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
WARNING: These stories are rated T for moments of violence, mild blood, frightening moments, and some suggestive themes. Viewer discretion may be advised.
Title: Obelisk the Tormentor
One rainy afternoon at Sodor High School, the bell had begun to ring and signal the end of a school day. While many of the students were being talkative, one student in particular was feeling somewhat down.
"Yo, Thomas!" called James, "You up for coming with Percy and I to the Pizza Palace?"
Thomas simply looked at his red-haired friend before turning and walking away glumly. James blinked for a few seconds before looking at Percy.
"Hey, what's the matter with Thomas?" he asked.
"Beats me," shrugged Percy, before grinning mischievously and waving his right hand near his face, "Phew! Maybe it's because of your breath? I knew you shouldn't have mixed garlic with onions on your pizza for lunch today!"
"How dare you?!" yelled James, immediately grappling with Percy.
Thomas, meanwhile, continued to walk down the hall without looking where he was going, when suddenly…
*BASH!*
…he bumped into, and knocked over along with himself, Emily.
"Oh! S-Sorry, Emily," Thomas apologized, helping his friend to her feet, "I wasn't watching where I was going."
"From the look of things, you seem like you were thinking about something," commented Emily, once she was back on her feet.
"Apart from what we learned at the museum?" Thomas pointed out.
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
In the middle of Knapford City, the school buses were driving away from the museum and along the highway going back to Sodor High School after a big day. Inside one of the buses, the students from the Tidmouth classroom (but mainly Flashback Thomas and his pals) were all busy talking about the field trip.
"That field trip was so cool," squeed Flashback Percy happily.
"That Ishizu sure knows how to tell a story of the past," came from Flashback Gordon.
Flashback Thomas, however, seemed conflicted with something. Likely from his encounter with Ishizu and his possible ancestry.
"Thomas?" blinked Flashback Emily, once again sitting beside Flashback Thomas, "What's wrong?"
"I'm the descendant of an Egyptian Pharaoh," Flashback Thomas muttered quietly.
"Again, we're just as shocked about it as you are," Flashback James pointed out.
Flashback Thomas frowned, "But there's another thing that's got me bugged."
"And that is-?" snorted Flashback James.
"Ishizu's Millennium Necklace," confessed Flashback Thomas, "First Discord, then Duck, and now Ishizu. How did she get it?"
"Nobody knows for sure," shrugged Flashback Emily, "It sure is a mystery."
"Well this mystery is giving rise to more and more unanswered questions," sighed Flashback Thomas sadly.
The dark green-haired girl put an affectionate hand on Flashback Thomas's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Thomas," she said kindly, "We'll find the answers to those questions together."
"Got that right," added Flashback Percy.
"All for one…" Flashback Toby began.
"…and all for one!" finished Flashback James.
"Th-Thanks, everyone," smiled Flashback Thomas, feeling thankful.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"It's something else, isn't it?" asked Emily.
Thomas sighed, "I've been thinking about Diesel 10 lately," he admitted, "He came back for revenge against me for sending him to jail, and he almost killed us all when he started that fire."
"It was rather scary indeed," agreed Emily, "But, thankfully, he's been put back behind bars where he belongs. We don't have to worry about him ever again."
"At least not until someone else comes along and tries to kill us," Thomas sulked depressedly, "Why do these kinds of things have to happen? Especially if we're involved? What have we done to deserve being endangered so many times?"
"Thomas…" whispered Emily, "He looks and sounds so sad… There has to be a way for him to forget about his troubles for at least a day," She got an idea, "Why don't you and I hang out tomorrow? It's a Saturday, after all."
Thomas looked towards Emily in surprise.
"Um… That is, if you're interested," Emily quickly corrected herself, slightly blushing.
"I…admit it would be rather fun," acknowledged Thomas, managing to sound interested.
"Great!" smiled Emily, feeling much better, "Where do you want to meet?"
"How about at the Coffee Shop?" offered Thomas, "We can have breakfast there before we explore the city."
Emily nodded, happy she was going to spend some time with Thomas (alone).
(elsewhere…)
Later that night in her room of the Stirling residence, Emily was looking over what she should wear for her outing with Thomas tomorrow.
"Hmm…" The dark green-haired girl pondered, "How about this?" She picked up a shirt and held it up to her upper body before looking in the mirror with it and then, after a second, shook her head in disapproval, "No, I think I'll wear something else. With my figure, this shirt would be too revealing."
This discussion went on late into the night.
(elsewhere…)
The next morning in Thomas's room of the Billinton residence, Thomas was busy getting ready for his outing with Emily.
"I need to look my best," he told himself, preparing his own outfit.
Currently, Thomas was wearing a black sleeveless shirt, blue jeans with a belt, and solid blue boot-like shoes. Ultimately, he became satisfied with the outfit for his upcoming outing.
"Well, I hope Emily finds me to be…dashing…in this getup," prayed Thomas.
(elsewhere…)
Outside the Knapford Coffee Shop, Emily was shown standing by the nearby fountain while waiting for Thomas to arrive. She ultimately found a satisfying outfit to wear for the outing; an emerald green sleeveless top that exposed her midriff, a blue jean jacket, blue shorts, and pink sneakers.
"I'm so excited yet nervous for our hang out, today," Emily thought to herself, "I hope it at least gets Thomas's mind off of Diesel 10 and the field trip for at least today."
She then heard some footsteps and looked nearby; she could see Thomas running towards the fountain. When he arrived, Thomas was out of breath.
"H-H-Hi-!" panted Thomas.
"There you are, Thomas," Emily remarked, relieved, "I almost thought you weren't going to come."
"N-No way!" denied Thomas, still trying to catch his breath, "This is something I'm excited about!"
"In that case, let's grab some breakfast," suggested Emily.
The two teenagers walked into the Coffee Shop.
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, over at Boxford Corporation on the other side of the city, there was a conversation going on inside the building…
"Is it finished yet?" The voice of Spencer questioned.
(elsewhere…)
Inside one of the chambers inside the building, Spencer was standing before a large computer of some sort. Nearby, an engineer was busy making some modifications.
"Just a few finishing touches and it'll be ready, Master Spencer," The engineer reported.
"Perfect," smirked Spencer, as he looked back at the card he had received from Ishizu, "The only way to be sure of this card's power is to test it."
A minute later, Skiff and Discord both walked into the chamber.
"Spencer-boy, we meet again," greeted Discord cheerfully.
"Of course," Spencer nodded back in a neutral-like gesture, "You've agreed to my terms, right?"
"Yes. I've agreed to your terms."
With that being said, Discord handed the silver-haired boy a list of cards put on the banlist and errata changes to other cards.
"These are the changes I've made to the card limitations for your tournament," explained Discord.
Spencer took the list and looked it over, smiling when he finished. Just then, the engineer called out…
"It's ready!" The voice of the engineer announced.
Knowing it was time to begin the test, Spencer immediately walked over and handed the engineer something.
"Insert my Deck into the machine," ordered Spencer.
The engineer nodded, "Yes, sir."
"What are you doing, Big Brother?" pondered Skiff.
"Testing the power of my new 'Egyptian God' Card," answered Spencer, as he was given a new Deck to use, "And the best way to do so is against the power of my own Deck."
"'Egyptian God' Card?" blinked Discord, "Whatever are you talking about?"
Spencer smirked, "You'll see."
"Wait a minute," cut in Skiff, "You're giving your three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' to the Duel Computer?"
"Yes," confirmed Spencer, "It's the only way to see if this card can be strong enough to defeat Billinton," He looked over the new Deck while in his thoughts, "Ishizu said that this card is as powerful, or even more powerful than, 'Exodia the Forbidden One'. Now it's time to put that to the test—when I face off against my own 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons'!"
He envisioned seeing his 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' appear on the field in-front of Duel Computer as they let out fearsome roars. Spencer smiled with anticipation, as Skiff went with Discord and the engineer into the next room watch through the window.
"I hope Spencer knows what he's doing," murmured Skiff.
At last, Spencer activated his Duel Disk and drew his opening hand (LP: 4000), ready to fight.
"Duel engaged," said Duel Computer, speaking with a female voice (LP: 4000), as a card was drawn, "First move."
Turn One: Duel Computer (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Cyber Jar", "The Spell Absorbing Life", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Lord of D.", "White Dragon Ritual", and "Kaiser Sea Horse"
Duel Computer chose a card from its hand and it suddenly appeared on a Monster Zone face-down and sideways.
"Summon monster in Defense Position," announced Duel Computer, as a large sideways face-down card appeared on the field, before another face-down card appeared underneath it, "Set one card. Turn over. Player's turn."
"Here I come!" declared Spencer, drawing a card, "Card drawn!"
Turn Two: Spencer Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Manticore of Darkness", "Battle Ox", "Polymerization", "Mystic Horseman", "Graceful Charity", and "Dragon Seeker"
His opening hand contained 'Manticore of Darkness', 'Battle Ox', 'Polymerization', 'Mystic Horseman', 'Graceful Charity', and the added 'Dragon Seeker'.
"For my turn," The silver-haired boy held up three cards, "I'll activate 'Polymerization' and fuse my 'Battle Ox' with 'Mystic Horseman'!"
Appearing on the field was an armored minotaur-like monster called 'Battle Ox' and a centaur named 'Mystic Horseman'. They started fusing together while the artwork of the 'Polymerization' Spell Card loomed in the background.
"Axe-swinging minotaur. High-speed centaur. Become one and destroy your enemies with tremendous speed and power!" chanted Spencer, "Fusion Summon! 'Rabid Horseman'!"
Once the Fusion Summon sequence ended, appearing on the field was a combination of 'Battle Ox' and 'Mystic Horseman', with the upperbody of the former and the lower-half of the latter (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).
"Battle!" cried Spencer, entering the Battle Phase as 'Rabid Horseman' charged into battle, "My 'Rabid Horseman' will attack the unknown monster!"
'Rabid Horseman' obeyed, slicing its axe at the face-down Monster Card and cleaving it in two.
"Reveal monster," The voice of Duel Computer beeped, revealing the monster to be 'Cyber Jar', "Cyber Jar."
Spencer scowled, knowing that since 'Cyber Jar' was flipped face-up, its Flip effect would be enough, 'Cyber Jar' shot out a beam that destroyed 'Rabid Horseman' on contact before shattering into pieces of glass itself.
"Destroy all monsters on the field, then both players reveal the top 5 cards from their Decks, then Special Summon all revealed Level 4 or lower monsters in face-up Attack Position or face-down Defense Position, also add any remaining cards to their hand. (If either player has less than 5 cards in their Deck, reveal as many as possible,)" explained Duel Computer, as it drew five cards halfway through the explanation, "Revealing monsters."
Suddenly, a Beast-Warrior monster called 'Vorse Raider' (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200) and a green genie-like monster called 'La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000) both appeared on the field in Attack Position. Meanwhile, Spencer drew his own five cards and looked them over before making a decision. On cue, a red-crowned crane called 'Sacred Crane' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 400), a humanoid-like wolf with black fur wearing armor and a cape while wielding a sword called 'Pitch-Black Warwolf' (Level: 4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200), and a centaur-like creature with bluish/green armor called 'Exarion Universe' (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1900) all appeared on the field in Attack Position, while two Set cards (sideways) appeared on the field.
"I activate 'Sacred Crane's' special ability!" continued Spencer, "If this card is Special Summoned: I must…" He drew a card, "…draw 1 card!" Focus then went towards 'Pitch-Black Warwolf', "In addition, there's 'Pitch-Black Warwolf's' special ability! My opponent cannot activate Trap Cards during the Battle Phase!"
"He's got himself a near full wall to protect himself," commented Skiff, "But will it be enough?"
"I also activate a Continuous Spell from my hand!" As that was being said, Spencer slotted another card ('The Dark Door'), "'The Dark Door'!" The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of him, "Only 1 monster can attack during each Battle Phase!"
"Acknowledged," accepted Duel Computer, "Trap Card, open!"
Spencer gasped, "What?! A Trap?"
"'The Spell Absorbing Life'," announced Duel Computer, "Change all face-down Defense Position monsters on the field to face-up Defense Position (Flip monsters' effects are not activated), and if you do, gain 400 LP for each Effect Monster on the field."
Spencer watched as his two Set monsters were turned into monster form. The first monster was a Warrior monster called 'Ghost Gardna' (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 1900) and the second monster was a Beast monster called 'The Wicked Worm Beast' (Level: 3/ATK: 1400/DEF: 700).
"Opponent controls five Effect Monsters," said Duel Computer (LP: 4000 → 6000), "2000 LP are gained."
"My turn is over," Spencer declared, entering the End Phase before holding up his 'The Wicked Worm Beast' Effect Monster Card before placing it in his hand, "I activate 'The Wicked Worm Beast's' effect! Once per turn, during my End Phase: I must return this face-up card to the hand."
'The Wicked Worm Beast' faded away in a blue streak.
(elsewhere…)
Inside the local arcade, one teenage boy was shown laughing with triumph since he had defeated another duelist.
"And that's another win for me, Märklin Hohenzollern!" The boy, aged 16, bragged.
"Dammit…!" Another teenage boy (who was a duelist) groaned, collapsing onto his knees in defeat.
At the entrance of the arcade, Thomas and Emily both found a large crowd gathered near the center of the area.
"A crowd?" quizzed Thomas, "What could it be all about?"
"Why don't we find out?" suggested Emily, walking towards the crowd.
Curiously, the two Sudrian teenagers walked towards the crowd to see what the commotion was about.
"What's with the gathering?" Thomas asked one teenage boy.
"The master dance duelist, Märklin Hohenzollern, has just won his fifth duel in a row today!" The boy explained.
"Dance duelist?" repeated Thomas.
"Märklin Hohenzollern is not only a great duelist, he's also a great dancer!" A teenage girl proclaimed, talking about Märklin, "He's going to be studying in New York City when he graduates from high school!"
"I sure am!" claimed Märklin, glancing proudly at his adoring public, "Now, who would like to be my next challenger?" When nobody offered to face him, he continued speaking… "No new challengers? Oh, come on, don't tell me you have stage fright!"
"Come on, Emily," urged Thomas, as he started to leave in annoyance, "Let's get out of here."
Emily was about to follow when…
"Hey, you! The pretty emerald-haired girl!" The voice of Märklin called out, pointing right at Emily, "How good of a duelist are you?"
"Me?" peeped Emily, surprised to have been picked, "Um… well… I'm somewhat good."
"Then I'd like you to face me next!" requested Märklin, "Waddya say?"
Before Emily could say anything in response…
"You can take him, Emily," insisted Thomas, putting a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder.
Emily stammered, "I don't-"
"If you feel uneasy, then why don't we make it worthwhile?" grinned Märklin, "If you win, I'll treat you and your friend there to ice cream. If 'I' win, you and I will go on a date!"
Emily did not like the sound of that, although it did make the crowd go "Ooooooh!" in a teasing tone—with an exception for Thomas, who did not seem all that thrilled by the bet. Nevertheless, she became determined to earn another win for her dueling record.
"You're on!" accepted Emily, before going and throwing her jean jacket off towards Thomas, "Let's duel!"
From there, Emily fearlessly walked over to the dueling platform before looking back towards Thomas in the crowd. She couldn't understand why Thomas felt sure she could win.
"Does Thomas know something that I don't?" she pondered, before being handed the Duel Disk the previous duelist used for his duel against Märklin, "Thank you."
Once their respective Decks were shuffled, Emily and Märklin placed them into their respective Duel Disks and faced each other.
"Duel!" Both duelists exclaimed at once (LP: 4000) x2.
The crowd began cheering once again.
(elsewhere…)
"Beginning turn," announced Duel Computer, drawing a card, "Card drawn."
Turn Three: Duel Computer (LP: 6000)
Deck: 48
Current Hand (8): "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Lord of D.", "White Dragon Ritual", "Kaiser Sea Horse", "Polymerization", "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "De-Fusion", and "Pot of Greed"
A card disappeared from its hand, causing the 'Pot of Greed' Spell Card to materialize face-up on the field.
"Activate 'Pot of Greed'," The voice of Duel Computer went on, before being shown drawing two cards, "Draw 2 cards," Suddenly, 'Vorse Raider' and 'La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp' disappeared into blue streaks, "Tribute two monsters," On cue, the 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' Normal Monster Card materialized face-up on the field, "Tribute Summon 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'."
Spencer gasped in surprise. Appearing on the field was a mighty blue and white-scaled dragon, which let loose a mighty roar upon arrival (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"'Blue-Eyes'…" muttered Spencer, being face-to-face with 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon', "You've finally come."
Inside the surveillance room, Skiff was also worried. Discord, not so much. Back in the main room…
"'Ghost Gardna's' first effect!" declared Spencer, "When a face-up monster I control is targeted for an attack: I can change the attack target to this card."
"Acknowledged," replied Duel Computer, as 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' opened its mouth and fired Burst Stream of Destruction, "'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' will attack 'Ghost Gardna'."
'Ghost Gardna' was vaporized in an instant from contact with the enemy attack, while Spencer braced himself from the power behind the attack.
"Since it was in Defense Position," reminded Spencer, "I take no battle damage. In addition, the second effect of 'Ghost Gardna' activates!" The spirit of 'Ghost Gardna' reappears on the field before floating over and possessing 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon', "When this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: I must target 1 face-up monster my opponent controls; it loses 1000 ATK until the end of this turn."
'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' roared in pain before growing weaker (ATK: 3000 → 2000).
"Acknowledged," Duel Computer repeated, as two face-down cards appeared on the field, "Set two cards and end turn," Focus went towards 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' as it regained its lost power (ATK: 2000 → 3000), "Effect of 'Ghost Gardna' expires."
"It's my turn!" announced Spencer, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Four: Spencer Gresley (LP: 4000)
Deck: 27
Current Hand (5): "Manticore of Darkness", "Graceful Charity", "Dragon Seeker", "The Wicked Worm Beast", and "Mystical Space Typhoon"
Upon seeing his drawn card, Spencer knew he had to destroy one of Duel Computer's Set cards before doing anything else.
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell, 'Mystical Space Typhoon'!" continued Spencer, holding out his card ('Mystical Space Typhoon'), "I must target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; I must destroy that target!" A whirlwind appeared on the field and slowly moved towards Duel Computer's field, "I destroy the card on the left!"
"Counter Trap, 'Magic Jammer'," responded Duel Computer.
"What?!" flinched Spencer.
Before the power of the 'Mystical Space Typhoon' Spell Card could make it, one of Duel Computer's Set cards flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"When a Spell Card is activated: Discard 1 card; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it," said Duel Computer, as one of the cards in its hand faded away.
Spencer watched as his face-up 'Mystical Space Typhoon' Spell Card shorted out before shattering into shards of glass.
"Not bad," thought Spencer, "Because the Duelist Level is maxed out, it thinks ahead better than the opponent," He then readied another card, "But there are still limitations to its AI."
"Will turn proceed?" pressed Duel Computer.
"It will!" confirmed Spencer, turning over his card ('Graceful Charity'), "I activate 'Graceful Charity'! I must draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards!" He drew three cards, looked at them, then took two cards from his hand ('Manticore of Darkness' and 'Lightserpent') and sent them to the GY, "From there, I'll activate the monster effect of 'Lightserpent'!" Appearing on the field was a white-colored snake-like monster (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 800), "If this card is sent from the hand to the GY: I must Special Summon this card from my GY!" Which was followed by 'Sacred Crane' fading away in a blue streak as another face-up Monster Card ('Dragon Seeker') materialized face-up on the field, "From there, I'll Tribute 'Sacred Crane'! I Tribute Summon 'Dragon Seeker' in Defense Position!"
A Fiend monster appeared from the face-up card and onto the field (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2100).
"On my next turn, I'll switch 'Dragon Seeker' to Attack Position," Spencer thought to himself, "And when I do, I can destroy 'Blue-Eyes'," He shifted the remaining cards on Monster Zones of his Duel Disk sideways, "I switch my remaining monsters into Defense Position!"
'Pitch-Black Warwolf' and 'Exarion Universe' both went into defensive stances. Spencer then took a card from his hand and looked at it.
"If 'Dragon Seeker' is attacked by 'Blue-Eyes', I can use this to lock it in place," thought Spencer, with his card being a Trap Card called 'Shadow Spell'. He slotted it into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Set one card face-down and end my turn!"
A face-down card materialized on the field.
"As of now, the special effect of 'Manticore of Darkness' activates!" continued Spencer, holding up a card ('The Wicked Worm Beast'), "During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was sent there this turn: I can…" He sent the card to the GY, causing another card ('Manticore of Darkness') to emerge in its place, "…send 1 Beast, Beast-Warrior, or Winged Beast monster from my hand or face-up field to the GY; I must…" He placed the card onto his Duel Disk (sideways) "…Special Summon this card from my GY! Appear now, 'Manticore of Darkness'!"
Appearing on the field was a black-winged creature that appeared to have the head and muscular body of a lion, and the tail of a scorpion (Level: 6/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1000).
"Spencer-boy has a full board of monsters again," mused Discord, "And with 'The Dark Door', each player is limited to one attack. Finally, 'Pitch-Black Warwolf' prevents the Duel Machine from activating Trap Cards during the Battle Phase. It won't be able to destroy all of those monsters at once through brute strength."
(elsewhere…)
Back in the arcade, Emily's ace monster, 'Wingweaver'—a female monster with six wings—let loose a rain of light, which struck 'Musician King' and caused him and his guitar to both shatter into shards of glass.
"I-Impossible…" whispered Märklin (LP: 1425 → 0), "I…lost?"
DUEL RESULTS: Emily Stirling wins!
As the holograms faded away, the audience was shown to be amazed that Emily emerged victorious in the duel.
"That girl actually managed to beat Märklin!" A third teenage boy cried out.
"That officially breaks his winning streak!" A fourth teenage girl added.
The crowd cheered for Emily as she descended the duel platform and approached Thomas.
"So, how'd I do, Thomas?" she asked hopefully.
"You did great out there," smiled Thomas, "You're getting even better as a duelist."
Hearing this compliment made Emily so happy that she gave Thomas a great big hug, causing him to blush in surprise while returning the hug.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the facility of Boxford Corp…
"Draw card," uttered Duel Computer, drawing a card.
Turn Five: Duel Computer (LP: 6000)
Deck: 45
Current Hand (6): "Blue-Eyes White Dragon", "Lord of D.", "White Dragon Ritual", "Kaiser Sea Horse", "Polymerization", and "Paladin of White Dragon"
Spencer smirked, waiting for Duel Computer to declare an attack. However, because Duel Computer was maxed out in its Skill Level, it knew better than to rush straight into the Battle Phase.
"Summon 'Lord of D.'," began Duel Computer.
Appearing on the field was a caped man with a dragon-like armor (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1100).
"What?!" cried Spencer.
"Neither player can target Dragon monsters on the field with card effects," revealed Duel Computer, knowing it rendered 'Dragon Seeker's' effect and Spencer's Set card worthless, "Ritual Spell, 'White Dragon Ritual'," The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, "This card is used to Ritual Summon 'Paladin of White Dragon'. You must also Tribute monsters from your hand or field whose total Levels equal 4 or more," Appearing on the field for a moment was a humanoid Fish monster called 'Kaiser Sea Horse', which faded away as a Warrior monster riding a baby white-scaled dragon appeared in its place (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200), "Tribute Level 4 'Kaiser Sea Horse'. Ritual Summon 'Paladin of White Dragon' in Attack Position."
"I know what the computer wants to Summon," commented Discord quietly.
"Spencer…" worried Skiff.
"'Paladin of White Dragon's' second effect," exclaimed Duel Computer, much to Spencer's shock, "You can Tribute this card; Special Summon 1 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' from your hand or Deck, but 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' cannot attack for the rest of this turn," 'Paladin of White Dragon' faded away in a blue streak, "Tribute monster to Summon 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' from Deck."
In a burst of light, a second 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' appeared on the field (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). Spencer was sweating bullets, knowing exactly what was about to happen.
"Spell Card, 'Polymerization'," concluded Duel Computer, just as the mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field behind and between both 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' as a third copy also appeared on the field, "Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand or field as Fusion Material," All three monsters started fusing together, "Fuse three 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons' into 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon'."
Spencer winced, while Discord, Skiff, and the engineers in the other room watched in horror. The Fusion Summon sequence ended as a three-headed 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' appeared on the field with a bloodthirsty roar (Level: 12/ATK: 4500/DEF: 3800). Inside the other room…
"Big Brother's monsters are no match for 'Ultimate Dragon'!" protested Skiff.
Back on the field, it was about to get far worse for Spencer.
"Continuous Trap, 'Dragon's Rage'," informed Duel Computer, as its final Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself—causing 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' to get energized with the power to hurt the opponent even if it attacks a defending monster, "If your Dragon monster attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent."
"Piercing damage?!" yelled Skiff, knowing where this was going, "'Ultimate Dragon' has 4500 ATK!"
"It's hopeless. There's no way to defeat the computer at the max Level!" A technician panicked, reading the ratings on the computer, "If its attack succeeds, there'll be direct damage!"
"What?" demanded Skiff.
"Master Spencer programmed the Duel Disk to simulate combat damage," said the technician urgently.
"Big Brother! It's too dangerous!" screamed Skiff, "Stop the duel! Big Brother!"
At this point, the duel couldn't be stopped.
"'Ultimate Dragon' will attack 'Pitch-Black Warwolf'," announced Duel Computer, having entered the Battle Phase.
'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' (ATK: 4500) obeyed and fired off Neutron Blast. On contact, 'Pitch-Black Warwolf' (DEF: 600) disintegrated on contact as Spencer, feeling the full force of the attack, shouted in pain from the huge damage he took (LP: 4000 → 100).
"One more attack and he'll lose!" cried Skiff.
Falling to a knee, Spencer was panting from recovering from the attack—but rather than look up at 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' in fear like someone else would, he merely…had a smile of pure satisfaction on his face.
"Beautiful," The silver-haired boy mumbled in an admiring tone.
Inside the other room…
"Has Master Spencer lost his mind?!" gawked the technician.
"No," denied Discord, "I think…he's proud of his 'Blue-Eyes'."
"Huh?"
"Proud?" pressed Skiff, who was very confused, "What do you mean by that?"
"Spencer-boy wants to test his skills against his most powerful monster," figured Discord, "And he's proud that 'Blue-Eyes' isn't holding back."
Skiff and the technician both looked back over to Spencer. Back on the field, Spencer was facing the almighty 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon', who let loose another roar.
"Turn ending now," finished Duel Computer.
"Billinton, did you always feel this fear when you were facing me?" thought Spencer, as he (Spencer) imagined Thomas standing in front of him, staring up at 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon', "But you never hesitated to face this fear. By believing in your cards. A duelist's biggest enemy is the fear inside his heart known as a monster!"
Inside the other room, Discord sensed something about Spencer.
"Spencer-boy will continue to duel?" murmured Discord, "Yes, that's the will of a True Duelist. No matter how powerful the opposition is, you can't give up."
Back on the field…
"It's my turn!" began Spencer, preparing to draw his card, "I'll bet everything on this card!" He drew a card with a Destiny Draw, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Spencer Gresley (LP: 100)
Deck: 23
Current Hand (2): "Endless Decay" and "Obelisk the Tormentor"
From there…
"I activate the first effect of 'Endless Decay'!" proclaimed Spencer, "If I have 2000 LP or less, I can Special Summon this card (from my hand)!" Appearing on the field was a mummy of sorts (Level: 5/ATK: ?/DEF: 0), "Appear now, 'Endless Decay'!"
"Ineffective," responded Duel Computer, "'Endless Decay' can't defeat 'Ultimate Dragon'."
"Furthermore, my monster has a second effect," cut in Spencer, ignoring Duel Computer as 'Endless Decay' grew stronger (ATK: ? → 3000), "If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: This card's ATK becomes half the opponent's LP."
"Move is illogical," rebutted Duel Computer, "'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' has 4500 ATK, and opponent's monsters don't meet the criteria to win."
"Nonsense," countered Spencer, "As advanced as you are, you're not as right as you make out to believe. My moves are far from logical; they have been setting up for my victory and will open the road to my future," He held up his final card ('Obelisk the Tormentor'), "This card will prove that. Come forth, 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!"
'Exarion Universe', 'Lightserpent', and 'Manticore of Darkness' each instantly vanished in streaks of blue. Suddenly, there was a lot of light and rumbling, felt even inside the other room.
"Wh-What's happening?" quivered Skiff.
Discord was looking dead silent when he (Discord) heard Spencer say the name 'Obelisk the Tormentor'. Back on the field, appearing within an explosion of light came a huge, blue, muscular monster, roaring loudly (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000). Inside the other room, there was a variety of reactions from the people watching.
"It…can't be," Discord stuttered, recognizing the creature.
"What in the world is that thing?!" cried the technician.
"The monster that my Big Brother was given by Ishizu," thought Skiff, as a faded still of Spencer being given the 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card by Ishizu was superimposed over him, "No one knows how powerful the 'God' Card is, but Spencer is about to reveal their destructive nature."
Back on the field…
"This is my ultimate weapon, 'Obelisk the Tormentor'!" gloated Spencer, as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' loomed behind him, "Battle!"
"Illogical! 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' is still stronger!" objected Duel Computer.
"Let me show you real power," hissed Spencer menacingly, "I activate the eleventh effect of 'Obelisk'!"
It was then 'Obelisk the Tormentor' took hold of 'Dragon Seeker' and 'Endless Decay' and started crushing them into dust. Once that was done, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' stood tall and roared for a second time.
"If this Attack Position card battles (Quick Effect): I can Tribute 2 other monsters; this card's ATK becomes ∞ during the Damage Step only!" explained Spencer, as focus went towards 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' and then Duel Computer, "As it stands, 'Ultimate Dragon' is no longer the strongest monster on the field, and your LP are about to be wiped out by the hands of 'God'!"
"Illogical! Illogical! Illogical!" wailed Duel Computer, "This makes no sense! 'Ultimate Dragon' is the stronger monster!"
Inside the other room, the machine connected to Duel Computer was going haywire over the calculations from the new monster.
"The machine's going berserk!" exclaimed the technician, "I've never read such powerful readings!"
Back on the field…
"Then allow me to show you the power of 'God'!" offered Spencer, as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' faced 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon', "'Obelisk', attack!"
"Spencer-boy!" shouted Discord, "Where in the name of heaven did you get a card like that?!"
Too late, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' winded up and punched an energized fist forth.
"Forgive me, 'Blue-Eyes'," thought Spencer, as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' slugged 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon', "I'll lay you to rest with the hand of 'God'."
'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' shattered into shards of glass.
"Warning! Warning! Unable to compute action!" screeched Duel Computer (LP: 6000 → 0), "Warning! Warning! Unable to compute action!"
DUEL RESULTS: Spencer Gresley wins!
The computer finally exploded from destruction, overloaded from the attack. In the other room, Discord, Skiff, and the technician all watched in complete silence and shock.
"The main computer is going haywire!" whispered the technician.
"'Obelisk the Tormentor'… It drained the player's LP in mere seconds," thought Skiff.
Back on the field…
"It works!" laughed Spencer, as 'Obelisk the Tormentor' remained on the field for a few more seconds, "I am unstoppable!"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
"Spencer! What on Earth is going on in there?!" The voice of Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) questioned.
The door burst opened, and walking in was both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"There was a loud explo-" started Mr. Gresley (Boxford), but stopped, "W-What the-?!"
Both parents froze in immense fear at what they saw; a gigantic creature they never saw before.
"What in the name of Sodor is that?!" spluttered Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), pointing at 'Obelisk the Tormentor', "Where did you get it, Spencer?!"
'Obelisk the Tormentor' merely let out a booming roar before fading away because the duel had ended.
"That's what I would like to know," Discord added firmly, emerging from the other room, while Skiff and the technician followed from behind, "Spencer-boy, what's going on? Where did you get such a card?"
"You really must thank Ishizu Ishtar," said Spencer smugly, holding up his 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card, "She was the one who gave me this card."
He then told everyone else in the chamber about the Rare Hunters.
"So then it is true," realized Discord, "The other two 'God' Cards have been stolen."
"Were you really the one who made the 'Egyptian God' Cards?" asked Skiff.
"Yes, Skiff-boy," admitted Discord, feeling ashamed, "I did—it was the biggest mistake I've ever made."
"It matters not," Spencer interrupted, placing his hands on his sides, "With my test an outstanding success, the tournament will go ahead on schedule."
"Spencer, honey, do you really know what you're doing?" frowned Mrs. Gresley (Boxford), talking uneasily.
"Of course, I do," insisted Spencer, sounding very confident, "When word gets around, those Rare Hunters will jump at the chance of getting more and more rare cards. And no doubt they'd bring the other two 'Egyptian God' Cards with them," He then looked at the 'Obelisk the Tormentor' Effect Monster Card in his fingers, "With them I can defeat anyone, no matter how strong!" In the background, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' had reappeared, "Then I will be the complete and true King of duelists!"
With that said, the silver-haired boy erupted into evil laughter at the endless possibilities.
(elsewhere…)
Later that evening, Thomas and Emily had enjoyed their day out together, having visited a music shop, taken a walk in the park, seen a movie at the theater, had lunch at Burger World, and Emily defeated Märklin in a duel. After leaving the arcade, they had run into Percy and Lady doing some shopping and decided to tag along and were walking down the street in the middle of the big city.
"Well, seems like you two have quite an eventful date," Lady teased, looking at both Thomas and Emily as they became embarrassed, "I almost wish Percy and I joined you a little earlier so we could make it a double date."
"I-It wasn't a date!" argued Emily, blushing.
Percy laughed to himself, knowing that what Emily said wasn't true. Just then, they spotted a large group of people gathered around the main square. It looked like something was going on—or at least was about to start.
"Look over there!" Emily pointed forth.
"What do you guys think is going on?" blinked Lady.
"Not a clue," shrugged Percy, "But there's only one way to find out."
"Yeah," nodded Thomas, "Come on, let's check it out!"
The four friends walked over to the group. Once they arrived, Thomas noticed that many of the people in the crowd were duelists. Some of the crowd contained Matt, Michael, James R., Carlie, and Zack. Zack was the first to spot Thomas, Emily, Percy, and Lady.
"Hey!" he called out.
"What's going on?" pondered Emily, as she, Thomas, Percy, and Lady walked over.
"We don't know," Matt answered while shrugging, looking around at the various duelists, "We were just doing some exploring when we saw these people gathered around."
"Whatever is going on though, I bet it must be Duel Monsters-related," guessed Michael.
"Maybe it's a big tournament like the one in San Francisco," suggested Percy.
"Hey, didn't Ishizu mention something about that during our field trip at the museum?" recalled Emily, remembering what Ishizu had told her and the others, "Something about a big event coming up real soon?"
"I think she did bring it up," agreed Thomas.
Lady looked around and scowled, spotting Diesel, Arry, Bert, and even Dennis nearby.
"What are they doing here?" fumed Emily.
"Up to no good, I bet," Thomas assumed, as focus went towards the four Smelter Teens nearby as they plotted their next big scheme, "I'm surprised after what they did regarding Diesel 10 they're still allowed to duel."
"Judging from your reactions, it sounds like you know those four boys," added James R..
"They're from the Smelter's Class at our school," replied Percy, "Diesel, Arry, Bert, and Dennis. They like to cause trouble if it amuses them."
Before anyone else could speak up regarding the Smelter Teens in the area, the big view screen turned itself on and there was the one person who was going to announce the tournament.
"Spencer Gresley?!" Thomas, Percy, Emily, and Lady exclaimed at the same time.
"Say, isn't that the blood son of the Boxford family?" questioned Zack.
"That's the one," nodded Thomas.
"Greetings, duelists," The image of Spencer said on the TV Screen, "Listen carefully… In two weeks directly at the end of the school year, in this very same city… Boxford Corporation will host a Duel Monsters tournament!"
"I knew it!" Thomas thought to himself.
"Then it looks like Ishizu was right all along," acknowledged Emily.
"Duelists must meet a simple prerequisite," The image of Spencer revealed, "They must have a Deck of at least 40 cards, including one rare card," Everyone down below listened to him, "Be warned that there is an ante rule. The loser must give the rarest card in their Deck to the winner."
Everyone down below in the crowd did not like hearing that bit of info at all.
"A rare card ante?" commented Matt.
"Forfeit my 'Dark Magician'?!" shouted Thomas.
"That's not fair!" protested Lady, "Losing even one duel would ruin our Decks!"
"That Spencer sure makes tough rules," huffed James R..
"If anyone has a problem with that new rule, then you probably don't belong in this tournament," The image of Spencer stated haughtily, acting like he had a feeling no one would like hearing that bit of info, "If you're man enough to accept such a ruling, then we'll see how well you fare."
"So that's Spencer," muttered Matt, arms folded.
"He's got an ego bigger than Gordon and James combined," Percy pointed out, "And that's saying something."
"We've all made peace with him recently," recalled Thomas, "But he still retained his arrogance and pride."
Suddenly, the people gathered around heard the sound of helicopter blades and looked in the air.
"It's Spencer!" exclaimed Emily.
Yup, holding onto the helicopter door was Spencer Gresley himself.
"I see my message got all of you interested," joked Spencer, "Well, that's good. Because it means I've attracted the best of the best on the island who want to take part and willing to potentially part ways with their rarest cards," Becoming all dramatic, he then pointed the index finger of his left hand into the sky proudly, "However! There is only one duelist who will be crowned the best of this tournament!"
Nearby, Percy, however, had a feeling he knew who Spencer was really talking about.
"I think I know who he might be referring to," fretted Percy.
And he (Percy) looked to Thomas, who just nodded at his best friend. He (Thomas) knew what he (Percy) had been thinking.
"Unfortunately for most of you, there is one duelist out there I'm dying to face off against once more," Spencer rambled on, eyeing the crowd, "And I know he's down there somewhere."
Thomas looked up into the sky at the helicopter…and he and Spencer both made eye contact.
"Spencer…" thought Thomas.
"Billinton…" thought Spencer.
"Thomas…" thought Emily, growing concerned.
"Just remember; in two weeks starting today… Knapford City becomes Battle City!" concluded Spencer.
The helicopter flew away, leaving the crowd (except Thomas, Emily, Percy, Lady, Matt, Michael, Carlie, James R., and Zack) to cheer loudly over the new Duel Monsters tournament.
"In two weeks, Knapford City becomes Battle City," murmured Lady thoughtfully.
"I guess we've got another adventure in store for us," remarked Percy, as Thomas and Emily looked at each other, "Who knows what's gonna happen to us in it?"
(elsewhere…)
Meanwhile, in another part of the world (likely Egypt) a group of men wearing purple cloaks were inside a tomb meeting with the same teenage boy who possessed Diesel 10.
"Battle City, eh?" The leader of the band grinned.
"Shall we make our move, Master Marik?" One of the cloaked men suggested.
"In due time," dismissed Marik, as he was named, holding onto his Millennium Rod, "I've already dispatched a number of Rare Hunters to the Island of Sodor, where they will stalk and take the rarest cards of any of the duelists that are there."
"And what of the boy, Thomas Billinton?" A second cloaked man pondered.
"He will be no exception," said Marik darkly, "Thomas Billinton will fall before my power!" The group of cloaked figures listened carefully, "Our target is Knapford City!" He smiled evilly, "Let the hunting game commence!"
The Millennium Rod started glowing with power. Oh boy, that can't be good, can it?
For this version, Aaron and I included a little bit of the deleted scene where Thomas and Emily go out on a "date". We skipped the two chapters where Spencer obtains "Obelisk" and Thomas learns all about being the ancestor of a Pharaoh.
Note for John Wilkins: Believe me, I really want to resume work on the 6D's story more than anything. However, we've run into a roadblock with a lack of ideas for the next chapter.