This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. Everything else belongs to their respective owners:
Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel
The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry
Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami
Song used in Intro and Outro (c) Unknown
WARNING: The story is rated M (first time by default) for strong violence, blood and gore, frightening scenes, sexual content, and nudity. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
Genre(s): Game, Adventure, Supernatural, Fantasy, War, Drama, Romance
(In a void of darkness, the seven Millennium Items flew through until landing in a stone tablet, fitting perfectly into certain places. The items, along with symbols around the tablet, glowed a golden light as the title appeared)
YU-GI-OH! The Sodor Chronicles
(Thomas Billinton was seen being pulled backwards through time, passing various Egyptian artifacts, until he came to a stop on a throne, now taking on a new appearance; tanned skin, royal Egyptian clothing, and most surprising of all, his scars being gone. It would seem that Thomas was now in the body of his ancestor; Pharaoh Atem. Soon the Egyptian Gods appear by making big entrances; Obelisk the Tormentor rose out of the ground via an earthquake with shimmering lights, Slifer the Sky Dragon soared from a temple as lightning flashes around it, and The Winged Dragon of Ra descended from the the darkened sky glowing in a fiery aura before letting loose a roar.)
Virtue and perseverance; they've helped me through thick and thin. But in my toughest journeys, I'd always fear how I'd be alone.
While in the light of freedom, my heart continued to dwell. Thinking of times way back when my heart was trapped inside darkness.
(Montague, the Spirit of the Millennium Ring, next appeared with the same new tanned skin as Atem, though he also bore a scar on the side of his face, and wore a reddish robe. Appearing behind him, in a dark aura, was a rather fiendish creature by the name of Diabound. Next introduced are the Sacred Guardians; Seto, Isis, Shada, Aknadin, Karim, and Mahad; all bearing their Millennium Items. In addition, there was also members of the royal family and loyal friends of Atem, including Shimon, Jono, Honda, Ryo, Mia, and Anzu. Though by appearances, there seemed to be something quite familiar about these characters…)
(We then cut to Thomas's friends, Emily Stirling, Percy Avonside, James Hughes, Gordon Gresley, Henry Stanier, Edward Stewart, Toby Holden, and Mavis Drewry, all flying down from the sky to possibly aid Thomas.)
But when I met all of you, these feelings of joy have grown
Now the darkness seems less bleak, and as light fills my heart, the two are intertwined into one!
(Kisara, the girl Spencer Gresley had briefly met in the Duel Monsters spirit world, appeared briefly before being swallowed by light. When the light faded, in her place was Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Afterwards, a devastated Priest Seto held Kisara's limp body in his arms while kneeling in front of a stone tablet of 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' as both Spencer Gresley and the Duel Spirit Maiden with Eyes of Blue looked on. Eventually, appearing over Egypt, was the spirit of a sorcerer called Great Shadow Magus, a red-haired being with dark robes and a white/red mask with the Millennium Eye symbol on the left-eye part, which began glowing.)
Light and Darkness overlap, turning hatred into love. When it comes to right and wrong, proper choices are made.
Whether facing life alone, or doing so together, we always win.
(Atem and Egyptian Montague both faced off against each other as spirits of Thomas and Montague appeared as well. Also appearing were both Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, followed by spirits of Mahad and his apprentice Mana. The stone tablet with the Millennium Items glowed again as, from within a veil of darkness, a pair of red eyes glow. These eyes belonged to a huge, demonic fiend by the name of Zorc Necrophades.)
Even when the chips are down, and the future's looking grim, there's a way to carry on without surrendering.
We must keep our chins held high. Stare adversity in the eyes!
(In the final frame, Thomas/Atem faced off against Zorc just as the as the title card returned one last time.)
YU-GI-OH! The Sodor Chronicles
On the Island of Sodor, two months had passed since Thomas (Anakin) and Emily (Anastasia) had their final battle with Driote. With the 'Artist of Insanity' finally gone forever, the two teenagers/reincarnations could finally put their past lives behind them and carry on enjoying life the way they were meant to. For a while, things had somewhat returned to normal for Thomas and his friends. But, as we all know, life is full of surprises…
Late one early evening, Duck Collet was shown to be on the run in the middle of Knapford City. He didn't know who it was that's chasing him, and, quite frankly, he didn't care to find out at the moment. Eventually, Duck took a breather in an alleyway when he thought he was in the clearing. Unfortunately, he was wrong about that…
"Where are you going?" A voice (male) called out in an echoey-way.
Gasping, Duck was on the run again. And his escape took him to a nearby church
(inside…)
Inside the church, there was nobody around. Duck walked around the area until he saw the candles and torches light up by themselves, giving the sign he was not alone.
"Whoever's out there, leave me alone!" The Great Western green-haired boy panicked.
"It's useless to try and escape," The echoey voice (male) said mockingly, "You still have a mission to complete."
"Mission?" repeated Duck.
"The Millennium Items are now in the possession of you, Thomas, and Shadi. Shadi will surely hand over his items to Thomas one day. Eventually, all of the Millennium Items will be in the hands of you and him. The time is now."
"The time is now? No! I don't care about all that!" argued Duck, shaking his head, "I just want you to go away!"
"However, having all seven Millennium Items isn't enough to open the Door to the Underworld," continued the echoey voice (male), "Apart from these seven Millennium Items, an additional, hidden item known as the Eighth Key must be found."
"But I-" Duck started to protest.
"The Eighth Key will open the Door to the Underworld," warned the echoey voice (male), "That secret is hidden in the Memory World of the Pharaoh."
"Stop it! I know nothing about all this!" Duck yelled out, growing more and more scared by the second.
As the discussion went on, a whistling sound could be heard from the nearby pipe organ and grew louder and louder. The sound caused the glass windows to crack apart, and Duck cried out from the pain he was feeling in his head.
"Thomas Billinton… When the door to your ancestor's memory opens…" The echoey voice (male) declared, "…the Ultimate Shadow Game from 3000 years ago will start!"
(outside…)
Outside the church, the echoey voice laughed psychotically.
Title: The Spirit Returns
Hours later, a rainstorm had started up in the city. Many people who weren't in bed were taking up shelter until the rain had passed.
(elsewhere…)
Inside Thomas's room at the Billinton residence, the 16-year old Thomas was busy getting ready for bed since tomorrow was, quite obviously, a school day.
"Yet another school day tomorrow," he commented aloud, "but I look forward to it since Rebecca has some news she wishes to share."
As Thomas got into his pajamas, the Millennium Puzzle on the nearby desk started glowing, catching his attention.
"Huh?" pondered Thomas, "My Millennium Puzzle's reacting…"
The glowing artifact soon overwhelmed the whole room, causing Thomas to cry out.
(elsewhere…)
When Thomas opened his eyes, he found himself inside the Millennium Puzzle.
"I'm inside the Millennium Puzzle?" Thomas asked himself, "I wonder what's wrong?"
"My Pharaoh…" A familiar voice (male) called out.
Thomas turned his head, "Dark Magician?" he quizzed, upon seeing the first of his Duel Spirits, "What's the matter? Why did you bring me in here?"
"We need to talk," answered Dark Magician.
"About what?"
"About your destiny," replied Dark Magician Girl, who emerged from the nearby door, "You have been through so much in the last year…"
"No kidding," agreed Thomas, recalling his previous adventures, "There was my bout with Sailor John and his crew, the Rare Hunters, Marik's dark half, that ordeal in the Duel Monsters spirit world where I discovered who I truly am, 'The Great International Duel Cup', Anubis, and especially Driote."
"Thomas, do you know why you were chosen to complete the Millennium Puzzle?"
"It used to belong to my ancestor from 3000 years ago," The blue-haired boy remarked, remembering his conversation with Sir Robert Norramby in the museum.
"Right, but there's more to it than that," Dark Magician pointed out.
"Huh?" blinked Thomas.
"Thomas, the owner of the Millennium Puzzle inherits the power of the Pharaoh," explained Dark Magician Girl seriously, "And as a result, you will be tested endlessly."
"Tested?" Thomas repeated.
"Yes, and no matter what happens," added Dark Magician, "you must not give up during those trials! There are things that can only be gained when you overcome those trials."
Thomas listened on, "Things that can be gained?"
"Yes," confirmed Dark Magician Girl, "Things like courage and glory. You will better understand when the time comes."
Thomas nodded, before getting overwhelmed by another glow.
(elsewhere…)
From there, Thomas found himself back in his room like nothing had happened.
"This is sure to be my toughest challenge yet," Thomas thought to himself, having spent so much time dealing with his past life as Anakin that he had nearly forgotten about his other task at hand regarding his ancestor Pharaoh Atem, "No matter what, I will be ready for when the time comes."
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
The door to his room opened and in came Thomas's sisters, Annie and Clarabel.
"Big Brother, we thought we'd come and see you before we head to bed," said Clarabel.
"If it's okay, could Clarabel and I maybe…see the three 'Egyptian God' Cards you have?" wondered Annie hopefully.
"Again?" groaned Thomas in exasperation, "Isn't this the tenth time I've shown you two the cards this month alone?"
"Please?" begged Annie and Clarabel, giving their Big Brother an adorable look.
Thomas relented, "Oh, alright," he accepted, walking towards his desk putting his gym bag (which contained not only the 'Egyptian God' Cards but also the other Millennium Items) on it, "Just stop it with the puppy dog looks, okay?"
Annie and Clarabel both giggled in response, watching as Thomas took out a golden container from his bag, placed it on the desk and opened it, and took out three cards from inside.
"'Obelisk the Tormentor', 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', and 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'," whispered Thomas, before turning and handing his twin sisters the cards, "Here they are…"
Annie and Clarabel both gazed long and hard at the 'God' Cards, amazed at how rare and powerful they truly were. Suddenly, Annie swiped the three cards from Thomas's fingers.
"H-Hey!" he cried out.
"The 'God' Cards!" exclaimed Annie playfully, "Clarabel and I want them!"
"Our precious! Our precious!" put in Clarabel, "We're going to keep them for ourselves!"
"Stop that! Give them back!" objected Thomas, trying to get his cards back but only for Annie to pull herself back and let him fall onto his face, "Ouch…"
"Oh, relax, Big Brother," Annie giggled, carefully waving the three cards, "We only wanted to see how you'd react if we pulled a trick like that."
"We would never dream of intentionally stealing something from you," added Clarabel, "We love you too much to do something like that."
Thomas only rubbed the side of his face and smiled; he loved Annie and Clarabel too, and would do anything to keep them both safe and sound. From there, Annie set the 'Egyptian God' Cards back on the desk and turned to leave the room.
"Well, we're off to bed now," said Annie cheerfully.
"Good night, Big Brother," put in Clarabel, as she and her twin sister left the room.
"Good night, you two," Thomas waved, before putting the 'God' Cards back into the golden tin box once he was alone, "I'd better keep these cards and the Millennium Items I have safe."
Soon, the lights were out and Thomas climbed into bed. As the clock ticked to '9:30', he laid wide awake and unable to fall asleep.
"Even after everything my friends and I have been through," thought Thomas, "I still can't shake the feeling that there's more unfinished business to attend to before we can get too comfortable."
It was then the spirit of Kuriboh appeared from the Millennium Puzzle. He floated over to Thomas and made a few "Kuri, kuri" sounds.
"Kuriboh?" Thomas ventured, "I guess you can't sleep either, can you?"
Kuriboh responded by floating over to the end of the bed and laying down on it like a puppy or kitten before falling asleep. The sight made Thomas smile warmly before finally falling asleep himself.
(later…)
As the clock finally struck '12:00', Thomas remained fast asleep. Little did he know what was going on outside his home…
(outside…)
Outside the Billinton residence, there were some footsteps as four familiar figures approached the house.
"Here we are," The oily voice of Diesel Horwich declared quietly, "Thomas's house. And up in his room somewhere are the 'Egyptian God' Cards that will make us the greatest duelists on Sodor."
"I still can't believe you talked me into this, Diesel," grumbled the voice of Dennis Ashford, "Don't you remember what Sir Topham Hatt and your folks said? Any more trouble, and we'll be expelled and shipped off to Military School."
That's right, Diesel, Dennis, and their little group were about to make a (non-illegal) heist tonight.
"Relax, Dennis, just follow my lead," grinned Diesel, before looking towards Arry Hilton and Bert Hilton, "You two keep watch and warn us if we're about to get caught."
"Roger, Diesel," obeyed Arry.
"Our eyes will be peeled," added Bert.
With that said, Dennis carefully set a ladder leading up to the roof of the house, and he and Diesel both climbed up until they reached a window leading into Thomas's room.
"There," said Diesel quietly, before reaching over and trying to open the window, "Now, easy does it…"
Once the window was open, Dennis climbed inside the room while taking care to make any sound that would wake anyone in the house up. Slinking carefully around the room, Dennis looked around for whatever was containing the three 'Egyptian God' Cards.
"Now, if I were three super rare, ultra powerful cards, where would I be hiding out?" Dennis asked himself.
"Hurry it up!" hissed Diesel.
"I know, I know!"
While Dennis took care not to wake Thomas up, he had reckoned without Kuriboh. As the Smelters Teens could not see Duel Spirits, Dennis was completely oblivious that he was going to be caught real soon. Upon waking up after hearing something noisy, Kuriboh sleepily looked nearby and, seeing a thief, grew alarmed. Quickly, he shook Thomas, shouting various frantic "Kuri, kuri" noises to wake his master/friend.
"Ngh… Kuriboh?" yawned Thomas, slowly opening his eyes, "What's the matter?"
Kuriboh motioned himself in the direction of Dennis, causing Thomas to fully wake up upon seeing the thief.
"H-Hey!" The blue-haired boy hollered, "Stop, thief!"
Dennis panicked when he realized his cover was blown.
"Hurry! Grab the bag and let's get out of here!" called Diesel from outside, "It has the 'God' Cards in it, I just know it!"
Dennis didn't need to be told twice; he quickly grabbed the nearby gym bag, and jumped through the window.
"No!" protested Thomas, but it was too late.
(outside…)
As he jumped out the window, Dennis had accidentally collided with Diesel, causing them both to slide down the ladder and crash into Arry and Bert on the ground below.
"What happened?!" demanded Bert.
"We've been spotted!" cried Diesel, with Thomas's gym bag now hanging over his shoulder, "Let's get out of here!"
The four Smelters Teens raced away as fast as they could as various lights turned on in the Billionton household. Suddenly, Thomas bolted out the back door, dressed in a raincoat with a flashlight.
"I can't let those thieves take the Millennium Items or 'God' Cards!" he thought to himself, "In the wrong hands, they could cause worldwide chaos and destruction!"
(elsewhere…)
Before long, the Smelters Teens ducked into an alleyway somewhere in town to catch their breath.
"Nice going, Diesel!" Arry groaned in dismay,
"Forget expulsion. We'll probably get arrested thanks to your idiotic plan," added Bert.
"It'll all be worth it in the end," insisted Diesel, looking more triumphant than scared, "If we're going out, then we're going out in style!" He began to open the Gym bag, "At long last, the 'Egyptian God' Cards are mine!'
Dennis frowned, "Excuse me?" he asked indignantly, "Forgetting a little something, pal?"
"Oops, I meant to say 'ours'," chuckled Diesel, reaching into the bag, "Now, come to papa!"
He then pulled out the Millennium Rod, which was definitely not a 'God' Card.
"Hey!" exclaimed Diesel, "What's this? It's not a 'God' Card. This bag is full of nothing but shiny-looking trinkets! Arrrgh! Thomas managed to rip us off without even trying!"
Inside the bag laid also the Millennium Ring and the Millennium Necklace, with the former item beginning to glow all gold and rise out of the bag.
"W-What is this-?!" wailed Dennis, when he saw what was happening to one of the stolen items.
The Millennium Ring flew away from the Smelters Teens and into the hands of a shadowy figure, who let loose a sinister chuckle.
"Who are you?" pondered Bert.
"It's finally my turn to appear…" The shadowed figure commented, stepping out of the shadows and revealing himself as thunder and lightning struck about.
The evil-looking young man had green hair and wore clothing similar to what Duck wore, but included a black trench coat for good measure. Nevertheless, the four Smelter Teens initially believed this guy to be Duck…
"Y-You're Duck!" gasped Diesel, "What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?"
"Are you after the 'God' Cards like us?" questioned Dennis.
"Hehehe… It would be a problem for me if you went and took the 'God' Cards," said 'Duck' with another chuckle, slipping the Millennium Ring over his neck, "I'll dispose of anyone who gets in my way!"
"Wait, did you say…dispose?" worried Arry.
"Guys, I don't think this guy is Duck," realized Bert, "Let's get out of here."
Unfortunately, the four Smelter Teens didn't take a single step when the Millennium Ring started glowing all gold once again, and 'Duck' clearly was about to do something to them in the most painful way possible.
"I have a very special punishment in store for all of you," whispered 'Duck' in sheer sadistic delight, just before turning to Diesel with a special (terrifying) message for him, "Especially you, Diesel. Consider this payback for telling lies about me in Middle School!"
The Millennium Ring's glow intensified. In another part of the street, Thomas was busy searching for the thieves who stole his gym bag when he heard terrified screams from the distance. Figuring out where they came from, Thomas ran for one of the alleyways and, sure enough, found Diesel, Dennis, Arry, and Bert all lying on the ground unconscious, with 'Duck' still standing.
"Hey! That's Diesel, Dennis, Arry, and Bert!" he exclaimed, "Whoever you are, what did you do to them?"
'Duck' turned and smiled sinisterly at Thomas, who took a step back out of reflex upon seeing who it was.
"D-Duck?!" gasped Thomas, "W-What did you-?"
"There isn't a single soul out there not aware that you have the 'God' Cards," scolded 'Duck', before looking down upon the unconscious Diesel and Dennis, "It's only natural that thieves would want to steal them. Isn't it your duty to protect them?" He then flipped Diesel onto his stomach with his right foot, "Even from these losers of all thieves…"
"Duck… What's the matter with you?" Thomas asked again, before realizing… "No… you're not Duck. You're that dark spirit I battled in Battle City—Montague, if I recall."
"It was a close shave!" snapped Montague, looking stern, "You'd nearly lost the cards! I simply can't leave you alone for an instant without you getting into a mishap," He then tossed the gym bag to Thomas, "Here!"
The blue-haired boy grabbed the bag, opened it and grabbed the golden box inside. Upon opening it, he saw that all three 'Egyptian God' Cards were safe and sound.
"Thank goodness…" Thomas sighed in relief, before looking up and remembering… "But why do you have-?"
"Oh? Do you mean this?" remarked Montague, holding up the Millennium Ring around his neck with a cruel smile on his face, "I'm sorry, but I still have unfinished business to attend to, and the Millennium Ring is needed for me to finish it, so I'll need to borrow it for the time being. After all, this was something that originally belonged to me anyway."
"What?" peeped Thomas.
"But rest assured," continued Montague, "All the Millennium Items are necessary for when the time comes. When it does, I'll willingly give you back the Millennium Ring."
"How much does this guy know about the Millennium Items?" thought Thomas, as he had mental flashbacks, "I know of that tablet from the museum… However, it was returned to Egypt once the exhibit closed down. I heard it has holes in it that match the Millennium Items," He then spoke aloud… "Montague, how much do you know? Do you know what happens when you fit all seven Millennium Items into the tablet?"
"Hmph! You mean the Slate of Memories?" huffed Montague, "That hunk of rock is located in the village of Kul Elna… But to answer your question, that tablet is the artifact that links this world to the other world!"
"What?! The link to the other world?" recoiled Thomas.
"That's correct. When you place the seven Millennium Items in the tablet," explained Montague, "The Door to the Underworld opens!"
"The Door to the Underworld opens?"
Montague smiled wickedly, "My real aim is what lies beyond that door," he thought to himself, "Of course, I won't be telling you of that detail just yet."
Thomas was silent by what he was being told, and so the Spirit of the Millennium Ring went on with his explanation…
"To open the door to the afterlife…" said Montague, "Do you know what that means, Thomas? You should already get the idea."
"I sort of do…" admitted Thomas uneasily, looking at the Millennium Puzzle, "At some point, I'll have to collect the remaining items and return them to the tablet."
"Bingo!" acknowledged Montague, "Consider that your current mission, courtesy of the Millennium Puzzle! Until you fulfill that purpose… I'll be there to help you in any way I can, Thomas!"
Thomas remained silent on the matter, but, judging from the look of growing suspicion on his face, it was clear he wasn't about to trust this guy on his word.
"Oh my, you look like you don't trust me," joked Montague, before pointing at his seeming ally, "Are you afraid I might be tricking you in some way?"
"Montague, what are you plotting?" demanded Thomas, "I want to know why you're helping me!"
"Sheesh, don't act so cold!" scolded Montague, looking at his Millennium Ring, "As you can tell, I'm a spirit from 3000 years ago. If it weren't for my host getting this ring, I would never be able to come out. Unfortunately, I have no idea what I was like back in the day," He then smiled, "You see, I want to pass on from this life. You'll help me do that, yes?"
"I suppose…" mused Thomas, not knowing if Montague was being honest about his intention, "I still don't trust you all that much though."
"And that's completely fine," agreed Montague, in his mind… "Unfortunately, the seven Millennium Items will not be enough. Another 'Key' is needed… In Battle City, you won the three 'Egyptian God' Cards. I know they have the power to open the path forth into the Pharaoh's Memories. The so-called 'Key' is hidden within there. I'll just let Thomas and his friends swim around in there and search for that 'Key' so that I don't have to soil my hands," He then spoke aloud… "Now, it won't be easy, but if we trace the mystery to the root source, it all points in the direction of the past."
"The past?" repeated Thomas.
"You're correct…" Montague confirmed, before spreading both arms out in seeming welcome, "In other words, the Ultimate Shadow Game is lying in wait there!"
Thomas frowned, "The Ultimate Shadow Game?"
"Yes…" replied Montague, "And, from what I do remember, your ancestor was the one who started it."
"He…started it?" stammered Thomas.
"That's why it is the most fitting place for us to finish our battle," nodded Montague, "So, what do you say?"
"The Ultimate Shadow Game… The memories of my ancestor…" mused Thomas, closing his eyes and thinking things over for a moment. At last, he opened his eyes and gave an answer, "Very well, Montague. I accept your challenge!"
Montague smiled with approval, "That's what I like to hear," he remarked, "Although that artifact is back in Egypt, I've a feeling you'll be going to see it real soon. The mystery of the 'Egyptian God' Cards and the Pharaoh's Memories… You might find a new mystery if you go there. And when the door to those memories opens, the game will start."
With that being said, the spirit of the Millennium Ring turned and started to leave.
"You won't see me, but I'll be watching from the shadows," continued Montague, walking away, "I'm looking forward to the moment it does. Until we next meet…"
Thomas glared at his enemy, wondering who or what he truly was. Montague, meanwhile, was doing some thinking on the matter.
"Now then, there are still some things that I need to do…" thought Montague, before his mouth formed an evil smile, "Prior preparations that I need in order to win the Ultimate Shadow Game."
(elsewhere…)
As the night/early morning went on and the storm slowly died down, Montague's search took him directly to Boxford Corporation.
(inside…)
Inside the main office, Spencer Gresley was working late on his laptop. Although it was nearly '2:00' in the morning, he was used to working late at the office. Soon, the power went on, much to his confusion.
"The power went out?" The silver-haired young man pondered, repeatedly pressing a button on the nearby device.
It was then the office doors opened, revealing both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) as they stepped inside.
"What's going on?" asked Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"The company has a powerful backup generator," Mr. Gresley (Boxford) pointed out, "Why isn't it activating?"
"I don't know," answered Spencer, shaking his head, "but I intend to-"
Suddenly, the laptop's monitor started emitting a blue light before the sentence could be finished, causing Spencer to wince and brace himself. When the light dimmed and the static became clear, it revealed Montague.
"Good evening, President Gresley!" he greeted with an evil chuckle, "Thanks for working overtime."
Spencer was surprised, "You're Duck! What's this all about?"
"Duck?" gasped Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"Isn't Duck that nice boy who's friends with Thomas?" wondered Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
The laptop monitor then displayed footage of Montague standing up while also holding up an unconscious Skiff by his shirt collar with only his right hand. Spencer immediately recoiled upon seeing the young boy, and, judging from seeing their son's reaction, also horrified both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"S-SKIFF!" exclaimed Spencer.
"Ha ha ha ha! Don't worry, he's only unconscious," The image of Montague chuckled again, "Now, I need to ask you for a favor if that's okay."
Spencer seethed, "Why you… What is it that you want from me?!"
"Oh, nothing important," replied the image of Montague, "Besides, this is just a greeting of a sort. I would like to have a duel with you on top of the Apex Arena. How about it, President Gresley?"
The laptop once again went all static, while Spencer angrily slammed his hand down on the desk.
"I can take that guy messing with the power in the company, or me for that matter," he growled vengefully, "However, when he messes with my younger brother or parents, he has another thing coming!"
With that said, Spencer removed his tie and tossed it aside. He then opened a cabinet of his desk and took out his metallic briefcase, set it on top of the desk, and opened it up. Inside were various rare and powerful Duel Monsters cards, and, most importantly, Spencer's Duel Disk and Deck.
(elsewhere…)
Minutes later, Spencer, dressed in his Battle City outfit, and his parents were in the elevator heading for the rooftop of the building.
(outside…)
When the elevator doors opened, Spencer took a step out as he saw Montague still lifting the knocked out Skiff up by his shirt collar.
"Let him go!" demanded Spencer, "I've come for the duel like you wanted!"
"Excellent, President Gresley," said Montague, tossing Skiff over to his soon-to-be opponent, "Now, shall we get down to it—our Shadow Game?"
"Shadow Game?" repeated Spencer, "What are you talking about? Aren't we going to have a simple duel?"
"Hehehe… I never said what kind of duel it would be," Montague pointed out with a dark chuckle.
"Cut that nonsense out!" snapped Spencer, "Furthermore, I demand to know your true identity!"
"He's right!" agreed Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), "You're not Duck!"
"As I've mentioned to Thomas Billinton during our duel at Battle City," explained Montague, "I am a spirit that resides in the Millennium Ring that Duck wears. This makes him my host. As for my name, you can call me Montague."
"Montague…? Yes, I remember you," acknowledged Spencer, recalling the Spirit of the Millennium Ring, "For such a pathetic reason, you went after Skiff… However, that's when your luck ran out! Don't you dare think you'll leave here unharmed!"
Montague snickered, "That's the spirit," he remarked, "This will be a fun experience…"
"You're going to regret this, you cretin!" declared Spencer, activating his Duel Disk.
"Here I go!" added Montague, activating his own Duel Disk.
And so, the duel commenced…
"DUEL!" Spencer and Montague both declared at once (LP: 4000) x2.
As both duelists drew their opening hands, purple fog started forming around the rooftop of the building, which disturbed Spencer a little bit.
"What's with this heavy, painful atmosphere?" he thought to himself, "Could this fog be part of the Shadow Realm?"
"What's the matter?" taunted Montague, "Why do you look so surprised? There's no such thing as magic, right? And all those ancient visions you've been having, they don't exist either, do they? It's all make believe."
"It's real," retorted Spencer, "It's as real as I believe it is."
"Well, I wouldn't be surprised," continued Montague, "This is the game you often experienced 3000 years ago."
"3000 years ago?" question Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"Listen up! I'm someone who always looks ahead, today's victory belongs to yesterday's glory," Spencer pointed out, "If you're here to talk about ridiculous occult nonsense, then you're wasting my time."
"Oh, did I forget to mention that Thomas will be joining this little Shadow Game?" asked Montague mockingly.
"Billinton?" gasped Spencer, wondering what Montague meant.
"What lies ahead for me and Thomas is the Ultimate Shadow Game," thought Montague, licking his chompers before smirking wickedly, "For that purpose, I must be wary of all risks and dangers. You see, a monster capable of destroying the 'Gods' lies within your Deck," At last, he drew a card, "Let's start the game! I draw!"
Turn One: Montague (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, ?, "Headless Knight", "The Earl of Demise", and "Polymerization"
After spending a second looking at the drawn card…
"I activate the Spell Card 'Polymerization'! Using it, I'll fuse the 'Headless Knight' and 'The Earl of Demise' both in my hand!"
The two mentioned monsters briefly appeared on the field before fusing together.
"I Fusion Summon 'The Duke of Demise' in Attack Position!" announced Montague.
Appearing onto the field was a zombie-like creature dressed in more royal attire (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).
"Since I can't attack on the first turn," Montague went on, before entering the End Phase, "I'll end my turn here!"
"Hmph! So, you've Summoned a monster with an ATK of 2000 on the first turn," smirked Spencer, with his arms folded. He then drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Two: Spencer Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): ?, ?, "Shrink", ?, ?, and "Vorse Raider"
After staring at his drawn card, Spencer placed it onto a Monster Field Zone on his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'Vorse Raider'!"
Appearing onto the field was the familiar Beast-Warrior monster that Spencer used on a number of occasions (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200).
"But that doesn't have enough ATK to defeat 'The Duke of Demise'!" reminded Montague.
"I'm not done!" declared Spencer, holding another card, "From my hand, I'll activate a Quick-Play Spell, 'Shrink'! I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; its original ATK becomes halved until the end of this turn."
'The Duke of Demise' began to shrink in size as he also grew weaker in power (ATK: 2000 → 1000).
"Go forth, 'Vorse Raider'!" ordered Spencer, entering the Battle Phase, "Attack 'The Duke of Demise'!"
'Vorse Raider' obeyed, charging forward and slashing its blade at 'The Duke of Demise', who didn't fall as expected.
"My monster cannot be destroyed in battle," explained Montague, just as he took battle damage (LP: 4000 → 3100).
"So I see," said Spencer mockingly, "But rather than protect you, it will become your downfall!"
"Heh! Go ahead and do it then!" dared Montague.
"I'll do it on my next turn."
"In that case, it's my turn!" The Spirit of the Millennium Ring announced, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Montague (LP: 3100)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (4): ?, ?, ?, and "Diabound Kernel"
"With 'The Duke of Demise' being on the field," Spencer cut in, "you must pay 500 LP during your Standby Phase to keep it on the field. Are you planning to skip that?"
"Tch! You know all of the annoying details," huffed Montague, took another LP hit (LP: 3100 → 2600), "Yes! I'll pay 500 LP to keep my monster on the field!"
But did that really worry him? Not in the slightest. For the card he had just drawn caused him to grow a rather wicked smile on his face.
"Spencer Gresley, the time has come to unveil my most powerful monster!" As Montague spoke, he readied his new card, "First, I will offer 'The Duke of Demise' as a Tribute!"
'The Duke of Demise' faded away in a blue streak.
"Now, I'll Tribute Summon 'Diabound Kernel' in Attack Position!"
Appearing onto the field was a huge creature unlike anything Spencer had ever seen. It was a gray-scaled fiendish being with wings on its back, and a giant snake serving as the bottom half of its body (Level: 5/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200).
"In addition," continued Montague, just as a Spell Card called 'Spirit Illusion' materialized face-up on the field, "I'll activate, from my hand, an Equip Spell, 'Spirit Illusion'! After activation, I must Special Summon 1 'Doppelganger Token' with the same Level, ATK, DEF, Attribute, and Type as the equipped monster. This Token gains the same effects as the equipped monster. If this card leaves the field, I must destroy the 'Doppelganger Token'."
In a second, a copy of 'Diabound Kernel' appeared from a fog of shadows (Level: 5/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200).
"Regardless of how many weaklings you care to play, nothing will change here," taunted Spencer.
"Are you sure about that?" Montague asked deviously, "Go forth, 'Doppelganger Diabound'!"
Suddenly, the newly Summoned copy of 'Diabound Kernel' dove into 'Vorse Raider', causing it to grow considerably weaker (ATK: 1900 → 100).
"What have you done to my monster?!" gasped Spencer.
"Once per turn: I can equip this card to a monster OR unequip it and then return it to its face-up original position; the equipped monster loses ATK equal to this card's ATK," explained Montague. He then pointed at his opponent, "With that, your monster's ATK is only 100."
From there, 'Diabound Kernel' charged a blast of fire in its hands.
"Take this, Spencer!" shouted Montague, having entered the Battle Phase, "DEATH SPIRAL!"
'Diabound Kernel' fired a shockwave-like blast at 'Vorse Raider' destroying the monster, and hitting Spencer for a great deal of damage (LP: 4000 → 2300).
"Next, I'll Set one card face-down and end my turn," Montague finished, sliding a card into his Duel Disk.
A face-down card materialized on the field. At that moment, the 'Doppelganger Diabound' returned to the field.
"It's my turn!" exclaimed Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2300)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): ?, "Lord of Dragons", ?, "The Flute of Summoning Dragon", and "Blue-Eyes White Dragon"
Upon seeing the card he had just drawn, a grin came to Spencer's face.
"It's time for me to kick things up a notch," he went on, taking another card out from his hand, "I Summon 'Lord of Dragons' in Attack Position!"
The tamer of all Dragon monsters appeared on the field (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1100).
"'Lord of Dragons'…" whispered Montague.
"Neither player can target Dragon monsters on the field with card effects," explained Spencer. He then took and held another card out, "Then, I'll activate a Spell Card from my hand! 'The Flute of Summoning Dragon'! I must Special Summon up to 2 Dragon monsters from my hand. 'Lord of Dragons' must be on the field to activate and to resolve this effect."
The dragon-shaped flute materialized in 'Lord of Dragons's' hand, causing him to blow into it. This was the moment Montague was waiting for…
"Come forth! The strongest creature lying in my hand!" boomed Spencer, holding his right hand out before raising it into the air, "My strongest and most beautiful servant! 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'!"
Appearing on the field with a mighty roar was the ever memorable 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"So you've finally appeared, the dragon with eyes of blue…" thought Montague, "This is the only monster capable of going up against the 'Gods'!"
It was then Spencer started feeling his head beginning to pound.
"Ngh… What… what's happening?!" he asked himself mentally.
It was then a vision ensued.
VISION
It was 3000 years ago, and a familiar-looking priest was kneeling towards a large carving while carrying in his arms a familiar-looking young woman with long white hair, blue eyes, and pale white skin.
"Kisara…" The priest whispered to himself.
END VISION
The vision ended.
"Did I see…another vision…of the past?" gasped Spencer, just as his main guide, Maiden with Eyes of Blue, appeared beside him, "Maiden with Eyes of Blue… Did you also-?"
Maiden with Eyes of Blue nodded, also appearing to be pained a bit. Just then, Spencer felt another surge of pain in his head as a flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Inside the Sky Duel Coliseum, the battle between both 'Obelisk the Tormentor' and 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' began to grow more and more dangerous.
"Neither of them are giving up!" cried Flashback Thomas.
"What?!" Flashback Spencer exclaimed, while looking extremely shocked.
Slowly, but surely, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon's' body began to crack from the growing ball of light. But that wasn't all... 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' body began to crack soon after. Finally, the two 'Egyptian Gods' shattered into pieces as the light absorbed the two duelists fully. Suddenly, Flashback Emily felt herself being lifted off the ground.
"What's happening to me?" she cried out, "Someone get me down!"
"Emily?!" Both Flashback Mr. Gresley (Boxford) and Flashback Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) gawked, and tried to attempt a rescue...but were unsuccessful.
Before long, the dark green-haired girl was absorbed into the giant orb of light in the sky as well.
(new scene…)
All was quiet as everything faded to white. However, while it was quiet, it was not unoccupied; Flashback Thomas, Flashback Spencer, and Flashback Emily were each floating around wondering what had happened.
"What's going on?" asked Flashback Emily.
"Emily?" Flashback Thomas was surprised to see his friend, "You're here, too?"
"Yeah. That light pulled me in."
"Is this Marik's doing?" Flashback Spencer demanded.
"He said it wasn't him," replied Flashback Emily, "When the light got stronger, his Millennium Rod activated on its own."
Flashback Thomas's Millennium Puzzle began to glow as well.
"What's…?"
"Trembling Tracks!" exclaimed Flashback Emily, "Your Millennium Puzzle!"
Before anything more could be said, the three teenagers screamed as they were sucked further into the void.
(new location…)
After what seemed like forever, Flashback Thomas, Flashback Spencer, and Flashback Emily found themselves in a new area that resembled an Egyptian desert.
"We're in Egypt, now?" asked Flashback Thomas in surprise.
Unfortunately, it was dark, and lots of ruins and buildings were damaged and smoking from being caught on fire.
"Look at all the destruction," whispered Flashback Emily in shock, "What could have done this?"
All of a sudden, the Millennium Eye symbol appeared on Flashback Thomas's forehead as he spotted something in the distance.
"Over there!" he exclaimed, pointing forth.
Spencer and Emily both looked in the direction Thomas was pointing…and gasped.
"What the-?!" The silver-haired boy gawked.
In the distance were familiar body shapes of two certain monsters. Just to be certain, the three teenagers soared over to check it out. When they got there… their fears were confirmed.
"Are those…?" began Flashback Thomas.
"They are!" confirmed Flashback Spencer.
It was 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'Obelisk the Tormentor', and they both had been turned to stone.
"'Slifer the Sky Dragon' and 'Obelisk the Tormentor'…" Flashback Emily pointed out, "…but they've been turned to stone,"
Suddenly, the whole destroyed town began to pulse in a sort.
"What's going on?" demanded Flashback Spencer.
The ruined town continued to pulse of some sort. Flashback Thomas looked around until his eyes were locked on the tallest building in the city…
"The Royal Palace!"
"Is that where this pulsing is coming from?" asked Flashback Emily hopefully.
"Let's hope so," muttered Flashback Spencer.
Suddenly, the three teenagers faded away in orange streaks.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"That was the vision that Billinton, Emily, and I each saw when the two 'Gods' battled," said Spencer mentally.
"Hmm? What's wrong?" asked Montague, before pointing nearby, "It's still your turn, Spencer."
He was actually pointing at Skiff, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), causing Spencer to stand ready.
"Instead of trying to find out the reason," he was saying, "defeating you is more important!"
"Of course," agreed Montague.
And thus, the duel continued.
"Here I come!" declared Spencer, entering the Battle Phase, "'Blue-Eyes' attacks! BURST STREAM OF DESTRUCTION!"
'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' obeyed, firing a powerful blast of white electricity towards 'Diabound Kernel'.
"It's useless!" insulted Montague, before his Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Continuous Trap, 'Spirit Shield', activate!"
Several small balls of fire surrounded 'Diabound Kernel', protecting it from the Burst Stream of Destruction attack.
"What?!" gasped Spencer.
"What a pity!" laughed Montague, just as the smoke cleared, "When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I can banish 1 Fiend or Zombie monster from my GY; I must negate the attack, then end the Battle Phase," While speaking still, a card ('Headless Knight') emerged from the GY and faded away into oblivion, "If there are no Fiend or Zombie monsters in my GY, I must destroy this card. Thanks to this Trap Card, I'm safe for the time being."
"Petty tricks!" growled Spencer, taking a card and slotting it into his Duel Disk, "I'll Set one card and end my turn!"
A face-down card materialized on the field.
"Okay now… If I don't defeat him, I can't achieve my aim," Montague thought to himself, before drawing a card, "It's my turn!"
Spencer seethed as he waited for his opponent to play a card, it was then he felt a familiar presence beside him. That presence was Maiden with Eyes of Blue, his Duel Spirit and guide of sorts.
"Spencer… don't let him get to you," advised Maiden with Eyes of Blue, "He's only trying to provoke you. Keep yourself calm, and block out what he says to you."
Spencer nodded in agreement.
Turn Five: Montague (LP: 2600)
Deck: 32
Current Hand (2): ? and "Pot of Greed"
Immediately, Montague held up his drawn card.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed'!" The Spirit of the Millennium Ring declared, drawing two more cards, "I must draw 2 cards," He then took one of the drawn cards and held it out, "I'll then activate another Spell Card, 'Grief Tablet'!"
A tablet rose from the ground behind 'Lord of Dragons', absorbing the monster into it.
"'Lord of Dragons'!" called Spencer.
"The equipped monster cannot attack or change its battle position (except by card effects), and its effect(s) is negated," chuckled Montague, "When this equipped card is destroyed and sent to the GY: I must inflict 500 damage to the controller of the equipped monster."
Spencer grimaced.
"And now, it's time to weaken 'Blue-Eyes'!" continued Montague, "Go forth, 'Doppelganger Diabound'! Go get 'Blue-Eyes'!"
'Doppelganger Diabound' dove into 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon', causing it to grow considerably weaker (ATK: 3000 → 1200). With 'Lord of Dragons' sealed up, it couldn't protect 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' from becoming weaker.
"Blue-Eyes'!" cried Spencer in horror.
"In just a blink of an eye, 'Blue-Eyes' got-!" stammered Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
Back on the duel field…
"Go forth, 'Diabound Kernel'!" commanded Montague, entering the Battle Phase, "DEATH SPIRAL!"
'Diabound Kernel' fired a shockwave-like blast at 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon', but Spencer's face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself at that point.
"I activate a Trap, 'Attack Guidance Armor'!" announced Spencer, "I must direct an attack to the monster that is equipped with the Cursed Armor!"
Demonic armor emerged from the face-up Trap Card and attached itself to the sealed 'Lord of Dragons', causing Death Spiral to change its attack course and instead strike 'Lord of Dragons', destroying it and causing Spencer to grunt as he sustained not only battle damage but also 500 additional points of damage in the process (LP: 2300 → 1200).
"Tch! He got away?" muttered Montague, before slotting the remaining cards from his hand into his Duel Disk. As expected, two face-down cards materialized on the field, "I Set two cards and end my turn!"
"It's my turn!" announced Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Spencer Gresley (LP: 1200)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (2): "Monster Reborn" and "Card of Demise"
After looking at his card, he looked at his opponent with studying eyes.
"This guy certainly did his research on my Deck…!" thought Spencer, "But the true King will win! That's why I have my Deck… That's why I have 'Blue-Eyes'… I will emerge victorious in this evil duel and protect my family!" With that said, he held his drawn card out, "I activate the Spell Card 'Card of Demise'!"
Montague watched as his opponent drew four new cards.
"I must draw until I have 5 cards in my hand," explained Spencer, just before studying his newly drawn hand, "During my 5th Standby Phase after activation: I must send all cards in my hand to the GY."
"It doesn't matter what cards you draw…" dismissed Montague, pointing to his face-up 'Spirit Shield' Trap Card, "…because I have the invincible 'Spirit Shield'!"
"Then I'll destroy that shield!" suggested Spencer, before taking and holding another card out, "Spell Card, 'Soul Release'! I must target up to 5 cards in any GY(s); I must banish them. As a result, both your 'The Earl of Demise' and 'The Duke of Demise' are removed from the game!"
Montague watched as his two remaining Monster Cards ('The Earl of Demise' and 'The Duke of Demise') ejected from his GY and faded away into oblivion.
"Now that you're out of Fiend and Zombie monsters," continued Spencer, pointing at his opponent, "your 'Spirit Shield' is automatically destroyed!"
The face-up 'Spirit Shield' Trap Card dissolved into dark particles, much to Montague's annoyance.
"In addition, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Silent Doom'!" As Spencer spoke, he held another card out, "I must target 1 Normal Monster in my GY; I must Special Summon it in face-up Defense Position, but it cannot attack. I'll use it to Special Summon 'Vorse Raider' from my GY in Defense Position!"
In seconds, 'Vorse Raider' returned to the field in a defensive stance.
"And then, I'll offer both 'Vorse Raider' and 'Blue-Eyes' as a Tribute…!" declared Spencer, holding his right hand out. In his mind… "Forgive me, 'Blue-Eyes'… Rather than let you live on in that weak state, I'll let you be reborn in a new life!"
Both 'Vorse Raider' and 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' faded away in streaks of blue, and this meant another powerful monster was going to show itself.
"Come forth, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'!" ordered Spencer, holding a card ('Blue-Eyes White Dragon') up.
On cue, a second 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' appeared on the field with a loud roar.
"You sacrificed your first 'Blue-Eyes' just to Summon a second 'Blue-Eyes'?!" recoiled Montague.
"The likes of you have no business touching my 'Blue-Eyes' like that!" thundered Spencer, entering the Battle Phase, "BURST STREAM OF DESTRUCTION!"
'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' fired a powerful blast at 'Diabound Kernel', vaporizing the wicked monster while also causing the face-up 'Spirit Illusion' Spell Card to shatter like glass. Montague cried out as he sustained major battle damage (LP: 2600 → 1400).
"As expected…" he thought briefly, before speaking aloud, "Sorry, but this duel is far from being over! I activate a Trap, 'Mirror Tablet'!"
The first Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, and this was followed by another Set card flipping face-up and revealing itself.
"Then I'll activate another Trap, 'Rebirth Tablet'!" continued Montague.
The face-up 'Rebirth Tablet' Trap Card faded away, as a tablet containing 'Diabound Kernel' appeared on the field in its place. The tablet then exploded, causing 'Diabound Kernel' to reappear on the field like nothing happened to it (Level: 5/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200).
"What?!" cried Spencer.
"'Rebirth Tablet'… When a monster I control is destroyed by battle: I must Special Summon 1 monster from my GY," said Montague. He then gestured his right hand to his face-up 'Mirror Tablet' Trap Card, "And then…"
A mirror emerged from the face-up 'Mirror Tablet' Trap Card, causing a reflection of 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' to be shown before the tablet exploded. 'Diabound Kernel' absorbed the power from the mirror, causing it to grow even stronger (ATK: 1800 → 3300).
"As for 'Mirror Tablet'…" continued Montague, going over the other Trap Card he activated just now, "If a monster I control is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I must target 1 face-up monster I control; it gains ATK equal to half the original ATK of the opponent's monster that destroyed the monster I controlled by battle until the end of the Battle Phase, also both monsters must attack this turn, if able."
'Diabound Kernel' (ATK: 3300) and 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' (ATK: 3000) both stared each other down.
"Now the ATK of 'Diabound Kernel' is higher," Montague pointed out, before going on the offensive, "Go forth, 'Diabound Kernel'! DEATH SPIRAL!"
'Diabound Kernel' obeyed, letting loose a powerful spiral blast that vaporized 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'. Spencer braced himself as shards from the destruction of his monster soared past him (LP: 1200 → 900).
"'Blue-Eyes' is immortal!" shouted Spencer, taking and holding his last card up, "Spell Card, 'Monster Reborn'! I must target 1 monster in either GY; I must Special Summon it!"
As if nothing had happened, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon', with a loud roar, returned to the field within a flash. Montague merely chuckled, mostly because he finally accomplished his goal in taking down a "Blue-Eyes White Dragon".
"This is enough," he thought, "The true, terrifying power of 'Diabound'… It holds the power to absorb the abilities of the monsters it defeats. For now, my goal has been fulfilled."
Before anything else could happen, the sun started to rise in the background as dawn finally began to break.
"Tch! It's already this time…?" grumbled Montague, before turning towards his opponent, "It's a pity, Spencer… I'll leave it at that for today."
"What do you mean 'leave it at that'?" Spencer demanded angrily, "You're leaving in the middle of a duel?!"
"I'm about to head out on a trip, you see," replied Montague, before reaching into his coat pocket, "But in exchange, I'll give you this to make up for it."
He pulled out an object and tossed it over to Spencer, revealing it to be the Millennium Eye when it was caught.
"W-What is this?!" stammered Spencer.
"It's the Millennium Eye," explained Montague, "Besides the Millennium Ring, this was the very first Millennium Item I obtained. It was in the possession of the late John Clarke, or better known as Sailor John, and when he wouldn't give it to me, I took it from him…by force."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Inside the cavern, the late pirate leader got the shock of a lifetime.
"Blow me pipes…" The man whispered in horror.
Several pirate members were lying on the ground, dead, with blood stains all over the place (be it ground, tables, walls, and even bodies). There was also creepy laughter in the area, too.
"I've been expecting you," spoke a voice (male).
"W-Who's there?! demanded Flashback Sailor John, "Show yourself!"
"As you wish."
Flashback Duck—err, the Duck look alike—stepped out of the shadows with a highly sinister expression on his face.
"Who are you?!" demanded Flashback Sailor John, "What did you do to what's left of my crew?!"
"My name is Montague," said the Duck look-alike, "Your crew wasn't very welcoming to a visitor like myself, so I had to teach them a little lesson in manners."
Flashback Sailor John looked nervous, "What do you want?"
"What do I want…?" hissed Flashback Montague, who walked closer and closer, "What I want is something you have…"
(outside…)
Outside the hideout, there was a loud, bloodcurdling scream (Flashback Sailor John), followed by demented laughter (Flashback Montague).
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"So it was 'you' who killed Sailor John?" asked Spencer.
"You could say that," shrugged Montague, "Anyway, that is your invitation to the Ultimate Shadow Game. If you truly want to settle things, take that with you and come to Egypt."
"The Ultimate Shadow Game?" frowned Spencer, "I see… And if I were to…decline the invitation?"
Montague smiled, "Nothing bad would happen to you," he answered, before adding a question of his own… "But aren't you at least a bit interested in the connection between you and 'Blue-Eyes'?"
"M-Me and 'Blue-Eyes'?" repeated Spencer, easing up a bit.
"And there's the matter of you and that young woman," continued Montague, "Oh yes, I can see her as clear as day…"
Montague was of course talking about Maiden with Eyes of Blue, who, while looking completely surprised, reappeared beside Spencer.
"H-How do you know about me?" she asked, dreading the answer.
"I know more than you realize, my dear," answered Montague in a rather dark tone, "But why should I spoil the surprise? Now, I'll be eagerly waiting for both your arrivals… Seto and Kisara…"
With that being said, Montague snickered quietly before erupting into loud, psychotic laughter. 'Diabound Kernel' raised both hands into the air and charged a Death Spiral before slamming the fully formed sphere right into the center of the field, causing the entire area to become overshadowed by light. When the light faded, Montague, 'Diabound Kernel', and 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' were gone. This meant the duel had ended before a winner could be decided.
DUEL RESULTS: No results
"Tch… The coward!" grumbled Spencer, before looking at the Millennium Eye in his right hand while in his thoughts, "The connection between me and 'Blue-Eyes'…"
"What did he mean by the Ultimate Shadow Game?" asked Mr. Gresley (Boxford), as he and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) both approached their elder son.
"Do you two remember the Shadow Games we witnessed in the Battle City Finals?" Spencer asked his parents, "Well, something tells me that this one is bound to be much worse than they were."
"Worse?" worried Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
Spencer nodded grimly, before looking towards Maiden with Eyes of Blue, who also nodded. Whatever was ahead, Montague would stop at nothing to achieve his goal… Thomas and whoever was invited were going to be in for the fight of their lives…
(In the dark skies of Egypt, Thomas/Atem was shown riding a horse, possibly to face an oncoming foe. As he rode towards a battle, the sand began to sprinkle down from the sky in the form of a giant hourglass. Eventually, character spirits began to appear. First was Thomas Billinton, who morphed into Pharaoh Atem. Next appeared Spencer Gresley, who morphed into Priest Seto. Eventually following were spirits of the Sacred Guardians; Aknadin, Isis, Karim, and Shada.)
Through this veil, visions of my life, remain unclear to see what's ahead
Darkness shines, sheltered from the death, entrusting what it sees to fellow light
(During Atem's ride, a pile of sand began to form slowly in the background. The next spirits to appear were Mahad and Mana, who morph into Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl. And last but not least, the Spirit of the Millennium Ring, Montague, appeared before morphing into Thief King Montague.)
When light has faded, leaving no small trace, we must look forward on!
(As the sand pile continues to grow, Thomas Billinton opens his eyes and spirits of some of his human friends pass by; Emily Stirling, Percy Avonside, Edward Stewart, Toby Holden, James Hughes, Gordon Gresley, Henry Stanier, and Mavis Drewry. After opening his eyes again, spirits of many of his Duel Spirit friends passed as well; Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl, Kuriboh, Big Shield Gardna, Magician's Valkyria, Red Gadget, Yellow Gadget, Green Gadget, Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast, Watapon, Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, King's Knight, Queen's Knight, Jack's Knight, Tuning Magician, Enlightenment Paladin, and Ebon High Magician.)
Eyes, they're windows to our souls. They grant us our sight, enlightening our minds
Oh, eyes! Where would we be without them? Blinded from life, missing out on love. Let them guide your way
(When the sand pile was large enough, parts of it blew away in the wind, revealing the Millennium Puzzle buried within.)
It's a whole new season, everyone! Be ready, since it will be a really dark one just like the last season. Plus, there will be tons upon tons worth of changes from the source material as well.