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.
Earlier on...
'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. Thomas, however, was not about to lose to his greatest enemy...
"I activate the effect of the 'Kuribohrn' in my Graveyard!" he announced, as his Graveyard started glowing with the spirit of the white 'Kuriboh' monster briefly appearing. "When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can remove this card from my Graveyard, and then target any number of 'Kuriboh' monsters in my Graveyard and Special Summon them."
In an instant, 'Kuriboh' returned to the field, causing 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss's' direct attack to die down before it could connect. Despite being completely terrified of the huge devil in front of him, the little ball of brown fluff bravely stood his ground to protect his master/friend.
"You're a friggin' idiot, my beloved Anakin!" retorted Driote, pointing at her opponent. "By removing another card from the game, you're making 'Lucifer' even more powerful!"
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' grew stronger again (ATK: 7200 - 7400), just before its three faces charging another three-way ice beam-like attack.
"Go forth, 'Lucifer'!" The 'Artist of Insanity' went on. "SUBZERO CONDEMNATION!"
The three blasts were fired once more. 'Kuriboh' was hit and turned into solid ice before shattering apart.
"'Kuriboh'!" Thomas cried, trying in vain to shield himself from the sheer force of the blast.
"I want you to experience the true icy coldness of darkness, my beloved Anakin!" screeched Driote with mad glee.
The force of the devastating attack was so strong that Thomas eventually got blown off the platform, much to the horror of everyone watching the duel.
"THOMAS!" Hurricane, Ace, and Emily each called out.
"NO!" Spencer, Discord, and Skiff each screamed.
Thomas slammed onto the ground as his Life Points then took a hit by the effect of the 'Mound of the Bound Creator' Spell Card (LP: 1500 - 500). Emily, being the most worried, ran over and held her lover in her arms, hoping he was okay.
"Thomas!" she begged. "Thomas, open your eyes! Please speak to me!"
The blue/black-haired young man did not open his eyes at first, much to the evil amusement of Driote, who was as eager as ever to make sure her opponent was inflicted with as much pain and torture as possible before he died.
"How pathetic!" laughed Driote. "Do note that I'm far from being done with you; for I will make your death even more excruciating cold and painful!" She pointed at her ace monster. "Once per turn, 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' can be given a counter!"
A jewel bead began to glow on 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss's' head.
"As long as 'Lucifer' has a counter, it is immune to all of my opponent's Card Effects!"
"'Lucifer' is already protected from being targeted or destroyed by Billinton's Card Effects thanks to 'Mound of the Bound Creator'-" Spencer was saying to the rest of the audience. "-but now that it has a counter on it, it's immune to all of his Card Effects altogether now. The only way 'Lucifer' can be beaten now is through battle."
"You're correct, absolutely correct!" Driote shrieked with delight. "However, even that will be impossible! Why? Because I'm going to activate another effect of the 'Frozen Lake of the Burning Abyss' in my Graveyard!"
Just then, the spirit of 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal' appeared on the field.
"I can, once per duel, remove this card from the game and target one monster in my Graveyard and equip it to another monster on my field; the targeted monster in my Graveyard's combined Attack Power and Defense Power is added to the targeted monster on my field's Attack Power!"
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' grabbed 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal' and began to slowly drain her of her power, causing the female monster to cry out in agonized pain. Emily and everyone else couldn't help but feel sorry for the female monster.
"Driote has no compassion or remorse for any of those who serve her." said Spencer in disgust.
"I think that's something we should have learned by now." Skiff pointed out.
On the platform, 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal' finally shattered into shards of glass as 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' grew bigger and bigger as its Attack Power started climbing even further until it was 10000-plus (ATK: 7400 - 12700).
"And because another card was removed-" Driote giggled in her malicious behavior. "-'Lucifer's' Attack Power also increases by 200 more points!"
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' grew even more powerful (ATK: 12700 - 12900). Meanwhile, while everyone around her watched the duel in horror, Emily was still trying to awaken Thomas.
"Please, Ani, wake up!" The dark green-haired young woman begged.
At last, Thomas's crimson eyes opened and met his 'Supreme Queen's' worried blue eyes, much to her relief.
"Heh... Even now, your soft, gentle touch is enough to help me get through my pain, just like in the past." Thomas chuckled weakly, while trying to get back to his feet.
"Take it easy, you're still weak from that attack." protested Emily.
"I know that." acknowledged Thomas. "However, I'm far from finished with the duel, and it will take much more than this to keep me down." He then managed a gentle smile. "After all, everyone is waiting for us to come back; our friends and families are counting on us to put an end to the 'Artist of Insanity' and finally end this nightmare. Most importantly, the hope that you gave me earlier still lies waiting in my Deck."
Emily's eyes widened when she heard her lover say that; it was clear she remembered giving Thomas a card before they parted ways. The realization made the reincarnation of Anastasia agree that there really was still hope.
"You're right, Ani." she nodded, before smirking playfully. "However, I won't let you fight this final battle alone... I'm going to help you with it."
Thomas nodded in agreement, knowing that there was no way he could change his lover's mind. With that agreed to, Emily helped Thomas back onto the platform, where Driote was deeply amused with the situation; seeing as Thomas was completely outmatched, even if he was about to get some help.
"You have absolutely no chance of winning-" boasted Driote. "-and I won't allow the duel to end without a proper result—the result of me winning and killing you, proving that I truly am superior to you in every way." She then turned her focus towards Emily. "My favorite slut, Anastasia, I really wanted you alive so that I could keep you around as a sex slave where we could fondle and kiss for always, but if you really want to die alongside Anakin, then so be it! I'll gladly kill the both of you together!"
Thomas closed his eyes. "How many times does this make it? You've lost 'another' crucial chance to beat me, haven't you, Driote?" He then opened his eyes, revealing them to be a golden yellow. "You just don't get it at all!"
"What?" gasped Driote.
"Are you afraid, Driote?"
"W-Why must I fear someone who has to protect what little Life Points they have, like you?" The 'Artist of Insanity' replied with a question of her own, trying to hide her nervousness.
"Why? Because, just like you said, I'm the 'Supreme King'!" While speaking, Thomas then gave his greatest enemy a very dark grin saying "No matter how many times you come and attack me, I'm 'going' to win, no matter what!"
Driote was now sweating buckets, since after everything she had done, all the extreme pressure she's put on him throughout the entire duel, and despite facing a near invincible monster with an Attack Power of 12900, Thomas was STILL completely unfazed, unshaken, and entirely overflowing with intense self-confidence, exactly like he did in all their past battles where he defeated her every single time, which was part of the reason she was also so scared of him. Slowly, Driote started to lose it...
"Hehehe... Nice try!" she whispered, erupting into spine-chilling laughter. "You're trying to mess with me... Well, that won't work this time! Even if you're the so-called 'Supreme King', I'm still invincible! There's not a card in your whole Deck that can stop me!"
Thomas and Emily, however, both knew that their enemy was dead wrong...
"Driote! This will be THE final turn of our battle!" announced Thomas, getting prepared to make his final draw. "Once I make the draw, your downfall will begin!"
"What?!" demanded Driote.
"He will draw...'Twilight Winged Soul'!" declared Emily, predicting which card will be drawn
With that said, Thomas finally drew a card with a Shining Draw—power which was given to him by Emily.
Title: Bonds Beyond Imagination
A few seconds earlier...
"He will draw...'Twilight Winged Soul'!" declared Emily, predicting which card will be drawn
With that said, Thomas finally drew a card with a Shining Draw—power which was given to him by Emily.
Turn Eleven: Thomas Billinton (LP: 500)
Deck: 36
Current Hand (5): ?, "Dark Magician", "Monster Reborn", "Dwimmered Path", and "Twilight Winged Soul"
Looking at the card he just drew, Thomas smiled with triumph.
"It's here!" he announced.
Driote scowled, wondering what the card could be. Regardless, she had a few choice words regarding the final turn...
"Go on, my beloved!" Driote thought to herself. "Bring forth your final ace monster... Do it so that I can prove just how hopeless it is for you to defeat me."
From there, Thomas took and held a new card out...
"Spell Card - 'Dwimmered Path'!" The blue/black-haired young man declared. "It lets me target one Spellcaster Effect Monster in my Graveyard and add it into my hand." He took a card from his Graveyard ('Magicians' Souls') and briefly held it out. "I'll target 'Magicians' Souls'!"
"What good will that even do?" growled Driote.
"I activate the next effect of 'Magicians' Souls'!" declared Thomas, drawing a card ('Magician of Chaos') and sending it to the Graveyard. "If this monster is in my hand, I can send one Level 6 or higher Spellcaster monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, then I can send this monster to the Graveyard, then, I can Special Summon one 'Dark Magician' or one 'Dark Magician Girl' from my Graveyard." He then sent another card ('Magicians' Soul') from his hand to the Graveyard. "Are you ready? Then I'll send 'Magicians' Soul' to the Graveyard in order to Special Summon 'Dark Magician Girl' from my Graveyard!"
Appearing onto the field was the beautiful female Spellcaster herself (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700). Stretching out her arms with a yawn, 'Dark Magician Girl', clearly happy to be out of the Graveyard at last, flashed a smile at her master/friend.
"I know." Thomas smiled back. "I missed you, too. But, now, we have important matters to attend to."
"That's right." agreed Emily, who was also happy to see 'Dark Magician Girl'.
'Dark Magician Girl' nodded to her two human friends in agreement and returned to her spot on the field. Very quickly, the 'Monster Reborn' Spell Card materialized face-up on the field.
"Now, I'll activate, from my hand, 'Monster Reborn'!" continued Thomas. "Return to me - 'Apprentice Illusion Magician'!"
In an instant, 'Apprentice Illusion Magician' returned to the field from the Graveyard once more and quickly found herself being hugged by Dark Magician Girl, happy to see her retrained counterpart again (Level: 6/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700). Both monsters then turned and glared at Driote.
"'Dark Magician Girl's' effect!" announced Thomas. "She gains 300 Attack Points for every 'Dark Magician' or 'Magician of Black Chaos' in the Graveyard."
'Dark Magician Girl' glowed in a pink aura as her power rose (ATK: 2000 - 2300).
"Normally, it won't work seeing as I have no actual 'Dark Magician' there." Thomas pointed out. "But, thanks to the effect of 'Magician of Chaos', his name becomes 'Dark Magician' while in the Graveyard! As a result, 'Dark Magician Girl' is able to grow stronger."
"It matters not; both your monsters are no match for 'Lucifer'!" dismissed Driote angrily.
"Not for much longer!" retorted Thomas, just as the Overlay Network appeared in the center of the field. "I'll overlay both the Level 6 'Dark Magician Girl' and 'Apprentice Illusion Magician'! With these two Spellcaster monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"
The two female Spellcasters turned into purple energy and flew into the Overlay Network.
"The powers of the 'Dark Magician Girl' will evolve into a newer form with the help of her fellow 'Magician's' guidance, and its potential will unfold before the world!" chanted Thomas. From there, he raised his right hand into the air as he let loose a hot-blooded scream. "Xyz SUMMON!"
All of a sudden, a new card materialized out of thin-air and in-between Thomas's fingers. Not only that, but the Xyz Summon sequence was soon dying down...
"Appear, Rank 6 - 'Magi Magi Magician Gal'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Xyz Summon sequence came to an end, was what looked like a more evolved, more realistic-looking, slightly older version of 'Dark Magician Girl'. Not only that, her modified outfit showed very little breast cleavage, and there even seemed to be a marking of an ankh near the middle of her chest (Rank: 6/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000).
"This is only the beginning, however!" continued Thomas. "I use 'Magi Magi Magician Gal' and her Overlay Units to build the Overlay Network!"
'Magi Magi Magician Gal', along with her two Overlay Units, turned to energy and flew into the Overlay Network. A Summon Chant from Thomas commenced...
"Twin wizards join together as one. Together, their power will grow!" chanted Thomas, before raising his right hand into the air with a loud scream of... "Xyz EVOLUTION!"
As expected, a new card materialized on a Monster Field slot on the blue/black-haired young man's Duel Disk. In addition, the Overlay Network exploded with great power...
"Come forth! Rank 7... The Ultimate Magician of All - 'EBON ILLUSION MAGICIAN'!"
Appearing onto the field, when the Xyz Summon sequence came to an end, was the newest member of the 'Dark Magician' clan (Rank: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"'Ebon Illusion Magician'?" frowned Driote.
"I activate my new monster's effect!" cut in Thomas. "Once per turn, I can detach one Xyz Material from this monster and Special Summon one Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster from my hand or Deck."
An Overlay Unit flew into 'Ebon Illusion Magician's staff, which glowed and caused a portal in the middle of the field to open up.
"Come forth - 'Dark Magician'!" commanded Thomas.
Appearing on the field, whilst twirling his scepter about and posing for battle, was the purple-haired, male Spellcaster himself (Level: 7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100). Driote, not impressed in the slightest, burst out laughing at how stupid the action seemed to be. Thomas ignored the laughter; he simply carried on with his turn...
"With 'Dark Magician' now on my field-" The blue/black-haired young man went on. "-I can activate the effect of the 'Magician Navigation' in my Graveyard!" The mentioned card ejected from his Graveyard. "If I control 'Dark Magician', except the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard, I can remove this card from my Graveyard, then I can target one face-up Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls and negate its effects until the end of this turn." He pointed forth. "The card I'll choose will be your Field Spell - 'Mound of the Bound Creator'!"
'Dark Magician' fired a blast of black magic from his scepter at Driote's Duel Disk, causing the Field Spell zone to spark and short out. This in turn caused the chains on 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' to shatter.
"My beloved, you're far too foolish!" scolded Driote. "By banishing another card, you've made my monster even stronger still!"
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' again grew stronger due to another card being removed from the game (ATK: 12900 - 13100).
"And even without 'Mound of the Bound Creator's' effect, 'Lucifer' is still immune to all of your Card Effects so long as it has a counter on it!"
Below the platform...
"I know what Billinton had intended; he used 'Magician Navigation' to test whether Driote would try to counter it with an additional effect of 'Lucifer', as a way of checking whether 'Lucifer' has any other effects." Spencer thought to himself. "Since Driote did nothing about it, that must be all for 'Lucifer's' effects."
Back on the platform...
"Are you quite finished yet?" asked Driote. "I'm ready to end this battle along with you and Anastasia!"
"I am far from finished, 'Artist of Insanity'." Thomas retorted, holding the last card in his hand out. "I will now offer my 'Ebon High Magician' as a tribute!"
'Ebon High Magician' faded in blue streaks as a heavenly light began to shine.
"Anastasia, give me your power!" boomed Thomas, holding up a card. "Now, I'll Tribute Summon 'Twilight Winged Soul'!"
A pair of angelic wings unfolded from the heavenly light. When the light died down, there, standing on the field, was an angelic maiden with golden hair who looked like she could be among the 'Wingweaver' archtype (Level: 6/ATK: 2150/DEF: 2400).
"Thomas has a monster like that in his Deck?!" gasped Skiff.
"Unbelievable!" admired Discord.
On the platform...
"'Twilight Winged Soul's' first effect changes her name to 'Wingweaver' while being on the field." explained Emily.
Below the platform...
"Could that be the card...Emily gave Thomas before he departed?" Hurricane asked himself. "Is this the break Thomas has been waiting for?"
Back on the platform...
"When 'Twilight Winged Soul' is Normal or Special Summoned-" said Thomas, drawing a card ('Supreme Chaos Fusion') and looking at it. "-I can add one 'Supreme'-named Spell or Trap Card from my Deck into my hand."
Driote, putting two-and-two together, gasped. "Then, because you have 'Wingweaver'-!"
Thomas responded by slotting a card into his Duel Disk, causing a facedown card to materialize on the field. From there, the card flipped up and revealed itself to be the 'Supreme Chaos Fusion' Spell Card.
"I activate the Spell Card 'Supreme Chaos Fusion' from my hand!" declared Thomas. "It lets me Fusion Summon a Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck using LIGHT and DARK monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Material. My opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation." He then looked at Emily. "Emily, it's time."
"Right." With that said, the dark green-haired young woman gave the command to both monsters... "'Dark Magician' and 'Wingweaver', I want you both to brandish the symbol of our love and bring down the 'Artist of Insanity' once and for all!"
With that said, 'Dark Magician' and 'Twilight Winged Soul' both entered the Fusion Vortex of Light and Darkness, while a certain young woman watched in a mixture of fear and scorn.
"This... THIS is what I've been waiting for!" thought Driote, trying to hide her ever growing fear. "I'm ready for this monster, you stupid fools!"
From there, the Fusion Summon sequence ensued, while Thomas and Emily both began a lengthy Summon Chant...
"Ultimate Wizard of Black Magic..." began Thomas.
"Goddess of Light..." Emily added.
"Combine your might together, from the road of light and road of darkness..." The 'Supreme King' and the 'Supreme Queen' then both said at once. "Light and Darkness, embark from the land of twilight, towards the road to the dawn!"
From the Fusion Summon sequence, a new monster was shown in the shadows.
"FUSION SUMMON!"
The new monster was beginning to get unshadowed... The monster seemed to resemble a female 'Dark Magician' who wore a similar outfit (only with the hood down), but also possessed several angel-like wings on her back, long purplish-red hair, and a different-looking scepter.
"Descent from the twilight road..." began Thomas.
"...Level 8..." continued Emily.
"'SUPREME TWILIGHT MAGICIAN'!" The 'Supreme King' and the 'Supreme Queen' both finished at once.
Standing on the field, with the Fusion Summon sequence over, was 'Supreme Twilight Magician' (Level: 8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2500). Everyone in the audience was amazed by this monster as this was the first time they're seeing it. Back on the platform...
"As 'Twilight Winged Soul' was used as Fusion Material, her third effect activates!" announced Emily. "It lets Thomas target Spell and Trap Cards on the opponent's field up to the number of Fusion Materials used for the Fusion Summon and shuffle them into their Deck."
"The cards I'll choose are both 'Mound of the Bound Creator' and 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal'." put in Thomas. "Since 'Beatrice' is in your Spell and Trap zones, she counts as such a card."
"What?!" screamed Driote, watching helplessly as her face-up 'Mound of the Bound Creator' Spell Card shattered into shards of glass.
In addition, the spirit of 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal' managed to get reborn after having been absorbed by 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss'. Before fading away, 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal' managed to turn, look at both Thomas and Emily, smile, and nod as a quick gesture of thanks. With 'Beatrice, Lady of the Eternal' now gone, 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' started returning to its normal size while losing its power bonus (ATK: 13100 - 7800).
"'Lucifer's' power bonus is gone!" Driote thought to herself furiously. "Damn those two!"
"The effect of 'Supreme Twilight Magician'... It's treated as LIGHT Attribute in addition to its original DARK Attribute while on the field. Also, she gains 200 Attack Points for each LIGHT and DARK monster in my Graveyard." explained Thomas. "I count at least seventeen such monsters being used by me throughout the duel!"
Many Duel Spirits appeared around both Thomas and Emily.
"17 times 200 equals 3400-" put in Emily. "-so 'Supreme Twilight Magician' gains 3400 Attack Points, giving her an Attack Power of 6200!"
'Supreme Twilight Magician' grew stronger (ATK: 2800 - 6200). Despite being surprised by the choice of actions during this turn, Driote started to laugh evilly once her initial shock had worn off.
"I was 'waiting' for this moment!" she cried out. "I activate the next effect of 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss'!"
"WHAT?!" exclaimed Spencer. "It had another effect this whole time?!"
"Yes! Once during my opponent's turn, I can send one 'Burning Abyss' Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard in order to remove a monster on my opponent's field!"
The audience recoiled in horror, while the mad Driote, growing even more utterly broken and insane, looked like her body was beginning to decay or break apart—which actually made her look even more terrifying with how messed up her mind was.
"I have waited long and hard to utterly crush the symbol of Anakin and Anastasia's love into oblivion." The 'Artist of Insanity' cackled madly, just as 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' held up both hands while charging itself with power. "And now, my time has come at last! Go forth, 'Lucifer'!" She then announced the attack/effect name... "ABSOLUTE ZERO!"
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' beat his wings, causing a freezing wind to swirl around 'Supreme Twilight Magician', causing her to shiver from the cold before becoming encased in a block of solid ice like what happened to the 'Kuriboh Tokens'.
"Your monster has been removed from the game!" shouted Driote in triumph, as more veins appeared on her face. "You have nothing left now! I'm going to win soon enough!"
"Guess again." smirked Emily.
"Huh?"
The trapped 'Supreme Twilight Magician' started glowing all red, causing the block of ice to begin melting before finally shattering apart and freeing her. Driote cringed in shock from seeing this happen.
"H-How?!" she demanded. "What the hell happened?!"
"By being Fusion Summoned with 'Supreme Chaos Fusion'-" Thomas answered casually. "-'Supreme Twilight Magician' is unaffected by the opponent's Card Effects for the rest of the turn." He then glared scornfully. "For someone like you who has no comprehension of real love, the unbreakable bond Emily and I share is far beyond your broken imagination."
"You son-of-a-bitch!" snarled Driote. "It doesn't matter; I'm about to win, anyway! Do you know why? It's because I've sent a third and final copy of 'Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' to the Graveyard! And you know what 'that' means, dontcha?!"
Three more cards ejected from Driote's Graveyard.
"I'll remove up to three 'Burning Abyss' cards from my Graveyard to inflict 300 points of damage per card! 300 times 3 equals 900! With only 500 Life Points left, you will finally be defeated!"
The three cards ('Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss', 'Scarm, Malebranche the Burning Abyss' and 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss') ejected from Driote's Graveyard before fading away into oblivion. Just then, the spirits of 'Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss', 'Scarm, Malebranche the Burning Abyss' and 'Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss' each appeared on the field as flame spirits and lunged towards Thomas and Emily.
"MY BELOVED ANAKIN, BURN IN HELL ALONGSIDE YOUR PERSONAL WHORE!" screamed Driote in an utterly psychotic way.
Before it was too late to save them from certain defeat and death, 'Supreme Twilight Magician', twirling her scepter about, stepped in and created a barrier of light and protected Thomas and Emily both from the flames. With the flames not touching him, Thomas's Life Points remained undamaged (LP: 500).
"This is-!" stuttered Driote.
"Due to the third effect of 'Supreme Twilight Magician', all Effect Damage I would take is reduced to zero." said Thomas. "Emily and I are safe and sound."
"And, you know, you could have won even sooner." teased Emily. "If you'd used 'Lucifer's' effect earlier on, Thomas would never have been able to Summon 'Supreme Twilight Magician'."
"She's right..." thought Driote, growing worse and worse than ever before. "I could have won if I did all of this earlier... Dammit! Damn it all!"
The 'Artist of Insanity' was so enraged by her unknown misplay that she suddenly pulled some of her hair out and shrieked in absolute anger and madness. Thomas, meanwhile, smirked over his enemy's breakdown. Once Driote had calmed down (yeah right), she resumed speaking...
"Even so, I've removed three more cards!" Driote pointed out. "With three cards removed, 'Lucifer' gains 600 more Attack Points!"
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' grew stronger (ATK: 7800 - 8400).
"Just give up! You can't defeat me, Anakin, admit it!"
"Hmm... I wonder about that." taunted Thomas, before entering the Battle Phase. "I'm going to attack now!"
"What?!" exclaimed Driote.
Below the platform...
"Thomas-boy!" objected Discord.
"Why would he do that?!" demanded Ace. "His monster is not strong enough to attack 'Lucifer'!"
Back on the platform...
"I'll use 'Supreme Twilight Magician' to attack 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss'!" declared Thomas. "LUMINOUS BLACK MAGIC!"
'Supreme Twilight Magician' obeyed, twirling her staff, and diving into the air.
"Counter at once, 'Lucifer'!" ordered Driote. "SUBZERO CONDEMNATION!"
'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' obeyed, firing three blasts in retaliation. Both attacks collided, but it was clear the ice attack would punch through in the end - which it did at first.
"I win!" smirked Driote.
"The effect of 'Supreme Twilight Magician' activates!" interrupted Thomas, causing Driote to look surprised. "As this monster is battling a monster whose current Attack Power is different from its original Attack Power, its Attack Power is doubled during the Damage Step!"
'Supreme Twilight Magician' felt herself growing stronger (ATK: 6200 - 12400). The light/black magical blast was soon able to break through the icy blast towards 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss'.
"If the attack connects, Driote will lose!" Spencer was saying to everyone.
"This madness will be over!" added Ace.
On the platform...
"No! I refuse to be defeated by you again!" hissed Driote, who could not bear to suffer another loss to her opponent. She then smiled wickedly. "Besides, I'm about to become truly invincible once I activate the fifth and final effect of 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss'!"
"WHAT?!" Hurricane and the likes all recoiled HARD.
"By removing a counter from this monster during the Damage Step-" explained Driote. "-I can negate the attack and increase my Life Points based on the attacking monster's Attack Power."
Raising a hand, 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' was able to block 'Supreme Twilight Magician's' attack. From there, Driote's Life Points took a big jump (LP: 2000 - 14400). In addition, 'Supreme Twilight Magician's' Attack Power returned to its normal amount (ATK: 12400 - 6200).
"'Lucifer' had yet another hidden effect!" complained Skiff.
"I should've expected that it would have an effect that required it to remove a counter." realized Spencer.
"It's all over!" cried Ace, believing the duel to be over for Thomas once his turn ended. "He tried his hardest, but Thomas simply can't win this duel! We're all done for!"
Back on the platform...
"With your Battle Phase over, you've nothing left to do." said Driote, falling further into insanity due to a massive hysteria attack on her part. "This is it... When my turn comes, I'll finally defeat my beloved Anakin... Ha ha ha! I'm going to be the winner! Ah ha ha ha ha ha! I'LL HAVE FINALLY WWWWOOOONNNN!"
And the absolutely mad laughter from the 'Artist of Insanity' went on, much to the fear of the audience. Over with Thomas, his mouth soon formed a small, grim smile as he said the following quote (a very famous one)...
"Are you sure about that?"
Driote stopped laughing. "Huh?" she gasped. "What are you-?"
"Just like all of our previous battles, your own actions have once again secured my victory." continued Thomas, growing more determined than ever. "Witness 'our' final hope!"
With that said, Thomas slotted his final card into his Duel Disk. On cue, a facedown card materialized on the field, but it immediately flipped face-up and revealed itself to be...
"SHIT!" screamed Driote in absolute terror.
"Quick-Play Spell - 'Double or Nothing!', activate!" announced Thomas.
"When a monster's attack is negated-" explained Emily. "-Thomas can target that monster; during this Battle Phase, it can attack once again, and, if it does, its Attack Power is doubled during the Damage Step only."
"No! NO! This can't be happening!" Driote freaked out.
Unfortunately, all the 'Artist of Insanity' could do was watch helplessly as 'Supreme Twilight Magician's' Attack Power doubled once again (ATK: 6200 - 12400) and she began charging a second, more damaging attack.
"As this monster is battling a monster whose current Attack Power is different from its original Attack Power, its Attack Power is doubled during the Damage Step!" reminded Thomas. "This will cause her Attack Power to go from 12400 all the way to 24800!"
'Supreme Angelic Magician's' Attack Power doubled a third time (ATK: 12400 - 24800).
"Driote, this is the true strength of our love, and with this power you will be erased from this world for all eternity!" declared Thomas.
"This is the end, Driote!" put in Emily. "Never again will you harm another innocent being in this world!"
And so, the final command was given...
"LUMINOUS BLACK MAGIC!" The 'Supreme King' and the 'Supreme Queen' cried out together.
'Supreme Twilight Magician' finally unleashed her magical blast; not once, not twice, but THREE times! It truly was all over for the 'Artist of Insanity', mainly because of the fact there was a monster with an Attack Power of 24800 attacking 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss'. As a result of the final battle, there was no way even Driote's massive 14400 Life Points would be able to withstand the attack.
"NO!" Driote wailed in fear and fury. "I WILL NOT LOSE TO YOU AGAIN, ANAKIN!"
"My name..." bellowed Thomas in response. "...is THOMAS BILLINTON!"
Driote scowled in response to the declaration, just before getting an idea.
"Alright, my beloved, I'll admit that you're the winner." she said, more calmly, just before a final sadistic smile appeared on her face. "However, it isn't 'me' you've won against."
"What?!" demanded Emily, before witnessing what was happening to Driote. "W-What are you-?"
Seeing as there was still plenty of magic left within Driote, she started glowing a dark purple color. From there, a purple demonic fire flew out from Frankie's worn out body, turning her back to normal. At last, 'Lucifer, Frozen Deity of the Burning Abyss' was hit by 'Supreme Twilight Magician's' supercharged attack, causing the devil-like monster to roar in agony as bursts of light started erupting from its body from the magical blast of darkness and light before finally fading away. Before anyone knew what else was happening, Frankie was hit point-blank by the remains of the attack immediately after.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" she screamed in immense pain, with her Life Points finally falling to zero (LP: 14400 - 0).
DUEL RESULTS: Thomas Billinton wins!
The force of the attack was so powerful that Frankie was sent flying off the building.
"FRANKIE!" wailed Hurricane in horror.
"NNNNOOOOOO!" Spencer, Skiff, Discord, and Ace all cried out.
From there, Frankie started to fall down the building to her death. Just then, 'Supreme Twilight Magician' ran down the platform and...jumped off the edge of the building and started flying after Frankie's falling body.
"Hey, what's happening?!" demanded Ace. "That monster shouldn't even be real!"
(elsewhere...)
Down in the street level, James and the others were running as fast as they could to get to Boxford Corp's main entrance (which was still three blocks or so away).
"I hope we're not too late!" worried Mavis.
Percy gave a shout. "Hey! What's that?!"
Everybody looked up and saw Supreme Twilight Magician soar into the air to catch the falling Frankie before she hit the ground. With Frankie safe, she was taken back to the top of Boxford Corp HQ, just as the dawn sun was beginning to break.
"What the hell?!" gawked James.
"That's 'Supreme Twilight Magician'!" realized Edward. "You guys don't think-?"
"Thomas and Emily both might have won the final battle!" figured Toby. "If that's the case, we have to hurry and see if it's true."
With that said, the race to Boxford Corp resumed.
(elsewhere...)
Inside the Energy Absorption Device room of Boxford Corp, the spirit of Driote, fully naked but with her whole body glowing to conceal any and all intimate parts from being viewed, floated over to the device.
"It's powered enough." Driote whispered. "Don't worry, my beloved Anakin, we'll finish our battle once and for all soon enough... I just need to do a little something first."
With that said, she grabbed the device with both hands and started absorbing all of the energy gathered by the Bio-Bands to try and create a new body for herself, this time with no virus to stop it.
(elsewhere...)
Back on the rooftop, Supreme Twilight Magician flew to the lowered platform and gently settled Frankie's unconscious body down, while everyone else climbed on to check on the blue/green-haired girl.
"Frankie! FRANKIE!" begged Hurricane, taking his friend into his arms. "Please be okay! Please be okay!"
But Frankie wouldn't wake up. That last attack had knocked her out like a light. Shaking hard, Hurricane sounded like he was about to cry before he gazed into the early morning sky and let out a frustrated yell of...
"DAMMIT!" Hurricane screamed out. He then saw three cards slide out of the damaged Duel Disk. "Huh? Those are-"
Yup, they were the three 'Wicked God' Cards, still oozing darkness out of them.
"You... You were the ones that corrupted my friend and turned her into a monster..." growled Hurricane, grabbing the cards and looking at them in disgust. "Now I will make sure nobody else falls prey to the likes of you ever again!"
With that said, he tore the three cards to pieces, causing the dark auras to finally die down until they faded away.
"Frankie..." whispered Discord.
"What just happened to Driote anyway?" wondered Skiff. "Where did she go?"
"She wasn't killed... she merely escaped from defeat." answered Emily bitterly.
"She used Frankie as a shield to avoid accepting yet another defeat." Thomas added, clenching his fist. "But, she is not going to get away this time!"
"Where could she have gone now?" asked Ace.
Where indeed.
(elsewhere...)
Back in the Energy Absorption Device room, the spirit of Driote had finally finished absorbing the energy stored inside, causing the device to finally overload and...
*BOOM!*
(elsewhere...)
In the Duel Ring Server room, the explosion from above rocked the room, which Gordon, his Aunt and Uncle, along with everyone else felt.
(elsewhere...)
Outside on the rooftop, everyone there felt the explosion from within the building.
(elsewhere...)
Meanwhile, James and the likes finally arrived at the front entrance, but the explosion from inside the building shocked everyone greatly.
"Now what?" groaned Henry.
Rosie looked up. "Black smoke!" she exclaimed in alarm.
She was right; there was a large hole near the top of the building, and thick, black smoke was pouring out.
"Come on!" ordered Duck, running inside the main entrance.
"Duck, wait!" called Oliver, following his cousin inside.
Everyone else entered the building.
(elsewhere...)
Back on the rooftop, Thomas, Emily, and Spencer each ran to the edge and see the smoke coming from a hole on the side of the building.
"What happened?" pondered Thomas.
Spencer responded by activating the communication on the collar of his coat.
"Mother! Father! What on Earth happened down there?" he demanded.
"There's been an explosion somewhere in the upper levels." The voice of Mr. Gresley (Boxford).
"It might have been from that device those pirates set up at some point." The voice of Mrs. Gresley (Boxford) added.
Hurricane gasped. "The Energy Absorption Device!"
Thomas and Emily both looked at each other and nodded; it must have been Driote who caused that explosion. From there, they both looked to Supreme Twilight Magician...
"Take us down there." Thomas requested.
"We must stop Driote for good." added Emily.
With a nod, Supreme Twilight Magician took the two young adults in her arms and jumped down, gliding gently until she reached the hole with the smoke coming out.
(elsewhere...)
Back in the Energy Absorption Device room, the whole place was in ruins from the explosion. When Thomas, Emily, and Supreme Twilight Magician finally arrived, they were astonished by the mess.
"Look at this place!" stammered Thomas.
"I only hope Spencer can get it repaired." agreed Emily. She then saw the ruins of the device. "We're too late, Tommy..."
Unfortunately, that was the 'least' of their concerns. The remains of the smoke soon cleared away, revealing, crouching on the ground and giggling hysterically, a revived Driote with a fully functioning body made out of the energy the Bio-Bands had stolen. Despite being fully naked at the moment, Driote did not care about that at all; all she was happy about was getting her OWN body once again.
"Well?" The 'Artist of Insanity' began, turning around to face both Thomas and Emily and showing off her frontal nudity. "What do you think?"
Despite actually getting her own body, it was rather decay-looking and it clearly made Driote look more insane, gross, and borderline primitive than she's ever been before. Of course, her already unstable mind was already trash at this point, so it didn't really matter.
"So, this was her plan all along." realized Thomas. "To use the energy siphoned by the Bio-Bands to create a body for 'herself', and not for Sailor John."
"She took advantage of Frankie's desperation to get what she wanted." added Emily.
"It took you both this long to figure it out?" Driote giggled madly, stumbling about as she walked slowly towards her two enemies. "No matter now, my legacy as the 'Artist of Insanity' will live on forever! And what better way to begin a-new in this modern world than by finally killing the two of you?" With that said, she raised both her hands and started charging up. "DIE!"
She fired blasts of darkness, which Thomas, Emily, and Supreme Twilight Magician each avoided. Driote, not about to give up, just kept firing more and more dark blasts, but she was so mentally broken by this point that she instead just fired at everything, not caring what she hit and completely oblivious to the fact that none of them were hitting Thomas and Emily, who dodged them easily. Driote, growing worse still, did not let up with her rampage.
"Come out and fight me!" demanded Driote, before turning her attention to Thomas. "Anakin! You and I are destined to fight for always, and you damn well know it! Why don't you stop hiding and just come out and face me, you friggin' coward!?"
The chaos continued until Thomas and Emily again looked at each other.
"There's only one thing to do with her now." Thomas commented.
Emily nodded. "I know." She then, with a look of determination on her face, raised her left hand up and materialized Supreme Weapon - Divine Rapier into it. "Let's finish this!"
From there, the 'Supreme King' (Thomas) and the 'Supreme Queen' (Emily) both stepped into Driote's vision, ready to finish this battle for good.
"Oh ho, so you've both come here to die after all! That's good for you two, but even better for me." chuckled Driote. "Before your respective demise, is there anything you'd like to say to yours truly?"
"Yes, we have something to say to you." acknowledged Emily.
"Okay, then hurry up and tell me what those words are."
"These words are..." began Thomas, before adding... "...Supreme Twilight Magician!"
To Driote's surprise, Supreme Twilight Magician rose up and let loose a powerful gust from her wings, causing the 'Artist of Insanity' to fly back and hit the floor. She was dazed and vulnerable at this point, and Thomas and Emily both were going to take advantage of it...
"Driote..." began Thomas, charging his hands with darkness.
"...you're done." added Emily coldly, charging her hands with light.
With that said, they both fired their respective blasts, which infused together, and hit Driote head on. Screaming, the blue/green-haired young woman fell back until she slammed into the wall. Not about to let her enemy get her bearings and fight back, Emily, armed with Supreme Weapon - Divine Rapier, posed and stood ready to attack.
"Have at you!" Emily cried out, thrusting Supreme Weapon - Divine Rapier and impaling Driote in the chest and pinning her to the wall. "Driote..."
Darkness began oozing out of Driote's wound like blood, and the 'Artist of Insanity' shuddered weakly from being stabbed.
"You little...bitch... This...isn't over!" coughed Driote, clearly angered severely in addition to being mortally wounded. "As long...as there is darkness, I... I will 'always' return! I... I will return someday! Nothing you do...will get rid...of me!"
Emily responded by digging the weapon deeper into Driote's chest until it was at the hilt. Suddenly, a very powerful golden glow caught their respective attention. It was Thomas. The Millennium Puzzle had been activated once more, and the Millennium Eye symbol was glowing on his forehead.
"A-A-Anakin..." Driote whispered, weakly and fearfully. "I... I..."
"You may have returned from the dead 'once' before-" said Thomas sternly. "-but this time, I have been granted a new power to make sure you never do so again! The Gate of Darkness has finally opened, and now 'I' shall determine your fate!" He thrust his right hand forth dramatically. "MIND CRUSH!"
Driote froze as the air all around her fizzled and flashed in a multitude of colors. The powerful Penalty Game destroyed what was left of her mind and consciousness entirely, and since she wasn't able to hold onto any lingering emotions, Driote, as her eyes finally closed, was now permanently dead for all eternity, never able to return ever again. As Driote's lifeless, rugged, naked corpse crumbled into dust, there was nothing but silence in the destroyed room. At long last, Thomas spoke...
"It's...over... it's finally over."
"Y-Yes, it is over." agreed Emily. "Driote is finally gone forever." She then embraced her lover. "Ani, you were wonderful out there."
"I could not have done it without you, Princess Anastasia." Thomas smiled, returning the embrace.
As Supreme Twilight Magician finally faded, the couple shared a long, passionate kiss to celebrate their victory as they finally turned back into their younger, teenage forms and clothing. Once they were normal again, they collapsed to their knees, exhausted from the long battle.
"I... I've never felt so exhausted...in my life!" panted Emily.
"Me...n-neither." agreed Thomas, also huffing and puffing from tiredness.
Nevertheless, the couple was very, very happy that their long, tiring, dangerous battle had finally come to a close; 'Driote: The Artist of Insanity' was dead at long last.
(elsewhere...)
Later outside Boxford Corp, the police had arrived to arrest whatever pirates were still in the building. Ace, meanwhile, was looking over his Duel Runner, since it suffered some damage in all of the chaos. Thomas and Emily were busy talking to their friends...
"We're so glad you two are safe." Nia was saying.
"Same here with all of you." agreed Thomas.
Before anything else could be said, Hurricane's voice could be heard...
"How is she?" he asked hopefully. "Will she make it?"
Nearby, Hurricane was shown talking to some paramedics, while two others were busy tending to the unconscious Frankie. Before long, Frankie, in a delirious way, started mumbling something in what could appear to be sadness of some sort...
"Uncle John... You... you promised me you'd... you'd return..."
Hurricane watched on sadly, but was then approached by the police chief.
"Were you in charge of this operation?" The man asked importantly.
Hurricane nodded. "Yes." The brown/red-haired boy answered, lying to protect his best friend. "I'm ready to accept whatever the consequences are, sir."
"First, I would like to know the whole story." The police chief advised. "Start from the beginning, please."
While the explanations were being given...
(elsewhere...)
Within Frankie's mind, said teenage girl was cold, alone, and unwanted, but soon saw someone up ahead in the light.
"Who-?" winced Frankie, shielding herself from the glare of light at first. "Who are you?"
When the figure approached from the light, it looked to be...
"Uncle...John?"
Yup, it was the late Sailor John. Instead of speaking to Frankie, he just disappointingly shook his head, clearly ashamed of his niece's actions, and walked back into the bright light behind him.
"Uncle John!" Frankie cried, reaching out. "Uncle John, don't go! Come back!" Her voice started to crack from emotion. "Don't leave me again..."
It was too late, Sailor John was gone again.
(elsewhere...)
Outside Frankie's mind, the police were still speaking to Hurricane, joined by Thomas and the likes, when they heard some faint groans coming from Frankie...
"He's gone..." The blue/green-haired girl mumbled, as her eyes weakly opened.
"Frankie?!" gasped Hurricane, rushing over to his friend's side.
"Uncle John is gone." Frankie repeated dully, ignoring her best friend's joy over her being awake. "His spirit has moved on to the afterlife, and left us all behind." Tears began to stream down her cheeks. "All of my work has been for nothing."
"For nothing?" One police officer questioned. He then looked at Hurricane. "I thought you-"
"And now-" interrupted Frankie, continuing to berate herself. "-I'll probably spend the rest of my life in jail." She laughed bitterly as she looked at her former enemies. "And you guys likely agree that I truly deserve it."
"Afraid so." agreed James bluntly. "There's your attempted murder of most of us..."
"Accusing Thomas of a crime he didn't commit..." added Percy.
"Stealing control of my Big Brother's company happens to be another big crime!" reminded Skiff.
"'And' forcing others to work for you." Rebecca pointed out, referring to Theo, Lexi and Merlin.
"All of which led to the death of your own parents along with the killing of a number of other people not even involved." finished Spencer sternly.
All of this did it for poor Frankie Clarke, as she finally broke down to cry.
"I only wanted to bring my Uncle back to life... I only wanted to see him again!" The blue/green-haired girl wept softly. "I never intended for all of 'this' to happen! Please, everyone, I'm sorry... I'm so sorry!"
All she could do now was cry and sob as she gave apology after apology out of shame and remorse for her actions. Discord, feeling sorry for the poor girl, approached and offered some comforting words of his own...
"Frankie-" The creator of Duel Monsters started gently, laying a hand onto Frankie's back. "-your Uncle John was a very dear friend of mine. When I first learned of his death, I felt genuinely heartbroken that it had happened. Because of that, I can truly understand the pain of losing someone you cherish, but Thomas-boy really had nothing to do with it. It was 'greed' that killed your Uncle."
Frankie looked up. "Greed?" she repeated through a sniffle. "W-What do you mean by that?"
"Before your Uncle joined me for my adventure in Egypt-" Discord went on, just as images from the past were shown around him. "-he was, indeed, a great man with a sense of adventure. However, when we came across some Ancient Egyptian carvings, he believed that solving them would unlock untold wealth and power. And thus, he began his quest to find out the secrets of the carvings. Unfortunately, his obsession with discovering their secrets slowly caused him to go mad and do things that he never normally never do. It was as if he had turned into a completely different person. I'm afraid the Uncle John you remember, Frankie, had died long before he took part in my San Francisco Duel Monsters tournament. Anyway, I truly hope this experience has taught you a very important lesson in honor, respect, and, most importantly, about jumping to conclusions before knowing the full truth."
Thomas then took a step forth, so that he could offer a few words of his own. Frankie, however, had beaten him to the punch...
"Thomas-" said Frankie sadly. "-I'm so sorry for everything I put you and your friends through. I had no right blaming you for my Uncle's death. Mom and Dad were right, I should have just waited to find out the full story first, but I was too impatient and stubborn to admit that I was wrong to accuse you. This is all my fault..."
"No, Frankie." Hurricane objected, deciding to speak up. "It's 'my' fault. You see, 'I' am the one to blame."
A flashback ensued.
FLASHBACK
Several clips of when Flashback Frankie was kidnapped, and Flashback Hurricane got frightened and ran off, were shown.
"When those monsters invaded our world-" Hurricane narrated "-I should have helped you fight them off. However, I was too scared to do anything about it. So, I ran away to hide, and left you to fend for yourself."
"NO!" Poor Flashback Hurricane screamed out, falling to his knees. "FRANKIE! FRANKIE!"
The brown/red-haired boy was so overwhelmed with guilt for allowing his fear to result in his friend being captured that he began to cry.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended.
"You trusted me, Frankie." continued Hurricane, lowering his head in shame. "Yet, I ended up abandoning you when you needed me the most. I felt so ashamed and guilty about it that when you finally came back home, I promised that I would do whatever it took to make up for my mistakes—even if it meant letting you do something you knew was wrong. If anybody deserves to be punished, it's 'me'."
Frankie, still weak over what had happened to her, tried to speak up the best she could to protest her best friend's choice of words, but simply could not do it and fell into a coma as a result of over exerting herself in her current condition.
"Frankie!" Hurricane cried out, hoping that Frankie was okay.
"She's still very weak after everything she's been through, and her mentality has been wrecked quite badly." A paramedic pointed out. "As a result, she's fallen into a deep coma. Although I can assure you she'll be fine after a while, I don't know when exactly she will wake up."
"It could be a matter hours, days, maybe even weeks before that happens." A second paramedic added sternly.
From there, Frankie was loaded into the nearby ambulance by some of the paramedics to be taken to the hospital. Hurricane, meanwhile, spoke to Thomas again...
"Hurricane, you and Frankie were both pawns in Driote's sick, twisted games." said Thomas. "'She' was the one who pulled the strings. And when you think about it, Frankie and I...are sort of alike in certain areas aside from sharing a past life."
"How so?" asked Hurricane.
"Well, we share the same flaws." Thomas answered. "She let pride cloud her judgement, just as 'I' did."
"You?"
"Every so often-" The blue-haired boy went on. "-I would compulsively feel the need to do everything by myself even if I knew I couldn't, all because I wanted to prove my worth to those who were bigger than me. More often than not, it would get me into trouble. For a while, I kicked that habit. But, after all I went through in the Duel Monsters spirit world where there was a LOT at stake for me, I relapsed and tried once again to do everything alone because I was afraid that my friends would get into trouble again because of me. You see, while my pride was driven by the fear of my friends being endangered, Frankie's pride was driven by the stubborn refusal to admit when she was in the wrong. That's why her heart became tainted with enough darkness for the Court of Darkness to show up and kidnap her and for Driote to ultimately awaken and possess her - with help from the 'Wicked Gods', anyway."
Hurricane nodded. "I see." he somewhat agreed. "Once again, I'm truly sorry for what we've done to you and your friends throughout this little adventure. I swear, we will do everything we can to make up for the deeds that were committed."
"Hurricane..." whispered Emily.
"I still kinda find you sketchy, but I suppose you're okay in my books." admitted James.
"Same here." agreed Gordon.
"Me too." put in Rosie.
Hurricane smiled slightly, before turning to enter the ambulance and join his friend in going to the hospital. Before the brown/red-haired boy could even leave...
"Wait, Hurricane!" called Thomas. "Before you go, I want to give you something to give to Frankie when she finally wakes up."
Curiously, Hurricane faced Thomas as the blue-haired boy held out a card. Hurricane accepted it and looked at what it was. To his (Hurricane) surprise, it was 'The Ties of Friendship' card Thomas earned after defeating Discord in a duel.
"'The Ties of Friendship'?" quizzed Hurricane. "Thomas, why would you want me to give it to Frankie?"
"It's meant to be a symbol of Frankie's chance to some day turn over a new leaf and start anew." answered Thomas. "I'm hoping that when she recovers her sanity, we can become friends and move past what's happened."
"In that case, I'll give it to her." nodded Hurricane, holding his right hand out. "Speaking of meeting again, I pray that when that meeting does happen, it will be on much better terms and that we could also be friends."
With that said, the two teenage boys shook hands to signal a new friendship, and Hurricane departed to be with Frankie.
"You know, I do wonder what's going to happen to Frankie when she does wake up?" mentioned Thomas, speaking to his friends. "The influence of the 'Wicked Gods' and especially Driote both have done a number to her mind and mentality."
"Do you really think she deserves to go to prison for all of what she did?" added Emily.
Discord smiled. "I think I can help with a few things." he offered. "I'll make sure that when Frankie finally wakes up, she'll go to a proper rehabilitation facility where she can get the proper attention and help from all her traumatic experiences and hopefully regain her sanity. As for Hurricane, I'll make sure he gets at least some time doing community service instead of doing time in prison - that way, he can, in a way, stay by his best friend's side until she recovers."
"We would appreciate it if you stepped in, Discord." agreed Stanley.
From there, Discord, waving goodbye to his friends, started to leave to speak to the police one last time and get the situation all cleared up. Once they were alone, Spencer turned and spoke to Thomas...
"Billinton..." The silver-haired young man began. "You rescued Boxford Corp Skyscraper from these invaders and saved this world from an insane Queen and her false 'Gods'. For that, I thank you."
"Spencer!" smiled Thomas.
Spencer smirked back. "And it's about damn time you started using that puzzle's powers again." he joked. "Maybe if you'd done so sooner, a lot could have been prevented."
"Look, you know that I only use the Millennium Puzzle when it is needed the most." Thomas insisted firmly. "I do not abuse the gifts I receive."
"Hmph! So I see." snorted Spencer, but it was not out of maliciousness. "Just be forewarned that should we have another rematch, not even your powers will help you win against the likes of me."
After flashing the students and teachers of Sodor High School a final smile, Spencer, Skiff, and their parents went back into the building to oversee repairs to whatever got damaged in the takeover. Finally, the group was left to do some more talking. Such as...
"Hey!" Thomas spoke up. "I distinctly remember telling you guys to 'not' interfere in this battle, didn't I?"
"We know, but we couldn't help it." said James. "After all, one such mistake nearly got you killed when we were in the Duel Monsters spirit world. There was no way we were going to make it a second time."
"Besides-" added Percy. "-if it were the other way around, who's to say that you wouldn't have done the same for us?"
There was no response.
"Thomas? Thomas, are you okay?" wondered Toby.
Thomas had his head down and a shadow over his eyes. Unfortunately, while they couldn't see his eyes, Percy and the likes could see tears leaking down his face, and he was twitching hard. And that meant...he was crying.
"Oh no..." whispered Molly in dismay.
"He's back in his depressed state." sighed Gordon, knowing what would happen next. "Here we go again..."
But while it was true Thomas, overwhelmed by his emotions, started to cry, it wasn't out of sadness or anything. Rather, it was the polar opposite.
"Wait, is he...smiling?" gasped Duck.
"Guys, I'm... I'm fine." Thomas sobbed in happiness. "I'm just happy... So happy... The nightmare of 'Driote: The Artist of Insanity' is...finally over... I'm so happy about it."
Emily soon started to cry as well, also feeling very happy that their greatest enemy was finally dead. She and Thomas then embraced whilst crying, trying to comfort the other. The rest of the group, meanwhile, just smiled at the heartwarming scene. For now though, they needed to go and see some other friends of theirs back at the hospital...
(elsewhere...)
At the Knapford Bus Station three hours later, Thomas and the others, in addition to Ace, were currently seeing Merlin, Lexi, and Theo off.
"We cannot thank you all enough for everything you've done for us." bowed Merlin.
"No sweat, Merlin." winked James.
"We're all really happy you three can resume your normal lives again." put in Molly.
Thomas stepped forth. "I first wish to apologize." he said apologetically. "We never should have asked you to help us fight Driote. Doing so ended up putting you three in great danger. Could you ever forgive us for being so careless?"
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Thomas." Merlin insisted, not losing his smile. "In the end, we're safe and sound and together again. In addition, this adventure also turned out to be a blessing in disguise for both Lexi and Theo here."
Thomas raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Thanks to Theo, I'm not as useless as I thought I was." explained Lexi, snuggling Theo close to her while speaking in an Irish accent.
"And thanks to Emily-" said Theo brightly. "-I'm not afraid of finishing my duels anymore. I can't wait until I get my next chance to show what I can do!"
Emily smiled. "I'm really glad to hear that, Theo." While speaking, she walked over and gently patted the young boy's head. "I know you'll continue to improve as a duelist, right?"
Theo blushed over the kind gesture; it was a sign he had grown very fond of Emily in only a short period of time ever since she helped him during their duel as well as gave him the Motherly love he had been yearning for in years.
"And Emily?" Theo spoke up again, looking at the dark green-haired girl in admirement. "I... I truly think you're more beautiful than Emerald Angel is."
Emily blushed at this compliment. "Aww, you're so sweet." she gushed, leaning over and giving Theo a small kiss on the cheek. "Keep talking like that, and someday, you'll have your own admirers chasing after you."
Theo smiled and nodded in agreement. From there, it was time for the trio to board their bus and leave.
"Goodbye!" called Percy.
"Have a safe trip back to Bridlington!" put in Henry.
"Visit us when you can!" Lexi responded back, speaking in her American accent.
"Goodbye!" Theo waved.
"Until we next meet!" finished Merlin, taking hold of his cape. "Invisibility On!"
He covered himself with the cape as everyone just laughed. Soon, the bus departed, and the Sodor High School students, plus Nia, Rebecca, and Ace, waved until the bus was long out of sight. At that point, Ace turned and approached his Duel Runner.
"It's been fun, but it's time for this wildcat to hit the road himself." he admitted, patting the side of his prized possession.
"Hold up, Ace!" interrupted Thomas, approaching the blonde-haired young man. "While you were an enemy of ours initially, I'm happy you've redeemed yourself and helped us in the end."
"It was the least I could do. After all, I didn't want to lose my fanbase nor become a pariah for Turbo Duelists everywhere by being linked with a bunch of thieves. My loyalty is to only myself and my fans."
"So, basically you did it all for yourself then?" snorted James, clearly unimpressed. "Pah! Redeemed, my-"
Before the red-haired boy could finish and say the vulgar word, Molly quickly clapped a hand over his mouth to stop him.
"Well, so long as you've learned a valuable lesson, then that's great for you." she said as brightly as possible.
"And that lesson is to be careful what you wish for." put in Rosie. "It may come true for you, but it could be for all the wrong reasons."
"Too true." Ace agreed, signaling he truly learned his lesson.
"So, where will you be going now?" asked Thomas.
"Wherever I want to go." declared Ace, mounting his Duel Runner. "After all, I'm a free spirit who follows the sun."
With that said, the blonde-haired young man revved his vehicle up and, as it roared to life, drove down the road. Where would it take him? It was unknown.
"Free and Easy!" Ace whooped, before he was long out of sight. "YAHOO!"
Once the group from Sodor High School was alone, they started to chat amongst themselves about everything that had happened to them during their field trip...
"Well, this school trip sure has been eventful." commented James.
"It's something I'm not going to be forgetting anytime soon." added Gordon.
"None of us will ever forget it." corrected Nia.
"For sure." agreed Rebecca.
Yup, nobody will be forgetting this little field trip anytime soon. Good or bad reasons? That all depends on your view of it. Considering that the group's main enemy this time was insane, vicious, perverted, unrestrained, and many other unflattering names and terms, it would make perfect sense to think of it as unforgettable but for the wrong reasons. However, so long as everyone had each other's backs, then they should still be okay despite the danger.
(elsewhere...)
Somewhere in the highlands of Sodor, about a week later, Thomas and Emily were both taking a little trip up by themselves for some much needed relaxation and to do some thinking about their last adventure and about their past lives.
"So, this is Black Loch." commented Thomas.
"I've read a bit about it." said Emily, holding up an opened book. "There's a lake that homes a family of seals, and the atmosphere is supposed to be tranquil—which means peaceful."
Thomas was interested. "Really?" he quizzed. "Well, it seems you've caught my interest then. Let's go and check it out."
After a short hike, the couple arrived at the lake Emily mentioned from the book. Sure enough, they could see seals swimming in the water or perching themselves onto the large rocks.
"Arf arf! Arf arf! Arf arf!" The seals barked.
"They look so happy." Thomas admired.
"I think this looks like a good place to take a break." commented Emily. "What do you say to it, Tommy?"
"You can say that again." agreed Thomas.
And that's what they did. While admiring the scenery, the two began to flashback to their happiest memories as Anakin (Thomas) and Anastasia (Emily) respectively.
FLASHBACK
The first clip was when Anakin and Anastasia shared their first kiss.
"No, I do not think that at all." Flashback Anastasia was saying, smiling warmly. "You've saved my life, after all." The princess pointed out. "And, now that I think about it, I really should have seen or realized it sooner, but I... I really do have feelings for you..."
"Huh?" blinked Flashback Anakin, with his eyes red from crying.
"From now on, Ani, my true feelings will...protect...you." offered Flashback Anastasia.
To prove her point about it, she slowly moved in...and passionately kissed Flashback Anakin on the lips. Although surprised at first, the black-haired young man soon eased up and enjoyed the kiss from Flashback Anastasia, kissing back. Her lips felt so perfect, so right against his that he never wanted to stop. He wrapped his arms and around her waist and pulled her closer.
(new scene...)
The second clip was when Anakin was helping Anastasia train in the art of weaponry and combat...
"Easy! Careful!" advised Flashback Anakin, assisting Flashback Anastasia with her stance when wielding a sword. "There we go."
With her stance corrected, Flashback Anastasia swung her blade once, and then, with a loud cry, managed to slice three heads off of practice dummies with another single swing.
"How was that?" asked Flashback Anastasia, setting the sword down.
Flashback Anakin clapped. "Well done!" he praised. "You're getting even better."
"It helps that I have a great teacher in you, Ani." giggled Flashback Anastasia. "Thank you again for agreeing to train me."
"Anything for you, Anastasia." Flashback Anakin grinned, rubbing the back of his head bashfully.
Yup, that was the good life for the new couple.
(new scene...)
The third clip was when Anakin and Anastasia were married in secret...
"Sir Anakin." A human male monster known as Elemental HERO Sparkman greeted, visiting Flashback Anakin in his room.
"Sparkman." nodded Flashback Anakin, wearing a more formal-looking set of warrior clothing.
"It's time."
Flashback Anakin nodded in agreement.
(elsewhere...)
Within the castle's chapel, Flashback Anakin stood at the altar, while the seated guests watched and waited for the lucky bride to arrive. Eventually, Flashback Anastasia finally arrived in the chapel, being accompanied by a number of Mystical Elves. Despite being pregnant, Flashback Anastasia was absolutely beautiful and elegant in her wedding dress.
"Anastasia..." whispered Flashback Anakin. "You look amazing."
"And you look very dashing, Ani." Flashback Anastasia responded back.
The lovers took their places as the wedding commenced... The minister, an elderly human male, began speaking...
"Dearly beloved-" he began slowly. "-we are gathered together to witness the union of these two lovers in Holy Matrimony. Anastasia, do you take Anakin here to be your husband?"
"I do." accepted Anastasia, who couldn't be feeling any happier than she currently was.
"And you, Anakin, do you take Anastasia here to be your wife?"
"I do." nodded Anakin, taking Anastasia by her hands as he slipped a ring on her finger. "I truly do."
"In that case, I hereby pronounce both of you, Sir Anakin and Princess Anastasia, husband and wife." The minister said, smiling warmly. "You may kiss the bride."
With that said, Flashback Anakin and Flashback Anastasia both shared a long, passionate kiss as the whole audience cheered loudly for the newly wedded couple (and a peace treaty being signed).
(new scene...)
The fourth and final clip was when they learned that their baby was alive inside its Mother...
"I've felt it, Ani!" Flashback Anastasia sobbed happily, before embracing her lover.
"What? What exactly did you feel?" asked Flashback Anakin, still confused.
"I felt the baby move inside my stomach." Flashback Anastasia answered, smiling through her joyous tears. All of the fears she had about what her parents would even think had been washed away and replaced with nothing but pure happiness. "You know what that means?"
Flashback Anakin was obviously surprised and his eyes widened. "Y-You...felt the baby move?"
"Our baby is alive, Ani! It's alive, perfectly healthy, and moving about!" exclaimed Flashback Anastasia. She had been afraid that something would go terribly wrong during the baby's development and something would happen to it, or even worse, suffer a miscarriage. But no, the baby was kicking up a storm upside of her... "I'm so happy!"
Flashback Anakin was still speechless. The baby was really alive and moving? He had to see for himself...
"You are absolutely sure you felt the baby move?" The black-haired young man questioned. "How so?"
"It kicked my stomach out." Flashback Anastasia replied, unable to contain her excitement anymore. "Three times in a row. I'll admit that it was kind of painful, but I actually can feel it."
"C-C-Can I feel it move?" Flashback Anakin asked curiously.
"You don't need my permission; we ARE married now, after all." smiled Flashback Anastasia playfully, lifting her nightgown once more and taking hold of Flashback Anakin's hand and guided it to wherever on her growing stomach she felt the kick or punch. "Just...feel it."
Eventually, the brunette-haired young woman felt the baby respond and kick her again. Flashback Anakin flinched as he felt it kick against his hand and Flashback Anastasia simply kept her wonderful smile as she felt him pressing his hand down harder, with the baby smacking against him once again, and Flashback Anastasia could tell that Flashback Anakin was soaring through the clouds at that moment. Flashback Anakin still couldn't believe what he had felt. Their baby, alive and well, kicking away inside its Mother's stomach. The black-haired young man was so overwhelmed by happiness that he didn't know what to say about it.
"W-Wow..." That was all he could finally say, before chuckling a bit. "It really packs one hell of a kick."
"It has its Father's strength." teased Flashback Anastasia through her tears.
"And I'm sure it will have its Mother's beauty." concluded Flashback Anakin. "Oh, Anastasia, I love you so much."
"I love you too, Anakin." replied Flashback Anastasia, before the loving young couple embraced in a loving kiss.
For the rest of the evening, the upcoming parents kept feeling their baby kicking and punching away inside her Mother's tummy. At one point, it had even punched, or kicked, Flashback Anakin in the face, much to Flashback Anastasia's amusement (even Flashback Anakin laughed a bit). The young couple couldn't have been more happy together.
END FLASHBACK
The flashback ended with Thomas and Emily both continuing to gaze out at the water of the loch.
"Boy, those were some good times back in that life." admired Emily, having a feeling her lover was thinking the exact same thing she was thinking.
"And now that the last reminder of the bad times is gone forever-" Thomas added, mentioning Driote without saying her actual name or title. "-we can finally put the past behind us and enjoy our lives again the way we are meant to." He then realized something... "Still... Emily, I can't help but feel our battles haven't ended yet in a way. It's like there's still some sort of unfinished business that needs to be dealt with soon enough."
"Unfinished business?" wondered Emily, curiously. "Of what kind?"
Thomas sighed. "I don't know..." he admitted, before managing a smile while wrapping his arm around his lover's shoulders. "However, whatever the next potential threat could be, we, as Anakin and Anastasia respectively, will be ready for it. I mean, as long as we're together, and we have our friends by our side, anything is possible."
Emily smiled back and rested her head on Thomas's own shoulders. The couple continued to watch the seals in the water swim or perch themselves on the rocks, while the sun continued to shine down brightly. Was this an actual happy ending for our heroes? Of course it was! They truly deserve it...
(elsewhere...)
Deep inside the labyrinth of the Millennium Puzzle, a figure in the shadows loomed over the area, having successfully kept himself from being spotted by any of Thomas's Duel Spirits.
"I thank you, Thomas Billinton..." A familiar male voice chuckled sarcastically. "You actually kept my host from being a potential target by those pirates... In a way, you've kept me safe and sound long enough for me to continue with my own journey."
In a darkened area of the labyrinth, the shadowed figure climbed the steps towards a large door at the very top. The only source of light was from the torches on the wall, so the shadowed figure's identity could not be seen as of yet.
"I would advise you to enjoy your rest and relaxation for the time being, 'Your Majesty'." The shadowed figure went on. "For soon, very soon, my moment of glory will be at hand, and you will be in for the battle of your life!"
Finally emerging from the shadows and into the brightened torch-lit area was none other than...Montague, the Spirit of the Millennium Ring, and he was, right now, smiling over something very important. The way he was smiling about it, of course, signaled he was going to make his move real soon...
The Artist of Insanity Arc
The End
And that's that! After working on this story for nearly a year, Season 5, easily one of THE darkest and most mature stories Sodormatchmaker and I have ever written, is completed at last! With special thanks to AaronCottrell97 for all that he's done to help us get this far. Aaron, you're the best!
There will be a break from now until Season 6 begins work, but until then Sodormatchmaker and I will be working more on the deleted scenes story, including such a chapter where Thomas turns 16 and to also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Railway Series. When will it be ready? I've no idea, but it will definitely be done before Summer comes to an end. Until then, everyone stay safe and keep your hands clean at all times.