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. 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: Once more, this story is rated entirely M for strong violence, blood and gore, frightening scenes, sexual content, and nudity. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
Opening up in his shrine, Aknadin was shown gazing upon the intruder…Montague.
"Y-You're…Montague!" he gasped.
Montague never responded, but he was smiling and cackling with malicious intentions. Aknadin then saw the Millennium Ring hanging around the Thief King's neck, making him realize that Mahad did indeed die in battle.
"The Millennium Ring…" whispered Aknadin, "So Mahad was…!"
"Oh, yes… I killed a priest in one of those tombs…" acknowledged Montague, holding up the Millennium Ring, "This ring is my spoils of war! And now… From here on out, it's only the beginning… My real prize is…all seven of them."
"I won't let that happen!" yelled Aknadin, activating his Diabiankh, "How dare you enter this Holy Place! As the guardian of the stones, I will defeat you!" He then held his left arm up, "Arise, almighty Ka!"
One of the tablets started glowing. Montague, however, was not stupid enough to let something like this happen.
"Because you have a Millennium Item, you can Summon Ka," said Montague, smirking, "But… my 'Diabound' is much faster!"
All of a sudden, the glowing tablet suddenly was blasted into pieces of dust.
"What…!" cried Aknadin, "The stone broke from within!"
"Hey, you decrepit priest… Before you can Summon even one Ka from the stone slabs…" taunted Montague, "'Diabound' will tear this temple apart!"
"No…" thought Aknadin, growing worried.
"Now that I've got the power of the ring, I'm invincible!" Montague declared, before thrusting his right hand forth whilst laughing madly.
Using the power of the Millennium Ring, Aknadin was thrown into the nearby wall. While that happened, 'Diabound' finally emerged from the floor in an explosion of energy.
"Now, whether I kill you… or let you live…" hissed Montague, "I'll give you the chance to choose… It would be easy to kill you right here and take your Millennium Eye… If I let you live, you could be useful to be…"
Aknadin, still stuck to the wall, didn't say a word in response.
"This Millennium Ring can infuse objects with a part of its owner's soul…" continued Montague, "What would happen…if I sealed 'my' evil will into your Millennium Eye…? Hehehe… You'd become my pawn…"
"N-Never!" refused Aknadin, "I am loyal to the Pharaoh and the Queen! You can't control me!" With some regained strength, he activated his Diabiankh again, "I Summon a Ka from the stone slab!"
As one of the tablets began glowing, a Ka started to emerge from it. Montague, growing annoyed, was much faster on the draw.
"Stay down, you weaklings!" he shouted, just as 'Diabound' attacked and destroyed the tablet AND Ka.
The force of the destruction finally released Aknadin from the wall as he fell from the moderate height and down the stairs until he was laying on his back by Montague's feet. Speaking of Montague, he slammed his right foot on the stern-looking priest's chest with a sinister chuckle.
"Hey, geezer!" insulted Montague, "When you're that slow, the match will be over before you even Summon your Ka!"
Aknadin weakly tried to get Montague's foot off, but was able to do so. 'Diabound', meanwhile, started causing more destruction to the shrine before emerging from the walls yet again as Montague laughed psychotically—before getting an idea.
"Alright, old man!" he began, "Ripping the Millennium Eye right from you would be a simple task, but…I have a little job I'd like you to do for me… Just like you did 3000 years ago! I know all about it! What you did to Kul Elna village in order to create the Millennium Items. And that you abandoned your only son, Seto, to do it!"
Aknadin reacted in complete horror from hearing those words, while Montague once again burst into cackling laughter.
"Now that I have absorbed the evil memories of the Millennium Ring," bragged Montague, "my powers are unbeatable."
"You…won't get away with…killing Mahad…" groaned Aknadin.
"Oh? To think you would be concerned about the death of a comrade when you commited that massacre in Kul Elna,"
"Tell me… How do you know that?!" The stern-looking priest demanded weakly.
"Because I'm the one and only survivor of that very same Kul Elna!" answered Montague.
A confession like that really shocked Aknadin.
"But well, that's not important," Montague dismissed, before lifting his foot off of Aknadin's chest, "Because this is a Shadow Game, you see. That has nothing to do with me now."
"W-What are you talking about?" coughed Aknadin, managing to get some air back into his lungs before he was grabbed by his robe collar and lifted up, "Urgh!"
"I want you to become my pawn just as you did 3000 years ago!" slurred Montague, looking at his enemy in the eye while holding up the Millennium Ring, "Using this, I can send these evil memories into your Millennium Eye," When Aknadin didn't say anything back, he continued, "You must fulfill your end of the bargain - a promise that spans 3000 years of time!"
Aknadin grew more and more horrified, which increased further when Montague started reaching towards his face for the Millennium Eye.
"Next, the kingdom will be blooded…by your own hands," The Thief King whispered, about to grab the Millennium Eye and rip it from its owner's eye socket, "As the governor of darkness…"
(outside…)
Outside the shrine, a loud scream was heard coming from inside the building.
Title: Secret of the Millennium Items
In a repeat, a loud scream was heard coming from inside the shrine.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the palace throne room, Atem looked up in surprise.
"Atem?" pondered Anzu.
"Is something the matter?" added Ryo.
"I… I don't know for sure," sighed Atem, looking down at his Millennium Puzzle, "I just…suddenly have this feeling of uneasiness coming from this Millennium Puzzle."
"Feeling? Of what kind?" quizzed Mia.
"I really don't know… Whatever it is, it's a scary kind of uneasiness."
"Pharaoh!" The voice of Shimon called out, causing the four teenagers to look up. The vizier and even Braheem came running in all frantically, "We have trouble!"
"What's wrong?" asked Atem, briefly forgetting about his uneasiness.
"Father?" came from Anzu, looking at Braheem, "You and Lord Shimon both look upset."
"A village along the river got attacked by unknown people and is now destroyed!" explained Shimon seriously.
"Not only that," added Braheem, "a number of corpses were found in a tavern ripped to shreds."
"WHAT?!" Atem and the like cried out.
Before long…
*BOOM!*
"By the Gods!" exclaimed Ryo.
"What was that?" added Mia.
(outside…)
Atem and Anzu both ran outside onto the balcony, followed by both Shimon and Braheem. The four could see smoke coming from one of the nearby shrines.
"That is…!" stammered Atem.
"What is that?!" demanded Shimon.
(inside…)
Inside one of the spare rooms, Seto, having finished going down memory lane, overheard the loud explosion.
"That sound was…" he thought.
(outside…)
On the throne room balcony, Atem and Anzu both could see smoke coming from one of the shrines. What really got their attention, was somebody was running away from the shrine.
"That person…" exclaimed Atem, "…is Montague!"
Yup… Running on the stone bridge down below was Thief King Montague.
"Guards! Montague has appeared!" commanded Anzu, looking below the balcony and calling anybody who could hear her, "Hurry and stop him!"
Back below, the guards overheard their Queen's shout.
"Montague has appeared!" The guards were yelling.
"He should still be within the royal palace!" The head guard said firmly, "Go find him!"
"Send troops out to surround the palace!" Another soldier, who was riding a horse, suggested, "Don't let him escape!"
"Yes, sir!" Some of the other soldiers obeyed.
While all of that was going on, Montague appeared atop the roof of one building. Drawing a dagger, he jumped off towards the lone soldier below and impaled him in the neck, killing him.
(elsewhere…)
Over at the shrine belonging to Aknadin, much of it had been destroyed in Montague and 'Diabound's' rampage.
(inside…)
Inside the shrine, much of it was looking worse than it actually was, and a number of guards, plus Seto, Shada, and Karim, had arrived to see if Aknadin was okay.
"What in the world is happening?!" One of the guards questioned.
"Lord Aknadin, please get a hold on yourself!" begged Seto, holding Aknadin in his arms, "Lord Aknadin!"
"Lord Aknadin!" added Karim.
The stern-looking priest, while still alive, had suffered from a massive shock after Montague tried pulling the Millennium Eye out of his eye socket (which was bleeding heavily).
"Se-Seto…" groaned Aknadin, before falling unconscious.
"Lord Aknadin!" cried Seto.
"He's only lost consciousness," reassured Shada, just as Seto laid Aknadin on the floor, "Looks like Montague was after the Millennium Eye."
"That cursed Montague!" cursed Seto, "Shada, I'll leave Lord Aknadin to you," He stood up and looked to Karim, "Karim, we must go after Montague!"
"Yes!" agreed Karim.
(outside…)
Outside the shrine…
"Wait up!" One of the guards was yelling, "Don't let him get away!"
Montague was shown escaping on the horse he took from the guard he killed, and several soldiers were giving chase. Montague, however, laughed wickedly like he was enjoying the thrill of being chased. The Thief King soon came upon more guards attempting to stop him.
"Don't let him pass!" One of the stationed guards ordered.
"Heh!" sneered Montague.
Before the guards knew what was happening, a huge shadow loomed over them…before they were vaporized alive. As Montague laughed, the blurry figure revealed itself to be 'Diabound'.
"Anyone who dares come near me will become food for my 'Diabound'!" cackled Montague, before hearing another horse neigh, "Huh?"
Atem, riding another horse, was shown emerging from the palace. Was Montague worried? Nope. He was amused by the potential confrontation.
"So, His Highness came to fight me personally, did he?" commented Montague.
Since the huge shadow was 'Diabound', Atem made sure to stay out of its path as he gave chase.
"Montague, I won't let you get away!" shouted Atem, activating his Diabiankh, "I call forth a 'God'! Come forth!"
(elsewhere…)
Inside Atem's personal tablet shrine, one of the tablets ('Slifer the Sky Dragon') activated and shot a beam out of the ceiling.
(outside…)
Outside, the beam emerged from the shrine and soon showed itself on the Diabiankh, just before the Ka was shown flying above Atem; it was the all too familiar red serpent-like dragon with two mouths.
"'SLIFER THE SKY DRAGON'!" announced Atem.
"Finally here, huh?" growled Montague, having taken notice of the 'God', "The second 'God' - 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'!" He then smiled pleasantly, "That's good, Pharaoh! Let's open the second act of our battle! Come chase me into the depths of Hell!"
Atem scowled, while Thomas himself had a few words of his own to say…
"Montague!" vowed Thomas, "I won't let you shed any more innocent blood! So help me, I'm going to stop you here and now!"
Further up the road…
"Montague is coming!" More soldiers were yelling out, "Don't let him escape! Strengthen our defense!"
Meanwhile, sleeping by the wall were Emily and the likes—even Bobasa was shown sleeping, and Percy and James both were using his tubby body as a pillow.
*BOOM!*
An explosion then came from the gate, and both Montague and 'Diabound' emerged first, followed by Atem and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'. The group woke up and saw what was going on, but the first person Emily saw emerging from the gate was…
"That's Thomas!" she exclaimed.
"He's dressed weirdly, but there's no mistake," said Percy.
"That's the Pharaoh himself," reminded Bobasa, "Atem."
"Wait, isn't Montague the one running in front of him?" pondered Henry.
"Come on, let's follow them!" suggested Emily, taking off.
Quickly, the rest of the party followed suit.
(elsewhere…)
Back at the palace, Aknadin was resting in his room after Shada brought him there after he was attacked by Montague. Part of the stern-looking priest's face was bandaged to try and stop the bleeding. Before long, sinister laughter echoed in the room, and a spiritual version of Thief King Montague suddenly materialized.
"I know all about it!" he began, echoing the words he said to Aknadin earlier on, "What you did to Kul Elna village in order to create the Millennium Items. And that you abandoned your only son, Seto, to do it!"
"That's right…" thought Aknadin painfully, "That happened fifteen years ago…"
A flashback to the past ensued.
FLASHBACK
It was fifteen years ago… A battle was raging, and various soldiers from either army were being killed by sword slashes or being impaled by spears or arrows. It was bloody to say the least, but that's how war goes.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the royal palace, some voices could be heard coming from inside…
"Pharaoh Aknamkanon, I hereby report the situation to you,"
(inside…)
Within the throne room, Flashback Aknamkanon was seated on the throne, surrounded by his loyal servants (including a younger-looking Shimon and a younger-looking Aknadin) while listening to what one of the soldiers had to say about what was going on outside.
"The foreign armies have crossed into our land!" The soldier went on, "We have no forces left to fight back!"
"How long can our remaining troops hold up for?" asked Flashback Aknamkanon.
"If I had to guess, I'd say seven days, more or less," The soldier answered.
Flashback Aknamkanon frowned, "Is this the end?"
"King Aknamkanon, you mustn't give up," insisted Flashback Aknadin, "This battle isn't just about our country. It concerns the future of the whole land! Our enemy is, without a doubt, after the ancient scriptures our land holds - the Millennium Tome."
"The Millennium Tome…" mumbled Flashback Aknamkanon, "It's been said that whomever deciphers the ancient spells can obtain godly powers… Powers that would make all other armies bow before us."
"If that spellbook gets into the enemy's hands," warned Flashback Aknadin, "the whole land would…"
"But we have yet to decipher the ancient texts in the tome," Flashback Aknamkanon pointed out.
"No, My King," said Flashback Aknadin, "a portion of it has already been deciphered."
"What?! Are you speaking the truth, Aknadin?"
"Yes," The stern-looking priest answered, "A form of 'Dark Alchemy' is described inside. It tells us a method to create seven mystical treasures using magic. If we succeed, we would be able to drive away our enemies from our Egypt… And regain peace for all."
"Using seven mystical treasures to regain peace?" repeated Flashback Aknamkanon.
"Seven days are needed to create these mystical treasures," continued Flashback Aknadin, "But I, the philosopher Aknadin, have already made the preparations for this Dark Alchemy."
Despite the idea, it still made Flashback Aknamkanon feel very uneasy.
"Dark Alchemy…" he sighed, before giving his opinion on it, "We have no other choice. For the future of our kingdom and peace for our land, proceed with the creation of those seven items. I'll leave it to you, Aknadin… my brother!"
"Sir!" obeyed Flashback Aknadin.
(new scene…)
Days later, Flashback Aknadin was outside on his horse and preparing to leave the kingdom to go on a journey to create seven treasures using Dark Alchemy.
"I'm sorry," Flashback Aknadin said to his wife and young son, "In order to save the country, I must seal my actions forever. As such, I must abandon my past as 'The King's younger brother'. Both you and Seto must abandon your past as well. Forget about me and go live in a faraway town."
"Dear…" Aknadin's Wife mumbled sadly.
"Tell Seto that his Father died as a nameless soldier on the battlefield."
With that being said, Flashback Aknadin took off on his horse.
"Dear!" Aknadin's Wife cried out, though her pained words were ignored.
"Farewell, my dear wife… and Seto," thought Flashback Aknadin regretfully.
As Aknadin's Wife and Young Seto watched Flashback Aknadin leave, the latter had a look of determination on his face. What for? Nobody knew but him.
(new scene…)
Within a shrine, Flashback Aknadin and some court members had gathered, and were speaking to a large battalion of soldiers.
"The ones gathered here are our Egypt's finest of the Imperial Court!" began Flashback Aknadin, "Your efforts shall pave the path for the country's future!"
Some of the court members removed their hoods as the speech went on.
"Now, brave soldiers!" continued Flashback Aknadin, "Watch closely and see the destiny we all bear…and the glorious future!"
From there, he and the court members started hypnotizing the soldiers. The soldiers didn't say a word throughout, and their eyes soon became dull and empty.
"Listen up, everyone," said Flashback Aknadin, "My voice is the voice of the skies… and also the voice of destiny. Nobody can resist this voice. We shall now head forth for the village of Kul Elna located near the Valley of Kings! Do not speak of this matter to anyone you see along the way!" He then raised his right hand up, "Set off!"
The hypnotized soldiers started chanting "Set off!" while raising and lowering their spears.
(new scene…)
As expected, Flashback Aknadin and his army were on the way out of the palace and city in the dead of the night for the village of Kul Elna.
"Dark Alchemy…" thought Flashback Aknadin, "In order to complete this ritual, human sacrifices must be made. Even though this is for the sake of the country… what I'm going to do is something that I cannot reveal to the King," He closed his eyes shamefully, "Forgive me, Big Brother!"
Soon, the army was outside in the desert.
(new scene…)
After a long trek, Flashback Aknadin stopped his horse while looking over the cliff into the distance.
"The village of Kul Elna lies just in sight," he announced, "The thieves that have been raiding our royal tombs live in this village. The foolish things they have done angered the 'Gods' and brought this fate upon the country! We shall make them pay for their sins! Don't let anyone escape!"
The soldiers all cried out in unison and charged down the cliff towards Kul Elna.
(Montage)
Before long, there was utter chaos going on in the village; soldiers were burning down buildings, killing people, you name it. Since the soldiers were hypnotized, they had no idea they were causing such tragedies and only continued with the rampage whilst laughing over doing the deeds.
"Help!" One of the male villagers cried, before being killed.
"Stop it!" A female villager begged, as she was impaled by an arrow.
One child in particular was watching the whole scene unfold from a safe distance. Helpless to do anything to stop the intruders, he could only continue to watch before deciding to escape.
(End Montage)
Eventually, with enough deaths, the court members and Flashback Aknadin, gathered around a large, burning cauldron filled with golden liquid inside an underground chamber. With the motion of his right hand, two of the court members started moving a large chain and raising the cauldron before pouring the golden liquid into a nearby hole of some sorts.
"Dark Alchemy…" narrated Present Day-Aknadin, while his past self was watching the liquid being poured from the cauldron, "It is a ritual conducted between Gods and devils. That the seven Millennium Items were forged using the villagers of Kul Elna… And the soldiers that assisted in the preparations would remain a secret."
Eventually, the liquid stopped pouring, and one court member took a large sledgehammer and smashed the ground where the liquid was being contained. Once the ground was smashed enough, a golden yellow glow could be seen in the rubble. The court members and Flashback Aknadin dug away the rubble and found that the ritual had been a success - seven treasures (Millennium Items) had been made.
"But at that time…!" Present Day-Aknadin went on, who knew what was going to happen next.
As Flashback Aknadin looked at the Millennium Puzzle and the Millennium Eye, the whole place started to shake itself apart.
"Wh-What's going on?" wondered Flashback Aknadin.
The ground started cracking apart, and one of the court members unfortunately fell into the crack to his death (taking the Millennium Rod and the Millennium Ring with him). The remaining court members, along with Flashback Aknadin, managed to get away from the massive crack in the floor. Flashback Aknadin managed to get to his hands and knees enough to look and see dark smoke emerging from the crack.
"We didn't know the true dark secret behind the seven mystical treasures…" narrated Present Day-Aknadin.
Flashback Aknadin watched as a huge tablet rose from the crack, which had large holes shaped as the treasures that were created.
"Why is there a tablet with engravings on it where the seven items can be placed?" he asked himself.
Within the tablet, the Millennium Ring started glowing, throwing the remaining two court members against the wall.
"Suhen! Sekhen!" called Flashback Aknadin, before turning towards the large tablet once again.
More dark smoke was emerging from the crack, and soon combined into a humongous demon of sorts. Despite fading a bit, it reached over and grabbed Flashback Aknadin, bringing the man near its face.
"Now then, place the items in their respective places!" The demon commanded.
Not willing to do what he was told, Flashback Aknadin managed to draw a dagger and, very painfully mind you, gouge his left eye out and insert the Millennium Eye in its place. Once it was in the socket, the Millennium Eye started glowing and activating.
"Be gone, devil!" shouted Flashback Aknadin.
The power of the Millennium Eye proved to harm the demon, causing it to scream and wither in pain while dropping Flashback Aknadin onto the floor. One of the remaining court members (Sekhen), still carrying the Millennium Key and the Millennium Scale, approached.
"Lord Aknadin!" cried Sekhen.
Quickly, Flashback Aknadin got up, approached the tablet, and took the Millennium Ring and the Millennium Rod from their spots. The demon soon started fading into black smoke once more.
"Let's get out of here immediately!" ordered Flashback Aknadin, carrying three Millennium Eyes (Millennium Puzzle, Millennium Rod, and Millennium Ring).
(outside…)
Outside, the court members and Flashback Aknadin each emerged while carrying the remaining Millennium Items (and Flashback Aknadin wielding the Millennium Eye).
(new scene…)
As the journey back to the kingdom went on, one of the court members, Sekhen, had died, leaving Flashback Aknadin and Suhen both to get the treasures back to Flashback Aknamkanon. As they walked through a raging sandstorm, Suhen, clearly in no shape to go on, collapsed.
"Suhen!" begged Flashback Aknadin, "Get a grip on yourself, Suhen!"
"Do not concern yourself with me," said Suhen weakly, handing his lord the Millennium Necklace and the Millennium Key, "Bring the seven mystical treasures back quickly… The fewer people who know of this, the better."
With that said, he closed eyes and passed away.
"Suhen!" cried Flashback Aknadin. He then stored the remaining Millennium Items into a bag containing the rest and proceeded onward, "Suhen…"
(new scene…)
With the sandstorm finally over with, Flashback Aknadin was in the clearing. However, he was worn out after traveling in the desert for miles on end before collapsing in the sand, believing he would die and this would be all for nothing. Flashback Aknadin weakly looked over the edge of the sand dune he was on and saw that the kingdom was up ahead.
"I have returned…" he thought wearily, standing back up, "…with the Millennium Items in hand!"
And the stern-looking priest continued on his way back home.
(new scene…)
Eventually, the enemy army had surrounded the city, ready to burn it all down.
"Look! There's no army protecting the royal palace!" One of the enemy soldiers laughed, before raising his spear in triumph, "This country is ours!"
The other enemy soldiers started cheering and chanting, ready to charge and overtake the kingdom—and charging they did. Before they could reach the city, one of the enemy soldiers gasped when they saw, up ahead, Flashback Aknamkanon, armed with the Millennium Puzzle, Flashback Aknadin, still with the Millennium Eye, Flashback Shimon, armed with the Millennium Key, and four other priests armed with the Millennium Scale, Millennium Rod, the Millennium Necklace, and the Millennium Ring respectively.
"What kind of joke are these guys?!" One of the enemy soldiers scoffed, "What can seven people do?"
Before the enemy army could get any closer…
"Seven treasures… Protect my country and my people!" chanted Flashback Aknamkanon.
The seven Millennium Items activated, shocking the enemy soldiers.
"Spirits! Give us your power!"
Behind the walls, a glowing light could be seen from within, causing the enemy army to finally stop their charge as they saw various monsters (ranging from 'Exodia the Forbidden One', 'Spiria', etc.) emerging from behind the walls. Before long, the monsters defeated the enemy army, therefore saving the kingdom from being overrun.
"With that, the country was protected," narrated Present Day-Aknadin
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"As per King Aknamkanon's wishes," thought Aknadin, still laying on the bed, "I hid my identity and remained in the palace. I had no regrets for offering my life to the kingdom… apart from one thing…" He then had a mental flashback of his wife and son, "Seto… I gave you no future."
A more full flashback was shown…
FLASHBACK
Back when Atem was 13-years old, Flashback Aknamkanon was now making Flashback Seto the newest wielder of the Millennium Rod. Present for the ceremony were Flashback Shimon, Flashback Atem, Flashback Mia, Flashback Ryo, Flashback Aknadin, and three of the previous priests.
"He is the new wielder of the Millennium Rod, High Priest Seto," said Flashback Shimon, "His parents died when he was young… He came from a poor background, but he worked hard. Passing all the grueling exams and coming in the top of his class. He is truly a rare talent that only shows up every ten years."
"Lift your head, Seto," advised Flashback Aknamkanon.
Flashback Seto did as he was told, "Yes, sir!" The Egyptian Spencer obeyed, "As I am now the wielder of the Millennium Rod… I shall put in even more work in creating a prosperous nation."
Flashback Aknadin listened on, but didn't appear to look happy or anything.
"I will be counting on you, Seto," smiled Flashback Aknamkanon, before looking at Flashback Atem, "One of these days, you'll become my son's right-hand man."
"I am deeply touched by your compliments," admitted Flashback Seto, feeling proud.
"Of course you are," grinned Flashback Mia, folding her arms playfully.
It was then, Flashback Shimon noticed that something was wrong with Flashback Aknadin.
"Is something troubling you, Aknadin?" he asked curiously.
There was no answer from Flashback Aknadin.
"Seto, you wouldn't have known how touched I was at the time," The stern-looking priest thought to himself, "The son that I abandoned defeated the odds using his own abilities… And the happiness I feel about him being in such a high position… Seto, you have the talent and a bloodline that nobody knows about," He then cast a resentful glare at Flashback Atem (which nobody noticed), "The one who should be King is…"
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and Aknadin, now sitting up with his hood down, was pretty much seething that Seto wasn't the new Pharaoh.
"…you, Seto!" he mumbled.
(outside…)
Outside the palace, Seto and Karim both were riding into battle to help Atem. Meanwhile, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'Diabound' were about to rumble in the skies.
"Hehehe… This is far enough," chuckled Montague, before giving a command to his Ka, "'Diabound', let's say hello! Attack him with your new power! Go! MAGIC BLAST!"
'Diabound' obeyed, firing magical orbs from its hands at 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', striking the Ka and causing Atem to clutch his chest as he felt the injuries.
"'Diabound' can take on the abilities of those it defeats," explained Montague, "The power earlier was taken from the dead Mahad!"
"Mahad!" thought Atem, before becoming enraged, "You'll pay… you'll pay for this, Montague!" He then gave a command to his Ka, "'Slifer'! SUMMON THUNDER BULLET!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed, opening its second mouth and firing off an orb of lightning. The attack struck 'Diabound', but didn't seem to do anything to it other than causing the Ka to turn invisible.
"What?!" gasped Atem, before noticing an attack was chasing after him.
"Run! Run!" taunted Montague, "See if you can outrun the fuse of death!"
Soon, the fuse changed direction and emerged beside Atem.
"DIE!" yelled Montague dementedly.
'Diabound' raised its right hand and threw a Magic Blast at the vulnerable Atem. 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', however, flew in the way and fired off another Summon Thunder Bullet, striking 'Diabound' and damaging it and causing Montague to cringe from the pain.
"That really hurt, you rotten bastard!" he snarled, "So that's the power of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'."
"I have to hunt him down!" thought Atem, before speaking aloud, "Continue forcing him into a corner, 'Slifer'!"
"You must've forgotten!" reminded Montague, "That the battlefield we're fighting on is one I hold the utmost advantage on!" He then gave a command to 'Diabound', "'Diabound', do what you like! Destroy this city until there's nothing left standing!"
'Diabound' eagerly obeyed, firing off Magic Blasts all across the city.
"Oh no!" exclaimed Atem. In his mind… "He's flying too low, and is going to hurt the people in the city!"
Up ahead…
"W-What… There are strange monsters in the sky!" One male citizen cried out, upon seeing 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'.
"Monsters?" Another male citizen quizzed, looking up and seeing nothing (in this case, 'Diabound'), "I don't see anything."
Both citizens got vaporized by 'Diabound's' attack.
"NO!" screamed Atem.
"HA HA HA HA HA HA! Come one, come all!" laughed Montague, "It's the Pharaoh's grand parade!" He then turned his attention back to Atem, "Mr. Kiiiing… Let's begin the killing game!" The Thief King again turned his attention to up ahead, "Make way, make way! Here comes the Pharaoh!"
He then cackled madly once more as he passed by some more citizens before an attack from 'Diabound' vaporized them in an instant.
"He's got the innocent people involved in this…!" growled Atem.
"Hey, Mr. King! This is a game!" said Montague mockingly, "How many innocent people can you save…? After all, this is a killing game!" He then gave a command to his Ka, "'Diabound', don't stop! Destroy the city! Slaughter the people! Have fun doing it! MAGIC BLAST!"
'Diabound' started firing more magical blasts from its hands, striking and destroying some buildings. This resulted in more of the citizens screaming as they fled the area for safety. Before any of the remaining Magic Blasts could hit the fleeing citizens, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' suddenly flew in and took the attacks, taking one attack after another. Atem screamed as his body emitted smoke and he lost serious amounts of Ba.
"So, you shield them by taking the attacks yourself," chortled Montague, "But…how long can you last? Eh, Mr. King?
'Diabound' kept up with its Magic Blasts, striking 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' a few more times until Atem nearly collapsed from the extreme damage he was taking.
"I won't allow your 'God' to even think of moving!" rambled Montague, "If you do, the people below might become the targets of my attack!"
"He's attacking the people to force me to use 'Slifer' as a shield!" thought Atem weakly, "I need a new plan!"
Soon, Montague appeared on top of a nearby building.
"Ha ha ha ha! Even one attack from 'Diabound' should be able to finish your 'God' off!" The Thief King declared with another evil laugh, "HELICAL SHOCKWAVE!"
'Diabound' obeyed, charging its signature attack.
"I'm defenseless from behind!" thought Atem, "So if he attacks me, I'm done for!" He then got one final idea… "Before the Helical Shockwave hits…"
Suddenly, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' looked towards the cleared ground and unleashed a Summon Thunder Bullet, with the surge of the attack launching the Ka from near the ground into the sky.
"What?!" panicked Montague, "He fired at the ground to get himself airborne!?"
"Now, my 'God' will spin in midair…" continued Atem mentally, as 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' started spinning very, very fast as it moved further into the sky, "…to set up a second…" He spoke aloud and gave the command, "SUMMON THUNDER BULLET!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed, opening its second mouth and firing off another electrical orb right at 'Diabound'.
"It's so fast…!" thought Montague, looking shocked that he had been caught off guard, "I can't complete the Helical Shockwave!"
Sadly so… 'Diabound' got hit, and so its attack got cancelled out before it could be finished and unleashed.
"Dammit!" swore Montague, "How dare you!"
"Montague! The 'Gods' won't lose to your dirty ways!" criticized Atem, before giving the command to attack, "Take this! THUNDER FORCE!"
"HELICAL SHOCKWAVE!" ordered Montague.
Both Ka's in the sky unleashed their trademark attacks, which collided and exploded. Back below in the streets, Emily and the others had taken notice of the explosion in the sky.
"Was that…?" began Gordon.
"…'Slifer's' Thunder Force attack?" finished Edward, "Yup, it was."
"Thomas must be fighting Montague!" figured Emily, "Let's get over there before it's too late!"
Before anybody could say anything more…
"Hurry up, Jono!" A familiar voice (male) called out.
"I'm hurrying, Honda!" Another familiar voice (male) complained, "I'm hurrying!"
To the group's surprise, shock in the case of Percy and James, an Egyptian version of both Percy and James both ran into the area, rushing straight through Percy (Jono) and James (Honda).
"What the heck is with this city anyway?!" complained Honda, "This is the second attack this month!"
"Beats me, but we'll just keep running until we're safe!" insisted Jono.
Soon, the two Egyptian boys were out of sight, leaving behind some VERY surprised/spooked teenagers from the Island of Sodor to make out what just happened.
"Were those two…" began Henry.
"…Percy and James?" finished Toby.
"They were," confirmed Bobasa, before looking at Percy and James, "Apparently, you two had ancestors from this time 3000 years ago."
"Great, as if one James was bad enough," groaned Percy, "Now there's 'two'."
"Yeah, but he actually sounds like his age," said Mavis sarcastically, just before pointing at James, "unlike Mickey Mouse over here."
James fumed as he glared at the blonde-haired girl over making that remark. Back where Atem and Montague were battling…
"I can't put the people of the city in danger anymore!" thought Atem, before shouting an order to his Ka, "'Slifer', pull 'Diabound' into the sky!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed, using its lower body to coil around 'Diabound' and force it further and further into the night sky. 'Diabound' soon stabbed its claws into 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' flesh, causing the 'God' to roar in pain before releasing the enemy Ka. Soon, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'Diabound' were facing each other again.
"Now your attacks can't reach the city!" reminded Atem, "And in the air, you can't use 'Diabound's' ability to walk through walls!"
"The sky dragon, controller of lightning, has the advantage while in the sky!" thought Montague. He then spoke aloud, "Nice try, but even if your 'God' has the advantage flying in the sky, 'Diabound' is still unbeatable!"
"'Slifer', attack!" roared Atem, giving the order to attack again.
"Hehehe… But if your 'God' controls the heavens…" Montague was now saying, "…then my 'Diabound' controls the darkness!"
"THUNDER FORCE!" screamed Atem.
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' fired off another electrical blast, but 'Diabound' avoided it before…fading away.
"Where'd it go?" demanded Atem.
"'Diabound' can conceal itself by blending in with the surroundings in a flash," snickered Montague, "Mr. King, the difficulty level of this game has increased!"
From there, purple energy blasts were being fired upon the city below, destroying and damaging more buildings while also killing and injuring more of the people living there, much to Atem's horror.
"You'd better hurry up and find 'Diabound' before there's anymore sacrifices!" screeched Montague, enjoying the game so much. In his mind… "Like an ambush from the dark… The next target is…"
"Montague!" bellowed Atem hatefully, being completely unsure of what to do next, "I have to stop this senseless slaughtering! 'Slifer', hurry and find 'Diabound'!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' obeyed, peeling the skies for the wicked Ka known as 'Diabound'. Suddenly, from behind the 'God', a purple energy blast was being charged.
"…'God'!" boomed Montague, giving the command to 'Diabound' "HELICAL SHOCKWAVE!"
It was too late for 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' to avoid the attack; the Ka got hit in the back by the purple blast, causing Atem to clutch his chest and grimace in pain. Montague, meanwhile, chuckled darkly over the sight.
"I still have other secret abilities," he pointed out, "but I guess I don't need them today. I have 'many' options to choose from! I can decide if I want to do more damage to the city… or kill you immediately…"
Atem looked up, but said nothing in response.
"Nah," dismissed Montague with a shrug, "I guess it's best to see you surrender your Millennium Puzzle to me. I want someone like you, who is regarded as a living 'God' to stand in the middle of the city and swear to obey my commands!"
Back below, the spiritual version of Thomas had lots to think about what was about to happen.
"If I hand the Millennium Puzzle to him, I'd lose," he was telling himself, "However, if I don't give it up, Montague will have 'Diabound' continue with its rampage, and I can't afford to let him put the people in any more danger! What should I do about it?!"
This was a very difficult choice for Atem/Thomas… Will he give the Millennium Puzzle up, or will he refuse to stand down and risk letting 'Diabound' continue attacking the kingdom? Stay tuned to find the answer out!
Note that this might NOT be the final chapter written for 2020; it all depends if we get ideas for the next one before we reach the 29th. If we don't, then, yes, this will be the final chapter for 2020, and we'll see all of you in 2021.