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
Song used in Intro and Outro (c) Unknown
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. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
Driote was pleased... She was very pleased to see Thomas turned into his past self. The 'Artist of Insanity' never thought she would see him again after their final encounter in the Duel Monsters spirit world.
"I know what 'masterpiece' you're talking about." snarled Thomas. "It's one I will never forget!"
"Well, we don't know." Skiff pointed out, referring to himself, Spencer, and Discord. "What exactly is this 'masterpiece' you're talking about?"
"Something tells me I don't want to find out what it is." muttered Spencer, knowing that it was going to be bad.
"Oh? So you three don't know what my masterpiece was?" asked Driote mockingly. "Well, regardless of whether you idiots want to hear it or not, you're gonna learn about it from the beginning."
A very long flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Despite Anakin never wanting to see Driote again after his first traumatic encounter with her, he ended up encountering her time and time again during his time away from Rondeval Castle.
"This time, I will send you to Hell!" boomed Driote, charging into battle while armed with a sword.
Anakin cried out and also charged into battle against his now greatest enemy while also armed with a sword. Both sides were evenly matched, but ultimately Anakin pulled through and defeated the 'Artist of Insanity' once more.
"No matter how hard you try-" Anakin insisted scornfully. "-you will always fail to my supreme might. The wicked always lose to the true-hearted!"
The black-haired young man turned and left the area with some of the troops. Driote, once she was alone, slammed her fist onto the ground, gazed into the sky, and let loose a loud scream. As she lost battle after battle, Driote's already lack of sanity was weakening more and more as her love and hatred for Anakin grew stronger and stronger.
(elsewhere...)
As the injured Driote returned to the kingdom of Chelymnian, she could hear the cries and pleas from the slaves, begging for mercy or to be let go. Driote, who was already in a foul mood over being defeated by Anakin once again, quickly grew sick of the so-called whining from the slaves. She was going to do something about it the moment she returned to her castle.
(elsewhere...)
Later inside the castle's throne room, Driote was giving her generals their orders.
"Kill them all!" The blue/green-haired young woman demanded. "I don't care how any of you do it, but kill every single one of those whiners!"
"Every last slave?" asked Lilith, Lady of Lament.
"Did I stutter?!" shouted Driote, thinking that her order was being questioned.
"N-No, my Queen! We would never question your commands! We will carry your order out without hesitation."
(MONTAGE)
And so, as Driote commanded, every last human and Duel Spirit was gathered in the town square and sentenced to execution. Some executions were quick, some were slow and painful, and others were just gory. Despite witnessing the frightening scenes, Driote did not smile over hearing the cries and screams of those poor, innocent souls—she would never be satisfied until she made Anakin pay for defeating and giving her a scar. Pretty soon, all that were left of her kingdom were only her most devoted servants and troops.
(END MONTAGE)
Later on, Driote, standing on the tower balcony, spoke to her troops...
"I'm going to the kingdom of Rondeval to devise a plan for our revenge!" she announced. "Once I discover Anakin's one major weakness, I will call upon all of you and we will lay siege to their city!"
The various evil Duel Spirits all cheered and roared over their Queen's declaration. On the balcony, the 'Artist of Insanity' had only one thought on her insane mind...
"Anakin, my beloved..." Driote thought to herself. "Your days will soon be numbered..."
And numbered, they shall be.
Title: The Thirst for Carnage
Three days later, Driote was on her way to the kingdom of Rondeval to figure out how to defeat easily the strongest army and city in all of the Duel Monsters spirit world. Once she had the answer, taking that kingdom would be child's play. Her travels ultimately led to the forest outside Rondeval Castle; currently it was nightime.
"Soon, I will find out Anakin's biggest weakness." snickered Driote, but was speaking only to herself (obviously). "Once I do that... look out, Anakin, your home will be reduced to mere rubble and your head will be mounted on the wall of my bed chamber!"
While continuing to stroll through the woods, Driote came upon a nice-looking cabin. The lights were on, so somebody was obviously inside. Growing curious, Driote crept closer to the building. One of the windows was opened slightly, allowing the gentle breeze to blow inside. Once the 'Artist of Insanity' was close enough, she could hear some faint moaning sounds coming from inside.
"What is that sound?" pondered Driote, slinking closer to the window.
From the shadows a safe distance, she peeked through the window and saw that a young man and a young woman, a couple, discarding their clothes and preparing to have sex.
"Huh, a random couple about to have sex." huffed Driote. "I know I shouldn't be watching this, but what the hell." She then saw something faintly familiar with the young man. "However, I think I know that man from somewhere..."
As the 'Artist of Insanity' watched the couple fondle with each other, she became increasingly skeptical on who the young man was. Soon, the obvious answer hit her like a ton of bricks!
"That's Anakin!" Driote thought to herself, shocked. "But who is that woman he's allowing to touch his manliness?"
(inside...)
Inside the cabin's bedroom, Anakin soon laid down on the bed and allowed Anastasia to straddle his hips. The couple was silent throughout the whole scene, minus occasional moans and cries of pleasure. As Anastasia, sitting on Anakin's groin, bounced happily about, she let out a sexualized groan at the feeling in her penetrated womanhood.
"A-Anastasia..." whispered Anakin, who was enjoying the passionate lovemaking very much.
(outside...)
Outside, Driote gasped when she heard the name of the young woman Anakin was having sex with.
"Anastasia?" The blue/green-haired young woman whispered, before coming to a realization of some sort. "So, that's 'the' Anastasia Anakin seems to care so much for."
She continued to watch the lovemaking scene carefully, but with her eyes mainly on Anastasia. The word beauty failed to describe her. Anastasia had long, toned legs originated from round, womanly hips, above which her body gracefully curved beautifully into a lovely waist that fit perfectly in Anakin's arms. Her figure was an hourglass unlike any Driote had ever seen on a woman. Magnificently large, firm, soft, and perfectly rounded breasts with small, rosy nipples blessed her chest. Her creamy skin was completely flawless. As the lovemaking went on, Anakin and Anastasia both switched positions from time-to-time. Ultimately, Driote's eyes narrowed with murderous jealousy over Anastasia's body and her making love to Anakin.
"So, that little slut thinks only she can enjoy Anakin's manhood?!" she fumed to herself, before getting a very, very, VERY evil idea. "Of course... THAT'S the vital component I need to achieve my revenge on Anakin..."
It was so obvious; all Driote needed...was Anastasia herself!
(elsewhere...)
Outside Rondeval Castle one week later, a couple of voices were heard coming from inside the building...
"I'm just about done, Ani." The voice of Anastasia reassured.
(elsewhere...)
Inside Anastasia's bedroom, Anakin was patiently sitting on the bed watching the brunette-haired young woman getting changed. He never got tired of seeing his lover get naked in front of him. Sometimes Anakin decided to let Anastasia get changed in private, and sometimes he wanted to see it with his own eyes. Finally, Anastasia was finished getting dressed...
"So, what do you think?" she asked hopefully, whilst turning around. "I hope this makes me look more athletic than regal."
Anastasia's new outfit consisted of a form fitting tunic, in a similar design to Anakin's, along with brown trousers, and heeled boots. The princess then posed like a model and waited for a remark from her lover. Anakin, meanwhile, stared long and hard at his lover. The new outfit did a phenomenal job of highlighting Anastasia's voluptuous figure in all the right places; with the tunic hugging her curves and accentuating her large bust and the trousers emphasizing her shapely rear.
"Princess, you look absolutely wonderful!" praised Anakin, standing up while clapping.
"I knew you'd love it." smiled Anastasia, before sounding relieved. "Somehow thought, I'm really glad that Prince Randolph is spending the next two weeks away from Rondeval to meet with his family at his own castle."
"I agree; he would be all over you in a matter of seconds if he saw you in that." Anakin agreed, also relieved. "It's something you and I would not be pleased with. I mean, he's so obsessed with having sex with you that he almost robbed you of your virginity that one time."
"But then you stepped in and saved me." swooned Anastasia, embracing her lover. "And now look where we are; you and I are finally together. Sure, we have to keep it secret from my parents, but we can do that, right?"
Anakin smiled once more. Just as he and Anastasia were about to kiss and get intimate with each other, a knock on the door interrupted them, much to their annoyance.
"Why now of all times?" groaned Anakin.
"Who is it?!" added Anastasia, sounding unhappy.
"Sir Anakin! Princess Anastasia!" The voice of Esther, clearly frightened, echoed from outside the room.
Anakin eased up. "That's Esther." he whispered.
"She sounds upset." agreed Anastasia, before looking back at the door. "Come in, Esther."
The door opened, and Esther ran inside.
"What's wrong?" Anastasia asked, sounding worried.
"The whole kingdom is under attack!" exclaimed Esther frantically. "Sir Anakin, we need your assistance immediately! The army of Chelyumn has finally come to destroy us all!"
"What?!" gasped Anakin, before narrowing his eyes at who might be orchestrating the attack. "Driote..."
"Anakin?" peeped Anastasia, before Anakin broke from the embrace. "Wait!"
The black-haired young man ignored his lover and stormed out of the room to get ready for the battle ahead. An upset Anastasia was about to try and follow, but was stopped by her own lady-in-waiting and friend.
"Princess, you can't go! It's much too dangerous!" warned Esther, before smiling and trying to calm the princess down. "Sir Anakin will be just fine."
Anastasia hoped that would be the case.
(elsewhere...)
At the castle gates, Anakin, riding his horse, stormed down the road to meet up with King Reginald and the other troops. The trip led him to the shores, where King Reginald, various Blade Knights, and various monsters belonging to the 'Vassal' family were waiting.
"Ships across the horizon, Anakin!" declared King Reginald. "Hundreds of them!"
"We must stop them!" A 'Vassal' Monster known as Landrobe announced, just before pointing forth at something bubbling in the water. "Wait a second, look there!"
Emerging from the waters were three monsters known as Gorgonic Guardian. The three creatures started firing beams from their blue eyes at whatever was in their direction. Several 'Vassal' Monsters were hit and turned into stone, while the remaining Duel Spirits got out of the way in time.
"Damn it all!" growled King Reginald. "Those Chelymnians have come prepared..."
Anakin, meanwhile, pulled out a small telescope and looked into it, trying to find the main flagship of the whole fleet. He soon found the flagship near the front of the fleet, and saw that leading the attack was Lilith, Lady of the Lament.
"That's Driote's second-in-command." whispered Anakin. "But, if she's here, then where's Driote? Is she even a part of the attack?"
"It doesn't matter!" snapped King Reginald, turning around. "At the moment, we can't fight back against the Chelymnians. We must return to the castle and devise a countermeasure against those sea monsters!"
With that said, Anastasia's Father and Anakin both returned to the castle, leaving the troops to try and hold the enemy at bay no matter what.
(elsewhere...)
Later inside the throne room, three Blade Knights arrived and knelt while in the presence of both King Reginald and Queen Imelda. Anakin and Anastasia, meanwhile, both stood by one of the nearby pillars, listening to the conversation going on.
"Your Highness's..." The first Blade Knight began. "We bring grave news."
"Our army is outnumbered by the Chelymnian troops." The second Blade Knight reported. "Driote's army have broken through every defensive line due to the presence of those gorgons."
"It's only a matter of time before the Chelymnian army makes landfall now." The third Blade Knight finished grimly. "But, even if that's the case, there has still been no sign of Driote anywhere."
That bit was what worried Anakin the most. If Driote was not aboard the flagship, then where could she even be?
"Honey, our whole nation will end up massacred just like the others Driote conquered." worried Queen Imelda. "What are we going to do?"
"I will not lose this kingdom!" thundered King Reginald stubbornly. "I would rather be dead in the water than to let the 'Artist of Insanity' overrun the kingdom I have worked tirelessly over the years to form and expand upon! I won't let any opponent win against the likes of my army, and I especially will not lose to 'Artist of Insanity'!"
Suddenly...
"Father! I have the answer!" exclaimed Anastasia, running towards her Mother and Father.
"Anastasia?" blinked Queen Imelda. "What did you think of?"
"I know how we can stop those gorgons!" continued Anastasia. "They have a weakness; they are weak against their own power!"
"Their own power?" repeated King Reginald.
"I think what Anastasia is saying-" explained Anakin. "-is if we reflect their own attacks back at them, we can destroy them."
King Reginald was surprised. "Reflecting their own attacks back at them..." he murmured, before thinking of the possibilities. "Yes... Yes! We can do just that!"
The three Blade Knights stood tall, awaiting their new orders.
"I want you to arm our troops with mirror shields!" commanded King Reginald. "We will sail out to meet the enemy fleet before they get too close to our shores!"
The Blade Knights bowed before turning and leaving the throne room. Anakin was about to follow when an unsettling thought came to him...
"I can't shake the feeling about Driote." he said to Anastasia. "Even though she appears to be absent, I just know she's up to something."
"Ani..." whispered Anastasia.
Anakin nodded. "Anastasia, stay here and watch over everyone else in the castle."
"Alright, but please take care." The brunette-haired young woman begged. "Don't get yourself killed."
Anakin then turned and ran out of the throne room, with King Reginald following behind. Anastasia sadly watched as her Father and secret lover both left to confront the invading enemy. However, there was something nobody knew... Someone was carefully observing from the balcony outside, and that someone was a cloaked figure.
(outside...)
Outside the castle, the cloaked figure was observing Anakin and King Reginald both emerging from the castle gate on their respective horses. Once the horses were far enough from the town, a Winged Minion flew over to speak to the cloaked figure...
"They're far enough away." The Winged Minion said.
"As I expected." The figure replied, before removing her hood and revealing herself to be...Driote. "They make it all too easy." She then looked through the window at whoever was inside the throne room. "Just you wait a little bit longer, my little slut..."
(elsewhere...)
Over at the harbor, dozens of ships were being loaded with 'Vassal' Monsters and Blade Knights for the battle ahead. King Reginald was going with his troops, but Anakin wanted to stay behind.
"Why?" asked King Reginald, who was expecting an answer (obviously).
"Because I feel I need to." answered Anakin. "Something is clearly out of place with this attack... If I stay behind, maybe I can help observe where the enemy is coming from."
King Reginald snorted. "Fine, do whatever you feel is right."
With that said, the King of Rondeval climbed aboard one of the ships, and the small fleet set sail to confront the enemy fleet, leaving Anakin behind to proceed to one of the watchtowers.
(elsewhere...)
Inside Queen Imelda's room, Anastasia, her Mother, Joan, Esther, and Leonardo were all trying their hardest to stay safe from all the fighting going on outside the castle.
"This is horrible." worried Joan.
"It sure is." agreed Esther. "Can our forces really repel the invading tropes belonging to the kingdom of Chelyumn."
"We must have faith." insisted Leonardo. "I'm positive that our loyal countrymen will prevent the enemy from taking the city and castle. I also know that Sir Anakin will especially save us all..."
"Leonardo..." whispered Queen Imelda, hoping that her illicit lover was right.
All of a sudden...
*CRASH!*
...the nearby windows smashed into shards of glass, and Driote, still wearing her cloak, appeared in the bedchamber.
"What?!" exclaimed Joan.
Driote, without uttering a word, held her right hand out at Anastasia and unleashed a fierce blast of dark wind directly at Anastasia, hitting her and sending flying against the wall, knocking her out on impact. It happened so fast that nobody was able to try and prevent the attack from hitting and rendering the princess unconscious.
"Anastasia!" screamed Esther.
Leonardo grabbed a nearby mop. "Stay away from the princess!" he warned, running at the unwanted arrival.
Driote smiled darkly and drew her sword in response. When Leonardo got close enough to attack, the 'Artist of Insanity' rolled to the side and avoided one strike before rushing forth...
*SLASH!*
...and impaling the royal family's butler fatally through his back with the sword, much to the combined horror of Esther, Joan, and especially...
"LEONARDO!" screamed Queen Imelda tearfully.
Leonardo immediately collapsed onto the floor, while Queen Imelda rushed over and held the wounded man in her arms, clearly not wanting him to die...
"Leonardo! Leonardo! Please speak to me! You can't die!"
"I-Imelda..." whispered Leonardo, wanting to look at his secret lover one last time. "I'm so...sorry..." He then weakly smiled. "Of course, I was...always happy to...be by your... your...side..."
Poor Leonardo then closed his eyes, with his body becoming lifeless much to Queen Imelda's sorrow and absolute devastation. Driote, meanwhile, gathered the unconscious Anastasia (carrying her over her shoulder) before whistling for something...
*SMASH!*
The nearby wall was smashed into rubble, which was done by a Serpent Night Dragon. Driote approached her pet dragon before turning to look at Joan, Esther, and Queen Imelda one last time.
"It's been fun, but this pretty princess is needed by me." The 'Artist of Insanity' proclaimed. "Don't you all worry though, I'll return her to all of you...eventually!"
(elsewhere...)
Out in the deep waters, the Rondeval ships were approaching the ships belonging to Chelyumn. On the main flagship, Lilith, Lady of the Lament watched as the opposing ships continued to approach and simply smirked with sheer confidence.
"What idiots." she commented, before shouting a command to whatever was in the waters... "Gorgonic Guardians, turn those ships into stone!"
On cue, more Gorgonic Guardians emerged from the ocean water and started to attack the ships coming at them. Aboard one ship, King Reginald was prepared for this moment...
"Raise the mirror shields!" Anastasia's Father screamed, raising his right fist into the sky. "Raise them now!"
The Blade Knights aboard the other ships did as they were told, raising the shields on their left arms to try and deflect the beam attacks back at the attackers. As expected, the blasts were reflected back and all six gorgon-like monsters were turned to stone before exploding due to their deaths.
"It worked, Sire!" A 'Vassal' Monster known as Mithra rejoiced. "We've taken down the Gorgonic Guardians!"
"Excellent." smirked King Reginald. "'Artist of Insanity', you clearly don't know who you are dealing with."
Back aboard the enemy flagship, Lilith, Lady of the Lament witnessed the destruction of the Gorgonic Guardians, but she wasn't worried about it at all. Standing at the top of one of the watchtowers and observing with his mini telescope was Anakin; he had witnessed the defeat of the Gorgonic Guardians, and also noticed that the enemy was not worried about the loss of their signature weapons.
"What's going on? Where's Driote?" The black-haired young man wondered to himself. "If she organized this invasion, she would be directly involved in the fight. And if her intent was to face me once again, she would have come straight to him face-to-face." He grew even more suspicious about the whole attack. "The only reason she would launch an attack of this scale would be to draw me out so she could try to kill me. The fact that she hasn't done anything to reveal herself must mean she has other intentions, perhaps an alternative method of getting to me."
It was then Anakin figured out something horrifying about the attack...
"Unless...this whole attack was a diversion; an attempt to get me out of the way! There's only one reason I can think of why Driote would do something like this... It's because she knows all about Anastasia, and she knows that protecting her is my main duty!"
Just then, there was a loud roar, followed by high-pitched, mad laughter... Looking into the sky, Anakin saw the familiar Serpent Night Dragon, and riding it was Driote, and laying on the dragon was the very thing Anakin feared the most...
"ANASTASIAAAAA!" screamed Anakin.
On one of the ships, King Reginald and some of the other troops all saw Driote escaping with the unconscious Anastasia in-tow.
"STOP!" demanded King Reginald. "Return my daughter, right this instant!"
"Take a good look, Anakin!" she called out to Anakin while ignoring Anastasia's Father's threats and shouts. "You have fallen for my little trick!"
On top of the watchtower...
"DRIOTE!" snarled Anakin in absolute hatred.
"If you want this princess back, you will follow me to the labyrinth ruins!" dared Driote loudly. "I will be waiting for you, my beloved!"
And the 'Artist of Insanity' again laughed maniacally, as the Serpent Night Dragon flew off into the distance. Anakin, shaking with rage, immediately departed the watchtower. Once he emerged from the building, the black-haired young man climbed aboard his horse and stormed down the road after Driote. Back on the enemy flagship, Lilith, Lady of the Lament was shouting more orders to her troops.
"No quarter!" The female Fiend-Type monster cackled. "Open fire on those Rondeval dogs!"
The various Vorse Raiders approached with bows in hand, firing dozens upon dozens of arrows at the ships owned by the Rondevalians. Meanwhile, King Reginald saw Anakin leaving to chase after Driote without any permission and was not pleased by it, although he had to forget about it for the time being due to his own situation at the moment...
"FIRE!" King Reginald roared, giving commands to his troops.
Blade Knights, also armed with bows, started firing arrows right back.
(elsewhere...)
Somewhere in a dark meadow-like area, Anakin, riding his horse, stormed further down the road, despite facing opposition from various evil Duel Spirits like Kamionwizard. The enemy monsters tried to attack with their weapons, but Anakin, fueled by his darkness and rage, simply drew out his sword and easily cut down any enemy that dared to try and stop him from rescuing Anastasia.
"Don't you get it yet?" shouted Anakin, after killing yet another Kamionwizard. "You can't beat me! Ever!"
Soon, without effort, Anakin broke through Driote's lines, reaching a straightaway leading to a temple. His horse charged up the stairs and through the entrance. As he approached the labyrinth, Anakin stopped his horse for a moment in order for him to call out into the ruins...
"Driote! I have come!" The black-haired young man hollered. "I challenge you to one-on-one combat with no army involved!"
There was silence at first, but the voice of Driote could be heard chuckling in her mad-like tone. Anakin's blood boiled when he heard the high-pitched laughter.
"That's an interesting proposition!" The voice of Driote taunted. "Very well, you may come in and face me!"
The labyrinth walls simply moved out to the left and right, leaving a straight path to the inner temple. This allowed Anakin and his horse to proceed into the old building.
(elsewhere...)
As Anakin neared the end of the temple, he left his horse behind and started to climb down a set of stairs, eventually hearing an explosion coming from deeper in the temple.
"What was-?" Anakin wondered to himself.
When he finally reached the bottom of the staircase, he was just in time to see Anastasia looking wobbly and injured.
"Anastasia!" called Anakin. "Anastasia!"
Anastasia heard the male voice, weakly turning to where it was coming from. There, running up to the princess, was none-other than Anakin himself.
"A-Ani..." Anastasia smiled weakly. "You... you've finally co... co..."
The sentence was never finished. In the brunette-haired young woman's POV, her vision grew blurry, she wobbled about wearily, and soon collapsed to the floor, facedown, and with her eyes closed. Quickly, Anakin rushed over and held the wounded princess in his arms.
"Wake up, Anastasia! Please!" begged Anakin. "Open your eyes..."
Anastasia weakly opened her eyes. Although her vision was still weak and blurry, it was clear she could still see Anakin.
"A-Ani..." whispered Anastasia, feeling upset over how it took her lover this long to finally find her. "You're...late."
"I'm sorry." apologized Anakin. "I was preoccupied, but I'm here now."
"T-That's...okay."
With that being said, and a small smile on her face, Anastasia finally closed her eyes and fell into the world of unconsciousness. Anakin, shaking his lover in an attempt to get a response, felt devastated over what happened in a period of time since she got kidnapped.
"Anastasia! ANASTASIA!" screamed Anakin, feeling his heart break. "Please forgive me..."
"Welcome, Anakin!" The voice of Driote announced. "I'm truly surprised that you made it all the way here."
Anakin, looking up ahead, could see 'her'... Standing below a doorway with a mysterious emblem above it (exactly where Vanity's Fiend stood in his duel with Anastasia), was none other than 'Driote: The Artist of Insanity'. The way she was smiling truly sickened Anakin...
"You!" shouted Anakin, who was enraged like no other. "What the hell did you do to Anastasia?!"
"Nothing." dismissed Driote. "But, while I did nothing, one of my own minions took that woman on in a duel, which was to entertain me. I'm disgusted that she won though, all because she Summoned a really broken monster called 'Serapheem'."
"'Serapheem'?" repeated Anakin. In his mind... "I don't remember seeing a card like that in Anastasia's Deck the last times we dueled." He then raised his voice in anger. "How dare you use Anastasia as bait to draw me in while distracting Rondeval with that ocean attack!"
"It's crystal clear this princess is your greatest weakness!" laughed Driote, before deciding to further provoke the furious black-haired young man in the nastiest way. "Not to mention I never expected her to be, or look like, an absolute slut!"
"What?!" hissed Anakin, growing further enraged over his lover being called a really horrible name.
"It's all true! I also know all about your secret relationship, my beloved!" Driote went on, taking sick pleasure in mocking both Anakin and Anastasia. "How? Because I happened to witness the both of you having sex in your little cabin about a week ago! You both performed three different sex positions in the span of one hour!"
Anakin recoiled from hearing that bit of information.
"I've also told Anastasia this, too. However, I lied about how many times I had watched you two banging, having only ever seen you doing it that one night. I said that stuff just so I could crush poor Anastasia's pathetic, slutty heart even more! Her reaction to her secret being discovered was so funny, I tell ya! FUNNY!"
Anakin shook with growing rage, not about to speak up just yet.
"And in the process, I've learned yet another thing about you... Despite hearing how well you treat women, I didn't imagine that, deep down, you, my beloved Anakin, are an enormous pervert, preferring women with large tits over someone like me!" taunted Driote. "Maybe that's why you didn't enjoy the time you and I had sex? Even so, I can't really entirely blame you about that, as even I would want to have a taste of Anastasia's deliciously sexy body as well—oh, wait, I actually got a taste of it already!"
"W-What...?" spluttered Anakin, now feeling extremely sick.
"That's right! While she and I were talking, I actually got a good feel of her ass and tits with my own hands!" continued Driote, now speaking of what occurred earlier. "Actually, I went much further than that! I briefly stripped her of her clothes in order to suck on her milky racks and then go riiiight for the oral stuff between her legs!" Now those parts were complete lies, but she was saying them in order to further provoke Anakin. "Oh, it was so wonderful and delicious! You really should have been here much sooner to see it happen - maybe I would have allowed you to join in the action!"
At this point, with his head down and a shadow over his eyes, Anakin's rage was at its final breaking point.
"I never thought it was possible for a person to hate someone as much as I hate you..." whispered Anakin, before raising his head and voice... "Driote, this is unforgivable! I'll destroy you with my own two hands!"
"I encourage you to try!" dared Driote. "Let that bubble of hatred forth... Now, since you gave your proposal, it's only fair that 'I' decide the method of our showdown! How about we play a Shadow Game of Duel Monsters."
"Duel Monsters? Shadow Game?" repeated Anakin, before looking up at the ceiling. "What?!"
Five stone tablets descend from the ceiling in front of both enemies, just as their duel began.
"You will regret challenging me to a duel!" threatened Anakin (LP: 4000).
"Oh, I'm not at all worried." smirked Driote (LP: 4000). Just then, a sixth tablet lowered down. "Now, I'll take the first turn."
Turn One: Driote (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Beast King Barbaros", "Book of Taiyou", "Scapeghost", "Requiem of the Victims", "Breaking the Norm", and "Disaster Conspiracy"
Her 'hand' contained 'Beast King Barbaros', 'Book of Taiyou', 'Scapeghost', 'Requiem of the Victims', 'Breaking the Norm', and the 'drawn' 'Disaster Conspiracy'.
"Alright, to start I'll Summon a monster in defense mode." Driote said, just as a stone tablet moved forth. She then pointed to another stone tablet, causing it to turn over. "Next, I'll activate the Spell Card 'Book of Taiyou'! It lets me flip one facedown monster on the field into face-up attack position!"
The first stone tablet flipped over, revealing itself to be...
"Come forth - 'Scapeghost'!"
Appearing onto the field as a more zombified version of a 'Sheep Token' (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"This monster has a Flip Effect." explained Driote. "I can Special Summon any number of 'Black Sheep Tokens'."
"Any number?" repeated Anakin.
"That's what I said." Driote replied, before holding two fingers from her right hand up. "I will Special Summon two 'Black Sheep Tokens'!"
The first 'Scapeghost' began to split apart as two more joined it.
"Unfortunately, I'm far from finished." continued Driote, before pointing to another stone tablet. "From my hand, I'll activate 'Breaking the Norm'!"
"What?!" gasped Anakin, watching as the mentioned stone tablet turned itself over and revealed what it was.
"If I control three or more monsters with the same Level-" explained Driote. "-I can look at my opponent's Deck; if there is a monster with the same Level as those monsters, I can Special Summon it to my side of the field."
All of a sudden, Anakin cried out in pain as he clutched the sides of his head; Driote was looking into his mind to see what monster he has that have a Level of 1.
"So many strong monsters you have in your Deck." chuckled Driote. "However, since I can only choose a monster with a Level of 1, I will ignore your other monsters." Finally, she saw a Monster Card she quite liked. "Oh, I like this one... and it even has a Level of 1."
Anakin grimaced, watching as a stone tablet lowered from the ceiling and onto his enemy's side of the field.
"I Special Summon, from your Deck, 'Super Soldier Soul'!" announced Driote.
Appearing onto the field was a suit of armor of a sort (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"My 'Super Soldier Soul'..." groaned Anakin.
"Finally, I'll set two cards and end my turn!" finished Driote, just as two stone tablets moved onto the field. "I hope you're prepared, Anakin! I hope you're prepared to finally cower at my superior power!"
Anakin growled. "Never!" he shouted in defiance, as a stone tablet lowered into his 'hand'. "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Anakin (LP: 4000)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (6): "Spiral Reborn", "Spiral Fusion", "Bombarding Catapult Turtle", "Super Soldier Rebirth", "Curse of Dragon", and "Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier"
The black-haired young man's 'hand' contained 'Spiral Reborn', 'Spiral Fusion', 'Bombarding Catapult Turtle', 'Super Soldier Rebirth', 'Curse of Dragon', and the 'drawn' 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'.
"I'll play this card!" declared Anakin, pointing to one stone tablet. "Come forth - 'Bombarding Catapult Turtle'!"
Appearing onto the field was what seemed to be an upgraded form of the 'Catapult Turtle' monster that Thomas had used occasionally (Level: 4/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000).
"'Bombarding Catapult Turtle'?" quizzed Driote.
"It has an effect." explained Anakin. "I can sacrifice one monster to Special Summon one 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' Monster or one Level 5 Dragon monster from my hand or Deck." He pointed at 'Bombarding Catapult Turtle'. "The monster I'll sacrifice is 'Bombarding Catapult Turtle' itself!"
'Bombarding Catapult Turtle' faded away in a blue streak.
"Now, I'll Special Summon, from my Deck, 'Gaia The Fierce Knight'!"
Appearing onto the field was the familiar knight riding a purple horse and wielding twin lances (Level: 7/ATK: 2300/DEF: 2100).
"No matter what tricks you throw at me, I'll sweep all of the monsters you have!" thundered Anakin.
Driote smirked. "Which is what I'll expect you to do." she thought to herself. "It's quite obvious you are much too enraged to think clearly."
From there, another stone tablet on Anakin's field turned over and revealed itself.
"Spell Card - 'Spiral Fusion'!" announced Anakin. "It lets me Fusion Summon one Dragon Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material! I'll fuse the 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' on my field with the 'Curse of Dragon' in my hand!"
On cue, 'Curse of Dragon' briefly appeared on the field, just as it and 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' soared into the Fusion Vortex in the sky.
"Great knight of valor, take up thy lance and join together with the dragon that wields the wicked flames!" chanted Anakin, before bringing both hands together. "Fusion Summon! Take flight - 'Gaia the Dragon Champion'!"
When the Fusion Summon sequence ended, flying through the sky was 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' riding 'Curse of Dragon' like a steed (Level: 7/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2100).
"However, the next effect of 'Spiral Fusion' will make my new monster stronger." continued Anakin. "If the Dragon Fusion Monster is 'Gaia the Dragon Champion', it gains 2600 Attack Points and can also make up to two attacks on monsters during each Battle Phase."
'Gaia the Dragon Champion' was supercharged with power (ATK: 2600 - 5200).
"BATTLE! Go forth, 'Gaia'! Attack 'Scapeghost'! DOUBLE DRAGON LANCE!"
'Gaia the Dragon Champion' obeyed, diving into battle, preparing to impale 'Scapeghost'.
"Once again, you've fallen into my trap!" scolded Driote, before one of her stone tablets turned itself over. "I activate a Trap - 'Requiem of the Victims'(!)! It lets me change the attack target to other monsters on my field while halving all Battle Damage from battles involving the new target for the rest of my turn. Your new attack target will be 'Super Soldier Soul'!"
"There's no point to that Trap Card; you're going to lose one I complete my two attacks!" reminded Anakin.
"Ho ho ho! You really don't know what this Shadow Duel really means." laughed Driote, just as the nearby emblem started glowing. "I want you to witness my ultimate masterpiece."
The emblem created a large globe of a sort, showing a large number of troops that were sent to assist Anakin currently fighting off the evil monsters that served Driote.
"We must save the princess!" One Blade Knight exclaimed. "Advance!"
"They went after me, despite knowing that I can take care of myself!" realized Anakin, surprised and angry. "Them following has started an all-out war with Driote's forces!"
"This is a Shadow Game." Driote pointed out. "Currently, you and I are both Gods - our Shadow Duel will decide the fate of our respective soldiers as well."
"What do you mean?"
The blue/green-haired young woman smiled. "For instance, you pulled the trigger first." she chided. "That means I'm going to lose most of my Life Points from your attack."
The first lance of 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' impaled 'Super Soldier Soul', causing the weaker monster to explode due to its destruction. Driote merely stood her ground and kept smiling even as her Life Points dropped significantly (LP: 4000 - 1400).
"This pain won't be what you're going to feel." she commented sadistically.
"Why the hell did you drag the others into this fight?!" demanded Anakin angrily. "They don't have anything to do with our feud!"
"The answer is obvious." replied Driote. "Like your previous Anastasia, they are your weakness. Your heart is filled with sentimental concepts like kindness and justice." She then showed off a nightmare face. "I want to see you writhe in agony once again, my beloved!"
She then laughed psychotically once more.
"DRIOTE!" Anakin screamed in rage.
"Besides, your first, and might I also add painful, attack is going to cost you big!" said Driote, once she was calm, before pointing to another stone tablet. "I activate a Trap - 'Disaster Conspiracy'!"
The stone tablet turned itself over and revealed what it was.
"This is my secret weapon!" explained Driote. "If a monster I control that my opponent owns is destroyed by battle with an opponent's monster, and I take 1000 or more Battle Damage from that battle, I can send all monsters that have more Attack Points than the destroyed monster from my opponent's Deck and field to the Graveyard!"
Anakin recoiled, watching helplessly as 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' was destroyed in a cyclone of a sort. Not only that, almost 75% of his stone tablets started falling from the ceiling and crumbling into dust upon hitting the ground. That, however, wasn't the worst part...
(elsewhere...)
In the labyrinth above, two of Anakin's allied Blade Knights were fighting a Berserk Dragon and ended up killed by the undead dragon's powerful claws, while another group of three Blade Knights were cornered by several Dark Jeroids and Lord Poisons. It was clear Driote's forces were winning the battle thanks to the Shadow Game below.
(elsewhere...)
Back in the ruins below, Anakin, seeing as the makeshift globe was showing him what was going on above ground, fell into despair over losing most of his Deck along with the major losses concerning his troops.
"My monsters..." he murmured. "My fellow countrymen..."
With nothing left to do, the black-haired young man pointed to two stone tablets on his field and moved them forth a bit.
"I will set two cards and end my turn." sighed Anakin, before becoming determined once more. "Then, I'll activate the effect of the 'Envoy of Chaos' in my Graveyard! Once per turn, during the End Phase, if this card is in the Graveyard, I can Banish one LIGHT and one DARK monster from my Graveyard, except for 'Envoy of Chaos', to add this card into my hand."
All of a sudden, the spirits of a darker-looking version of 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' (called 'Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight') and a more bright-looking version of 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' (called 'Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight') appeared on the field briefly.
"I'll remove both 'Arisen Gaia', a DARK monster, and 'Charging Gaia', a LIGHT monster, so I can add 'Envoy of Chaos' into my hand!"
The two monsters faded away into oblivion, allowing a stone tablet to reform and be added into Anakin's 'hand'.
"IT'S SHOWTIME!" yelled Driote in excitement, before another stone tablet is added into her hand. "It's my turn!"
Turn Three: Driote (LP: 1400)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (2): "Beast King Barbaros" and "Beast King's Robe"
Just then...
"Facedown card, activate!" announced Anakin, as one of his stone tablets turned over and revealed what it was. "'Spiral Reborn'! I can target one Level 7 or lower Dragon monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it; if it is 'Gaia the Dragon Champion', my opponent can't target it with Card Effects, also it can't be destroyed by my opponent's Card Effects."
As expected, 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' returned to the field once more.
"Defeating me will not be easy." Anakin insisted. In his mind... "Even Driote wouldn't be suicidal and stupid enough to attack 'Gaia' with her current monsters, just for the sake of killing more of my men, since doing so would cause her to lose the game." He eased up. "I just might be in the clearing!"
That, however, was wishful thinking...
"I'm sorry, my dear Anakin, but I'm afraid you have just made your situation worse than ever before." remarked Driote. "As a result of your foolishness, your comrades are going to suffer even further right now!"
Anakin recoiled in horror. "HUH?!"
"Now, watch carefully!" suggested Driote, pointing at her three monsters. "I'm going to tribute all three of my monsters!"
Driote's three remaining monsters vanished in cyclones of dark energy. From there, one of the remaining stone tablets in her 'hand' turned over and revealed itself.
"With three sacrifices made-" laughed Driote, raising her right hand into the sky. "-I'll Tribute Summon 'Beast King Barbaros' in attack mode!"
Descending onto the field was the mighty 'Beast King Barbaros' itself (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1800).
"'Beast King Barbaros'..." whispered Anakin.
"The effect of 'Beast King Barbaros' activates!" continued Driote. "If it's Summoned by the use of three tributes, I can destroy all cards my opponent controls!"
'Beast King Barbaros' let loose a powerful shockwave-like roar, destroying all of Anakin's stone tablets - except for 'Gaia the Dragon Champion', who could not be destroyed by Card Effects at the moment. But, again, that was not the worst bit, as Anakin began to witness more and more images from the globe near the ceiling...
(elsewhere...)
In the labyrinth above, another group of Anakin's soldiers were unexpectedly attacked and slaughtered ruthlessly by Wall Shadows emerging from the walls.
"KING REGINALD! AAAUUUGGGHHH!" One Blade Knight screamed before he was killed by a Wall Shadow.
"Is this the end?!" A 'Vassal' Monster known as Escher wailed, before meeting his end by two Wall Shadows at once.
(elsewhere...)
Back in the ruins below, Anakin could hear the death screams of his comrades, but was unable to do anything about it. Driote, meanwhile, pointed to her final stone tablet...
"I activate an Equip Spell - 'Beast King's Robe'(!)!" she announced, as the stone tablet turned itself over and revealed what it was. "This card can only be equipped to 'Beast King Barbaros'! Now, if 'Beast King Barbaros' battles an opponent's monster, I can make that monster's Attack Power become zero for that battle!"
A royal robe appeared around 'Barbaros', causing him to roar with evil pride.
"BATTLE!" shouted Driote with murderous glee. "I use 'Beast King Barbaros' to attack 'Gaia the Dragon Champion'! And thanks to the effect of 'Beast King's Robe', 'Gaia the Dragon Champion's' Attack Power becomes zero for the battle!"
'Beast King Barbaros' let loose another roar, causing Anakin to watch helplessly as 'Gaia the Dragon Champion's' Attack Power dropped all the way to zero (ATK: 2600 - 0). Suddenly, he remembered something...
"I'll stop your monster from weakening my own!" The black-haired young man declared, just as the spirit of a monster called 'Origin Gaia the Fierce Knight' appeared on the field. "To do that, I'll activate the effect of the 'Origin Gaia the Fierce Knight' in my Graveyard!"
"'Origin Gaia the Fierce Knight'?" wondered Driote.
"During the Battle Phase, I can Banish this card from my Graveyard, then I can target one face-up monster on the field whose current Attack Power is different from its original Attack Power; its Attack Power becomes its original Attack Power!"
The spirit of 'Origin Gaia the Fierce Knight' entered the body of 'Gaia the Dragon Champion', causing his power to return to normal (ATK: 0 - 2600).
"So be it!" cackled Driote, who was not backing down from attacking. "TORNADO SHAPER!"
'Beast King Barbaros' struck 'Gaia the Dragon Champion' with its lance, causing a tornado-like force to send the monster flying until he slammed onto the ground and shattered into shards of glass.
"'Gaia'!" Anakin cried, taking minor damage from the attack (LP: 4000 - 3600). "Grr..."
The globe above then showed three Victory Dragons in another part of the labyrinth above breathing powerful blasts of fire, burning many of the Blade Knights and some 'Vassal' Monsters alive.
"The next effect of 'Beast King's Robe' activates!" exclaimed Driote, as her Life Points went up (LP: 1400 - 1800). "My Life Points increase based on the Battle Damage inflicted in the attack." She then smirked madly. "And now, the true beauty and pain begins as since 'Beast King Barbaros' destroyed a monster in battle, 'Beast King's Robe' other effect allows it to attack once again!"
Anakin was stunned by this turnaround.
"If you decided to not revive a monster like 'Gaia the Dragon Champion', I wouldn't be able to attack you again." taunted Driote, as noticeable veins started creeping on the side of her face. "But, because you did revive 'Gaia', I get to attack you once again - this time it will be directly!" She gave the command to her ace monster... "TORNADO SHAPER!"
'Beast King Barbaros' threw his lance directly at Anakin, striking and causing him to scream out in agony as his Life Points dropped to very low levels (LP: 3600 - 600). However, the worst was, as usual, about to follow... The globe near the ceiling was showing the Blade Knights outside the labyrinth being killed by numerous arrows being fired by Driote's troops. Soon, an explosion sent Anakin flying across the field until he landed right beside the staircase.
"It's almost done!" rejoiced Driote (LP: 1800 - 4800). "All of your fellow countrymen should be dead by this point!"
The 'Artist of Insanity' then laughed wickedly, just as Anakin drew his sword to help steady himself. Despite his continued determination to win and make his enemy pay, Driote was not even worried since she was likely going to win on her next turn.
"As much as I want you to surrender the Shadow Duel to me, I don't want you to do that." she insisted, while spreading both arms out in welcome. "I want this victory of mine to be absolutely perfect; where I can finally claim your love, your hatred, and your life! My beloved, let's continue with our majestic battle for a little while longer!"
"You..." Anakin's voice echoed, sounding almost venomous. "This battle is about to end..."
Driote stopped smiling, taking a good look at her opponent. As Anakin stumbled about to return to the duel field, an aura of darkness started to form around his body. Upon raising his head, it was shown that Anakin's eyes were burning a bright crimson red.
"W-What the-?" A startled Driote gasped.
"Even if my body is destroyed-" hissed Anakin, who was nearing the absolute peak of his rage and hatred for Driote. "-the Gods will revive my soul continuously to strike you down!"
Driote felt intimidated by the words said by her opponent. She then watched as Anakin finally allowed a stone tablet to lower onto his field, signaling the start of his turn.
Turn Four: Anakin (LP: 600)
Deck: 14
Current Hand (3): "Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier", "Envoy of Chaos", and "Primal Seed"
After spending a few moments observing what stone tablets he had, Anakin came to a decision on what to do next...
"I activate the effect of the 'Super Soldier Rebirth' in my Graveyard!" The black-haired young man announced. "During my Main Phase, except the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard, I can Banish this card from my Graveyard to target one 'Black Luster Soldier' Monster in my Graveyard and add it into my hand."
Another stone tablet ('Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning') reformed and joined the others. All of a sudden, spirits of two monsters ('Beginning Knight' and 'Evening Twilight Knight') both appeared on the field for a short period of time. This meant one thing...
"Get ready!" declared Anakin. "I remove a LIGHT monster, 'Beginning Knight', and a DARK monster, 'Evening Twilight Knight', from my Graveyard!"
The two spirits vanished as one of Anakin's stone tablets turned over.
"With the offerings met, I'll Special Summon 'Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning' from my hand!"
Appearing onto the field was the more powerful, retrained version of 'Black Luster Soldier' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500). All of a sudden, another stone tablet appeared on Anakin's field.
"By the effect of 'Beginning Knight', I can add one Ritual Spell from my Deck into my hand when this monster is removed from the game." explained Anakin. "However, that is the least of your problems."
"How so?" frowned Driote.
"I'm going to give up my chance to attack this turn in order to activate the effect of 'Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning'!" Anakin answered. "I can target one monster on the field and Banish it. This monster can't attack the turn this effect is activated." He pointed forth to get his monster to attack. "Now, 'Black Luster Soldier'... remove 'Beast King Barbaros' from the game! SPACE-TIME BREAKTHROUGH - DOUBLE-DESTRUCTION SLASH OF CREATION!"
'Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning' obeyed, slashing his blade at 'Beast King Barbaros'.
"My God! Do you honestly believe I'm stupid enough to let you destroy my monster like this?!" dismissed Driote, signaling she was prepared for the incoming attack. "Hardly the case! I will sacrifice 'Beast King's Robe'!"
As the blade from 'Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning' struck 'Beast King Barbaros', only the robes were destroyed by the attack.
"By sending it to the Graveyard, I can negate the opponent's Card Effect and prevent 'Beast King Barbaros' from being targeted by the opponent's other Card Effects until the End Phase of this turn." explained Driote. "However, that's not all... The Attack Power of 'Beast King Barbaros' will also double!"
With a roar, 'Beast King Barbaros' grew even stronger (ATK: 3000 - 6000).
"Pathetic!" shouted Anakin, not fazed one bit by his strategy being countered. He then pointed to another of his stone tablets - which turned over and revealed itself. "Spell Card - 'Primal Seed', activate! If 'Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning' or 'Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End' is on the field, I can target two of my banished cards and add both those targets into my hand."
As expected, two more stone tablets were added into Anakin's 'hand'.
"What else is there for you to do?" pondered Driote.
"Plenty." answered Anakin, just as another stone tablet turned itself over. "I activate a Ritual Spell - 'Super Soldier Ritual'! This card can be used to Ritual Summon any 'Black Luster Soldier' Ritual Monster. However, I must also tribute monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels exactly equal 8."
In an instant, both 'Beginning Knight' and 'Evening Twilight Knight' both reappeared on the field.
"The monsters I'll sacrifice for the Ritual Summon are both 'Beginning Knight' and 'Evening Twilight Knight'! Here we come, Driote!"
The two monsters turned into orbs of light and dark respectively, which then rose towards the ceiling. In addition, a Summon Chant from Anakin followed...
"Knights of the Beginning and of the End, come together in the balance of Light and Darkness. Become the keys to unlocking the Gates of Chaos, and unleash the greatest power from within!" chanted Anakin, as the aura of darkness around him grew bigger and more powerful. "RITUAL SUMMON! Arise, Level 8 - 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'!"
Finally, a powerful ball of energy shot from the ceiling towards the center of the duel field, causing an explosion to cloud the area. When the thick smoke cleared away, standing on one knee was a human male wearing knight-like armor like 'Black Luster Soldier', except the armor was designed and colored differently—while the shield and sword both remained the same as the original versions.
"'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'..." whispered Driote, once again in intimidation.
'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' was soon standing tall as he glared sternly at the opposition (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"You wanted the perfect win?!" thundered Anakin, who was fully consumed by his anger, hatred, and darkness. "Well, that's too bad! Your so-called perfect win is about to become your final downfall; you will be defeated by 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'!"
"That's... that's nonsense!" insisted Driote, growing more and more scared of her greatest enemy. "'Beast King Barbaros' has an Attack Power of 6000, while 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' only has an Attack Power of 3000!"
"Don't underestimate this monster!" Anakin responded harshly. He then entered the Battle Phase. "'Super Soldier', you will attack 'Beast King Barbaros' with all your superior might!"
'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' obeyed, leaping into the sky towards 'Beast King Barbaros'. From there, a stone tablet on Anakin's field crumbled into dust.
"From there-" The black-haired young man went on, holding his right hand out dramatically. "-I'll activate the effect of the 'Envoy of Chaos' in my hand! During the Battle Phase, I can discard this monster, then I can target one 'Black Luster Soldier' Monster or 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' Monster I control; the target gains 1500 Attack Points until the end of this turn, and then, if it does, every opponent's monster that battles it this turn has its Attack Power become that monster's original Attack Power during damage calculation only."
"What?!" gasped Driote.
Sadly so... 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' grew stronger (ATK: 3000 - 4500), while 'Beast King Barbaros' grew weaker (ATK: 6000 - 3000). Finally, 'Beast King Barbaros' was hit by the sword of 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier', causing the enemy monster to roar in pain before exploding due to its destruction.
"'Beast King Barbaros' has been destroyed!" declared Anakin.
Driote scowled, trying her absolute hardest to hide her fear (LP: 4800 - 3300).
"Next, I'll activate the first effect of 'Super Soldier'!" Anakin continued ranting still, becoming more and more eager to make his greatest enemy suffer for all of the lives she took and for also kidnapping and hurting his love interest. "If this monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to its Attack Power in the Graveyard!"
'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' slashed his blade at Driote's stomach, causing her to scream in agony (LP: 3300 - 300). The attack had also drawn blood from the 'Artist of Insanity'.
"My Battle Phase has now come to an end, right?" taunted Anakin ruthlessly. "Wrong! I'm going to attack one last time with 'Super Soldier'! This is because when I used 'Beginning Knight' as a tribute for the Ritual Summon of a 'Black Luster Soldier' Ritual Monster, the Summoned monster gains 'two' effects."
Driote recoiled.
"The first effect... Once per turn, I can target one monster my opponent controls and banish it." Anakin explained, speaking about 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier's' newly gained effects. "And the other effect... When this monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, I can activate this effect; this monster can make a second attack in a row!"
"WHAT?!" screamed Driote, feeling absolutely terrified of Anakin once more.
This moment was just like what happened during their first encounter... Like what happened in that meeting, Driote was truly afraid of Anakin—she was afraid of the monster she unleashed from within the one person she loved and hated the most. And she had another reason to be afraid; 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' had attacked and destroyed 'Beast King Barbaros', and that meant Anakin could use his monster to attack once again - this time directly.
"This is the end of the line for you, 'Artist of Insanity'!" declared Anakin, gaining more and more satisfaction from this battle. "You will burn in the pits of Hell!" He then gave a command to his ace monster. "'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier', attack the opposing player directly! SUPER CHAOS BLADE!"
Upon 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' attacking Driote with his sword, an explosion ensued.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!" screamed Driote, as she was engulfed in flames and her Life Points dropped to zero (LP: 600 - 0). "BURN THESE MEMORIES INTO YOUR MIND! AAAAUUUUGGGGHHHH!"
DUEL RESULTS: Anakin wins!
The 'Artist of Insanity' continued to scream in agony until she faded away, leaving Anakin satisfied that his greatest enemy was finally gone - or so it would appear. Unbeknownst to Anakin, Driote had been saved by Lilith, Lady of Lament at the last second. The mysterious emblem, meanwhile, cracked and fell to the ground.
"It's... it's done." panted Anakin, exhausted from the fight. "My nightmare...has finally faded."
From there, he remembered Anastasia. Seeing as she was still unconscious, she did not witness the explosive battle between him and Driote (which was probably a good thing). From there, Anakin approached the brunette-haired young woman and gently shook her once again.
"Anastasia... Anastasia!" Anakin begged, not giving up on his lover. "Wake up... the fighting is over."
Before too long, Anastasia's eyes slowly started flickering open, and, in her POV, she saw Anakin looming over the injured brunette-haired young woman.
"Anastasia!" rejoiced Anakin. "I'm so relieved you're awake and okay."
"A-Anakin?" whispered Anastasia. Realizing that her lover was safe, she managed to sit up and smile. "Ani! You're safe!"
The royal couple was so happy over reuniting that they shared a kiss. Once it was finished, Anastasia looked around, noticing that she and Anakin were both the only ones left in the chamber.
"Where's Driote?" Anastasia asked. "W-What happened?"
"She's dead." answered Anakin in a low tone. "I won our fight. Nobody could survive such a battle involving the darkness."
Anastasia stared blankly at her lover for what seemed like forever, before, remembering the nasty truth, becoming incredibly distressed, which Anakin took notice of...
"Anastasia, are you alright? We're both safe now."
"Ani... she knows." said Anastasia sadly. "Driote knows all about our secret relationship."
Anakin shook his head. "I already know that." he pointed out. "Driote told me at some point. However, she had been lying about how many times she saw us making love."
"What?" gasped Anastasia
"It's true." The black-haired young man insisted. "Driote had actually only seen us doing it once, just a few nights ago. She only said what she said to try and hurt your heart."
Anastasia was surprised at first, but quickly settled down, even though she knew that Driote seeing her and Anakin having sex once still hurt a ton. Before long, the pain on the princess's chest seemed to shoot up, causing her to clutch the wounded spot.
"Anastasia, are you okay? What...exactly did Driote do to you?" asked Anakin, noticing that his lover was in seeming pain. "What did she do before you dueled one of her servants?"
Once again Anastasia grew upset; this time, it was over Driote sexually assaulting and humiliating her. Then, without warning, Anastasia went and removed her tunic right in front of her lover, aiming to show him where she was wounded. Seeing as the princess wasn't wearing a bra, Anastasia was actually shown to be entirely topless (both of her breasts—along with the nipples—were exposed as a result).
"Driote... She sexually abused me." The brunette-haired young woman answered in distress, looking down at her exposed bust before looking back at Anakin. "Ani... do you see any markings left behind where she gripped onto me?"
Anakin, who was completely used to seeing Anastasia topless by this point, was, again, extremely upset that Driote would sexually harm his lover in the most brutal and humiliating way possible. Either way, he eyed the princess's breasts and, much to his dismay, saw that there were some nail markings and bruises on the left breast. The black-haired young man also figured that Anastasia's buttocks might have also gotten a few of those marks and bruises too, but instead decided to try and reassure her rather than point it out.
"There are some markings left behind, yes, but they should clear away with time and a visit to a clinic." said Anakin gently.
Anastasia nodded in relief before putting her tunic back on. The princess tried to stand back up, only to, seeing as she was still greatly weakened from her duel earlier on, end up collapsing once more. Anakin, while also tired out, still had the stamina to stand - he picked the injured princess up and started to carry her out of the chamber.
"Come on, let's get out of here." suggested Anakin.
"Y-Yeah." agreed Anastasia.
As Anakin helped the princess up the stairs, he started to think back to when Driote told him that she not only humiliated Anastasia, but also raped her in a way. Anakin closed his eyes, feeling so horrible for not arriving to stop Driote sooner.
"A-Ani?" peeped Anastasia in surprise. "Are you...okay?"
Anakin shook his head. "No... I'm not alright." he answered sadly. "Driote told me, before we decided to settle things, how she not only grabbed and squeezed your chest and buttocks in order to humiliate and injure you, but she also...raped you in a way."
"She raped me?" Anastasia repeated, looking and sounding surprised to hear Anakin say something like that.
"Driote said she stripped you of your clothes and suckled on your bosoms, saying they were milky and delicious. And then she went at your womanhood." explained Anakin, briefly looking at Anastasia's groin before looking away and becoming ashamed with himself. "I was hoping for you to avoid this fate like I experienced at the hands of the 'Artist of Insanity', but I failed to keep my promise to protect you from her... I'm sorry."
There was a long, tense silence between the royal couple. Eventually...
"...Ani, Driote only 'humiliated' me." Anastasia pointed out, trying to reveal what Driote told her lover was a lie. "She never raped me or did any of what you're telling me."
"Huh?" gasped Anakin. "Driote never...raped you?"
"No." answered Anastasia, shaking her head. "She likely said all of that to further provoke you and stroke your rage and hatred. If Driote really did that stuff to me, I would have told you the first chance I got—and I would also be a complete mess."
Anakin listened to the princess's words carefully. Upon hearing how Driote never actually raped Anastasia, he became deeply relieved—yet also hated the fact that Driote lied to him about that stuff just to get a reaction out of him.
"Anyway, after humiliating me, I tried to make a break for the exit, but Driote quickly forced me to 'entertain' her by engaging one of her minions in a Shadow Game." continued Anastasia, before deciding to bring up the power she unknowingly gained during the match... "I was pushed into a corner at one point, but then I gained an unknown power and performed a draw like nothing any of us have ever seen."
Anakin added to that. "You then Summoned a monster named 'Serapheem'."
"H-How do you know that?" asked Anastasia, rather surprised that Anakin knew about that unknown monster.
"Again, Driote told me a bit about the duel before she provoked me with her lies." answered Anakin. He then started to help Anastasia up the stairs again. "Now, come on. Let's return home, and you can tell me more of what happened."
Anastasia smiled weakly and nodded in agreement to that.
(elsewhere...)
Outside the labyrinth, all was quiet—except for a pair of voices coming from inside...
"We're almost out." The voice of Anakin proclaimed.
"What a relief." The voice of Anastasia sighed. "It feels like we've been down here for hours on end."
However, the relieved atmosphere immediately collapsed when the royal couple emerged from the staircase leading underground. Upon getting a glimpse of the scenery, they could see that every single soldier that accompanied Anakin to rescue Anastasia...were shown to be lying on the ground, dead.
"No way...!" gasped Anastasia.
Anakin, however, was the most upset with the sight. After spending five minutes looking for survivors (there were none), the royal couple started to slowly make their way back home.
"It has to have been Driote's troops!" Anastasia figured. "There's no other way."
Suddenly, she heard the sounds of sobbing. Surprised, the brunette-haired young woman saw the Anakin was shaking...and crying.
"Anakin?" Anastasia peeped. "Ani, what's wrong?"
"It wasn't...Driote's soldiers." wept Anakin, as tears fell from his eyes. "It was all...me!"
"You?!" Anastasia recoiled. "But...I don't understand. How could it have been you?"
"I...allowed myself to be swallowed by my anger and hatred, allowing myself to fall for Driote's trap, the Shadow Duel." continued Anakin, who was breaking down even further. "Some of the spare troops had given chase after me long after I left, and I unwillingly stole the lives of all those men!"
Anastasia did not know what to say, as she did not know the details of the Shadow Duel between her lover and Driote. All the beautiful princess could do was sadly watch as Anakin collapsed to his knees, crying, and let out multiple screams of anguish and remorse. In the background, the dead bodies of various monsters like Blade Knight, etc. faded away into light.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback finally ended.
"Even though I had once again lost to Anakin-" Driote finished, who was frowning before it turned into a wicked smile. "-at least I was able to get the last laugh in retaliation. Not to mention I was even saved at the last second by my most loyal of minions!"
"Lilith, Lady of the Lament, if I'm correct." added Thomas, immediately figuring out who it was.
"That's right."
"I see..." The blue/black-haired young man whispered. He then smiled rather coldly. "Now, since you told me about your 'masterpiece', shall I share a little secret with you?"
"A secret?" repeated Driote.
"Yes." confirmed Thomas. "First, I wish to ask you a question; do you know about the demon called Diablon?"
Driote frozen in response from hearing that name; why would her beloved bring something like that up? The answer to such a question was coming, and it was not going to be a fun experience for Driote...