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: As of now, this story will be 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. Reader discretion is strongly advised.


Opening up over the sea, a jet was flying towards the Island of Sodor.

(inside...)

Inside the jet were Discord and Frankie's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke. So far, the mood and atmosphere was absolutely grim.

"Couldn't we have taken off sooner?" asked Mr. Clarke anxiously.

"I apologize for the delay, but there was a technical issue." apologized Discord. "I don't know how the problem came to be, but we got it fixed as fast as we could."

"Oh... why did Frankie have to do this?" Mrs. Clarke was saying sadly. "Despite her stubbornness, she used to be such a good girl."

A flashback ensued.


FLASHBACK

Outside the Clarke household, there were some voices arguing with each other...

"But, why?!" The voice of Flashback Frankie, which sounded upset, was saying.

(elsewhere...)

Inside the living room, Flashback Frankie was currently arguing with her parents. Both Flashback Mr. Clarke and Flashback Mrs. Clarke had informed their teenage daughter that they were going on a trip to learn more about Sailor John's death.

"I say we go after Thomas and get him arrested!" continued Flashback Frankie. "He's the one who murdered Uncle John, I just know it!"

Flashback Mr. Clarke shook his head. "No, Frankie." he said firmly. "Your Mother and I are going to find out the truth for ourselves."

"But I want my revenge 'now'!"

"Honey, we need to know the 'full' story before we take action." Flashback Mrs. Clarke pointed out. "It is always important to find out what 'really' happened. Because what 'really' happened is what 'really' matters. If we were to take Thomas to court simply based on what a complete stranger said, then there's a possibility we could end up sending a boy to prison on a false charge while the 'real' killer gets away Scot-free."

Before Flashback Frankie could say anything back, Flashback Mr. Clarke spoke for his wife...

"Do you really want to risk that happening, Frankie?" he asked, sounding dead serious. "Just because you're too proud and stubborn to admit when you're wrong? Try to remember that."

Flashback Frankie, realizing that she wasn't going to get through to her parents, stood up from the couch, turned, and stormed upstairs to her room.

"Frankie..." whispered Flashback Mrs. Clarke. "You'll realize that we know what we're doing at some point."

(elsewhere...)

Inside Frankie's room, the blue/green-haired girl stomped over to her bed and sat down on it. She was frustrated; she needed to get at Thomas and make him pay for killing her Uncle.

(elsewhere...)

Back downstairs, Flashback Mr. Clarke and Flashback Mrs. Clarke were both speaking to Flashback Hurricane, who was moving into the house to look after Flashback Frankie.

"Hurricane, we're so happy you've agreed to stay for as long as needed." smiled Flashback Mrs. Clarke. "Please keep Frankie out of trouble while we're gone."

"Frankie's my best friend, ma'am." reminded Flashback Hurricane. "I care for her, and I want her to not do anything she would regret for the rest of her life."

Flashback Mr. Clarke and Flashback Mrs. Clarke both nodded in agreement, knowing they could trust the brown/red-haired boy.

END FLASHBACK


The flashback ended, and Mrs. Clarke was in tears over remembering the flashback.

"Honey, what's wrong with our daughter?" she wept. "Why did she go down this dark path? What did we do wrong as parents?"

"It's alright." soothed Mr. Clarke, placing a hand onto his wife's hand. "We'll make sure our daughter fully realizes what she's doing is wrong."

(elsewhere...)

Soon, the jet landed at Knapford Airport. Once Discord, Mr. Clarke, and Mrs. Clarke departed from the flying machine, they were approached by a team of pilots.

"Welcome back, Mr. Crawford." One of the pilots said, speaking to Discord.

"Is the helicopter ready?" The jolly man asked.

A second pilot nodded. "It's fully fueled and standing by."

"We're ready to head for Boxford Corporation on your word." A third pilot added.

That was all the three adults needed to hear.


Title: When Giants Duel, Part 3: Supremacy of the Avatar


Back outside Boxford Corp, a phone could be heard ringing somewhere inside the building.

(elsewhere...)

Inside one hallway, the phono could still be heard ringing. Eventually, it was picked up by somebody...

"Yes? What is it?"

(elsewhere...)

Inside one control room, an exhausted-looking pirate was answering the phone.

"What's that you're saying?" The tired pirate questioned. "Something's going on?"

"We have five grunts knocked out!" The voice of Smudger cried out. "The intruders have been here! We're going after them, now!"

(elsewhere...)

In another hallway, the unconscious bodies of five pirates littered the area; a sign that Gordon, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) had been there (with some help from Ace).

(elsewhere...)

Inside the control room...

"We couldn't stop them!" The voice of another pirate cut in. "They... Crap! Here they come, and they have.. AAAHHH!"

There was static on the other end.

"Hey! What's going on? Somebody report!" The pirate, who was no longer tired, was shouting. "Come in!" He slammed the phone down when he got no answer. "Damn!"

The phone was ringing again, causing the pirate to answer in anger.

"What is it, now?!"

"The intruders are taking one of the elevators!" Another pirate's voice echoed.

The pirate growled, growing tired of this nonsense.

(elsewhere...)

On another floor, one pirate was standing by the elevator the intruders were taking, aiming to take them by surprise. However, the pirate made the mistake of keeping his back turned for a brief moment. It cost him when the doors opened, and the pirate was immediately slugged in the back of the head by both Gordon and his Uncle. As Gordon, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) each stepped off, Smudger and six other pirates ran into the area.

"Good! We've got you three!" declared Smudger.

"Hmph! Well, if it ain't Smudger." frowned Gordon. "I haven't forgotten how you and your buddies locked up my Aunt and Uncle."

"We certainly haven't forgotten." agreed Mr. Gresley (Boxford).

"In any case, this is as far as you three will go!" insisted Smudger. "The captain gave us strict orders to prevent anyone from reaching the Duel Ring Server, and we are not going to fail her."

Gordon cracked his knuckles. "Wanna bet?"

A fight broke out; with Mr. Gresley (Boxford) knocking down one pirate, and Gordon kicking Smudger in the chin and knocking him over. Once he was able to speak to his Aunt, the tall, blue-haired boy turned towards Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).

"Aunt Leslie, where do we go now?" he asked.

"Hold on." While speaking, Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) looked at her device. She then pointed in one direction. "This way!"

Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) ran down the hallway, with her husband trying to follow. Gordon, meanwhile, was still fighting off the pirates.

"Gordon!" yelled Mr. Gresley (Boxford). "Stop beating those men up - the exit's this way!"

"What?!" exclaimed Gordon, becoming annoyed. "Why didn't you tell me a few seconds ago?" He then saw more pirates running down the other end of the hallway. "Well, let's get out of here!"

As the three civilians ran down the hall, the pirates (including Smudger) were still giving chase. At one point, Gordon turned and kicked at one, knocking the pirate into two others and putting them each on the floor. The remaining five pirates, including Smudger, continued to chase after their prey.

"Don't let them get to the Duel Ring Server!" warned Smudger, determined to not fail his boss.

Soon, Gordon and his relatives made it to the doors leading into another hallway leading to the Duel Ring Server. However, two pirates were waiting.

"Not so fast!" The first pirate warned.

"Damn." groaned Gordon. "I knew this sounded too easy."

As expected, Smudger and the remaining pirates showed up, trapping Gordon, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).

"Nice try!" smirked Smudger. "We're not gonna let you guys get access to the Duel Ring Server. Soon, our captain's plans for the R.A. Project will be complete, and we'll have our old captain back among the living!"

"Are you three ready to be taken away?" Another pirate dared.

Just then...

*BASH*

The nearby doors burst apart, revealing Ace on his Duel Runner.

"Sorry, but I'm not gonna let you complete those plans." The blonde-haired young man refused. He then looked to his three new allies. "I'll hold off these lardbutts, you three get inside the chamber."

With the distraction, Gordon and Mr. Gresley (Boxford) both attacked and knocked out the two pirates guarding the doors leading into the Duel Ring Server. Ace, getting off his Duel Runner, also ran forth and started fighting the remaining pirates, allowing Gordon and his relatives to get through the doors leading into the next hallway. As a result, Ace was alone to fight the pirates, but that was okay because he was winning the fight despite being outnumbered.

(elsewhere...)

Inside the new hallway, Gordon, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) each were catching their breath from being chased.

"Y-You know?" Gordon spoke up, having actually enjoyed fighting the pirates with his bare hands. "It's strangely satisfying beating the living crap out of those pirates." He then looked to his Aunt and Uncle. "Okay, so where to next?"

"It should be somewhere down here." answered Mr. Gresley (Boxford).

And so, the three civilians proceeded down the hallway, hoping to find the Duel Ring Server soon.

"Aunt Leslie and Uncle Jim?" Gordon suddenly said. "I just realized something."

"What is it, Gordon?" asked Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).

"I've been thinking about both Thomas and Emily. Surely they must already be at the top by now, aren't they?"

"I wish I knew, Gordon. I wish I knew." sighed Mr. Gresley (Boxford). "For now, let's focus on getting to the Duel Ring Server. The sooner we reach it, the sooner we can put an end to the R.A. Project."

Unfortunately, Gordon's thoughts couldn't be further from the truth...

(elsewhere...)

Back in one chamber near the top floor, Thomas and Emily both were in the process of watching the duel between Hurricane and Diesel 10.

"Hurricane..." whispered Thomas.

Back in the duel field...

"It's my turn!" announced Diesel 10. "Get ready to lose everything, Hurricane!" He drew a card. "Draw!"


Turn Three: Diesel 10 (LP: 400)
Deck: 53
Current Hand (1): "Card of Demise"


On cue, the 'Card of Demise' Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.

"I activate the Spell Card 'Card of Demise'!" As Diesel 10 spoke, he drew five cards. "I can draw cards until I have five cards in my hand. During my fifth Standby Phase after activation, I must send all cards in my hand to the Graveyard." He flashed a wicked grin. "Though I promise you that this duel will be over long before then!"

His new hand contained 'Jack Wyvern', 'Effect Shut', 'Air Cracking Storm', 'Rare Metalmorph', and 'Starship Spy Plane'. Another psychotic-looking smile appeared on his face.

"Now then, I'm gonna Summon a monster." continued Diesel 10, taking and holding a card up. "However, this won't be a Normal Summon, but a Special Summon!"

On cue, a Monster Card called 'Starship Spy Plane' materialized face-up on the field.

"Come forth - 'Starship Spy Plane'!"

Appearing onto the field was a spaceship in the shape of an alien saucer (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 500).

"This monster can be Special Summoned from the hand if the opponent controls an Xyz Monster." explained Diesel 10, before pointing at his opponent. "Like you do, Hurricane!"

He then laughed madly once more, causing Hurricane to scowl in response.

"Not only that, I'll activate 'Starship Spy Plane's' effect! When this monster is Special Summoned from the hand, I can target one Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls and return that target to the hand."

"What?!" cried Hurricane.

"That's right!" taunted Diesel 10, before pointing to the middle card. "I'll target the middle card! It will go back into your hand!"

'Starship Spy Plane' fired a laser at Hurricane's middle facedown card, causing it to turn to light and return to his hand.

"My 'Overlay Armor'...!" The brown/red-haired boy thought to himself.

"Now I'll Normal Summon a monster!" As Diesel 10 spoke, he took and placed another card onto his Duel Disk. "I Summon 'Jack Wyvern'!"

Appearing onto the field was a smaller mecha-dragon with purple-metallic armor and a green energy ball for an eye (Level: 4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 0).

"And now, the effect of 'Jack Wyvern'!" declared Diesel 10, removing both cards from his Duel Disk. "I can Banish this monster and one other face-up Machine monster I control, and then I can target one DARK monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it."

'Jack Wyvern' and 'Starship Spy Plane' both vanished in blue streaks.

"You want your 'Cracking Dragon' back!" Hurricane gasped, clearly knowing the answer to that question.

"Gee, you not as dumb as you look!" teased Diesel 10, before holding his good hand up as something happened behind him. "Be reborn - 'Cracking Dragon'!"

Hurricane, Emily, and Thomas each watched as 'Cracking Dragon reappeared on the field right behind Diesel 10, who was, again, laughing like a crazed maniac.

"It's back!" cried Emily.

"'Cracking Dragon'!" added Thomas.

"'Cracking Dragon' has returned again!" proclaimed Diesel 10. "This monster may have been easy to get rid of before, but that was by pure luck." He then smiled viciously. "This time, you won't get rid of my monster."

"What do you mean by that?" questioned Hurricane.

"Allow me to show you." offered Diesel 10, taking and slotting a card into his Duel Disk. "Equip Spell - 'Air Cracking Storm', activate! This card can only be equipped to a Machine monster! Now, watch what happens!"

'Cracking Dragon' was immediately upgraded with new weaponry.

"With 'Air Cracking Storm' activated, my victory is all but guaranteed!"

Was this true? Was Diesel 10 truly in a position to win? It's too soon to figure that out. For now, let's head for the rooftop and see how Spencer's doing...

(elsewhere...)

Back outside atop the Apex Arena, the fields and scores were as followed:
-Spencer (LP: 3100) controlled 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' (ATK: 4500).
-A newly transformed Driote (LP: 200) controlled no cards on her field. Despite having nothing to protect her, she was not worried at all.

"Well?" The blue/green-haired young woman teased, shrugging her shoulders. "Are you gonna attack? I have no way of fighting back, you know."

While it was true that Driote controlled no monsters and had no Spell or Trap Cards on her field, there was still an enormous catch for Spencer being on the verge of winning the duel... In the center of the field was a containment tube, and inside was an unconscious Skiff. Driote, meanwhile, was holding up a remote control, which obviously summoned the tube and controlled it in some ways. If the correct button was pressed, Skiff would be electrocuted to death—which Driote was all too happy to do.

"Y-You dirty bitch..." growled Spencer. In his mind... "What should I do?"

"I'm simply showing you how to use a hostage." chuckled Driote. "I guess it was the right decision for me to 'not' kill Skiff earlier, after Frankie and I effortlessly defeated him in 'our' duel." She then had one more question to ask... "Don't you think this is the appropriate way to use weaklings?"

Spencer said nothing in response.

"What's the matter?" Driote questioned, giggling evilly. Faded images of the various Battle City Final duels were then shown around her. "Previously, you were very much fine with having many innocent victims get hurt in order to get what you wanted. Am I correct?"

"I... I..." Spencer tried to say, but got interrupted.

"There's no need for hesitation!" Driote went on. "If you hate me so much, then strike me!" She then showed off yet another horrifying nightmare face. "What are you waiting for?! Attack me! ATTACK ME NOW!"

She then laughed evilly once more.

"Don't underestimate me!" thundered Spencer. "I'll strike you down here and now!" He then gave the command to his monster. "'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon', end this duel with a direct attack on Driote! NEUTRON BL-!"

"No, Spencer!" The voice of Maiden with Eyes of Blue cried out.

Spencer froze when he heard the voice of his main Duel Spirit, thus stopping himself from finishing the command. As expected, Maiden with Eyes of Blue appeared beside the silver-haired young man.

"Please stop!" she begged. "If you attack Driote like this, you'll revert to how you used to be."

Spencer remained silent as his Duel Spirit spoke on...

"You've been able to move forward with your life because you've changed for the better after Battle City ended, having moved on from trying to destroy Gozaburo's legacy. You can't allow Skiff to be killed by your attack; he was dragged into this... He hasn't done anything wrong!"

"I... I have to do something!" Spencer countered, growing frustrated. "If I don't finish her now, then-"

"If you were to attack, you would have to live with the remorse and agony of having killed your own brother for the rest of your life." argued Maiden with Eyes of Blue. "This is why you can't do it, because you are a changed person! There has to be another way to win without sacrificing a life!"

Driote, because she was from the Duel Monsters spirit world originally and thus could see Duel Spirits too, burst out laughing over the argument.

"You're so funny!" The 'Artist of Insanity' proclaimed, causing both Spencer and Maiden with Eyes of Blue to glare at their enemy. "You're well aware of my legacy in the Duel Monsters spirit world, and what I'm capable of doing, yet you're trying to save me." She then giggled in fits of madness. "The irony is so twisted that I could just laugh at it!"

"That's not my intention!" snapped Maiden with Eyes of Blue, displaying and expressing some rare anger. "I just want to prevent more tragedies."

"The only way you can 'prevent' more tragedies is by defeating me! But by defeating me, I'll make sure that poor Skiff goes with me!"

As Driote and Maiden with Eyes of Blue argued, Spencer found himself so conflicted with himself that he didn't know what to say or do—he never felt so unsure and helpless in his whole life. Just then, Skiff, still inside the containment tube, seemed to wake up and speak out...

"Big Brother..." he said, sounding calm and weak. "Let her kill me."

Gasping, Spencer turned back to the containment tube - not bothering to say anything in response to his younger brother's request.

"Let her kill me." Skiff repeated. "Giving into the demands of a bully only makes the problem 'worse'. Not just for you, but for 'everyone'. If you let that monster win just to get her to spare my life, then she'll slaughter millions of people including us, Mom, Dad, and even Gordon. But if you defeat her, then her plans will fail, and 'I' will be the only casualty." He put a brave smile onto his face. "Nobody likes to die, but if my death is the only way to stop this monster for good... then so be it!"

Spencer, however, realized that Driote had a big point; if he did attack, Skiff would die. Skiff, however, basically said he was willing to give up his life so that Spencer could defeat Driote and end her schemes. Ultimately, Spencer figured that Maiden with Eyes of Blue was right; he couldn't attack and end up killing his own brother - adopted or not. Spencer would never forgive himself for doing something like that. At last, he took another card from his hand.

"Families do not abandon each other..." Spencer murmured, closing his eyes. "Gozaburo might have done something like this with my Mother and Father long ago, but I will not sacrifice my Little Brother just to get what I want." He then opened his eyes, which were showing signs of sadness, and slotted the card into his Duel Disk. "I end my Battle Phase and move onto the Main Phase 2."

A facedown card materialized on the field.

"As a result, I'll set one card and end my turn."

There was a long silence in the area... Both Skiff and Maiden with Eyes of Blue had expressions of sadness on their respective faces, knowing that Spencer just threw away his only chance to win the duel and put an end to Driote's schemes; but they also knew that Spencer did the right thing. Eventually, the silence broke with Driote bursting into more crazed laughter over her enemy's sign of weakness.

"You've given up your chance for victory!" she howled, pointing at her opponent. "I guess by making friends and walking down the path of justice, you're no longer willing to go that far to win a duel!"

Spencer, staring at his facedown card, remained silent In his mind, it was a whole different story...

"I'm sorry, Skiff, but I'm not going to attack Driote like this." he thought to himself. "But with my set 'The Ultimate Creature of Destruction', I still might have a shot at winning without putting you in harms way."

"That was your last chance!" declared Driote, again pointing at her opponent. "Now I can go and retake control of the duel!" She then started to draw a card. "It's my turn! D-!"

Before the blue/green-haired young woman could draw a card, the sounds of a helicopter were heard. Before long, a helicopter rose above the top of the skyscraper.

(inside...)

Inside the helicopter, Discord could see the dueling action going on below.

"Down there!" he pointed out.

"There's our daughter!" realized Mrs. Clarke.

(outside...)

The helicopter soon landed on the nearby helipad. Once the vehicle had come to a complete stop, the door opened, and Discord, Mr. Clarke, and Mrs. Clarke each got out.

"Discord!" realized Spencer, seeing the visitors approaching the platform. "Are those two-?"

Driote was annoyed over the intrusion of the duel. Mr. and Mrs. Clark, meanwhile, both approached the platform, completely unaware over what happened to their daughter.

"FRANCINE SOPHIE CLARKE!" Mrs. Clarke called out angrily. "What in the world do you think you're doing dueling Spencer Gresley?!"

"Mom... Dad..." greeted Driote, with her face down and with her 'Frankie' voice. "You're just in time to witness my revenge for Uncle John's murder."

"Revenge?!" boomed Mr. Clarke. "Young lady, we told you to wait until we had the full story on what happened to your Uncle. We told you 'not' to go taking matters into your own hands! But you 'did'!"

"You have no idea how ashamed we are of you!" Mrs. Clarke put in. "You've deliberately disobeyed us. And look what has happened because of it; you've hijacked Boxford Corp, broke dangerous criminals out of prison, and worst of all, you repeated endangered innocent people. You did this all because you were too proud and stubborn to admit that your accusations against Thomas Billinton were 'wrong'!"

"What do you have to say for yourself?!" demanded Mr. Clarke crossly.

The response was quiet snickering, causing both Mr. and Mrs. Clarke to try and get a closer look at their daughter's face. The snickering grew louder and louder, and soon, when 'Frankie' raised her head and revealed another terrifying nightmare face, became deranged laughter.

"F-Frankie?!" stuttered Mrs. Clarke, becoming afraid. "Wh-What's wrong with you?"

"You two were never my true parents to begin with!" cackled Driote. "'I' am the true Frankie Clarke!"

Horrified over what their daughter looked like, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke both looked back at Discord, hoping for a couple of answers.

"Discord, what's going on?!" demanded Mr. Clarke. "What happened to Frankie? What's the meaning of this?!"

"You never mentioned something like this!" accused Mrs. Clarke.

"I'm just as surprised as you two are!" Discord insisted, holding both hands up. "I don't know what happened to her!"

Unfortunately...

"I grow tired of this weary bantering." grumbled Driote, turning her attention back towards her so-called parents. "You see, I have big plans for this stupid little world." While speaking, an aura of darkness started forming around her. "So, I think it's time for the two of you to BLOW IT!"

From there, Driote thrust her arms out, striking both Mr. and Mrs. Clarke with a powerful blast of dark wind, throwing them across the helipad while screaming until they landed near the helicopter and became silent.

"What?!" gasped Spencer.

"Jesus!" cried Discord. He then ran over to the two adults. "Are you both okay?! Speak to me!"

Both Mr. and Mrs. Clarke's respective eyes were closed, and they weren't breathing. Discord took hold of Mr. Clarke's hand and tried to find a pulse—there was no pulse.

"Oh my God..." whispered Discord, becoming saddened. He then stood up and spoke to Spencer... "Spencer-boy, I'm afraid Mr. and Mrs. Clarke both died from being attacked like that."

Spencer was shocked at this news. "You... you monster..." he sneered at Driote, enraged. "How could you do something like this?!"

The 'Artist of Insanity', however, was laughing her head off; showing that she didn't care in the slightest.

"You have no idea how wonderful that felt!" proclaimed Driote, excitedly. "It's been over a millennia since my last murder! Oh, how good it feels to kill somebody so needlessly!"

And the laughter of insanity resumed.

(elsewhere...)

Within Driote's consciousness, Frankie, who was entirely nude with her body glowing all white to conceal any womanly parts from being viewed, sensed what her dark half had just done.

"Mom... Dad..." she peeped, as tears flowed from her eyes. "They're both dead... What have I done?!"

(elsewhere...)

Outside, Driote stopped laughing when she felt something in her heart and soul reawakening.

"Don't you even dare!" The blue/green-haired young woman hissed, closing her eyes tightly.

(elsewhere...)

Back in Driote's consciousness, Frankie was trying to fight off the darkness. But alas, it was stronger than she realized.

"Ngh..." grimaced Frankie, feeling nothing but sadness over both her parents being murdered and anger for her past incarnation. "You... you killed them! Why did you kill my parents?! Tell... tell me why... why you did...it!"

Suddenly, a vision of Driote, who was also nude with no intimate parts being shown because her whole body was glowing all white, appeared before the blue/green-haired girl.

"They 'had' to die." The 'Artist of Insanity' insisted, sounding uncaring and dismissive. "They were a threat to my plans."

"What do you mean 'your' plans?" Frankie argued, finally realizing the whole truth. "Mom and Dad both weren't supposed to die! We were supposed to use that stored energy to bring Uncle John back! We had a deal!"

"Get with the program, you stupid child!" snapped Driote, growing annoyed over her future self's whining. "All along, I've been 'using' you! I was never going to help you revive your Uncle. I only said that crap so that you would help gather enough energy for me to get my body back." She then smirked with triumphant. "But now that I've become powerful enough to claim control of 'your' body, I don't need you around any longer. As for the R.A. Project, I have another use for it. What is it, you could be asking? Tee hee hee... That, I'm afraid, is my little secret!"

Frankie continued to strain from the darkness as Driote kept the demented smirk on her face.

"You know something, I should really be thanking you for all of this, Frankie. Had you decided to 'not' embrace who you truly are and just move on with your life, your parents would still be alive right now—not to mention I would never have risen to power." The blue/green-haired young woman went on. "Every single time you chose to do something you 'knew' was completely wrong, I would grow stronger and stronger. And by stealing the 'Wicked God' Cards from Industrial Illusions, my strength has grown tenfold." Her face then grew nightmarish. "And now that I've finally returned, I can proceed to finish what I've started thousands of years ago; where I can finally get rid of both Anakin and Anastasia, and then use every living, breathing person and animal in this world for my greatest of masterpieces!"

"No!" cried Frankie, finally feeling horror and regret over her actions. "This wasn't supposed to happen! This isn't what I wanted!"

"And, yet, it's what you got." continued Driote. "You knew what you were doing was wrong, Frankie, but you chose to do it anyway. You 'chose' this path, and now it's your destiny to wander in the darkness of 'our' mind while 'I' can wander freely and kill people for my artworks."

With one last scream of pain full of nothing but anger, Frankie sunk further into the darkness of both Driote and the 'Wicked Gods' influence.

"Have fun." Driote giggled wickedly, before the giggling became psychotic laughter once more.

(elsewhere...)

Back outside, Driote soon opened her eyes once more. Once again, she was showing off a nightmare face. Below the platform...

"Maybe there might be a chance." Discard was saying to some of his men. "Maybe we can save them both. Hurry and get these two to the hospital!"

"Yes sir!" One of the suits obeyed, as four other men picked up the bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Clarke.

Once the team loaded the bodies of Mr. Clarke and Mrs. Clarke into the helicopter, it started up and took off into the sky. Driote, however, was far from being done with the want of killing people...

"DIE!" she screamed, firing another blast of darkness.

The dark wave hit the helicopter.

(inside...)

Inside the helicopter, the two pilots and two suits screamed from the darkness attacking them.

(outside...)

The helicopter went down until it crashed into streets below, causing an explosion that killed the pilots and suits inside the helicopter, while also claiming the lives of whoever was near the helicopter when it exploded.

"Oh, wow! That was so much fun!" proclaimed Driote, happy that she killed even more people. She then turned back towards Spencer to mock him over his decision. "You know, you could have avoided this fate if you just went on with your attack; well, it's too late now!" The blue/green-haired young woman then turned towards Discord below the platform. "Don't you worry, Mr. Crawford, I don't plan on killing you...yet. Instead, I want you to witness the power of the cards you threw away out of fear!"

With that said, Driote drew her next card.

"It's my turn!"


Turn Eight: Driote (LP: 200)
Deck: 35
Current Hand (5): "Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", and "Pot of Greed"


Upon seeing the card...

"Well, well... I've drawn another good card!" announced Driote, before holding it out. "I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed'! I don't need to explain what it does, but I will anyway! It lets me draw two more cards!"

She drew two cards. One of the cards was emitting black smoke, meaning the 'Artist of Insanity' had drawn one of those 'cards'; but first...

"Now, seeing as I control no Spell or Trap Cards-" Driote went on, taking and holding three cards out. "-I'll Special Summon these three 'Burning Abyss' Monsters due to their effects - 'Cagna', 'Alich', and 'Libic'!"

The three mentioned 'Burning Abyss' Monsters appeared on the field (Level 3/ATK: 1500/DEF: 300)(Level 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 0)(Level 3/ATK: 1300/DEF: 700).

"Next-" As Driote spoke, she took and held another card out. "-I'll activate a Continuous Spell - 'Precious Cards from Beyond'! When I Tribute Summon a monster using two or more tributes, I can draw two cards."

Below the platform...

"Impossible!" Discord thought, horrorstruck. "She 'is' going to Summon one of the three 'Wicked Gods'!"

Back on the platform, storm clouds started to form in the sky.

"Evil God of the netherworld, please accept these three sacrifices!" chanted Driote, as the three 'Burning Abyss' Monsters turned into specks of blue dust and floated into the sky. "Now appear, and destroy anyone who tries to defy you!" She raised a card ('The Wicked Avatar') up, and then slammed it onto her Duel Disk. "Appear - 'The Wicked Avatar'!"

The specks of blue dust rose into the storm clouds, which them formed into a large, black sphere, which descended towards the field.

"'The Wicked Avatar'?" stuttered Spencer. In his mind... "It's like a black sun... Like the sphere form of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'!"

"This is one of the three 'Wicked God' Cards I never completed!" reeled Discord.

"From the effect of 'Precious Cards from Beyond', I draw two cards because I've Tribute Summoned a monster using two tributes!" reminded Driote, drawing two cards. "Now, about 'The Wicked Avatar'... It has a special power you'll be intrigued to see and hear."

The black sphere then started changing its shape into something entirely new.

"The 'Wicked God's' changing shape!" realized Discord. "But what is it turning into?"

Before long, the giant black sphere had changed into a replica of 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' - except all black.

"This is madness!" thought Spencer, shocked beyond belief. "The 'Wicked God' transformed into a duplicate of my 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon'...?!" He then spoke aloud... "You're telling me...this is a 'Wicked God'?! Your 'God' took the form of my 'Ultimate Dragon'?!"

"This is the Monster Effect of 'The Wicked Avatar'." Driote explained, enjoying every second of this. "It has no shape of its own. Instead, it can copy the form of the strongest monster on the field - your 'Ultimate Dragon', in this case." Her excitement went up to eleven. "But 'The Wicked Avatar' doesn't merely look like 'Blue-Eyes'. It has the same Attack Power and Defense Power as the real thing - or should I say the same Attack Power and Defense Power plus one."

'The Wicked Avatar' let loose a booming roar (Level: 10/ATK: 4501/DEF: 4501).

"She's right!" cringed Spencer, knowing that 'The Wicked Avatar' was the stronger monster. "'The Wicked Avatar' is, indeed, stronger than 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate'!"

"HA HA HA HA HA! Think of that! it's only one point... But it means there's a decisive difference... An unclosable gap between the power of your 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' and that of my 'Wicked Ultimate Dragon'!" boomed Driote, laughing madly. She then entered the Battle Phase. "BATTLE!"

Knowing he had one shot at stopping the power of 'The Wicked Avatar', Spencer made a move...

"Facedown card, open!" The silver-haired young man announced.

But nothing happened.

"Idiot! You can't activate Spell or Trap Cards until your second turn after 'The Wicked Avatar' was Normal Summoned." insulted Driote. "You can't defend against my incoming attack!"

Spencer recoiled in horror. "'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' was stronger than the 'Egyptian Gods'..." he thought to himself. "Now even it's been surpassed... So this is a 'Wicked God'...!"

"As much as I want to attack your 'Estrangement Dragon', its effect prevents me from attacking since there's another monster on your field." teased Driote, who wanted to prolong the duel in order to continue making Spencer suffer. She then pointed forth. "So, I'll attack your so-called 'Ultimate Dragon'!"

'The Wicked Avatar's' three heads started charging an attack.

"DARK NEUTRON BLAST!"

The attack was unleashed. 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' unleashed its three-way Neutron Blast attack at the incoming blast. Both attacks collided, with one side aiming to win out in the end. Eventually, Dark Neutron Blast pushed through Neutron Blast and struck 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon', overwhelming it.

"My dragon!" cried Spencer, before getting overwhelmed by the remains of 'The Wicked Avatar's' devastating attack. "AAAUUUGGGHHH!"

"Big Brother!" called Skiff, still trapped inside the containment tube.

"Spencer-boy!" exclaimed Discord.

When the attack ended, Spencer was not only on a knee (LP: 3100 - 3099), but 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' was also gone from the field.

"There goes your precious 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon'." laughed Driote. "And now, 'The Wicked Avatar' will take on a new form!"

On cue, 'The Wicked Avatar' turned into a black replica of 'Estrangement Dragon' (ATK: 1501/DEF: 1501).

"This is the terrifying power of the 'Wicked Gods'!" Discord thought to himself. "Oh... If I hadn't tried to create them in the first place... If I had only destroyed the original designs, none of this would be happening."

Back in the duel field...

"I'm... I'm not through!" panted Spencer, as his Graveyard started glowing. "While 'Keeper of the Shrine' is in my hand or Graveyard, if a face-up Dragon monster on the field, except 'Keeper of the Shrine', is sent to the Graveyard by a Card Effect or because it was destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon this monster!"

Reappearing on the field was 'Keeper of the Shrine' (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 2100).

"That's good!" thought Discord. "As 'The Wicked Avatar' copies the monster on the field with the highest Attack Power, but if a monster's Defense Power is higher than its Attack Power, even 'The Wicked Avatar' can't take it down." He looked at 'The Wicked Avatar'. "Now the 'Wicked God' can't attack! Driote will need to come up with some other strategy! This also means Spencer-boy's bought himself more time!"

However, Driote remained unfazed by the turnaround.

"Oh please, that won't stop me!" she pointed out. "You can't escape the darkness that easily!" Her Graveyard ejected one card. "Now, I'll remove 'Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss'! During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard, I can remove this card from my Graveyard and send one 'Burning Abyss' Monster from my hand to the Graveyard; I can add one 'Burning Abyss' card from my Deck into my hand."

After sending a card ('Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') to the Graveyard, another card ('Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') ejected from Driote's Deck, and she added it into her hand. Just as the 'Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' Monster Card ejected from the Graveyard once again, followed by the 'Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' Monster Card ejecting from the Graveyard.

"And since 'Cir' was sent to the Graveyard-" Driote went on. "-I'll Special Summon 'Barbar' from my Graveyard!"

'Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' reappeared on the field. However, due to the fact 'The Wicked Avatar' was not a 'Burning Abyss' Monster, 'Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' immediately shattered into shards of glass. However, that was what the 'Artist of Insanity' was counting on to happen...

"As 'Barbar' was sent to the Graveyard, up to three 'Burning Abyss' cards from my Graveyard can be removed to inflict 300 points of damage to you for each banished card." taunted Driote, holding three fingers up. "All three copies of 'Dante' will be banished, inflicting 900 points of damage!"

Spencer was hit with another blast, causing him to again scream (LP: 3099 - 2199). From there, two facedown cards materialized on the field.

"I'll set two cards and end my turn." continued Driote. "Now that the 'Wicked God' has been released, no one can stop it." She stuck her tongue out and wiggled it about. "You should start trembling in fear; the darkness is coming for you REEEEAL soon!"

Spencer remained defiant; he wasn't going to lose to this mad young woman.

(elsewhere...)

Back in one of the chambers...

"BATTLE!" exclaimed Diesel 10. "I use 'Cracking Dragon' to attack 'Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon'! TRAFFIC BLAST!"

'Cracking Dragon' obeyed, unleashing another powerful blast.

"This isn't the end!" declared Hurricane, as his facedown card flipped up and revealed itself. "I activate a Trap - 'Raidraptor - Evasion'! If a 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can return one of its Overlay Units to the hand and negate the attack."

"We can't have any of that!" interrupted Diesel 10, just as his own facedown card flipped up and revealed itself. "Counter Trap - 'Wiretap', activate! When a Trap Card is activated, I can negate the activation of it, and then, if I do this, shuffle that card into the Deck."

"What?!" gasped Hurricane, watching as his face-up 'Raidraptor - Evasion' Trap Card faded away in a blue streak.

'Cracking Dragon's' blast struck 'Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon', causing an explosion to cloud the field. Diesel 10 smirked, while Thomas and Emily both looked worried for Hurricane. When the smoke cleared, in the place of 'Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon' was 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon'.

"What?!" complained Diesel 10. "Where did that come from?"

"'Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon's' final effect!" announced Hurricane. "If this monster in my possession is destroyed by my opponent's card, either by battle or Card Effect, and sent to my Graveyard, I can target one 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster in my Graveyard, except for 'Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon', and Special Summon it, and then, if I do this, attach the Monster Card to it as Xyz Material."

'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' let out a screech as an Overlay Unit was given to it.

"Idiot! Have you already forgotten?!" snapped Diesel 10. "The effect of 'Sargasso' activates, inflicting 500 points of damage to you since you've Special Summoned an Xyz Monster."

A lightning bolt started to rain down upon Hurricane; however, he was prepared...

"Counter Trap - 'Raidraptor - Silent Roar'!" The brown/red-haired boy announced, as his remaining set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "When my opponent activates a card or effect that would inflict damage while I control a 'Raidraptor' Monster, that effect is negated!"

The bolt of lightning fizzled out before it was too late.

"Tch! Lucky you..." grumbled Diesel 10, but quickly recovered enough to smile. "But, you're still not out of danger! I activate the effect of 'Air Cracking Storm'... When the attacking monster destroys my opponent's monster by battle, the equipped monster can make a second attack during this Battle Phase!"

'Cracking Dragon' began charging an attack.

"TRAFFIC BLAST!"

The blast was fired. "Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' was hit, causing it to explode from destruction. As it was in defense mode, Hurricane was spared from Battle Damage.

"Now, I'll set two cards and end my turn!" finished Diesel 10, slotting two cards into separate Spell/Trap slots on his Duel Disk. On cue, two facedown cards materialized on the field. "There we go! We're in the homestretch! The battle is almost over - where I will be the winner, that is!"

As the ochre-haired man rambled on, Hurricane looked at both hands as a flashback ensued.


FLASHBACK

Inside the kitchen of the Clarke residence, Flashback Hurricane was seated at the table. For days he had been unable to get much sleep; he was very, very worried for his best friend.

"Frankie..." Flashback Hurricane thought to himself. "I can't believe I ran away and let those monsters claim you. What can I do...?

Before long, the sound of the front door opening was heard, catching the brown/red-haired boy's attention. However, there was a certain voice that REALLY got his attention...

"Hello? Hurricane?" A familiar female voice called out. "Hurricane, are you home?"

Flashback Hurricane recoiled. "F-Frankie?"

Standing in the doorway of her own home was, indeed, Flashback Frankie, back home once again. Before the blue/green-haired girl could say anything else, she was immediately met upon by Flashback Hurricane, who started hugging her tightly.

"H-Hurricane?" peeped Flashback Frankie.

"Frankie! You're home!" cried Flashback Hurricane, who could do nothing but apologize to his best friend. "I'm so relieved! You have no idea how worried I was when you were kidnapped! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I should have tried to save you when those Duel Monsters kidnapped you, but I did nothing! Please forgive me... I'll never let you down like that again!"

Flashback Frankie returned the hug. "Hurricane..." she whispered, forcing a small smile onto her face. "I'm so happy to be home again."

END FLASHBACK


The flashback came to an end.

"Although I was happy you returned home, I was not aware of the dark half you had hidden within your heart." Hurricane thought to himself. "When your parents left to find out about your Uncle's 'real' killer, I promised them that I would watch over you and keep you in check, but I failed miserably... And now, you've been been completely consumed by Driote and the 'Wicked Gods', all because I couldn't stop you from being captured."

"Hey!" called Diesel 10. "You gonna draw a card, or are you gonna give up?"

"No! I can't give in! I have to save Frankie from her darkness with my own hands." Hurricane then, while drawing a card, spoke aloud. "It's my turn!"


Turn Four: Hurricane Decapod (LP: 700)
Deck: 50
Current Hand (2): "Overlay Armor" and "Card of Sanctity"


On cue, the 'Card of Sanctity' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.

"Spell Card - 'Card of Sanctity', activate!" began Hurricane, much to Diesel 10's annoyance. "Both players are required to draw until they hold six cards in their respective hands!"

"Tch!" scoffed Diesel 10, drawing six cards.

Hurricane, meanwhile, drew five cards. His hand now contained 'Overlay Armor', 'Monster Reborn', 'Raptor's Storm', 'Xyz Override', 'Rank-Up-Magic Skip Force', and 'Rank-Up Advantage'.

"And now, Diesel 10, say goodbye to your 'Sargasso' card!" declared Hurricane, taking and holding a new card out. "Field Spell - 'Xyz Override', activate!"

"SON-OF-A-BITCH!" Diesel 10 freaked out, watching as his whole field turned into something new. "My 'Sargasso' area!"

The new scenery consisted of a huge factory-like area.

"If an Xyz Monster on the field would activate its effect by detaching its own Xyz Material(s), its controller can instead Banish one card from their hand facedown instead of detaching one of those Xyz Materials." explained Hurricane, before a taunting smirk appeared on his face. "But you don't use Xyz Monsters, do you?"

"You *$%#!" screamed Diesel 10 in a fury, using one of THE harshest swear words in mankind to insult his opponent.

With a chuckle, Hurricane studied his hand carefully. Finally, he selected a card and held it out.

"From my hand, I'll activate 'Monster Reborn'!" began Hurricane, just as his Graveyard started glowing all white. "Reappear - 'Rise Falcon'!"

On cue, 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' reappeared on the field.

"In addition, I'll activate a Continuous Spell - 'Rank-Up Advantage'!" continued Hurricane, holding his card out. "When an Xyz Monster is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Rank-Up-Magic' Spell Card, I can draw one card."

"This punk is really pissing me off!" Diesel 10 thought to himself. He then spoke aloud... "Continuous Trap, open!" His first facedown card flipped up and revealed itself to be... "'Rare Metalmorph', activate! I can activate this card by targeting one Machine monster on the field; it gains 500 Attack Points. And once, I can negate a Spell effect that targets that monster." He then snickered. "The monster I choose is, of course, 'Cracking Dragon'!"

A metallic coating formed around 'Cracking Dragon's' body, causing it to grow stronger (ATK: 3000 - 3500).

"I'm not afraid of that monster!" declared Hurricane, taking and holding another card out. "I activate the Spell Card 'Rank-Up-Magic Skip Force'! With it, I can target one 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster I control and Special Summon, from my Extra Deck, one 'Raidraptor' Monster that is two Ranks higher than that target, by using that target as the Xyz Material."

The Overlay Network reappeared, absorbing 'Raidraptor - Rise Falcon' as a Summon Chant followed...

"Prideful falcon. Spread your wings, dyed in the blood of heroes, and charge through the path of revolution!" chanted Hurricane, before thrusting his right fist forth with a hotblooded scream of... "Rank Up Xyz EVOLUTION! Appear! Rank 6 - 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon'!"

Appearing onto the field, as the Xyz Summon sequence ended, was the larger, much more dangerous-looking 'Raidraptor' Monster (Rank: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 3000).

"With an Xyz Monster successfully Summon, I draw one card." continued Hurricane, drawing a card. He then, while going into his thoughts, saw it was a Spell Card called 'Rank-Up-Magic Doom Double Force'. "I might need this later on."

"How pointless!" snorted Diesel 10. "'Revolution Falcon' stands no chance against 'Cracking Dragon'!"

"I activate 'Revolution Falcon's' Monster Effect!" retorted Hurricane. "If this monster is Xyz Summoned by using a Rank 5 or lower 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster as Xyz Material, I can target one Special Summoned monster my opponent controls; the monster is destroyed, and, if I do this, then I inflict damage to my opponent equal to half of the destroyed monster's Attack Power."

"What?!" Diesel 10 growled.

'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' took off into the sky and began to fire a barrage of explosives at 'Cracking Dragon' and Diesel 10.

"I'm not gonna let you win like this!" shouted Diesel 10, as his remaining set card flipped face-up and revealed itself. "Quick-Play Spell - 'Effect Shut'! It activates only when my opponent activates an Effect Monster's effect. I can negate the activation and destroy that monster."

A powerful beam fired from the face-up 'Effect Shut' Spell Card, striking 'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' and destroying it in a massive explosion.

"How's it feel knowing you've Summoned that monster all for nothing?" smirked Diesel 10. "I bet that was your last good move, too! You can't do anything to save your best friend - she's gone for good! Just give it up and hand me the Black Disk!"

Hurricane shook with anger; he was fed up with letting Frankie down; he was so sick of it! No more... no more! Hurricane was not going to lose to Diesel 10 and never see Frankie ever again. The brown/red-haired boy would be forever damned if he let his best friend remain lost in the darkness forever. Raising his head up to the ceiling, Hurricane let loose a scream of rage.

"Hurricane...!" worried Emily.

"I activate a Quick-Play Spell from my hand!" declared Hurricane, taking and holding a card out. "'Rank-Up-Magic Doom Double Force'! I target one 'Raidraptor' Xyz Monster in my Graveyard that was destroyed by battle and sent there this turn and Special Summon it! From there, I can Special Summon, from my Extra Deck, one Xyz Monster that has twice the Rank of the targeted monster, by using it as the Xyz Material!"

A card ('Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon') slid out of Hurricane's Graveyard.

"Return to me - 'Revolution Falcon'!"

'Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon' returned to the field, but, just as quickly, was then absorbed into the familiar Overlay Network. The body of a new 'Raidraptor' Monster was shown appearing from the Overlay Network; it was sparking with power and electricity as Hurricane commenced with a Summon Chant...

"Falcon of my very soul! With your heart of unwavering conviction and deep affection, become my sturdy last defense and descend!" chanted Hurricane, before making a new card appear in-between the index and middle fingers of his right hand. He then held the card up and let loose a hot-blooded scream of... "Rank Up Xyz EVOLUTION! Appear! Rank 12 - 'Raidraptor - Final Fortress Falcon'!"

The new 'Raidraptor' Monster was a gigantic fortress-like falcon with red armor and littered with cannons and other artillery (Rank: 12/ATK: 3800/DEF: 2800).

"Amazing! He was able to Xyz Summon a Rank 12 monster!" breathed Thomas, having never seen a Rank 12 monster before.

"Hurricane's pain is coming through." whispered Emily. "The feelings he's buried inside him for so long; this monster represents all of it."

Could Hurricane win using this monster? Let's find out later. For now, it's on with the other duel!

(elsewhere...)

Back outside atop the Apex Arena, the duel between Spencer and Driote was ongoing.

"I draw..." grimaced Spencer, drawing a card.


Turn Nine: Spencer Gresley (LP: 2199)
Deck: 38
Current Hand (1): "Maiden with Eyes of Blue"


"Yes... Yes! Keep prolonging your pain and suffering!" taunted Driote. "The more you prolong it, the more it will be worth it in the end!"

Spencer scowled, before casting a look at the containing tube containing Skiff.

"Skiff..." The silver-haired young man thought to himself. "I swear I'll rescue you!" He then switched one of the cards on his Duel Disk sideways. "I switch 'Estrangement Dragon' into defense mode!"

'Estrangement Dragon' went into a defensive stance. From there, Spencer placed his drawn card onto his Duel Disk (sideways).

"In addition, I'll Summon 'Maiden with Eyes of Blue' in defense mode!" continued Spencer.

Appearing onto the field was the white-haired maiden, standing in a defensive stance (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0). The sight of her opponent's field caused Driote to burst out laughing once more.

"That's all you can show?!" she bellowed. "Three weak monsters against my 'Wicked God'?!"

"Don't forget that 'The Wicked Avatar' takes on the monster with the highest Attack Power plus one!" reminded Spencer. "As 'Estrangement Dragon' has the highest Attack Power, 'The Wicked Avatar' has an Attack Power of 1501! But, the Defense Power of 'Keeper of the Shrine' is 2100, meaning even the 'Wicked God' will have a hard time breaking through!"

"Don't be so sure!" smiled Driote, speaking with a hiss. She closed her eyes. "The second 'Wicked God'... I can feel its power... I'm about..." The blue/green-haired young woman opened her eyes as noticable veins appeared around her face. "...to gain my next 'Wicked God'!"

Spencer growled. "I end my turn!"

"It's...MY TURN!" shouted Driote, drawing a card. "DRAW!"


Turn Ten: Driote (LP: 200)
Deck: 30
Current Hand (2): "Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss" and "The Wicked Dreadroot"


The card was emitting evil-looking smoke, which was a clue as to which card was drawn.

"She's drawn a 'Wicked God'!" realized Discord. It was then he remembered... "But she doesn't have the monsters she needs to sacrifice. How will she be able to Special Summon the 'Wicked God'?"

Back on the platform...

"Not enough monsters?" recoiled Driote, overhearing the Creator of Duel Monsters' statement. "N-No way... That can't be true!" She fell to her hands and knees. "The only 'God' I can use is 'The Wicked Avatar'?! It's not fair! I'll never win at this rate!"

There was a long silence, but it was clear that Spencer, the captured Skiff, and Discord each were well aware that Driote's breakdown was fake; they knew damn well that she had a way to get more monsters onto her field. Sure enough, there was some snickering coming from the 'Artist of Insanity', and when she lifted her head, there was a very evil look on her face.

"Just kidding!" exclaimed Driote insanely, before motioning her right hand to one of her set cards. "I activate a Trap - 'Return from the Different Dimension'!"

The first set card flipped face-up and revealed itself.

"I pay half of my Life Points!" The blue/green-haired young woman began, taking a Life Point hit (LP: 200 - 100). "I can now Special Summon as many of my banished monsters as possible. During the End Phase, I must Banish all monsters that were Special Summoned by this effect."

"What?!" Spencer cringed. In his mind... "This will give Driote enough monsters to sacrifice!"

Driote held her left hand (with the Duel Disk) out. "Come forth - 'Draghig', and my three copies of 'Dante'!"

A wormhole appeared in the sky, and dropping down from the wormhole and onto the field, were 'Draghig, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss', and the three copies of 'Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss'.

"However, as 'The Wicked Avatar' is not a 'Burning Abyss' Monster-" reminded Spencer. "-'Draghig' will be destroyed!"

Indeed; 'Draghig, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' immediately shattered into shards of glass. Not like Driote really cared about the loss of one monster; she had all she needed to sacrifice and Summon the second of the 'Wicked Gods' anyway.

"Now, I'll sacrifice all three of my 'Dante'-named monsters!" declared Driote, before speaking to her monsters... "Be gone!"

The three monsters ('Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss') turned to black slime and melted into a pool. Spencer knew what this meant; and he didn't like it at all...

"Great being from the shadows, rise and invoke fear into those who would oppose you!" chanted Driote, raising her next card up as more storm clouds formed in the sky. At last, she slammed the card onto a Monster Field slot on her sparking Duel Disk. "Come forth - 'The Wicked Dreadroot'!"

An explosion erupted from the pool of black slime as a familiar, giant Fiend-Type monster seemed to emerge from it. Soon, the full body of 'The Wicked Dreadroot' was shown, and the 'Wicked God' let loose a monstrous roar. The force of the roar was felt by Spencer, as he braced himself and tried his hardest to not get blown away. Driote, now in command of TWO 'Wicked Gods', burst into cackling, mad-sounding laughter.

"The second 'Wicked God' has shown itself!" The 'Artist of Insanity' announced, drawing two cards as a result of the face-up 'Precious Cards from Beyond' Spell Card. "And that's not even the best part! As 'The Wicked Dreadroot' is now the strongest monster, 'The Wicked Avatar' will take on the form and Attack Power of it!"

'The Wicked Avatar' began to shapeshift into a dark version of its comrade. As a result, its Attack Power changed to reflect the new appearance (ATK: 1501 - 4001).

"Two monsters with an Attack Power of 4000...!" worried Spencer. However, what he saw happening to his monsters was enough to really worry him. "W-What's-?"

'Maiden with Eyes of Blue', 'Keeper of the Shrine', and 'Estrangement Dragon' each found themselves shivering with fright at the sight of 'The Wicked Dreadroot'.

"What's going on with my monsters?! Why are they feeling fear towards the 'Wicked Gods'?!"

"It's as I've told Princess Anastasia once before; this is the doing of 'The Wicked Dreadroot'!" declared Driote. "'The Wicked Dreadroot' is the root to all forms of terror, spreading a powerful aura of such fear wherever it goes... This will result in halving both the Attack Power and Defense Power of all monsters except for those of the Divine-Beast-Type!"

'Keeper of the Shrine' (DEF: 2100 - 1050) and 'Estrangement Dragon' (ATK: 1500 - 750/DEF: 1500 - 750) both grew weaker as a result of 'The Wicked Dreadroot's' power.

"Furthermore-" Driote went on, taking and holding a card. "-I'll also activate a Field Spell - 'Mound of the Bound Creator'!"

Several large chains shot from the ground and wrapped around both 'The Wicked Avatar' and 'The Wicked Dreadroot'. Unlike what happened the last time this card was played (which caused actual pain to 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'), both of 'The Wicked Gods' here didn't seem to mind being bound by the chains. If anything, it actually made them stronger.

"'Mound of the Bound Creator' prevents Level 10 or higher monsters on the field from being targeted or destroyed by Card Effects." explained Driote. "In addition, if a Level 10 or higher monster on the field destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, the player who controlled the destroyed monster takes 1000 points of damage." She then poked a button on her Duel Disk. "Now, I'll activate a Trap - 'Karma Cut'!"

The remaining facedown card flipped up and revealed itself.

"I discard one card-" Driote went on, sending a card ('Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') "-then I'll target one face-up monster my opponent controls and Banish that target, then I get to remove from play all cards with the same name as that monster from my opponent's Graveyard." She pointed at 'Estrangement Dragon'. "I select 'Estrangement Dragon', so you must remove that second 'Estrangement Dragon' from your Graveyard!"

A card ('Estrangement Dragon') ejected from Spencer's Graveyard, just before fading away into oblivion. However, that wasn't Driote's goal... She discarded her 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' Monster Card for a whole different reason.

"With 'Farfa' sent to the Graveyard-" The 'Artist of Insanity' pointed out, pointing at 'Maiden with Eyes of Blue'. "-I'll remove your 'Maiden with Eyes of Blue' from the game until the end of this turn!"

'Maiden with Eyes of Blue' faded away.

"Grr! You'll regret that!" threatened Spencer, taking a card from his Graveyard. "When a card or effect that targets this monster is activated, I can Special Summon one 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard."

On cue, a 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' reappeared on the field in a defensive stance.

"He he ha ha ha! Even 'Blue-Eyes' will fall victim to 'The Wicked Dreadroot's' superior power!" laughed Driote, before motioning her right arm about. "Observe!"

True to her words, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon', one of the strongest, fearless, and most terrifying monsters in the game, cringed in fear of 'The Wicked Dreadroot', growing weaker as a result (ATK: 3000 - 1500/DEF: 2500 - 1250).

"BATTLE!" screamed Driote, entering the Battle Phase. "Go forth, 'The Wicked Dreadroot'! Attack 'Keeper of the Shrine'! FEAR'S KNOCKDOWN!"

'The Wicked Dreadroot' stood up, slashing at 'Keeper of the Shrine' with its claw. The humanoid monster was hit and shattered into shards of glass.

"And by the effect of 'Mound of the Bound Creator', you take 1000 points of damage!" reminded Driote.

A bolt of lightning struck Spencer, causing him to scream in agony (LP: 2199 - 1199).

"Now it's 'Blue-Eyes's' turn to die!" cackled Driote, giving the command to 'The Wicked Avatar'. "I use 'The Wicked Avatar' to attack 'Blue-Eyes'!"

The dark copy of 'The Wicked Dreadroot' obeyed, slashing at 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' with its claw. 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' immediately shattered into shards of glass.

"With 'Blue-Eyes' gone, you'll take 1000 more damage!" Driote screamed on, enjoying the show the more it went on.

Another bolt of lightning struck Spencer, bringing him to his hands and knees when it was all over (LP: 1199 - 199).

"T-The effect of 'Keeper of the...Shrine'..." The silver-haired young man struggled to say, taking two cards from his Graveyard. "While this monster is in my hand or Graveyard, if a face-up Dragon monster on the field, except 'Keeper of the Shrine', is sent to the Graveyard by a Card Effect or because it was destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon this monster, then, if that monster sent to the Graveyard is a Normal Monster, I can add one Dragon-Type Normal Monster from my Graveyard into my hand."

The 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' Monster Card was added into Spencer's hand, while reappearing on the field, again shivering in fear, was 'Keeper of the Shrine' (Level: 4/ATK: 0/DEF: 2100 - 1050).

"With both monsters having attacked, your Battle Phase has come to an end." figured Spencer. "In that case, finish your turn!"

Driote responded by holding up her final card, turning it over, revealing what it was, and once again putting on a nightmarish expression on her face.

"WHAT?!" Spencer recoiled.

"It can't be!" added Skiff.

"It's been a very fun duel, Spencer-boy." slurred Driote, briefly sticking her tongue out and wiggling it about. "But I do believe it's time for me to put an end to it." She slotted her card into her Duel Disk. "Quick-Play Spell - 'Serial Claw', activate!"

The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.

"When a monster I control destroys an opponent's monster by battle-" explained Driote, as the expression on her face worsened by the second. "-it gains 500 Attack Points. In addition, the monster can also make a second attack in a row."

The 'Wicked Avatar', still in the dark copy of 'The Wicked Dreadroot', grew even stronger (ATK: 4001 - 4501), and soon prepared to deliver the final blow.

"When Driote attacks 'Keeper of the Shrine'-" whispered Discord, horrorstruck. "-Spencer-boy's Life Points will fall to zero!"

On the platform...

"Spencer! Spencer!" wailed Skiff repeated, banging on the containing tube walls in a futile way.

"Spencer, thanks to you..." said Driote, almost in a whisper. She then raised her voice into a shout... "...my R.A. Project will enter its final phase!"

A terrified Spencer watched helplessly as 'The Wicked Avatar' loomed over both him and 'Keeper of the Shrine'. Finally, the attack name was given...

"DARK FEAR'S KNOCKDOWN!" screamed Driote, giving off yet ANOTHER nightmare face.

'The Wicked Avatar' winded up and threw a punch, striking and shattering 'Keeper of the Shrine' into shards of glass upon contact. Before Spencer knew what was happening, the fist finally connected with him.

"RRRRRAAAAAUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!" The silver-haired young man roared in absolute agony.

Driote, meanwhile, howled with absolute laughter over the pain and suffering she was inflicting. Discord and Skiff, meanwhile, were both watching the whole scene in absolute terror while knowing there wasn't anything they could do to put a stop to it. Was this it for Spencer? Stay tuned to find out!

To be Continued!