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.
As the thunderstorm in Knapford City raged on, Driote was laughing maniacally; above her were three holographic cards. One card in particular stood out from the other two cards.
"That's right! I currently hold 'The Wicked Avatar' in my hand!" confirmed Driote. "It was so easy for me to add into my hand, too!"
"This is really bad." Thomas thought to himself. "It will be only a matter of time before Driote gathers three sacrifices - the sacrifices she'll need to Summon the most dangerous of the 'Wicked Gods'."
Before long, the three huge cards turned into dust, and Driote regained them. She then took one of the cards ('Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') and held it out.
"Continuing with 'Limbo in the Burning Abyss'-" Driote explained, discarding her card. "-I must send one card from my hand to the Graveyard; I can select two 'Burning Abyss' Monsters in my Graveyard and Special Summon them. I can't activate the effects of the targeted monsters this turn, and my opponent takes no Effect Damage."
Two more cards ('Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' and 'Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') ejected from the Graveyard.
"Return to me - 'Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' and 'Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'!"
The two Fiend-Type monsters returned to the field (Level: 3/ATK: 1200/DEF: 800)(Level: 3/ATK: 800/DEF: 2000).
"But, I know what your real aim is for; and that is 'Graff's' effect." scowled Thomas.
"Oh, gee, how did you know?" joked Driote. "Either way, that is correct! 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'." She took a card from her Deck and held it out. "I Special Summon 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'!"
Appearing onto the field was another copy of 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' (Level: 3/ATK: 100/DEF: 2100).
"Damn... Even if I hadn't destroyed 'Farfa' last turn, Driote was guaranteed to gather enough monsters to Summon the 'Wicked God' regardless." Thomas thought to himself, growing more and more determined. "I can't let the 'God' come out!" He then spoke aloud. "I activate 'Gaia the Magical Dragon Champion's' effect! By giving up 2600 of his Attack Points, my monster can destroy one card on the field!"
'Gaia the Magical Dragon Champion', feeling his Attack Power drop all the way to nothing (ATK: 2600 - 0), took up his lances and thrust one towards 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss', impaling the monster.
"Your 'Rubic' has been defeated!" declared Thomas.
*BOOM!*
An explosion ensued, destroying 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'. When the smoke cleared, Driote was not looking angry at all; she was, in fact, smiling over it.
"That was a bold, yet reckless, move on your part, Anakin." The 'Artist of Insanity' commented. "You deliberately lowered your strongest monster's Attack Power to zero just to prevent me from Summoning the 'Wicked God'." Noticeable veins then appeared on the side of her face as she rambled on... "However, you are far too naive to believe that it's stopped me!"
In the audience below the platform...
"Too naive?" wondered Ace.
"Does Driote...have another way to get another monster out?" added Skiff.
"Thomas-boy..." worried Discord.
Back on the platform...
"I remove my Spell Card, 'Limbo in the Burning Abyss', and one 'Burning Abyss' Monster, such as 'Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss', from my Graveyard!" announced Driote, just as something started happening to her side of the field. "I can Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' Monster from my Deck with its Attack Power and Defense Power both set at zero and it not being able to activate any of its effects!"
Yet another 'Burning Abyss' Monster ('Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') appeared onto the field where 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' once stood.
"As you can see, I've chosen to Special Summon 'Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'!" smirked Driote.
"No!" cried Thomas.
"I can't believe a Spell Card like that has such an effect!" exclaimed Emily.
"That gives Driote three monsters again!" put in Hurricane.
"And it means the 'Wicked God' is coming!" finished Spencer.
More and more thunder and lightning struck from the raging storm as, while specks of blue dust started rising from all around her, Driote laughed madly at what she was about to do next.
"Evil God of the netherworld, please accept these three sacrifices! Now appear, and destroy anyone who tries to defy you!" The 'Artist of Insanity' chanted, raising her card up before slamming it onto a Monster Field slot on her Duel Disk. "Appear - 'The Wicked Avatar'!"
The specks of blue dust rose into the storm clouds, which then formed into a large, black sphere, which descended towards the field in the middle of the rain.
"'The Wicked Avatar'..." Thomas murmured.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the Duel Ring Server chamber, the computer was immediately beginning to perform some strange calculations again, which wasn't lost on the eyes of both Mr. and Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) along with Roland.
"What's happening?" panicked Roland. "The Duel Ring Server has started performing all kinds of strange calculations again!"
"That's impossible! Spencer's codes should have stopped all of Frankie's programs." protested Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"Unless some kind of virus is being uploaded from the 'Wicked God' Cards themselves." figured Mr. Gresley (Boxford). "Does this mean that it can't be stopped anymore, not even with Spencer's program?"
At this point, there was no clear answer.
(elsewhere...)
In one of the upper level chambers, the Energy Absorption Device, that had been shut down by Spencer's virus, suddenly began to operate again, as the Summoning of 'The Wicked Avatar' in the battle between Thomas (Anakin) and Driote had reactivated it.
Title: Resolute Supreme King
Back atop the Apex Duel Arena, the 'Artist of Insanity' was successful in Summoning her most powerful 'Wicked God' Monster, and Thomas was now facing it once more...
"Anakin, I want you to meet my 'Wicked God' - 'The Wicked Avatar'!" Driote yelled gleefully. "It will be the last thing you will ever see in this lifetime!" She then spoke in Frankie's voice (to Hurricane's sorrow). "Although you and Thomas both should already be familiar with it, since in our previous duel it effortlessly killed 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' in one shot!"
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
'The Wicked Avatar', in its sphere form, began changing shape. Before long, it was looking like a black version of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'.
"What?!" gasped Flashback Thomas.
"My 'Avatar' takes the form of the strongest monster on the field." explained Flashback Frankie. "That being 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'!"
After a few seconds of gazing up at the new monster in awe and fear, Flashback Thomas managed to regain his composure and smile.
"That is impressive." The blue-haired boy admitted. "But it will take more than a shape shifting act to take me down..." He then pointed forth. "Especially since 'Slifer's' Summon Thunder Bullet effect has been activated once again!"
'Slifer the Sky Dragon' opened its second mouth and unleashed three electrical orbs at 'The Wicked Avatar'. Upon hitting, there was a massive explosion that clouded the sky.
"As I've mentioned-" continued Flashback Thomas, while Frankie listened on. "-any monster you Summon will be attacked and have its Attack Power or Defense Power stripped by 2000 points. And should either stat reach zero, the monster would be destroyed."
The cloud of smoke began to lift.
"Meaning, that 'The Wicked Avatar' will not survive this attack!"
When the smoke cleared, 'The Wicked Avatar' was still standing.
"Impossible!" cringed Flashback Thomas.
The rest of the audience was also surprised.
"That monster's still standing?!" gasped Flashback Rosie.
"It should have been destroyed by Summon Thunder Bullet!" protested Flashback Nia.
Over in the duel field, Flashback Frankie laughed maniacally at how naive her enemies were acting.
"Isn't it obvious?" The blue/green-haired girl joked. "My monster happens to be a 'God' like 'Slifer'... Meaning, it will take far more than a simple Summon Thunder Bullet to make a dent."
'The Wicked Avatar', as 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', let loose a loud roar in response.
"Now, 'The Wicked Avatar', it's time to attack!" Flashback Frankie went on, entering the Battle Phase. "Show that phony 'God' that you're the superior monster... DARK THUNDER FORCE!"
'The Wicked Avatar' obeyed, firing a blast of dark lightning at 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', who fired its own blast of lightning back. Both attacks collided, trying to push the other's blast back.
"Both monsters should die!" protested Flashback Thomas.
"Wrong again!" cut in Flashback Frankie. "'The Wicked Avatar's' power is unlike anything you or your friends and classmates have ever seen!"
True to the blue/green-haired girl's word, 'The Wicked Avatar's' blast began to push ahead through the Thunder Force attack before striking and overwhelming 'Slifer the Sky Dragon'.
"'Slifer'!" cried Flashback Thomas, watching as his Egyptian God was destroyed in a massive explosion.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"Now, 'The Wicked Avatar', transform yourself!" commanded Driote.
And that's what 'The Wicked Avatar' did; it started to transform into a monster on the field, first by turning into black ash of a sort.
"'The Wicked Avatar' transcends every other monster on the field, and its reign is eternal!" laughed Driote. "Due to the effect of 'The Wicked Avatar', its Attack Power and Defense Power both become equal to the Attack Power of the monster with the highest Attack Power on the field, plus one!"
When the ash arose, there stood a dark clone of 'Enlightenment Paladin' (Level: 10/ATK: ? - 2501/DEF: ? - 2501).
"So, this is how 'Avatar' was able to defeat 'Slifer' so easily." realized Thomas. He then spoke aloud. "Driote, what else can this 'God' of yours do?"
"That's easy; you can't activate Spell/Trap Cards until the end of your second turn after 'The Wicked Avatar' was Normal Summoned." answered Driote. "This means your set cards are effectively sealed off until then!" Her Graveyard started glowing. "And now, I've another Monster Effect to activate."
Thomas's facedown cards became coated with shadows, rendering them useless for the time being. He then watched as Driote continued with her turn...
"I'll start with 'Cir's' effect..." continued 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."
On cue, 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' reappeared on the field.
"Since 'The Wicked Avatar' is not a 'Burning Abyss' Monster-" Driote pointed out, just as her newly Summoned monster shattered into shards of glass. "-'Farfa' is automatically destroyed. However, that's okay with me, since that will activate its own effect." She pointed at 'Apprentice Illusion Magician'. "I'll remove 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' from the game until the End Phase of this turn!"
'Apprentice Illusion Magician' gasped as she was helplessly dragged away by darkness.
"Now, the final piece to my strategy!" cackled Driote madly, holding up a card. "This card is something you should remember being used once before." She turned the card over. "Field Spell - 'Mound of the Bound Creator'!"
Several large chains shot from the ground and wrapped around both 'The Wicked Avatar'. Unlike what happened the last time this card was played (which caused actual pain to 'The Winged Dragon of Ra'), 'The Wicked Avatar' didn't seem to mind being bound by the chains. If anything, it actually made the 'Wicked God' even stronger.
"So long as this card remains face-up, Level 10 or higher monsters on the field can't be targeted or destroyed by Card Effects." explained Driote. "In addition, if a Level 10 or higher monster on the field destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, the player who controlled the destroyed monster takes 1000 points of damage."
Below the platform...
"That means even if Billinton goes on the defensive, Driote will still be able to damage him if she attacks with a 'Wicked God'." Spencer was saying, remembering that card when he dueled against Driote. "'Mound of the Bound Creator' is nothing but bad news for Billinton."
"But Thomas will also be able to damage Driote with a Level 10 monster as well." Ace pointed out.
"Like it will be that easy for him to get one out, let along attack with it."
"Ani..." whispered Emily, clearly worried.
Back on the platform...
"BATTLE!" shrieked Driote excitedly. "My beloved Anakin, I've been waiting for this moment for so long!"
"Well, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a lot longer." retorted Thomas.
"Oh please, I'm about to win this battle, and you know it! I'll use 'The Wicked Avatar' to attack 'Gaia the Magical Dragon Champion'!"
'The Wicked Avatar' obeyed, diving at 'Gaia the Magical Dragon Champion'. If Thomas didn't do anything to stop the attack, it would be the end for him!
"If 'Gaia' is destroyed, Thomas will take 2501 points of damage!" cried Ace.
"And the effect of 'Mound of the Bound Creator' will then inflict 1000 more damage, therefore defeating him!" added Skiff.
Before 'The Wicked Avatar' could strike down 'Gaia the Magical Dragon Champion', 'Kuriboh' suddenly popped up and intercepted the attack.
"What?!" exclaimed Driote. "Is that 'Kuriboh'?!"
"Correct." Thomas declared, taking and holding his 'Kuriboh' Monster Card out before sending it to the Graveyard. "During damage calculation, if my opponent's monster attacks, I can discard this monster; I take no Battle Damage from that battle!"
"I know that." acknowledged Driote, who then smirked with pleasure. "But, your monster is still destroyed!"
With that said, 'The Wicked Avatar' raised its blade and sliced 'Gaia the Magical Dragon Champion' in two, causing an explosion to cloud the platform.
"'Gaia'!" Thomas cried, shielding himself from the force of the explosion.
Driote laughed. "I guess the fun hasn't stopped yet!" she proclaimed. "I suppose I should try to drag it out for a little while longer. The more I make you squirm, the better your death will be like! Besides, you wouldn't have taken any damage from 'Mound of the Bound Creator' during my attack this turn, anyway."
"She's right." agreed Discord. "'Limbo in the Burning Abyss's effect prevents Thomas-boy from taking Effect Damage for the rest of the turn after being banished."
"Then we were worried for nothing..." realized Ace. "Thomas was never in any danger of losing this turn."
"Driote was only playing it up to try and scare us..." put in Skiff, disgusted. "We fell for it, too."
On the platform...
"And now-" continued Driote, snapping her fingers. "-'Apprentice Illusion Magician' will return to your field seeing as my turn has ended."
As expected, "Apprentice Illusion Magician' returned to Thomas's side of the field. Below the platform...
"'The Wicked Avatar'..." Spencer thought to himself. "Its power is unspeakable... It takes the Attack Power of the strongest monster on the field and surpasses it by just one point." He then frowned. "Billinton... Are you really as strong as you think you are? Or will 'The Wicked Avatar' destroy your 'Gods' and scatter the pieces?"
On the platform...
"Now, my beloved Anakin, it's your turn!" insisted Driote. "Of course, until your second End Phase, you can't activate Spell or Trap Cards thanks to 'Avatar's' effect." She then showed off another nightmare face. "Now, show me how you struggle pathetically!"
"It may be pathetic, but I won't give up until the end!" retorted Thomas, drawing a card. "I draw!"
Turn Seven: Thomas Billinton (LP: 3500)
Deck: 41
Current Hand (2): "Dark Magician" and "Necromancy"
Ledger of Legerdemain: 1 Standby Phase Left
His drawn card was the 'Necromancy' Spell Card.
"I don't have many options to work with." Thomas said to himself. "And thanks to 'The Wicked Avatar', I can't use Spells or Traps until the end of my next turn." He then touched one of the cards on his Duel Disk and switched it sideways. "I...guess I'll have to go on the defensive despite it not being of any help."
With that, 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' and 'Enlightenment Paladin' both knelt in a defensive stance.
"I switch my remaining monsters into defense mode and end my turn." declared Thomas.
"Oh, I knew you'd do that." taunted Driote. "After all, you you're unable to attack because your monsters can't even touch 'The Wicked Avatar', and you can't use any Spell or Trap Cards at the moment!"
Thomas ignored the mocking words. "I just need one more turn to gather what I need." he thought to himself. "If I can survive this turn, I can turn things back into my favor."
"It's...MY TUUURN!" shouted Driote dementedly, drawing a card.
Turn Eight: Driote (LP: 1000)
Deck: 30
Current Hand (1): "Final Offguard"
On cue, a Spell Card called 'Final Offguard' materialized face-up on the field.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Final Offguard'!" announced Driote, holding her drawn card out. "If my Life Points are lower than my opponent's and only my opponent controls a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can draw two cards."
Seeing as both conditions were met, she drew two cards ('Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' and 'Supremacy Berry').
"Oh, and lookie what I just drew - another great card!" As Driote spoke, she took and held another card out. "Seeing as my Life Points are so much lower than yours, 'Supremacy Berry' increases my Life Points by 2000!"
Thomas scowled, watching as his opponent recovered 2000 of her Life Points (LP: 1000 - 3000). From there, a third copy of the 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' Monster Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Now, I'll Summon a third and final copy of 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss'!" jeered Driote.
The last copy of 'Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' appeared on the field. Just as quickly though, it shattered into shards of glass because a non-'Burning Abyss' Monster ('The Wicked Avatar') was on Driote's side of the field.
"And you know what this means, right?" asked Driote, grinning evilly. "Seeing as 'Farfa' was destroyed and sent to the Graveuard, 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' will be removed from the game until the end of this turn!"
With a groan of annoyance, 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' vanished again.
"And now, say goodbye to 'Enlightenment Paladin'!" continued Driote, entering the Battle Phase. "I'm going to use 'The Wicked Avatar' to kill 'Enlightenment Paladin'!"
'The Wicked Avatar' obeyed, slicing 'Enlightenment Paladin' in half (leaving a rather bloodied mess behind) with its makeshift blade and causing both body halves to shatter into shards of glass. From there, a bolt of lightning struck Thomas, causing him to scream.
"Oh yeah, and 'Mound of the Bound Creator' works again." snickered Driote. "As a Level 10 monster destroyed a monster, the owner of the destroyed monster takes 1000 damage!"
Thomas fell to a knee as his Life Points dropped heavily (LP: 3500 - 2500).
"Thomas!" cried Emily.
When Thomas got back to his feet, he noticed something rather startling. Although there were no other monsters about, 'The Wicked Avatar' began to change its form yet again.
"With my field empty of monsters-" Thomas thought to himself. "-'Avatar' should return to its sphere form until the end of the turn."
"I know what you're thinking." cut in Driote, thus causing Thomas to look up curiously. "However, I'm sorry to say there 'is' but one monster left on the field. That monster happens to be..." She then pointed at her opponent as a frightening, sadistic smile appeared on her face. "...you, my beloved Anakin!"
Thomas gasped. From there, 'The Wicked Avatar' started taking the form of none other than...Diablon. Everyone on the rooftop was unsettled and horrified by what they were seeing—but none were more horrified than both Thomas and Emily.
"It can't be..." whispered Emily. "'Avatar' took the shape and form of Diablon..."
Even Spencer was visibly reacting to this development.
"Everyone watching, I want you to behold Anakin!" announced Driote. "Or, rather, the 'true' form of Anakin!"
(elsewhere...)
Within the Duel Ring Server, everyone within the chamber was recoiling by what they were seeing on the monitor.
"What the devil is that thing?!" demanded Roland.
"Honey, is that-?" began Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"The Diablon we heard of from Spencer?" added Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"I'm afraid so." Gordon confirmed grimly. "That's the form Anakin took when he went mad and turned to the dark side."
(elsewhere...)
Back on the duel platform, 'The Wicked Avatar' (as Diablon)—with a pair of glowing red eyes—soon stood tall, spread its arms out, and screamed in a blood-filled, grief-stricken rage, while Driote could only laugh and laugh over the whole scene.
"How does it feel?" she was asking, madly. "How does it feel to gaze upon your true form again, my beloved? I swear, you're one of the biggest hypocrites I've ever had the chance to meet in my life!"
"Hypocrite?" repeated Thomas..
"You claim to be the 'Supreme King of Darkness'." Driote spoke on. "Yet you choose to fight 'against' the Darkness instead of fully 'embracing' it the way 'I' have." A strong, dark aura began to glow around Driote, even enveloping her whole Deck. "The darkness is a weapon of pure evil, created solely for chaos and destruction. As you can see, it has chosen me to spread fear throughout everyone in my path, proving that the pathetic light is no match for its supreme greatness. That is why 'I' am the true 'Ruler of Darkness', because I know how to use it 'properly' unlike the likes of you!"
Thomas did not say a word about the whole thing. Below the platform, Emily shook hard from hearing that speech.
"That's a real low." she hissed, directing her rage towards her hated enemy. "How dare you use Diablon to guilt Anakin like this!"
"Silly Anastasia! All I'm doing is opening his eyes to reality." Driote shrugged uncaringly. "After all, he was created by darkness. Therefore, he was destined to 'destroy' the world, not 'protect' it. And now, he will pay for his disloyalty! I'll give him all of my love and my hatred in order to-"
"You're wrong." The voice of Thomas interrupted.
"Huh?" gasped Driote.
Thomas, with his head down and a shadow over his eyes, seemed a little unresponsive, although he was able to still speak...
"You understand nothing, Driote." The blue/black-haired young man went on. "You understand nothing at all!" He then started to reflect the time of his birth (images of him being found by King Reginald and Anastasia, being taken back to Rondeval Castle, etc. were being shown around him). "I was created by the manifestation of great, powerful darkness. I was the embodiment of darkness, and if it weren't for the fact that the very first thing I ever saw with my own eyes was an angel, I would never have been able to learn about love. You see, Anastasia was the first person I ever saw, and because of her I was able to live an actual life filled with hardships and love as a person, not just some mindless being of the darkness."
"You liar!" snarled Driote.
"No, it's the cold, hard truth." snapped Thomas, raising his head and opening his eyes as more images of the past (him and Anastasia being captured, Anastasia dying to protect him, him going insane and killing everyone in Rondeval Castle, releasing the seal for the 'Sacred Beasts', turning into Diablon, etc..) were shown around him. "That's why when my sanity finally broke and I finally embraced the darkness after losing what I loved most of all, all I wanted to do was make everyone else in the world suffer the same pain 'I' went through."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Within the ruined throne room of Rondeval Castle, Diablon had returned and destroyed his former home, wanting to forget all of his memories of living there and destroy its legacy. Throughout the scene he did not say a single word.
"As I returned to Rondeval, I continued to feel the scorn of antagonism." narrated Thomas. "The isolation of abandonment. And the curse of wandering the world in the shadow of myself."
(elsewhere...)
Diablon ran down a random hallway, using his dark powers to destroy paintings, sculptures, or punching holes in the stone walls. No matter what, he wanted his past of living in this kingdom to be a forgotten memory. Eventually, his rampage led him to a familiar room... Anastasia's room. Angrily, Diablon smashed his fist through the door and destroyed it, but he immediately softened up once he set foot in the actual room; it was first time Diablon was ever in the room before he and Anastasia finally departed on their journey.
"During that time, I was trapped in a reflection of the past." Thomas went on. "I was constantly thinking of the future I never got."
Diablon gently walked around the room before entering the bedroom, as memories of his past flashed through his eyes—visions of himself and Anastasia waking up together in bed, cuddling and kissing each other passionately and lovingly. He eventually came upon the bed he and Anastasia shared when they started sleeping together as teenagers.
"I was free to subconsciously witness the demonic assassin I had become-" The voice of Thomas said seriously and sadly. "-but I was unable to break free from the restraint."
Heartbroken and shaking with anger over what he had been seeing and the fact his future with Anastasia and their child were robbed from him, Diablon let out an agonized howl and smashed the bed with his bare hands alone. Once the bed was destroyed, Diablon felt no satisfaction over doing the deed, just emptiness.
"Oh, Ani..." A familiar voice (female) echoed.
Flying above the ceiling was the spirit of Anastasia, saddened and horrified that Diablon was destroying their former home just to try and forget all of it. Even so, she could still sense how the 'Evil One' truly felt, how he wasn't taking any joy in doing this. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Even his body language proved that.
(elsewhere...)
Later, Diablon walked slowly and wobbly to his, or Anakin's, old room. It was the exact same room where he usually slept in before he was assigned by King Reginald as Anastasia's bodyguard and started sleeping in her room. Just setting foot in this room was enough to remind Diablon how much of a failure he truly was. When he entered the bedroom, he gazed long and hard at the bed; it was the same bed he and Anastasia had used when they kissed and had sex. Despite claiming to want to forget any and all memories of the kingdom of Rondeval, the 'Evil One' secretly wanted to hold onto those memories despite the immense pain it constantly brought him.
For a long time, Diablon stared at the bed he used to sleep in as well as when he and Anastasia began their relationship in, when, all of a sudden, he fell to his knees while becoming overwhelmed with pain in his head as a memory flashed before his very eyes—faded images of him (as Anakin) and Anastasia finally admitting their feelings, sharing their first kiss, getting overwhelmed by their sexual desires, stripping themselves until they were naked, and then making love for the first time ever were shown. Voices from that time were also heard...
"From now on, Ani, my true feelings will...protect...you." - (Anastasia)
"Anastasia... You're...a Goddess." - (Anakin)
"Ahh! Oh, God, yes! D-Don't stop, Ani!" - (Anastasia)
"Ohh, Anastasia..." - (Anakin)
"Oh... Oh! Ahhh... That feels...wonderful!" - (Anastasia)
"Are you feeling better now?" - (Anakin)
"Ohhh, Ani, that feels soooo good..." - (Anastasia)
"You see the irony in this, right? Come on, tell me the truth." - (Anakin)
"Well, it's not, ohhh, my fault you're so, ahhh, damn amazing at thisss..." - (Anastasia)
Despite being overwhelmed with immense pain, he could still hear Anastasia's beautiful and sexy moans of pleasure and love echoing in his head, along with images of her perfect angelic body on full display flashing before his eyes; it was the same passion they both had been forced to keep locked away for so long before finally being released as they made love to each other, not caring about the consequences that would follow if their secret was discovered. At long last, Diablon managed to say something when he saw, standing by the window, what looked to be a naked Anastasia...
"A-A-Anastasia..." The 'Evil One' grimaced in agony, trying to reach out.
The image of Anastasia faded away, however, proving to be merely a figment of his imagination. That realization proved to be too much for Diablon to handle. Overwhelmed by the sheer sadness and pain he was experiencing, Diablon finally stood up and, with a huge scream, unleashed a devastating shockwave that ended up destroying most of the room while making him more and more desperate to destroy the remains of his past. But, afterwards, he still felt no satisfaction over it, just the immense pain of losing his beloved wife, driving him to continue destroying the castle in a futile attempt to bury the past behind him, but it was truly impossible, for you see, his love for Anastasia was simply too powerful to be buried away.
(elsewhere...)
In another hallway, while Diablon continued with his agonized rampage, the spirit of Anastasia could only watch in agony as she felt every ounce of his unimaginable pain and suffering without her.
"I, the fallen hero, could only watch as I caused the same chaos and destruction that I once fought to prevent." narrated Thomas. "I was constantly watching as others recoiled in fear at the very sight of me and my own name."
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended, and, below the platform, Emily was in tears from hearing her lover's speech. On the platform...
"However, I'll admit you're right about one thing, Driote." continued Thomas.
Driote frowned. "And that's-?"
"Darkness 'can' be a weapon of evil, but only if you 'choose' to use it for evil." The blue/black-haired young man pointed out. "The darkness is generous, and it is patient, and it always wins—but in the heart of its strength lies weakness, one lone candle is enough to hold it back."
Driote scowled, but said nothing in response.
"Love is more than a candle... Love can ignite the stars. That's why I was able to overcome it, because the unconditional love of both my wife and daughter was what allowed me to ultimately accept my sins and let go of my hatred and despair. Even the friends I made in my current life have helped me from ever becoming a demon once again, but my true savior is my 'Supreme Queen' for never losing faith that I could be brought back, and for always loving me no matter what."
"What did you say?!" demanded Driote angrily.
"My friends and family both helped me realize that real love is wide enough, large enough and deep enough to envelop the whole universe." continued Thomas, before pointing at his hated enemy. "Driote! Your so-called love for me is nothing more than your own self-righteous misconception! The choices we've made regarding our powers proves that I'm truly better than you are." He then gestured his thumb towards himself. "'That' is why I'm the 'Supreme King'; because, unlike you, I know how to use my powers 'responsibly'. True power comes from resolve, and someone like you, with no sense of solidarity among comrades, has no chance of winning!"
Driote was on the verge of a villainous breakdown from hearing that speech.
"No matter what you do next, I WILL defeat you and make sure you stay dead for all eternity!" Thomas declared bravely, clenching his right hand into a fist and motioning it about. "Now, 'Artist of Insanity', end your turn!"
Nothing happened; instead, Driote finally began to speak once more...
"You're only lying to yourself..." she seethed, finding herself hating and loving Thomas (or rather Anakin) more and more per second. "No matter what kind of $*#^ you're telling me right now, you are still dead wrong! We 'ARE' alike!"
"I know who I am." retorted Thomas, having come to accept who he truly was.
"So you do..." Finally, Driote entered the End Phase. "I end my turn here."
On cue, 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' returned to the field once more, breathing a sigh of relief because being removed from the field and returning was getting annoying for her.
"It's alright, I share your frustrations with what Driote's been doing to you." Thomas spoke, comforting his monster. "But, rest assured, you will not have to go through that again."
Hearing this made 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' feel better as she nodded in agreement. At last, it was Thomas's turn...
"Here I go, Driote!" declared Thomas, drawing a card. "Draw!"
Turn Nine: Thomas Billinton (LP: 2500)
Deck: 40
Current Hand (3): "Dark Magician", "Necromancy", and "Magician Navigation"
Ledger of Legerdemain: Now
Just then, three golden orbs appeared in midair above the blue/black-haired young man, which meant one thing...
"It's been three Standby Phases since I first activated 'Ledger of Legerdemain'!" Thomas reminded. "The three facedown cards I removed from the game are added into my hand!" He then wagged the index finger of his right hand cheekily. "The effect of 'Avatar' prevents me from activating new Spell Cards for one more turn, but it doesn't prevent the activation of Spell and Trap effects!"
Driote growled a strong curse word in response. The glowing orbs turned into cards, which Thomas took and added into his hand. Currently, his hand contained 'Dark Magician', 'Necromancy', 'Magician Navigation', 'Obelisk the Tormentor', 'Magicians' Souls', and 'Dwimmered Path'. Those cards were all that he needed...
"Driote, I've all the resources I need to Summon one of my own 'Gods'." said Thomas ominously.
"What?!" demanded Driote.
"Now, I'll begin swarming my field with monsters." As Thomas spoke, he drew a card ('Dark Magician Girl') and sent it to the Graveyard. "I will start by activating the effect of the 'Magicians' Soul' in my hand! If this monster is in my hand, I can send one Level 6 or higher Spellcaster monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, in order to Special Summon this monster from my hand!"
Appearing onto the field were two spirit-like Spellcaster monsters (one male and one female) with staff and wand weapons respectively; both monsters posed for battle (Level: 1/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"Now, I'll activate my monster's first effect!" continued Thomas, sending two cards ('Necromancy' and 'Magician Navigation') from his hand to the Graveyard and then drawing two more cards. "Once per turn, I can send up to two Spell or Trap Cards from my hand and/or field to the Graveyard to draw that many cards."
Both drawn cards were 'Watapon' (Effect Monster Card) and 'Monster Reborn' (Spell Card).
"As I drew the monster 'Watapon' via a Card Effect-" Thomas explained, placing the card onto his Duel Disk (sideways). "-I can instantly Special Summon it."
The cute cottonball-like monster appeared on the field, uttering its familiar "Watapon!" in a highly adorable way (Level: 1/ATK: 200/DEF: 300).
"Driote, prepare to face a being of great power!" declared Thomas, who knew that it was time to retake control of the duel.
Below the platform...
"I know what you're up to, Billinton..." Spencer thought to himself. "Rather unfortunate for you, Driote, Billinton has a sword. A sword that I gave him—a sword of incredible power!." He then spoke aloud to his friend/rival. "I gave you a sword, Billinton! Now use it and slay the 'Wicked God'! DO IT!"
Thomas nodded. "I will!" he affirmed, before taking and holding his card up. "Get ready, Driote! I'm going to sacrifice 'Apprentice Illusion Magician', 'Magicians' Soul', and 'Watapon'! Be gone, my three monsters!"
All three mentioned monsters dissolved into blue particles, which were rising into the stormy sky. From there, Thomas slammed his card ('Obelisk the Tormentor') onto a Monster Field slot on his Duel Disk, causing the device to spark with blue electricity.
"Come forth - 'OBELISK THE TORMENTOR'!" boomed Thomas.
The remaining blue particles soon reached the dark, rainy clouds, causing a huge beam of blue light to strike the ground behind Thomas. As the beam continued to shine, a pair of powerful blue arms emerged from the sides of the beam.
"Is that-?" wondered Driote.
The beam finally died down, revealing the full body of the huge blue 'Egyptian God' known as 'Obelisk the Tormentor', who unleashed a loud, angry, booming roar to signal its arrival (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
"This is..." began Hurricane.
"...Thomas's 'God'!" finished Ace.
Back on the platform, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' leered upon Driote as 'The Wicked Avatar' soon started to change its shape. Driote's mouth, meanwhile, formed a sinister smile.
"So what?" she huffed. "As you seem to have forgotten, 'The Wicked Avatar' takes the form of the strongest monster on the field - even if the monster is a 'God'!"
Before long, 'The Wicked Avatar' had become a dark copy of 'Obelisk the Tormentor'.
"I want you to look well upon the one that surpasses your 'God'!" jeered Driote dementedly. "'The Wicked God Obelisk'! And by its effect, its Attack Power and Defense Power will match the Attack Power of the strongest monster on the field...plus one!"
Indeed so; 'The Wicked Avatar' was now stronger than even 'Obelisk the Tormentor' (ATK: 4001/DEF: 4001).
"Oh no!" realized Hurricane. "Against the power of 'The Wicked Avatar', 'Obelisk the Tormentor' isn't strong enough!"
Back on the platform, Thomas smiled with satisfaction over having brought one of the three 'Egyptian God' Monsters out at long last.
"I end my turn here." he said simply.
Driote smiled evilly, knowing that she can easily take 'Obelisk the Tormentor' down with one powerful attack from her 'Wicked God' Monster.
"You're a fool, Anakin!" The 'Artist of Insanity' declared, drawing a card. "Your 'Egyptian God' will be your final downfall!"
Turn Ten: Driote (LP: 3000)
Deck: 27
Current Hand (1): "Frozen Lake of the Burning Abyss"(!)
"Are you prepared to lose your final hope of winning? If not, then too bad! I'm going to use 'The Wicked Avatar' to attack 'Obelisk'!"
"Before you do-" cut in Thomas. "-let me ask you something... Have you actually opened your eyes to reality? If so, you'd realize that my Spell and Trap Cards are no longer sealed."
True to Thomas's word, the shadows blanketing his two facedown cards had vanished, meaning that he was free to use them again.
"Ngh... You're right; two of your turns have passed since 'Avatar' was Normal Summoned." admitted Driote. She then resumed her sinister smiling. "However, I'm sure they will not be of any help to you!"
'The Wicked Avatar' lunged for 'Obelisk the Tormentor'.
"This is the end of 'Obelisk'!" worried Hurricane.
Spencer snorted. "Don't be such a drama queen." he scolded. "'Obelisk' isn't going anywhere that easily."
"Huh? How can you be so sure of that?" wondered Hurricane.
"Don't underestimate 'Obelisk', Hurricane." said Spencer. "Even on the opponent's turn, 'Obelisk' can use its ultimate ability combo to strike back."
Back on the platform, it looked certain that 'The Wicked Avatar' would win out against 'Obelisk the Tormentor', and Driote knew it. A certain someone, however, thought otherwise...
"Not so fast!" Thomas interjected, as his first facedown card flipped up and revealed itself. "Facedown card, open! I activate a Trap - 'Return Risk Reservoir'! During my opponent's Battle Phase, I can target one Level 1 monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it in attack position, and, if I do this, I can draw one card when it leaves the field." While speaking, the 'Kuriboh' Monster Card ejected from the Graveyard. "Now, return to me - 'Kuriboh'!"
In an instant, the adorable little ball of brown fluff reappeared to Thomas's side of the field (Level: 1/ATK: 300/DEF: 200).
"'Kuriboh'?!" scowled Driote. "Why this monster?"
"Allow me to top that question with another card." said Thomas, just as his last facedown card flipped up and revealed itself. "Why have 'one' 'Kuriboh', when I can have 'four' of them? I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Multiply'!"
Suddenly, 'Kuriboh' split itself into four 'Kuriboh Tokens'.
"I can tribute one face-up 'Kuriboh' and Special Summon as many 'Kuriboh Tokens' as possible, in defense position. These Tokens can't be tributed for a Tribute Summon."
He then drew a card since 'Kuriboh' left the field.
"How useless!" snapped Driote.
"That's what 'you' think." stated Thomas. "You have no idea of the power that 'Obelisk' truly has!"
As the blue/black-haired young man spoke, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' leaned down and grabbed two of the 'Kuriboh Tokens', which were enclosed in a sphere, causing lightning to flow into 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' head.
"That power...is Soul Energy MAX!"
"S-Soul Energy MAX?" stuttered Driote, before noticing that 'Obelisk the Tormentor' was changing colors. "W-What the-?!"
"By offering two monsters-" explained Thomas. "-'Obelisk the Tormentor's' strength grows to infinity!"
With the offerings being made, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' was now the strongest monster on the field as its Attack Power climbed to unmatched levels (ATK: 4000 - ∞).
"There's absolutely no way you can top infinite-" Thomas thundered on, reacting to the great power of his 'Egyptian God'. "-which means 'Avatar's' 'plus one' is useless."
Thomas was right; 'The Wicked Avatar' tried to raise its great strength and make it greater than 'Obelisk the Tormentor', but as nothing could top infinite they became a stalemate instead (ATK: 4001 - ∞).
"Impossible!" screamed Driote in horror. "This can't be happening!"
Thomas remained unafraid. "GOD HAND IMPACT!"
Clasping its hands together, 'Obelisk the Tormentor' concentrated its colossal amounts of energy around its fists, and charged at 'The Wicked Avatar', who performed its own version of the God Hand Impact attack, and the two mighty 'God' Monsters started to clash, causing a massive shockwave of energy to erupt from the top of the Boxford Corp building and brighten the sky despite the storm raging on.
(elsewhere...)
Inside one room at Knapford Hospital, Percy and the likes could see the massive shockwave from out the window.
"Holy crap!" cried James.
"What's going on?" wondered Percy.
"Whatever's happening at Boxford Corp headquarters, it can't be good." figured Duck.
At last, James and Percy both lost patience. They could no longer stand to stay put any longer, and so they started to leave the hospital room.
"Stop! Where do you think you're both going?" demanded Nia firmly.
"Nia, we just can't stay here!" objected Percy. "Something's wrong, and we need to go and check it out!"
"You two aren't going anywhere." refused Rebecca. "You remember what Thomas told us? This is his and Emily's fight, not ours."
"Damn it, our friends are in grave danger, and you guys know it!" snapped James. "We simply have to help them, no matter what the risk."
"James..." whispered Molly.
"The last time we chose not to help a friend in need-" Percy pointed out, remembering what happened when he and everyone else (with exceptions) in the Duel Monsters spirit world turned down the chance to rescue Emily. "-Thomas was almost killed."
"Do any of you 'really' want to risk that happening again?" asked James harshly. "Because 'I' sure as hell don't want it to happen."
There was a long silence.
"Well?" The red-haired boy demanded. "Do we really want to repeat the one mistake that nearly cost us our friend's life? Or are we going to learn from that one mistake and actually do something?"
Molly was the first was to step forth. "I'm going with you and Percy." she volunteered.
"So am I." added Oliver.
"Count me in." offered Toby.
Soon, everyone had agreed to head for Boxford Corp and help their two friends in their final battle against Driote. Although there was some initial hesitation from them both, Nia and Rebecca ultimately decided to join as well.
"That's the spirit!" smiled James, before looking serious. "Now, let's go..."
"...to Boxford Corp headquarters!" finished Percy.
The only people staying behind were Theo, Lexi, and Merlin, since they needed some more rest before they could leave the hospital. Of course, they would pray for their friends' safe return.
(elsewhere...)
Back atop the Apex Duel Arena, both Thomas and Driote scowled as they struggled to withstand the ongoing clash between 'Obelisk the Tormentor' (Thomas) and 'The Wicked Avatar' (Driote).
(elsewhere...)
Inside the Duel Ring Server chamber, everyone in the room was watching the two 'Gods' do battle on the monitor.
"The energy levels have increased exceptionally!" cried Mrs. Gresley (Boxford).
"This... this energy is insane...!" added Mr. Gresley (Boxford), before turning and speaking to Roland. "Can the server hold up?!"
"I don't know, Master Jim!" wailed Roland, seeing the system sparking and such. "I really don't know!"
(elsewhere...)
Back on the rooftop, cracks began to appear in 'Obelisk the Tormentor's' hands, and then 'The Wicked Avatar's' forearms began to shatter before both of the 'Wicked God's' forearms completely shattered.
"'Avatar' is crumbling!" Driote screamed out inwardly, as her monster's arms were fully removed.
"'Obelisk'-!" thought Thomas, looking equally shocked at what was happening to his 'Egyptian God' Monster.
Below the platform, the audience watched anxiously while wondering what was going to happen next. Before long...
*BOOM!*
The two 'God' Monsters exploded massively, and Driote, gritting her teeth, shielded herself from the backlash of the powerful destruction of two 'Gods' while getting pushed back a bit, while Thomas did the exact same thing. The explosion of energy sent a beam of light into the sky, and dissipated, leaving nothing but smoke as the storm finally subsided - leaving a lovely night sky behind.
"'The Wicked Avatar' was actually destroyed..." Ace gasped in amazement.
On the platform, Thomas was hunched over, breathing hard from the battle (LP: 2500 - 1500). Driote, meanwhile, seemed to be standing with a hand pressed on her face (LP: 3000 - 2000). Soon, the blue/green-haired young woman fell to her knees in what appeared to be defeat.
"Huh?" wondered Thomas.
"Is that...Frankie?" asked Skiff.
"Unbelievable!" gasped Discord.
Back on the platform, it would seem that with 'The Wicked Avatar' destroyed, Driote's hold on Frankie had been removed, allowing her to reclaim control of her body. Below the platform, Spencer heard a buzzing sound on his coat.
"Spencer! The Duel Ring Server has returned to normal!" The voice of Mr. Gresley (Boxford) echoed.
"Very good." acknowledged Spencer, before shutting the communication off. He then turned to look at Hurricane and speak to him. "I thought so... Since 'The Wicked God' was destroyed along with Billinton's 'God', it lost control of the Duel Ring Server." A smile appeared on his face. "And I bet its influence on your best friend is gone as well."
Hurricane grew hopeful. "R-Really?"
"I wouldn't count on it..." Emily murmured, but said it only to herself.
Back on the platform...
"How could this happen?" Frankie asked shakily, feeling nothing but shame for what she did or allowed Driote to do. "So many terrible crimes against the rest of the world... I allowed myself to commit them... all to fulfill my selfish ambitions. And now, Mom and Dad both are watching me down from Heaven, severely ashamed of what I have done..."
"Frankie..." Hurricane spoke up. "You were manipulated by not only the 'Wicked Gods' Cards, but also by Driote. None of this was your doing alone."
Frankie turned to look at her best friend. "Hurricane?"
"But, that horrible woman is gone now." continued Hurricane. "You're finally free. You can turn over a new leaf and redeem yourself for all the wrongs you committed. And you won't need to do it alone; I'll be by your side for support."
"Hurricane..." smiled Frankie, as she started to bring her right hand to her Duel Disk. "I... I..."
Before the surrender could take place...
"How long do you plan on keeping up this facade?" Thomas asked coldly, stopping Frankie from finishing her surrender.
All eyes were on the blue/black-haired young man in surprise. Below the platform, Emily was looking dead serious herself at the moment.
"Driote's essence is still as strong as it has ever been." she pointed out. "That means Driote is 'still' in control of Frankie."
Cue a collective gasp of shock from everyone watching the duel on the rooftop. On the platform, 'Frankie' snickered quietly to her trick being exposed. The snickering slowly erupted into insane laughter as she raised her head and revealed the nightmarish look on her face.
"Well done, Anakin and Anastasia!" The 'Artist of Insanity' praised sarcastically. "You both actually saw through my act as if it were nothing to you two!" She then looked to Hurricane with a cruel smile on her face. "Oh man, and I thought you couldn't be any dumber than you already were!"
"Frankie!" called Hurricane in despair.
"I was spouting nothing but nonsense from my mouth-" Driote went on, while giggling madly. "-but you believed every single word! I can't believe you're this Goddamn stupid!" She then started speaking in Frankie's voice again as she repeated some of her earlier quotes. "'How could this happen?' 'And now, Mom and Dad both are watching me down from Heaven, severely ashamed of what I have done!'"
The blue/green-haired young woman then laughed hysterically over how easily Hurricane was fooled.
"God, was it fun, playing friends with you!"
Hurricane was devastated by realization and sank to his knees in despair.
"You should have been destroyed once 'The Wicked Avatar' was destroyed as well!" shouted Emily in anger. "Why are you still alive? Why can't you just die?!"
"I've told you once before, Princess Anastasia... I can 'never' die" chuckled Driote. "As long as darkness remains, even if I 'do' perish, I will 'always' return!" A dark aura began to glow around the final card in her hand. "And thanks to the darkness being my greatest ally, I have been gifted with a monster far more powerful than the 'Wicked Gods' could ever 'hope' to be!"
"What did you say?" exclaimed Thomas.
"A monster that's stronger than the 'Wicked Gods'?" added Ace.
Driote turned her attention back to her opponent. "Now, Anakin, since you saw through my act first-" she was saying. "-I insist on you being the first victim of my new card's power!" With that said, she slotted her remaining card into her Duel Disk. "Seeing as I control no monsters, I can activate this Trap Card from my hand during the Battle Phase!"
On cue, a Trap Card called 'Frozen Lake of the Burning Abyss' materialized face-up on the field.
"'Frozen Lake of the Burning Abyss'!"
"What?!" gasped Thomas.
"'Frozen Lake of the Burning Abyss'?" added Spencer.
"This special card was manifested for me by the sheer forces of darkness I'd demonstrated earlier." Driote explained, with the dark aura returning to her body. "With this Trap Card, I can perform a Fusion Summon by removing one of each type of monster from my Graveyard; Fusion, Ritual, Synchro, and Xyz!"
"Fusion?!" began Spencer.
"Ritual?!" put in Discord.
"Synchro?!" cried Ace.
"And Xyz?!" finished Emily.
As expected, four cards slid out of Driote's Graveyard, soared around the smirking Driote a couple of times before flying to the center of the field while enlarging. The four Monster Cards were as followed:
-Fusion: 'Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss'
-Synchro: 'Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss'
-Ritual: 'Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss'
-Xyz: 'Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss'
"Show yourselves, my monsters!" commanded Driote eagerly.
The spirits of the four monsters appeared onto the field as commanded (one-by-one), while the familiar Fusion Vortex appeared in the very center of the arena.
"You four have served your purpose quite well-" declared Driote, before a cruel grin appeared on her face. "-but you are no longer of any use to me." She then thrust her left hand forth. "I use all four of you for my final Fusion Summon!"
Suddenly, several dark vines appeared from the Fusion Vortex below and latched onto Driote's monsters, causing them to gasp out in shock of the betrayal. Did Driote care about that? Not a chance.
"It's time!" she bellowed, as a brand new card manifested from the darkness and she took hold and readied it. "My true best monster will now show himself!"
The four 'Burning Abyss' Monsters were forcefully pulled into the Fusion Vortex while crying out in agonized pain. The 'Artist of Insanity', meanwhile, began a Summon Chant for her new monster...
"In the Burning Abyss, the one true ruler of it all shall rise from his throne, and cast a freezing death upon all those who dare to rise against him!" chanted Driote, before she brought both hands together and showed off another nightmare face. "ULTIMATE FUSION SUMMON!"
The Fusion Vortex exploded with dark energy to the scream.
"Appear now! Level 10! The Ultimate Ruler of Hell - 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss'!"
When the eruption of dark energy started to die down (although it remained very strong for the time being), two giant bat-like wings could be seen coming out of the erupting energy. When the energy was finally gone, the new monster was revealed to be a giant demon with three faces, a pair of large bat-like wings, and he seemed to be frozen mid-breast in ice. The new monster let out a demonic howl to signal its arrival.
"'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss'?!" winced Discord.
"It's almost like Billinton is now battling the Devil himself..." Spencer murmured in shock.
Back on the platform...
"This is..." whispered Thomas. "...the final 'Burning Abyss' Monster!"
"In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Satan is portrayed as a giant demon, frozen in ice at the center of Hell." explained Driote, revealing full details about her monster. "Satan has three faces and a pair of bat-like wings affixed under each chin. As Satan beats his wings, he creates a cold wind that continues to freeze the ice surrounding him and the other sinners in the Ninth Circle. The winds he creates are felt throughout the other circles of Hell. In his three mouths, he chews on Judas Iscariot, Marcus Junius Brutus, and Gaius Cassius Longinus. Scholars consider Satan to be 'a once splendid being from whom all personality has now drained away'. Satan, also known as Lucifer, was formerly the Angel of Light and once tried to usurp the power of God. As punishment, God banished Satan out of Heaven to an eternity in Hell as the ultimate sinner."
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' stood ready to attack on command (Level: 10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000).
"Now, I'll activate 'Lucifer's' Monster Effect!" continued Driote. "When it is Fusion Summoned, I can Banish every card on my opponent's side of the field. My opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation."
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' beat his wings, causing a freezing wind to sweep across Thomas's side of the field and encase the remaining 'Kuriboh Tokens' in ice.
"My 'Kuribohs'!" Thomas cried out in horror.
"Now that I've turned those remaining fuzzballs of yours into popsicles-" joked Driote in a truly sick tone. "-you've nothing left to defend you from my artistic onslaught! However, that's not even the worst part! 'Lucifer's' next effect is going to take serious advantage of those two removed monsters and so much more!"
"So much more?" repeated Thomas. "What do you mean by that?"
"'Lucifer's' Attack Power increases by 200 points for every card that was removed from the game. We've been removing cards from the game throughout the duel, am I right?"
Thomas scowled, thus confirming Driote's question.
"Y-Yes..." The blue/black-haired young man realized. "The combined number of cards that were removed from play is...sixteen!"
As expected, 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' got supercharged with power (ATK: 4000 - 7200).
"Its Attack Power almost doubled!" exclaimed Skiff. "'Lucifer' now has an Attack Power of 7200!"
"Once it attacks-" added Ace. "-Thomas will be history!"
Back on the platform...
"And now, my beloved Anakin-" Driote announced, pulling off quite possibly her most terrifying nightmare face yet. "-I think it's time for us to, at long last, part ways! 'Lucifer', attack Anakin directly! DO IT NOW!"
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' obeyed, beginning to charge a three-way beam of ice from the three mouths.
"Is this-?" Thomas tried to say, but didn't get a chance to finish.
"DIIIIIIIE!" screamed Driote in pure madness.
Finally, the attack from 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' was unleashed; not once, not twice, but THREE times! Was this it? Was this truly the end of both Thomas Billinton and Anakin? Would Driote finally get her ultimate victory? Would the whole world suffer at the hands of 'Artist of Insanity'? Stay tuned for the finale!
To be Continued!