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.
Opening up within a new hospital room of Knapford Hospital, the rest of the Tidmouth students, minus Stanley and Rosie, were busy keeping a close eye on Lexi, Theo, and Merlin, who were still out like a light.
"Theo... Lexi... Merlin..." whispered Percy.
"Do you think they will ever wake up?" wondered Molly.
"I sure hope so." said Oliver glumly.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Lexi and Theo both started to wake up. They were okay after all!
"Theo and Lexi are both awake!" cheered Mavis.
"E-Everyone?" peeped Theo, wondering where he was and what was going on. "Where-?"
"Where are we?" put in Lexi, who was equally dazed and confused.
"You guys are in Knapford Hospital." answered Nia, before casting a look at the unconscious Merlin in the remaining bed nearby. "Your guardian, Merlin, is still unconscious, but the doctors have recently said he'll come around soon enough."
"And there's some good news!" put in James, before holding up his wrist. "Those Bio-Bands are gone! None of us have to worry about losing our energy after a duel again!"
Indeed, Theo and Lexi were both very relieved about that piece of information. However, the good mood atmosphere died down when Lexi asked a question regarding two familiar friends...
"What about Thomas and Emily?"
"They... they're both still at Boxford Corp." answered Rebecca, who, as expected, became gloomy-sounding. "They went to confront Driote, saying that she is their personal enemy, and that we have no part in the fight."
"We haven't heard from either of them since we arrived at the hospital-" put in Edward. "-and we're getting worried."
There was a long, unsettling silence in the room. The silence was soon broken when a cellphone started ringing.
"James, I think your cellphone is-" started Henry.
Of course, James wasted no time in getting his phone and answering the call...
"Hello?"
"James, it's Gordon speaking." The voice of Gordon echoed.
"Gordon!" cried James, becoming overjoyed. "You're okay!"
"Yeah, and both my Aunt and Uncle are safe as well, but I don't have a lot of time to talk to you, so listen carefully; Thomas has reached Driote and is beginning his duel against her!"
The rest of the class, plus Theo and Lexi, listened carefully. While they were happy that Gordon, Mr. Gresley (Boxford), and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) were each okay, the fact that Thomas was engaged in the final battle with his hated enemy still made them more and more worried.
"Do you think Thomas will be able to defeat that crazy woman?" asked James.
"Truthfully, I have no idea." admitted Gordon's voice. "I mean, Driote even defeated my cousin."
James was surprised, and everyone else recoiled when they heard that even Spencer lost to Driote. Just how powerful of a duelist was the 'Artist of Insanity', anyway?
"So, if even Emily AND Spencer couldn't win-" James was saying. "-I guess Thomas really is our last ray of hope."
"Looks like it." Gordon's voice sighed. "Sorry, but I have to go now. I'll call back if things start going further down south."
"Alright... Stay safe, man." With that said, James hung up and looked towards his classmates and teachers. "Well, it's official; Driote beat Spencer, and is currently engaging Thomas in a final battle."
"Thomas..." whispered Duck.
"Can he really stand up to Driote if even Spencer can't win against her?" asked Rebecca.
Once again, there was a long silence over it.
Title: An Artwork Called Destiny
Outside, a fierce thunderstorm was going on; rain, lightning, you name it. Over on the rooftop of Boxford Corporation, the final battle between Thomas (as Anakin) and Driote was finally underway. The audience below the platform consisted of Discord, Spencer, and Skiff.
"The first turn will go to me!" announced Thomas, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn One: Thomas Billinton (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Beginning Knight", "Waking the Dragon", "Gateway to Chaos", "Kuribohrn", "Super Soldier Shield", and "Super Soldier Synthesis"
His hand contained 'Beginning Knight', 'Waking the Dragon', 'Gateway to Chaos', 'Kuribohrn', 'Super Soldier Shield', and the drawn 'Super Soldier Synthesis'.
"Driote, the 'Gate of Chaos' will open now." The blue/black-haired young man pointed out.
"The 'Gate of Chaos'?" quizzed Driote. "What do you mean by that?"
The answer came when Thomas took a card from his hand, took it near his Field Spell zone, allowed the section to open up, and then placed the card inside of it.
"From my hand, I'll activate a Field Spell - 'Gateway to Chaos'!" announced Thomas.
The mentioned Spell Card materialized face-up on the field, resulting in the area turning into an outdoor ritual-like area, while the storm raged on.
"'Gateway to Chaos'?" wondered Skiff.
"It's a very powerful 'Black Luster Soldier' and 'Gaia The Fierce Knight'-related card." explained Spencer. "First, it allows Billinton to add either one 'Black Luster Soldier' Ritual Monster or 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' Monster from his Deck into his hand. However, there's more to it than that; each time a Monster Card(s) is sent from the hand or field to the Graveyard, Billinton can place one Spell Counter on that card for each of those cards up to a maximum of six Spell Counters." He then smirked. "I think we'll wait and see what else it does..."
Back atop the platform, Thomas took a card ('Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier') from his Deck and added it into his hand.
"Now, each time a Monster Card(s) is sent from the hand or field to the Graveyard, I can place one Spell Counter on this card for each of those cards." he pointed out, before taking and holding another card out. "Ritual Spell - 'Super Soldier Synthesis'! This card can be used to Ritual Summon any 'Black Luster Soldier' Ritual Monster from my hand or Graveyard. I must also send 1 LIGHT and 1 DARK monster, one from my hand and one from my Deck, to the Graveyard, whose total Levels exactly equal 8."
Driote scowled, watching as Thomas took a card ('Evening Twilight Knight') from his Deck and a card ('Beginning Knight') from his hand and held them out.
"I offer 'Evening Twilight Knight' from my Deck, and 'Beginning Knight' from my hand, all for the ritual to proceed." declared Thomas, just as the two 'Knight' Monsters in question briefly appeared on the field. "Here we come!"
The two monsters turned into orbs of light and dark respectively, which then rose towards the stormy sky. In addition, a Summon Chant from Thomas 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 Thomas, 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 stormy sky 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 Skiff.
"Anakin's ace monster." added Spencer. "Although it served him well before, will it be able to get him a win this time?" He became intrigued. "I'm rather interested in finding out... Billinton, can you use it successfully like your previous self did?"
On the platform, 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' was soon standing tall as he glared sternly at the opposition (Level: 8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500).
"I remember this monster; it was totally broken and gave you the win in our battle." snorted Driote, speaking aloud to Thomas. She then smiled wickedly to herself. "But this time, I'm gonna make sure 'I' get the satisfaction of killing it."
Meanwhile, a Spell Counter appeared on the face-up 'Gateway to Chaos' Spell Card. Of course, seeing as Thomas was not allowed to attack on the first turn, he decided to put an end to it.
"I set one card facedown and end my turn." he concluded, slotting a card into his Duel Disk and causing a facedown card to materialize on the field behind 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'.
"You end your turn?" teased Driote. "Those were your final words, right?" She then cackled madly. "Oh man, do you honestly believe 'Super Soldier' frightens me this time? Hardly! This time, I will make sure to take him out in the most brutal way possible!"
Before anything more could be said or done, Thomas could hear the sound of elevator doors opening.
"Huh?" The blue/black-haired young man wondered, turning around.
Driote pouted over what was happening (namely the interruption). Over at the opened elevator, Emily (still as Anastasia) and Ace both emerged, helping Hurricane to the area.
"Easy there, Hurricane." soothed Emily.
"We're almost there." added Ace.
"It's Emily!" realized Skiff.
"And that's Ace Enzo!" added Discord.
"And they're helping Frankie's best friend." Spencer observed. "What's going on?"
Thomas, however, was delighted. "Emily! Oh, thank heaven!" he rejoiced. "You're safe and sound!"
Soon, Emily and Ace both managed to get Hurricane near the platform.
"FRANKIE!" The brown/red-haired boy called out. "I know you're in there somewhere!"
Atop the platform, Driote scowled in response, but smiled upon seeing Emily.
"Oh my God! Welcome to the Apex Arena, my new visitors!" she welcomed sarcastically, spreading both arms out in welcome before smirking in a dirty way towards Emily. "And a big, special welcome to Princess Anastasia - my very favorite friend!"
"Friend? Friend?!" snapped Emily, clearly enraged. "We're not friends! Why would I ever be a friend towards an insane monster like you?!"
Driote had false tears coming from her eyes. "Oh, that is so hurtful." The 'Artist of Insanity' sniffed. "What did I ever do to deserve something like that? I mean, back when I had you as my prisoner, we bonded so well..." She then held both hands up and motioned them a bit. "...when I was 'playing' with you."
"HUH?!" Discord, Spencer, and Skiff each recoiled.
"What is she-?" put in Ace, while Hurricane remained silent.
"Tell me... were there any markings I left on your 'gorgeous curves' when I felt you?" continued Driote, sounding absolutely sick and perverted. "Oh, it was so wonderful... Your large tits, your great ass... I loved touching and feeling those body parts of yours so much... I'm beginning to wish that I went much, much further with you..."
She was clearly staring lustfully at Emily (still in the form of Anastasia). In her (Driote) eyes, the rain was getting her (Emily) obviously all drenched—yet it was also making her body even more voluptuous-looking and delicious. Driote soon started moaning suggestively as she felt her womanhood slowly grow hot and wet over thinking of Emily and picturing her in the nude. Emily, meanwhile, was absolutely disgusted over what her enemy was saying about her, while the other spectators were visibly unsettled by Driote's behavior.
"You bitch..." Thomas thought to himself, growing further and further enraged. "You know damn well that you left markings on Anastasia's body, and I wasn't able to prevent it from happening..."
"Oh, I can picture it right now..." groaned Driote, having a mental fantasy of her and Emily making out and having sex. "Once I've killed my beloved Anakin here, you, Anastasia, will become all mine... You and I can truly enjoy the wonderful pleasure of kissing and fondling each other." She then her lips in sick, lustful anticipation. "It will be so much fun, us screwing with the other... Ooooh, just thinking about it deeply arouses me... I can already feel the pressure building in my va-"
"SHUT UP!" screamed Thomas, who was at the peek of his rage.
As he was plenty furious over the fact that Driote wanted to do something worse to Emily (by extension Anastasia), Thomas ended up releasing a wave of darkness from his powerful scream, with the fierceness of the wave piercing through everyone present, making them all (even Spencer) tremble from the enormous pressure radiating from the blue/black-haired young man. However, no one felt the pressure more so than Driote, who managed to shake it off after a moment of experiencing the feeling.
"That's the way." she insisted with a deadly smile on her face. "Keep piling on your hatred for me, Anakin..."
Below the platform, Hurricane finally recovered from the enormous pressure radiating to speak up and get answers about his missing best friend.
"Driote, what happened to Frankie?!" Hurricane demanded angrily. "What did you do with her?!"
"Frankie is no more." explained Driote sinisterly. "After the R.A. Project failed, she lost herself to the darkness completely. Now, there is only I, 'Driote: the Artist of Insanity'!"
Hurricane was shocked. "What?!" he exclaimed. "Tell me what you know!"
"Now, since you're here, my favorite little slut-" said Driote, ignoring Hurricane and turning her attention back to Emily. "-it means you've won against that fool Diesel 10, am I correct?"
"Yes, I did win." confirmed Emily, obviously not pleased over the fact Driote was calling her a slut once again. "I've beaten the 'Wicked God' you gave him to test out."
Spencer heard that Emily actually beat a 'Wicked God' and smiled to himself, clearly impressed that Emily was able to accomplish the goal of defeating a 'Wicked God'.
"However, because of that contract, Diesel 10 was forced to give up his life after losing." Emily went on. "He is gone!"
Hearing that Diesel 10 was seemingly dead surprised everyone on the rooftop, including Thomas. Driote, however, was not ACTUALLY surprised, but only acted that way to mock her enemies.
"Diesel 10 agreed to sell his soul to the 'Wicked Gods'-" explained Emily. "-signing a contract that would cause him to die if he lost a duel." She narrowed her eyes. "A contract that was forged by you, Driote, and Diesel 10 was so desperate and foolish enough to agree to it, all because he hated Thomas."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Diesel 10 had been defeated by Flashback Emily. At first, nothing seemed to happen to him. Just then, Flashback Diesel 10, as he started to laugh, felt a great pain in his chest (similar to a heart attack) as both the proto-type copy of the 'The Wicked Eraser' Monster Card and 'Wicked Contract' Spell Card flew from his Duel Disk and floated in front of him. A few seconds later, the two cards burst into black flames.
"This can't be!" Flashback Diesel 10 cried out, who was so scared and weakened from the duel that he couldn't even try to move. "The contract was still valid and I also lost the duel, so I... I must pay my side of the agreement!"
As expected, the black flames set him alight, causing the ochre-haired man to scream in sheer agony.
"HELP ME!" shrieked Flashback Diesel 10. "SOMEBODY HELP ME! FRANKIE! DRIOTE! PLEASE, HAVE MERCY ON ME!"
Nearby, Flashback Hurricane watched everything in silent horror due to how violent and disturbing it truly was. Flashback Emily, while horrified herself at the gruesome scene, knew that this was what happened to those who were foolish and had also willingly sold their soul to the devil without remorse.
"You brought this upon yourself, Diesel 10." she said calmly yet coldly. "Nobody 'made' you act like a horrid monster. You did so because you 'chose' so. As I've said once before, there is no cure for the foolish."
Eventually, as Flashback Diesel 10 burned to death, the black flames began dying down. When the flames were fully extinguished, all that remained of Alexander Swindon were the Black Disk and his robotic arm - broken beyond repair.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end. Everyone who had not heard what happened was shocked to hear of such a gruesome death. On the duel platform, Thomas was not all that surprised to learn of Diesel 10's final demise...
"I had a feeling there would be a huge catch when you gave Diesel 10 a copy of 'The Wicked Eraser'." The blue/black-haired young man remarked. "Am I right, Driote?"
"It took you this long to figure it out?" Driote asked, mocking her enemy just to try and annoy him. When she got no response from Thomas, she went on... "Anyway, I only gave 'The Wicked Eraser' to Diesel 10 because I knew that he was desperate enough to willingly agree to my contract in his futile efforts to enact his revenge on you—or rather Thomas." She then shook her head. "I never once believed that he had a smidge of chance of defeating you or Emily, especially Emily, even with the 'Wicked God', seeing as only 'I' am allowed to pummel Anastasia!"
Below the platform, Emily scowled in response.
"Besides, Diesel 10 may have defeated at least one of your annoying friends, but he was ultimately nothing more than thorn in everyone's side." Driote went on with her rambling. "You guys should be 'thanking' me for killing him, especially after he was so desperate to defeat you, Thomas, and yet you never even got to duel him once." Her tone then became extremely dark and sinister. "Not only that, he wasn't the 'only' death I was responsible for tonight."
"What?" gasped Emily.
"Not the only death?" wondered Ace.
"What do you mean?" finished Hurricane.
"I am, of course, talking about those three former pirate commanders, Laura, Sledge, and Leon, of course." giggled Driote, as images of her blowing Commander Laura, Commander Sledge, and Commander Leon off the top of the building to their deaths on the streets below were shown around her. "They were idiots for trying to challenge me, but I'll admit that they were brave enough to try. Stupid, yet brave." Her giggling then got much worse. "However..."
"However what?" questioned Thomas.
"...those deaths were nothing compared to even earlier!" Driote, now speaking with Frankie's voice, announced. "I killed Frankie's Mom and Dad!"
Cue horrified gasps from everyone who did not hear the story, but none more so than...
"You...killed Frankie's parents?" whispered Hurricane, before shutting his eyes and furiously shaking his head in denial. "No... No, I don't believe you! You couldn't have!"
"It's all true!" insisted Driote, who went back to her normal voice while casting a sinister glare at Discord below. "Besides, I have Discord here to thank for allowing me to do it. Why? Because 'he' brought them here in the first place!"
Hurricane turned to look at Discord, who immediately became ashamed.
"Discord?" The brown/red-haired boy begged. "It can't be true... Please tell me she's lying!"
"I'm sorry, Hurricane-boy, but Driote is telling the truth." he said sadly, just as a flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Back in Driote and Spencer's duel, Mr. and Mrs. Clark both approached the platform, completely unaware over what happened to their daughter. They had some strong words regarding their daughter's foolish actions...
"FRANCINE SOPHIE CLARKE!" Flashback Mrs. Clarke called out angrily. "What in the world do you think you're doing dueling Spencer Gresley?!"
"Mom... Dad..." greeted Flashback Driote, with her face down and speaking with her 'Frankie' voice. "You're just in time to witness my revenge for Uncle John's murder."
"Revenge?!" boomed Flashback Mr. Clarke. "Young lady, your Mother and I have told you to wait until we had the full story on what happened to your Uncle. We told you 'not' to go taking matters into your own hands, but you 'did' anyway!"
"You have no idea how ashamed we are of you!" Flashback Mrs. Clarke put in. "You've deliberately disobeyed us. And look what has happened because of it; you've hijacked Boxford Corp, broke dangerous criminals out of prison, and worst of all, you repeated endangered innocent people. You did this all because you were too proud and stubborn to admit that your accusations against Thomas Billinton were 'wrong'!"
"What do you have to say for yourself?!" demanded Flashback Mr. Clarke crossly.
The response was quiet snickering, causing both Mr. and Mrs. Clarke to try and get a closer look at their daughter's face. The snickering grew louder and louder, and soon, when Flashback 'Frankie' raised her head and revealed another terrifying nightmare face, became deranged laughter.
"F-Frankie?!" stuttered Flashback Mrs. Clarke, becoming afraid of what she and her husband were seeing. "Wh-What's wrong with you?"
"You two were never my true parents to begin with!" cackled Flashback Driote. "'I' am the true Frankie Clarke!"
Horrified over what their daughter looked like, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke both looked back at Flashback Discord, hoping for a couple of answers.
"Discord, what's going on?!" demanded Flashback Mr. Clarke. "What happened to Frankie? What's the meaning of this?!"
"You never mentioned something like this!" accused Flashback Mrs. Clarke.
"I-I'm just as surprised as you two are!" Flashback Discord insisted, holding both hands up. "I don't know what's happened to her, I swear!"
Unfortunately...
"I grow tired of this weary bantering." grumbled Flashback Driote, turning her attention back towards her so-called parents. "You see, I have very big plans for this stupid little world." While speaking, an aura of darkness started forming around her. "So, I think it's time for the two of you to BLOW IT!"
From there, Flashback Driote thrust her arms out, striking both Mr. and Mrs. Clarke with a powerful blast of dark wind, throwing them across the helipad while screaming until they landed near the helicopter and became silent.
"What?!" gasped Flashback Spencer.
"Jesus!" cried Flashback Discord. He then ran over to the two adults. "Are you both okay?! Speak to me!"
Both Mr. and Mrs. Clarke's respective eyes were closed, and they weren't breathing. Flashback Discord took hold of Mr. Clarke's hand and tried to find a pulse—there was no pulse.
"Oh my God..." whispered Flashback Discord, becoming saddened. He then stood up and spoke to Flashback Spencer... "Spencer-boy, I'm afraid Mr. and Mrs. Clarke both died from being attacked like that."
Flashback Spencer was shocked at this news. The 'Artist of Insanity', however, was laughing her head off, showing that she didn't care in the slightest.
"You have no idea how wonderful that felt!" proclaimed Flashback Driote, excitedly. "It's been over a millennia since my last murder! Oh, how good it feels to kill somebody so needlessly!"
And the laughter of insanity resumed.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"After that, Driote shot down one of my helicopters." continued Discord. "It crashed into the streets below and exploded."
Another flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Atop the Boxford Corp rooftop, both Flashback Mr. Clarke and Flashback Mrs. Clarke were dead.
"Maybe there might be a chance." Flashback Discard was saying to some of his men. "Maybe we can save them both. Hurry and get these two to the hospital!"
"Yes sir!" One of the suits obeyed, as four other men picked up the bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Clarke.
Once the team loaded the bodies of Flashback Mr. Clarke and Flashback Mrs. Clarke into the helicopter, it started up and took off into the sky. Flashback Driote, however, was far from being done with the want of killing people...
"DIE!" she screamed, firing another blast of darkness.
The dark wave hit the helicopter.
(inside...)
Inside the helicopter, the two pilots and two suits screamed from the darkness attacking them.
(outside...)
The helicopter went down until it crashed into streets below, causing an explosion that killed the pilots and suits inside the helicopter, while also claiming the lives of whoever was near the helicopter when it exploded.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"I just love when you can tell where a bunch of people died all at once!" snickered Driote in truly sick amusement.
Hurricane, meanwhile, was utterly crushed to learn that Frankie's parents were murdered, after he had promised them that he would keep Frankie out of trouble. He felt he had let them down, and it was too late to make things right again.
"Why... why would you do something like this?!" demanded the enraged Hurricane. "Tell me, right this instant!"
"Why, you ask?" chuckled Driote. "You seriously wanna know why I did what I love to do? Fine, I'll tell you the reason..." She then showed off another nightmare face. "...I did it all for the $*#%(s) and giggles, that's what! And for the bigger giggles, Frankie was so broken by the killing of her own family with her own two hands, and with her 'master' plan to revive her precious Uncle being completely foiled, that she lost all of her sanity—thus allowing for me to claim her body for my very own."
Hurricane could not believe what he was hearing. Driote, meanwhile, did not let up with her verbal assault on the poor brown/red-haired boy; even taking on Frankie's voice once more to really drive the pain home...
"You did such a good job, Hurricane!" 'Frankie' said mockingly. "So good of a job, that you didn't even bother trying to stop 'me' from doing any of the heinous crimes 'we' committed while 'I' was under Driote's influence. You knew letting 'me' do those terrible things was wrong, but you chose to let it all happen anyway." She then really thrust the knife in as she resumed using her normal speaking voice. "This is all your fault, and 'we' thank you dearly for it, my best friend!"
She then, to the striking of lightning and sound of thunder, started laughing insanely. That did it for Hurricane, who then fell to his knees, shaking hard from the grief, anger, and pain over what he allowed to happen.
"H-Hurricane?" peeped Skiff.
Hurricane did not say a word in response, almost like he was stuck in a trance or something. His eyes were dull; his breathing was shallow; he continued to shake hard while looking at the open palms of his hands. At long last, the brown/red-haired boy clenched both hands into fists before collapsing onto his hands with his eyes shut and tears of anger and regret leaking from them.
"Frankie... What have I done?" Hurricane asked himself pathetically. "Because of me, your parents are gone forever... You're gone forever..." He started to breakdown even further. "I... I..."
From there, Hurricane Decapod, unable to take it any longer, gazed up to the sky and let loose a loud, long, agonized scream over everything he let happen.
"Hurricane-boy..." whispered Discord, obviously feeling for the poor boy.
While everyone else, including Spencer, felt absolutely sorry and such for Hurricane, they were also downright angry and disgusted with Driote for breaking his spirit so needlessly. Thomas (Anakin) and Emily (Anastasia), however, were both the angriest of all.
"Of all the things you've done-" Thomas was saying, severely. "-this has to be your lowest!"
"Wait a moment, you're making this out to be the worst thing I've ever done!" laughed Driote. "Unfortunately, you are dead wrong about it!"
"What?!" exclaimed Emily.
"You see, killing Frankie's parents wasn't even the worst thing I've ever done!" The 'Artist of Insanity' went on. "The first people I've ever murdered...were my own parents a long, long time ago!"
"You killed your own parents?!" Emily gasped, completely recoiled from the confession. "Why would you do something like that!?"
"I believe you should already know the reason for it. But, since your brain isn't as big as your racks are, Princess Anastasia, I'll tell you once again."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Long ago inside their home, Driote's Mother was standing in the doorway of her daughter's room, looking absolutely stunned.
"What... what have you done?" she whispered in unimaginable shock.
Before her laid the mutilated corpse of the family pet Silver Fang. Its flesh, bones and organs had been used by Young Driote to make a truly horrific and inhuman sculpture, painted in the creature's own blood. But as Young Driote turned to face her Mother, her face carried no signs of remorse for killing their pet... She had come to realize this simple, yet frightening, principle...
"Honey? Is Flitta is Driote's room?" The voice of a human male echoed.
On cue, Driote's Father showed up. When he saw the spooked, disgusted look on his wife's face, he turned towards Young Driote...and immediately regretted it.
"What is wrong with you?!" Driote's Father bellowed in shock and disgust. "Why would you do something this disgusting?!"
Young Driote did not answer; she instead started long and hard at her parents before slowly walking over towards them, with the dagger (which she used to kill the Silver Fang) still in her hands.
"Driote? What are you doing?!" asked Driote's Mother, growing scared. "N-No! Stay back!"
"Young lady, you put that dagger down, this instant!" Driote's Father demanded to no avail.
Those words to their daughter were viciously ignored... Within seconds Young Driote dove into the air with some surprising reflex and speed, and proceeded to quickly stab her Father in the chest and then squarely in the face when he dropped to his knees, killing him in an instant. Before her Mother could try to escape the room, Young Driote managed to stab her multiple times in the back of her right leg, which brought her flat onto the floor.
"S-Stop it, Driote!" Driote's Mother, as Young Driote climbed onto her back, begged, while realizing that her own daughter was about to kill her.
Unfortunately, all that got was a dagger blade to the throat, killing her as well. Throughout the ruthless, bloody scene, Young Driote did not express any regret nor did she say a word about it. It was almost as if this was a game to her. Then, just like what she did to Flitta the Silver Fang, Young Driote started mutilating the corpses of her deceased parents, using the insides and organs of the human body to create new 'sculptures' and 'artworks'. From that day forth, she would devote her life to follow her principles.
"After I murdered my parents-" narrated Driote. "-I continued my legacy, earning my ever infamous nickname - 'The Artist of Insanity'."
(new scene...)
Eventually, Flashback Driote was arrested by the authorities and watched helplessly as all of the horrific 'Masterpieces' she created were destroyed in merciful fires, much to the relief of the citizens of the kingdom of Chelyumn.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end, and everyone in the area was appalled that Driote, who was only a young girl at the time, needlessly killed and mutilated her own parents just to create more artwork.
"That was perhaps the most disgusting thing I have ever heard in my life." grimaced Spencer.
"I thought people who died in the Duel Monsters spirit world instantly turned to particles of light." added Skiff. "So, how was Driote able to use any of their parts for her artwork?"
"Nobody really knows, Skiff-boy." replied Discord, looking frightened. "I stopped questioning logic the day I created the 'Egyptian God' Cards."
On the platform, Driote was laughing herself silly (and not exactly in a good way). Thomas, meanwhile, was not all that surprised over what his greatest enemy did as a child, because it's quintessentially Driote in every fashion.
"So you see, I already told you all about my principles during the day we first met." said Driote. "Do you remember?"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Flashback Anakin had just watched a Water Girl commit suicide by falling from the balcony. Flashback Driote, meanwhile, did not appear to care about it.
"We win some, we lose some." she said, uncaring.
"You're not sad by the loss?" gasped Flashback Anakin, before remembering his cover. "I-I mean..."
"Water Girl was such a waste, anyway." insisted Flashback Driote. "Perhaps the little whore was more trouble than she was worth. And her treachery has only further proven my point."
"What?" wondered Flashback Anakin, curiously.
"You see, slavery is a mirror to my artistic ideals. If people feel nothing when encountering something you have created, then you have created nothing. Pain and fear are the purest of all emotions, because they are the first we feel - at the moment of birth. They are a reduction, a reversion to our most fundamental, animal selves. Before anything, we can be hurt. We can be afraid. The work should bring its viewers to this place. A successful piece makes anyone who sees it an animal. Not everyone enjoys being made to feel this way. That's fine. They can lie to themselves about what they are." As Flashback Driote spoke on, she looked down at the rest of the kingdom below, watching the helpless slaves being abused by their masters. "Each of those pathetic weaklings object to my artworks, not realizing that that's exactly what I want, to bring out their true animal selves, for all animals are meant to be slaves to the higher beings. That is why I have endorsed slavery in this kingdom, those who objected my vision and had me locked away for committing to my principles prove that were were nothing but powerless, filthy animals for me to control."
Hearing this ideology, Flashback Anakin silently began to sympathize with Water Girl and the other slaves all the more, especially once he considered how much he had been abused by King Reginald. Slowly, but surely, Flashback Anakin began to hate Flashback Driote, as well.
"But you..." continued Flashback Driote, turning her attention back to the visitor. "You have proven to be quite resourceful in most situations. As I think about it, it would seem that I will require your talents after all."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback came to an end.
"The killing of my parents was the first true step in fulfilling my duty; the darkness had chosen me to fulfill its bidding!" Driote rambled on. "Once I've gotten rid of you, my beloved Anakin, I, the 'Artist of Insanity', will bring my artistic creations into your future self's world. It's an unopposable artwork called destiny!"
"I think I've heard quite enough of your nonsense!" shouted Thomas. "Driote, it's your turn!"
Driote giggled. "Why, of course, 'Your Majesty'!" she taunted, bowing in a mocking-like way before drawing a card. "It's my turn!"
Turn Two: Driote (LP: 4000)
Deck: 54
Current Hand (6): "Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss", "Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss", "Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss", and "Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss"
Her drawn card was the 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' Monster Card.
"My beloved, Anakin-" Driote spoke on. "-you yourself have not yet faced my 'Burning Abyss' Deck, am I right?"
"I've witnessed some of it in your duel against Emily." Thomas remembered. "I know how dangerous several of those cards are."
"That, you do." acknowledged Driote, before holding her card out. "Now, since I control no Spell or Trap Cards, I'll Special Summon the Tuner Monster 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' in defense mode!"
Appearing onto the field was the winged, purple fiend of the 'Burning Abyss' (Level: 3/ATK: 100/DEF: 2100).
"And that's not the beauty part!" continued Driote, before holding another card out. "Come forth - 'Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'!"
Next to appear on the field was a winged, fiendish creature with the head of a dinosaur (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1500).
"Now, I'm Tuning my Level 3 Effect Monster, 'Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss', with the Level 3 Tuner Monster, 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'!"
'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' turned itself into three Synchro Rings, which 'Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' soared through while turning into three orbs. The symbols 3 plus 3 equals 6 were shown briefly, along with a Summon Chant...
"Poet of Justice and Purity, take on a new instrument of communication, and let your messages ring out in eternity!" chanted Driote, before spreading her arms out in welcome. "Synchro Summon! Play the Song of Justice - 'Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Synchro Summon sequence ended, was the familiar human male wearing the clothing of a classic minstrel and wielding a strange-shaped guitar (Level: 6/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1000).
"Synchro..." whispered Thomas.
In addition, the face-up 'Gateway to Chaos' Spell Card gained two more Spell Counters. Of course, Driote did not care for it at the moment...
"Now, I'll activate the effect of the 'Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' in my Graveyard!" she announced, taking a card from her Deck. "If this monster is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' Monster from my Deck, except 'Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'."
On cue, 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' appeared on the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1900).
"I've chosen 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'." continued Driote. "But, soon, you will see another monster joining my field soon enough." She pointed at 'Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss'. "I activate the effect of 'Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss'! Once per turn, I can discard one 'Burning Abyss' card, then I can target one card my opponent controls or in their Graveyard and shuffle it into their Deck."
'Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss' began to play a tune on his guitar.
"My target for the effect..." began Driote, sending a card ('Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') from her hand to the Graveyard. "...is 'Gateway to Chaos'!"
As the tune carried on, the face-up 'Gateway to Chaos' Spell Card left the field, returning the area to normal (or as normal as it could be).
"Driote targeted 'Gateway to Chaos'!" realized Ace.
"She could have targeted Thomas's facedown card or 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'." added Skiff.
"So, why did she go for his Spell Card instead?" asked Hurricane.
"'Gateway to Chaos' allows Billinton to remove three Spell Counters from it to add a Ritual Spell from his Deck into his hand." Spencer thought to himself. "What the hell is Driote thinking by getting rid of it now?"
Back atop the platform...
"The effect of the 'Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' in my Graveyard activates!" announced Driote. "If this monster is sent to the Graveyard, I can target one 'Burning Abyss' Monster in my Graveyard, except 'Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss', and Special Summon it." A card ('Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') emerged from her Graveyard. "Return to me - 'Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'!"
As expected, 'Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' reappeared on the field.
"Driote controls two Level 3 monsters again." Thomas thought to himself.
"Will she Xyz Summon 'Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss'?" Emily thought to herself. "If she does, will she then use it to Summon 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal' by the use of Xyz Evolution, just like she did against me? I know Thomas never saw that monster be used in that duel, and it was very deadly."
Driote, however, had her own ideas...
"I think I'll take a page from your book and activate a Ritual Spell of my own." she said, holding out a Spell Card. "I activate the Ritual Spell 'Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss' from my hand!"
The mentioned Spell Card flipped face-up and revealed itself.
"What?!" gasped Thomas.
"She didn't go for an Xyz Summon?!" added Emily.
"This card is used to Ritual Summon 'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss'." explained Driote. "I must also tribute monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels equal 6 or more." She then pointed at her two Level 3 monsters. "I sacrifice both 'Farfa' and 'Graff' for the ritual!"
The two monsters faded in blue streaks as a Summon Chant began...
"Deep in the bowels of the Burning Abyss, amid the chaos and the ruin, one of the great demons reigns supreme!" chanted Driote, before spreading both arms out in welcome. "RITUAL SUMMON! Ignite your fury, Level 6 - 'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Ritual Summon sequence ended, was a demonic-looking 'Burning Abyss' Monster, with demon horns and large wings. In both hands were demonic swords (one red, one blue). The new monster stood ready for battle (Level: 6/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2200).
"Then it's all true..." whispered Thomas. "The 'Burning Abyss' archtypes does use all of the current Summon methods - Ritual, Fusion, Xyz, and Synchro..."
"That it does." confirmed Driote. "After all, Spencer got a good beating from it not too long ago from these monsters."
Spencer scowled at being reminded of that detail.
"Now, I'll activate the effect of the 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' in my Graveyard!" The 'Artist of Insanity' went on. "If this monster is sent to the Graveyard, I can target one monster on the field and Banish it until the End Phase."
"You're going to target 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier', aren't you?" demanded Thomas.
"You're correct, absolutely correct!" cackled Driote. "I'll use the effect of 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' to remove 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier' from the game until the end of the turn!"
The spirit of 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' appeared and slashed at 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'.
"I activate a Counter Trap!" exclaimed Thomas, as his facedown card flipped up and revealed itself to be... "'Super Soldier Shield'! When a Spell or Trap Card, or Monster Effect, is activated that targets a monster(s) on the field, while I control a 'Black Luster Soldier' Monster, I can negate the activation, and then, if I do this, destroy that card!"
A more improved-looking shield appeared in 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier's' hands, which he used to block 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss's' attack.
"Of course, I knew you were going to do that." said Driote, not looking worried or like she even cared. "As a result, my card is negated and destroyed once again."
And that's what happened; 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier's' shield started glowing and releasing a beam of light, which struck 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' and destroyed it once more (even though it never technically returned to the field).
"Besides, now's the time for me to show you a cool trick of my own!" continued Driote, before pointing forth at 'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss'. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can send one 'Burning Abyss' Monster from my hand to the Graveyard, then I can target one face-up monster my opponent controls; until the end of this turn, that target loses Attack Points and Defense Points equal to the Attack Power and Defense Power of the 'Burning Abyss' Monster sent to the Graveyard this way."
"What did you say?" Thomas cringed a bit.
"That's right, I'll weaken your monster enough for it to be defeated in battle." As Driote spoke, she took a card from her hand and held it out. "This one should do it... I'll send 'Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' to the Graveyard!"
The spirit of said monster briefly appeared as it was absorbed into the swords of 'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss'.
"'Scarm' has an Attack Power of 800, and a Defense Power of 500." continued Driote. "So, 'Super Soldier' will have his stats both drop by those respective amounts!"
With that said, 'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss' raised both weapons and struck 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier', causing him to reel back as his stats took a drop (ATK: 3000 - 2200/DEF: 2500 - 2000).
"'Super Soldier'..." whispered Thomas.
"Anakin's ace monster is now weak enough to be defeated!" exclaimed Spencer.
"It sure is!" laughed Driote, just before entering the Battle Phase. "I use 'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss' to attack 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'!"
'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss' obeyed, slashing its blade at 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'. This time, the mighty warrior could not stand up to the attack, resulting in him falling to the floor and shattering into shards of glass.
"'Super Soldier'!" cried Thomas (LP: 4000 - 3500). "Driote anticipated that my set card would protect my monster."
"It's all true." confirmed Driote. "How? It's because I want the satisfaction of finally killing the monster that defeated me before."
Thomas then smiled. "Well, that's too bad." he said cheekily. "I thank you for defeating 'Super Soldier'."
"Say what?" gasped Driote.
"You see, if this monster is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, or if this monster in my possession is destroyed by an opponent's Card Effect and sent to my Graveyard-" explained Thomas. "-I can Special Summon one 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' Monster from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard." He then drew a card ('Soldier Gaia The Fierce Knight'), looked at it, and then held it out. "I choose to Special Summon this monster - 'Soldier Gaia The Fierce Knight'!"
Appearing onto the field was a warrior-like human wearing armor and cape while wielding a mighty-looking lance. Unlike the other 'Gaia The Fierce Knight' Monsters, this one did not ride a horse (Level: 8/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2100).
"'Soldier Gaia The Fierce Knight'?" pondered Skiff. "Thomas really has expanded on his old monsters."
"That he has, Skiff-boy." agreed Discord.
Back on the platform, 'Soldier Gaia The Fierce Knight' started by twirling his lance about and getting into a fighting position with it.
"I activate 'Soldier Gaia's' effect!" announced Thomas. "If this monster is Special Summoned, I can target one attack position monster on the field and change it into defense position."
'Soldier Gaia the Fierce Knight' thrusted his lance at 'Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss'. The enemy monster blocked the attack, but went into a defensive stance as a result of it. Driote scowled in response to it.
"My Battle Phase ends." she grumbled.
"How I long to hear you say those very words, Driote." joked Thomas, taking a card from his hand. "Because now is the time for 'Super Soldier' to return!"
"Return?"
The blue/black-haired young man nodded. "Observe!" He discarded his card ('Kuribohrn'). "I'll send 'Kuribohrn' from my hand to the Graveyard! At the end of the Battle Phase, I can discard this monster, then I can target one monster in your Graveyard that was destroyed by battle and sent there this turn and Special Summon it."
Appearing on the field briefly was a white 'Kuriboh' with a spiritual hat. Like all of the other 'Kuribohs', its form of speech was by the way of "Kuribi, Kuribi". A swirling portal (most likely connecting to the Graveyard) appeared beneath 'Kuribohrn, who began to wave its little arms about, as though he were trying to make a chant.
"The monster I will resurrect-" Thomas was saying. "-is 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'!"
That's right... Reappearing on the field was 'Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier'.
"That happened to be a very bad move on your part, Driote." scolded Thomas, while waging the index finger of his right hand. "Had you targeted my set 'Super Soldier Shield' with Virgil's effect, then you would have won the battle right here."
Driote merely laughed in response. "Are you kidding me, my beloved?" The blue/green-haired young woman chortled. "After waiting so long for us to finally face each other in battle once again, you'd think I would want to take you out this quickly? No damn way! There is no way in hell I would ever allow this duel to end so soon." She then pointed at her enemy. "After all this time, I'll make sure that your suffering will be excruciatingly long and drawn out as possible, and right now I couldn't be any happier with this duel."
Thomas growled in response.
"Now then-" continued Driote. "-since you surprised me, I'll surprise you." She then gave the command... "I'll overlay the Level 6 'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss' and 'Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss'!"
The two monsters turned to colored lights representing their elements, and flew into the Overlay Network in the center of the field as Driote began a Summon Chant...
"She who guards over the Heavenly Domain. Let the wandering follower find his way to Paradise!" chanted Driote, before, once again, spreading her arms out in welcome. "Xyz Summon! Come, Rank 6! The being of light - 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal'!"
The Overlay Network, meanwhile, soon exploded with great power, revealing the shadow of a humanoid monster hidden within the rising pillar of light. The light faded to reveal a beautiful, white-haired woman dressed in a heavenly outfit (Rank: 6/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2800). The new monster soon lowered herself onto the field, while below the platform Emily remembered seeing this monster before (having faced it once before).
"I've battled this monster once before..." she thought to herself.
On the platform...
"She actually used both Synchro and Ritual to Xyz Summon this monster." whispered Thomas in amazement (although not in a good way).
"In just one turn, Driote was able to Synchro, Ritual and Xyz Summon." put in Spencer, shocked.
"Hey, hey, hey! You were the one complaining about me not being unpredictable enough when I dueled you when you were Diablon-" joked Driote. "-and so I'm just responding to your criticism."
"Thomas, watch out!" interrupted Emily, who was speaking to her lover. "As 'Beatrice' was Xyz Summoned normally, her effect can be activated immediately!"
"Oh ho, I can see you remember our last battle!" smirked Driote, looking rather pleased. "That's right! I'm going to activate 'Beatrice's' effect! Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can detach one Xyz Material from this monster to send 1 card from my Deck to the Graveyard."
"You're reducing your own Deck?" quizzed Thomas, watching as his opponent drew a card and sent it to the Graveyard. "Why would you do something like that?"
"I have my reasons for it." replied Driote. "Of course, I'm not one to share secrets so soon." She then giggled sadistically. "This secret, however, I'm more than willing to share with you... Behold! I'm going to activate the effect of the 'Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' in my Graveyard!"
The spirit of said monster briefly appeared. Driote then drew a card ('The Terminus of the Burning Abyss'), looked at it for a moment, and sent it to the Graveyard.
"If this monster is sent to the Graveyard, I can send one 'Burning Abyss' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to the Graveyard." explained Driote. "I may be shaving my Deck card by card, but when it comes time to reveal my ultimate secret I promise you and everyone will be shocked over it!"
"Whatever she has planned-" Thomas thought to himself. "-it must involve the 'Wicked Gods'."
From there, the End Phase...
"I end my turn." finished Driote, before smiling. "However, my usage of Monster Effects has not ended!"
Thomas frowned. "I didn't think so."
"Yes, now I'll activate the effect of 'Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'!" The 'Artist of Insanity' went on. "During the End Phase, if this monster is in the Graveyard because it was sent there this turn, I can add one Level 3 DARK Fiend-Type monster from my Deck into my hand, except for 'Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'." As Driote spoke, she took a card ('Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') from her Deck and added it into her hand. "Now, my beloved, keep entertaining me to the fullest! When it comes time for me to destroy you, I will gladly do so!"
"Driote..." hissed Thomas, standing in defiance.
The 'Artist of Insanity' began to laugh maniacally in response. With their first turns finally over and done with, what will the rest of this final showdown between the two old enemies be like? At this point, it was anybody's game—though if Thomas lost, then the whole world would be at Driote's mercy. Let's hope for Thomas's victory, shall we?
To be Continued!