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 either T (13-plus) or M for moments of violence, bloody moments, frightening moments, and some suggestive themes. Viewer discretion may be (or strongly is) advised.
Title: Enter the Shadows, Part 1
Inside the dining hall, there were buffets all setup for everyone to enjoy.
"Oh man, look at all this food!" said Gordon, his mouth drooling.
"All you can eat!" added James.
"If I'm asleep, please don't wake me up!" Percy threw in excitedly, "Let's dig in, guys!"
A few seconds later, as the green-haired boy was piling his plate with lots and lots of food (steak, potatoes, carrots, etc.), he noticed 'Marik' (Odion) leaning on the wall and scowled.
"That Marik punk," thought Percy darkly, even as Odion paid no attention, "When we duel, I'll pay him out for what he almost made me do to Thomas."
Sure enough, as Percy continued to stare, short clips of him (Percy) under the possession of the Millennium Rod, dueling Thomas, and laughing over Thomas's pain were superimposed over him. Odion merely glared at Percy for a moment and then walked away without saying a word. Percy could only fume when he, suddenly, felt a tap on his shoulder, causing him to let out a high-pitched scream.
"Oh, sorry about that, Percy," A familiar voice (Duck) apologized.
It was Duck.
"Oh, that's alright, Duck," sighed Percy, still shivering a bit, "I guess I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing," He then remembered something, "By the way, since you're in the tournament now, what kind of Deck do you run?"
Duck grinned and immediately took his Deck out of his coat pocket, handing it to his friend to see.
"Here it is," chortled Duck, "I think you'll find it to be…interesting."
Percy looked through a bit of Duck's Deck, but began to feel a bit creeped out by the cards he was seeing.
"T-There are so many ghouls in here," Percy said in a spooked tone.
"You like it?" asked Duck cheerfully, "I like those types of creatures thanks to watching lots of monster movies in my spare time. I actually call it…an Occult Deck."
Percy raised an eyebrow, "Occult Deck?" he repeated, "What's 'Occult' supposed to mean?"
"It involves the supernatural," explained Duck.
Upon hearing what his friend and possible opponent played for a Deck and what the word 'Occult' meant, Percy looked like he had just wet himself. Quickly, he (Percy) handed Duck back the Deck.
"Um… I'll be right back!" Percy said hastily.
With that said, he (Percy) raced quickly away from a puzzled looking Duck, who blinked a few times before shrugging it off.
"That guy is so messed up!" thought Percy, "I don't wanna face him in the finals."
"Percy?" spoke a voice (female).
The green-haired boy let out another frightened scream before seeing it was only his older sister, Liz.
"Oh… Liz, you scared me," sighed Percy with relief.
"I'm sorry, Percy," apologized Liz, "Did you enjoy your conversation with Duck?"
"O-Oh, yeah!" Percy lied, trying to mask the fear in his tone, "I sure did!"
Nearby, Gordon, Henry, and James were all still stuffing their faces at one of the buffets.
"This is the life, you guys," smirked James, "Free grub and a spot in a tournament finals."
"Spencer may be a jerk," Gordon replied with his mouth full, "but his crew seriously knows how to cook!"
"You said it," agreed Henry.
"Still…" continued James, as he swallowed the food in his mouth, "I wonder when they'll start announcing the first round of the semi-finals?"
Nearby, Emily, Mavis, and Molly were chatting when Marik (really Marik) walked up to them.
"Hi, Namu!" greeted Emily.
"Hello, girls," Marik greeted back.
"Oh, hello, Namu," said Molly.
"What are you three talking about?" asked Marik curiously, trying to keep up the charade, "I know it's likely none of my business, but maybe you could let me in on it?"
"We're talking about what our costumes will be in the big Duel Monsters costume party in the coming weeks," answered Mavis, "And Emily and I are trying to encourage Molly here to dress up as one of the three Harpie Lady Sisters, which Emily and I are going as."
"A Duel Monsters costume party?" repeated Marik, before laughing and rubbing the back of his head, "I always knew the game was popular, but I never thought it would be popular enough to warrant a costume party."
"We were surprised by that notion, too," Emily pointed out, "Carlie was telling us earlier about how popular Duel Monsters is in the United States, and… well, the game quickly got popular on Sodor—even more so when Thomas won the San Francisco tournament."
"Really?" Marik gasped, acting surprised.
Emily and Mavis both nodded, having been there when the tournament took place.
"B-But…I just can't!" Molly protested, blushing once more while looking down at her figure, "I don't have the right body…"
"Who says you need the exact figure of them?" scoffed Mavis, "Remember what I told you earlier?"
"Y-Yes…"
"We're not perfect… but that doesn't mean we can't still go as them and have fun," added Emily.
"B-But, Emily, you're one of the prettiest girls in the whole school," Molly pointed out, bringing and pressing both of her hands around the dark green-haired girl's clothed waist, "You have the right body for dressing as a Harpie Lady."
"So?" frowned Emily dismissively, "We can still go and have fun."
"Maybe you'd better leave," Mavis whispered to Namu, "This is girl stuff, so it could get a bit awkward."
Marik decided to do so. Nearby, Spencer, Skiff, and their parents entered the dining hall.
"I'm going to get something before the announcement begins," Skiff stated, "Do you want anything, Big Brother?"
"I'm fine," Spencer gruffly replied.
Nodding, Skiff walked away while Spencer looked around until his (Spencer) eyes came upon Odion, who was standing nearby with his (Odion) arms folded.
"Marik," thought Spencer, "When we do battle, I will win and the 'God' Card you own will become mine."
Before long, one of the bodyguards, Roland, near a machine of some sort spoke up.
"Attention, duelists!" began Roland, catching the attention of everyone else, "The first round of the Battle City Finals is about to commence!"
Very quickly, everyone in the room gathered around.
"Um, if I may ask… how exactly do they get chosen for duels?" Percy asked naively.
"If you would be so kind in paying attention," Spencer remarked rudely, before looking at Roland, "Proceed."
"But, sir, the tenth duelist hasn't arrived," A suit argued.
"I don't care."
"I went to visit her in her room," revealed Skiff, "She said she wishes to wait out."
"In that case, she can duel last," accepted Spencer.
The silver-haired boy then looked towards Roland one more time and nodded, causing Roland to nod back and begin the explanation.
"Each participant has a numbered ball," explained Roland, just as a machine rose from the ground next to him, "This machine will choose two balls and those duelists indicated by them will duel."
The balls all had a number and small picture of the duelist in question:
1-Spencer Gresley
2-Thomas Billinton
3-James Hughes
4-Percy Avonside
5-Ryan Avonside
6-'Marik' (Odion Ishtar)
7-Lady Stone
8-Duck Collett
9- 'Namu (Marik Ishtar)
(elsewhere…)
Inside the tenth duelist's room, the young woman was seated beside the window, looking out at the night sky when there was a doorbell. The door slid open, revealing another suit.
"No. 10, please report to the dining hall," The suit requested.
"That won't be necessary," The tenth duelist declined, "I already know who will be dueling in the first round."
The suit grunted a questionable response.
"I will duel in the fifth round," The tenth duelist went on, "You may not believe me, but I have the power to see into the future," She then retreated into her thoughts as her visitor left, "A man wielding an evil mind will duel in the first round."
(elsewhere…)
"If all are ready, we shall begin the lottery for the tournament's first matchup!" announced Roland, poking a button on the machine, "Ultimate Bingo, start!"
The roulette began.
"I must kill Thomas Billinton!" thought Marik.
"I don't care who I face first, I just want to have fun," thought Lady.
"Come on, lucky number 4!" thought Percy.
"I must please my master," thought Odion.
"I'll win no matter who I face," thought Spencer.
Everyone else just watched on anxiously. Finally, the first ball rolled out of the machine and Roland took hold of it.
"The first duelist is," The voice of Roland said, before holding out the ball "No. 8! I repeat, No. 8! Duck Collett, you will duel first!"
"What? Me?" gasped Duck, looking surprised a bit.
"The first one's Duck!" realized Gordon.
"Hey, are you sure your arm is alright, Duck?" pressed Henry.
"Your face seems a bit pale…" remarked Molly.
"Are you sure you shouldn't be in bed right now, Duck?" worried Emily.
While Duck laughed sheepishly, Percy got a highly panicked look on his (Percy) face at the possibility of dueling Duck and that Occult Deck of his (Duck).
"Please don't let the next chosen one be me!" thought Percy, "If I were Duck, I'd go back to my room and rest up some more."
"I'm alright now!" reassured Duck, rubbing the back of his head, "Even so, I'm just a bit shocked to be chosen first."
The roulette began again, with Thomas, Spencer, Lady, James, and Marik all waiting patiently for the results. Percy just remained fearful-looking. Soon, another ball rolled out, and the guard grabbed hold of it.
"The next duelist is…" exclaimed Roland, looking at the ball before holding it up, "No. 2! Thomas Billinton!"
"Eh?! I'm dueling Thomas?" gawked Duck, before looking a little nervous, "Oh… Am I ever in-trouble."
Percy let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Duck Collett… I'd like to see how skilled you are as a duelist…" thought Spencer snidely.
"I'm afraid you're out of luck, Duck," commented James, "Having to fight Thomas so suddenly!"
"It kind of feels like you've got no chance," put in Gordon bluntly.
"Now, now, be nice to him," scolded Mavis.
Duck chuckled sheepishly, figuring he had no real chance of beating Thomas.
"I wouldn't worry too much, Duck," smiled Thomas, holding out his right hand, "I'll try to take it easy on you."
"I'd appreciate that, Thomas," Duck accepted with relief.
The two duelists shook hands—but when Thomas took Duck's hand, he suddenly felt a cold chill down his spine.
"What?" thought Thomas, "What was that feeling I got?" He (Thomas) looked at Duck's face, which looked cheerful and polite, "Am I overthinking things, or is this really not Duck?"
While that was going on, Marik was watching Thomas and Duck.
"It seems you've figured it out already, Thomas," thought Marik, rather pleased, "He's the wielder of a Millennium Item. Hmhmhm… And right off the bat, the millennium battle starts."
Finally, Roland walked between Thomas and Duck, as though he was going to ask them to follow him to where the duel would take place.
"Will both duelists follow me to the 'Aerial Duel Arena', please?" requested Roland.
The two duelists followed Roland towards the nearby elevator, with Duck looking mildly excited and Thomas still mulling about that earlier chill he felt.
"Discord was right," he thought to himself, "Something is up with Duck… but what is it?"
"Thomas, I'm pleased to be able to fight you so soon," thought 'Duck', but really Montague.
Mr. Gresley (Boxford) looked over, "For those who are not dueling," he was saying, as the rest of the group looked over, "if you will follow me and my wife, we'll take you to the stands."
"You'll be able to watch the duel and cheer for whoever you want to win," Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) added.
"I'm all for that," accepted James cheerfully.
The remaining people went with Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"This should be a good match," stated Mavis.
"I wonder how good Duck is at dueling?" asked Toby.
"Only one way to find out," figured Ryan.
(elsewhere…)
Back in the room of the tenth duelist…
"This battle will be his first test," The tenth duelist thought to herself.
(outside…)
Meanwhile, outside on the rooftop of the blimp, the elevator doors opened as Roland, Thomas, and Duck stepped outside.
"This is the 'Aerial Duel Arena'," confessed Roland.
"We're dueling atop the blimp?" Thomas quizzed, rather amazed.
Over at the nearby staircase, the rest of the gang arrived to watch.
"Why's the duel taking place on top of the blimp?" asked James.
"Best to let Spencer explain that one, dear," Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) suggested.
Speaking of Spencer, he and Skiff both arrived and walked over onto a separate platform.
"This blimp is now cruising at an altitude of four thousand feet," said Spencer, just as the wind started to pick up, "The air current will feel like blades cutting into your bodies, adding even tougher conditions for the duelists. This will test their strength and stamina," The rest of the group listened to him, "Can't take it? Heh… then you likely don't belong here."
Already Liz could feel the piercing chill on her exposed midriff, as could both Emily and Molly as they each shuddered from the wind's effect.
"For crying out loud, it's freezing up here!" complained Emily, "Couldn't you have brought spare blankets for the audience?"
"O-Oh dear," shivered Molly, before sneezing a bit.
Thankfully, Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) both did bring some blankets for those audience members who were cold. On the other hand, the spectators were excited to see the first duel take place.
"This is really exciting!" cheered Gordon.
"Yeah! There's a reason this is called the 'finals'!" agreed Toby.
Up on the dueling platform, both duelists had already shuffled and cut their Decks and walked over to their dueling spots while waiting to begin the match. Duck had been quiet the whole time—Thomas was truly beginning to catch on to what was going on.
"Enough of this fooling around," Thomas said finally, "Who are you?" While making his (Thomas) accusation, 'Duck' remained quiet still, "I know you're not Duck!"
"I'm not Duck?" 'Duck' uttered, before smiling and chuckling, "I guess you're right about that."
Suddenly with a glow, the Millennium Ring appeared around his neck as he lifted his face up to reveal…Montague!
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Thomas Billinton!" Montague cried out gleefully.
Everyone down below the platform gasped at what just happened.
"What's going on?!" objected Emily.
"That's not Duck!" came from Gordon.
"He's too crazy-looking!" Henry pointed out.
On the platform…
"Who are you?" demanded Thomas.
"My name is Montague," Montague introduced himself, "I am an ancient spirit that resides in the Millennium Ring your friend Duck wears. Because of this, he serves as my host."
"Host?" Ben blinked.
"Oh man, I really don't like the sound of that," James R. shivered.
"Just what are you really?" frowned Thomas.
"You could say I'm a thief, a stealer of souls…" answered Monatgue, as images of the seven Millennium Items loomed in the background behind him, "And I've done many, many terrible things in my quest to obtain the seven Millennium Items. Whoever possesses all seven of them will be granted great power."
"So that's why you're in the tournament?" questioned Thomas, "It's to get the Millennium Items? In case you haven't noticed, I don't have one."
"Not just yet," rebutted Montague, "Right now, I plan to first defeat you and take your 'Egyptian God' Card."
Thomas was shocked, "But why?" he stammered, "What does 'Slifer' have anything to do with the Millennium Items?"
"Nothing," smirked Montague, "Who's to say I can't take your 'God' Card away from you?"
Down below the platform, Marik had a slight frown on his face from hearing Montague say something like that.
"You're saying too much," he thought bitterly.
(elsewhere…)
Within the darkness of Montague's head, the green-haired spirit was paid a visit by Marik.
"Don't say too much!" The Rare Hunter leader warned, "Do so, and you risk exposing my true identity before our goals are accomplished!"
"Be quiet!" snapped Montague, "I have no intention of exposing you."
"You'd best be right on that," sneered Marik, before fading away, "Otherwise, I'll just have to possess you and duel the boy myself."
(elsewhere…)
Outside his head, Montague returned speaking to Thomas.
"Better prepare yourself, Thomas," requested Montague in a dark tone, "This is going to be a duel you nor your friends won't soon forget!"
Below the platform…
"Won't forget?" repeated Michael.
"I'm worried," said Carlie.
"Yeah, I've a bad feeling about this duel because some evil spirit…" added Percy, as he looked up at Montague, "…has taken over Duck, our friend."
"Let me make one correction," thought Marik, "Right now, Duck is not being controlled by one mind… but by two of them—which includes me!"
Back on the platform…
"Thomas, I've been looking forward to facing you for a long time," smirked Montague.
"I see, but how exactly do you know me?" asked Thomas, "When did you start possessing Duck?"
"Who knows," dismissed Montague, but within his thoughts… "Thomas, I need you to stay alive until I open the Dark Door… After all, you will soon possess the Millennium Puzzle… The Millennium Puzzle is the final piece I require to obtain the power of darkness," A reflection of what appeared to be a small, pyramid-like object was shown in his eyes, "Eventually, everything will come into place for my plans," He spoke aloud again, "Thomas, as I said earlier, I've entered this tournament for one thing only, your 'God' Card! And you shouldn't even question it! If you wanted to dominate the gaming world, it's only natural you'd want to enter the ultimate tournament and earn the title of 'Duel King'!"
"No, that can't be the reason he's here," thought Thomas, "Sooner or later, I'll figure out his true intentions."
"That face shows he doesn't believe me at all," thought Montague, "Forget it. I'll simply focus on fulfilling my agreement with him…" He looked below the platform at Marik, "I'll trade 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' for the Millennium Rod. If worst comes to worst…"
Below the platform, Marik chuckled and decided to, again, pay Montague another visit as a presence of sorts.
"You know, I don't mind taking direct control and defeating Thomas myself," The voice of Marik said mockingly.
"I told you to back off!" The voice of Montague snapped, looking miffed, "You shouldn't talk so big, as you just lost to Thomas!" He smiled and faced Thomas, "I will defeat Thomas!"
From there…
"Duelists! It's time for your duel to begin!" announced Roland, "Activate your Duel Disks and show all of us your strongest cards and strategies!"
The two duelists activated their Duel Disks and drew their opening hands (LP: 4000) x2. Below the platform…
"Thomas! Don't lose!" called James.
"Return Duck to normal!" begged Emily.
"Billinton, demolish this weakling with your 'God' Card!" thought Spencer.
Back on the platform, the first battle commenced as the wind picked up.
"Now, show me if you're a good duelist or not!" dared Thomas.
"I'll do more than that!" accepted Montague, "I'll go first!" He drew his card, "Draw card!"
Turn One: Montague (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "The Gross Ghost of Fled Dreams", "Headless Knight", "Dark Sanctuary", "Earthbound Spirit", "Dark Spirit of the Silent", and "The Portrait's Secret"
Without wasting a second, he placed his drawn card onto his Duel Disk.
"I Summon 'The Portrait's Secret' in Attack Position!" announced Montague.
Almost immediately, the mentioned Monster Card materialized on the field, and appeared from the face-up card and onto the field, was a ghoulish painting of a very creepy monster (Level: 4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1500). The sight of a weak-looking monster made Thomas not worried, but rather curious.
"And I will end my turn there," The voice of Montague concluded.
"He played a monster with only 1200 ATK in Attack Position?" thought Thomas, "Is he trying to lure me into striking?"
Below the platform…
"That doesn't look like a tough monster to me," scoffed Percy.
"It's a Normal Monster with low stats," acknowledged Lady.
"C'mon, man!" yelled James, "Crush that card!"
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" announced Thomas, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Two: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Card Destruction", "Berfomet", "De-Fusion", "Magic Formula", "Kuriboh", and "Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts"
The blue-haired boy noticed he had drawn a Monster Card ('Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts').
"I Summon 'Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts' in Attack Position!" continued Thomas, placing his drawn card onto his Duel Disk.
The familiar Beast monster appeared on the field with a howl (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1200). The Battle Phase quickly commenced.
"Attack 'The Portrait's Secret'!" The voice of Thomas commanded.
'Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts' obeyed, slicing 'The Portrait's Secret' to shreds with its claws. Montague grunted as he took damage (LP: 4000 → 3700).
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn," The voice of Thomas finished, as a card was being slotted into a Spell & Trap Zone on his Duel Disk. A face-down card materialized on the field behind 'Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts', "Care to try again?"
"I shall do so!" growled Montague, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Three: Montague (LP: 3700)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (6): "The Gross Ghost of Fled Dreams", "Headless Knight", "Dark Sanctuary", "Earthbound Spirit", "Dark Spirit of the Silent", and "Sangan"
The drawn card was the 'Sangan' Effect Monster Card. It was then a Monster Card called 'The Gross Ghost of Fled Dreams' flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"And I think this monster will do it," The voice of Montague proclaimed, as the above scenario played out, "'The Gross Ghost of Fled Dreams' in Attack Position!"
A bed with a man asleep appeared from the face-up Monster Card and on the field. Suddenly, out of the man came a very creepy ghost with a sword and shield (Level: 4/ATK: 1300/DEF: 1800).
"A-A ghost!" peeped Percy fearfully.
"Ick!" shivered Molly, "I'd hate to have something like that invading my dreams."
"My turn has finished," The voice of Montague stated deviously.
Back on the platform…
"Attack Position again?" scoffed Thomas, but, at the same time, remained cautious, "He doesn't have any set Spell or Trap Cards… His fighting style seems to have no meaning at all…" He drew a card, "It's my turn! Draw!"
Turn Four: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (5): "Card Destruction", "Berfomet", "De-Fusion", "Kuriboh", and "Queen's Knight"
On cue, the 'Queen's Knight' Normal Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"I Summon 'Queen's Knight' in Attack Position!" The voice of Thomas declared.
Appearing from the face-up card and onto the field, was the woman with long blonde hair, wielding a sword and shield, and wearing red armor and headgear (Level: 4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1600). The Battle Phase began immediately after.
"Queen's Saber Crash!" The voice of Thomas commanded, as 'Queen's Knight' struck down 'The Gross Ghost of Fled Dreams' with her sword, "Your monster has been destroyed!"
Montague grunted yet again while losing more LP (LP: 3700 → 3500).
"It's your turn, 'Gazelle'!" commanded Thomas, "Attack Montague directly!"
'Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts' obeyed, and lunged at Montague, slashing him with its claws and making him yell in pain while also pushing him back (LP: 3500 → 2000).
"His monsters are dying in vain!" said Henry.
"That guy's doing awful!" complained James, "He's a really poor duelist if you ask me."
"Tell me about it," agreed Emily, "He's already lost half of his LP."
"But what if he's doing this on purpose?" asked Edward.
Marik, meanwhile, was not looking too happy with how Montague was dueling.
"He knows how much I want that 'God' Card!" thought Marik angrily, "Montague, are you even trying in this duel?"
Back on the platform…
"It's my turn!" began Montague, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Five: Montague (LP: 2000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (6): "Headless Knight", "Dark Sanctuary", "Earthbound Spirit", "Dark Spirit of the Silent", "Sangan", and "Destiny Board"
His drawn card was a Trap Card called 'Destiny Board'.
"Okay, Thomas, enough of me playing around!" huffed Montague, before taking and readying another card in his right hand, "I'll get serious beginning here!"
Thomas raised an eyebrow. This guy (Montague) was just toying with him (Thomas)?
"I Summon 'Headless Knight' in Attack Position!" jeered Montague, placing the card ('Headless Knight') onto his Duel Disk.
The mentioned Monster Card materialized face-up on the field in-front of him, but there was no monster coming out.
"Where is it?" asked Thomas. His question was answered by the sounds of footsteps, "Huh?"
The footsteps grew louder… and louder… Until finally, the headless monster itself slowly walked in (Level: 4/ATK: 1450/DEF: 1700).
"Now, it's your turn!" The voice of Montague offered, while a mad look was seen in his eyes, "Do it, Thomas! Destroy my weak monster!"
Below the platform…
"Boy, is that thing creepy!" fretted Mavis, talking about the Headless Knight.
"Why doesn't that guy set Spells or Traps?" asked Toby, as he observed Montague on the platform who also hasn't played a single Spell Card or Trap Card, "What is he even thinking?"
"It's my turn!" announced Thomas, drawing a card, "Draw!"
Turn Six: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (5): "Card Destruction", "Berfomet", "De-Fusion", "Kuriboh", and "Collected Power"
His drawn card was the 'Collected Power' Trap Card.
"Attack Position again? You really haven't been showing very much promise in this duel, Montague," scolded Thomas, "What exactly are you plotting?"
Montague said nothing. He (Montague) just waited for Thomas to make his (Thomas) move.
"Very well!" With that said, Thomas entered the Battle Phase, "'Queen's Knight', attack 'Headless Knight'!"
Queen's Knight obeyed, jumping into the air and quickly cut down 'Headless Knight' with her sword. Montague growled in frustration (LP: 2000 → 1950).
"Now, attack him directly, 'Gazelle'!" ordered Thomas.
'Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts' obeyed, slashing at Montague again. By now, the spirit of the Millennium Ring was very low on LP (LP: 1950 → 450).
"In just the first three turns… Monatgue lost three monsters without putting up any resistance…" thought Thomas, "This is too strange."
Below the platform…
"Thomas is about to win!" cheered Carlie.
"I wouldn't be so sure," Discord responded calmly.
"Huh?" came from James.
"What are you implying, Discord?" asked James R..
"I agree, I really don't see how that guy is going to fight back," Lady pointed out, "He's down to 450 LP, and Thomas still has all of his."
Up on the platform…
"I end my turn," said Thomas defiantly.
Some low chuckling could be heard coming from Montague as the wind began blowing fiercely again—just before the chuckling erupted into full blown psychotic laughter, disturbing nearly everyone watching from below the platform.
"THOMAS BILLINTON!" Montague cackled insanely, as the Millennium Ring started shining all gold, "YOU'VE FALLEN INTO MY TRAP!"
"What?!" gasped Thomas.
"What does he mean by that?" asked Liz.
"It's nonsense!" denied Gordon.
"No, I think…that guy WANTED Thomas to destroy his three monsters AND lower his LP," corrected Ryan.
"Are you serious?" Lady demanded, looking shocked, "That's just crazy!"
"I'm afraid your friend is right," The voice of Montague insisted, getting the attention of everyone else. On the platform, he drew his next card, "Now, Thomas, you, and everyone else here, will see and taste the true terror of my Occult Deck!"
Turn Seven: Montague (LP: 450)
Deck: 52
Current Hand (6): "Dark Sanctuary", "Earthbound Spirit", "Dark Spirit of the Silent", "Sangan", "Destiny Board", and "Dark Necrofear"
Looking at his card, the spirit of the Millennium Ring let out another evil-sounding laugh.
"And now, I've drawn the one card that will seal your friend's fate," revealed Montague, "It's a super scary card I, and I alone, own. All I need to do is Tribute three monsters to play it."
"But your field is empty!" protested Thomas.
"Oh, I know that," interrupted Montague, "But this special monster requires that I banish three Fiend monsters from my GY, otherwise I can't Summon it!"
The deceased spirits of Montague's three destroyed Fiend monsters flew from the GY and were devoured by darkness surrounding him.
"Now I Special Summon the instrument of your impending defeat…!" whispered Montague, as he held up his card ('Dark Necrofear') before showing what it was, "Appear now, 'Dark Necrofear'!"
Materializing face-up on the field in-front of Montague was a Monster Card called 'Dark Necrofear', an Effect Monster with 2200 ATK, 2800 DEF, and being Level 8.
"I don't like the looks of this," whimpered Percy in fear.
"Me neither," agreed Gordon.
It was then a pinkish energy light emerged from the face-up Monster Card and whizzed menacingly around the field.
"Oh my…" Molly shuddered.
"Whoa! This is really freaky!" commented Skiff.
"Heh," grunted Spencer, who remained unafraid of the sight.
At last, the pink energy returned to Montague's field as a bluish female Fiend monster with a freaky looking puppet of a baby in her arms made an appearance to fight for her master (Level: 8/ATK: 2200/DEF: 2800).
"I let my guard down," admitted Thomas, "I didn't expect to see Montague use a card like that."
Below the platform…
"About time you've Summoned something like that," thought Marik, very pleased.
"That monster looks frightening…" shivered Henry.
"But it makes no sense," Percy spoke up, looking and sounding very puzzled, "If that guy wanted to Summon that thing, why didn't he just Summon his previous monsters in Defense Position?"
"Hmph! No wonder you're an ordinary duelist," insulted Spencer, overhearing the question, "If he did that, then Billinton might've become worried about potential effects and decide not to attack."
Back on the platform…
"Thomas, I'll show you just how terrifying my Occult Deck is," offered Montague.
"That creepy monster has 2200 ATK…" thought Thomas, "She can easily destroy 'Gazelle' or 'Queen's Knight', dealing me 700 damage. But will he attack now?"
Over with Spencer, Skiff, and their parents…
"This thing must have powerful effects…" thought Spencer, "Montague gambled his LP away for the sole purpose of Summoning 'Dark Necrofear'. It's a monster requiring great risk to Summon it. It must have a terrifying ability," He narrowed his eyes, "Now, what will you do, Billinton?"
Back on the main platform…
"It's still my turn," reminded Montague, taking a card from his hand as focus went towards the Monster Zones on his Duel Disk, "I Set one card…" He slotted the card into a Spell & Trap Zone, "…face-down and end my turn!"
A face-down card materialized on the field near his feet.
"What?" thought Thomas, confused by the move and sudden end to Montague's turn, "Why didn't he attack me now? His monster is more than powerful enough to destroy either of my monsters and seriously damage my LP in the process," He glanced over to his face-down card, "Is Montague afraid of triggering my face-down card? Or does he have something else planned?"
"Now what's wrong, Thomas?" thought Montague, waiting for an attack, "Hurry up and attack me!"
"I have 4000 LP, and Montague has 450 LP! I have to strike him while I can!" Thomas told himself, mentally. He drew a card and spoke aloud, "Draw!"
Turn Eight: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 51
Current Hand (6): "Card Destruction", "Berfomet", "De-Fusion", "Kuriboh", "Collected Power", and "Dark Magician Girl"
Happy with what he drew, Thomas removed the 'Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts' Normal Monster Card from his Duel Disk.
"I Tribute 'Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts'!" The voice of Thomas announced, as the above scenario played out. 'Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts' shattered into shards of glass, "From my hand, I'll Tribute Summon 'Dark Magician Girl' in Attack Position!"
A female Spellcaster (and dare I may say, a very pretty looking one) appeared on the field. Her outfit was composed of an off-the-shoulders garment that extended to her mid-thighs and ended up as a skirt. It was colored blue with pink trimmings and a few touches of yellow. Also, her hat was pointed, like 'Dark Magician's', except it was also blue, along with pink rings and a pink spiral on one side. She also wore boots reaching halfway up her thighs, and her wand, which was blue, had a spiral which was very similar to the one on her hat, except that it is yellow. She also wore pink and blue gauntlets. Her most prominent features, however, were the faint pink markings on her cheeks, long blonde hair, and emerald green eyes. 'Dark Magician Girl' flew in, winked, and posed for battle (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700).
"Prepare yourself, Montague!" declared Thomas, as 'Dark Magician Girl' glared at the opposition.
Montague smirked, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but she is not a match for 'Dark Necrofear'!" he mocked, "Even you know 2000 ATK can't beat 2200 ATK."
"Hey!" called out Gordon, getting Montague's attention. He, below the platform, looked and sounded highly insulted, "She can totally kick your monster's sorry little butt!"
"With an ATK like that," Montague rebutted haughtily, "I highly doubt it."
"Are you sure about that?" cut in Thomas, making Montague a little unsettled, "You thought my Set card was a Trap! But you're wrong!" He pressed a button on his Duel Disk, "Face-down card, open!" The face-down card flipped face-up and revealed itself, "'Magic Formula'!"
"'Magic Formula'? An Equip Spell?!" repeated Montague.
"I must equip only to a Spellcaster monster. It gains 500 ATK," explained Thomas, just as a large spellbook appeared in 'Dark Magician Girl's' hands, "Her ATK will go from 2000 to 2500 with this card!"
The book was unlocked, and 'Dark Magician Girl' read through it…before feeling herself growing more powerful (ATK: 2000 → 2500).
"Alright! Now 'Dark Magician Girl' is stronger than 'Dark Necrofear'!" rejoiced Percy.
"Right!" nodded Matt.
"This can't be!" cried Montague in shock.
"But it is!" corrected Thomas, pointing fiercely at his opponent, "'Dark Magician Girl', destroy Montague's 'Dark Necrofear'!" As he announced the attack name, 'Dark Magician Girl' fearlessly jumped into the air above 'Dark Necrofear', "Black Burning!"
'Dark Magician Girl' obeyed, firing a magical blast from her wand. The blast soared forth and struck 'Dark Necrofear'. The enemy monster burst into blue flames as it melted away. Frightfully, the eyes of the doll in 'Dark Necrofear's' arms…burst into flames before 'Dark Necrofear' herself shattered into pieces of glass.
"There goes your most powerful monster!" The voice of Thomas declared proudly, just as the above scenario partially played out.
Montague's face grew incredibly savage and deranged around here even as his LP dropped even lower (LP: 450 → 150).
"Well done, you've destroyed 'Dark Necrofear'," The spirit of the Millennium Ring said, calmly but maniacally, "But by doing that, you've fallen into my real trap!"
"What?" asked Thomas.
"Real…trap?" stuttered Emily slowly and nervously.
"You have activated 'Dark Necrofear's' first effect," said Montague, holding up a card taken from his hand, "If this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: I can activate 1 'Dark Sanctuary' from my hand or Deck!"
"'Dark Sanctuary'?" exclaimed Zack.
"A card that rare… Montague's real plan was to use it!" realized Discord.
The Field Spell Zone on Montague's Duel Disk opened up, and he slotted the card ('Dark Sanctuary') inside.
"Now behold its truly terrifying power!" requested Montague.
Suddenly, as the 'Dark Sanctuary' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, the scenery changed to that of a dark red atmosphere with a palace in the background.
"W-What is this?!" Thomas gasped in horror.
'Dark Magician Girl' and 'Queen's Knight' both looked around the new area in complete shock, having not been expected to fight Montague in such an area. While below the platform, everyone else (except possibly for Spencer, Matt, and Michael) looked quite frightened by this new atmosphere.
"Oh man, this is creepy," mumbled James.
To make it even creepier, large eyes and mouths began to appear.
"I'm scared!" Liz whimpered, embracing her husband.
"Me too," agreed Ryan, looking quite terrified also.
Back on the platform…
"You have no idea what I've unleashed, Thomas," cackled Montague, "Prepare to experience an evil like you've never seen before!"
The truly psychotic laughter of Montague echoed through the whole area. This was so not good. Could Thomas pull through and win… or was he doomed to lose in the first round of the finals?
Here we are, part 1 of Thomas' duel with Montague, all polished up to (hopefully) near perfection. Expect to see part 2 of the duel in a while.