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.
Emily had succeeded; she had defeated the one responsible for starting this whole mess in the first place - that being Diesel 10. As a result of his defeat, Diesel 10 burned to death as a result of his deal with Driote and the 'Wicked Gods'. This meant that Diesel 10 would never return as a result.
"Diesel 10 will never cause us grief ever again." Emily sighed, before turning to face the injured Hurricane. "Hurricane, can you walk?"
Nearby, Hurricane, who had been resting after getting injured from his duel against Diesel 10, had managed to stand back up, but was so weak he could only slump over. Emily responded by walking over and wrapping her right arm around the brown/red-haired boy's shoulder to try and help him.
"Wrap your arm around me; I'll help you down the hall to the elevator." she offered, kindly and urgently.
"We have to get to the final duel." winced Hurricane, while doing as Emily had instructed. "Hopefully, there is a chance we can still reach out to Frankie. Even if she has been fully consumed by Driote and the 'Wicked Gods', we have to at least try."
"I know." nodded Emily, before she started to help Hurricane down the hallway. "Let's go."
As the two duelists slowly walked towards the nearest elevator, they heard the familiar sound of a Duel Runner along with a familiar voice calling out to them...
"Hey! Aren't you two Hurricane and Emily?"
Emily and Hurricane both turned around and noticed a familiar Duel Runner approaching them before coming to a complete stop. The young man removed his helmet and revealed himself to be...
"You're Ace!" remembered Emily, before narrowing her eyes and becoming hostile-sounding. "What do you want? If you're here to try and stop us-"
"No way! Nothing of the sort!" denied Ace, shaking his head. "I've been helping you guys out. Why else do you think there aren't so many pirates chasing you?"
Emily became surprised by that.
"Before you start asking me why I changed sides, let's just say I'm doing this for my fans out there. If the media gets wind of me working with a bunch of thieves, my reputation will be in utter ruin."
"But if you knew what we were doing was wrong-" Hurricane asked curiously. "-then why did you agree to help us in the first place?" He then stopped himself and went into his thoughts about it... "Look at me, I'm basically asking that guy something that I myself have also done."
"I was blinded by my love of the Free and Easy Lifestyle." answered Ace, looking rather bad. "Frankie promised me more than enough money to pay for my Global Travels if I helped her. I should have used common sense and said 'no', but I was nothing more than a fool chasing after a chance for thrills and excitement."
The look on Emily's face was a clear sign she did not know whether to trust the blonde-haired young man. However, the serious and truthful look in Ace's eyes eventually made her change her mind somewhat.
"There seems to be some truth in your words." Emily admitted aloud. "Ace, do you think you can help me get Hurricane to the Apex Duel Arena on the roof?"
"I'll see what I can do." promised Ace, getting off his Duel Runner.
With that said, he walked to the elevator and pressed a button on it, causing the doors to open. From there, he and Emily both helped Hurricane inside. While riding the elevator to the rooftop, Hurricane had a question for Emily...
"Emily, do you think Thomas can win?"
"Hurricane?" quizzed Emily, looking at her new friend.
"Does Thomas even have a chance against the likes of Driote?" repeated Hurricane. "I mean, even with the card you gave him before he took off for the roof?"
Emily closed her eyes as a flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Thomas and Flashback Emily shared a final, passionate kiss before the former was to leave and confront Driote.
"Tommy, I promise you I'll be okay." The dark green-haired girl encouraged. "We 'will' see each other again when it's all over. I also know you'll be okay against our greatest enemy." She then winked. "After all, you've beaten her once before, so you can likely do it again."
After hesitating, Flashback Thomas finally nodded and started to approach the nearby elevator. Just then, after entering it and before the doors could close...
"Wait, Thomas!" Flashback Emily called out, running over with a card in her right hand. "Take this card with you!"
She handed the card to Flashback Thomas, who looked it over. It was a Monster Card called 'Twilight Winged Soul'.
"'Twilight Winged Soul'." Flashback Thomas whispered. "Emily, why would you give me this card?"
Flashback Emily never answered the question; she instead turned and went to confront Flashback Diesel 10, resulting in the elevator doors closing. Nearby, Flashback Hurricane had been watching the whole scene without uttering a word regarding it.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end.
"What about you?" Hurricane went on. "Even you were not able to defeat Driote!"
"Hurricane, I know Thomas—no, 'Anakin'—can win." said Emily firmly. "No matter what tricks and traps Driote tries on him, she can never defeat the 'Supreme King'."
And thus, nothing more was said as the elevator trip continued.
Title: Crimson Glare of the Demon
Back on the rooftop of Boxford Corporation, Driote was recoiling from a question being asked, while Thomas, as Anakin, could only smile in satisfaction.
"I remember everything." he was saying. "I remember how scared you were of me... You don't know how much I enjoyed your fear."
Driote's shocked expression turned into one of anger over her hated enemy's taunting.
"You're mocking me..." Driote whispered, just before losing it. "You're mocking MEEEE!"
With that line screamed, she raised both hands up and released a blast of dark wind at Thomas, only for him to effortlessly send it back at her with his own, superior darkness. The blast sent Driote flying across the duel platform until she laid still in the center of it.
"I have mastered control over my powers since that fateful encounter." Thomas criticized harshly. "Unlike before, when I only had such control after becoming Diablon."
On the platform, Driote weakly got onto her hands and knees.
"Anything you try to attack me with your darkness, I can bend it to my will in an instant!"
"Damn you..." whispered Driote, shaking hard as she soon got back to her feet. "Prior to us meeting for the first time, I was invincible and fearless until the day I lost to you, and then I went on to lose every sort of battle with you from that point on." She then lifted her head and revealed a look of absolute hatred and rage on her face. "Even in my own palace, you defeated me twice, the first time and the final time!"
Thomas frowned, but said nothing in response.
"When I lost to you in our first battle, and our duel, I wandered the border between life and death. You can't imagine the depths I would go to just to stay alive, fueled by my singular love and hatred for you!"
A long flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
All that was there was darkness, and Driote laid fast asleep in it.
"After our Shadow Game, I was put into hiding while in a comatose state." narrated Present Day-Driote. "While I do not know what happened between my time in a coma, I did eventually wake up and saw some familiar faces."
Driote's eyes slowly fluttered open, and, in her POV, she saw Lilith, Lady of Lament and Mr. Volcano both looking after her.
"Lilith? Mr. Volcano?" The 'Artist of Insanity' whispered.
"My Queen!" rejoiced Lilith, Lady of Lament.
"You're finally awake!" added Mr. Volcano. "We thought you weren't going to make it."
Driote sat up on the bed, rubbing the back of her head.
"All I remember...was losing to Anakin for the umpteenth time." she murmured. "I thought I was going to be killed-"
"At the last second, I managed to save you." Lilith, Lady of Lament pointed out. "I sensed you were in danger, so I came to rescue you before Anakin could land the killing blow."
"After that, Lilith brought you here to recover." added Mr. Volcano. "Although judging from how bad you looked, we didn't know if you would even survive. It's been over a year, after all."
"A year? Is that how long I was in a coma?" wondered Driote, still feeling a little light-headed. "I see... What about Anakin? Have you sent more parties out to get him?"
There was a long and uncomfortable silence from both Lilith, Lady of Lament and Mr. Volcano.
"What's the matter with you two?"
"Both Anakin and Anastasia-" began Mr. Volcano. "-are no more."
Driote was surprised, yet also pleased to hear that—yet still wanting an answer regarding it.
"So they're both dead, is that what you're saying?" she asked, feeling somewhat relieved that her shame had been avenged. "I must say, you must have succeeded at getting rid of them at some point or another."
"Anastasia was killed trying to protect Anakin from her Father." explained Lilith, Lady of Lament. "And nobody knows for sure where Anakin is. Many believe that he was so devastated from losing Anastasia that he eventually took his own life. However, we have a new problem."
"The Duel Monsters spirit world is at war." added Mr. Volcano. "A new party of Duel Spirits have made themselves known, and they have a new leader."
"Who are they?" Driote demanded.
"They call themselves the Court of Darkness."
"The Court of Darkness?" The 'Artist of Insanity' repeated, before remembering something about them. "Hold on, I've heard a bit about them... They compose of some of the most evil monsters in this world, and they wish to take it over for their very own."
"My Queen, if we want any chance of surviving this war-" said Lilith, Lady of Lament. "-you would have to take lead of the army once again and return to Chelyumn."
"Yes..." Driote agreed silently, briefly forgetting the mention that the Court of Darkness had a new leader. "Yes, I must! I won't let these newcomers take over this world - since only 'I' can do just that!"
Mr. Volcano nodded in agreement. Unknown to anyone in the room, there was a spy watching everything going on.
(outside...)
Outside the house, Vampire Lord, leader of the Court of Darkness, was using his abilities to see through the walls and watch everything going on inside the building (namely about Driote, Lilith, Lady of Lament, and Mr. Volcano). Once the conversation ended, Vampire Lord smirked to himself before turning to leave.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the throne room of the Castle of Dark Illusions, Vampire Lord and the remaining members of the Court of Darkness (Witty Phantom, The Earl of Demise, Darkbishop Archfiend, Airknight Parshath, and Vampire Lady) gathered before turning and bowing to their master.
"Lord Diablon, I bring some urgent news." began Vampire Lord.
"Speak." The deep voice of a human male accepted.
Vampire Lord nodded. "This familiar face from a while back; one who was given us so much trouble and prevented us from trying to rule this world before we met you, my lord... She seems to have returned."
"Really?" The deep male voice responded.
"Yes." confirmed Vampire Lord. "Her name is Driote, and she's a serious danger to our plans."
"Before we met you, her forces always overwhelmed our own." put in Witty Phantom.
"As a result, we were nothing compared to her." agreed Darkbishop Archfiend.
"However, with both you and Airknight Parshath now on our side, we can-" Vampire Lady tried to say, but was interrupted.
"WHAT?!" The deep male voice bellowed, along with a slamming sound. "SHE'S 'STILL' ALIVE?!"
Sitting on the throne was what appeared to be a humanoid male demon with gray skin and a bulky-looking build. Spikes were protruding from his shoulders, arms, and ankles, and there were black demonic wings sticking out of his back. He was shirtless, leaving him in nothing but his belt and trousers which were tattered at the cuffs. His face was veiny and his ears consisted of wing-like appendages. The most noticeable thing about him were his crimson red eyes, which symbolized nothing but anger and hatred. This was Diablon, the 'Evil One' and the new ruler of the Court of Darkness.
"How many times do I have to kill her?!" Diablon roared, almost as if he remembered Driote in a way.
The Court of Darkness members were greatly shocked to see their 'Supreme King' react so violently to the mere mention of Driote, with him having never expressed so much raw anger and hatred in front of them. Of course, Diablon had a damn good reason for the strong reaction; he was Anakin, and Driote was his greatest enemy. After Anastasia's death, he went mad with grief and proceeded to slaughter everyone, even Queen Imelda and both of his other friends in Esther and Joan, in the kingdom of Rondeval before trying to put an end to his misery without success. After so many failed attempts of suicide, Anakin tried to use the Dark Arts as a means of reviving Anastasia. Alas, this foolish wish came with a hefty price - it resulted in the release of the 'Sacred Beasts' into the Duel Monsters spirit world and further tainted Anakin's dark heart to the point it turned him into a demon.
After turning into a demon, the Court of Darkness made themselves known to him and wished to serve him, giving him the name of Diablon in the process. From there, they waged a massive war against every living being in the Duel Monsters spirit world, destroying numerous kingdoms and killing millions of humans and Duel Spirits alike. Despite being the 'Supreme King' and also being happy with what he was doing to his world, Diablon, deep down, was still Anakin, and was only doing it out of a heartbroken desire to see Anastasia again. Driote being mentioned and alive, however, was something that caused Diablon to snap.
"I have never seen our lord look so upset before." whispered Darkbishop Archfiend. "I don't think I like it..."
"Does he have a problem with Driote or something?" pondered The Earl of Demise.
Of course; seeing as Diablon still had full recollection of his life as Anakin, and now that he had once again failed to kill Driote during their last battle, he was so enraged over it that his eyes began glowing in a mixture of crimson red and golden yellow (a color which symbolized pure madness) and he let loose a long, powerful scream of rage. The ferocious roars of anger were actually powerful enough to cause part of the castle roof to collapse, resulting in the Court of Darkness members jumping out of the way before they were crushed by the debris.
"M-My lord..." whispered Airknight Parshath.
"We leave for the kingdom of Chelyumn immediately!" Diablon commanded, once he had calmed down a bit. "We will stop at absolutely NOTHING to make sure the 'Artist of Insanity' dies by my hands... All of our current efforts from this point on will be focusing on ensuring Driote's death!" His tone became unbelievably dark as he added... "My revenge...will come."
The six members of the Court of Darkness eased up and bowed in response, which was a sign they would obey the command without question.
(elsewhere...)
Meanwhile, Driote, Lilith, Lady of Lament, and Mr. Volcano each were making their way back to the kingdom of Chelyumn. Driote was eager to return to her castle, so she could begin preparations for the battle ahead against the Court of Darkness.
"I have been away from home for far too long." she grumbled irritably. "Without all those slaves, rebuilding will take longer than I had hoped. However, I don't really care for that detail right now... I will show the Court of Darkness that I, the 'Artist of Insanity', can never be beaten!"
(elsewhere...)
Eventually, the trio did return to the city and castle of Chelyumn. Inside one of the castle's hallways, they found it to be surprisingly empty.
"It's quiet." Driote stated. "'Too' quiet."
"Where is everyone?" wondered Mr. Volcano. "Weren't they expecting us back at some point?"
"Or maybe..." A new voice (male) echoed.
"...we were expecting you?" A female voice giggled before ending her sentence with a hiss.
Flying from the dark ceiling were two bats, much to the surprise of Driote, Mr. Volcano, and Lilith, Lady of Lament. When the bats approached the floor, they suddenly turned into a vampire-like named Vampire Lord and a vampiress-like monster called Vampire Lady respectively. Both Duel Spirits had evil-looking smiles on their faces.
"What?!" exclaimed Mr. Volcano.
"Are you two members of the Court of Darkness?!" demanded Lilith, Lady of Lament.
"It's obvious." said Vampire Lord, before opening his cape and sending a swarm of bats out at his enemies. "Take this!"
The bats overwhelmed the trio, but Driote eventually broke through the swarm. Lilith, Lady of Lament, meanwhile, summoned an Electro-Whip and started attacking the bats.
"My Queen! Head for the throne room!" shouted Lilith, Lady of Lament. "Mr. Volcano and I will deal with these intruders!"
Driote raced out while Mr. Volcano and Lilith, Lady of Lament both dealt with the bats along with both Vampire Lord and Vampire Lady.
(elsewhere...)
By the time Driote reached her throne room, she was in for another nasty surprise upon entering.
"I've made it." The blue/green-haired young woman panted, obviously out of breath. She then saw something up ahead that shocked her. "W-What?!"
Driote found someone sitting on her throne. This someone was a humanoid demon she clearly never saw before. The demon, meanwhile, did not say a word upon seeing the 'Artist of Insanity'. Completely unknown to her, the demon, named Diablon, was actually Anakin, whose unrelenting, neverending hatred of Driote still lingered in his blood fiercely. Driote, meanwhile, was beginning to feel an enormous pressure coming from Diablon, which was piercing through her like a cold wind, causing her to begin feeling intimidated.
"This feeling... I haven't felt it since I met Anakin." she thought to herself, as all she can focus on was the demon's fierce glare. "Those crimson eyes are radiating so much immense anger and hatred, so powerful that I can...feel it in the air, all that just by him glaring at me."
Diablon still said nothing, and could only continue to gaze at his old enemy. Eventually...
"How dare you sit on 'my' throne!" snapped Driote, recovering from her shock and becoming quite cross over the fact the unwanted guest was sitting on her throne. "Begone with you!"
With that said, she unleashed a fierce blast of darkness at Diablon, who simply deflected by merely moving his fingers, redirecting the blast into the wall, destroying it and causing major damage to the castle's throne room. Shocked by this, Driote tried the same thing again, only for Diablon to counter the exact same way he did last time, causing even more damage to the throne room.
"W-What the hell?" stuttered Driote, even more surprised by the turn of events. "Just what are you supposed to be?!"
At long last, Diablon stood up and walked towards the center of the throne room.
"My name is Diablon, and I rule over the Court of Darkness." The 'Evil One' answered quietly. "I will be the last thing you will ever see before you are dead."
Before Driote could say anything back, purple smoke appeared all across the ceiling before ten stone tablets dropped down. Five on Driote's side, and five on Diablon's side.
"You dare challenge 'me' to a Shadow Game?" Driote demanded.
Diablon said nothing; he only kept a cold, venomous glare on his face. Regardless, Driote quickly accepted the challenge.
"I will not allow myself to lose to anyone else!" she insisted, prepared for battle.
"There is no escape for you... for the Court of Darkness has the castle and kingdom surrounded." declared Diablon.
"What did you-?!"
(elsewhere...)
Outside the Chelyumn castle, it was absolute chaos in the city itself. Various Duel Spirits under the command of Darkbishop Archfiend, Witty Phantom, The Earl of Demise, and Airknight Parshath were destroying buildings, stands, you name it, along with killing various Duel Spirits still loyal to Driote.
"Do it! Do it!" chanted The Earl of Demise.
"We, the Court of Darkness, are nobodies fools!" Witty Phantom shouted over the destruction going on.
"For Lord Diablon, we will not fail!" finished Airknight Parshath, while Darkbishop Archfiend laughed in response.
Oh man, that was not good for Driote...
(elsewhere...)
Back in the throne room...
"How dare you attack my kingdom!" snarled Driote. "When I'm done with you, you and your minions will never set foot in my land ever again!"
Diablon said nothing in response, only letting a stone tablet drop onto his side of the field.
Turn One: Diablon (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Raviel, Lord of Phantasms", "Uria, Lord of Searing Flames", "Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder", "Delta Barrier", "Delta Barrier", and "Fallen Paradise"
Suddenly, two of the stone tablets moved onto the field, and it was all without Diablon saying a word about it.
"That's all?" Driote asked, sounding surprised by the simple play. "You're not even going to Summon a monster?" A tablet dropped to her own side of the field. "Fine then... It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Driote (LP: 4000)
Deck: 34
Current Hand (6): "Beast King Barbaros", "Chaos Hunter", "Dian Keto the Cure Master", "Pinpoint Landing", "Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür", and "Beast King Barbaros"
Smiling at her 'hand', the 'Artist of Insanity' pointed to one of her tablets, causing it to turn over and reveal itself.
"I activate a Continuous Spell from my hand - 'Pinpoint Landing'!" she announced. "If exactly one monster is Special Summoned, from the hand to my field, I can draw one card."
Diablon remained absolutely silent, although he did give a nod over the 'card' being used. From there, another stone tablet turned over...
"I Summon 'Beast King Barbaros' in attack mode!" continued Driote.
Appearing onto the field was the vicious king of beasts itself (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1200).
"While it's a Level 8 monster, I can Normal Summon it without a tribute." explained Driote. "However, its Attack Power will become 1900 when this is done."
'Beast King Barbaros's' Attack Power dropped (ATK: 3000 - 1900).
"Furthermore, I'll sacrifice my monster to Special Summon a new 'Barbaros' Monster from my hand!"
'Beast King Barbaros' faded away in a blue streak, just as another stone tablet turned itself over and revealed what it was.
"Come forth - 'King Beast Barbaros'!" declared Driote.
Appearing onto the field was a much more evolved form of 'Beast King Barbaros' (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1200).
"Like 'Beast King Barbaros', this monster has a Level of 8." continued Driote. "However, I can tribute monsters whose total Levels equal 8 or more to Special Summon this monster from my hand." As she spoke on, a stone tablet lowered onto her field. "And since I've Special Summoned a monster from my hand, I can draw one card by the effect of 'Pinpoint Landing'!"
The 'card' was a Monster Card called 'Interplanetarypurplythorny Beast'. The blue/green-haired young woman then pointed at her new monster.
"I activate the effect of 'King Beast Barbaros'!" she announced. "I can Banish one 'Barbaros' Monster from my Graveyard or face-up field, and then target two cards my opponent controls and destroy them."
Again, Diablon did not say a word - only nodding and allowing the play to happen. This cold silence was starting to really make Driote feel uneasy. Nevertheless, she continued with her turn...
"I remove the 'Beast King Barbaros' from my Graveyard to target both your set cards and destroy them!" The 'Artist of Insanity' went on. "Say goodbye to them!"
'King Beast Barbaros' threw its lance at the two stone tablets on Diablon's side of the field, shattering them to dust with one precise throw. Even without anything to protect himself, Diablon did not look worried in the slightest; he simply raised his right hand and did a 'bring it on' gesture.
"He's not worried?" thought Driote, before smirking wickedly. "Well, maybe he'll change his tune once he eats 3000 points of damage!" She entered the Battle Phase. "BATTLE! I use 'King Beast Barbaros' to attack you, the opponent, directly!"
'King Beast Barbaros' obeyed, throwing his lance at Diablon. The weapon struck the 'Evil One' and pushed him back, but, like before, he did not say a word or anything about it, even as his Life Points dropped to low levels (LP: 4000 - 1000).
"Heh! And here I was expecting you to be a frightening opponent!" taunted Driote, just as another stone tablet turned itself over. "Finally, I'll activate 'Dian Keto the Cure Master'! This increases my Life Points by 1000!"
A golden aura glowed around Driote, causing her Life Points to rise (LP: 4000 - 5000).
"I end my turn." she finished. "I have 5000 Life Points, and you're stuck with only 1000 Life Points! How did that happen, I wonder? Perhaps you're just all bark and no bite?"
Diablon remained as silent as ever before as another stone tablet lowered onto his field, resulting in Driote once again feeling immense pressure and intimidation.
Turn Three: Diablon (LP: 1000)
Deck: 33
Current Hand (5): "Raviel, Lord of Phantasms", "Uria, Lord of Searing Flames", "Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder", "Fallen Paradise", and "Akashic Record"
Upon seeing what was added into his 'hand', Diablon pointed to the stone tablet and caused it to turn over.
"Spell Card - 'Akashic Record'." The 'Evil One' said in an eerie tone. "It lets me draw two cards and reveal them. If one or both of those cards have been played during the duel, I must remove that card(s) from play."
Two stone tablets ('Supreme Direct'(!) and 'Triangle Force') lowered down onto the field. To Driote's dismay, they were both 'cards' that were never played.
"Those cards were never played, so you get to add them into your hand." she complained.
True to her words, the two stone tablets slid back to Diablon's side. Almost immediately, one of the stone tablets turned itself over and revealed what it was.
"Continuous Spell - 'Triangle Force'." continued Diablon. "When activated, I can activate two more copies of this card from my Deck."
Another two stone tablets ('Triangle Force') fell onto Diablon's field.
"Those cards are pointless!" Driote pointed out. "Why include something like those in your Deck."
Diablon did not respond back.
"Well? Aren't you going to tell me?!"
"...I send all three copies of 'Triangle Force' to the Graveyard." Diablon said at long last, just as his three copies of the 'Triangle Force' Spell Card crumbled into dust. "With that done, I'll Special Summon, from my hand, one of the last things you'll ever see!"
"What?" peeped Driote.
Several dark clouds appeared over the field, striking down bolts of lightning.
"Come forth - 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder'!" commanded Diablon.
Appearing onto the field from a powerful lightning bolt, was the 'Sacred Beast' counterpart of 'The Winged Dragon of Ra' (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
"A 'S-Sacred Beast'?!" stuttered Driote, having never heard of them before.
"Yes, 'Sacred Beast'." confirmed Diablon. "Three of some of the most powerful monsters in the world of Duel Monsters, and they are under my command."
Driote once again felt intimidated by this demon, in the exact same way she felt around Anakin. However, upon remembering what was in her hand and what her opponent just did, the 'Artist of Insanity' made a move...
"As you've Summoned a monster-" While Driote spoke, another of her stone tablets turned itself over (and another one crumbled into dust). "-I'll discord one card in order Special Summon 'Chaos Hunter' from my hand!"
Appearing onto the field was a silver-haired female monster dressed in red, and wielding a whip (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1600).
"As long as this monster is on the field, you cannot Banish any cards!" explained Driote. "If you have a strategy to Summon anymore monsters, they are now worthless as trash!" A stone tablet then lowered onto her field. "And seeing as I've Special Summoned a monster, I can draw another card."
"I activate a Field Spell." cut in Diablon, as another of his stone tablets turned over and revealed what it was. "'Fallen Paradise'."
The scenery around them began to change to that of a barren wasteland.
"'Fallen Paradise'..." whispered Driote.
"You can't target 'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames', 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder", 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms', or 'Armityle the Chaos Phantom' in my Monster Zones with Card Effects." Diablon explained. "Also, those monsters can't be destroyed by card effects while I control them." Just then, two more stone tablets dropped onto his field. "Also, once per turn, if I control 'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames', 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder', 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms', or 'Armityle the Chaos Phantom' in my Monster Zone, I can draw two cards."
The two stone tablets were 'Phantom Skyblaster' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Immortal Class' (Trap Card). Looking somewhat pleased, Diablon then pointed to another stone tablet on his field.
"Spell Card, 'Supreme Direct', activate." he went on, as the stone tablet turned itself over and revealed what it was. "It lets me activate one Trap Card from my Deck. As a cost, I can't conduct my next Draw Phase."
Driote sweated, wondering what potential 'card' her opponent was going to activate. At long last, a stone tablet lowered onto the field, which was...
"Continuous Trap - 'Delta Barrier'." declared Diablon, just as two more stone tablets rebuilt themselves onto his side of the field. "After activation, I can place two copies of 'Delta Barrier' from my Graveyard face-up on my side of the field."
The two stone tablets were two more copies of the 'Delta Barrier' Trap Card. That gave Diablon three such copies. All of a sudden, the three copies crumbled into dust.
"You're destroying them?!" exclaimed Driote.
A ring of fiery magma formed from the dust as something began to rise from it.
"Arise - 'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames'!" commanded Diablon.
Erupting from the magma and flying through the sky was the 'Sacred Beast' counterpart of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' (Level: 10/DEF: 0/DEF: 0).
"The second 'Sacred Beast'!" recoiled Driote.
"'Uria's' effect; it gains 1000 Attack Points for each Continuous Trap Card in my Graveyard." explained Diablon. "Currently, I have three such cards there. This will give 'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames' an Attack Power of 3000!"
'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames' grew stronger (ATK: 0 - 3000). Just then, another stone tablet turned itself over...
"Show yourself - 'Phantom Skyblaster'." announced Diablon.
Appearing onto the field was the familiar-looking green-skinned fiendish creature with wings and two cannons on its back (Level: 4/ATK: 1100/DEF: 800). Suddenly, it began to split apart.
"'Phantom Skyblaster's' Monster Effect activates - when this monster is Normal or Flip Summoned, I can Special Summon any number of 'Skyblaster Tokens', up to the number of monsters I control." explained Diablon. "As I control two monsters, I can Summon two 'Skyblaster Tokens'."
Two 'Skyblaster Tokens' appeared on the field from the split. Just then, 'Phantom Skyblaster' began charging a blast of electricity.
"For each 'Skyblaster' on the field-" continued Diablon. "-you will take 300 points of damage. Best of all, 'Skyblaster Tokens' count as a 'Phantom Skyblaster'..." He then pointed at Driote. "Driote, you will take 900 points of damage from this effect."
The 'Phantom Skyblaster' open fired with its attack, striking Driote head on and causing her Life Points to drop a bit (LP: 5000 - 4100). But the worst was yet to come...
"I sacrifice 'Phantom Skyblaster' and both 'Skyblaster Tokens'." declared Diablon as his three monsters vanished in streaks of blue. "Show yourself - 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms'!"
Suddenly, the ground cracked beneath the two duelists as the hand of a shadowed figure crawled out from the fissure. At last, the 'Sacred Beast' counterpart of 'Obelisk the Tormentor' stood on the field before Driote and her monsters (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
"This can't be!" whispered Driote, slowly becoming afraid of Diablon and the 'Sacred Beasts'. "All three 'Sacred Beasts'...Summoned in just one turn..."
"Battle." said Diablon, still as eerie and calm as ever before. "I use 'Raviel' to attack 'King Beast Barbaros'... Celestial Ravaging Fist!"
'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms' obeyed, punching 'King Beast Barbaros' head on, causing him to shatter. The force of the attack was very strong, and it resulted in Driote bracing herself while being pushed back a bit (LP: 4100 - 3100).
"Next to attack will be 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder'." Diablon went on. "It will strike down your defending 'Chaos Hunter'..." He then gave the attack name... "Lost Thunder!"
'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder' fired a blast of lightning from its mouth, electrifying 'Chaos Hunter'. This attack, while it didn't inflict any Battle Damage (as 'Chaos Hunter' was in defense mode), caused Driote to let out a scream of pain.
"Everytime 'Hamon' destroys a monster-" explained Diablon. "-I can inflict 1000 points of damage to my opponent. Hell's Punishment!"
A bolt of lightning struck Driote head on, making her scream once more as her Life Points took another large hit (LP: 3100 - 2100). Upon recovering...
"Why does he seem so familiar to me?" Driote asked herself. "Why do I feel so intimidated by him? What the hell is going on?!" She finally spoke aloud... "I activate the effect of the 'Interplanetarypurplythorny Beast' in my hand!"
One of the stone tablets turned itself over.
"When a monster I control is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, while this monster is in the Graveyard, I can Special Summon this monster from my Graveyard."
Appearing onto the field was a huge, purple beast with green eyes, and spikes jutting out its legs (Level: 5/ATK: 1100/DEF: 2200). Diablon frowned, as he wouldn't let this slow him down from defeating Driote.
"Now I'm safe from a direct attack!" grinned Driote.
"I activate the effect of 'Raviel'." interrupted Diablon. "When my opponent Summons a monster(s), I can Special Summon one 'Phantasm Token' for each of those monsters."
Appearing onto the field was what looked like a weaker version of 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms' (Level: 1/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000).
"That's pointless!" scoffed Driote.
Diablon ignored the comment. "I use 'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames' to attack 'Interplanetarypurplythorny Beast'." he simply said. "Hyper Blaze!"
'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames' obeyed, firing a blast of flames at the monster, incinerating it alive.
"Ngh... When 'Interplanetarypurplythorny Beast' leaves the field when Special Summoned from my Graveyard by its effect, it's removed from the game." grimaced Driote.
Diablon did not respond to that; he instead pointed to a stone tablet and moved it onto the field before going into his End Phase...
"As my turn has ended, I'll activate the next effect of 'Supreme Direct'." said Diablon. "During my End Phase after activating this card, I can remove it from my Graveyard, then I can target one monster I control and change its battle position."
On command, 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder' knelt into a defensive stance, which puzzled Driote greatly.
"Why would he switch his own monster into defense mode like that?" she asked herself. "What reason is there for it?"
Deciding to worry about it later, the blue/green-haired young woman allowed another stone tablet to fall onto her field as she took her turn.
Turn Four: Driote (LP: 4000)
Deck: 31
Current Hand (3): "Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür", "Machine Lord Ür", and "Beast King's Crown"(!)
"And now-" Driote went on. "-I'll Special Summon my ultimate monster!" One stone tablet in her 'hand' crumbled into dust. "I will Banish the Machine monster 'Machine Lord Ür' from my hand..."
Briefly reappearing on the field was 'King Beast Barbaros'.
"...and I'll Banish the Beast-Warrior 'King Beast Barbaros' from my Graveyard!"
Diablon said nothing. From there, Driote's face grew nightmarish-looking as she raised her right hand up.
"Are you prepared? Then watch this!" cackled Driote. "Come forth - 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür'!"
Appearing onto the field was the mechanical version of 'Beast King Barbaros' (Level: 8/ATK: 3800/DEF: 1200). Then, thanks to the effect of the 'Pinpoint Landing' Spell Card, a stone tablet dropped onto Driote's side of the field.
"This is the last turn of the duel." Driote declared. "Normally, my monster can't inflict damage when it attacks. But, thankfully, I can remedy that."
"Before you do that-" interrupted Diablon. "-I have a Monster Effect to activate."
"What?"
"You see, you've Summoned a monster while I control 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms'." The 'Evil One' pointed out. "When my opponent Summons a monster(s), I can Special Summon one 'Phantasm Token' for each of those monsters."
As expected, another 'Phantasm Token' appeared on the field.
"It makes no sense!" argued Driote. "Why are you Summoning those things anyway? You already have the three 'Sacred Beasts' under your command!"
Diablon, again, remained silent. Driote, meanwhile, grew frustrated with her opponent constantly being silent and not answering her questions.
"$*#%... Fine, don't answer any of my questions!" From there, the 'Artist of Insanity' pointed at her final stone tablet. "I activate an Equip Spell from my hand - 'Beast King's Crown'!"
The stone tablet turned itself over and revealed itself, creating a large crown atop of 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür's' head.
"This is the perfect choice of headwear for my King." smirked Driote. "You see, it can only be equipped to a 'Barbaros' Monster; the equipped monster gains 1000 Attack Points. In addition, it also prevents my monster from being targeted or destroyed by your Card Effects."
Diablon again was silent throughout the explanation.
"Now then, normally 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür' would not be able to inflict any damage if it were to attack or be attacked..." continued Driote. "...but I have my own ways of inflicting damage!" She then gave the command... "I use 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür' to attack 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms'! FLASHING DESTRUCTIVE BULLETS!"
'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür' obeyed, firing a barrage of bullets at 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms'. It looked certain that 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür' would defeat the mentioned 'Sacred Beast'. However...
"'Hamon'." whispered Diablon.
Suddenly, 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder' intercepted the blow, saving its comrade.
"What the-?!" gasped Driote.
"While 'Hamon' is in face-up defense position, monsters my opponent controls can't target monsters for attacks, except this one." explained Diablon, as 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder' exploded from its destruction. "That's why I changed it into defense mode."
Driote scowled. "No matter, I'm about to win the duel!" She then swept her right arm about. "Do you know why? It's because of another effect of 'Beast King's Crown! As the equipped 'Barbaros' Monster has destroyed an opponent's monster in battle, the opponent takes damage equal to the destroyed monster's original Attack Power!"
'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür' threw its lance towards Diablon. Suddenly, just when it looked like it was all over for him, pieces of 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder' formed a shield around the 'Evil One', protecting him from the attack.
"What?!" gasped Driote, she then saw Diablon smile a little bit. "How did-?"
"When 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder' is destroyed while in defense mode-" Diablon explained. "-any damage I take this turn becomes zero."
Driote was more frustrated than ever before. It got far worse for her when a stone tablet on Diablon's field turned itself over and revealed what it was.
"Facedown card, open - 'Immortal Class'!" announced Diablon. "It lets me first tribute two monsters. When I do that, I can Special Summon one Level 7 or higher monster from my Graveyard, ignoring the Summoning conditions."
"You have two additional monsters in those 'Phantasm Tokens'!" realized Driote, who was finally getting it.
The two 'Phantasm Tokens' vanished in streaks of blue.
"Return to me - 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder'!" commanded Diablon.
In another bolt of lightning, 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder' once again appeared on the field. Just when it looked like Driote destroyed one of the 'Sacred Beasts', Diablon had managed to bring the defeated one back like nothing happened.
"No way..." whispered Driote, unable to believe that her plan had been a failure. She, however, was not about to give up. "I set one card and end my turn!"
A stone tablet moved onto the field behind 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür'.
"Pathetic." muttered Diablon. "Is this really all that you got?"
Driote scowled, but said nothing in response.
"When you and I fought before, you were devious, dangerous, and unpredictable..." Diablon went on, remembering his time as Anakin. "Now? Now you are weak and afraid..." He then took his turn. "Due to the effect of 'Supreme Direct', I must skip my Draw Phase for this turn."
Turn Five: Diablon (LP: 1000)
Deck: 26
Current Hand (0): N/A
"However, I can and will draw more cards regardless. I activate the effect of my Field Spell, 'Fallen Paradise', once again! As I control at least one 'Sacred Beast', I can draw two more cards."
Two more stone tablets lowered onto Diablon's field. Looking both of them over, he eventually pointed to one of them, which turned over and revealed itself to be...
"Is that 'Eternal Reverse'?!" questioned Driote in shock, having recognized the 'card' in-question.
"Once per turn, I can select one face-up Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls, and set it facedown. That set card can't be activated for the rest of this turn." explained Diablon. "And since this is an Equip Spell, I'll equip it onto 'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames'."
The 'Beast King's Crown' Spell Card turned itself back over while an aura glowed around 'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames'.
"My 'Beast King's Crown'!" cried Driote. "With it set again, 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür' will lose its power bonus!"
And that's what happened to it (ATK: 4800 - 3800)...
"Damn it all!" cursed Driote, before pointing to the only remaining stone tablet left on her field. "I activate a Trap - 'Ridiculing World'!"
The stone tablet turned itself over and revealed what it was.
"Until the end of this turn, monsters my opponent currently controls gain 100 Attack Points, also monsters whose Attack Power is higher than its original Attack Power can't attack. I won't lose to someone like you! After losing so many times to my beloved Anakin, I refuse to allow myself to be beaten again! So now, watch as the three 'Sacred Beasts' grow stronger but become unable to fight me or my monsters!"
'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames' (ATK: 3000 - 3100), 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder' (ATK: 4000 - 4100), and 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms' (ATK: 4000 - 4100) each grew stronger.
"You can't attack with any of those monsters now!" laughed Driote.
Diablon was unfazed. "I activate the effect of 'Uria'... Once per turn, I can target one set Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls and destroy that target. Neither player can activate Spell or Trap Cards in response to this effect's activation." He then gave the command to one of his monsters... "Trap Destruction!"
'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames' let loose a stream of fire, incinerating the stone tablet that Driote had been counting on ('Beast King's Crown').
"It... it matters not!" she insisted in denial. "None of your monsters can attack!"
A dark aura began to glow around Diablon and his last stone tablet.
"W-What the hell?"
"I still have one more card to show you, Driote." The 'Evil One' reminded. "One I have been saving exactly for this moment." He pointed to the stone tablet. "I activate a Spell Card - 'Dimension Fusion Destruction'!"
The stone tablet turned itself over and revealed what it was, which resulted in the dark aura around it to thicken and grow bigger.
"'Dimension Fusion Destruction's' effect..." began Diablon. "It lets me Special Summon one 'Phantasm' Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials listed on it from my hand, field, and/or Graveyard, ignoring its Summoning conditions. If I do this, you will take no Battle Damage from attacks involving it." His eyes narrowed sharply. "If I control 'Uria, Lord of Searing Flames', 'Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder', or 'Raviel, Lord of Phantasms', then my opponent can't activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation."
"What are you going to Summon?" Driote demanded, feeling extremely uneasy about the whole thing.
Diablon ignored her as his three 'Sacred Beasts' merged together. Though he did begin a Summon Chant...
"'Sacred Beasts' of the realms. Come together and show a more powerful form to those who would dare doubt your abilities!" chanted Diablon, just before the dark aura around him exploded with power. "FUSION SUMMON! Appear from the darkness - 'PHANTASM EMPEROR TRILOJIG'!"
In addition to the aura of darkness around the 'Evil One', purple fog of the Shadow Realm started to surround the entire throne room. Driote carefully looked at her surroundings for a sign of a monster, but found nothing.
"Where is it?" she wondered.
Finally, the shadow of a giant monster standing behind Diablon could be seen. Driote squinted hard so she could see what the monster was. Soon, some of the fog cleared away and revealed what appeared to be a hulking, purple fiendish creature with a crystal-like armor (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
"'Phantasm Emperor Trilojig'..." announced Diablon. "If this monster is Special Summoned, or if another monster is Special Summoned from the Graveyard to my field while I control this monster, I can target one face-up monster my opponent controls and inflict damage to him or her equal to half its original Attack Power."
"What?!" gasped Driote.
"The monster I'll pick for the effect will be 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür'." continued Diablon. "You will take 1900 points of damage from this effect."
'Phantasm Emperor Trilojig' grabbed 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür' by the throat, and lifted him up high into the air. This move suddenly caused Driote to grip onto her own throat as if she was being choked as well, which brought her to her knees while gagging and losing most of her Life Points (LP: 2100 - 200). From there, 'Phantasm Emperor Trilojig' violently threw 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür' onto the ground. Diablon said not a word about the scene, but Driote, once she was able to breath again, wanted answers.
"Who are you...?" The 'Artist of Insanity' demanded weakly. "What the hell are you?! Why do you seem so familiar to me? Why am I becoming so afraid of you!?"
Diablon glared on, again with saying anything.
"Answer me! Tell me what I want to know!"
"Driote, you should know who I am." Diablon pointed out. "After all, I know all about you."
"How can you know all about me?" asked Driote. "This is the first time we've met."
Diablon was not impressed. "You say you're afraid of me, right?" he pressed on. "You have been feeling highly uneasy, even intimidated, by my presence throughout the fight, am I right? Tell me, isn't Anakin also someone you're afraid of? Perhaps he and I look somewhat alike and share the same genes?"
"What?" gasped Driote, before squinting once more at her opponent. At last, realization kicked in... "No... No, it can't be... It's not possible!"
Diablon smiled a little bit.
"You're Anakin!" Driote exclaimed in sheer horror. "What's happened to you? Last I heard, you had died!"
"It's a long story that I wish not to share with anyone." answered Diablon coldly. "All I do wish to share with you, is that you're about to finally fall. This time, for good."
"He's right!" Driote thought to herself, having become truly afraid once again. "I have nothing left to protect myself or my monster from an attack!" She then spoke aloud... "I'm the most feared ruler of this whole world! I can't be defeated like this! I just can't!"
"Unfortunately for you, history will not see it that way." retorted Diablon. He finally entered the Battle Phase. "'Phantasm Emperor Trilojig', finish this Shadow Game by attacking 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür'!"
'Phantasm Emperor Trilojig' obeyed, thrusting a mighty fist towards 'Beast Machine King Barbaros Ür', striking it head on as it roared in agony before self-destructing from the devastating attack. Driote, meanwhile, screamed and got sent flying across the throne room from the force of the explosion before finally hitting the floor near the wall. The final attack from 'Phantasm Emperor Trilojig' finished off what was left of her Life Points (LP: 200 - 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Diablon wins!
With the Shadow Game over and done with, 'Phantasm Emperor Trilojig' faded away back into the darkness while Diablon slowly walked over to speak to Driote.
"I... I've lost..." winced Driote, trying to sit up.
"Driote, you are finally beaten." said Diablon, while his eyes started glowing a frightening golden yellow. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for this moment? Ever since we first met after you had risen to power. When we fought each other in those previous times, you always found some way to survive, but this time you are finally going to get what you deserve!"
Before the 'Evil One' could raise his right hand and deliver the killing blow...
"Driote... Driote..."
...there were mysterious voices echoing throughout the throne room, which resulted in Diablon stopping his attack and Driote weakly looking around. Many spirits began to rise from the ground and surround the 'Artist of Insanity'.
"Ghosts?" wondered Driote.
"Driote... Driote..." The ghosts chanted repeatedly. "Driote..."
Driote did not know what to make of what she was seeing regarding the ghosts. However, she caught a glimpse of one of the ghosts, which seemed to resemble the same Water Girl who once served her as both a maid and even a sex slave to rape when she was feeling bored. That was when the answer hit Driote like a ton of bricks.
"These are the ghosts of those I murdered or ordered to be executed!" she cried out, terror struck.
That's right. The ghosts of Driote's victims had returned to exact revenge on their former ruler for all the cruel torment she had put them through.
"Driote... Driote... Driote...!" The ghosts chanted on, speaking more and more aggressively.
Quickly, those souls swarmed over Driote and began dragging her down to the darkest depths of Hell as she started screaming in absolute terror, desperately struggling to break free. As she was halfway through the floor...
*STAB!*
...Driote's eyes widened as she looked down at her chest, which was spurting out large amounts of blood due to her being impaled with a large-looking shard of darkness created by Diablon.
"Now 'stay' dead, 'Artist of Insanity'!" The 'Evil One' warned.
As her now almost completely lifeless body was dragged into Hell, Driote barely managed to remember her greatest, most hated enemy Anakin. Her hatred and love for him was so great that it allowed her to survive for a few more moments to utter a few words to Diablon...
"Damn you, Anakin!" growled Driote weakly. "No matter...how long it may take, I, the 'Artist of Insanity', will someday... someday return to enact my revenge upon... upon..."
Before she could finish, her eyes finally closed and she then died and was finished being dragged away by the ghostly spirits. Diablon glared on at the spot Driote was lying on, knowing that his greatest enemy was dead at long last. Of course, that ultimately wasn't meant to be...
END FLASHBACK
The long flashback finally came to an end. The audience (Discord, Spencer, and Skiff) only watched on, now knowing the truth about Driote's demise, her relationship with Anakin, and how much of a threat she truly was. Soon enough, Driote's look of hatred morphed into one of triumph.
"Although I had perished that fateful day-" she stated. "-my hatred for you was so great that I simply refused to leave it at that. I vowed that no matter how many times I would die, I would always find a way back." Her evil smile grew wider and more dangerous-looking. "I was not going to quit until I had exacted revenge against you, Anakin. Thankfully, as my spirit wandered the human world, I was able to come across a couple expecting a child. So, I infused my spirit with the baby's."
Thomas growled.
"Oops! Maybe I shouldn't say too much!" laughed Driote, pressing a finger onto her lips in a mocking-like way. "I think I'll wait until the main course arrives before I reveal the big stuff. Now then, shortly after my spirit had awakened within Frankie, she almost met the exact same demise I did after losing once again."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Frankie was in the ruined throne room of Chelyumn's castle, having just defeated Lilith, Lady of Lament. Currently, she was speaking to the spirit of Driote...
"It will be okay." The voice of Flashback Driote echoed, causing Flashback Frankie to briefly stop sobbing and look up. "I know it's shocking, and will take some time to get used to, but remember that you now have the power of darkness at your disposal."
"Power of darkness?" wept Flashback Frankie. "But... but I-"
"Get over it, crybaby! You have my power now, and there isn't anything you can do about it! Besides, what if you were to use it to get revenge on the one who killed your beloved Uncle? I bet you would love to do something like that, wouldn't you? And if you do, just allow me to come on out..."
The blue/green-haired girl's ears perked up when she heard the word 'revenge'. Yes, she wanted revenge on somebody. And that somebody was Thomas Billinton; the boy who murdered her Uncle John. Even then, Flashback Frankie didn't want to be seen or remembered as the 'Artist of Insanity'. Just then...
"Driote... Driote..." Ghostly voices echoed throughout the throne room.
Flashback Frankie looked up. "What's that sound?" she wondered.
"Oh, hell!" The voice of Flashback Driote cursed, having remembered what happened during that time.
Suddenly, Flashback Frankie started clutching her head in pain as images from when Flashback Driote was killed flashed before her eyes. On cue, the wandering souls of those Flashback Driote had murdered personally or ordered to be executed rose from the ground, still carrying their resentment and sorrow after all these years. No matter the place or time, the wicked who revel in their own power would end up destroying themselves. The ghosts started approaching the frightened Flashback Frankie. The voice of Flashback Driote, however, was not about to let her future self stay and be dragged off.
"What are you doing standing around for?!" she shouted. "Get the hell out of there!"
Not needing to be told twice, Flashback Frankie ran out of the throne room for her life, fleeing from the ghosts of those 'she' had killed or ordered to be killed. While running down a hallway, Flashback Frankie eventually tripped and fell down, which allowed the pursuing ghosts to quickly swarm all over her.
"No! No! Stop it! Leave me alone!" Flashback Frankie screamed in terror. "It wasn't me who did this to you! IT WASN'T ME!"
Unfortunately, because Flashback Frankie resembled Driote, the ghosts paid no attention to the begging and protesting. The angry spirits were prepared to drag 'Driote' back into the darkness once again. In her state of terror, Flashback Frankie felt something taking over her subconscious.
"Not this time!" The voice of Flashback Driote bellowed. "I will not allow myself to meet the same demise again after just being reawakened! This time around, it won't be the same!"
With that said, Flashback Frankie (possessed) thrust out her arms, and began emitting a huge, powerful purple flame from her body in the middle of the hallway. The flame caused the ghosts to melt away until they were gone. Once the ghosts were gone, the purple flame died down while Flashback Frankie (possessed) stood motionless.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"My conviction to return and kill Anakin was enough to allow me to eventually reincarnate as Frankie Clarke." Driote went on. "Now that Frankie is no longer an issue, I don't have to worry about the fact that the R.A. Project has failed, as right now I have everything I need to begin spreading my artistic vision across this modern world." She then eyed Thomas carefully. "The only person who can try and stop me is you, my beloved Anakin, as you're the only person powerful enough to fight me on equal footing. Hehehehe... Not even Spencer Gresley nor Sexy Anastasia can win against me!"
Thomas remained silent, wondering if he could win against Driote this time around, since she had a new Deck and access to 'God' Cards of her own. Just then...
"Billinton! Duel her!" Spencer called out. "You are the only one who can stop this monster once and for all!"
"Spencer...?" Thomas murmured.
"The only way to save my company and everyone else is to crush Driote and the 'Wicked Gods' to pieces." The silver-haired young man went on. "Billinton! I acknowledge you as a fellow duelist! I won't allow you to accept defeat at the hands of those false 'Gods' or this false Queen."
Thomas seemed to smile. "Spencer..." He then turned and glared at Driote. "Driote..."
"Come at me, Anakin!" Driote cackled madly.
From there, both duelists activated their Duel Disks, standing ready for their final battle as the rumbling of thunder and lightning soon started up a storm as rain started to come down hard.
"You asked for it, Driote!" declared Thomas. "Not only will I kill you once again, but this time when I kill you I will ensure that you 'stay' dead for all eternity!"
"This is it!" Driote announced, clearly ignoring the declaration. "The final battle! Let's see who the true 'Ruler of Darkness' is! Although I'll warn you now, even if you 'do' manage to win, which I know you won't, you'll never kill me off! As long as darkness is still around, I will always find a way to return, somehow, someway!"
The platform then rose up to its max height as Driote laughed evilly over the sounds of thunder and the strike of lightning, while Discord, Spencer, and Skiff each watched anxiously. At last, both players drew their opening hands while their respective Life Point counters rose from zero to 4000 (LP: 0 - 4000) x2.
"DUEL!" Thomas (Anakin) and Driote both announced at the same time.
It was official, everyone; the final battle between the 'Supreme King' and the 'Artist of Insanity' had begun...