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 the tomb hideout of Montague within the dead village of Kul Elna, the tide of the battle turned due to the timely arrival of Mana and her new Ka, 'Dark Magician Girl', who was busy helping Mahad.
"Master!" called Mana, happy to see Mahad again.
"Mana… To be saved by you…" smiled Mahad, "You must have been studying hard while I was gone."
"I have been!"
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, in Kul Elna village, reinforcements were arriving in the form of more soldiers plus the other priests (even Shimon). Of course, the skeleton soldiers didn't back down; they started cutting down some of the human soldiers that tried to fight back.
"Do not give in!" encouraged Seto, before noticing some spirits coming for him.
Fortunately…
*SLASH!*
…Seto got saved by 'Two-Headed Jackal Warrior' (compliments of Shada), who sliced at the spirits with its axe-like weapon.
"Shada!" gasped Seto.
"Let me handle this place," requested Shada, "Head to the underground shrine where the Pharaoh and the Queen both are!"
"Very well," Seto nodded.
"We leave this to you, Shada!" added Shimon, before he and the remaining priests rode off.
Shada turned and faced the enemy skeletons and spirits.
"Come, vile spirits!" he demanded, "Charge!"
"YEAH!" The human soldiers bellowed, as they charged into battle.
(elsewhere…)
Back underground, Mana slid down one of the pillars until she reached the ground, approaching Atem.
"Mana!" cried Atem, being relieved to see his friend.
"Prince!" added Mana, before looking and seeing Anzu limp over, "Anzu!"
"Mana… you came," winced Anzu, but was still pleased to see Mana.
"Tch! The weaklings keep multiplying one-by-one…!" complained Montague, displeased.
And they were.
"Let's go, Mana!" ordered Mahad.
"Yes, master!" agreed Mana.
Both 'Dark Magician Girl' and Mahad raised their respective weapons at 'Diabound'.
"Take this, Montague!" yelled Mahad, "THOUSAND MAGIC BLASTS!"
He and 'Dark Magician Girl' both started firing magical blasts at 'Diabound', who just summoned another shield of spirits to block the incoming attack.
"No matter how many of you weaklings there are," bragged Montague, "you won't be able to break through the spirit shield's heka surrounding 'Diabound'!"
Mahad scowled in frustration, while 'Dark Magician Girl' looked worried. The situation grew worse when 'Diabound' started releasing spirits and creating duplicates of itself.
"'Diabound'…" began Atem.
"…split into three!" added Mana.
"Oh my…" finished Anzu.
"Having gained the power of the dead spirits, 'Diabound' has gained yet another ability!" explained Montague, "The power to create copies of itself!"
'Diabound' and its two copies lunged for Mahad and 'Dark Magician Girl', who were quick to fight back.
"THOUSAND MAGIC BLASTS!" announced Mahad, as he and 'Dark Magician Girl' began firing more magic blasts from their respective weapons.
The magic blasts struck the two copies of 'Diabound', but the middle one continued approaching. Montague, meanwhile, was unhurt by the attack.
"Such a pity!" The Thief King teased, "All of them missed!" He then announced the attack name of his Ka, "HELICAL SHOCKWAVE!"
'Diabound' obeyed, charging and firing a powerful shockwave. The attack collided with Mahad and smashed him into the wall, while 'Dark Magician Girl' barely avoided the attack. Atem fell to a knee and clutched his chest in pain.
"Prince!" cried Mana, kneeling and placing her hands on his shoulders.
"Montague!" shouted Anzu angrily.
'Wingweaver' charged at 'Diabound' in an attempt to avenge both Mahad and Atem, but Montague was far too ready for the incoming attack…
"Now take the finishing blow!" he declared, "Go, 'Diabound'!"
'Diabound' unleashed another Helical Shockwave, striking and throwing 'Wingweaver' to the ground. As that happened, Anzu fell to her hands and knees as blood dripped from her mouth. Unfortunately, before Atem and Mana both could react, the unleashed Helical Shockwave came straight for them and Anzu. Mana was fast to do something about it…
"MAGICAL HATS!" The brown-haired Egyptian girl announced, raising her wand up.
Very quickly the three Egyptian teenagers were concealed in a large magician's hat along with three empty hats, which stuffled along before being hit by the Helical Shockwave attack—which was thankfully empty.
"What…?!" flinched Montague, "Grrrgh… 'Diabound'! DOUBLE STRIKE ATTACK!"
'Diabound', raising its hands', fired off multiple magical orbs of destruction at the opposition. Three of the empty hats were destroyed, and one final orb struck and destroyed the middle hat, which unfortunately contained Atem, Anzu, and Mana. The explosion sent the trio flying across the room until they hit the floor, injured.
"Prince! Anzu!" worried Mana.
With his enemies finally down for the count, Montague was ready to end things with Atem (or Thomas) for good.
"Die, Thomas!" Montague yelled dementedly.
'Diabound' raised its right hand and made a lung for Atem. Atem, still unable to get up, was virtually defenseless and could only shut his eyes, waiting for the end to come for him.
Title: Undying Grudges
In a repeat, 'Diabound' raised its right hand and made a lung for Atem. Atem, still unable to get up, was virtually defenseless and could only shut his eyes, waiting for the end to come for him. All of a sudden, a sword came flying across the room and struck 'Diabound's' arm, causing the Ka to reel back. Montague also felt the damage taken and yelled in pain.
"What the-?!" he demanded.
The sword, as it turned out, belonged to 'Duos'. As the Ka caught his sword, Seto, Karim, Isis, and Shimon all ran into the room.
"Pharaoh!" Seto, Karim, and Shimon each called out.
"Our Queen!" added Isis.
"Thank goodness you arrived," sighed Atem.
"Well, well…" smiled Montague, clutching onto his injured arm, "What an honor, Great High Priests."
Atem, still injured, was not able to get up easily.
"Are you okay, Pharaoh?" asked Shimon, looking deeply concerned.
"And are you okay, my Queen?" came from Seto, looking at Anzu.
"We'll…be fine," panted Anzu, also hurt pretty badly.
Isis, meanwhile, took notice of the new Mahad…
"Mahad?" she wondered, "Is that really…you?"
"Hello again, Isis," greeted Mahad.
"Mahad… I can't believe it… You're… you're…"
"Don't say anything more," The former priest interrupted, "Although my physical body was destroyed, my spirit will continue to serve and protect the Pharaoh," He then smiled warmly at his love interest, "I will also never leave you like that again."
"Oh, Mahad…" whispered Isis, bursting into happy, relieved tears.
"Well said, Mahad," praised Shimon, "That's why you're the greatest sorcerer of our country!"
"All of you, save the happiness for 'after' we've beaten Montague!" interrupted Seto.
Montague chuckled evilly in response.
"Isis," said Karim, looking towards Isis, "the Pharaoh and the Queen both have little Ba left."
"I got this," nodded Isis, before activating her Diadiankh, "I Summon 'Mystical Elf'!"
Appearing onto the field in a beam of light, was an all too familiar female elf with blue skin that Thomas used a few times. Chanting a spell, the new Ka caused both Atem and Anzu to glow green and recover from their injuries.
"Tch! A White Mage with the power to Summon a Ka with healing abilities, eh?" scowled Montague, annoyed by the turn of events.
Atem was finally able to stand back up.
"Montague…!" The blue-haired Egyptian boy began sharply.
"Pharaoh, you must not fight with your body as it is," warned Shimon, "You and the Queen both should let the priests handle this from here."
Before Atem could respond, Montague interrupted the discussion with a hearty snicker.
"To think you'd all stomp on in here practically laying your Millennium Items at my feet…" The Thief King remarked, "This must be what they mean when they say 'Like a moth to a flame'."
"Montague," said Seto severely, "we priests will crush your mad ambitions!"
Karim activated his Diadiankh, "Come forth - 'Curse of Dragon'!"
Appearing in the air from a beam of light, was the familiar yellow dragon of Thomas's.
"Bring it on, you damn priests!" yelled Montague, preparing for a battle, "'Diabound', massacre them all!"
'Diabound' obeyed, lunging forth while charging and firing off a Helical Shockwave, but the group of hero Ka's avoided the attack.
"Surround 'Diabound'!" requested Seto, pointing his Millennium Rod at 'Diabound', "Attack from all directions!"
The hero Ka's obeyed, surrounding 'Diabound' from all directions possible, and attacking with their signature attacks. 'Diabound' merely summoned a shield of spirits before the attacks collided and resulted in an explosion.
"They did it!" cheered Shimon.
But as the smoke from the explosion faded, 'Diabound' was still standing.
"It can't be!" cried Karim, "He repelled the attacks?!"
Montague cackled, "It's useless!" he boasted, "I hold the absolute advantage within these grounds! The souls who hate Aknamkanon are wandering all around us. And they ally with me and 'Diabound'! None of you are capable of breaking through this Spirit Shield!"
The priests and Mana were stunned to hear that.
(elsewhere…)
Back within Kul Elna village, Aknadin was shown weakly wandering through the dead area.
"It has surfaced…!" he thought to himself, "That abominable memory…"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Years ago, the soldiers of Aknamkanon's kingdom surrounded the innocent villagers of Kul Elna.
(new scene…)
Some of the prisoners were being led into an underground chamber to be sacrificed for the creation of the Millennium Items.
(new scene…)
Many of the villagers were thrown into a cauldron of burning hot molten liquid.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, but despite remembering it Aknadin was not about to turn back from his own ambitions.
"But this is the place where I will make Seto the new Pharaoh!" The stern-looking priest told himself mentally, "For the greater good of all Egypt!"
Just then, several spirits of the deceased villagers started rising from the ground, startling Aknadin and making him fall over.
"S-Stay away…!" begged Aknadin, "Ghosts of Kul Elna!"
But the vengeful ghosts did not stay away. Fortunately, 'Two-Headed Jackal Warrior' suddenly appeared and beat them away. Aknadin remained stunned by what he saw, not bothering to hear a voice calling out to him (at first).
"Lord Aknadin!" exclaimed Shada, as he ran up to his fellow priest, "Lord Aknadin, are you alright?"
"I am now," replied Aknadin, sitting up with help from Shada.
"The Pharaoh and the others have already gone to where Montague is," explained Shada, "I must also-"
Suddenly, the Millennium Key began to activate on its own.
"What's wrong, Shada?" asked Aknadin, seeing the Millennium key shaking in Shada's hand.
"My Millennium Key is sensing a great power," answered Shada, looking at the house up ahead, "It may have something to do with the Ka of that Thief King…" He then looked to Aknadin, "Lord Aknadin, please wait here."
The Egyptian Odion then got up and walked towards the nearby house.
"Shada!" called Aknadin, but was too late.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the house, Shada took a look around to see if there was anything that was making his Millennium Key react the way it was reacting. He soon found a set of stairs leading into an underground chamber.
(elsewhere…)
Soon enough, Shada was walking down the stairs leading underground, and his Millennium Key's reaction was getting stronger the farther he walked down the steps.
"Just what lies down here…?" thought Shada.
He eventually entered a whole new room, walked to the center of the room, and raised his Millennium Key.
"Whatever it is, the sense is growing stronger the closer I approach," From there, Shada finally spoke aloud, "My Millennium Key!"
The Millennium Item started glowing and dispelling some of the darkness in the room, and Shada recoiled over what he was seeing up ahead.
"This is…!" he stammered.
On the wall of the chamber was a stone tablet of, you guessed it, 'Diabound' - the same Ka that has been giving him, the priests, Atem, and Anzu so much trouble.
"This is 'Diabound's' stone slab," remarked Aknadin, who had suddenly entered the chamber, "If the stone slab is destroyed, then the Ka will be destroyed as well."
"Lord Aknadin!" gasped Shada, who did not realize he had been followed.
"Is 'Diabound' the one who created that vision of the future?" continued Aknadin, speaking in an ominous tone, "So long as this grudge remains, 'Diabound' will be immortal."
"Then we will destroy the slab," said Shada, "It shouldn't be difficult to do, right?" He then turned and started to activate his Diadiankh, "Come forth-!"
Suddenly, Shada felt something strike him from behind, causing him to keel over. The one who had attacked him was none other than Aknadin, holding a large stone over his head. The stern-looking priest watched as spirits of the deceased villagers appeared from the tablet of 'Diabound' and walked towards the knocked down Shada, picking him up and making him drop his Millennium Key as it stopped glowing, then dragging him away.
"Lord…Aknadin…" groaned Shada, before falling unconscious.
Aknadin ignored the protest; he dropped the large stone and walked over to the Millennium Key, picking it up and looking at it.
"I will not let scum like you change the future awaiting Seto and I," said Aknadin coldly.
Uh-oh…
(elsewhere…)
Back in the underground shrine, Atem, Anzu, Mana, Mahad, and the priests were still facing Montague and 'Diabound'.
"What do we do, Seto?" askled Karim.
Seto clenched his teeth, not knowing what to do.
"If you're not gonna make a move," teased Montague, "allow me to have the pleasure!" he then pointed forth, "Go on, 'Diabound'! POISON FANG BARRAGE!"
'Diabound' obeyed, sending the snake section towards 'Mystical Elf'. Illusions of poisonous snakes leaped towards the Ka, who was unable to avoid the attack and ended up hit and destroyed. Isis clutched her chest in slight pain due to her losing some Ba.
"Now none of you can replenish your Ba!" laughed Montague.
This was very, very bad…for our heroes.
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, back at the kingdom itself, Emily, Bobasa, and everyone else finally arrived back. However, they found that the doors were still locked.
"After all that, we still can't enter," sighed Mavis.
"If there are any clues about the answer to that riddle," said Emily, "they have to be within this palace! We just got to get inside somehow!" She approached the door and tried to lay a hand on it, only for it to…go through it, "B-Bubbling Sodas!"
The rest of the group, even Bobasa, was surprised by what they saw just now.
"Hey! Did you guys see that?" gasped James.
"I think we can enter now!" realized Toby.
"I wonder how things changed this time," questioned Mavis.
"We shouldn't worry about that," replied Edward, "Now, granted, the answer to the riddle may very not be in the palace, but considering that it's the only place that we haven't been able to enter until this point, it means that there has to be at least something, even just maybe the tiniest clue that we can find here that can point us in the right direction."
With that said, he and Emily both entered the palace, with Percy, James, Toby, Mavis, Gordon, and Bobasa all following from behind. The only one who didn't follow yet was Henry, who only looked up at the palace and giggled maliciously.
"This is perfect!" he mumbled to himself, before entering the palace as well.
(inside…)
Inside the main hallway, everyone was absolutely amazed at how big the inside of the palace was.
"Amazing!" cried James, "So this is the inside of the palace!"
"But it's so large," Mavis pointed out, "There's no telling where it could be around here."
"In that case, we'll have to split up," suggested Emily, before looking to Percy, James, and Bobasa, "James, Percy, and Bobasa, you three check that hallway over there."
"Roger that!" obeyed Percy.
"Leave it to us!" added James confidently, while Bobasa nodded seriously.
From there, the red-haired boy, Percy, and Bobasa each took off to the left.
"Edward and Mavis, you both head north of here," Emily went on, looking to Edward and Mavis.
The two teenagers nodded and took off north of the grand hallway.
"Before you say anything, Emily… Henry and Toby will follow me to the east," said Gordon, before he, Henry, and Toby each took off to the right.
This left Emily alone, who then took off in another direction of the grand hallway.
(elsewhere…)
The search eventually took Emily to the upper levels of the palace, where she was searching for anything that would be a clue to the answer to the big riddle.
"The answer has got to be here some place," The dark green-haired girl told herself, "Now, which room should I start with?" She stopped outside one room, "I guess this one's as good as any to check."
Emily walked through the walls until she was inside the room. She took a look around it, finding it to be very nice-looking.
"Wow, I rather like this room," commented Emily, walking around until she stopped at the bed, "This bed looks really comfortable, too."
After spending the next minute looking at the bed, Emily started grimacing as she brought a hand to her forehead.
"Ugh… W-What's wrong…with-?" she winced, "What am I-?"
A vision started up.
VISION
Inside the new bedchamber for both Flashback Atem and Flashback Anzu the night of their marriage, they could be seen looking out the window at the moon in the star-filled night sky.
"Well, it's official… We're actually married," said Flashback Atem quietly.
"Together forever," Flashback Anzu agreed, "I love you so much, my Pharaoh."
"And I love you, my lovely Queen."
The two Egyptian teenagers stared at each other for what seemed like forever. Then, as though they were being possessed, they brought themselves closer and closer until their lips were touching the other, allowing Flashback Atem and Flashback Anzu to enjoy the passionate kiss until their desires began to overwhelm them some. The more they went on with their makeout session, the hungrier they became. Soon, Flashback Anzu broke free and removed Flashback Atem's shirt, while Flashback Atem carefully removed Flashback Anzu's own top. When the new couple resumed their kissing, they also started stroking the other's well-toned upper bodies—Flashback Anzu gently moved her hands around Flashback Atem's muscular chest, and Flashback Atem brought his hands down to Flashback Anzu's rather large breasts and cupped onto them while noticing how firm, yet soft, they were. This form of making out and fondling went on and on until they finally went over towards the large bed for the main course.
From there, Flashback Atem and Flashback Anzu, they removed what was left of their clothing as the latter laid down on the surface of the bed with her legs spread out while the former then got on top and carefully penetrated Flashback Anzu's womanhood with his fully erected manhood and began thrusting. Flashback Anzu let out a sexualized, yet pained, moan over the tightness within her womanhood as she. Eventually, the initial pain was gone and Flashback Anzu eased up a bit and was soon moaning in pure enjoyment.
END VISION
The vision ended.
"Did I just…see how Atem and Anzu make love on the night of their wedding?" Emily asked herself, "I remember Thomas telling me that he experienced that with him having to pretend that it was him and me that was doing it instead. I cannot help but wonder how it would be if I was forced into the scenario Thomas is in by having to watch everything through my ancestor with no input and me having to pretend that Atem was Thomas each time he and Anzu made love?"
Another vision ensued.
VISION
In this vision, Thomas and Emily both were on the bed, fully nude, and making love instead of their Egyptian ancestors.
"Ooooh, Tommy…" moaned Emily suggestively, loving the fact that her lover had both hands on and squeezing her breasts in addition to his manhood having penetrated her womanhood, "This feels soooo good."
"It doesn't…hurt?" asked Thomas, wincing slightly from thrusting so much.
"Not at, ahhh, all."
END VISION
The vision ended, with Emily blushing furiously, now realizing just how hard and awkward it must be for Thomas just to even cope during those instances. Just then, before she could try and push those sexual thoughts out of her head, Emily jumped at a sound from outside the room.
"What in the world?" gasped Emily, before seeing Braheem enter the room, "No way! That guy looks like Mr. Percival, our vice principal! What's he doing in this room?"
Braheem, being unable to see Emily, simply walked through the room towards the balcony to do some thinking; his daughter had been gone for a good while, and he was getting very worried. Of course, since the priests and Atem were with her, Anzu was in good hands. Still, a Father being worried for his daughter was a common feeling, but since Montague was a very dangerous individual, his worry was understandable.
"I couldn't bear to lose you, Anzu," Braheem said not no one in particular, "Not after losing your Mother when you were a child," He then looked up at the sky with a pleading look on his face, "Please, 'Gods' of Egypt… Please allow Anzu to return home safely. She and the Pharaoh both are needed to lead our wonderful nation, and to provide an heir to the throne."
Emily gasped again, "So that man is Anzu's Father," she realized, with a sad look on her face, "And his wife, and Anzu's Mother, is also dead… I… I can't help but feel sorry for them… Wait a moment!"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Thomas, Flashback Emily, and Flashback Spencer each were back in the time, witnessing the vision of Flashback Seto leading an uprising against Flashback Atem.
"Your kingdom has fallen, Atem!" Flashback Seto declared with pride, "And now you and your friends will join together in the afterlife!"
"Seto..." said Flashback Atem slowly, seemingly in disbelief, "It never should have come to this… Why have you sided with our enemy? We're supposed to be allies. We are destined to fight the darkness together as allies, not fight against each other!"
"Be silent!" shouted Flashback Seto, raising the Millennium Rod and firing a blast at his 'former' ally, "And now… you will die!"
"Atem!" Flashback Anzu called out, running towards the battle.
"Wait, Anzu!" protested Flashback Honda.
Hastily, Flashback Atem dove out of the way of the magical blast from the Millennium Rod, but became surprised when he landed by the feet of Flashback Anzu.
"Anzu?" whispered Flashback Atem, who looked up and saw his good friend looking down on him kindly.
Once she helped the injured Flashback Atem back up, Flashback Anzu gazed at the traitor with anger in her heart for daring to hurt her friend like this.
"Priest Seto, I won't let you hurt the Pharaoh!" declared Flashback Anzu bravely, speaking directly to Seto. To further prove her point, a large stone tablet of a familiar monster materialized from the floor, "Come forth - 'Wingweaver'!"
The powerful winged fairy appeared onto the field from the tablet. The three teenagers, in spirit form, watched on with interest.
"Is that…my Wingweaver?" Flashback Emily asked, looking positively surprised.
"It is," Flashback Thomas confirmed.
Down below, Flashback Seto smirked confidently to himself. This peasant girl was no match for him… and he knew it fully well.
"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get!" The traitor remarked coolly, just as a stone tablet of his own emerged from behind, "Show yourself - 'Battle Ox'!"
Appearing out of the tablet and onto the field, was the large armored minotaur.
"'Battle Ox'?" gasped Flashback Spencer.
"'Wingweaver', attack!" called Flashback Anzu, "LUMINOUS SPARK RAIN!"
'Wingweaver' obeyed, raising her hands in the air and summoning rays of light. The rays of light struck and destroyed 'Battle Ox'.
"You've lost, traitor!" declared Flashback Anzu, "Nothing you do will stop us from punishing you for your treason!"
Suddenly, Flashback Seto snickered quietly before laughing loud and long.
"I applaud your efforts," he said, just as another tablet began to appear behind him, "But I see, now, that I have to call in the true fighting power. Come forth - 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'!"
Flashback Thomas, Flashback Emily, and especially Flashback Spencer each gawked at what they've just heard.
"'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'?!" They exclaimed at once.
Down below, the familiar blue-eyed and white scaled dragon materialized from the tablet and hovered above the ground with a loud roar.
"How do you like my new spirit monster?" asked Flashback Seto gleefully, before it turned into anger and hate, "It was given to me by my lost love…whom you helped conspire to kill, Pharaoh!"
"I did no such thing!" protested Flashback Atem, "You have been deceived, Seto!"
"Lies!" snarled Flashback Seto, "Destroy the Pharaoh with Burst Stream of Destruction!"
'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' obeyed, firing a blast of whitish electricity at Atem.
"ATEM!" Flashback Ryo and the others called out.
"NOOOOOO!" screamed Flashback Shimon.
Flashback Atem braced himself for the impact. Just before the attack could hit him…
"'Wingweaver', intercept the attack!" called Flashback Anzu.
The seven-winged fairy obeyed and got in front of Flashback Atem, being ready to take the hit.
"You can't!" called Flashback Jono, "Anzu, 'Wingweaver' is the only spirit monster you have!"
"If she dies, then so do you!" put in Flashback Mia, "Don't do it!"
It was too late… 'Wingweaver' was hit by the blast of Burst Stream of Destruction and disintegrated in an instant. Flashback Anzu collapsed to her knees while clutching her chest in severe pain.
"'Wing-wea-ver'…" she spluttered, coughing up some blood before falling face-down onto the ground.
The bystanders watched in horror at the impending doom of the dark green-haired Egyptian girl. Flashback Atem ran over and caught his longtime friend, holding her in his arms.
"Why?" he asked sadly, "Why did it have to be you?"
Flashback Thomas, Flashback Emily, and Flashback Spencer each watched the scene with surprise.
"I… I couldn't let him hurt you, Atem," said Flashback Anzu weakly, reaching up to gently touch her friend's face, "I… I love you…"
Tears welled up in poor Flashback Atem's eyes. Before long, Flashback Anzu, despite giving a kind smile and accepting her fate, closed her eyes and her body went limp. Flashback Atem, full of devastation, shook the girl gently in hopes of getting a response of a sort—but there was none.
"Anzu? Anzu?! ANZU!" The Pharaoh screamed repeatedly, starting to cry.
The rest of the Egyptian people grieved for the fallen Flashback Anzu.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I wonder if the same events from that same vision will play out before Thomas's eyes just as those events did in the past," Emily thought to herself, before getting another realization, "But if Thomas and I are the direct descendants of Atem and Anzu, meaning from the same bloodline/lineage, that must mean that in order for us to have even been born in the first place, Anzu must have been able to give birth to at least one child containing the genes of both her and Atem, allowing our bloodline to continue and be passed down over the years until Thomas and I were eventually born, meaning that Anzu must have been able to somehow survive after being defeated by 'Blue-Eyes', at least long enough for her to eventually be able to give birth."
With that thought roaming her mind, Emily turned and left the room to resume her search for the answer to the riddle.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the underground shrine within Kul Elna village, Montague was laughing in triumph after defeating 'Mystical Elf' and injuring Isis.
"Isis, are you okay?" asked Atem with concern.
"I am fine," answered Isis weakly.
Over with Montague…
"While I'm taking the role of killing these guys…" he was thinking, "I can help Emily and her friends find the answer to that riddle at the same time."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
In the night before, Flashback Montague grabbed Flashback Henry by the throat and lifted him up.
"You could call it a coincidence…" narrated Montague, "But I made the right call to leave a piece of myself with them."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, with Montague chuckling sinisterly at his new scheme. Angrily, 'Duos' attempted to attack "Diabound' with his sword.
"AURA SWORD!" commanded Seto.
'Duos' attempted to break through the spirit shield that 'Diabound' created, but not a dent was made on the defensive barrier. It did, however, explode and send 'Duos' flying back.
"Hey there, now!" taunted Montague, "Take it back!" He then gave another command to his Ka, "Take this!"
The snake part of 'Diabound' started releasing Thousand Magic Blasts all-around, striking 'Duos', 'Curse of Dragon', 'Wingweaver', 'Dark Magician Girl', and Mahad before striking Atem, Anzu, Mana, and the priests. Montague snickered once again, watching as the smoke cleared with everyone except Seto on their knees. 'Dark Magician Girl' and 'Wingweaver' both were thrown into the chamber walls behind the hero group.
"Our Ka can't even scratch 'Diabound'!" growled Seto.
Karim got an idea, "Seto!" he began, "Let us use the power of the Millennium Scale I possess!"
Seto glared at the priest, but seemed to approve of the idea.
"Ka Fusion!" exclaimed Atem, knowing where this was going.
"Yes!" confirmed Karim, "Let us combine our Ka and fight him with the power of unity!" He stood back up and held the Millennium Scale up, "My Millennium Scale! Now is the time to unite our Ka!"
From there, the Millennium Scale activated as 'Duos' and 'Curse of Dragon' both were brought together in a bright light.
"Come forth - 'Duos Dragon'!" ordered Karim.
Appearing on the battlefield was a 'Duos'-looking dragon Ka. Mahad, meanwhile, jumped up and landed on 'Duos Dragon's' back, arms folded while still wielding his scepter.
"Fueled by the power of Mahad," explained Seto, "'Duos Dragon's' attacking force is three-fold!"
"The scales are in balance!" added Karim, "Each scale has a piece of our Ba…and so our two Ka come together! This is the hidden power of the Millennium Items… The power of unity! A power you'll never have, Montague!"
"Hehehe… A Fusion between weaklings is hardly any threat to 'Diabound'!" retorted Montague with a dark chuckle.
Seto, however, entered battle using the new Ka…
"Here I come, Montague!" The Egyptian Spencer declared, holding his Millennium Rod out, "DRAGON FLAME!"
'Duos Dragon' obeyed, firing a flame blast which combined with a blast from 'Mahad's' staff.
"I could block that attack with the Spirit Shield… But I'll fight fire-with-fire!" thought Montague, just before speaking aloud and issuing a command to 'Diabound', "Fire back, 'Diabound'! HELICAL SHOCKWAVE!"
'Diabound' obeyed, countering with a shockwave blast. Both attacks collided, seeming to be equal in strength.
"Their attacking force is equal!" declared Seto.
"Equal?" pondered Montague, before smiling, "What a laugh! If you guys can fuse your Ka together, I can fuse 'my' attacks!" And this was what he did… "Take this! TRIPLE MAGIC BLAST THUNDER FORCE!"
From there, 'Diabound' made its attack even stronger, turning it from purple to yellow similar to 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' Thunder Force attack. Soon, the attack was slowly pushing through the Dragon Flame attack of 'Duos Dragon'.
"What power!" winced Seto, trying to hold the Millennium Rod up.
"Demolish 'Duos Dragon', 'Diabound'!" ordered Montague.
Just before the attack from 'Diabound' could strike and eliminate 'Duos Dragon' and potentially Mahad, Seto made a final gamble…
"AURA SWORD!"
'Duos Dragon' suddenly raised its sword to help block the attack.
"Using a sword in place of a shield…" mused Montague, before dismissing the move as desperation, "But how long can you do it…?"
He was right; the sword in 'Duos Dragon's' hand started turning bright red from overheating, while Seto's right arm was smoking due to the Millennium Rod's power being used beyond limitation.
"Karim, now!" he commanded.
"Right!" nodded Karim, before giving a command to 'Duos Dragon', "DRAGON FLAME!"
'Duos Dragon' obeyed, firing a blast of flames while still using the sword to block 'Diabound's' attack. The flaming stream struck the spirit shield, seemingly not breaking through it.
"Ah ha ha ha ha! Weep, priests!" laughed Montague, "Weep for your useless 'unity'!"
"Don't give up!" thought Atem, "If our hearts are as one, he cannot stop us! Have faith!"
The other priests, Anzu, Mana, and Shimon all watched, hoping that 'Duos Dragon' would succeed in destroying 'Diabound's' shield of ghostly spirits. Montague, however, was entirely convinced that his Ka would repel any attack aimed at it.
"Hehehe… How many times do I have to tell you?" he jeered once again, "You can't—what?!"
Montague then noticed that something was happening to the shield of spirits that 'Diabound' was using as 'Duos Dragon's' Dragon Flame continued to strike.
"Impossible!" The Thief King gawked, noticing that his Ka's shield was slowly going away, "The Spirit Shield's melting?!" In his mind… "That shield's power is fueled by the ghosts' hatred… It should be limitless—but it's dissolving…!"
The attack from 'Duos Dragon' went on as it continued to block 'Diabound's' own attack with the sword. However, Seto was losing Ba rapidly from using his Millennium Rod's power, and he began to feel agony in his right arm.
"Just a little more, Seto," encouraged Karim, "If we melt the shield, we can defeat 'Diabound'!"
"Hmph! Don't be so sure…" retorted Montague, holding up his left arm (with the Diadiankh), "I still have plenty of Ba and energy to spare."
A Ka symbol appeared on the Diadiankh. Appearing in the air above Karim was an eyeball-like bat ('Illushu'), who fired a beam through Karim's chest and caused him to cry out in pain and drop the Millennium Scale.
"Karim!" cried Isis.
"This can't be…!" grimaced Karim, falling to his knees while clutching his chest, "He had another Ka…?!"
A ghostly spirit then swooped over and picked up the Millennium Scale, before bringing it back over to Montague.
"I'll take that, thank you very much," grinned Montague, holding the Millennium Scale in his hand, "Without the Millennium Scale, your Ka Fusion will lose its power!"
Montague was right. From there, 'Duos Dragon' split back into 'Duos' and 'Curse of Dragon' in a burst of yellow light.
"'Duos Dragon'!" called Seto.
From there, 'Diabound' charged and unleashed another Helical Shockwave, striking Mahad, 'Duos', and 'Curse of Dragon'. The snake section then charged and fired off Thunder Force, striking the ground in front of Atem, Anzu, Mana, and the priests and sending them flying across the chamber. Montague laughed maniacally, thinking that the battle was soon going to be his, along with the remaining Millennium Items.
"Karim!" worried Isis, running over to see Karim, "Hang in there!"
"I'm…fine…" winced Karim, "What about…the Pharaoh and the Queen?"
Isis immediately looked over, seeing everyone else scattered across the room from being thrown around. Fortunately, both Atem and Anzu were okay as well. Montague, on the other hand, was victoriously holding up the Millennium Scale.
"I think I'll put this to use right away!" he proclaimed, before holding his prize out, "My Millennium Scale! Fuse together 'Illushu' with 'Diabound'!"
The two wicked Ka monsters fused together. As a result, 'Diabound' was more fiendish-looking than ever when the Fusion ended, much to the shock of Atem and everybody else in the chamber. All Montague could do was laugh in pure evil delight when he saw his new Ka.
"Don't think for a second you scum will be able to silence the anger of these spirits!" he pointed out.
"The spirits'…anger?" whispered Atem, managing to return to his feet.
"P-Prince…" stammered Mana.
"Atem…" came from Anzu.
The two teenage girls watched as Atem slowly walked past them, Karim, Seto, and Isis towards 'Diabound', who summoned another shield of spirits to defend itself from anything that the Pharaoh tried to do next.
"It appears it's 'really' time to settle this, Thomas…" commented Montague, "I give the spirits the honor of finishing you!"
The spirit shield turned itself into a large skull of sorts, which roared in anger at Atem.
"Come…judge me… spirits," mumbled Atem, deciding to allow the angry spirits to attack him.
"Pharaoh, what are you trying to do?" pondered Shimon.
"Shimon, even if my Father, Aknamkanon, did not know of this…" said Atem slowly, "the truth remains that many lives were sacrificed to create the Millennium Items."
"For the Millennium Items?" asked Seto.
"If such a thing happened to 'my' friends," continued Atem, "there's no doubt 'I' would also harbor such hatred. Therefore, an atonement must be made for their undeserved deaths. Receiving judgement for the curse I bear as King is a part of my fate that will never fade!"
"Heh! As he so desires it, take the Pharaoh's soul!" Montague commanded the vengeful spirits, "Spirits!"
The spirits obeyed, dive bombing towards Atem and striking him in his chest.
"PHARAOH!" The priests and Shimon screamed.
"PRINCE!" put in Mana.
"ATEM!" finished Anzu.
Atem howled in pain from the angry spirits entering his body.
"See you in Hell, Thomas!" bellowed Montague dementedly.
Once the spirits finished entering his body, Atem started shivering from the horrible sensation he could feel coming from within him.
(inside…)
Within Atem's heart, the spirits were trying to snuff out the last bit of light from the Pharaoh. Up ahead, images of Young Atem and Aknamkanon appeared. Young Atem could only watch what was happening in fright, but Aknamkanon only stood his ground before shedding some tears of regret.
(outside…)
Back outside, Atem was still shivering as an aura surrounded him.
"What the-?!" gasped Montague.
Everyone else in the chamber was equally surprised by what they were seeing. The golden aura soon began turning into a very familiar-looking figure, whom Shimon was shocked to see.
"King Aknamkanon…!" The vizier stammered, wondering if his old eyes were playing tricks on him.
"F-Father?" murmured Atem.
The fading figure was none other than Aknamkanon, the previous Pharaoh.
"Aknamkanon…" whispered Montague.
The spirits tried to attack Aknamkanon, but he merely held his arms out and silently allowed them to come and attack him.
"Impossible…!" gasped Montague, "What the hell is happening…?"
Everyone watched as Aknamkanon allowed the spirits to attack and enter his fading body.
(elsewhere…)
In the room where 'Diabound's' tablet was being stored, it started pulsing a golden yellow before releasing Shada, causing him to fall onto the floor as he regained consciousness.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the underground shrine, the spirits were soon done with entering the body of Aknamkanon. Without the anger of the spirits to keep itself strong, 'Diabound' started shrinking and losing its great power.
"'Diabound'!" cried Montague.
Aknamkanon then turned and looked at Atem, Anzu, Mana, Shimon, and the priests without uttering a word.
"Father…" whispered Atem, watching his Father look upon him.
"I think I know what happened," began Anzu, getting everyone's attention as she explained the situation, "Aknamkanon's soul is leading the wandering spirits into the Realm of the Dead."
"She's right…" agreed Isis.
"It's the last of my Father's grief and sorrow…" realized Atem.
"Have you fools forgotten the grudge you have against this guy!?" shouted Montague, directing his anger towards the spirits, "Don't you want to tear him apart?!"
The golden, fading image of Aknamkanon merely turned around to face Montague before finally dissolving into dust.
"Father!" cried Atem, but was too late, "Father…"
Montague seethed in baffled fury, knowing that without the anger of the spirits to fuel 'Diabound', it was now very vulnerable to being attacked and defeated. This was something Atem was going to take advantage of right away…
"Now, Mahad!" The blue-haired Egyptian boy ordered, pointing at 'Diabound' with determination, "Now that 'Diabound' has lost its power…!"
Mahad obeyed, floating into the while twirling his scepter about before impaling the weapon right into 'Diabound's' chest, which also caused Montague a fair amount of pain in the process.
"You bastard…!" he yelled in agony.
"I have eagerly awaited this day, Montague," sneered Mahad, ready to end the battle for good, "MAGIC BLAST!"
From there, with the scepter still impaled with 'Diabound's' chest, a magic blast was fired from within. Afterward, Mahad pulled his scepter out and back away, while 'Diabound's' whole body started bulging before being covered by a powerful light before exploding massively. All Montague could do about it was scream in excruciating agony like none he had ever felt before, because it was clear he was about to lose his Ka.
"Sleep in the darkness of 1000 years, Montague!" declared Atem, unknowingly speaking the last part with Thomas.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the underground area with the 'Diabound' tablet, Shada was kneeling towards the evil-looking tablet as it began to crack apart before finally shattered into rocks and dust. This was it! Was this truly the end of both 'Diabound' and Thief King Montague? Did our heroes finally win the battle? Stay tuned to find out.