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: Big Trouble at Sodor High, Part 4

Somewhere near Ulfstead Castle, all was very peaceful in the area—at least until the sound of Duel Runners was heard. Two advanced Duel Runners roared down the road, with their riders engaged in something known as a Turbo Duel. The first boy was 17-years old; he had short dirty blonde hair, and wore a long-sleeved blue jacket with a high collar and amber gems, over a black and gray motorcyclist suit, plus a helmet. The dirty blonde-haired boy was riding a custom made Duel Runner (painted red and white) called Fudo Go. The other teenage boy, also 17-years old, had short lime green hair and white form-fitting motorcyclist suit with a similar design to one of his favorite coats and white boots, as well as a white helmet with a green visor and a purple peak, riding his own custom-designed Duel Runner (painted white with blue and golden trims) called Wheel of Fortune. Both duelists controlled one monster:
-Boy 1 (LP: 4000): Controlled a majestic-looking silver/white dragon with wings called 'Stardust Dragon' (Level: 8/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000).
-Boy 2 (LP: 4000): Controlled a demonic-looking dragon with dark red and black scales with wings and curled horns called 'Red Dragon Archfiend' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000).

"Bring it, Mike! Bring it, 'Red Daemon's'!" The first teenage boy dared.

'Red Dragon Archfiend' then unleashed a mighty roar at its fellow dragon and opponent, while 'Stardust Dragon' returned the roar, accepting the challenge without fear or hesitation. The second teenage boy, who was named Michael, entered his Battle Phase.

"Matt, we will do battle!" declared Michael, as 'Red Dragon Archfiend' had flames coming from its mouth as it started breathing fire, "Take this! Blazing Crimson Hell Flare!"

"Roar!" The voice of Matt, as he's named, countered, as 'Stardust Dragon' opened its mouth and fired a stardust-like breath attack, "Cosmic Flare!"

Both attacks collided in an attempt to overpower the other—but 'Red Dragon Archfiend' soon was able to overwhelm 'Stardust Dragon' due to having higher ATK, yet the weaker monster was able to withstand Blazing Crimson Hell Flare without going down.

"Why!? Why can't it destroy 'Stardust'?!" exclaimed Michael, "'Red Daemon's' should have the higher ATK!"

Matt smirked, just as he made a Monster Card called 'Shield Warrior' briefly appear face-up on the field beside Fudo Go (on its left) before fading away into oblivion.

"Ngh… 'Shield Warrior', is it?" growled Michael.

"That's right. I activate the monster effect of 'Shield Warrior'! During damage calculation (Quick Effect): I can banish this card from my GY; monsters I control cannot be destroyed by this battle!" revealed Matt, before losing some LP (LP: 4000 → 3500), "But I still take the damage as per the attack."

"Heh! Not bad, Matt!" praised Michael, sounding pleased, "You're just as slippery as ever!" He took a card from his hand and slotted it into his Duel Disk, causing a face-down card to appear on the field in-front of Wheel of Fortune before fading away for later, "I Set one card and end my turn!"

Matt was about to draw a card and begin his own turn when an alarm went off on Fudo Go. Sensing something was wrong, Matt turned and called out to his best friend/forever rival.

"Sorry, Mike, but we have to call off the duel, now!" The dirty blonde-haired boy was saying, as Michael looked surprised, "I think something's wrong!"

The holograms vanished, ending the duel without results as Matt pushed a button on Fudo Go to halt the alarm, just as Michael rode up on Wheel of Fortune.

"What's the trouble?" questioned Michael, before an alarm went off on Wheel of Fortune.

"I'm not sure," Matt replied thoughtfully, "My Duel Runner just started beeping an alarm. I know our friends decided to head into town for some food earlier, but just now…"

Michael folded his arms, "You're thinking we should go looking for them?"

"Yeah, just to be on the safe side," confirmed Matt.

With that being said, the two Turbo Duelists revved their respective Duel Runners up once more. If their friends were in trouble, they would proceed to rescue them and whoever else was in danger.

"Let's kick this Turbo Duel into overdrive!" boomed Michael, grinning broadly.

"Let's rev it up!" came from Matt.

They both rode off into the distance and towards Knapford City, hoping that Carlie, James R., and Zack were alright.

(elsewhere…)

Inside the gym of Sodor High School, all was not well for Thomas in the duel against Diesel 10 (possessed). These were the standings:
-Thomas (LP: 1600): Controlled no cards, having lost 'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl'.
-Diesel 10 (possessed) (LP: 1200): Controlled 'Zera the Mant' (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2300) and two Set cards.

"Tch!" muttered Thomas.

"Even if 'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl' weren't destroyed!" The voice of Diesel 10 (possessed) assured, as 'Zera the Mant' eyed Thomas with sheer malice, "they couldn't hope to defeat 'Zera'!"

With the captured audience…

"2800 ATK…!" spluttered Rosie.

"We're seeing one of the only three copies of 'Zera the Mant' out there," put in Henry.

"Is Diesel 10 secretly a card collector in his spare time?" wondered James.

Back on the field…

"What's the matter?" taunted Diesel 10 (possessed), while 'Zera the Mant' was waiting for its chance to attack next turn, "What happened to the invincible Thomas who won the San Francisco Duel Monsters tournament?"

"How do I beat something like 'Zera'?" thought Thomas, "What should I… What should I do?!"

(elsewhere…)

Meanwhile outside, Flynn, Belle, Duck, and the firefighters were still surrounded by members of Diesel 10's gang. Suddenly, the Millennium Ring began to glow in secret, catching the attention of Duck. Suddenly, his face changed to that of someone more evil—someone by the name of Montague.

"I sense another Millennium Item at work," thought Montague, before starting to leave, "I have to find out who it belongs to."

"Duck?" whispered Belle, but the boy didn't seem to listen.

"Hold it right there, squirt!" Hoodlum 1 called out.

Montague looked and saw that the ten members of Diesel 10's gang were now eyeing him and armed with clubs and handguns. But did that worry him? Not the slightest.

"What is this? Do you guys have a problem with me?" scoffed Montague.

"Nobody's allowed in there!" said Hoodlum 2 sternly, "The boss says so!"

"Oh really?" quizzed Montague. He then looked serious and such, "Don't waste my time. Let me pass, or else I'll have to kill the lot of you."

"Duck, what's the matter with you?!" Flynn gasped, noticing that whom he (Flynn) thought Duck was acting differently, "Are you trying to provoke them?"

The hoodlums, however, were loudly laughing at the boy's threat, not knowing that Montague was being deadly serious.

"You? Kill us?" howled Hoodlum 3, "What a riot!"

"What a maroon!" finished Hoodlum 4.

Montague glared intensely, knowing that those fools had made a fatal mistake in underestimating him. Now he was going to teach them a lesson—one such lesson they would never, ever forget in the remains of their short lives.

"I suppose I'll just have to teach you a lesson," hissed Montague, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a Deck of Duel Monsters cards, "I'll do it with these cards!"

"Duck?" flinched Belle, "What are you doing?"

"Enough talk! Get him!" cried Hoodlum 2, lunging forth.

The rest of the hoodlums charged at Montague, who just drew a card as though nothing bad was about to happen to him.

"Try this on for size!" Montague declared, holding the card ('Man-Eater Bug') up as his Millennium Ring started glowing, "'Man-Eater Big'!"

"No silly little card can stop us!" Hoodlum 5 snorted arrogantly.

But he was dead wrong in that assumption. Suddenly, the card in Montague's fingers began to glow as well and out from it and onto the field came a huge bug.

"HOLY-!" yelled Hoodlum 4.

"What…on…Earth?" stammered Flynn.

Protecting its master and the firefighters, 'Man-Eater Bug' stood tall and roared as it prepared to do the bidding of Montague.

"You fools don't know what dark powers you are dealing with," chuckled Montague menacingly.

The hoodlums tried to shoot down 'Man-Eater Bug' with their guns, but it looked like the bullets had no effect. Angered over being shot at, 'Man-Eater Bug' started crawling towards the hoodlums. They then tried attacking the creature with their clubs, but 'Man-Eater Bug' was unaffected and bit one of them, breaking it in two.

"L-L-L-L-Let's get out of here!" flailed Hoodlum 1.

The hoodlums turned tail and began fleeing with 'Man-Eater Bug' chasing them, but Montague was far from being done with them.

"Aw, leaving so soon?" Montague grinned sadistically, drawing another card from the top of his Deck, "The fun's just getting started," He then held up a Monster Card called 'Morphing Jar', "'Morphing Jar' will now send you guys to the netherworld!"

A huge jar-like creature appeared on the field as a one eyed creature popped out of it and swallowed the hoodlums whole as they screamed in fright.

"HELP!" shrieked Hoodlum 2.

"SAVE US!" came from Hoodlum 5, but it was futile.

Montague laughed evilly as he watched the suffering of the hoodlums at the hands of 'Man-Eater Bug' and 'Morphing Jar' before they all vanished off the face of the Earth, while Belle, Flynn, and their entire team watched in complete terror.

"Oh my God…" uttered Belle, bringing both hands towards her mouth.

"What did he-?" added Flynn, which was all he could say.

"If you must know, I've sent them all to a little place called the Shadow Realm," said Montague, brushing his hands off, "It's where 'Reaper of the Cards' will condemn them," He then turned and faced the people who saw his true power up close, but he did not intend to bring harm to them, "But I do believe it would be best if all of you forgot you saw that."

The Millennium Ring glowed again, this time causing the firefighters to fall unconscious before any of them could react.

"Enough time wasted," Montague grumbled, walking towards the school entrance, "Now to find where that Millennium signal is coming from."

(inside…)

Back inside the gym, Thomas was left in a tricky situation thanks to the legendary 'Zera the Mant' being Summoned and him no longer controlling his ace monsters.

"It's my turn," grimaced Thomas, before entering his thoughts again, "I know I can start a comeback this turn, but I need to get the right number of cards," He drew a card, "Draw!"


Turn Six: Thomas Billinton (LP: 1600)
Deck: 46
Current Hand (2): "Spider's String" and "Skilled Dark Magician"


His drawn card was a Monster Card called 'Skilled Dark Magician', which caused his eyes to widen with renewed hope.

"Yes!" thought Thomas.

With the captured audience…

"Guys, I know that smirk…" began Emily, hopefully.

"Same here," acknowledged Percy.

Back on the field…

"I Summon 'Skilled Dark Magician' in Defense Position!" declared Thomas, placing his card ('Skilled Dark Magician') onto his Duel Disk (sideways).

Appearing on the field was what appeared to be a Spellcaster monster wearing robes with orbs of some sort (Level: 4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 1700).

"Each time a Spell Card is activated, I must place 1 Spell Counter on this card when that Spell resolves (max. 3)," explained Thomas, going over his monster's first effect.

"You only have one card in your hand," Diesel 10 (possessed) pointed out, "Even if it is a Spell, you'd only gain 1 Spell Counter."

"We'll see about that," suggested Thomas, before holding his final card ('Spider's String') out, "Spell Card, 'Spider's String', activate!"

A long spider's thread fired from the card until it reached and entered the GY belonging to Diesel 10 (possessed).

"W-What is this?" cried Diesel 10 (possessed), before looking up at Thomas, "What the hell are you trying to pull?"

"This is the power of 'Spider's String'!" replied Thomas, "I must target 1 card in my opponent's GY that was sent there the previous turn; I must add it to my hand," The thread exited Diesel 10's GY with a card in tow, which he (Thomas) took hold of, "The card I chose was 'Card of Demise'!"

"That means you get to refresh your hand, too!" complained Diesel 10 (possessed).

"But first," cut in Thomas, as an orb on 'Skilled Dark Magician' lit up (Spell C: 0 → 1), "'Skilled Dark Magician' gains a Spell Counter!" He then held out his added card ('Card of Demise'), "And now, I'll activate 'Card of Demise'! I must draw until I have 5 cards in my hand, but send all cards in my hand to the GY during my 5th Standby Phase after activation. This also gives 'Skilled Dark Magician' a second Spell Counter!"

A second orb on 'Skilled Dark Magician' lit up (Spell C: 1 → 2). One more, and he would have three of them. Thomas then drew five new cards—which were 'Mystic Box' (Spell Card), 'Dark Resonance Burst' (Spell Card), 'Watapon' (Monster Card), 'Magician's Sense' (Trap Card), and '4-Starred Ladybug of Doom' (Monster Card). Noticing one of the cards he drew, Thomas took and held it ('Watapon') out.

"I Special Summon 'Watapon' in Attack Position!" yelled Thomas.

Appearing on the field was a very cute, white cotton ball-like monster which uttered "Watapon!" in a high-pitched voice (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 300).

"If this card is added from my Deck to my hand by a card effect: I can Special Summon this card," revealed Thomas, before slotting another card into his Duel Disk, "Next, I'll activate a third Spell Card," A Spell Card called 'Mystic Box' materialized face-up on the field in-front of him, "Behold, 'Mystic Box'!"

Two large boxes appeared on both players' fields, sucking 'Zera the Mant' (Diesel 10) and 'Watapon' (Thomas) inside before shutting.

"Do you like magic tricks, Diesel 10? Then this is something you 'might' get a kick out of!" joked Thomas.

Diesel 10 (possessed) didn't know what to make of this, but he did gasp when a whole bunch of swords suddenly appeared and impaled the box on Thomas's field.

"How pointless! You skewered your own 'Watapon'!" dismissed Diesel 10 (possessed).

He was wrong; Thomas smirked as his box opened and revealed a skewered 'Zera the Mant', which growled weakly before falling onto the ground and shattering into shards of glass.

"Huh? I-Impossible!" recoiled Diesel 10 (possessed), "'Zera' was-!"

"That is the power of 'Mystic Box'. I must target 1 monster my opponent controls and 1 monster I control; I must destroy the first target, then give control of the second target to my opponent," said Thomas, as the box on the field of Diesel 10 (possessed) opened up and revealed a perfectly safe 'Watapon', "While 'Watapon' is now yours to command, I have destroyed your ultra rare 'Zera the Mant'!"

"Damn you…!" cursed Diesel 10 (possessed).

With the captured audience…

"He got rid of that extremely rare card so quickly…" admired Stanley.

"Thomas… You really are amazing…!" thought Rosie, blushing a little bit.

Back on the field, the third orb on 'Skilled Dark Magician' lit up (Spell C: 2 → 3), giving him a maximum of three Spell Counters and Thomas the opportunity to retake control of the duel.

"This gives 'Skilled Dark Magician' a third and final Spell Counter, which allows me to activate his second effect!" The voice of Thomas stated, as the above scenario played out and before 'Skilled Dark Magician' disappeared into black and purple smoke, "I can Tribute this card with 3 Spell Counters on it; I must…" He held up a card ('Dark Magician') taken from his GY for three seconds before placing it onto his Duel Disk, "…Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' from my hand, Deck, or GY! Resurrect, 'Dark Magician'!"

As the smoke faded away, standing in 'Skilled Dark Magician's' place on the field was 'Dark Magician' (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).

"Not bad at all. The guy has some serious skill," whistled James R..

"I can see how he won Discord's tournament," agreed Zack.

"There's more! I activate the Spell Card, 'Dark Resonance Burst'!" continued Thomas, holding another card ('Dark Resonance Burst') out, "I must target 1 face-up Level 6 or higher DARK Spellcaster monster I control; it gains 1000 ATK until the end of this turn, then…" Focus went towards 'Dark Magician' as he started glowing purple while readying his scepter before yelling out and gaining more power (ATK: 2500 → 4500), "…if I control a face-up 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl', that targeted monster gains 1000 more ATK until the end of this turn!"

"4500 ATK!" gasped Mavis.

"You're done!" boomed Thomas, entering his Battle Phase, "'Dark Magician'," As he continued to order the attack, 'Dark Magician' raised the scepter and charged an attack, "attack 'Watapon'! Dark Magic Attack!"

The magical blast was fired towards Diesel 10 (possessed), but the mustard colored-haired man smirked as Dark Magic Attack got closer to striking.

"You're too naive, Thomas!" insulted Diesel 10 (possessed), as one of his Set cards flipped face-up and revealed itself, "Face-down Trap, activate! 'Intruder Alarm - Yellow Alert'!"

"What? 'Intruder Alarm - Yellow Alert'?" cringed Thomas.

"When an opponent's monster declares an attack: I must Special Summon 1 monster from my hand, but return it to the hand at the end of the Battle Phase," explained Diesel 10 (possessed), before holding up a card without showing what it was, "While I control that face-up Special Summoned monster, my opponent cannot target other monsters for attacks!" He placed the card ('Zoa') onto his Duel Disk (sideways), "Appear now, 'Zoa'!"

Appearing on the field was a large, powerful blue demon with very sharp claws (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1900).

"'Dark Magician', destroy 'Zoa'!" ordered Thomas.

Firing a second blast of black magic, 'Dark Magician' quickly destroyed 'Zoa'. Thomas looked frustrated that he didn't succeed in finishing Diesel 10 (possessed) off during the current turn.

"No! He was so close!" cried Rosie.

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn," concluded Thomas, slotting another card into his Duel Disk and causing a Set card to appear on the field—just before 'Dark Magician's' ATK dropped back to normal (ATK: 4500 → 2500), "'Dark Resonance Burst' expires, so my 'Dark Magician's' ATK returns to normal."

"Thomas, you might control 'Dark Magician' again, but I still have access to many powerful cards," warned Diesel 10 (possessed), "Once I get one of them out, you will lose to me!" He drew a card, "Draw!"


Turn Seven: Diesel 10 (LP: 1200)
Deck: 39
Current Hand (2): "Cost Down" and "Dark Factory of Mass Production"
Card of Demise: Four Standby Phases left


His drawn card was a Spell Card called 'Dark Factory of Mass Production'.

"This is perfect! I activate the Spell Card, 'Dark Factory of Mass Production'!" began Diesel 10 (possessed), holding his drawn card ('Dark Factory of Mass Production') out, "I must target 2 Normal Monsters in my GY; I must add them to my hand!" Two cards ('Gradius' and 'Zoa') ejected from the GY, "The two Normal Monsters I…" He took the cards and held them out to show his opponent, "…target are 'Gradius' and the 'Zoa' you just destroyed!"

"If Diesel 10 has the card I think he has in his hand…" worried Rosie, remembering her own duel with Diesel 10, "He won't need two Tributes for 'Zoa'!"

"From my hand, I'll activate the Spell Card, 'Cost Down'!" announced Diesel 10 (possessed), holding up one of his final cards ('Cost Down').

"I knew it!" realized Rosie.

On cue, the mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.

"I must discard 1 card; for the rest of this turn, I must reduce the Levels of all monsters in my hand by 2 (even after they are Summoned)," revealed Diesel 10, before sending one of the retrieved cards ('Gradius') from his hand to the GY, "By discarding 'Gradius' to the GY, the Level of 'Zoa' is reduced from 7 to 5!" As he (Diesel 10) continued his turn, Thomas sweated urgently as 'Watapon' faded away in a blue streak and another card ('Zoa') was placed onto a Monster Zone on his Duel Disk, "I Tribute 'Watapon'! I Summon 'Zoa' in Attack Position!"

Reappearing on the field was 'Zoa' (Level: 5/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1900).

"I got you," thought Thomas, before speaking aloud and pressing a button on his Duel Disk, "Trap Card, open! 'Magician's Sense'!" The Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "When my opponent Normal or Special Summons a monster while I have 3 or more Spells in my GY: I must Set up to 2 'Thousand Knives', 'Dark Magic Attack', and/or 'Dark Resonance Burst' from my GY, also, I take no battle damage from my opponent's Level 9 or lower monsters' attacks this turn!" A face-down card materialized on the field near his feet once more, "I Set 'Dark Resonance Burst' from my GY!" He then smiled grimly, "Now, you can attack 'Dark Magician' if you want, but even 'Zoa' will not inflict any damage upon me."

"He's safe…" sighed Emily in relief.

"Now it's my turn to activate a Trap Card!" bellowed Diesel 10 (possessed), as his remaining Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Metalmorph'!" He continued to look angry while going over his card, "I must target 1 face-up monster on the field; I must equip this card to that target. It gains 300 ATK/DEF!" From there, metal coating formed across the body of 'Zoa', causing it to let out a roar as its stats went up (ATK: 2600 → 2900/DEF: 1900 → 2200), "And there's a second effect! If it attacks, it gains ATK equal to half the ATK of the attack target, during damage calculation only!" The Battle Phase began, "Battle! 'Zoa', tear 'Dark Magician' apart!"

'Zoa' obeyed, running on all fours towards 'Dark Magician', who got into a defensive stance.

"At this moment, 'Metalmorph's' second effect activates," reminded Diesel 10 (possessed), just as 'Zoa' got stronger and raised both front claws (ATK: 2900 → 4150), "raising 'Zoa's' ATK by half of 'Dark Magician's' ATK! Devil X-Scissors!"

'Dark Magician's' scepter was thrown out of his hands and landed nearby.

"But thanks to 'Magician's Sense', I don't take any battle damage!" Thomas pointed out (LP: 1600).

"But 'Dark Magician' will be destroyed!" countered Diesel 10 (possessed).

Attacking again, 'Zoa' slashed 'Dark Magician' in two before both halves of the body shattered into shards of glass, while Thomas could only grimace over the loss of his ace monster yet again.

"'Dark Magician'…!" thought Thomas, dismayed.

(elsewhere…)

In one of the hallways, Montague was busy searching for Thomas and Diesel 10, since if he found them, he would find the source of the Millennium power he was feeling. Eventually, the Millennium Ring was pointing in the direction of the gym.

(elsewhere…)

Back in the gym, Diesel 10 (possessed) had one more move to make before his turn was over.

"I offer 'Zoa', equipped with 'Metalmorph', as a Tribute!" declared Diesel 10 (possessed), just as 'Zoa's' body turned metallic even more so and it grew bigger in size, "Appear now, 'Metalzoa'!"

Taking a step forward, 'Metalzoa' shook the area up and roared to signal its arrival (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2300).

"My monster lacks the power of 'Metalmorph', but has 3000 ATK," snickered Diesel 10 (possessed), "I have also destroyed your 'Dark Magician' again, preventing you from getting the full benefit of your…" Focus went towards Thomas's Set card, "…'Dark Resonance Burst', making it as good as useless!"

Thomas was very concerned, since this was going to be his last turn before the duel ended. Suddenly, he winced from a glowing sensation nearby. He and everyone else turned to the nearby doorway and found Montague standing there—although they believed him to be Duck.

"Duck?" blinked Thomas.

"DUCK?!" Percy and the likes exclaimed at the same time.

"What is this?" demanded Diesel 10 (possessed), "Why are you-?" But then stopped and clutched his forehead in pain before he (Diesel 10) looked at Thomas as his (Diesel 10) eyes briefly returned to normal, "Thomas!"

His eyes went dull once more, but he then started yelling in severe pain, causing Thomas and everyone else to keep their focus on him (Diesel 10) instead of Montague while wondering what was wrong. Speaking of Montague, his (Montague) Millennium Ring was reacting strongly to Diesel 10 (possessed).

"So somebody is using Diesel 10 to duel against Thomas. And I appear to be blocking his Millennium Item's power," thought Montague, before eyeing what was on the field of Diesel 10 (possessed) before activating the power of the Millennium Ring, "Looks like it's time for me to step in. Thomas must not be allowed to lose to this fool. With the power of my Millennium Ring, I break Alexander Swindon free from his possession!"

"What's Duck doing with his Millennium Ring?" Emily blinked, seeing what Montague was doing.

As Montague's Millennium Item started glowing at full power, Diesel 10 (possessed) was still clutching the sides of his head in pain as the real Diesel 10 fought to retake control before he went back to normal.

(elsewhere…)

Within the darkness of Diesel 10's mind, the same mysterious teenage boy nearly dropped the Millennium Rod after experiencing a shock of sorts.

"Wh-What was that impact?" The teenage boy asked himself, "It was the power of darkness. Someone must be trying to help Thomas win!"

(elsewhere…)

Back in the gym…

"What the hell have I been doing?" pressed Diesel 10, looking around in surprise before he felt his mind being taken over again, "Agh!"

(elsewhere…)

Inside Diesel 10's mind…

"Diesel 10, you're under my control again!" The teenage boy commanded, holding up the glowing Millennium Rod, "Fight on until Thomas is completely defeated!"

(elsewhere…)

"Then you will kill him where he stands!" The voice of the teenage boy urged.

Diesel 10 continued to scream, much to the surprising concern of Thomas, the captured students, and even the hoodlums. Once the screaming stopped Diesel 10 fell to his hands and knees in exhaustion.

"Where… where am I?" panted Diesel 10, looking up and seeing the worst possible person ever, "Y-You!" He gritted his teeth in pure hatred, "Thomas, you're the one doing something to me!"

"Eh? What the hell are you talking about?" protested Thomas, "We're dueling, aren't we?"

If anything, hearing Thomas's voice enraged Diesel 10 even further as he finally lost what was left of his sanity. He looked nearby and found a metal pipe on the ground nearby.

"No more duels!" The voice of Diesel 10 snarled, picking up the pipe and running at Thomas with it, "It's finally time for you pay up with your death!"

"Thomas, look out!" warned Rosie.

Thomas cried out and avoided a swing from Diesel 10, who wasn't about to give up that easily.

"Stand still, you brat!" screamed Diesel 10, chasing after Thomas as the hoodlums all cheered. After missing four times in a row, he really got pissed off, "$*#^!"

Swinging the pipe one more time, it happened; Thomas avoided the swing, resulting in Diesel 10 hitting a nearby generator with all of his might, shorting it out and causing sparks to touch the wall…and catch fire, spreading rapidly.

"Fire!" flailed Edward.

Everyone, including the hoodlums, began to make their escape from the gym, except Annie and Clarabel instinctively ran towards Thomas first.

"BIG BROTHER!" Annie and Clarabel shrieked, holding onto their older brother tightly and weeping in terror.

As much as Thomas wanted to hug his younger sisters after what they'd been put through, he knew they were still in danger because of the fire.

"Come on, you two! We have to get out of here!" ordered Thomas.

The three family members started to flee with the other students. Unfortunately for Thomas, just as he, Annie, and Clarabel reached the door, an insane-looking Diesel 10 blocked their way out.

"Diesel 10!" flinched Thomas.

"No…" Diesel 10 refused, breathing deeply, "If I have to die in a fire, I'll make sure you and your sisters die here with me, Thomas!"

"You can keep me here, but at least let my sisters go!" requested Thomas.

"Now why would I want to break up loving siblings?" sneered Diesel 10, before coughing from the smoke, "Tell you what; if you can defeat me this turn, you can go free," As he (Diesel 10) laid out the stakes, Thomas listened in defiance, "But fail? We'll all die together!"

Thomas weakly looked at Annie and Clarabel, who were also coughing from the smoke. Diesel 10 wasn't going to move unless he was defeated in the duel, and he controlled 'Metalzoa' with 3000 ATK. Thomas didn't control any monsters and had a Set card. Without a choice, Thomas grimly nodded in agreement.

(outside…)

Outside, everyone was evacuating the building. Gordon soon spotted the firefighters waking up from being unconscious.

"Flynn! Belle!" called Gordon.

"Are you two alright?" put in Henry, "What happened?"

The group got back onto their feet, feeling a little groggy.

"Ugh… I don't really remember," admitted Belle.

"A fire has broken out!" Emily exclaimed, as focus went on the whole building covered in flames, "Diesel 10 started the disaster after he went berserk during a duel between him and Thomas!"

"We're on it!" nodded Flynn. He turned to the rest of the department, "Get the water going, lads!"

"Yes, sir!" The firefighters shouted, and immediately set to work.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Carlie offered helpfully.

"We need to finish evacuating the building," replied Belle.

"We're on it!" Zack nodded, turning to run back towards the burning building.

"Wait for me!" protested James R., following his friends.

(inside…)

Inside the burning gym, Diesel 10 weakly smiled at the thought of finally killing Thomas—not caring if he himself died in the process.

"Dammit… I have to defeat Diesel 10…to save my sisters," thought Thomas, huffing and puffing, eyeing his whole field, "But I don't control any monsters—especially 'Dark Magician'," He looked down at his Deck, "I need to draw a card that will bring 'Dark Magician' back… If I don't draw it, then I'll have failed my sisters…"

"Thomas…" whimpered Clarabel, coughing.

"No, I can't think like that!" Thomas told himself mentally, growing determined, "I will save my sisters from this fire—even at the cost of my own life!" He got ready to draw a card, "Here I come, Diesel 10! I'm putting my faith in the Heart of the Cards to get what I need!"

"Tch!" scoffed Diesel 10.

"Draaaaaaaw!" roared Thomas, drawing his final card with a Destiny Draw.

(outside…)

Back outside, the firefighters were doing their best to contain the flames. Eventually, Zack, James R., and Carlie all came out of the building with the remaining students and teachers.

"That's all of them!" concluded Zack.

Emily gasped, "Wait… what about Thomas?!"

"And Annie, Clarabel, and Diesel 10?!" added Rosie.

"Oh no!" panicked Carlie.

"They must still be inside the gym!" realized Edward.

Nearby, Montague overheard that Thomas was still inside the school and became worried—not for Thomas's wellbeing, but because Thomas would be very useful in the future. Then, without warning, Montague started running towards the burning building.

"Duck! What are you doing?!" berated Edward, as Montague stopped for a moment, "Don't go back in there!"

"I have to go help Thomas!" responded Montague, using Duck's voice as not to raise suspicions, "He's my friend!"

"But it's too dangerous!" objected Toby.

"I'll be fine!"

Before anyone else could speak up and/or try to stop him, Montague ran back into the burning school.

(inside…)

Back in the gym, Thomas had drawn his final card.


Turn Eight: Thomas Billinton (LP: 1600)
Deck: 40
Current Hand (2): "4-Starred Ladybug of Doom" and "Premature Burial"
Card of Demise: Four Standby Phases left


Upon seeing his drawn card, Thomas looked dead serious.

"Oh, upset you—cough—didn't draw a good card?" taunted Diesel 10, coughing a little bit before gloating about 'Metalzoa', "On my next turn, my 'Metalzoa' will finish you off before the flames consume us all!"

"There is no…next turn!" rebutted Thomas viciously, causing Diesel 10 to gasp, "My drawn card has sealed your fate, Diesel 10!" With that being said, he slotted the card into his Duel Disk, "I activate the Equip Spell, 'Premature Burial'!"

The mentioned Spell Card rose face-up on the field.

"What?! 'Premature Burial', is it?!" stammered Diesel 10.

"I must activate this card by paying 800 LP," explained Thomas, paying his LP (LP: 1600 → 800), "then target 1 monster in my GY; I must Special Summon that target in Attack Position and equip it with this card!" He held up a card taken from his GY before turning it over, "The monster…I've targeted…is 'Dark Magician'!"

Diesel 10 gritted his teeth, watching as 'Dark Magician' reappeared on Thomas's field (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100). 'Dark Magician' noticed that the entire gym was on fire and became especially worried for the wellbeing of Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel.

"Don't worry about…me," assured Thomas, talking to 'Dark Magician', "Just focus…on defeating 'Metalzoa'…"

'Dark Magician' nodded and faced Diesel 10 and 'Metalzoa'. Meanwhile, Thomas was able to weakly press a button on his Duel Disk.

"It's over, Diesel 10! I…activate 'Dark Resonance Burst'!" announced Thomas, as his final Set card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "I target 'Dark Magician' for this effect, increasing his ATK by 2000…" Focus went towards 'Dark Magician' as he grew stronger once more (ATK: 2500 → 4500), "…and making him stronger than 'Metalzoa'!"

Knowing it was all over for him, Diesel 10 could do nothing but scream in rage and horror at his impending loss.

"Go, 'Dark Magician'!" commanded Thomas, as 'Dark Magician' jumped into the air until he was above 'Metalzoa' (ATK: 3000), "Dark Resonance Burst!"

With a roar, 'Dark Magician' pointed his scepter at 'Metalzoa', charged, and unleashed an extremely powerful blast of magic upon it. 'Metalzoa' was hit, sparked about, and exploded spectacularly from destruction. Diesel 10 stammered in disbelief as he lost the duel (LP: 1200 → 0).


DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!


'Dark Magician' landed on the ground in-front of Thomas to protect him and glared hatefully at Diesel 10 before finally fading away.

"I-Impossible… Even with my invincible Machine Deck, I lost the duel?" spluttered Diesel 10.

"Yay, Thomas!" Annie and Clarabel cheered at the same time.

"Come on!" called Thomas, taking his two younger sisters by their hands.

Unfortunately, the flames had spread so much that the door was now blocked off, thus preventing any escape from happening.

"No!" cried Thomas.

"Too bad," The voice of Diesel 10's cut in. Nearby, the villain stood back up, glaring menacingly at his enemies, "Now we're all trapped without any escape route."

(outside…)

Outside the school, everyone didn't know what to do. Just then, the roar of two motorcycles echoed in the air. Suddenly, two more Duel Runners drove up. It was James R., Zack, and Carlie's friends', Matt Fudo and Michael Atlas.

"Matt! Mike!" acknowledged Zack.

"You both made it!" rejoiced Carlie.

"What's going on?" pressed Michael.

"There are still people trapped inside the gym! And the whole school's on fire! Please save them!" begged Emily.

"In that case, leave this to us," requested Matt, making his faceplate return before facing his best friend/rival, "Ready, Mike?"

"You know it," grinned Michael, doing the same thing.

With that said, the two duelists revved up Fudo Go (Matt) and Wheel of Fortune (Michael) and off they went into the burning school.

(inside…)

Back in the burning gym, an utterly deranged Diesel 10 was walking menacingly over to Thomas and his sisters…

"WE'RE ALL GOING TO BURN! WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!" thundered Diesel 10.

Thomas held Annie and Clarabel close to him, aiming to protect them from harm even if it cost him his life. Suddenly, they all heard the sound of motorcycles. Within seconds, Matt and Michael both raced in on their Duel Runners.

"Thomas!" called Matt, struggling to withstand the heat of the flames, "Where are you?!"

"Over here!" The voice of Thomas echoed from nearby.

Diesel 10 was getting closer to the three innocent civilians, but Michael sprung into action immediately.

"Hang on!" assured Michael.

He (Michael) jumped off of Wheel of Fortune and charged at Diesel 10, tackling him (Diesel 10) to the ground.

"Get off me, you-!" struggled Diesel 10.

However, the smoke inhalation, heat, and his exhaustion from the duel finally took its toll and he fell unconscious.

"Hmph! Not a very tough customer," grunted Michael.

"No time for that," interrupted Matt firmly, "We gotta get out of here."

"Some bad news, our Duel Runners can only hold an extra person besides us," Michael pointed out.

"Then take my sisters and come back for me and Diesel 10!" offered Thomas.

"No, Big Brother!" refused Annie, "We can't leave you!"

"We have no choice," coughed Matt, "So, come on, let's go!"

Reluctantly, Annie and Clarabel went with Matt and Michael while Thomas did his best to stay strong until they could come back. But, despite his best efforts, he coughed too much from smoke inhalation and started to lose consciousness.

"This…can't…end," thought Thomas, falling to the ground as his eyes drooped, "My…friends…"

Collapsing on the floor, Thomas had finally passed out. It was then Montague arrived in the burning gym after briefly avoiding Matt and Michael. Montague soon spotted Thomas's body and approached in a hurry.

"He won't die… Not on my watch!" said Montague. Once he (Montague) made it and knelt down, the Millennium Ring was braced onto Thomas's head as it glowed gold, "Parasite Mind!"

After a few seconds passed, Montague smiled with triumph before overhearing the roar of a Duel Runner, falling onto the ground and pretending to pass out as Michael and Matt both came bursting back in.

"Okay, let's get Thomas and-" began Matt.

"Hey, how the hell did he get here?!" interrupted Michael, referring to Montague.

"Great," thought Matt, "This could be a problem," He spoke aloud, "We'll have to take them all."

"What do we do about Diesel 10?" questioned Michael.

"I'll take him," Matt offered slowly, "And before you say your Duel Runner can only fit two people, you'll just have to make it work."

"Fine," sighed Michael, closing his eyes briefly in annoyance, "But we have to hurry."

Matt picked up Diesel 10, and carried him over to Fudo Go, while Michael brought both Montague and Thomas to Wheel of Fortune. They were ready to leave.

(outside…)

Outside, the firefighters were still fighting the fire, while everyone else waited anxiously for Matt and Michael to come back with Thomas, Duck, and Diesel 10.

"Where are they?" fretted Carlie.

"They should have been out by now," assumed Emily.

At last, they all could see the two Duel Runners coming out of the burning building.

"There they are!" yelled Zack.

Everyone ran over to the two Duel Runners, just as Matt and Michael got off of them and removed their helmets.

"Are they okay?" asked Stanley.

"We don't know," replied Michael grimly.

"An ambulance will be arriving shortly, along with the police," proclaimed James R., "Flynn called the school principal to tell him about what happened."

Soon, an ambulance arrived along with the police. Sir Topham Hatt and Mr. Percival were also among them, and the former was NOT a happy chap when he heard what had happened.

"What did you think you were doing?!" bellowed Sir Topham Hatt, yelling at the Smelter students, "The school was almost burned down, my office and the hallways are trashed, and you let an escaped convict, and my former assistant, take over my school!" He folded his arms, looking very ashamed of his own students, "I'm deeply disappointed with all of you!"

The bad Smelter Teens—mostly notably Diesel and his gang—whimpered and cowered at their principal's angry, booming voice. While Den, Dart, Paxton, and Sidney, however, all looked sorry for helping Diesel 10. Feeling bad for all of them, Rosie stepped forward to confess her own misdeed.

"It wasn't their fault, sir," admitted Rosie, "They just wanted a bigger, safer classroom. Their old one is too hazardous and small to be used," As she went on, Sir Topham Hatt looked over and raised an eyebrow, "Diesel 10 told them that you were too greedy and selfish to give them a new classroom, and talked them into helping him take over the school," She closed her eyes for a good few seconds before opening them, "And I…helped Diesel 10 with his plan. So, if you want to expel me from school… then go ahead. I deserve it."

Sir Topham Hatt said nothing, which allowed for Emily to choose this moment to back Rosie up.

"You can't expel her, sir," argued Emily, which caused Rosie to look over and listen, "Rosie was feeling upset over Thomas being too busy to spend time with her, and Diesel 10 took advantage of her sadness. He tricked her into thinking that she would be doing a good thing, and Rosie thought she was doing what was right," She nodded, "Even then, she still managed to get help to put an end to Diesel 10's plans."

Sir Topham Hatt folded his arms and stared long and hard at Rosie and Emily, both of whom didn't know what he was going to say, before he finally spoke to the former.

"I see… Well, I'm not exactly thrilled that you let Diesel 10 take over the school," started Sir Topham Hatt sternly, causing Emily and Rosie to look down. A small smile appeared on his face, "However, I'm pleased by what you did to help everyone and make up for the mistakes you've made. For that, I won't punish you, and neither will your parents."

Rosie and Emily both looked up and smiled as the former had something else to say.

"And sir, may the Smelter students have a new classroom?" urged Rosie, "It's dark, dusty, dirty, oily, and there's not enough space to move around."

Sir Topham Hatt smiled again, "Of course, they can have a new classroom," he accepted, "I was planning on giving them a new classroom anyway. That's what my meeting with the mayor was all about."

"It was?" blinked Rosie, remembering her (Rosie) conversation with Stacy, "But Mrs. Jones told meyou had nothing to discuss about it."

"That's because I told her to say that in order to keep it a surprise," revealed Sir Topham Hatt.

Either way, Rosie was very happy to hear that the Smelter Teens would get a new classroom. It was then she remembered that Thomas was hurt and on his way to the hospital.

(elsewhere…)

A while later, outside Knapford Hospital, all was quiet on the outside even as cars were coming and going.

(inside…)

Inside a medical room, Thomas woke up to find most of his friends, his sisters, and his parents all watching over him in worry.

"H-Hey, everybody," greeted Thomas. In an instant, he was nearly crushed by hugs coming from his family, "Oof!"

"We were so worried!" sobbed Mrs. Billinton.

"Never scare us like that again, son!" added Mr. Billinton.

"I'm sorry," Thomas apologized, before receiving another big hug—this time from a tearful, yet very relieved, Emily. As much as he enjoyed her physical intimacy, his attention was then shifted towards the five new faces amongst the group, "It's you guys!"

"Yup," confirmed Carlie brightly, "In case you need a memory refresher, I'm Carlie Izayoi."

"I'm Zack Ruaka," said Zack.

"And I'm James Hogan," finished James R., "Although I'm not surprised…" He (James R.) eyed James, "…you have your own James among the group."

"As you can tell, I'm Matt Fudo," introduced Matt proudly.

"And I'm Michael Atlas," bragged Michael, as Matt, Carlie, and James R. stood beside him, "We four are Team 4D's, and are the adopted children of Discord J. Crawford."

"So you're the five Discord told us about," realized Edward, looking at Matt, Michael, James R., and Carlie, "You're the strongest duelists in all of North America."

"But what's Zack's role in all of this?" pondered James.

"If you must know, I'm being trained to eventually succeed Discord in CEO of Industrial Illusions," answered Zack, before many, many cards were seen in the dark background behind him, "To that end, Discord has been giving me the crash course on how every card works, how to create them, the whole kitten caboodle. I like the game, but not actually playing it."

"Wow," admired Edward, "And here I thought I knew much about the game."

"Either way, at least now the school is safe," Thomas stated with relief, "And Diesel 10 is back behind bars where he belongs."

"No doubt he'll be staying there, too," agreed Percy, looking up at the ceiling fondly, "And we'll never see him again."

And so, the other Tidmouth Teens, Thomas's family, along with all of their new friends, couldn't agree more.

(outside…)

Outside the medical room, Montague was seen leaning against the wall with his arms folded as several doctors and nurses walked past him.

"Thomas, you don't know the truth of how you are tied to the Millennium Items…" thought Montague, "Until I'm able to achieve my goals, I need you to stay alive—I need you to learn the truth of who you really are," While beginning to leave, he then thought about what he (Montague) had done to Thomas inside the burning school, "My Millennium Ring allows me to infuse a fragment of my soul within an object… That Parasite Mind I performed on you will ensure that I'll have a backup in case something happens to me and my host…"

(outside…)

As he left the hospital and proceeded for home, Montague was now thinking about who had control over Diesel 10.

"Whoever controlled Diesel 10 did so through a Millennium Item, and for whatever reason, they want Thomas dead…" thought Montague, as he walked towards the sunset, "For now at least, anyone threatening Thomas's life is an enemy of mine as well."

Just who was that Montague character? Other than killing one villain in Sailor John in San Francisco, nobody knew if Montague was a friend or foe. Would we learn more about him? Likely so.