This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. Credit to author AaronCottrell97 for a few ideas and character suggestions (especially the duel layout for the story, along with the flashback to Driote's backstory). 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: Once more, this story is rated entirely M for bloody violence, depictions of gore, sexual content (including a moment of language being used in context to sex), and some nudity. This chapter also features a rape scene. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
Opening up in the Royal Auction House after a bloody battle, both Malith, Maiden of Malice and Lilith, Lady of Lament approached the fallen Anakin.
"What shall we do with him?" Malith, Maiden of Malice asked gruffly.
"We bring him to the Queen." answered Lilith, Lady of Lament.
The two Fiend-Type monsters picked Anakin up and flew up to the balcony, where Driote stood waiting.
"Your Majesty, what do we do with them down below?" questioned Lilith, Lady of Lament. "Shall we dispose of them in the most violent way possible?"
"No." refused Driote, shaking her head. "They will work in the mines until they beg to die."
"And Damon?" put in Malith, Maiden of Malice.
"I still have much use for him." answered Driote. "Send him to my bed chambers in the castle."
"As you command..."
Several Winged Minions flew down into the arena below to gather up King Reginald and whatever Blade Knights were left. As Driote ordered, they were to be taken to the mines to work and work.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the local mines, hundreds to thousands of innocent humans and Duel Spirits were being forced to dig and dig and dig day after night until they collapsed from exhaustion, only to immediately be shocked by the guards' Electro-Whips into continue working. This would continue until the slaves there died from starvation, dehydration, or simply succumbing to their wounds.
"Sire, what do we do?" One Blade Knight asked his King, as he used his shovel to dig.
King Reginald, also digging, said nothing. Soon enough, Driote arrived in the mine, smiling wickedly as usual.
"Welcome, my new workers." she announced. "Welcome to Hell! You'd best get comfortable, because you're going to work until you either die or beg to die!"
"You wench!" shouted King Reginald, stopping his work.
One Vorse Raider whipped his Electro-Whip at Anastasia's Father, striking and shocking him into submission. Driote turned and glared at King Reginald.
"Oh, how the mighty have fallen." she sneered. "I would have expected such a 'powerful' and 'ruthless' conquer to be more prepared for something so simple such as an ocean ambush."
A flashback ensured.
FLASHBACK
In the ocean, hundreds to thousands of ships loaded with the best men of Rondeval were sailing towards the Chelyumn kingdom. All seemed to be going according to plan, much to Flashback King Reginald's relief.
"We will be there soon." Flashback King Reginald was saying to the troops aboard his ship. "Once we land, we will storm the castle and subdue the enemy!"
The Blade Knights all cheered for their King's successful plan. But would it even be that easy? Don't bet on it... All of a sudden, the water start swirling about.
"W-What?!" One Blade Knight recoiled.
"What's happening to the water?" A second Blade Knight questioned.
Several humongous Aqua Dragons emerged from the water, roaring loudly.
"Aqua Dragons!" A third Blade Knight, on another ship, exclaimed.
The group of Aqua Dragons let loose a final roar, causing whirlpools to spout in the waters. The last thing Flashback King Reginald saw were the sinking of various ships and many of his men drowning...
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"And we also cannot forget the 'lesson' my minions taught you and your elite warriors shortly on arrival in my kingdom." taunted Driote. "Was it good? Please tell me it was."
Reginald, recovering from the electric shock, was beyond enraged when reminded of his army's quick death.
"HOW DARE YOU!" he shouted, lunging forth to attack.
Driote sighed and snapped her fingers, causing two nearby Vorse Raiders to whip the furious King with their Electro-Whips, causing the ruler of Rondeval to scream in agony and fall to his hands and knees.
"Sire!" The Blade Knights gasped.
Driote laughed flippantly. "It would seem 'Damon' was right all along." she remarked, enjoying the sight. "Powerless men do turn to anger for strength and blindly lash out in their rage."
"Ngh... W-What else did...Anakin tell you?" demanded King Reginald weakly, huffing and puffing from being shocked.
"You will never find out. Why? Because your greatest warrior, Anakin, is now my personal servant, and nothing can change that. Although I must commend you for sending Anakin as a spy; he almost had me completely seduced."
King Reginald was disgusted; his plan for conquest was a failure, and now he and his best troops were stuck in the mines of Chelyumn for quite possibly the rest of their lives.
"While you and your men rot away as slaves in these mines-" Driote went on. "-I will conquer your little empire. Of course, I won't do that until I have Anakin succumbed to my will. Now, get back to work!"
As the 'Artist of Insanity' turned and left, King Reginald and the Blade Knights all went back to work against their wills; forced to dig and dig until they were dead.
Title: Genesis of Hatred, Part 2
Flying on her Serpent Night Dragon, Driote was returning to the tower of her castle. Once she arrived at the balcony, the blue/green-haired young woman was met upon by both Malith, Maiden of Malice and Lilith, Lady of Lament.
"Bad news, Your Majesty." began Malith, Maiden of Malice.
"There were numerous complaints about the auction." added Lilith, Lady of Lament. "Half of the kingdom wants Anakin dead."
"That's not my intention at the moment." scoffed Driote. "How is he doing?"
"Still out cold." answered Malith, Maiden of Malice.
"I see." nodded Driote. "Very good; you may both leave. I will deal with Anakin myself when he awakens."
With that said, both Malith, Maiden of Malice and Lilith, Lady of Lament flew off the balcony, while the Serpent Night Dragon stayed on the balcony like a pet. Driote, meanwhile, entered her personal bed chambers.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the bed chambers, Anakin was shown lying on the bed in an unconscious state, and it was unknown how long he would remain in such a state. Two Winged Minions, meanwhile, were watching over the black-haired young man. Driote, meanwhile, approached the bed and gazed long and hard at the unconscious Anakin.
"I fell for his flirting so easily." she thought to herself, feeling something in her dark heart. "I feel like I'm in-love with him, despite him playing me like a fool."
A flashback ensured.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Anakin was being shocked by FIVE Electro-Whips, and he didn't go down that easily.
"The determination and darkness within him..." narrated Driote. "It took so much effort to subdue him."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended. Driote, meanwhile, felt her insides starting to swell as she got sexually aroused at the thought. The two Winged Minions, meanwhile, started poking Anakin in an attempt to get him to wake up. Soon enough, Anakin started stirring as he finally awakened.
"A-Anastasia..." he groaned, opening his eyes.
When his vision returned, Anakin found himself on an unfamiliar bed in an unfamiliar room. Before the black-haired young man could say anything, Driote spoke up...
"You destroyed my Auction House, and frightened my customers." The 'Artist of Insanity' pointed out.
"Driote!" gasped Anakin. "Where am I?"
"Half of my kingdom wants you dead for your actions!" Driote went on. "But I'm-"
She didn't get far enough, as Anakin leaped to his feet, despite his body still being very sore from the torture he was put through earlier on, and lunged at his enemy, tackling her to the floor while gripping onto her neck with both hands.
"You should have listened to them!" Anakin shouted, with his eyes burning with fury and tone oozing with hatred. "You should have killed me, because, unless you tell me where my comrades are, I'll kill 'you'!"
To prove his point, the black-haired young man tightened his grip on Driote's neck, threatening to snap it while also causing Driote to choke and gasp for air.
"L-Let go!" she demanded weakly. "If you kill me, then my servants...will kill your comrades!"
Growling, Anakin released Driote and stood back up, allowing Driote to cough and hack as air returned to her lungs. Was she angry about being attacked like that? Not even close; it made her all the more curious with Anakin.
"You are a most curious knight." commented Driote, managing a weak smile. "You care greatly for your fellow comrades. You were once a knight, but are now my servant for all eternity."
"Fat chance!" spat Anakin. "I would rather die than serve slaver scum like you. I promised Princess Anastasia I would return home to Rondeval no matter the cost. I swear to save my fellow comrades, somehow, someway!" In his mind... "Unfortunately, I don't know where they are, and Driote is only going to keep them alive if I agree to serve her..."
"Hehehe... Your heart's not in your words." chuckled Driote. "You WILL stand beside me, a testament to my power." She then drew out her sword, handing the weapon to a surprised Anakin. "My bodyguard will need a weapon, so here you go..."
Just as quickly, Anakin knocked the sword out of the blue/green-haired young woman's hands, much to her evil amusement.
"I find your anger amusing." continued Driote. "But you need not worry about your friends, they will be quite safe for the time being."
After what seemed like forever...
"I... I have no other choice." sighed Anakin, easing up. "I'll follow your orders."
"Good." smiled Driote, turning around. "Now, come with me."
Frowning, Anakin followed the 'Artist of Insanity' outside.
(elsewhere...)
Outside on the balcony, Serpent Night Dragon waited patiently for its master to return, but was surprised to see Anakin also with Driote.
"Why did you bring me outside?" quizzed Anakin.
"Your first task is simple." said Driote. "You will take me on a flight across the whole kingdom."
"Why?"
"For my own enjoyment." The blue/green-haired young woman stated. "That's an easy task, is it not?"
Anakin didn't like the idea of catering to this psycho, but he had no choice. He climbed aboard the growling Serpent Night Dragon, who eased up when Driote climbed aboard, too.
(elsewhere...)
As they rode the Serpent Night Dragon across the sunset sky, over mountains, valleys and rivers, Driote wrapped her arms comfortably around Anakin's waist and rested her head on his shoulder. Anakin hated it, but said nothing. How he desperately wished it was Anastasia cuddling him and not this slaver scum. Eventually, Driote broke the silence...
"You were once a slave, weren't you?" she asked.
Anakin had been a slave to King Reginald ever since he was found and brought into the family, even so, King Reginald made it clear that Anakin was never going to be considered a family member, he would be nothing more than a servant. Before he was appointed the position of Anastasia's bodyguard and granted the title of 'Sir Anakin', he was nothing more than a slave who was forced into the Royal Army, a slave that Reginald abused regularly until he was finally Anastasia's bodyguard. From that moment onward, Anakin was no longer considered a slave, and no longer received as much abuse, but was just merely a knight who served King Reginald. The thought of slavery always troubled him, and it could be argued that he still was a slave to this day.
"What makes you think I was a slave?" questioned Anakin, glaring coldly.
"The noble selflessness in your eyes." Driote pointed out. "Your commitment to the service of something greater than yourself. Your knights, the grand empire, even your friends."
Anakin was committed to protecting Rondeval and its people, not to King Reginald's power hungry desires to expand his already massive empire.
"I don't see commitment as slavery." he retorted.
"Oh, it is, when it comes at the cost of yourself." chuckled Driote.
Deep down, Anakin knew that Driote was probably partially correct. To his discomfort, Driote started to cuddle him again.
"What you could be...with you willingly beside me, there is nothing we could not accomplish." Driote finished by resting her head contently against his shoulder and continued cuddling him.
Unfortunately for the blue/green-haired young woman, Anakin wasn't falling for her seduction attempts.
"We are nothing." Anakin said bluntly, taking Driote by surprise. "You have all the power."
No more was said for the rest of the flight and they eventually returned to the castle.
(elsewhere...)
Once the Serpent Night Dragon rested on top of the balcony, Anakin jumped off and held out his hand for Driote for to take, helping her down. Driote's hands were nowhere near as soft and smooth to touch as Anastasia's. Anakin begin to lead Driote away, but she remained firmly in her place, pulling him back slightly.
"What if I freed your friends?" Driote suggested, letting go of his hand and petting the Serpent Night Dragon softly. "Would you promise to stay? Commit to serving me?"
Anakin skeptically raised an eyebrow.
"If a knight as noble as you gave his word, I think you might keep it." smirked Driote.
"I don't trust you." grunted Anakin, walking away.
Driote huffed in annoyance. "Have I been anything but honest?" she asked. "I have no reason to lie, I am who I am. It is you. You who are the complicated one."
As Anakin continued to walk away, Driote quickly stepped in the way of his leave.
"Now, Sir Anakin. The future of your friends lies in your hands. If they are to live as slaves, it will be you who keeps them that way..."
She walked away, leaving Anakin to do some thinking.
(later...)
Later inside the bed chambers, Anakin, standing in a corner with his arms folded, continued to gaze long and hard at Driote, still as hostile as ever. Driote, despite being patient with him so far, was growing weary of Anakin's stubbornness.
"You are fighting this so hard because you think you would be signing yourself off as a slave." she accused.
"I don't want to join nor serve you." insisted Anakin. "So yes, if I did what you wanted, that would be enslaving myself."
Driote was frustrated. "It's like you have no concept of the difference between you choosing to kneel and me forcing you to." She then got forceful. "I order you to kneel before me!"
Anakin's anger simmered low in his gut, but he merely raised an eyebrow.
"It wasn't a suggestion." growled Driote. "This isn't part of our bargaining anymore. You will do what I say, and I will show you just how bad this could be for you. I will have your service, either by your choice, or by my own strength. Now, kneel before me!"
"Never." sneered Anakin, refusing the order.
"Kneel!" shouted Driote. "Or else, I will hurt your friends!"
Anakin's rage surged up stronger within him as he knelt, following those pointless little orders that are given for no better reason than to hurt him and to force him to recognize just how few options he had. Driote walked over, crouched down in front of Anakin, and backhanded him across the face. The strong blow, showing that Driote was stronger than she looked, sent the black-haired young man sprawling across the floor. Anakin tried getting up, but Driote had already risen back to her feet and placed her foot on his shoulder to stop him from rising.
"Stay down!" The 'Artist of Insanity' yelled, summoning her Electro-Whip and attacking Anakin with it a few times. Soon, she settled down. "Now, rise."
Weakly, Anakin did as he was told. He knew from his own experience that if your master was hurting you, obeying was the best thing to do. Resisting only made things worse. There was no shame in a slave obeying, the risks of fighting were too much.
"Now, your second task..." Driote began, before a cruel, perverted smile appeared on her face. "Remove your clothing!"
Anakin stopped, looking badly shaken at the demand. Driote, taking the silence as hesitation, angrily started to attack Anakin with her Electro-Whip again.
"I said remove ALL of your clothing, dammit!" she exclaimed.
At last, Anakin did as he was told, removing his tunic, trousers, underwear, and footwear. The sight of Anakin's young, fully nude body deeply aroused Driote and made her extremely hungry for sex.
"What exactly was this for?" Anakin demanded, growing extremely uneasy.
His answer came when Driote approached and...forcefully kissed him on the lips. Anakin was both surprised and disgusted by the kiss. It was the exact opposite of what he had hoped for, specifically having Anastasia be his first kiss, but deep down he was absolutely terrified since he knew what Driote is trying to do. Once the kiss ended, Driote stepped back...and whipped Anakin once more, this time across his bare chest.
"You didn't enjoy the kiss!" Driote hollered, making her strikes more painful than ever before.
Anakin, screaming from the strikes and electrical shocks, fell onto the floor. When her anger ceased, Driote then smirked once more as if she never even got angry in the first place.
"Now, go sit on the bed." ordered Driote.
Reluctantly, Anakin did as he was told, watching as Driote then stripped herself nude. Anakin, growing more and more disgusted and scared with the sight, was not even the slightest impressed with Driote's fully nude body. Did Driote even care about that? Don't bet on it.
"Tell me dearie-" Driote said, giggling wickedly. "-is this your first time being with an older woman in a room? Don't answer, because I know it isn't."
"S-Stop it." begged Anakin, coming close to losing it. "I don't want this!"
Driote ignored the pleading and instead approached Anakin and forced him to lay out on the bed, before finally climbing on top and straddling his hips. The only thing poor Anakin could do about his situation was close his eyes and try to hold back his tears as Driote began to rape him.
(elsewhere...)
Outside the room to the bed chambers, Driote was moaning in pure delight. Anakin, however, was screaming in terror and dread, begging for the torment to end. His pained screams and cries could be heard echoing throughout the castle hallways, lasting for what seemed like hours.
(elsewhere...)
Eventually, when it was all over, Anakin, laying on one end of the bed, was a broken, violated mess, not even holding back his tears. Driote, however, was tired but cheerful (in a demented, messed up sort of way) when the 'love-making' was finally done.
"My, my, that was good sex." The blue/green-haired young woman proclaimed, getting off Anakin and moving onto the other end of the bed. She knew that Anakin was completely at her mercy, and had robbed him of his virginity. "I don't know if you've learned a lesson here tonight, but hopefully things will become more clear in the morning... Good night."
Once Driote fell asleep on her end of the bed, Anakin curled himself into a ball, feeling broken and extremely sick, and started to cry.
"Anastasia..." he wept in absolute devastation. "How I desperately yearn for your comfort and warm embrace at a time like this..."
Poor Anakin cried himself into an uncomfortable sleep.
(elsewhere...)
Back within her bed chambers in Rondeval Castle, Anastasia, lying in her bed, was tossing and turning uncomfortably in her own sleep. She was never able to sleep easily without having Anakin to cuddle with. This time, the princess could feel that Anakin was in immense pain right now.
"A-Anakin..." Anastasia winced painfully. "I... I love...you..."
(elsewhere...)
Back inside Driote's bed chambers in Chelyumn Castle, the sun crept over through the windows. Driote was still fast asleep with a huge smile on her face. Anakin, meanwhile, was still curled up in a ball, shuddering in absolute fear.
"I have braved horrors on the fields of battle-" he whimpered, absolutely ashamed with himself. "-but never in my life have I had to witness a horror worse than all put together."
"So, do you realize now how powerless you truly are against me?" The voice of Driote asked, causing Anakin to sit up. The 'Artist of Insanity' was already shown to be awake. "You were never a match for my power."
At this moment, Driote failed to realize just how much anger and hate Anakin had for her now, and just how close he was to snapping completely. The black-haired young man really wanted to kill Driote, and at this point he doubted that even Anastasia would try and stop him from doing so.
(elsewhere...)
Minutes later, Anakin and Driote, both dressed again, were in the throne room and being visited by Lilith, Lady of Lament before the latter send her 'right-hand woman' to the mines to oversee the digging. Once Lilith, Lady of Lament was gone, Driote looked at Anakin with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
"It will be only a matter of time before your King completely breaks down." she proclaimed.
"King Reginald is too self-righteous to ever willingly submit to anyone." retorted Anakin.
Driote chuckled evilly. "So you say, but right now, inside my mines, Reginald is in despair."
A vision ensured.
VISION
Inside the mines, King Reginald and the elite Blade Knights were busy working and working with no break, food, or water.
"For the first time in his life, he has come to realize that his efforts to stand above the rest of the world have been meaningless." narrated Driote. "As plans for escape and hope of rescue fade, the gnawing fear that he will never be able to take action will grow in pitiful Reginald's head."
King Reginald, at last, tried to rebel, only to be subdued excess whipping from various evil Duel Spirits. Eventually, the whipping ceased, and King Reginald, seeing images of his future, massive empire fading before his very eyes, broke down completely.
"To save what little pride he has left, defiance will become compliance." continued Driote. "When Reginald realizes that his power has been nothing but an illusion and that he can't fight back against me, his spirit will break and he will be all mine."
END VISION
The vision ended.
"That's right... The poor King of Rondeval will realize that him forging the world's strongest empire will never happen." smirked Driote, before looking at Anakin. "You, Anakin, should know that it's only a matter of time before I attack and conquer Rondeval and the rest of Reginald's empire."
Anakin felt his anger rising to a feverish pitch, but Driote truly enjoyed it and decided to further push those buttons. But she's so convinced that she now has Anakin completely under her thumb, that she didn't realize how close he was losing it...
"With you leading my army, your former kingdom will never stand a chance and it will fall instantly!" The blue/green-haired young woman went on. "And with it will come many, many more slaves." She grew hopeful of one slave in particular. "Perhaps even this Anastasia you've mentioned; she would most certainly make a fine slave."
I'm sorry to say the mere mention of Anastasia, and the thought of her being captured and turned into a slave, was the final straw and caused Anakin to finally snap...
"YOU BITCH!" screamed Anakin, as a dark aura began surrounded him and his eyes turn crimson red.
"What?!" gasped Driote, turning and seeing Anakin lunge at her with his sword.
It was absolute chaos in the throne room; Anakin was slashing and destroying everything as Driote, drawing her own sword, dodged the swings and tried her best to fight back. Despite how wild and fast Anakin's attacks were, Driote was able to block them, until Anakin finally caused her to drop her own sword. Before he deliver the killing blow, Driote managed to strike him with her Electro-Whip, with it wrapping around his neck, stopping him in his tracks as Driote increased the voltage.
"RRRAAAAUUUGGGGHHHH!" roared Anakin, getting shocked more than ever before.
"You said these words to me before." laughed Driote, looking frightfully demented. "'Powerless men often turn to anger. They lash out blindly with their rage'. Didn't you say them before?! DIDN'T YOU?!"
"But, powerful beings can harness their rage." Anakin struggled to say through the pain he was experiencing. Even with the increased voltage shocking his entire body, his anger was increasing to even greater levels. "U-Use it to strike. For we either strike...or we fall!"
And while he was still being electrocuted, Anakin lunged forth and grabbed Driote by the neck, causing her to be electrocuted as well. The intense increased voltage eventually caused her to drop the whip, cutting off the voltage. While she was recoiling, Anakin picked up his sword and managed to slice Driote's left upper thigh, leaving a large scar while causing her to a knee fall in great pain as she started bleeding heavily. Shortly after, there was some knocks on the big doors.
"Queen Driote! Is everything alright in there?!" The voice of Malith, Maiden of Malice called out from other side of the doors. "I've been hearing yells coming from the throne room!"
There were several hard knocks on the wooden door, but it soon broke apart, causing Malith, Maiden of Malice to enter the throne room and see what the commotion was all about. She saw that Anakin was armed with his sword, but once her eyes were on her injured Queen...
"Queen Driote!" gasped Malith, Maiden of Malice, before turning to gaze at Anakin in anger. "What the hell have you done?!"
Before the female Fiend-Type monster could attack, Anakin, in the blink of an eye, stabbed Malith, Maiden of Malice through her chest with his sword, killing her instantly. With a dying gurgle, Malith, Maiden of Malice collapsed onto the floor. Nearby, Driote saw the death of one of her most diehard supporters, growing absolutely furious as a result.
"Y-You &%$#&%$!" she snarled, reaching for her Electro-Whip.
As Driote tried to reach for her whip, Anakin was so much faster on the draw...
*SLASH!*
"AAAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHH!"
Anakin slashed Driote once more with his sword, this time across her face. Lying down while writhing in extreme pain, the side of Driote's face was bleeding heavily due to a fresh scar being placed there. With Driote down, Anakin grabbed the Electro-Whip before using his free hand to grab Driote by the throat and slammed her against the wall.
"I'll only say this once; tell me where those mines are!" demanded Anakin.
Driote, still in seething pain, refused. "I'll never talk!"
Bad idea... Since he was refused an answer, Anakin started to furiously attack the 'Artist of Insanity' with her own whip, as it coiled itself around her neck, shocking her entire body at the maximum voltage.
"You liked dishing out pain?!" demanded Anakin, almost in what could seem to be pure insanity of his own. "Well, let's see how YOU like it!"
"AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!" wailed Driote helplessly, being tortured by her own Electro-Whip. "AAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!"
As she continued to scream in agonizing pain, 'Driote: The Artist of Insanity', for the very first time in her entire life, felt absolutely afraid—feeling terrified at the monster she released inside Anakin. After being demanded countless times to reveal the location of the mines King Reginald and the elite Blade Knights were being held in while being electrocuted, Driote caved in...
"T-T-They are being held...in the western mines!" shrieked Driote, before letting out one final scream.
With that said (or screamed), her body finally stopped convulsing and went completely numb and her screaming finally stopped. With the information he needed, Anakin stopped electrocuting Driote and ripped off her crown, before running out onto the nearby balcony.
(elsewhere...)
Outside on the balcony, Anakin knew he didn't have much time left.
"I have to reach the western mines fast." The black-haired young man said to himself, before whistling as loud as he could.
Shortly after, the Seiyaryu that brought Anakin to Chelyumn flew up to him. Before he could get on the dragon's back, the rest of Driote's castle guards could be heard barge into the throne room.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the throne room, various Vorse Raiders, Winged Minions, and Archfiend Soldiers gathered around Driote's unresponsive body.
"Is she-?" began one Archfiend Soldier.
A second Archfiend Soldier looked out the nearby door to the balcony and saw that Anakin was about to leave aboard the Seiyaryu.
"That Damon guy!" he shouted. "He's the one responsible for the deed!"
(elsewhere...)
Outside, Anakin scowled in annoyance at this potential delay.
"$*#%! I don't need this..." Anakin then gave a command to his Seiyaryu... "Seiyaryu, attack! HOLY FIRE!"
Seiyaryu obeyed, breath a powerful blaze of fire all across the balcony as the evil Duel Spirits emerged from the throne room, burning all of them to ashes and causing a lot of damage to the building. Once the coast was clear...
"Let's move it, Seiyaryu!" ordered Anakin.
Seiyaryu roared, rose into the sky, and took off for the west.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the flaming ruins of the throne room of Chelyumn Castle, the body of Driote...wasn't there; it wasn't burnt to crisps like the other Duel Spirits were.
(elsewhere...)
In the hallway, one of the guards that was present, Vanity's Fiend, had avoided the attack and was carrying Driote's body to safety.
"Your Majesty, you will live on!" The male devil-like monster reassured. "I promise you that."
Only one way to find out...
(elsewhere...)
Outside the western mines, Anakin and Seiyaryu both finally arrived. Lilith, Lady of Lament, who was exiting the mine, was extremely surprised to see the black-haired young man.
"What?!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing her?!"
Her answer came in the form of an Electro-Whip striking and electrocuting her. Jumping off the Seiyaryu, Anakin confronted the injured Lilith, Lady of Lament, grabbing her by the neck and lifting her body up.
"Release my comrades!" ordered Anakin. "If you don't, you will meet the same fate as your own comrades!"
"Not a chance!" refused Lilith, Lady of Lament.
"So, you wish to die like how your own Queen and friend in Malith have died?!"
"Wait, what?" Lilith, Lady of Lament staggered. "Queen Driote...is dead?"
"Yes." answered Anakin coldly, using a free hand to reveal Driote's crown. "I killed her with my own two hands."
Of course, Anakin didn't know for sure if Driote actually died from the torture, but he did know that Lilith, Lady of Lament had no way of proving him wrong. Initially shocked from the info given to her, Lilith, Lady of Lament eventually scowled in defiance.
"I don't believe you!" she said harshly. "I refuse to believe that my Queen has fallen to the likes of you!"
Losing his patience, Anakin started smashing Lilith, Lady of Lament's head into the ground in a powerful rage, threatening to split it open and allow its contents to flow freely from the potential gash.
"Take me to my comrades, or I will kill you!" bellowed Anakin.
"A-Alright!" begged Lilith, Lady of Lament. "I'll lead you to them..."
And so, the female Fiend-Type monster, with Anakin's arm wrapped around her neck, proceeded into the mines.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the mines...
"Remember, no funny stuff." warned Anakin.
"Alright, alright!" snapped Lilith, Lady of Lament.
After five minutes, Anakin and Lilith, Lady of Lament arrived in the main area. Once they were there, Anakin released his prisoner, but kept the edge of his sword pressed against her back. Scowling, Lilith, Lady of Lament, turned towards the main area and bellowed...
"Attention workers! You are to release the Rondeval captives!"
Silence filled the whole area. Anakin, meanwhile, shot his enemy a cold glare, causing Lilith, Lady of Lament to mutter something under her breath before adding...
"It's by orders of our Queen." she finished.
The miners, although they were initially skeptical of this order, did as they were told and began releasing King Reginald and the Blade Knights.
"You're free now." An Archfiend Soldier said. "Go on, get out of here."
King Reginald and the Blade Knights didn't need to be bold twice, and began to make their way out of mine. While passing Anakin, King Reginald shot Anakin a cold glare. Once his comrades were gone, Anakin turned to Lilith, Lady of Lament, who stared right back.
"You got what you wanted." she frowned, not feeling too pleased. "Now do us all a favor and get the hell out of here."
"Gladly." Anakin accepted, but not before readying his Electro-Whip once more. "But first, a going away present."
And he struck Lilith, Lady of Lament once more, causing the female Fiend-Type monster to scream in agony from the electric shock. The nearby miners all gasped, watching as Anakin turned and ran off. Once she recovered from the shock, Lilith, Lady of Lament turned and glared angrily at her fellow Duel Spirits.
"Don't just stand there! Go after them!" Lilith, Lady of Lament shouted. "Avenge our fallen Queen!"
The various miners did what they were told and began making their way after the soldiers of Rondeval.
(elsewhere...)
Outside the mine, Anakin, King Reginald, and the Blade Knights all made it outside safely. To ensure that they weren't followed, Anakin gave an order to Seiyaryu...
"Attack the cave entrance with Holy Fire!" he instructed.
Seiyaryu took to the skies and breathed a powerful blast of fire at the top of the mine entrance, causing a rockslide.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the cave, various Duel Spirits were rushing for the exit, thinking they were almost to the intruders. As they got closer, an earthquake ensued.
"W-What the-?!" One Archfiend Soldier quivered.
To the miners' shock, a powerful blast of fire was coming their way! As the attack hit and burned the mines to death, debris started raining down over the mine entrance, sealing it and trapping the remaining miners inside the area.
(elsewhere...)
Outside the mine, the shaking soon ceased. Anakin, knowing that all was well again, turned to look at his King and fellow soldiers.
"Let's return home." he suggested.
King Reginald huffed. "Grrr! The humiliation of it all!" he fumed. "Chelyumn wasn't conquered as intended, therefore this entire mission was a complete failure!"
"Just be thankful we're all in one piece!" argued Anakin. "Driote was far more powerful than any of us had anticipated!"
"You think I don't know that?!" snapped King Reginald. He then softened up a bit and did something he thought he would never do... "H-However, I... I do believe I must thank you."
Anakin looked surprised.
"You slayed that unholy Queen of this kingdom's and saved us all. If you hadn't done that, we would all have ended up dead at some point or another."
Anakin didn't pay too much attention to what King Reginald said to him; he just wanted to return home and resume his life there.
(elsewhere...)
Back in the gate leading into Rondeval, the people there had been waiting three extra days for the return of Anakin, King Reginald, and the troops. Among those waiting were Queen Imelda, Anastasia, and even, to the princess and her Mother's dismay, Prince Randolph.
"Aww, man! Why didn't King Reginald ask me to come?" complained Prince Randolph. "I would have helped conquered that kingdom lickity split!"
The two members of the Royal Family ignored the manchild-like prince's ranting and focused on the safe return of King Reginald, Anakin, and the soldiers. Eventually, a familiar dragon roar was heard...
"Huh?" gasped Queen Imelda. "Could it-?"
"Is it Seiyaryu?" pondered Anastasia.
In the sky, flying over the ocean, was indeed Seiyaryu. As the dragon got closer and closer, some of the people could see people riding it. And those passengers were...
"It's our King!" One man proclaimed.
"And the elite warriors!" A young woman added.
They weren't the only ones riding Seiyaryu. Also riding the dragon, as Anastasia tried to get a closer look, was a familiar young man with black hair...
"Anakin's there, too!" she announced.
Yup. Soon, upon Seiyaryu setting down, the group of warriors disembarked from their ride, battered and exhausted from their journey and battle-but alive. The whole kingdom started storming from the city to greet the party. Anakin, meanwhile, was very happy to be back home after experiencing such a Hell.
"I'm home again..." The black-haired young man thought to himself. All of a sudden, he was embraced by an overjoyed, tearful-looking Anastasia. "A-Anastasia-?"
"Anakin! Oh, Anakin! Thank God you're alive!" Anastasia sobbed happily.
Anakin returned the hug and was overjoyed to see his best friend again as well, but there was far more behind his tears than just being happy to see his beloved angel, and Anastasia could somewhat sense it.
"A-Anakin?" The brunette-haired young woman quizzed. "Are you okay?"
Unfortunately, Anakin never answered. Queen Imelda, meanwhile, was happy to see her husband again. Unfortunately, King Reginald was in a grumpy mood.
"Our attack was a complete failure." he grumbled. "The Queen of Chelyumn was far more prepared for a surprise attack than I anticipated. That being said, we still managed to kill her and take her crown."
Despite the failed attack, it was still wonderful for our heroes to be home again.
(elsewhere...)
That evening outside the clocktower, a large bonfire had been set up by Anakin. He was going to burn the things belonging to the Chelyumn kingdom so that could forget about it. A large crowd had gathered to watch the ceremony unfold.
"The armor belonging to Alain Kumar." said Anakin, tossing the armor into the fire. From there, he picked up and looked long and hard at both the royal crown and the Electro-Whip weapon of 'Queen' Driote. "And both the Electro-Whip and crown of 'Driote: The Artist of Insanity'... These two things, along with Driote's whole legacy, can burn into the fires of Hell."
With that said, he tossed the Electro-Whip and crown both into the bonfire. The crowd remained silent as they watched everything in the fire burn away into nothingness. Hopefully, with the crown gone, Driote's legacy would be forever forgotten. Unfortunately, not everything can be forgotten by people so easily...
(elsewhere...)
The door to Anastasia's room in the castle opened up, revealing a solemn-looking Anakin. Anastasia, reading a book by the fire, turned and saw her friend walking inside.
"Oh! Anakin!" greeted Anastasia, but then she saw the look on her friend's face. "W-What's wrong?"
Anakin said nothing; it was as if he was in a trance or something. Once he approached the bed and sat down, with the traumatic memories of his encounter Driote becoming too much to bear, he started to cry.
"Ani!" gasped Anastasia, standing up and approaching.
As soon as she got close enough, the young princess tried to rest her hand on Anakin's shoulder, only to become shocked when the poor black-haired young man flinched and looked away from her in total fright.
"Anakin?" peeped Anastasia. "What's happened to you? My Father told us of what happened at the slave auction and how you managed to save them from the mines, but you still haven't said anything about what happened to you. Please, tell me everything."
Taking a deep, shaking breath, Anakin revealed the whole story...
"I... I was captured and forced to become...Driote's personal slave." he began. "It was after I was found out. If I didn't do what she said, your Father and the other troops would be killed." The black-haired young man shook violently at what was coming next... "S-She forced me...to have sex with her - basically violating me!"
Anastasia was absolutely horrified when she heard that Driote, in her late 20s, basically raped Anakin - who hadn't been 18 for very long - and stole his virginity. NOW the princess knew why Anakin was so broken at the moment.
"Anakin... none of this was your fault." Anastasia said softly.
"It WAS my fault!" ranted Anakin, starting to breakdown again. "I could have stopped it, I could have stopped the troops from getting hurt, I could have not allowed myself to let Driote have her way with me! I didn't want to do it, I didn't want to, but she forced it to happen; there were lives at friggin' stake!"
Poor Anakin started sobbing in a total mess, while Anastasia, who started to cry herself, hugged the tortured soul close to her; this time he accepted the princess's soft touch, holding her tightly as she tried to comfort him.
"It wasn't your fault at all, Ani." soothed Anastasia. "I think no different of you; you put the men's lives before your own."
"It was Driote threatening to enslave me that made me give into my hatred and almost kill her." Anakin, weeping hard, pointed out (although he was thankful that Anastasia didn't think any differently of him).
And Anakin and Anastasia both continued to cry into each other's arms, with the latter continuing to comfort the former the best she could. Unknown to the both of them, this wasn't the last time Anakin was going to see Driote - there was also going to be a time where Anastasia would meet Driote.
END FLASHBACK
The sad story sequence finally came to an end.
"And...that's the whole story." finished Thomas sadly.
"It was one of the most traumatic experiences Anakin had ever experienced." added Emily, looking like she wanted to cry.
Everyone else in the hospital room was absolutely speechless at the powerful, emotional story; some were more emotional than others (Molly, Percy, Rosie, Mavis, Duck, Nia, and Rebecca all being major examples).
"Now it makes perfect sense when Anakin almost killed that prince during fateful night after what Driote did to him." said Stanley, looking absolutely glum.
"He didn't want Anastasia to experience the same thing." put in Edward.
"Anakin was severely traumatized by being raped." explained Thomas. "But he was eventually able to move past it."
"Before he and Anastasia made love for the first time that same night." added Emily.
After hearing the story of how Anakin and Driote first met, everyone else in the room began to hate Driote all the more.
"That Goddamn Driote..." scowled James.
"Frankie isn't exactly innocent in all of this either." Mavis pointed out.
"We have to take them both down before it's too late." added Rosie tearfully.
"You know, I still standby my comment on Duel Monsters." huffed Gordon. "I wish we never got involved with that game. Before it came about, our lives were peaceful and normal like everybody elses."
"It's caused us so much trouble; especially for you two." agreed Henry, looking at both Thomas and Emily. "Had it not been for Duel Monsters, there would be no pirates, no Rare Hunters, no attempted sabotage of Boxford Corp, and no Duel Monsters spirit world."
"And if there was no Duel Monsters spirit world-" Gordon added. "-then there would be no King Reginald, no Prince Randolph, no Court of Darkness, no Driote, and no Diablon!"
"It's just a horrible game!" hissed Henry. "And if we had the technology to make it, we would go back in time and prevent it from ever being created!"
Thomas closed his eyes. "No, Henry." he interrupted. "You're wrong."
"Huh?" gasped Henry.
"As I said, both you and Gordon are wrong." continued Thomas. "If you were to erase Duel Monsters from existence, then you would be destroying everything and everyone ever touched by the game. Even us."
"What are you talking about?" asked Gordon.
"It's true that without the Duel Monsters spirit world-" Emily added. "-then the Court of Darkness, Driote, and Diablon never would have happened. But that would also mean no Anakin and no Anastasia. Without them, Thomas and I would probably never have been born as a result."
A vision ensured.
VISION
Thomas walked about in a bleak-looking environment, devoid of color and other life. Soon he noticed a Duel Monsters card lying on the ground. It was 'Dark Magician'.
"While it's true that the game might not be as perfect as you think it should be-" narrated Thomas. "-it has created far more good things than you realize. Before it came into our lives, everything was plain and average. Truth be told, it was a bit boring. But then, everything changed."
As real world-Thomas narrated on, Fantasy Thomas picked the card up, causing the illusion of a door opening before Thomas's eyes, filling the world with more color, and causing some of his friends to appear.
"Duel Monsters opened our eyes to a whole new world." Thomas narrated on. "A world where adventure, friendship, and even love is possible."
Each time Thomas picked a card up, it opened another door, making the world more colorful and lively. Eventually, with a full deck in hand, the bleak-looking world that Thomas had pictured was now nothing more than a dream. The world around him is now alive and full of joy. Thomas smiled as he looked at his cards, and then to all his friends.
"Duel Monsters has helped to create endless possibilities for all of us."
END VISION
The vision came to an end.
"And if it wasn't for Duel Monsters, we would never have become friends with Spencer and put him on a path to become a better person." finished Thomas. "Nor would we have met Discord, his adopted kids, Skiff, Ashima, and everyone else." He then held up his own Deck. "Because the true magic of Duel Monsters isn't just in the cards. It's in all of the bonds that have been forged thanks to the game. And would you really want those bonds to be destroyed just for the chance of a more normal life?"
Henry and Gordon both became silent after hearing Thomas's passionate speech. Just then, the nearby doors soon opened and revealed the head doctor.
"I'm sorry, but both Mr. Billinton and Ms. Stirling need some more rest." he apologized. "However, I'm pleased to say they will be able to leave the next day."
With that said, the group started to leave. Staying behind, however, were Percy, James, Nia, and Rebecca.
"Again, we're so relieved you two are alive." smiled Nia.
"Indeed." agreed Rebecca.
"Get well, you two." advised Percy.
"When you're out of the hospital-" James was saying. "-we're going to find those pirates and kick their asses for good."
"Watch the language, James!" scolded Rebecca.
"Aww!"
As the two teachers and two students left the room, Thomas and Emily looked to each other.
"Driote and her pirates may have won the first battle, but they haven't won the war." Emily was saying. "We'll put a stop to their plans the next time we encounter them!"
"No matter where she has gone to, I will not rest until Driote has been defeated once and for all!" agreed Thomas.
Yup, there going to be future battles ahead for our heroes. Now, what about Frankie? Let's go and see...
(elsewhere...)
Inside the pirate's escape helicopter, Hurricane was still looking after Frankie, who was still in her coma. He was beginning to think Frankie would never wake up. Over with Frankie...
"Awaken!" The voice of Driote echoed in the blue/green-haired girl's head.
All of a sudden, Frankie's eyes...snapped opened.
"Frankie!" cried Hurricane, jumping in surprise at the sudden eyes opening.
Groaning weakly, Frankie sat up on her makeshift bed and rubbed the sides of her head.
"Ohhh, my head..." she mumbled, before looking down and seeing herself topless with her breasts tightly wrapped in surgical bandages. "Huh?! What the-?"
"You were injured from Thomas's surprising attack." explained Hurricane. "Don't worry, I only tended to your injuries, nothing else." He then relaxed a bit. "Either way, I'm pleased you're awake again."
"I'm glad to be awake, Hurricane." agreed Frankie. "What about my master plan to bring Uncle John back? Are we still moving onto Phase Two?"
"That's right, we still are. However, I'm afraid we are somewhat short on time."
"What do you mean?" The blue/green-haired girl pressed.
Hurricane took something out of his pocket. It was a copy of one of those wanted posters.
"The police know what you've been doing." The red/brown-haired boy said seriously as Frankie read the poster to herself. "They know what you put Merlin and his family through as well as your kidnapping of Gordon Gresley and Henry Stanier. They will stop at nothing until they have captured and lock you away forever."
Frankie seemed to smile. "They won't get me, Hurricane." she said in a dark, evil tone. "My plans for reviving Uncle John will succeed no matter the cost."
However, the spirit of Driote in Frankie's mind seemed to have plans of her own...
"I'm afraid that I have plans of my own, child." The female voice sneered. "But by the time they are ready, I will no longer have any use for you or your stupid pirates. So enjoy my assistance while you still can... When the time comes, 'I' will be the one in control of your body, and everything and everyone in this world will become the next part of my latest masterpiece!"
(elsewhere...)
As the helicopter flew through the sky towards its destination, the voice of Driote laughed evilly. Oh man, whatever was going to happen next, I dread seeing it happen... What could the future plans for both Frankie and Driote be like? That, I'm afraid, is a tale for another day.
Journey Beyond Sodor Arc
The End
Now THAT was a really dark chapter. Either way, the second half of the arc begins with the next chapter, and that means...there will be an update to the intro and outro to reflect that!