon.

"W-Well done..." praised Bradford, weakly. "You... you are the winner." He slowly reached into his pocket, and pulled out the Keycard. "You may...proceed."

Thomas, limping over, accepted the reward.

"You...are a fine soldier. I bet you would make...a fine member of any...army."

"Sir, you have no idea." mumbled Thomas, but said it only to himself.

Bradford, breathing his (not) last breath, then slipped into the world of unconsciousness. The rest of the group approached the passed out man, wondering if he was as bad as the other pirates were.

"What should we do with him?" asked Molly. "If you ask me, I believe Bradford doesn't seem like the bad guy type."

"But he was working with Frankie." James reminded. "Anybody who willingly chooses to work with someone like her has got to be crazy."

"James, I think Molly's right." interrupted Mavis. "Bradford here doesn't seem like the last pirates we've encountered. In fact, I don't think he even did any crimes beyond being stationed on this floor."

"He was just looking for a way to quell the fighting spirit inside his heart, and it led him to signing up for this group." put in Emily. "Yes, it was a foolish thing to do, but, like Mavis said, Bradford never actually committed any crimes while serving Frankie."

After a moment of silence...

"Let's get going before more of those pirates come in." said Toby.

Unfortunately, there was more trouble on the horizon...

"I can see the captain was right; you all have been getting far in this building." echoed a new voice (male).

"Okay, forget what I said." gulped Toby.

Lexi became afraid. "Not him!"

"Who?" quizzed Henry.

"Frankie's second-in-command." explained Merlin, knowing the voice well. "Her strongest duelist, and the wielder of the Black Disk."

Emerging from behind a pillar, looking as cold as ever before, was Hurricane.

"Get out of our way." demanded Thomas, still clutching at his side.

Hurricane frowned. "You don't look so good." he remarked. "Those duels have been taking a lot out of you, am I right?"

Thomas scowled in response.

"Who's that guy?" James whispered to Theo.

"He's Hurricane." The young gray/brown-haired boy whispered back. "Not only the new second-in-command and strongest of the group, but he's also the best friend of Frankie."

"Best friend?" huffed James. "If you ask me, he sounds as rotten as her!"

"I say we get this guy thrown in a police cell once we're done with him!" suggested Henry.

"Don't think of him as a weak duelist." Merlin pointed out. "Because, again, Hurricane is far from being on."

"In that case, I'll take him on!" offered Mavis, stepping forth. "Let's duel, pirate!"

"You aren't worth my time." refused Hurricane, before casting a deadly look towards Merlin, Lexi, and Theo. "I was ordered to teach those three a lesson."

"You leave them alone!" warned Rebecca. "They did nothing to deserve abuse at the hands of you and your pals!"

"If you lay one hand on them-" Nia put in. "-it will be your last mistake!"

"You two adults dare to threaten me?" warned Hurricane, narrowing his eyes fiercely.

"We will threaten anybody who dares to hurt innocent people." insisted Rebecca, bravely. "Especially if the victims are mere children!"

Hurricane glared dangerously at both Nia and Rebecca, but the two adults refused to even move. Eventually, he closed his eyes and looked away from them.

"Heh! As I mentioned to your blonde-haired friend, none of you are worth my time and energy." Hurricane dismissed, before pointing to Nia and Rebecca's left arms. "As you both have no Duel Disks present, I see no reason to fight you." He then turned to the trio again. "Now, who would like to be first to face me?"

Theo, despite shaking in fear, stepped forward to duel the brown/red-haired boy. Even though he was terrified of Hurricane, Theo wasn't going to let that stop him from sticking up for his friends.

"Theo-" Lexi warned, laying a hand on her younger friend's shoulder. "-you and I both know Hurricane's a dangerous duelist. Alone, you won't be able to beat him." She then smiled encouragingly. "But, maybe, if you had 'me' on your side..."

"You...mean it?" asked Theo hopefully. When his older friend winked and nodded, he smiled. "Alright, I'll take your help!"

"I see." mumbled Hurricane. "So you both wish to make this a two-on-one duel?" He seemed to smirk over the challenge. "I like those odds."

"You're going to pay for what you allowed Frankie to do." warned Lexi, determined to defeat the pirate group's second-in-command. "Why would you allow her to be so cruel as to ruin the lives of other people?"

"I'm doing this because I owe Frankie everything!" exclaimed Hurricane, having a mental flashback to that summer. "I've let her down once before, and I promised myself to do whatever it took to make up for it. Even if it's to help her complete the dangerous R.A. Project!"

"Wait, what did you say?" cut in Thomas. "The R.A. Project?"

"What's that?" put in Edward.

Hurricane was somewhat surprised. "You all don't know what the R.A. Project is?"

"Duh!" deadpanned James.

"Frankie never even told 'us' about it!" put in Theo, referring to himself, Lexi, and Merlin.

"So, despite all of the duels draining your energy, you guys don't know about Frankie's big project?" questioned Hurricane. "In that case, I'll tell you a bit about it. It's also known as the 'Rebirth of Avatar' Project."

Yeah... This could take time to explain.